Endou Rompin National Park

There Endau-Rompin boasts of some of the most exotic species of tropical plant and animal life.

The Park is one of the last remaining lowland forests in Malaysia and it is spread over a generous 80,000 hectares of virgin jungle straddling the state of Pahang and Johor.

Visitors will find exploring the numerous jungle trails and limestone caves as well as climbing Gunung Tahan, the highest peak in Peninsular Malaysia, an exhilarating promotions.

How To Get There

It is best to contact your travel agent for guided tours of Endau-Rompin, as the area is largely underdeveloped and infrastructure is minimal. Entry permits from District Office of Kuala Rompin are a must and visitors will have to provide two passport sized photographs and a photocopy of their identity card or passport.

By Road : The journey take approximately 3 - 4 hours form Kuala Lumpur or Kuantan via private or public transport (e.g. taxi, bus, rented cars).

By Air : A 45 minute flight is available form Kuala Lumpur to Kuantan, thereafter road transport to the park.

List of interesting places around Endau-Rompin State Park.

1. Padang Tujuh

Padang Tujuh is an area of bonsai trees.

2. Sungai Kinchin and Sungai Kemapan

Some of the best fishing spots in Malaysia can be found within the Endau Rompin area. The most popular sites are along the lower reaches of Sungai Kinchin and Sungai Kemapan. The best time for fishing is from the months of February to April and from June to August. Fish caught here are noticeably larger than those caught in rivers elsewhere in Peninsular Malaysia.

3. Mahkota Waterfalls

Mahkota Waterfalls, which is a cascading 50-meter fall is perfect spot for picnic.

4. Upih Guling Falls

Upih Guling derives its name from an Orang Asli legend. Upih, an Orang Asli, was about to go for a cockfight. As he was about to cross the river at one end of the waterfall, he saw his fiancée. He slipped upon turning and fell, or "guling" (roll in Malay Language), down the cascading slope and died at the foot of the falls.

5. Buaya Sangkut Falls

After a long and tiresome trek, one can heave a sigh of relief upon hearing the thunderous roar of the 40m high waterfall. One can take in the breathtaking sight of the calm, tranquil lake and fascinating rock formations.

6. Kelapa Gading Cave

Kelapa Gading Cave, which is 25 meters high, is situated in the midst of the waterfall.

Things To Do

Bird watching

Camping

Indoor games

Slide and films on the Park's indigenous flora and fauna are shown at the Interpretive room at 8.45 pm daily

Fishing

Kampong Promotions

Cave Exploration

Mountain climbing

Swimming

Night Hide Orang Asli (Aborigines) Settlement

The Rapid Shooting

Jungle Trekking

Camping sites Malaysia

CAMPING is a favourite outdoor recreational activity, in which the campers get away form civilization and enjoy nature by spending one or more nights at a campsite. They may use a tent, a primitive structure, a travel trailer or recreational vehicle, or no shelter at all. Camping as a recreational activity became popular in the early 20th century. Campers frequent national parks and other publicly owned natural areas.


CAMPING SITES IN MALAYSIA


Taman Alam Kuala Selangor (Kuala Selangor Nature Park)

Next to Bukit Malawati is the Taman Alam Kuala Selangor, a 240-hectare nature park on the estuary of Sungai Selangor. The campsite charge RM50 for 40 people. This Park is noted for its birdlife, with around 150 species of birds sighted. There is an estimated 100,000 wading birds, comprising some 30 species, passing through here on their annual migration. An enclosure in the park houses a number of the endangered milky stork. This is an active breeding programme run in conjunction with Zoo Negara, or the National Zoo. There are numerous trails, watchtowers and several hides for better bird-watching.

Getting there:
By Bus : From Kuala Lumpur's Puduraya bus station, the bus 141 run roughly hourly and it cost you RM4.90. It is walking distance to the Malawati Hill and Taman Alam Kuala Selangor.A taxi is required to the firefly destinations or the Seafood restaurants across the river.

By Car : If driving, you may follow the LDP Highway (Lebuhraya Damansara-Puchong) heading to Sungai Buloh. From there, you can easily find the signboard of Kuala Selangor. Otherwise, if you are coming from Kuala Lumpur via North-South PLUS Highway, you still have to exit at Sungai Buloh and follow the signs to Kuala Selangor.

