The most beautiful natural sites to discover Malaysia

On 24 ha, this protected park gives the possibility to observe typical animal and plant species in a very special mangrove environment. You won't miss the goby fish, fiddler crabs or the egrets and kingfishers, each crawling, swimming or flying among the mangroves. To do so, simply follow the 1.5 km stilted route and climb the observation tower to dominate the surroundings.

A 6-hour drive from Sandakan, a 4x4 is needed to reach this beautiful, pristine valley. This is a research center that was recently opened to the public. A wide variety of impeccable and very comfortable accommodation for this remote corner of the jungle is available on site, from dormitories to private bungalows with terraces. Check-in with park staff is mandatory on arrival. This is where you'll get information on the various hikes available and be allocated a guide.

Imbak Waterfall. This large waterfall is the most accessible walking point. You can even drive the kilometer to the center. A few steps up a wooden staircase take you to the observation platform. You can then descend to the foot of the waterfall and bathe in the refreshing waters.

Imbak Forest. From the waterfall, a suspension bridge spans the river. A number of well-maintained trails allow you to explore the beautiful primary forest of Imbak. Allow 40 minutes' walk on easy to medium terrain.

Hiking. Hiking trails take you up into the surrounding mountains. A 2-6 hour hike is possible on steep, slippery trails that require good physical fitness.

Ornithology. A stroll around the center at sunrise will enable you to observe many colorful birds, such as the Asian fairy-bluebird and the rhinoceros hornbill.

Apart from the sporty Berjaya dive center, Tekek's most important dive centers are the Tioman Dive Centre and Moby Deck. Diving takes place between 2 m and 27 m, within a 20-minute boat ride. The best times to dive are from March to May and September to November; from June to August, visibility is considerably lower. The centers are closed from December to February. Tekek centers are PADI or NAUI certified.

House reef. Opposite Tekek beach, the shallow waters are ideal for novices and snorkelers alike. It's a good place to discover different varieties of coral and colorful tropical fish. A school of yellow-tailed barracuda.

Tomuk. Less than 10 minutes south of Tekek, the site drops to 20 meters. Large boulders form nooks and crannies to explore, lined with soft corals and home to nudibranchs. Perfect for macro enthusiasts. But a strong current can sometimes make diving difficult.

Tiger Point. This submerged pinnacle between the islets of Labas and Sepoi can be reached in around twenty minutes. The dive starts at 8 meters and descends to 22 meters. Powerful currents and rugged terrain require good control. This exceptional site is relatively uncrowded and therefore in very good condition. Slopes, canyons and rocks are carpeted with soft and hard corals and sponges. Large schools of mackerel, yellowtail bream, pike and trevally are seen on every dive.

For those who want to relax, the beaches are located on the north coast of the island, about kilometres from the ferry terminal.

Every night thousands of fireflies start flashing in search of a partner for the night. The ideal time to see this natural wonder is around 7:30 pm. It is easy to rent a sampan or a small boat at the park jetty to go up the canals through the mangroves. Excursions take place between 7pm and 10.30pm and last between 30 and 40 minutes. A piece of advice: take your mosquito repellent as these areas are very swampy. The use of flash is prohibited.

40 kilometres from Miri, this long beach of fine sand and rocks offers superb sunsets. Its rock formations are impressive, including the famous Horse Stone, a natural stone bridge that evokes a drinking horse. Around the car park, street caterers concoct appetizing local dishes. If it may not be worth a dedicated trip, check with your organizer or driver to see if the beach is on the road when returning from an expedition near Miri.

Main path. The path runs along the coast. It is well signposted by a colour code. 50 minutes are enough to reach a belvedere with a picnic area.

Selunsur rapids. To reach the Selunsur rapids, it takes about 2.5 hours to walk.

Turtle and Golden Beach. These two beaches are quite far from the entrance to the Park. It takes 3 hours of walking in the forest to reach them.

Boat rental. Renting a boat for an hour or a day is certainly one of the nicest options to discover the park.

Salang is the ideal location for diving in Tioman, as most of the sites are in the north of the island. You won't have to plan long boat transfers to reach the dive sites. The leading diving center is Salang Bay Divers (with a French-speaking instructor), which is PADI-certified. As on the rest of the island, dive centers are closed from December to February.

Salang Bay & Roger's wreck. Salang Bay is rich in small fish and therefore attracts the biggest fish. You'll see impressive schools of pelagic fish forming incredible ballets. Roger's wreck, a wooden fisherman's boat, lies on the seabed to the north of the bay. The wreck is intact, with the mast still present, and is the subject of interesting outings.

