Every once in a while, everyone needs to break away from civilization and delve into the thrilling world of magnificent trees, majestic mountains and sometimes, creepy crawlies for a refreshing jungle trekking expedition.
Luckily for us, Sabah is blessed with an abundance of trekking playgrounds to get down and dirty in—just be sure to have your leech socks ready.
Here are six places to tick off in your adventure:
1. Miki Survival Camp
This so-called survival boot camp is situated in Mohan Tuhan, Ranau—at the foothill of Mount Kinabalu. Surrounded by primary forest, Mohan Tuhan is protected mainly because it serves as the source of food and water to the nearby villages.
Miki Survival Camp is ideal for light-trekkers as the journey to the campsite only takes circa one-and-a-half to two hours.
The friendly guides will teach you basic jungle survival skills, such as making hunting traps, identifying edible plants and making delicious meals from scratch.
You will also get the opportunity to see rare flora and fauna during the most-anticipated night walk.
For more info, contact: TYK Adventure Tours Sdn Bhd (KPL/LN 3443)
Address:
Lot 48-2F, 2nd Floor,
Beverly Hill Plaza,
89500 Jalan Bundusan,
Penampang, Sabah, Malaysia
Contact:
Phone: +60 88 720826 / 727825
Fax: +60 88 720827
Email: [email protected], [email protected]
Website: www.thamyaukong.com
Image credit: Flickr
2. Maliau Basin
One of the best-known trekking destinations in Sabah, the ‘Lost World of Sabah’ is famous for its unique basin-like shape, which is almost the size of Singapore. It is reported that less than 50 per cent of the basin has been discovered since its discovery in 1947.
Aside from being rich in biodiversity, Maliau Basin also has the largest number of waterfalls in Malaysia; which include the spectacular seven-tier Maliau Falls and the serenely secluded Giluk Falls.
A word of caution, trekking in Maliau Basin can take up to five days and it clearly isn’t for those with shabby fitness.
For more info, contact: Borneo Nature Tours Sdn Bhd (KPL/LN 3719)
Address:
Block D, Lot 10, Ground Floor,
Sadong Jaya Complex,
88100 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah, Malaysia
Contact:
Tel: +60 88 267637
Fax: +60 88 251636
Email: [email protected]
3. Trus Madi Forest Reserve
Image credit: Flickr
Bordered by the districts of Ranau, Tambunan and Keningau, Trus Madi is the ideal place for adventure travelers who are looking for a taste of hardcore trekking.
Mount Trus Madi, which is situated within the forest reserve, is the second highest peak in Sabah and Malaysia—standing at 2,642 meters above sea level.
Trekking to the top of the Trus Madi peak requires a great deal of physical and mental tenacity as you will be facing obstacles in the form of muddy and slippery slopes. The ultimate Spartan test would be bunking at the notoriously anti-luxurious canvas covered makeshift campsite.
For more info, contact: Contact the Sabah Forestry Department
Address:
KM 10, Labuk Road,
90000 Sandakan, Sabah, Malaysia
Contact:
Telephone: +60 89 660 811 / 660 125 / 660 824
Fax: +60 89 669 170
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.forest.sabah.gov.my
Image credit: Sarolazmi
4.Long Pasia
Located at the far end of the Sipitang district and straddling on the Sabah-Sarawak-Kalimantan borders is the idyllic Long Pasia village.
Nestled in a remote part of Sabah, Long Pasia is exquisitely unique due to its rawness.
Here, the villagers are mostly self-subsisting farmers and electricity is mainly solar powered. It is a picture of Sabahan utopia, therefore, makes it an excellent place to experience village homestay.
The pristine rainforest of Long Pasia is home to impressive waterfalls, various species of plants and wildlife, and it is also protected under the World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Heart of Borneo (HoB) project.
For more info, contact: Outfitters Borneo Sdn Bhd (526681-V)
Address:
H-71, 1st Floor, Asia City,
P.O.Box 14270
88848 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Malaysia Borneo
Contact:
Tel: 6-088-257471,
Fax: 6-088-251471
E-mail: [email protected]
Image credit: Ziemek T
5. Danum Valley
One of the richest conservation sites in the world, the Danum Valley Conservation Area reportedly has 200 species of trees thriving on each hectare square of its land on average.
This vast nature treasure, which lies in Lahad Datu, is home to a large number of endangered species such as the Sumatran rhino, pygmy elephant, clouded leopard and banteng.
Adding to its verdant wonders and spectacular waterfalls, some interesting historical relics have also been found here. Several wooden coffins and ancient artifacts that were found here suggested that the valley had once upon a time been a Kadazandusun burial site.
For more info, contact: Borneo Nature Tours S/B (KPL 3719)
Address:
Block D, Lot 10, Ground Floor, Sadong Jaya Complex,
88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
P.O.Box 1162, 88817 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Contact:
Tel: 088-267637 Fax: 088-251636
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.borneonaturetours.com
Image credit: T o n i e S
6. Tawau Hills Park
One of Tawau’s most popular destinations, Tawau Hills Park offers an easy trekking route for those who are looking for a leisurely stroll, while getting up-close and personal with nature.
Apart from light trekking, this park also makes a great spot for family picnics and outdoor camping activities. Not big on camping? There are comfortable basic chalets available too. There are plenty of interesting nature trails in the park, some of which will lead you to hot springs and scenic waterfalls.
Also, don’t forget to see the tallest tropical tree in the world that stands at 88.32 meters tall here.
Postal address
P.O Box 62103, 91031, Tawau, Sabah
Contact:
Tawau Hills Resort: +6089-768719
Tawau Hills Park: +6089-925719 or fax to +6089-753564
Sabah Parks: +6088-211881