Cameron Highlands, Pahang
Camping is another activity popular with the youth where you can pitch tent on the along the main range after a hike. Alternatively, you can put up tent at the Sg Pauh campsite, which is located near the Forestry Department at Taman Sedia, a 5 minute drive to Tanah Rata or Brinchang. Call the forestry departmnet at 605-4911384.


Getting There:
The gateway to Cameron Highlands is Tapah, which is easily reached by bus, taxi or train from Kuala Lumpur. From Tapah, you can take a bus or taxi to Tanah Rata, Cameron Highlands' main town. There are daily buses from Tapah to Tanah Rata, between 8am and 6pm. It takes 2 hours to reach the top and the 653 bends can be nauseating for some.

Kenong Rimba State Park, Pahang

This is a 120sq km lowland forest park rising to the limestone foothills bordering Taman Negara. The park offers adventures such as exploring bat filled limestone caves, jungle treking, visiting a orang asli village(batek tribe), swimming in the river, and camping.


Getting there:
The jump-off town to Kenong Rimba Park is Kuala Lipis, some 180km from Kuala Lumpur, 258km from Kuantan and 300km from Kota Bharu. It is accessible by bus and taxi. Railway links it to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore. From Kuala Lipis train station take a southbound local train to the Batu 9 station. You can go by road to the Lipis Railway Station, about three hour's drive from Kuala Lumpur. From Batu 9 station, it's a short five-minute walk to the Sungai Jelai jetty for a 20-minute boat ride downstream to Tanjung Kiara Jetty at Sungai Kesong. The journey into the park starts from the jetty. Alternatively, opts for a boat from Kuala Lipis jetty to Tanjung Kiara or take the trunk road on a four-wheel drive to Felda Kechau Sembilan before passing through Kampong Matok.


Endau Rompin National Park


The Park provides camping equipment (at RM 20 per pax). The Endau Rompin park is the second largest park in Peninsula Malaysia after the Taman Negara National Park and it is located in the Johor-Pahang border. It covers 870-sq-km or 92,000 hectares, which is one and the half times the size of Singapore. One of the last remaining virgin forest is Malaysia, it boast a large variety of plant life including the huge umbrella palms, and host to many animals, like the endangered Sumatran Rhinoceros, elephants, wild boars and Indochinese Tiger, which are almost impossible to spot. The accessible region of the park is along the banks of Sungai Endau and Sungai Jasin. You are advised to hire a guide for RM40 per day at the park headquarters at Kampung Peta. There are two walking trails from the Kuala Jasin base camp, the Janing Barat Pleateau trail, which takes you to a Janing Barat Pleateau and the grueling 16km Buaya Sangkut Trail, which ends at the Buaya Sangkut Falls.(Buaya Sangkut translates to Trapped Crocodile in Malay) The Janing Barat Plateau is a 500m-high sandstone plateau which is a challenging uphill slog. Going to the Plateau and back to base camp normally takes one day. The Buaya Sangkut Trail takes a full three days(2 days if you are very fit) to reach and get back or if you choose to spend two days only, you can just stop at the Upeh Guling Falls or Batu Hampar campsite somewhere midway and return to base camp from there. Doing the full Buaya Sangku Trail, you will see the two beautiful Upeh Guling(8 meters in height) and Buaya Sangkut water Falls(40 meters in height). Midway, you will also come across Tasik Air Biru or Blue Lagoon. Camping grounds are at Kuala Jasin, Kuala Marong, Batu Hampar, Upeh Guling and above the falls at Buaya Sangkut.


Forest Recreation Park & Museum, Penang

Located north of Pulau Penang, close to Teluk Bahang is the Forest Recreation Park & Musuem. Activities here include jungle trekking and relaxing at some of the small waterfalls. There is also a campsite for those wishing to stay in the jungle. For more information on payment and availability, contact the Penang Tourist Guides Association at 261 4461 : Pejabat Tourism Malaysia Negeri Pulau Pinang, 56th Floor, KOMTAR, Penang 10000, Phone: +604 264 3494 / 263 4941 Fax: +604 262 3688


Pulau Gaya, Sapi and Mamutik, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Sabah
It is possible to camp on these islands located a short distance west of Kota Kinabalu. A fee of RM5 per person is chargeable. If you do not have your own tent, use the park tents which cost RM30-40, which can fit four to six. Things to do include snorkelling, sun bathing and jungle hiking. Only Pulau Gaya has a restaurant. You need to bring your own water for Pulau Sapi or Mamutik. A park permit of RM10 is also chargeable. The permit can be obtained from Sabah Parks Tel : (6088) 211881, Lot 1-3, Ground Floor, Block K, Compleks Sinsuran.


