Borneo Kinabalu Travel & Tours

DZ Nature Resort - Ulu Kimanis, Papar.

2009-05-12T10:06:00.011+08:00

Dz Nature Resort located just 60 minutes from the capital city Kota Kinabalu and the International Airport. This perfect getaway nature resort consist of several types of air-conditioned accommodation from chalets to a bungalow, each with breathtaking views.

DZ Nature Resort has many activities for its visitors, both young and old, offering its natural diversity at its best, to you!
1. 3-hours Trail Guided Jungle Trekking
2. Scenic and Serene Waterfall Gardens
3. Camping Adventures
4. Garden Picnics
5. Tour Packages
6. Diving Packages
and much more fun filled adventures!

Travelling Tips

2009-03-03T11:20:00.002+08:00

General Tips

Request for a copy of your tour itinerary on arrival.
Note departure times of tours and flights.
Use vehicles that are licensed to carry tourists (with Bas Persiaran permit printed on vehicle).
Encourage drivers to stop engines when vehicles and boats are parked.
Conserve electricity and water.
Carry your identity papers or a copy of these papers with you.
All tours must be guided by local Malaysian licensed guides who hold either a blue, green, pink or yellow badge.
Dress sensibly.
Drink plenty of liquids.
Use biodegradable products. Bring biodegradable insect repellent (Citronella).
Take off shoes before entering a house.
Be careful not to introduce any plants or animals into the environment. Introduced species can destroy ecosystems.
Do not collect your own `souvenirs' from the rainforest.
Abide by local regulations.
Support the local economy by buying locally made goods and foodstuff but do not buy items from endangered species.
Encourage or participate in the local conservation project such as tree planting to replace patches of trees illegally logged, or perhaps help a local charity.
Notify your guide if you are having a problem.
Provide your feedback upon completion of tour.
Share your experiences with your family, friends and community when you return home.

Marine

Use coastal and river boats that are not overloaded (below 12 passengers) and wear a life jacket.
Keep pollutants out of waterways. Do not dump any objects or waste over the side of a boat, even if you think that it is biodegradable.
Encourage drivers to stop engines when vehicles and boats are parked.
On wildlife river tours, follow the directions of the guide when you are being seated in the boat.
Respect the integrity of coral reefs. Do not touch, stand on, or break off pieces of coral. Damaged reefs can take years or even decades to regenerate.

Jungle Trekking

Stay on the trail to minimize damage to the surrounding area.
Use pre-existing campsites for camping where possible.
Reflect on the biodiversity of your new surroundings and how they differ from what you are accustomed to.

Cultural

Ask permission if you want to take photographs of local people.
Respect the sensitivities of local people…There are accepted dress codes at certain places including places of worship.
Appreciate and protect cultural heritage. Avoid touching rock or cave art, carvings, and monuments.
Respect differences in culture. It is important to recognize that while different, other thought patterns and ideas of time are equally valid as your own.
Take time to listen to people who are willing to share. Ask them questions and learn about their culture.

Wildlife

On wildlife river tours, follow the directions of the guide when you are being seated in the boat.
Do not disturb, harass or feed wildlife. Do not leave personal belongings unattended in locations with wildlife.
Avoid touching animals or handling bird eggs or baby birds.
Never come between a mother and her young. This will put both you and the animals in danger.
Reflect on the biodiversity of your new surroundings and how they differ from what you are accustomed to.
Wear attire in natural colours and avoid substances with perfumes
Be patient when viewing wildlife and give the animals plenty of space.

Equipment Care/ Photography

Use ASA 400 film
Bring a spare battery
Don't leave your camera lying in the sun
Use soft cloth to wipe lenses.
Clean your camera at least once a day
Bring a monopod if you have one
Use a sand bag to steady the camera while in boats and vehicles.

Sukau - Sabah's Primate Paradise

2009-03-03T10:28:00.025+08:00

Most times, travelers to the Kinabatangan and Sukau make the effort to visit because it simply is the only place in Sabah or even Borneo for that matter, that the wildlife is so accessible. The Sukau / lower kinabatangan area is a zoo safari and night safari all rolled into one.

The kinabatangan wildlife sanctuary is only 26,103 hectares in size and within this tiny area (hemmed in by palm oil plantations from all sides), is a great variety of animals and flora, some endemic to Borneo and some endemic to the area itself. The diversity of this area is unimaginable.