Pulau Soyak. This tiny, tree-covered rocky islet lies just opposite Salang. The underwater rocks are covered with a wide variety of soft and hard corals and sea anemones. Many fish and hawksbill turtles reside here: altums (angelfish), napoleons, zebrafish, parrotfish, blue-spotted stingrays, yellow-spotted snappers, eels, barracudas...

Fan Canyon. Off Salang Bay, this site is attached to Coral Island, renowned for its coral. A gentle slope descends to 30 meters. Along the way, a narrow canyon shelters sumptuous fan corals. However, crossing the canyon is prohibited to protect the fragile corals.

This reserve is on the tourist itinerary of wildlife enthusiasts thanks to agencies such as Adventure Alternative Borneo or Borneo Adventure. It's a 4-5 hour drive from Sandakan, first on a tarmac road, then by 4x4 on a gravel road and finally a dirt track. Accommodation is in the huts provided for visiting Forest Department officials. Comfort is simple, but rooms and sanitary facilities are very clean. A restaurant provides food and meals are normally included in the package. You should allow at least 2 nights on site, as transit times are particularly long. You will then be entitled to 3 safaris on the reserve's trails.

Safari. You'll explore the area from the back of a converted pick-up truck. It's not possible to leave the forest tracks, which reduces your chances of spotting wildlife. However, DERAMAKOT is considered one of Sabah's best wildlife spots. If you're very lucky, you may spot a clouded leopard. Occasionally, travelers spot a herd of Bornean elephants, which are numerous in this forest, despite the industrial exploitation. Your chances of seeing orangutans, wild cats and civets, red leaf monkeys, macaques and wild boar are also very high. The forest is a birdwatcher's paradise, with the possibility of spotting 7 species of hornbill.

Lambir Hills Park is 52 hectares in size and boasts numerous hiking trails, from the easiest to the most challenging. They are well-marked and color-coded and intersect one another, making it possible to undertake several treks in a single day. Over 157 species of bird have been recorded here, and botanists are still discovering plants. The park is also home to gibbons, clouded leopards and tarsiers. But the chances of spotting them remain slim, especially for inexperienced eyes. A guide is not compulsory, but recommended if you want to learn more about the natural world around you. Good walking shoes, plenty of water and anti-bleeding socks are essential... And of course a swimsuit, for those who wish to cool off en route in one of the magnificent waterfalls.

Main Trail. This 800 m trail takes 12 minutes to complete and leads to all the other trails. Easy.

Latak Waterfall. Bukit Lambir's most popular hike leads to a beautiful 25-meter-high waterfall. A natural pool with a sandy bottom makes it an ideal spot for a wild swim. For greater peace and quiet, come during the week, because at weekends, the place is very popular with picnickers from Miri. 20 minutes. Easy tour.

Pantu. The almost 2 km-long trail leads through the forest to a 40-meter-high observation tower where you can watch the canopy and the birds. 1h. Medium difficulty.

Bukit Pantu. The hill closest to headquarters offers a beautiful view of the park. You can cool off at the Nibong waterfall on the way. 1h35. Moderately priced.

Pantu Waterfall. This popular 2 km trail takes you to another waterfall, a little wilder and less frequented than Latak. 1h45. Moderate.

Bakam. After Pantu Waterfall, the trail continues through dense forest and climbs gradually. 2 hours 40 minutes. Difficult.

Tengkorong & Dinding Waterfalls. These crystal-clear waterfalls have to be earned, but the reward is that you should be alone. 2 hrs.

Bukit Labir. Climbing the park's highest peak (456 m) requires a good level of physical fitness to cope with some tough passages and a long walk in a very wet climate. Note the transition between dipterocarp forest (tall trees) and heather forest with stunted trees. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with some beautiful wild orchids. You can cool off at the Dinding waterfall on the way back. 3h30. Difficult.

Access to the park begins with a boat trip across the River Niah. Then follow the wooden walkways to the caves. Due to the humidity, these can be very slippery, so good footwear is recommended. You'll also need a flashlight to light your way through the caves. A wide-brimmed hat can be useful if you don't want to collect precious bird droppings on your head. The first cave is an hour's walk away. If you return after dark, you may spot some luminescent mushroom species on the way back.

Traders Cave. The Niah caves are home to tens of thousands of swallows and bats. Local villagers collect the swallows' nests, which are worth a fortune on the Chinese gourmet market. Guano is also collected for use as a natural fertilizer. The Grotte des Marchands was once a meeting place for the swallow's nest and guano trade.

