MALAYSIA BORNEO

Kota Kinabalu offers travelers a taste of contemporary Borneo. More than just a necessary stop to access the island’s iconic jungles, stop by the interesting Sabah Museum or the modern, local mosque to see a different side of Borneo.

Nature lovers are spoiled for choice in lush Borneo. Choose between hiking the well-marked trails around soaring Mt. Kinabalu, trekking through the jungle wonderland of Gunung Mulu National Park or exploring the secluded wilderness area of the Danum Valley. Expert, local naturalist-guides are readily available to elucidate the unique landscapes, flora and fauna.

Many of the apes here were found orphaned and are quite comfortable around humans, making a visit to this area one of the best opportunities to interact with these fascinating creatures in a natural environment.

Turtle Island National Park is one the best places in the world to witness sea turtles performing their ancient ritual of coming ashore to lay eggs. Permanent research staff stationed in the park ensures the turtle’s safety and to answer travelers’ questions. Prefer to see marine life underwater? Visit Sipidan Island to swim and snorkel among some of the world’s most colorful and diverse corals, fish and marine life.

Amid soaring limestone pinnacles, the otherworldly terrain of Gunung Mulu reveals the world’s largest cave chamber, lush with its own unique ecosystem. Kinabatangan’s Gomantong Cave is home to millions of nesting swiflets— highly valued for their nests, which are collected at great personal risk to make Chinese bird nest soup.