Getting there:
Malaysian Airlines has regular flights to KK airport at Tanjung Aru, which is the main gateway to Sabah. It is conveniently located close to the city at just 7km southwest of the city centre. Go to www.malaysiaairlines.com . A cheaper alternative is budget airlines www.airasia.com with tickets about half the price. There are plentiful of taxis in KK. From the airport, there is a taxi desk on the ground floor where a fixed price coupon of RM20 for a cab to KK.


Tambunan, Sabah

It is possible to camp at the tambunan Village Resort Centre, Kampung Keranaan. Tel : (6088) 774076. The resort is located at a riverside. There is a fee of RM10 Chargeable. 81km east of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and across the Crocker Range is Tambunan, the first settlement in this region. It is also the home of folk hero Mat Salleh, who rebelled against the British in the late 19th Century. However, he was killed by his own people after negotiating a truce with the British. His gravestone is located off the main road 750m north towards Ranau. The surrounding hills and farms makes this place a pleasant stop. A good time to visit is in May when Pesta Kaamatan or Harvest Festival takes place. Visit the Mawar Waterfall in the Crocker Range.


Getting there:
Take the minivans running between Tambunan and KK, Keningau or Tenom.




Sabah Agricultural Park, Tenom, Sabah

It is possible to camp at the Sabah Agricultural Park or Taman Pertanian Sabah, Lagud Seberang, Tenom, Sabah. Tel : (6087) 737952. Park Price : Adult/Child, RM25/10, 9am-5.30pm, Tue-Sun. There is a fee of RM10 chargeable per person. Tenom is a pleasant valley and home to the friendly Murut people.(Ironically, the last indigenious people to renounce headhunting) Farming is the mainstay here with vegetables, soya beans, maize and cocoa being grown in this fertile soil. Apart from a relaxing stay, there is the Sabah Agricultural Park located at Lagud Seberang sprawling over 1500 acres of land. There are 3,538 plant species including trees, fruit trees and flowers and seeing everything in detail could take days. Highlights include one of the largest collection of orchid species, at the specially designed garden such as the Hoya Garden, Tenom Orchid Centre, Native Orchid Centre, Hybrid Orchid Centre and others. To travel the park, bicycles can be rented for RM3 for first hour and additional RM1 for subsequent hour. Alternatively, take the guided tour on the tractor-trailer. The park is an expansion of a former Orchid Centre, established by a British man, Anthony Lamb, who spent many years in Borneo.


Poring Hot Springs

A camp Spot is available at Poring Hot Springs for RM6 per tent. Tents can be hired from hot springs park office for RM3. Please call Kinabalu Nature Resorts office Tel : (088-243629, www.kinabalunatureresorts.com ) in KK, in advance. It is possible to just show up, but the Hot Springs is a popular place and a space is not guaranteed. With the Japanese love of hotspring, this help developed the Poring Hot Springs during their occupation of Sabah during WWII. The complex is part of the Kinabalu National Parks. Steaming, sulphurous water is channelled into pools and tubs, and surrounded by a pretty garden setting. The outdoor tubs are of different sizes and have hot and cold water taps to regulate the temperature. Private spa cabins charge RM15/20 per hour. Part of the Poring complex is the Tropical Garden(adult/child RM3/1.50), a butterfly farm (Adult/child RM4/2) and an Orchid Garden (adult/child RM10/5). You may also encounter rescued orang-utans here. There is the 40m Canopy Walkway (adult/child RM5/2.50) suspended from trees, offering fine views of flora and fauna. There are hiking trails around the springs, with Kipungit Waterfalls a short walk away. In another 15 minutes, you will reach Bat Caves. Another 2 hours away you will reach Langanan Waterfall. This trail is known among bird-watchers for spotting the blue-banded pitta. Poring Hotsprings is a popular place, especially during the weekends and school holidays. It is best to go on weekdays. Admission to Poring Hot Sprints : (Adult/Child RM1/6)


Getting There:
Poring is 19kkm north of Ranau. Minivans run from Ranau to Poring and also from the park headquarters at Mt Kinabalu to Poring three times daily. Leaving Poring, minivans depart from outside the park office. On weekends there are shared-taxis parked near the office.


