Things to see and do BORNÉO - ÉTAT DE SABAH

To be able to observe nasal monkeys in the best conditions, this private sanctuary was opened by the owner of an eco-responsible plantation. These red and debonair primates, known as monyet belanda in Malay, are particularly photogenic and endearing. There are about 300 within the boundaries of this 600-hectare park. The times for attending their feedings are at 9:30 and 14:30 in Platform A and at 11:30 and 16:30 in Platform B.

The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is world-renowned for its exemplary work in primate protection. He takes in orphans, captive monkeys and the wounded. After the necessary care and survival training for the youngest, they are released into the wild. Unfortunately, some of them cannot be reintegrated and remain in the centre. Monkeys are fed twice a day, bananas and milk. There are nearly 200 of them living on the reserve, and they only come if they are hungry. Thus, the guarantee of seeing them is not guaranteed and their number on the platforms varies according to the days. The centre attracts a large number of tourists, and almost all stop here at least one night before continuing on to Sipadan, Kinabatangan or Sukau. Nonchalant apes are fed at 10am and 3pm and it is better to arrive 30 minutes before in order to optimize the chances of observing them from the equipped platforms. Very shy in their natural environment, it is in Sepilok that you will have the best chance to see them and bring back unforgettable photos. The influx of tourists can make the experience somewhat unpleasant, but most of them only stay for about 20 minutes and leave with a smile on their face. Also, to enjoy a little more calm, try to stay until the doors close at 11am or 4pm. Be sure to visit the outdoor nursery before you leave.

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.

Facing Likas Bay, this contemporary-style mosque is the largest in Sabah. Its architecture is inspired by the Nabawi Mosque in Medina. It houses a large prayer hall for up to 12,000 worshippers and three madrasas. At nightfall, the majestic white building seems to float on water, giving the place a fairytale appearance. Proper attire is a must. No shorts for men.

Husband husband in the local language means "follow me". The reconstituted village is located 25 minutes from Kota Kinabalu. It includes traditional houses from five Sabah tribes, each with its own specificities. You can visit the inside of a longhouse, familiarize yourself with the customs, taste different dishes, make fire, blow in a blowgun... The visit ends with an impressive show and a meal. The visit lasts 4 hours.

Once the climb is over, hikers often decide to relax in these hot springs. Although these are not natural pools but artificial ones, it's good to pamper your muscles in the soothing sulphurous waters, surrounded by lush vegetation after hours of walking. The complex also includes a beautiful garden and a suspended walkway above the canopy, both of which are well worth a visit. A mini-waterpark is also available for the younger guests.

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.

Ready to break records? Moutain Torq is the operator in charge of the world's highest via ferrata, which is even listed in the Guinness Book of Records, The Low Peak! If you're still feeling up to it after climbing Mount Kinabalu, you can follow up directly with one of the two via ferrata routes available.

The most demanding, the Low's Peak Circuit (forbidden for under 17s), 1.1 km long, requires 4 to 5 hours of sensational descent and starts at an altitude of no less than 3,776 m, making it the highest course in the world! You'll have the chance to stand up against the vertical wall and admire the view of clouds and the China Sea, held up just by a rope and carabiner. Everything is sturdy and well-maintained, and you'll receive full training the day before your ascent to the summit. The only prerequisites for enjoying the experience to the full: not suffering from vertigo and being in good physical shape. Then you'll be ready for the descent... and the crossing of suspension bridges over the void! A memorable experience.

For the less experienced, the second route, Walk the Torq, perched at an altitude of 3,521 metres and 380 metres long, can be completed in 2-3 hours, but still promises thrills and spills! (Accessible to children aged 10 and over).

For those who choose to climb Mount Torq and its via ferrata, the operator offers a preferred accommodation option, the Pendant Hut, perched at an altitude of 3,289 metres.

This hillside Buddhist temple overlooking Sandakan Bay is the city's largest and most impressive. Built in 1987, the modernity of the building is clearly visible. Set in a well-kept garden, you'll notice the swastika carved into the bushes, a Buddhist good-luck charm. A long row of statues of Buddha standing in karana position, with forefinger and little finger pointing skywards, is believed to ward off demons and ward off evil. The site offers beautiful views and a soothing setting.

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.

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.

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.

A few meters from the orangutan sanctuary, this well developed reserve is home to the world's smallest bears, the Malaysian bear or sun bear. A protected species, the centre's mission is to rescue endangered specimens and rehabilitate them so that they can resume their lives in their natural environment. Two observation platforms linked by footbridges running through the jungle allow you to observe them in peace.

On the edge of the Kabili-Sepilok forest reserve, this equatorial forest discovery center makes for an interesting visit. A permanent exhibition describes the importance of the dipterocarp forest and the crucial role of mangroves in soil conservation in wetlands. A landscaped garden features hundreds of orchids and carnivorous plants. But the must-see is bird-watching, with almost 300 species recorded here.

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

This small history museum will tell you all you need to know about Pulau Labuan, its mining adventure, the influence of the Sultanate of Brunei, the British presence, the Second World War and the Japanese invasion, and its status as an autonomous province. The second floor focuses on the socio-economic links between Labuan's various ethnic groups: Brunei Malays, Kedayans, Kadazans, Chinese and Indians. The museum is housed in a former colonial building, dating from the 1950s, used by the British administration.

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.

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.

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.