Great Cave. The Great Cave measures 250 m wide at the entrance and 60 m high at the highest point, making it one of the largest cave mouths in Malaysia. But it's only once you've gone deep into the bowels of the cave that you discover its gigantism and the singular atmosphere that reigns there, reinforced by the play of light coming down from orifices in the vault and reflecting on the rock formations with their mineral relief, living like a spirit in the cave. It takes a good hour to explore the cave, during which time you must be careful not to slip on the guano-covered floor. It's not a good idea to hold on to the handrails either. The best time to come to the Grande Grotte is at sunset, to enjoy the incredible ballet of swallows returning to their nests while the bats emerge for their nightly stroll.

Painted Cave. The most famous of Niah's caves attracts visitors for its prehistoric cave paintings. The frescoes depict the journey of the dead to the afterlife. The floor is littered with the remains of boat-shaped coffins. The bones contained in these sarcophagi have been transferred to the Sarawak Museum in Kuching. Archaeological research has shown that this cave was inhabited as early as the Paleolithic era 40,000 years ago. The frescoes, on the other hand, date back to the Iron Age, around 800 BC. The Grotte Peinte is the only cave in Borneo to bear unmistakable witness to a very early human presence.

Along with Salang, ABC is one of Tioman's hot spots for diving. With 3 wrecks to explore close to the beach, you don't have to go far to enjoy the beauty of the island's seabed. It's also a good place for snorkeling, as visibility is often excellent around the island. The best dive centers in Air Batang are Blue Heaven (French-speaking instructor and SSI certification) and Eco Divers. Both are PADI-certified.

House reef. Accessible directly from the beach, ABC's house reef allows you to brush up on your diving basics with a maximum depth of 12 meters. It's also a good place to spot the rare goby.

KM Sipadan and Sawadee wrecks. The KM Sipadan is a former Malaysian army warship. It was deliberately sunk in 2012 to create an artificial reef. The site is ideal for Nitrox diving, as well as for highly experienced divers who can then visit the interior of the ship. Two other wrecks of Thai fishing boats seized by customs were also sunk on the same site at a depth of 30 meters. If you're lucky, you may come across a stonefish or a crocodilefish.

Pulau Renggis. This small island off the Berjaya golf course is a diver's and snorkeler's paradise. It requires a short boat trip of around ten minutes. With a depth of just 10 meters, the site is often selected for a third daily dive or a night dive. Blacktip sharks are often seen here.

Mulu National Park is famous for its caves and even more so for its pinnacles. This astonishing geological formation is the result of karstification in a limestone environment. Water continues to erode these 40-metre-high peaks, giving them a sharp-edged appearance against the green canopy. Other hikes lasting several days, but requiring good physical fitness, are also possible. A network of marked trails starting from headquarters, of much lesser difficulty, can be undertaken alone. In addition, over 200 km of underground galleries run through the cliffs, in some places forming vast, impressive natural caves.

The Pinnacles. This hike attracts travellers from all over the world eager to discover this geological curiosity. It is organized by Mulu Park and accompanied by professional guides. A high level of physical fitness is required, as the climb to the Pinnacles takes place over very uneven, slippery terrain, and is sometimes vertical. The trek takes 3 days and covers a total of 10 km, with 1,200 metres of ascent. The first day includes a pirogue ride to a native village and Clearwater Cave. From there, a 7.8 km jungle hike on flat riverbank terrain leads back to base camp, in a beautiful spot where you can enjoy a sunset and a refreshing swim after a long hike. The second day starts very early, as the ascent and descent take place in the same day, with 2.4 km of climbing for 2 to 5 hours, depending on the fitness of the participants. The terrain is steep, and the heat and humidity make the effort particularly exhausting. Once past the dipterocarp forest, the ground becomes covered with slippery moss, and some sections are climbed vertically up ladders. As the last part of the climb is dangerous in wet weather, it may have to be cancelled depending on the weather. Once you've reached the promontory, the view is truly breathtaking. You'll stay at the summit for about an hour to enjoy the view, recharge your batteries and have lunch. The descent can be even more difficult than the ascent, as the tired body has to hold its own weight to avoid slipping or falling. It takes between 5 and 10 hours, depending on the terrain and your state of fitness. You return to base camp for a second night. The third day is devoted to returning to the park office.

Fee-paying excursion. Guide required (provided by the park or private). You'll need to bring your own meals, water to base camp, a change of clothes and sleeping gear, a rain poncho and mosquito repellent.