Niah Cave, Sarawak

There is a campsite located here, Price : RM5, Park Headquarters is located at Pangkalan Lubang. (Tel :085- 737 450) The cave system is located at the Niah Caves National Park. The park is dominated by a 394m-high limestone massif, Gunung Subis. To get to the caves from park headquarters, you need to take a boat across the river. Boat ride cost RM0.50cents. Once you are across you need to walk the 3km-long boardwalk to the caves. Along the way, you will come across the Niah Archaeology Museum(free admission, 9am-6pm) and much later, the village of Rumah Chang, where there are a couple of longhouses. In time you will reach the impressive Great Cave. It measures 250m across at the mouth and 60m at its greatest height. There are many bats inhabiting the caves and will fly out during sunset for feeding. Niah caves are nesting grounds for swiftlets, which supply the expensive bird’s nest soup. These are collected by the Penan during harvest season. In 1958, archeologists discovered evidence of human occupation of the caves area dating back some 40,000 years. Rock paintings and death ships(burial coffins) were also found in what has become known as Painted Cave. To get to Painted Cave, you need to follow the pathway all the way through the Great Cave, out into the forest then to the opening of the cave. The area of the rock paintings and death ships are fenced off, so binoculars will be useful here.


A permit and park fee of RM10 for adult/RM5 for child is chargeable at the park headquarters. It opens from 8am-5pm.

Getting there:
From Miri to Batu Niah, Syarikat Bas Suria (tel: (6) 085-434317/412173) has a regular bus service to batu Niah from Miri Bus Station. The journey 1 hr 40 mins to 2 hrs. Share taxis from the Bus Station are available as there are regular taxis, which can usually be chartered on a daily basis. self-drive cars are also available (ask at your counter or check in the yellow pages).


From Bintulu to Batu Niah, Syarikat Bas Suria (Tel: (6) 086-335489) has a regular bus service to Batu Niah from Bintulu Bus Station. The journey time is about 2 hr to 3 hrs drived. Share taxis from the Bus Station are available as there are regular taxis, which can usually be chartered on a daily basis. self-drive cars are also available (ask at your counter or check in the yellow pages).


From Batu Niah to park headquarters at Pangkalan Lubang, take a taxi or boat costing RM10. We recommend the boat ride which river throuhg jungle-clad limestone cliffs.



Bako National Park, Sarawak

There is a camping ground here which costs RM5 per site. Bako is Sarawak’s oldest national park. Anyone can visit Bako National Park in a day as it covers 27sq km of unspoilt dipterocarp forest, scrub-like padang, swamp forest, mangroves and delicate cliff vegetation. Located 37 kilometres from Kuching, the park is rich with an abundance of flora and fauna. Although it is one of Southeast Asia's smallest national parks it contains almost every type of vegetation found in Borneo. Jungle trekking is the best way to fully absorb the richness of the park's treasure. A system of 16 colour-coded walking trails offers full day jungle hikes to gentle strolls. It has been protected since 1957 so the animals have become used to human visitors and are less shy than their remote jungle cousins. This means a good chance of seeing wildlife and getting close enough to take photographs. The proboscis monkey(only found in Borneo), long-tailed macaque monkeys, silvered Langurs, monitor lizards and squirrels can be seen here. Bako is also a good place for bird watching, particularly the hornbills. Thre are more than 150 species of birds have been recorded at Bako, including some rare varieties. There are beaches at Telok Panan Besar, Telok Sibur and Pulau Lakei which is accessible by boat.


Getting thereThe park can only be reached by a 20-minute boat ride from Kampung Bako(May not operate during monsoon season of November to February). First take a bus to Kampung Bako. Petra Jaya Bus No.6 leaves from near the market in Kuching every hour. Last bus to Kuching leaves Bako at 5pm.


Matang Wildlife Centre, Sarawak

Adjacent to Kubah National Park, the Matang Wildlife Centre was set up to rehabilitate animals like the orang-utans, hornbills, sambar deer and crocodiles. There are twice-daily feeding programs. There is a nearby river popular with the locals for swimming on weekends. The walking trails including the Ulu Rayu Trail which link to Kubah National Park. Admission is RM10. Camping site here charges RM5.


