This is Malaysia Not Many People Know

Where is the tallest mountain in Malaysia? To go there one needs to know the logistics of course, well, if you wish to see that mountain you will have to take a flight and go to another island, that’s right. Most people will mistake Malaysia as only one landmass; few will know that there is one more part of Malaysia on Borneo island, the biggest island in Asia.

East Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo lies on the southeast part of the Malaysian peninsular and is divided into 3 parts, Sabah, Sarawak and the Labuan. The region was once part of the thalassocracy of Sultanate of Brunei; then Sultanate of Sulu, and last fell under British rule before finally becoming a part of independent Malaya in 1963. Today Sabah and Sarawak hold a higher level of autonomy in regional governance than West Malaysia, and both have their separate immigration control. For international travellers, the island is accessible via flights. 

Now, you may probably ask why you would want to travel to Malaysia Borneo? So here is WHY.

For starters, this island is for nature lovers, adventure seekers and trailblazers. A paradise for those seeking the offbeat place to retire their urbane mind for a short time. It is a wild Amazonian counterpart in Asia, a little conservative, more rural, but completely equipped for a daring ride. From the eclectic ideas one has regarding gathering experiences, a natural appetency is to immerse yourself in a world filled with inquisitive paths leading to seashores or deep in the forest or stumble down a cave and possibly to live a certain version of Jonathan Swift your way. The Malaysia Borneo will be that field you had like to play but what you take away solely rests on you, precisely because the Borneo in your mind could either be very different in reality or could supersede your expectation. Open your mind and let things unfold so that you can find fun in all that you will do: a lot of adventure, sometimes a little learning misadventure, many times looking around with astounding eyes and open mouth, sometimes just closing your eyes and allowing your mind and body to breathe.

The island has an equatorial climate and is seasonal, with heavy monsoon from November to February. The tourism restarts from April to October, offering turquoise blue beaches excellent for scuba diving, snorkelling. 

Sabah fits the bill for all water-based adventure you had like to indulge in. not just adventure, but you can somewhat be poetic with the sunsets that paint the sky with a myriad of colours quickly changing from light to dark. Sabah is one of the ideal honeymoon destinations for its cool climate of Kundasang and rich reef, marine life, secluded beaches. 

Kundasang is called the Scotland of Borneo for its cool, refreshing air and beautiful vistas of mist over the mountain ranges and Mount Kinabalu in particular. The lush green tea plantations cover mountains' slopes, and a tranquil landscape of green pastures with the free-range black and white Friesan cow graze away. The setting is rural, but the town hosts many luxury hotels, homestays and is a worthy alternative to the famous Kota Kinabalu for stay.

In Kundasang, you can visit the Desa Dairy Farm, Kinabalu National Park, The Upside-Down House, 3D Wonders Museum and Poring Hot Springs. Give relief to your sore muscles in the spring’s hot minerals, known to have healing properties and very popular amongst the locals. Stargazing is fast becoming a sort after activity in Kundasang as Astro Tourism is picking up in Sabah. Nothing like a night spend looking up the sky, counting and placing stars.

The Turtle Island Park, here is your chance to see what conservationists do to protect the turtles. The park is in the three islands of Selingan, Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan islands on the eastern coast of Borneo and 40 km from Sandakan in the Sulu Sea. Almost every night, the endangered green and hawksbill turtles come to the shore to lay their eggs. Selingan Island is the only island allowing tourists on board to see turtles laying eggs, nesting and their hatchlings being released into the sea.

Kinabatangan River, the second-longest river in Malaysia, has rich biodiversity and is one of Sabah's popular destinations for river expeditions. Kinabatangan River Safari will provide incredible wildlife spotting of Orang-utans, Crocodiles, Pygmy Elephants, Birds and Proboscis Monkeys. This was also home to the now critically endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros. The river is mostly flanked by riverine forest, and at the lower part, there are the Gomantong caves, the biggest limestone outcrop in Gomantong Forest Reserve. Bats inhabit the caves, their nightly flight from the caves attracts many spectators.