Headhunter's Trail. This tour is organized by local tour operators or large incoming agencies specializing in the destination. It combines boat trips up rivers, jungle trekking and an overnight stay in a traditional longhouse. It follows the route taken by Kayan headhunters during their murderous raids on the populations of the neighboring Limbang valley. Departure is from the park headquarters. The first day is similar to that of the Pinnacles trek. The second day is a 4-5 hour, 12 km trek through the jungle to Kuala Terikan. The afternoon is spent in a longboat to reach the Rumah Bala Lesong longhouse. After an evening and night with the locals, you continue downriver to Naga Medamit. From here, transfer by road to Limbang and Mulu. Fee-paying excursion. Private guide.

Gunung Mulu. The 2,377-meter ascent is undoubtedly the most difficult in Mulu and is only suitable for seasoned hikers. The entire hike takes 4 days and 3 nights.

Paying excursion. Guide required. You'll need to bring your own food, cooking gear, change of clothes, sleeping bag and plenty of water. Huts along the way provide overnight breaks.

Wind & Clearwater Caves. These two caves overlook the Melinau River. Access is by longboat from the park. The first cave comprises two chambers with beautiful geological formations created by water erosion. They are linked by a narrow corridor where the wind rushes in, hence the name. A wide underground river flows through the second chamber. Paying excursion. Guide required. A caving trip organized by the park connects the two caves via a series of narrow underground corridors.

Langs Cave & Deer Cave. The caves are accessible from the park office via a well-marked 3 km platform. Start with the charming Langs Cave and work your way up to the immoderate Deer Cave. Most hikers opt for an afternoon visit, as at sunset thousands of bats emerge from Deer Cave to hunt, provided it's not raining too hard. You can watch this spectacle without paying a visit to the caves. Fee payable. Guide required.

Canopy Walk. For a gentler excursion, you can opt for the Canopy Walk, a 6 km walk, including 620 meters suspended above the canopy, lasting around 2 hours. A supplement of RM50 will be charged.

There are 5 trails of varying difficulty, alternating between areas of rotational cultivation, ancient secondary forest and pristine primary forest. Each hike ends at the river's edge, where a pirogue awaits you. Bring plenty of water and lunch if necessary. Rain gear and good hiking boots are essential.

Padalai. 1.8 km. 1 hour 30 minutes. Easy; Bebiyong. 4 km. 2 hours 30 minutes. Easy; Bilitong. 4.6 km. 4 hours. Medium;Enggam. 8.2 km. 6 hours. Difficult;Sium. 7.6 km. 5 hours 30. Difficult.

There are 12 hikes of varying difficulty in the Tanah Rata area. You can get a map with information on the trails from the tourist office or your hotel. Be careful, however, the trails are not always well marked. Routes 2, 7 and 8 are difficult; 3, 5 and 10 are of medium difficulty; 4 is of easy difficulty. Remember to inform someone of your departure by indicating the route and a time limit for return. Not all trails are always open. Check before you leave.

Established in 1933, Bharat Tea is an iconic local company. Originally, the plantation simply sold tea leaves to a local processing factory. In 1963, it acquired a neighboring plantation with its own factory, and in 1994 Bharat began marketing a locally-produced tea, Cameron Valley Tea. The company organizes tours of its plantations, as well as high-tea and tastings. The company has two stores, with beautiful views and explanations of the transformation process.

Redang is one of the first category destinations for diving and snorkeling. No less than 40 sites surround the island and the area has a marine protected area. 80% of the marine species present in the coral triangle that includes the Philippines, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea can be observed here. Drops, coral gardens and sandy bottoms allow you to alternate pleasures and are accessible to beginners and experienced divers alike. The destination is very popular with amateur or professional photographers who practice macro photography. The best diving spots are concentrated in the east of the island.

Tunnel Point. A tangle of rocks creates a natural tunnel through which the divers can weave. Gorgonians and corals cling to the walls. When the current is strong, the blades collide with the rocks, causing them to crack. Impressive.

Tanjung Tokong. North of the island, in the immediate vicinity of Turtle Bay. A very good place to spot endangered green and hawksbill turtles.

Chek Isa. This submerged reef starts at 8 meters and goes down to 20 meters. The rocks are lined with corals, sponges and hydroids. Many shells are found in the crevices, such as cowries (porcelain-coffin), spider shells, nudibranchs and spirobranchs, and fish. On the ground, you will look for the sea scorpion perfectly camouflaged in the sand.

Tanjung Cina Terjung. One of Redang's favourite dive sites, it is located in the south-east of the island. It's a paradise for eels and lionfish. Sandy bottoms conceal stingrays, sea scorpions, stonefish, globefish. With weak currents and a maximum depth of 18 meters, this is a good spot for beginners.

Pulau Lima. East of Redang, these 5 islets gather all the beauty and the coral and pelagic diversity of the marine park. It is thus the most visited site and more particularly Big Mount which goes down to 35 meters. This is where you might get a chance to meet the whale shark.