Bookings can be made at Kuching visitor’s Information centre. Tel : Tel : 6082 410944 / 42.


Getting there:
A taxi from Kuching takes you straight to the wildlife centre.




Gunung Gading National Park, Sarawak


Camping site charges a fee of RM5. Bookings can be made at Visitors’ Information centre in Kuching. Tel : 6082 410944. The main draw of this National Park located at the Lundu district, is the rafflesia, which is the largest flower in the world. It can grow up to 3 feet or 1m in diameter and can weight 15pounds or 7kg. The flower emits a stench of rotting flesh and some even heat, mimicking a newly dead animal, to attract carrion flies, to help in pollination. The plant itself is parasitic and grows within the stems of jungle vines. Researchers say that its lineage dates back roughly 100 million years to the Cretaceous Period, the last act of the Age of Dinosaurs when flowering plants are believed to have first appeared. What was surprising was that they are nested within this group of plants with absolutely tiny flowers. This family, called Euphorbiaceae, also includes the poinsettia, Irish bells and crops such as the rubber tree, castor oil plant and cassava shrub, the researchers said.


At the Gading National Park, the rafflesia blooms year-round but unpredictably. Call and check whether there is one in bloom and get there soon if one is available. Guides to locate blooms can be hired for RM20 per hour. November to January are the peak blooming months. Other activities here include walking trails, viewpoints or the strenous climb up Gunung Gading(906m) or Gunung Perigi. Park Office Tel : 6082 735714, Adult/child RM10/5; 8am-12.30pm & 2-5pm.






Getting there


The Park is just 5 minutes drive from Lundu town or about 2 hour's drive from Kuching. Visitors can choose either day-trips or overnight stays when visiting the Park. Travellers should take STC (Sarawak Transport Company) Lundu Express Bus or Bus No. 2B from Kuching City to Lundu town centre. From there, take a Pandan bus No17C and ask to be dropped off at the park.

Gunung Ledang Hiking

G

unung Ledang is commonly known among the locals for its mystical character and as a camping destination rather than a hill resort.Steeped in legends and folklore, the mountain holds aweinspiring experiences for many a visitor up the mountain.Tales of supernatural encounters and visions of the legendary mountain princess, Puteri Gunung Ledang, are not infrequent among believers of the ‘twilight zone’.Mysticism aside, the mountain is a natural beauty with its challenging mountain trails, icy waterfalls, cascades, diverse birdlife, flora and fauna.Straddling the Johor/Malacca border, Gunung Ledang is the highest mountain in the two southern states and can be accessed either via the Malacca or Johor route.

The mountain’s plateau-like summit peaks at 1 ,276m above sea level, and offers a panoramic view the Straits of Malacca and Sumatra coastline on a clear day. Gunung Ledang is ideally-suited for picnickers, nature lovers, birdwatchers, rock-climbers and jungle trekkers and those who seek nature raw splendour.

WHAT TO SEE AND DO

Activities on Gunung Ledang are adventure and nature-based. Depending on one's level of fitness, there are several options:

At the Foothills

For nature lovers and picnickers, activities revolve around the foothills where the Gunung Ledang Resort and a waterlall is situated.

Upper Levels

Another 10 minutes walk uphill along the steps will reveal the spectacular sight of the Puteri Falls (Princess Falls). Beyond this, right up to the summit are rapids, rock cliffs, caves, interesting flora and fauna, Birds are plentiful and one should bring along a pair of binoculars. The path uphill can be treacherous, especially during rains, when loose stones and slippery tracks make trekking arduous. Shoes with good grip soles are essential. For campers, there are several choices of campsites along the trail. Avoid camping too close to the rapids during rains, Sudden deluges can occur The summit can also be uncomfortably chilly, especially in the late evening and at night. Bring a jacket. Heavy mists, too, tend to rush and envelop the summit but clear off almost as suddenly. Be alert and do not stray from marked paths.

Other Activities

The Gunung Ledang Resort has a comprehensive activity centre which comprises rockface climbing, mountain biking obstacle course, 'flying fox', night trekking and team building programmes. Enquire at the resort for these activities. As a popular holiday destination among schoolchildren, Gunung Ledang meets the needs of every adventurous child. Its numerous outdoor activities allow children to appreciate nature and contribute to the development of positive individual qualities.