Sabah is a diver’s mecca but there are enough sites for inexperienced enthusiasts as. 

Manukan Island sees the most tourists for two main reasons; first, its only 15 mins boat ride from Kota Kinabalu and second, Kota Kinabalu has an international airport. Making it the entry point for tourists coming to Sabah and wanting to explore the north side. Apart from the convenience of taking day trips to this island, it does have its merits. The long stretches of white beaches, clear, calm and shallow water is a welcome respite for the families with children looking for a safe getaway to enjoy and allow their children some freedom in the water. Manukan is perfect for snorkelling, and sighting Nemo is guaranteed, according to the instructors.

Mabul Island, the South-Eastern coast of Sabah, is a small island. There are several floating dive resorts in Mabul, which makes it a great honeymoon destination too. The water bungalows offer comfort and, most of all, the incredible 360° view of the ocean. Mabul can act as your holiday destination or a base for the world-famous Sipadan Island, which is only 15 mins away. Permits are limited to Sipadan; therefore, Mabul can be the next best thing for a dive site in that area. 

Cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, bobtail squids and mimic octopus are some of the cephalopods found on Mabul’s reef. Spike-fin goby, black sail-fin goby, metallic shrimp goby and frogfish are everywhere.

Danum Valley, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre are few additional tours you can take subject to your time.

Centrally placed and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Gunung Mulu National Park in Sarawak and south to Brunei, is a tropical rainforest with abundant flora and fauna. The park is a storehouse of incredible sites. Mount Api and Mount Benarat are limestone formations with high rise spikes of limestones called pinnacles. Whereas the highest peak, Mount Mulu, is of sandstone, in between these mountains are the deep Melinau gorge and Medalem gorge. Mulu is more popular for spelunking for its incredible variation of caves. 

Some are easily visited, and some require specialized equipment and guides, Sarawak Chamber, Deer Cave and Clearwater Cave being the three notable caves. The park is a campground for hosting many treks, a complex mix of boat ride, hiking uphill or downhill. The Pinnacles Summit Trek is a 2 nights/ 3 days trek with Gunung Mulu Pinnacles being the highlight, the Headhunter's Trail and the Gunung Mulu Summit trek leading to Mount Mulu. There are shorter treks too to satisfy a light-hearted curiosity.

Kutching, the capital city of Sarawak is a good base to explore these two parks. While in the city there is other things to explore too like Semenggoh Wildlife Centre, Fort Margherita, Kuching Cat Museum, Sarawak State Museum and Rainforest World Music Festival: a three-day celebration of world music and its diversity.

Gunung Gading National Park is about two hours from Kuching on the west coast; it is indigenous to the world's biggest flower -The Rafflesia. The flower can grow up to one meter in diameter, but the bloom time is specific. Although the flower is the star attraction, there is more to see in the park. The miles-long hike will reveal many species of mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and plants, shrubs and trees. 

Bako National Park is closer to Kuching and has a coastline covered with small inlets, coves and nice white sandy beaches offering perfect resting spots between forest treks. The park is smaller in size but packed with a wide variety of vegetation, mangroves, bushes and cliffs. The fauna is fascinating with its many species of monkeys, particularly for rare proboscis monkey identified by their huge pendulous nose, found only on the island of Borneo. The bird watchers will have their share of delights spotting Rufous-backed, Stork-billed and Ruddy Kingfisher, Black-&-Red Broadbill, Asian Fairy Bluebird, Blue Flycatcher, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch, Oriental Bay Owl, to name just a few.

There are many well-marked trails available for easy walks or full-day treks to overnight camping expeditions. If you wish to see the rare proboscis, then follow the trail of Telok Delima and Telok Paku. Telok Pandan Kecil trail, also considered to have one of the Bako’s best beach, will bring you to a cliff with a view of a secluded bay; you will have to hike down to swim in the pristine cool waters.