Pulau Ling. The southernmost site of Redang, it features two spectacular mushroom-head-shaped coral formations with a circumference of more than 20 metres. In shallow water, between 10 and 20 meters, the site is ideal for inexperienced divers. Cavities at the base of corals are home to angelfish, horned zancles or cardinalfish.

The Perhentian Islands are famous for their seabed and green turtles. Some twenty diving spots are spread between the two islands. Some of these can be visited in snorkel mode, such as Shark Point, Lighthouse or Romantic Beach. Almost every resort has its own diving center, where you can also rent fins, mask and snorkel. You'll need to factor in the cost of the boat, as with the exception of Turtle Point, all the sites are off the islands. Your hotel reception will be happy to help you organize your excursion.

Turtle Point. Just off Pulau Besar's main beach, green turtles like to gather here in search of plankton. As a result, tourists also like to congregate here, in the hope of catching a glimpse of a large specimen. The water is crystal-clear, the sand bright white and the seabed close at hand. Everyone jumps in, even those who can't swim, strapped into their life jackets. If you're planning a diving or snorkeling trip around the islands, you'll have a good chance of seeing the turtles, in the quiet. So you can save yourself the stopover here, which is more like a zoo experience.

Shark Point. To the south-west of Pulau Besar, close to the rocks, blacktip reef sharks cruise close to the floor. Some can reach 1.60 meters in length, leaving you with a slight feeling of dread. Unless, of course, you're an inveterate diver.

Lighthouse. To the south of Pulau Kecil, this is the place to be for thrill-seeking snorkelers. You can climb to the top of the beacon and jump into the water some ten meters below. The rocky seabed is also an extraordinary place to observe multicolored fish in crystal-clear waters.

Romantic Beach. To the west of Pulau Kecil, this is another hot spot for snorkelers. The beach is charming and romantic, but napoleons can also be spotted just off the shore.

Temple of the Sea. Considered the best diving spot, it lies to the north-west of Pulau Kecil. We descend to 18 meters along a rocky pinnacle where we can observe giant pufferfish, moray eels, trevally and impressive schools of snapper. Cuttlefish, rays, sculpin sharks and trunkfish are also among the residents.

Crossing Tioman. A well-marked trail crosses the island from west to east to Juara. Although the route is mainly in the shade, make sure there is enough water. The track, well marked, can be difficult at some points and good footwear is recommended to get over the few difficult spots. The walk takes 2 to 3 hours. To get back from Juara, you can take a sea taxi. It should be around 100 RM. Besides, the road is good enough for 4WDs. The return can be done by this way or by hitchhiking by asking for a moped which should cost less. In desperation, you can walk again.

From Tekek to Genting. A trail runs through the jungle from Tekek to Genting in the southwest of the island. The correctly marked path starts from the Berjaya Tioman Resort. It's a fairly arduous 1 hour walk to Paya Beach. The path becomes flatter and easier from Paya Beach to Genting, and it takes no more than 45 minutes to cover the distance. Don't hesitate to take your swimsuit with you, as you'll come across many deserted creeks along the way, perfect for refreshing yourself. If you don't want to walk home, you'll have to take a sea taxi. It should be around 50 RM.

If you wish to climb the mountain peaks, it is necessary to be accompanied by a guide, as the paths are very poorly marked. Contact the guesthouse or hotel where you are staying.

Trekking is the order of the day in the Kelabit Highlands. From a simple walk of a few hours in the countryside to a real trek of several days in the mountains, there's something for everyone. Your hosts will be able to give you all the information you need and help you find a guide, which is essential especially for sporty treks.

Hiking. The area around Bario is a great place for easy hikes through the countryside and villages. The scenery is splendid, and bird-watching is also possible.

The best-known routes are Bario-Pa Lungan (2-3h), Bario-Salt Spring (saltwater spring, 1-2h), Bario-Pa Ukat (4h) and Bario-Prayer Mountain (2h).

Hiking. One of the most popular routes links Bario to Ba Kelalan, a 3-day trek with no major difficulties. You'll pass through the following villages: Pa' Lungan (a 4-hour walk), then the next day Pa' Rupai (8 hours), and finally Ba Kelalan (3 hours). This route will give you a good overview of the different types of terrain and longhouses to be found in the Kelabit Highlands. Ask Bario's guides about the cost of their services. They will arrange the necessary accommodation and meals. If you stop at Ba Kelalan, you'll have to pay your guide for the return trip to Bario. Ba Kelalan has an airfield with a flight to Miri.

