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Lankayan Island Sandakan

Lankayan, a tiny jewel-shaped island located on the northeastern coast of Sabah, is part of the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA) and is surrounded blue-green waters and coral reefs. It is also one of Sabah's top diving spots.

The availability of jungle interior and interesting diving attracts both divers and non-divers alike to Lankayan.

14 dive sites including the Lankayan Wreck, all only minutes away from the island, offer magnificent displays of marine life ranging from giant groupers to tiny ribbon eels. Enormous whale sharks are regularly sighted between March and May, and the island is also a nesting site for green and hawksbill turtles. You can watch as the baby turtles are released back into the sea.

The Langkayan Island Dive Resort has sixteen attractive wooden chalets with beach fronts and the common dining area extends to a sundeck jutting out to the beach.

Getting There
The transfer to Lankayan is by speedboat departing from the Sandakan Yacht Club and takes about an hour and a half.

Both holiday and diving packages are available through Pulau Sipadan Resort & Tours Sdn. Bhd., the company that runs the island's resort.

Further Information
Pulau Sipadan Resort & Tours Sdn. Bhd.
Tel : 6 089 765200
Fax : 6 089 763575, 763563
Website : http://www.lankayan-island.com / http://www.sipadan-resort.com
Email : info@lankayan-island.com / psrt@po.jaring.my

Sandakan Yacht Club
Jalan Buli Sim Sim Sandakan
Tel : 6 089 212518
Fax : 6 089 215542
Website : http://www.syc.org.my

Sandakan Memorial Park Sandakan

This site commemorates a tragedy and atrocity which struck Sandakan between January and August 1945. The Memorial Park witnessed the death of approximately 2400 Australian and British prisoners of war held by the Japanese in the Sandakan POW camp, within the sight of Allied victory in the Pacific war.

Situated about 11 km outside of Sandakan, the former site of the notorious WWII prisoner of war camp now locates the suburb of Taman Rimba. The clearly sign-posted Sandakan Memorial Park is well maintained and beautifully landscaped, which makes it ideal for solitary soul-searching strolls.

The park also includes a small museum that serves as a memorial to the thousands of Australian and British who lost their lives in the hands of the Japanese during WWII.

The memory of WWII is emphasized by the rusting remains of an excavator and a generator and a boiler which still lie in their original positions near the steps leading up to a small Commemorative Pavilion.

A must-see for history enthusiasts.

Gomantong Cave Sandakan

Described by WWF as 'the best-managed edible birds' nest cave in the world', Gomantong Caves in the heartland of the Gomantong Rainforest Reserve have been the focus for birds' nests for centuries.

Since the 13th century, Chinese traders have come to Sandakan in search of birds' nests, a prized delicacy among the Chinese and found nearly 100 metres up on the ceilings of the Gomantong Caves. Harvesters put their lives on the line literally, climbing networks of rattan ladders and ropes to get to the nests. The risky nature of nest collecting has only helped made the commodity a pricey one.

There are two cave complexes - Simud Hitam (Black Cave) soaring up to 90 metres high and the more accessible of the two, and Simud Putih (White Cave), where the more valuable nests are found. Simud Hitam is a five- minute walk from the registration centre. A well-maintained boardwalk gives you easy access to do some exploring or watch the skilled harvesters at work.

The resident creatures of the caves include swiftlets (from which the nests are collected) and bats among others. Outside, other birds such as serpent eagles, bat hawks and kingfishers can be seen. You might even spot an orangutan or two. You will need to make prior arrangements for exploring the more challenging Simud Putih which calls for more serious caving.

Facilities include a picnic area as well as the Gomantong Rainforest Chalet which can accommodate up to 30 people a night.

Getting There
A 1½ hour bus ride leaves from Sandakan to Sukau for the 95km trip. Fares are about RM17.00 each way. You can arrange your visit through local tour operators or the Forestry Department. Check our Directory for listings.

Visiting Hours
Daily from 8.00am till 6.00pm

Admission Fees

	Adults	Below 18 years
MyKad Holders	RM5.00	RM2.00
Others	RM30.00	RM15.00
(There will be charges made on use of photographic equipment)

Further Information
Birds' nest collecting is done usually between February and August.

