Sabah, which occupies the eastern part of North Borneo and comes in at number two on the list of the most populous states in Malaysia, It is a seaside town with a massive shoreline that stretches out in all different directions for a total of 1,440 kilometres. Sabah is bounded to the west by the South China Sea, and to the east by the Sulu Sea and the Celebes Sea. The South China Sea serves as the western boundary of Sabah. Due to the fact that the state is located under the typhoon belt, it is appropriately referred to as the “Land Below the Wind.” The city is surrounded on all sides by magnificent mountain ranges. The land’s verdant and densely wooded areas contribute to the exceptional natural beauty that may be seen here.
The natural environment of Sabah is conducive to the growth of a diverse range of plant life. There is a stunning preservation of natural harmony thanks to Sabah’s flora, fauna, and marine life. In general, the state is a haven for those who love the great outdoors. Throughout its history, the state has been governed by a variety of distinct ethnic groups.
Main Tourist Attractions of Sabah, Malaysia
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
The islands of Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug, Sapi, and Gaya make up this national park, which is comprised of five islands in total. The islands may be reached by motorboat from Kota Kinabalu in around 25 minutes, and they are home to magnificent coral gardens and breathtaking beaches. Divers with expertise and photographers who specialise in underwater photography will find the beaches to be intriguing dive spots due to the abundance of tropical reefs, clean seas, and marine life. Bearded pigs, pangolins, monkeys, snakes, and monitor lizards are just some of the animals that call this park their home.
Rafflesia Forest Reserve
This reserve, which is located close to the Crocker Range, is home to a plethora of Rafflesia flowers. The Rafflesia is the largest flower in the world, yet it lives off of other plants like a parasite. For a period of time, it stays hidden deep inside the stems of the vines that grow in the tropical jungle. After that, it begins to bloom and may eventually reach a diameter of one metre. The Refflesia Information Centre is home to a number of engaging exhibits that are focused on the Rafflesia plant.
Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Center
Sepilok Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Center is located about 25 kilometres from Sandakan. It was formed in 1964 with the goal of providing orphaned orang utans, sometimes known as the “Wild Man of Borneo,” with a second chance at life. The Wildlife Department of Sabah oversees the operations of this institution. You may see apes being educated to live in the conditions that are natural to them here. The center’s forest reserve has a total area of 13.8 acres, and it is home to over 200 different kinds of birds in addition to a wide range of untamed flora.
Turtle Islands National Park
In the Sulu Sea, this national park may be found 25 miles to the north of Sandakan. It is made up of three islands: Pulau Selingaan, Pulau Bakkungan Kecil, and Pulau Gulisan. All of these islands are surrounded by water and have coral reefs in their surrounding areas. The island of Pulau Selingaan is the most important breeding ground for Chelonia mydas, often known as green turtles. On the shores of Pulau Gulisan, you’ll often come across another kind of turtles known as Hawksbill turtles, also called Eretmochelys. Although these turtles lay eggs at all times of the year, the months of July through October are the finest times to see them doing so.
Kinabalu National Park
This national park, which has been recognised a World Heritage Site, has an area of 291 square miles, and it includes both Mount Kinabalu and Mount Tambayukon. For the purpose of preserving the natural environment of the area, the park was established. The natives of this area have a strong spiritual connection to the mountain, and they regard it as a hallowed site. The park is famous for the wide diversity of plant and animal life that it harbours, which numbers over 1,200 species in total.
Crocker Range Park
Crocker Range Park is a well-known attraction for tourists interested in Malaysia’s wildlife and was established there in 1984. The Crocker Range, known for its rugged terrain, is where you’ll find it. The total land area of the park is about 139,920 hectares, and it is comprised of both hilly terrain and mountainous forests. The park is home to a diverse array of feline species, as well as civets and feral pigs. It is also the native habitat of several bird species, including pheasants, hornbills, and partridges, among others. Mount Kinabalu is the most notable attraction in the park and provides visitors with a picture-perfect vantage point of the sun going down.
Sipadan Island
This island, which has the appearance of a mushroom, may be found off the coast of northern Borneo. The island is surrounded by seas that are crystal clear and is home to a variety of amazing marine life. In addition, it has a rich rainforest, which is home to lizards, fruit bats, and a peculiar kind of coconut crab. The beauty of the underwater havens is further enhanced by the presence of a wide range of turtles, as well as beautiful butterfly fish, angelfish, sweet fish, parrotfish, damselfish, and coral reefs.
Gomantong Caves
The Gomantong Rainforest Reserve is mostly comprised of the territory including these caverns, which are located about 30 kilometres from Sandakan. The Simud Hitam and the Simud Putih are the two caves that are of the utmost importance here. Simud Hitam, also known as Black Cave, has a height of about 295 feet and is known for being the location of black bird nests. Nests of white birds have been discovered in Simud Putih, also known as White Cave.