Another popular route is the Bario Loop, where you will pass through several villages before returning to Bario. This route takes at least 2 days to complete, depending on your level of fitness. It is possible to extend the tour by visiting other villages. Plan your itinerary carefully with your guide, and take into account what's included in the price. If you're setting off for several days, bear in mind that walking in equatorial terrain can be exhausting for the body. It's better to keep the stages short than to be in the red from day one.

The ascent of the Batu Lawi granite peaks is open to experienced hikers, bearing in mind that the highest of the two (2,040 m) requires some climbing. The lower one is accessible to any well-trained hiker, with days ranging from 8 to 10 hours' walking. The return loop to Bario takes three days.
The ascent of Gunung Murud, Sarawak's highest mountain (2,423 m), is reserved for the more experienced and takes six days' walking from Bario.

The 8.8 km ascent to Low's Peak takes 2 days and one night. It's also possible to do the route in 3 days to take your time and let your body acclimatize more slowly, provided you have the budget. Although the climb does not require any special skills, climbers should be in good physical shape.

Formalities. The park issues a maximum of 163 paid permits per day, and you must be accompanied by a guide. A park entrance fee is also required. You can opt for the classic ascent with an overnight stay at the Laban Rata hut, or take the via ferrata with an overnight stay at the Pendant Hut hut. The two huts are 100 metres apart at an altitude of 3,270 metres. In all cases, you need to book at least 6 months in advance if you hope to obtain a permit. The park authorities require a passport for registration formalities. They then issue you with an identity tag, which you are required to carry with you at all times while in the park. The park rangers also give you 2 coupons for the Balsam Buffet Restaurant. The first coupon entitles you to a picnic lunch on the first day; the second is for use at the restaurant the following day, after the descent.

Day 1. The first day is devoted to the Timpohon Trail to the refuge. Check-in at the park entrance between 7:30 and 10:30 am. No more departures are allowed after 11am. The climb takes between 4 and 6 hours, depending on your pace. Please note: if you have opted for the via ferrata, you must arrive at the refuge before 3:30 p.m. for the mandatory briefing. If you miss this stage, you will not be allowed to complete the climb the following day, with no possibility of reimbursement.

From the park headquarters, a shuttle (for a fee) operated by Sabah Parks staff takes you up to Timpohon Gate at an altitude of 1,866 metres. The route begins with a gentle descent to the small Carson waterfall, surrounded by climbing plants and moss. The ascent begins here, and never stops. The first section is mainly marked by steps formed by tree roots. There are seven rest stations along the way, with toilets and drinking water, where you can stop until you reach the refuge. We advise you to leave the park headquarters as early as possible, so that you can rest at the refuge and acclimatize to the altitude. Some people experience altitude sickness at this stage.

Day 2. After a short night's sleep and a light breakfast at the refuge, the second part of the climb begins very early in the morning, at 2.30 am. The 2.72-kilometer ascent is via the New Ranau Trail, a path laid out after the 2015 earthquake damaged the original trail. You'll now be walking on granite slabs, at a leisurely pace. Numerous handrails line this section to facilitate climbing on the rocks. You have to take your time, and go very slowly to save your breath, as each step is a victory as the air gets thinner.

At an altitude of 3,668 meters, the trail joins the Kuta Belud Trail (closed since January 2019), which serves as an alternative route on the way down. The Sayat-Sayat hut offers a place to recuperate before the final ascent, as well as toilet facilities. It is also compulsory to report to the Sabah Parks staff. At this altitude, the vegetation changes completely, giving way to a mineral world. But it's on the way back that you'll notice, as it's still dark for the end of the trek. After 3 hours of arduous ascent, you finally reach the summit and daylight fades on the horizon. A spectacular view of the mountain plateau and the valley below graces you with an unforgettable reward. You've reached Low's Peak at an altitude of 4,095 m, and you can take photos in front of the sign that testifies to this.

Descent. Then it's back down to the hut, in broad daylight, and the dizzying peaks that dot the route. A second breakfast is served at the refuge. After check-out, you descend to Timpohon Gate. Weather permitting, the descent takes around 3 hours. Knee braces are recommended for those with weak knees, as the descent is long and there are many steps. You can pick up a diploma attesting to your ascent at the park headquarters (RM10) and conclude this crazy adventure at the Balsam Restaurant.

Useful tips. The night before the climb, you may wish to sleep at park headquarters or outside the park, so as not to have to take the bus from Sandakan or Kota Kinabalu on the morning of the climb, and thus gain a few hours' sleep.

Make sure you're warmly equipped, as it can freeze at the summit and the Day 2 ascent takes place at night. A headlamp is a must, to light the narrow path and spot the handrails.