Address
Sabah Forestry Dept
Website : http://www.forest.sabah.gov.my

Batu Tulug Sandakan

Located at Batu Putih village and 41km from the Kota Kinabatangan township, Agop Batu Tulug is a steep limestone cliff that stands 39 meters high and is part of the 20-25 million- year old Labang limestone formation. The word ‘agop' in the Orang Sungai language means cave. There are three main caves, agop suriba (lower) on the forest floor, lintaga (middle) and sawat (upper) betweeen 12-15m high.

Inside the middle and upper caves are more than a hundred carved wooden coffins dating back 200-250 years, watched over by bats and swallows. Batu Putih village can be viewed from here as well.

The coffins resemble different animals associated to the beliefs of the Orang Sungai but it has also been said that they are the coffins of the Chinese who once settled in the area as Chinese artifacts were found among the remains.

A site Museum since 1996, it has facilities such as an information center, stairs leading to the caves, toilets and resting huts.

Getting There
The drive to Batu Tulug takes one and a half hours from Sandakan or 45 minutes from Lahad Datu. You may self-drive or go through a tour operator.

Opening Hours
Daily from 9.00am till 5.00pm

Admission Fees
MyKad holders : RM 2.00 (Adults)
Others : RM15.00
Students in uniform, children below 12 years, disabled persons and senior citizens enter for free

Address
Museum Batu Tulug
WDT 197, 90200 Kota Kinabatangan Sabah

Tel : 6 089 565145 (Ticket counter) / 6 089 551062 (Office)
Email : muzium.sabah@sabah.gov.my
Webpage : http://www.mzm.sabah.gov.my/agoptulug/cyber_tulugmuseum.htm

Agnes Keith House Sandakan

If you should ever stroll along the stretch of Jalan Istana in Sandakan, the much-talked about Agnes Keith House is hard to miss. With its sprawling green lawns and colonial-style wooden walls, the residence has since been restored by the Sabah Museum, in collaboration with the Federal Department of Museums and Antiquities.

This British colonial government quarters, called Newlands, was once occupied by famous American writer, Agnes Newton Keith, who penned Land Below The Wind in 1939. Two books followed her first success, namely Three Came Home (1946) and White Man Returns (1951). With the exception of the second book, Land Below the Wind and White Man Returns were written in the house on the hill where she had the best views of Sandakan Bay at the front and the Sulu Sea at the back.

Newlands was rebuilt some time in 1946/47 and was the first government permanent timber dwelling to be built after the Second World War. It was built upon the ruined foundations of the original house that was destroyed during the war.

The house became home to Agnes and her family, Henry (also referred to as Harry) George Keith, who was the Conservator of Forests and their son, George. When the Keiths left Sabah in 1952, the house was occupied by subsequent Conservators of Forests, forestry officers, volunteers and other staff. Though the Keiths never retuned to Sabah, the house was always referred to as Agnes Keith's House by visitors who never stopped coming to see it.

Today the house has been restored and turned into a heritage house, providing interesting insights to life during British North Borneo. It is furnished with a reproduction of colonial furniture and antiques. A gallery on the first floor tells the story of this remarkable woman, her books and her family. A Keith time-line starts in 1873 and ends in 2004 tracing the past to the present Keiths.

"The new house is beautiful. Round trippers on world boats would come up to see it, carrying their cameras and calling, Why look!" (Agnes Keith, White Man Returns, 1951, p.87)

Getting There
The Agnes Keith House is part of the Sandakan Heritage Trail . From Sandakan town, it is a 20-minute walk. You can also take a taxi.

Opening hours
Seven days a week (Monday - Sunday), from 9am to 5pm

Admission fee
MyKad holders: RM2.00
MyKad holders above 55 years: Free
Children below 12 years: Free
Others: RM15.00

Contact
Sabah Museum: +6088-225033/ 253199
Sandakan Heritage Museum: +6089-222679

Kiulu White Water Rafting

The Kiulu River white water rafting is a trip that suits those seeking a moderately adventurous and relaxing trip.