Eating Out

Inexpensive local meals is available at the canteen near the picnic grounds on the first level of the mountain. For ala carte menu, visit the resort's restaurant. There are also shops near the entrance I the resort which sell snacks and meals.

Dive Perhentian - Terengganu

Perhentian is near the east coast of Malaysia with palm fringed white sandy beaches and turquoise blue sea. The water around beaches is shallow with many rays, cuttlefish and parrotfish. With its natural beauty and laid-back atmosphere, Perhentian is viewed as a paradise for divers, an escape from the modern world.

The Perhentian Island can be found in the coast of northeastern Malaysia and almost a few kilometers away from the south border of Thailand. There are also some people that called this place as the Pulau Perhentian in Malay. There are two main islands in that can be found in the whole Perhentian. These are the Perhentian Besar and Perhentian Kecil. The Perhentian Besar is the big one and Perhentian Kencil is the smaller one.

Just like other islands, this is used by many ancient merchant in the past as a shelter and source of food. Merchants always pass by in the area to stop-by until they had entered the market of South China Sea. This is the reason why the island gained its popularity and named as One Stop Island. One Stop Island is translated to Malay language as Pulau Perhentian and that is where the island got its name. And as time goes by, the Perhentian Island became a tourist spot. The main attraction of the island is its natural beauty and its home for hundreds of Green and Hawksbill turtles.

In many years, the island has been a great tourist spot for many people around the world. Mostly, people from Europe and United States are the one who are flocking around the whole island. The two main islands are covered with white coral sand beaches that may be a little rough for our feet and sea with turquoise blue water. There are many activities that you can do in the island. The most popular activities that you can do here are scuba diving, snorkeling and of course swimming and diving.

On most of beaches, the water is shallow and there are fishes lying there. There are also many diving sites around the whole island. Aside from water activities you can also have other activities like camping and jungle trekking with its natural forests. Banana boat riding is also quite popular activity in the area.

Most rooms and resorts can be found in the Perhentian Besar. There are also hotels that can be found in the bigger island that has a very low prices but had a great accommodation.

The island is quite hidden to the main airports that are why the only way to go there is by boat. Boats can be found in the fishing villages of Kuala Besut and Tok Bali. For the language, people here used Kelantanese Malay Language.

Best time to go there


The best time to go there is between the months of March to October. This are months where in there are no low pressure areas that may warn your stay in the area. If you are lucky enough with these months, you may experience to watch and swim with the turtles that are kept and cared in there. The people around the area also accept volunteers for taking care and building homes for the turtles.
How to get there


The only way to get there is using a boat. If you came from Kuala Bescut, you can take boats from there that will lead you to the island. Traveling from Kuala Bescut up to Perhentian Island may take up at least thirty to forty minutes if you are using a speed boat and one and a half hour if you are going to use a slow boat.


If you came from Kuala Lumpur, you could have a flight from airports like Malaysia Airline, Air Asia and Fireflyz that will lead you to either Kuala Terengganu or Kota Bharu. This will take at least forty five minutes in the air before your arrival. Upon arriving, take bus or taxi and asked them to lead you in to Kuala Besut Jetty. If you came from Kuala Terengganu Airport it may take one and a half hour while if you came from Kota Bharu airport it will be only one hour

Mount Kinabalu Climb

You have always wanted to do something different, something out of the ordinary, something breathtaking, so maybe it is now time to take a chance and climb Mount Kinabalu, one of the most beautiful mountains in the southern part of Asia.

Mount Kinabalu is not an exclusivist mountain, so it will reveal its beauty whether you are a professional mountain climber or just a regular visitor. There is nothing to worry about, as there are guidelines even for the most inexperienced climber, so this could be a once in a lifetime experience that will definitely make you feel like a conqueror. The 20th tallest mountain in the world by topographic prominence and the 3rd tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, Kinabalu is an impressive massif on the island of Borneo. Tourists from all over the world come every year to Kota Kinabalu city in attempt to go climbing Mount Kinabalu. Kinabalu stands 4,095 m above the sea level, being the tallest peak between the Himalayas and the Jawijaya Mountains, in Indonesia.