Mount Kinabalu is not immune to heavy rain. Bring rain gear and plastic pockets to protect your electronic devices and passport.

You can organize your own visit, but Turtle Island holidays are facilitated by the private company Crystal Quest, which resells the 50 daily permits issued by the park authorities to regional tour operators. Although the price is relatively high, we nevertheless recommend using an operator, as everything will be taken care of. The package generally includes transfer from your hotel in Sandakan to the pier, crossing, overnight stay, meals and, of course, turtle watching.

Day 1 : Meet at 9:15 a.m. at the jetty of Turtle Island National Park in Sandakan. Departure at 10 a.m., with a crossing time of just over an hour. On arrival, the Crystal Quest team will assign you to your room. Lunch is served between 12:30 and 2 pm. The afternoon is yours to explore the island, enjoy the beach and snorkel in the crystal-clear waters. The beach is closed from 5pm, as the turtles come to lay their eggs. The turtle conservation program's discovery center offers a 30-minute film at 7pm. Dinner is served at 7.30pm.

Turtle watching. Park rangers will pick you up as soon as a turtle ready to lay has been spotted. They'll take you to the nesting site and start measuring and tagging. The eggs are then collected and taken to the supervised incubator. Nests are dug in the sand and protected from predators by nets. The warden will then take you to release the baby turtles that have hatched during the day.

Day 2. Breakfast is served at 6:30 am and departure from the island is scheduled for 7 am. The boat takes you back to Sandakan landing stage.

Useful tips. The waters around Selingan Island are teeming with beautiful tropical fish and visibility is excellent. Don't forget your fins, mask and snorkel.

The sun beats down hard, even if it's hidden behind heavy clouds. A high factor sunscreen is a must if you plan to swim or sunbathe.

Turtle watching takes place at night. If the rangers are equipped with powerful flashlights to show their actions, a headlamp may prove useful.

Don't be surprised if you come across men with guns. The Philippines are not far away.

To support the project, you can join the Turtle Nest Adoption Program for RM100.

Most hotels and tour operators offer packages including overnight stays, full board and excursions. Depending on the number of nights you stay, you multiply the number of activities. The package includes at least one river cruise. The best time to observe the local wildlife is at sunrise for the birds, and at the end of the day for the proboscis monkeys.

Cruises. Outings are made on small, flat-bottomed boats of varying comfort. The boats cruise up and down the river and its tributaries in search of local wildlife. You'll need a good pair of binoculars and a camera with a powerful zoom. At the beginning and end of the day, a good mosquito repellent will save the day. During the day, bring a hat and sunglasses.

Hiking. Many packages include at least one jungle outing. Most lead to Oxbow Lake, a former loop of the river. The river has changed course and a natural "lake" has formed. The ecosystem here is unique. Whichever hike you choose, be prepared to sweat hard. Bring plenty of water, loose-fitting clothes, sturdy walking shoes and socks to prevent blood loss.

Gomantong cave. If you don't have another cave visit planned during your stay in Borneo, this one will be enough to impress you. It's home to hundreds of nesting bats and swallows.

The best season is from March to May, the driest period. Taman Negara offers several trails ranging in difficulty from 2 hours to 7 days. The options are vast, and it's best to look at a map in detail before preparing your itinerary according to your desires and abilities. Nevertheless, here are five classics:

Royal trekking: Gunung Tahan. It takes 9 days round trip to reach the summit (2,187 m), 53 km from HQ. Most treks start from Merapoh and begin with a river descent and a short 4x4 transfer. You'll then have 30 km to climb, which takes 4 days. Wherever you go, you'll need to bring your own camping gear, food and water bottles. The presence of a guide is mandatory. Water and firewood are available in the camps provided for rest stops. The climb is difficult and only suitable for those in perfect physical and psychological condition. Extraordinary jungle views are the reward.

Wild trekking: Gunung Gagau. Situated in the north-east of the park, this peak rises to 1,376 m. It's a trek that's all the more rugged for the fact that it's a seldom-visited area. Accompaniment by a certified guide is compulsory. A full briefing with essential safety instructions will be given at HQ. The hike begins with a full-day trip up the Sungei Sat River. Allow 6 to 7 days in all. You'll need to bring your own camping gear, food and cooking supplies, as well as water for the first day.

Lazy trekking: the Yong trail, most of which is flat, takes 4 hours, ideal for short stays. Along the way, you'll pass 1 or 2 aboriginal villages. Beware of the small path - it won't take you anywhere. Always follow the main path.

