Truly sublime, naturally beautiful, absolutely delicious!
Sabah is a state of Malaysia located in the northern portion of Borneo and is a place of natural wonders and cultural diversity. The whole of Borneo is a luscious, tropical rainforest but here, you can explore the treasure chest of turquoise fringed desert islands. You can almost imagine finding a treasure map and if X were to truly mark the spot, it would be here.
In Sabah, the coral reefs are swarming with marine biodiversity making it one of the most spellbinding of locations to snorkel or scuba dive. The marine parks Tunku Absul Rahman National Park and Tun Sakaran Marine Park can guide you to the best places to do just that as well as kayaking and paddle boarding. If that sounds like too much effort, just relax on the gorgeous white sandy beaches.
If you're feeling more adventurous, why not challenge yourself to climb Mt Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia and its first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It reaches 4,095m into the clouds and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. You can also enjoy the rich flora and fauna of the Kinabalu Park, which has more than 500 plant species and 100 mammal species some of which can ONLY be found here. It is truly immersive and witnessing the amazing wildlife which includes the orangutans, proboscis monkeys, sun bears (adorable) and the pygmy elephants, is truly an emotional experience and one you will NEVER forget.
After all that excitement, what could be better than relaxing over a delicious plate of Hinava with Turan Mee and washed down with an ice cold Tapai. Head to Sutera Harbour to watch the sun set on what will have been a fabulous day. If all that isn't enough, you can get up before sunrise, take a boat trip to see the nocturnal animals or go on a night walk in the forest. It's magical and then you can round it off by watching the sun rise on a new adventure.
Sensationally unspoiled Sarawak with beautiful wildlife and incredible food
Sarawak is a beautiful place to visit with so much to offer the adventurous traveller. It is a state of Malaysia and it's capital Kuching has some of the best places to eat and to have a fun night out. We're leaping right into the food here because it simply is delicious. A true culinary delight. From Nasi Goreng Dabai to Terung Dayak Soup to spicey shredded salads, you won't know where to start. However, the traditonal Sarawak Laksa would be our recommendation.
It isn't all about the food however. Sarawak is a must see for you to experience the region's beauty and biodiversity. With over 30 national parks, protected areas and sanctuaries, this part of Malaysian Borneo is perfect for those of us who are awe struck by the size and variety of what this region has to offer.
The indigenous Iban community has a history like no other people. They once had a fearsome reputation for headhunting (and no, not of the career variety). This was real headhunting. In order to earn the right to marry, young Iban men had to capture an enemy head first. I dread to think what they would need to do in order to earn the right to divorce! This former gruesome practice is not all they are renowned for. They also have incredibly ornate tribal tattoos. They date back centuries and have deep roots associated with paganism, spirits and of course, headhunting. Using bamboo needles the method is excruciating but endured by many.
There are many guided tours you can do. The Sarawakian caves are a must and The Sarawak Chamber is the world's largest natural chamber. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and home to the discovery of 40,000 year old human remains. The guided river tours run during daylight hours as well as night time. If you do both, you will get to see our gloriously ginger friends the Orangutans, Proboscis monkeys and Pygmy elephants by day and fireflies and deadly saltwater crocodiles at night.
Although seeing the wonderful flora and fauna is absolutely the main attraction for people who come here, Kuching is enough of an attraction in its own right. It is the state capital and is split in two by the Sarawak River with the north and south divided along ethnic lines creating a different feel to each side. As you would expect there are temples and monuments to visit, however, Sarawak is NOT a busy place from a tourist perspective.
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