The furthest rafting distance is 15 kilometers when the water level is high, and 7 kilometers of excursions at normal water level. The grade is between 1 to 2.

Kiulu River is located at Kampung Pukak Kiulu, about 1 hour drive from Kota Kinabalu (42 kilometers away).

For more information, please contact tour operators for White Water Rafting Package.

Kampung Kuala Abai

One of the most prominent must-see stops near Kota Belud is Kampung Kuala Abai. It is a popular fishing village which is situated facing the South China Sea.

Kampung Kuala Abai is also the departure point for Mantanani Island; a famous spot for fishing, snorkeling and scuba diving. Located 20 kilometers away from Kota Belud and 90 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, it is home to the Bajau Laut (Sea Bajau) community.

Getting There
Getting to Kampung Kuala Abai takes 1 hour and 30 minutes of car journey from Kota Kinabalu.

From Kota Kinabalu, visitors can take the Kota Belud bus at the bus station (near the Merdeka field) to the Kota Belud bus station. Bus fare is RM8 per person.

From Kota Belud bus station, take another bus heading to Kampung Rampayan. Bus fare is RM3 per person.

Please arrange with the bus driver regarding the return point.

'Tagal' Sungai Moroli, Kampung Luanti - Fish Massage

Fancy something more unique than your average spa? Then head on to Kampung Luanti, Ranau for a fish massaging session!

Located in Kampung Luanti, Ranau, 131 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu (2 hours and 40 minutes drive away); this fish massage ‘spa’ is managed by the Kampung Luanti JKK and lead by Mr. Jeffrin Majangki.

In the Local KadazanDusun dialect, ‘tagal’ means ‘no fishing’, and the main purpose of the ‘tagal’ is to preserve the environment as well as the ecosystem to benefit the future generation. ‘Ikan Pelian’ or Malaysian Masheer comes from the family of Cyprinidae. These fishes are specifically trained by the villagers to perform the healing massage activities.

The fish massage is deemed to have a curative effect on those who suffers from psoriasis. Come to Kampung Luanti for regular fish massages and you will enjoy smoother and suppler skin - just like a baby’s bottom.

If the idea of fishes nibbling off your dead skin doesn’t thrill you, try other activities such as jungle trekking and camping. Should you intend to stay longer, Kampung Luanti is also equipped with a homestay programme to make visitors feel at home every time.

Tariffs

Entrance Fee	Status	Tariff
Within Ranau (Local)	Adult >18 yrs	RM 3.00
	Children <18>	RM 1.00
Outstation (Local)	Adult >18 yrs	RM5.00
	Children <18>	RM 2.00
International	Adult/ Children	RM 10.00

Getting There

Transportation	Fare (one way)	Departure point	Return Point	Remarks*
Bus (direction to Kundasang or Ranau)	KK to Ranau RM 15.00 (per person) Ranau to Kg. Luanti RM 6.00 (per person)	TERMINAL BAS BANDARAYA (UTARA) City bus terminal (North) Change bus in Ranau to Kg. Luanti	Beside the entrance of poring hot spring Change bus in Ranau to KK	KK - Ranau 7:30am-5:00pm Ranau- Kg. Luanti 7:00am-3:00pm
Taxi	Approximate: 1) RM 160 per taxi 2) RM 300 per taxi	1) Ranau taxi stand (next to Merdeka Field) 2) Hotel	· Take bus from Kg. Luanti to Ranau town. · find a Taxi back to KK
Car rental	From RM 180 and above per day per car	· Car rental company · Hotel lobby for car rental service		Refer to car rental list

Further Information

Contact Mr. Jeffrin Majangki

Tel. No: 088- 878044

HP: 016-806 6598

Tanjung Simpang Mengayau - The Tip of Borneo

This dramatic headland is situated in the northern-most tip of BORNEO, the third largest island in the world, after Greenland and New Guinea. It is located in the Kudat Peninsula, about three and a half hours (or 215 kilometres) drive from Kota Kinabalu City.

Simpang Mengayau means 'lingering junction' as it is here that the South China Sea lingers and meets the Sulu Seas flowing from the east ... Enjoy the stunning view. The sunsets and full moons are just beautiful ... The Pulau Kalampunian lighthouse is a reminder of treacherous coastline and past shipwrecks. On the left is the beautiful beach of Pantai Kalampunian.