Intermediate trekking: Kuala Trenggan trail is a 7-hour walk along 9.5 km of the Sungai Tembeling River. A popular trail for those heading towards Bumbun Kumbang. It is normally possible to charter a boat up Kuala Trenggan and walk back to HQ.

Bathing trekking: the Lata Berkoh trail, along the Tahan River, with two bathing spots on the trail, Lata Berkoh and Lubok Simpon. You'll need to charter a boat to go upriver and return on foot in 5 hours. Before starting the trek, check the water level with HQ.

Bako National Park has 18 marked hiking trails that can take you for an hour's or two-day walk. Maps given out at the park office, or available on their website, identify each trail by color code. They also describe the flora to be observed along the way. The park's helpful staff can help you define your itinerary according to your wishes, the time available and your physical abilities. Be sure to check the weather forecast before setting off. The very humid weather makes you sweat a lot; don't forget to bring sufficient quantities of water to avoid dehydration. Good walking shoes are also essential.

Telok Pandan Kecil. This hour-and-a-half trek (2.5 km) is one of the most popular. The first part climbs through forest before reaching a plateau and cliff that offer splendid views of the beach below. If you reach the beach and plan to swim, beware of monkeys and crocodiles.

Telok Paku. This short one-hour trek (1.2 km) is for you if you want to observe proboscis monkeys, preferably early in the morning or before sunset. A wooden platform overlooks the mangrove before reaching the forest. The path climbs moderately before reaching a deserted beach framed by rocks. Boatmen are waiting to take you back to headquarters if you don't feel like going the other way.

Tajor. The 3.5 km trail leads through lowland vegetation and shrubs to a secluded beach after a steep and slippery descent. It takes 2.5 hours before you can dip your feet in the water.

Lintang. This 5 km loop allows you to discover all the different types of vegetation found in Bako Park. It takes 3 to 4 hours on a demanding trail that at times offers magnificent views of the canopy and the China Sea. Preferably accompanied by a guide, for explanations of the flora and fauna.

Night walk. Every evening at 8pm, the park rangers organize a night walk lasting around 2 hours. This is an opportunity to discover the nocturnal fauna, which is very active in the jungle. As well as the frogs that make their songs resound, insects and arachnids choose the dark hours to carry out their activities. If you're lucky, you'll come across a tarantula or a colugo. Just be careful where you put your hands and feet, and bring your own flashlight.

This forest reserve, created in 1990, offers hiking trails through the forest to Bukit Gemok hill. There are seven refuges along the way, where hikers can rest and relax. During the rainy season, the path often becomes muddy and slippery. After about an hour's walk, you'll reach the Titien Selara canopy footbridge. At 231 meters long, this elevated walkway is one of the longest in Sabah, and offers a breathtaking panorama of the city and coastline.

Established in 2013, this national park is seldom visited by travellers, making it an ideal place for hikers in search of authenticity. There are few tourist facilities, but it is possible to stay with local people in the village of Munggu Sawa. Access by dirt track is arduous, and the park's challenging terrain is a delight for sports enthusiasts. It's home to a discreet fauna, but it's not uncommon to spot an orangutan.

This national park is located on the Maludam peninsula and consists entirely of low-lying flat peat swamp forest. It was established in 2000 to protect the natural habitat of its wildlife, in particular the red-banded langur. The park is home to the world's only viable population of this endangered langur species. The park is also home to macaques and hornbills. You can take a river cruise through the park on a boat organized by the local community.

Located 24 km from the center of Tawau, this park with its contrasting topography was created in 1979. It is distinguished by its tropical forest and rugged volcanic terrain, separated by wide plains where rubber, palm and cocoa trees are grown. It is home to one of the world's tallest tropical trees, standing at 96.9 metres. The area is famous for its hot springs, waterfalls and 3 peaks over 1,000 metres high, Mount Maria (1,080 m), Mount Magadalena (1,310 m) and Mount Lucia (1,202 m), which are ideal for superb hikes through the jungle. A botanical garden introduces visitors to the flora of the region, including magnificent orchid species. Accommodation is available at the park headquarters, which offers 10 basic but comfortable air-conditioned rooms and a family bungalow. There's also a small canteen serving delicious local cuisine, which doubles as a mini-market.

The park's fauna is varied, and walks in the forest enable you to observe several species in their natural habitat: the gibbon, the rufous semnopithecus, the rhinoceros or bicorn hornbill, the tarantula, the pangonlin, as well as numerous species of birds, reptiles and amphibians, including one of the world's smallest frogs.

It's best to visit the park on weekdays to enjoy its peace and quiet, because at weekends it's a popular destination for families who come to relax.