The mountain is very important to the local people. The natives even considered it sacred, saying that it is inhabited by the spirits of their dead ancestors. That is why tourists used to sacrifice chicken before climbing Mount Kinabalu, hoping they will soothe the mountain’s spirit. In fact, the mountain’s shape is even displayed on the State flag. The life of the people from Sabah is in close connection to the mountain. The villages of Mesilau, Kiau and Bundu Tahan have a tradition in providing guides for the climbs at Kinabalu Mountain.


If you are planning to climb Mount Kinabalu, you must get informed about traveling, accommodation and possible activities in order to have the most pleasant stay. Websites and travel guides will provide useful tips and relevant information that will help you get acquainted to the region and the opportunities before you get there.




What should you know about Mount Kinabalu?

There are two climbing trails called Summit Trail (or Timpohon Gate) and Mesilau Trail. The first one is usually recommended for those who are first-time climbers.
You will have to stay at least two nights and it is essential to know that. During the climb, you will lodge at different altitude levels, staying one night in the Kinabalu Park and the other at Laban Rata. The permission to climb is directly linked to you room reservation for the night, as you will not be allowed to camp on the mountain. Various fees are to be paid to the authorities and they are not included in the accommodation fees. Make sure you have learned about weather conditions: temperature, humidity level, monsoon seasons, rainfalls, dry seasons, in order to choose the perfect period to climb Mount Kinabalu. For your own good, check your health status and be sure you are able to climb safely. It is recommended to avoid climbing if you are suffering from hypertension or any heart diseases, diabetes, palpitation, arthritis, anemia, ulcers, obesity, asthma or hepatitis. Make sure you are perfectly fit, so that you will not miss this unique experience. Also, if you suffer from altitude sickness, take medications for headaches or nausea with you. To climb Mount Kinabalu you need to get a permit, a name tag and a guide. Book in advance to be sure you will find a place to stay, as tourists from all over the world come here every year to meet this small paradise with fresh, clean air and wonderful landscapes.

Lohan Paragliding

Paragliding has started in Sabah for quite some years but only recent years it becomes a popular sport. Last month I visited a paragliding team in Lohan, a location between Ranau town and Poring (about 2-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu).

The Lohan paragliding site on the hill offers a beautiful view of Kinabalu Park and Liwagu valley.

At the right is the view of Lohan Village (Kampung Lohan). Mejar (trainer) is standing at the take-off point of paragliding.

There were a few paragliders there by the time we reached the site in the morning.

It was windy on the hill, so the parachute had no problem gathering wind power.

Then the paragliders ran and took off one by one. FYI, they didn’t jump off from a cliff (That one is base-jumping ok). There is a 45 degree slope in front, which is the best angle for running to take off. Other factors that make a good paragliding site include wind condition and topography in that area. Most are able to take off within 10 Meters of running distance, easier than flying a kite isn’t it?

Depending on the wind and their skill, some paragliders can stay high in the air for a long time. It looks so fun and free!

They practiced Spot Landing in the morning. It doesn’t look as easy as it does. When you are up in the air, it’s also hard to tell if you are ascending or descending. That’s why they have a beeping device on the helmet that can tell if they are gliding up or down.

Above: Preparation for tandem flight

Don’t worry if you don’t know how to paraglide. You can join their tandem flight. The fee ranges from RM80 to RM200 per ride. In fact there is no standard rate.

They say afternoon time is more suitable for tandem flight, because the hot air allows them to soar high, and they offer me a free ride. At first I was excited, but I didn’t feel safe anymore, when I saw one of them made hard landing into the shrubs. Anyway, my worry is needless, coz only the experienced trainers can provide tandem flight.

Above: briefing before tandem flight. Just a few simple instructions to follow. Nothing complicated.

Ready to glide… The wind was so strong that the parachute can drag you away.

Above: tandem flight landing.

They “passengers” looked so happy that they drove up to the hill and did a few more rounds again.

There are a few paragliding groups in Sabah, and each group have their own paragliding site. If you want to know more, please refer to the contact below:


1) Tamparuli (Ruhiang Hill)
Borneo Air Sport Ozone Adventures: http://www.borneoairsports.net/


2) Ranau (Lohan)
- Mejar Haznain Ngamil (Mobile/Cell Phone: 019-8608700) or
- En. Khairul Azizi (Mobile/Cell Phone: 014-9521077)

KAPALAI ISLAND

Have you ever wondered what it's like to sleep on water, to dive straight from your room? The Kapalai Island is the most amazing place to do just that. Here's what you should know before boarding.

