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 Malaysia
offer a wide range of land based add-ons to compliment your underwater
activities. The
Malay Peninsula is where the country's futuristic capital, Kuala
Lumpar (KL), boasts the world's tallest buildings, the Petronas
Twin Towers and will be your gateway to Malaysia, internal flights
from KL connect you with every part of the mainland and Borneo.
TAMAN
NEGARA NATIONAL PARK
Away
from the city, the park on the Malay Peninsula is home to the world's
oldest rainforest. Its rich diversity of flora and fauna is reached
by river longboat and has a rainforest lodge complete with air conditioning
and other modern comforts. Natural wonders include blowpipe wielding
jungle tribesmen, tigers and elephants, majestic trees, tropical
plants and flowers, canopy walkways and stunning waterfalls with
pools for cooling dips.
Every July the
park hosts a grand variety of cultural performances including traditional
dance and exhibitions showcasing handicrafts of the Batek tribe.
MOUNT
KINABALU & PARK
Covering 754
sq mtrs the park is one of the greatest attractions of Sabah. Being
within a tropical zone its lower level consists of lowland rainforest,
changing to montane oaks, fig trees, rhododendron shrubs and wild
berries of the temperate zone and finally the alpine region of conifers
of the summit.
Mt Kinabalu
stands at 4,101 mtr in ever changing grandeur. Looming huge and
dark in the light of dawn, it gradually appears in its full splendour
revealing its numerous rugged peaks and waterfalls. Cloud often
rises from the lowland forest engulfing the mountain with a sense
of mystery.
The reward for
most climbers is a visit to Poring Hot Springs to nurse those tired
feet, where you can soak oneself in the skin-curative properties
of a hot sulphur bath.
SEPILOK
ORANG UTAN SANCTUARY
4,500 hectares
of virgin jungle was set aside and is now home to the 'Wild Man
of Borneo', opened in 1964 to help once captive orang utan learn
to fend for themselves in the wild. These large red apes, man's
closest relative, are astonishingly gentle and highly intelligent,
gazing at visitors with almost disconcerting frankness.
The Sanctuary
also houses a couple of highly endangered Sumatran rhinos, and occasionally
other animals such as elephants.
SUKAU
RAINFOREST
Located on the
lower Kinabatangan River, the Sukau rainforest is teeming with wildlife,
the star attraction being the Proboscis Monkey. The river meanders
through a flood plain creating numerous ox-bow lakes and an ideal
enviroment for some of the best wildlife and birdlife in Malaysia.
Prize sightings
would include the Malayan sun bear, the worlds smallest bear, the
clouded leopard, leopard cat, marbled cat, flat headed cat and hairy
nosed otter !!
WHITEWATER
RAFTING
For a thrilling
adventure, you should not miss doing whitewater rafting in Sabah.
From a leisurely rafting to a really wild ride, Sabah offers several
rivers to fit your excitement threshold level.
A popular river
is the Kiulu River, an hour drive from Kota Kinabalu. A ride down
Kiulu River is not only enjoyable but also offers a green and serene
environment with panoramic views of the lifestyle of the rural indigenous
people.
For a more rough
and tumble ride, the ultimate whitewater rafting will be the Padas
River, classified as grade IV for its spectacular ride. Located
just outside of Tenom, it is an hour and the half drive to Beaufort
from Kota Kinabalu. From there, you will take a diesel railway train
passing lush green jungles from Beaufort to Tenom. Before reaching
Tenom, you get off at the starting point at Padas River. After a
safety briefing by your guide, you will then begin a really thrilling
journey of your life. By the way, the Padas River has this affinity
of being the most popular river for whitewater rafting.
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