It's a lovely easy stroll to the flagpole, the Globe and the rocky outcrop that forms the "Tip of Borneo".

Facilities:

There is a cafe, souvenir shop and washrooms.

Admission is free.

Getting there (from Kota Kinabalu)

You can go by taxi, self-drive or with a tour agent. Four-wheel drives and saloon cars with permits are stationed near the Indian Restaurant opposite the Health Clinic in Kampung Air. Four-wheel drives can take between 7-8 passengers at RM20.00 - RM25.00 per pax return, while saloon cars take up to 4 passengers and charge RM240.00 for a return trip to Simpang Mengayau. Check with the Car Rental services for their charges.

Extra information

Day trips are offered by local tour operators. Rates start from around RM 250.00 which will include a tour to the Honey Bee Farm at Kg. Gombizau, the Gong Factory at Kg. Sumangkap, a visit to a Rungus Longhouse with lunch and the Tip of Borneo. Check with the tour operators for more details.

Gaya Street (Sunday Market)

Originally named Bond Street, Gaya Street located in the Kota Kinabalu Central Business District has been the centre of business for over a hundred years. The wooden shops with nipah roofs are long gone but here is where generations-old family businesses are still thriving passed down from father to son.

Every Sunday morning, the length of Gaya Street is closed off to traffic to make way for the Fair. Shop for anything under shady trees and over-sized umbrellas, like batik sarongs, fruits and flowers, arts and craft, footwear, antiques and souvenirs, cakes, even pets and herbs!. This is the best place to experience the cross-section of the local population when entire families enjoy a Sunday outing.

The Gaya Street Fair is on every Sunday from 6.30 am to 1.00 pm

Getting There

A short stroll from anywhere around the city or take public transport into town.

Mabul Island

Mention Mabul Island and visions of swaying coconut trees and idyllic water villages come to mind. And that’s just above the water. Located only about 15 minutes by speedboat from the famous Sipadan Island, Mabul has gained its own recognition as one of the best muck-diving (a term used to describe limited visibility dives at shallow sites with usually sandy bottoms) sites in the world.

Mabul is a small oval shaped island fringed by sandy beaches and perched on the northwest corner of a larger 200-hectare reef. The reef is on the edge of the continental shelf and the seabed surrounding the reef slopes out to 25–30m deep.

Mabul is also renowned for its amazing array of macrolife, making it an underwater photographer’s dream location to capture some of the rarest ecological species on film. Flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, spike-fin gobies, frogfish and moray eels are just some of the spectacular critters you will encounter beneath the waters of Mabul.

Although all the excitement is underwater, you can always set your scuba gear aside for a day to laze on Mabul’s soft sand to work on your tan.

Where to stay
When in Mabul, opt to stay in any one of these excellent resorts:

1. Borneo Divers & Sea Sports (Sabah) Sdn Bhd
2. Explore Asia Tours Sdn Bhd (Sipadan-Mabul Resort)
3. Seaventures Tours & Travel Sdn Bhd
4. Sipadan Water Village Resort Sdn Bhd
   * Resort rates may vary

How to get there
From Kota Kinabalu, take a 55-minute flight to Tawau and enjoy an hour’s drive to Semporna. From here, Mabul is another 45 minutes by speedboat. Be sure to pre-arrange transportation with your respective resort/dive operator.

Extra information
For booking and enquiries, please refer to the list of Sabah Dive Operators

Kundasang War Memorial

A must-visit in Kundasang is the Kundasang War Memorial. Established in 1962, this was one of the first memorials to commemorate the brave Australian and British Prisoners of War who died in Sandakan and during the infamous death marches to Ranau during World War II. The memorial also remembers the people of North Borneo who risked their lives to help the POWs.

The Memorial is made up of four beautiful gardens - the Australian Garden, the English Garden, the Borneo Garden and the Contemplation Garden and Pool - to represent the different nationalities. With its towering pine trees and blooming roses, a walk in the gardens is reminiscent to that of a stroll in a quaint English garden. The scent of roses lingers in the air and the serene atmosphere makes the Kundasang War Memorial an ideal place to contemplate and remember the heroes of the war. Visitors can also opt to view a brief video on the history of the Sandakan Death March.