What it is?
The Kapalai Island was a beautiful island two hundres years ago. Now it's a marvelous sandbank over a sahllow reef, with a resort village on stilts. It is only 15 minutes by boat from the diving paradise of Sipadan Island, on the eastern shore of Borneo.

Getting there

The closest airport to Kapalai is Tawau, which hosts direct flights from Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur, Sabah’s capital Kota Kinabalu or Singapore. From Tawau, you can take a mini bus to Semporna, then a boat. If you book a Kapalai Island Package, your transfer to and from the airport is included.

The resort

The Kapalai Island Resort is made of 59 wooden chalets built on high stilts, over crystal clear blue waters in the middle of the ocean. The chalets are linked together with miles of wooden walkways, making for an amazing walk or jog over water, with panoramic views no matter where you turn.

What to see and do

The Kapalai Package includes not only diving, but also snorkeling and kayaking, as well as diving certification courses and even night diving.

If you’ve considered macro diving, this is the best place to do it. You can spot frogfish, blue-ringed octopuses, the flamboyant cuttlefish, harlequin ghost pipefish, sea moths, mantis shrimps and mandarin fish just to name a few.

Dive spots are really close and can be reached in a few minutes by speedboat or by swimming directly to them. The island is a beginners’ paradise, with shallow calm waters, but also great practice sites and plenty rewarding for the more advanced divers.

Snorkeling is a fantastic activity for the whole family, easy but spectacular, in shallow waters and sandy bottoms. You can see saucer leaf algae and the finger leather coral with a bright orange ascidians on it, mushroom leather corals, brown sea whips, just to name a few.

When to go?

Kapalai Island is blessed with great weather all year long, temperatures ranging from 21˚C to 31˚C with the humidity about 90%. The best time to go is outside the rainy season, from March to October, for best visibility.

The Kapalai Island Package

The resort offers internet access, satellite phone, fresh drinking water from mainland, basic toiletries, bathroom with shower and tub, big sundeck, game room and a mosquito free, fun and relaxing environment. The large sundeck area is perfect for enjoying a few drinks while appreciating the fantastic tropical sunset, with amazing views of the sea. It also has a dinner sitting area, where you can enjoy freshly cooked traditional or western food.

With its serene combination of water and sun, the Kapalai Island is the perfect destination spot for couples, families or friends, divers and non-divers alike, to create the most amazing experience.

Kapalai Package - 2011:

Diver Package (Price Per Person)
Days / Night
3D 2N : RM 1,900.00
4D 3N : RM 2,580.00
5D 4N : RM 3,410.00
6D 5N : RM 4,240.00
7D 6N : RM 5,070.00
Additional Night: RM 830.00

Non Diver Package (Price Per Person)
Days / Night
3D / 2N : RM 1,520.00
4D / 3N : RM 2,064.00
5D / 4N : RM 2,728.00
6D / 5N : RM 3,392.00
7D / 6N : RM 4,056.00
Additional Night: RM 664.00

Note: Single supplement - Additional 50% of the above package

Package Inclusive:
1. meet and land transfer from Tawau Airport to our Private Jetty at Semporna (70mins) & return transfer
2. boat transfer to kapalai island & return
3. accommodation on a twin / triple sharing basis on the resort
4. provide 3 boat dives daily except on arrival and departure days
5. unlimited dives in front of kapalai dive centre
6. fresh food cooked by our Chef on buffet style
7. afternoon snacks served after 3rd dive
8. tea/coffee, cold water and cordial served throughout the day
9. tanks, weight and belt are provided
10. no extra charge nfor night dive in front of dive centre for advance diver or diver with night dive experience
11. limited dive gears are available for rental

Boat schedule:
Semporna to Kapalai: 9.30am, 12 noon and 3.30pm
Kapalai to Semporna: 6.30am, 10.30am and 1.30pm

Fight Recommend:
Kota Kinabalu to Tawau:
MH 2121 - 0700/0745hrs - check in Kapalai via 0930hrs boat transfer

Tawau to Kota Kinabalu:
MH 2134 - 1440/1525hrs - check out Kapalai via 1030hrs boat transfer.