Mother Nature is generous with her treasures if we only took the time to appreciate them more and also do our part to protect them. And Sabah Borneo no doubt, has so much to offer when it comes to Mother Nature’s abundant gifts. Sabah’s forest reserve areas is home to most of its rich biodiversity, and these reserves forms half of the state’s total landmass of 7.34 million hectares. Besides that, the forest reserves is part of the 20 million hectares equatorial rainforests demarcated under the “Heart of Borneo” Initiative.
Read more about the Heart of Borneo in our Wild Borneo 71 issue.
In conjunction with International Day of Forests, let’s celebrate and appreciate the “Lungs of the Earth”. We can do this by stepping outside and taking a walk at our local park, planting a tree, going for a nature walk or trek in the forest and lots more! Did you know that “forest bathing” is actually a thing? Yes, it’s legit and in Japan, this practice of immersing yourself in natural surroundings like a forest is believed to improve one’s well-being! More reason for you to step outside and enjoy nature’s wonders.
We’ve listed a few nature escapes that will make the perfect destination for wanderlusters who crave adventure in the great wilderness. Check out Borneo Eco Tours’ Hot Picks of Nature Escapes right here in Sabah, Borneo!
1. Danum Valley
A place on earth that might as well be known as the world’s prime wildlife centre. Danum Valley is made up of 440 sq. kilometres of lowland virgin rainforest, boarded by Danum and Segama River. This forest reserve is home to over 200 species of trees, 110 species of mammals and over 275 species of avifauna, and is also equipped with facilities such as a research centre, canopy walkways and nature trails to conduct wildlife observations and studies.
Whether you are a free-spirited adventurer who loves roughing it out in the wilderness, or a nature lover who also loves the finer things in life, Danum Valley offers several types of accommodation. Choose from hostel dorm to a luxurious lodge.
Read Things You Need To Know About Danum Valley
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2. Kinabalu Park
Located 1,585 metres above sea level and towering at 4,095 metres height, Kinabalu Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site declared in 2000 for being one of the most important Biological Sites in the world. The park’s lowland altitudes holds together green lush forests where different species of orchids and carnivorous pitcher plants can be found, though rare to find along the worn out trails. Head over to the botanical gardener situated near the park headquarters if you want to view some of the area’s exotic and beautiful flora.
Take your time to explore the Kinabalu Park and its surrounding areas. Visit Poring Hot Springs to take a dip in the springs, trek to Kipungit and Langanan Waterfalls or head to the canopy walk with hanging bridges if you’re not afraid of heights!
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3. Maliau Basin
Maliau Basin is a ginormous bowl of virgin tropical rainforest rests mysteriously within the expanse of the Heart of Borneo. Remote, primal and vast, there’s almost something sacred about this place. Adorned with pretty cascading waterfalls and impressive gorges, they definitely didn’t call it the Lost World of Sabah for nothing. When exploring Maliau Basin, you’ll definitely feel like you’ve been transported into a real life Jurassic Park- Minus the dinosaurs, of course.
Jungle trekking, birding, nature photography and spotting wildlife are just some of the things you can do in Maliau Basin.
Read more about Maliau Basin: Heart of Borneo & Lost World of Sabah
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4. Lemaing 2
Lemaing 2 brings you to a unique trekking experience located in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu, which is a whole different experience in itself. The experience of Lemaing 2 is an unexpected but extraordinary one as it is a wonderland for nature seekers and outdoor enthusiasts to truly get in touch with nature. You will be trekking through historical pathways in one of Borneo’s most pristine rainforests which some of these trails include the Nunuk Trail and Pamantangan Trail that will be guided by the friendly locals themselves.
Read more about Lemaing 2: Secrets at the Foothills of Mount Kinabalu
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5. Kinabatangan, Sukau
The flood plains of Kinabatangan is an exceptional gem to behold. The Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary is home to a variety of wildlife and also birdlife. River cruises at dawn and late afternoon provides the perfect opportunity to spot different species of primates including the unusual Proboscis Monkeys, Orang Utans and Macaques. The night cruise will bring about a different kind of experience as you try to spot nocturnal wildlife along the river. Birders would call this place a paradise since it has over 200 species of birds found in the area, including eight species of Bornean hornbills!
Stay at our National Geographic branded lodge, Sukau Rainforest Lodge to heighten the experience during your trip at Kinabatangan River!
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