Getting There
Kundasang is located 90km, about 2 hrs driving from Kota Kinabalu and only 10 minutes driving from Kinabalu Park. Take a bus from the Jalan Padang Bus Terminal to Kundasang or Ranau for approximately RM17.00 per person. A taxi from the Ranau Taxi Stand (located beside the Merdeka Field) or from your hotel should cost around RM160.00 to RM300.00 per taxi.

Opening hours
Open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm

Maintenance fee
MyKad holders: RM2.00
Others: RM10.00

Contact
Mr. Sevee Chararuks : +6019 899 2041

Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary

The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre was set up in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned baby orang utan. Set in the lush 4,300-hectare Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, the Centre under the administration of the Wildlife Department of Sabah attracts tourists and researchers alike, giving them the opportunity to watch the orang utan up close in their natural habitat. A boardwalk leads you to a viewing gallery and feeding platform where the apes are fed milk and bananas twice a day at 10.00am and 3.00pm by rangers. Feeding time also attracts long-tailed macaques to the area.

While orang utan rehabilitation is still the primary goal at Sepilok, it also focuses on public education on conservation, research and assistance on other endangered species such as the rhinoceros.

Visitors are restricted to walkways. Some orang utan have become familiar with people but touching them is strongly discouraged, and while the apes are naturally shy and gentle, the more mischievous ones may try to grab your camera or hat, in which case you should call for a ranger as trying to wrestle the 200 pound apes may not be a good idea.

For the more adventurous, there is trekking through mangrove forest. As this is under the Forestry Department, you will have to get a permit from them before trekking the 5km trail which runs through Sepilok Laut. You can also arrange for a boat return or accommodation in chalets in the forest.

Getting There
If you are not on any tour, public buses and taxis are available from Sandakan town. The Labuk Road Bus Company vehicles depart from the front of the Sandakan Town Council (Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan or MPS) from 6.00 am onwards. Fares are RM2.10 one way, but it will only stop at the junction to the Centre. You will have to walk about one and a half km in. You can hire a taxi for a return trip for about RM100.00 negotiable. The distance between town and the Centre is approximately 23km.

Opening Hours
Security Gate: Daily from 8.00am till 5.00pm
Reception & Ticketing Counter: Daily from 9.00am till 11.00am and 2.00pm till 3.30pm
Exhibition Hall: Daily (except Fridays) from 9.00am till 4.30pm
Centre: Daily from 9.00am till 12.00pm and 2.00pm till 4.00pm Fridays 9.00am till 11.00am, 2.00pm till 4.00pm

Admission Rates

	Adult	Below 18 years old
MyKad Holders	RM5.00	RM2.00
Others	RM30.00	RM15.00
Use of Cameras, camcorders, camera phones etc will be charged RM10.00

Address
Batu 14, Jalan Labuk Sandakan Sabah

WDT200, 9009 Sandakan Sabah

Tel : 6 089 531180
Fax : 6 089 531189
Email : soutan@po.jaring.my
Webpage : http://www.sabah.gov.my/jhl/

Tanjung Aru Beach

Located at the end of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and about 6 kilometres from KK City, this place is closest to the hearts of the locals, and just one visit to the beach will tell you why. Taking its name from the casuarinas or aru trees that fringe the fine sands, this is where one might get a ringside seat to the greatest sunset on earth every evening when the crimson sun dips slowly into the horizon, leaving the vast skies a brilliant red..

Foodstalls serving local food and drinks are open till late at night. Enjoy coconut and sugarcane juice, chicken or beef satay and steamed peanuts and corn, or indulge in a full-course dinner at the seafood restaurant located there.

The Tanjung Aru beach is also home to Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort, the Kinabalu Golf Club and the Kinabalu Yacht Club.

Getting There

From KK City Centre, take the No 16 bus towards Tanjung Aru from the bus stations in front of City Hall or Wawasan Plaza and let the driver know of your destination. Bus fare is RM1.50. You can also go by taxi, at RM15 per taxi (up to four persons).

Sabah Attractions

Sabah State Mosque, Kota Kinabalu
This resplendent structure, with its majestic domes and gold inlay motifs, is a spectacular sight, ideally located as a place of worship for Kota Kinabalu's Muslim inhabitan3ts and visitors.

Sabah Foundation Building, Kota Kinabalu
The 30-story circular glass building, supported by high tensile steel rods emanating from a central building, is an architectural and engineering feat. It is one of only four such buildings in the world.

Kota Belud
Kota Belud is a small town located 77 km from Kota Kinabalu. Every Sunday it comes alive in a scene of blazing, riotous colour when the "Tamu," or open market, takes place.

Tuaran
Tuaran is the location of the region's agricultural station. Nearby is Mengkabong, a Bajau village built over water. Also close by is Tamparuli, a town specializing in the production of local handicrafts.

Penampang
Another village that offers an insight into Sabah's varied ethnic groups, Penampang is home to the Kadazan people. The village is located 13 km south of Kota Kinabalu.

Sandakan
Sandakan is busy port on the Sulu Sea, about 386 km from Kota Kinabalu. The forestry exhibition in Sandakan showcases the astounding variety of flowers and plants found in Sabah; the Sandakan Orchid House has a collection of rare orchids. Along the Labuk Road from Sandakan is a crocodile farm, housing about 1,000 crocodiles of various sizes.

Gomantong Caves
The journey to the Gomantong Caves takes a whole day; first a boat-ride across the bay from Sandakan, then a drive by landrover through 16 km of dense jungle. Within the marvellous caves, swifts build their nests high on cave walls and roofs. These nests are considered a delicacy, and are carefully collected by native men climbing on tall bamboo poles. Tours can be arranged through the Forest Department in Sabah or a travel agency.

Semporna
Located on the southeast coast of Sabah, Semporna is the jumping-off point for Pulau Sipadan, a diving paradise, and Pulau Gaya, the island where Sabah pearls are cultured.

Kudat
A long way from Kota Kinabalu (238 km), Kudat is, nevertheless, worth a visit, as it is home to the colourful Rungus tribe. The journey to the village is an attraction in its own right, winding through the region's varied terrain of mountains, valleys, and jungles.

Borneo's Paradise

For many visitors, the primary attractions of Sabah are its outstanding national parks, which include Kinabalu National Park, the Crocker Range Park, and the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary. Others come to enjoy the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and the diver's paradise of Pulau Sipadan. However, Sabah possesses a number of other attractions as well, all of which are worth exploring.

LOCATION

Located at the northeast corner of Borneo, Sabah was known in ancient times as the "Land Below The Wind" because it lies below the typhoon belt. Sabah's terrain is rugged, with Mt. Kinabalu, at 4,101 metres, dominating the surrounding landscape. It has a wide diversity of flora and fauna, as well as one of the world's largest rainforests. Sabah's people comprise 31 different indigenous groups, including the Kadazans, Muruts, Bajaus, Kedayans, Sulu, Bisaya, Rumanau, Minokok, and Rungus.

International access to Malaysia'a eastern gateway is through Sabah's capital, Kota Kinabalu, which receives flights from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila, Brunei, Jakarta, Seoul, and Taipei. Domestic travel in this vast state is via daily flights between Labuan, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Tawau, though large areas are still inaccessible. A rail network stretches from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom, and buses, taxis, and boats are also available.

Knowing Sabah The Beautiful Rain Forest

Have you been into Sabah? One of the largest state in Malaysia. See map for more details and introduction to the land below of the wind.

Many people, friends, visitors ask me, what is the interesting places in sabah?

Sabah is a Malaysian state located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo. It is the second largest state in Malaysia after Sarawak, which it borders on its south-west. It also shares a border with the province of East Kalimantan of Indonesia in the south. In spite of its status as a Malaysian state, Sabah remains a disputed territory, the Philippines has a dormant claim over the territory. The capital of Sabah is kota kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton. Sabah is known as Sabah, negeri di bawah bayu, which means 'Sabah, land below the wind', because of its location being just south of the typhoon prone region around the Philippines.