There are a recorded 1000 plant species, 250 bird species, 90 fish species and reptile and 50 mammal species cramped into the area. And sometimes during the rainy season between December and February, the river bursts its banks and floods over the floodplain inundating a vast area.

The animals suffer a great deal from this as the higher grounds where they used to retreat to, are now palm oil plantations and they are left with little land to survive and even less to feed on during these months of hardship. It’s been known that animals starve to death during these times.

For the drier periods, visitors have a higher chance of animal sightings and animals like the pygmy borneon elephants, the orang utan , proboscis monkeys, silver leaf monkeys or languors, macaques, civet cats, snakes, estuarine crocodiles, otters, wild boars, bird life such as the oriental darters or snake heads they are called, herons, Wallace's Hawk-Eagle, Jerdon's Baza, Violet Cuckoo, Blue-eared Kingfisher, Grey-headed Fish-Eagle, horn bills and can be ‘found’, if your nature guide and boatman is experienced.

There may be a lot more than meets the eye.There are generally 2 ways to go about getting to Sukau area, one is by boat all the way which may take 2hours meandering up the languid river or the other is to take a 1 hour van or car ride on rough palm oil plantation roads to the jetty and then a 10 – 15min boat ride to the resort. It is however advisable that if you are pregnant or if you have a bad back, not to travel on the plantation road.

The road condition is atrocious due to the rain and heavy vehicle use and 45km at 20km/hr of this travel will definitely be a painful affair if you are not accustomed to it. Normally, just to make the trip a little easier, many take the tours out and stay a day or two at resorts, home stays and hostels along the kinabatangan river. The itinerary is very similar from one tour agent to the other.

Layang-Layang Island - Jewel of the Borneo Banks

2009-02-26T12:16:00.009+08:00

A diver's paradise, Sabah's Layang-Layang is actually a new name for an oceanic atoll once called "Swallow Reefs". Situated approximately 300km northwest of Kota Kinabalu, Layang-Layang is a tiny oceanic island surrounded by a coral atoll. It is among the famous Spratlys, which is a collection of about 600 islands, reefs, and atolls strategically located in the South China Sea. There are some who rate Layang-Layang as an exclusive dive location.

The island has even been nicknamed "Big Fish" or the "Wall Diving Mecca of Southeast Asia". Layang-Layang covers only six hectares but an atoll over 7km long and 2km wide surrounds it. The atoll features a 2000m sheer drop around its rim, thus making it an excellent dive site. Located far from land and human encroachment, its waters are crystal clear with visibility averaging 50-60m.

Divers will therefore get a clear view of the amazing underwater habitats. As it is bathed in tropical conditions of 7.5 degrees north to the equator and 114 degrees east of the meridian, its waters are warm with surface temperatures ranging between 21-32 degrees Celsius.

One of Layang-Layang's biggest attractions is the Hammerhead Shark. Manta rays with fin spans of over 10ft are also found here. Other pelagic species that are found regularly include tuna, barracuda, and reef sharks. The eastern end of the atoll is home to thousands of migratory birds. Hence Layang-Layang is not only a diver's paradise but also a bird watchers' haven. The island can be reached by plane or cruise boats. The flight takes about 2 hours while the cruise takes 16 hours from Kota Kinabalu.

Labuan Island - 'Pulau Labuan'

2009-02-25T11:15:00.008+08:00

Pulau Labuan is situated off the coast of East Malaysia, near the state of Sabah. It is also quite near to Brunei Darussalam. You can reach Labuan by flight from Kuala Lumpur, which will take around 2 1/2 hours.

There are also flights from Miri (Sarawak) and Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) and Brunei. Another alternative is to reach Labuan by express boat or ferry from Limbang (Sarawak), Lawas (Sarawak), Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) or Menumbok (Sabah). Going by boats will take around 3 hours, depending on weather and sea conditions. Labuan Island, with an area of only 92 square kilometres, packs a wide range of sights and activities to do. Bird lovers can go to the Labuan Bird Park which is free for the public.

Not too far from there is also the Labuan's Chimney, a landmark built in the 1800s. There is a marine museum at the Labuan Sports Complex and also facilities to hire boats. Don't forget to visit the Labuan Water villages - a whole village of wooden homes buit on water! The best way to see the sights in Labuan is to rent a car and drive yourself around the island. Get yourself a good Labuan Map or map-brochures of Labuan from the tourist information centre or hotel that you're staying. Of course, it's better to stay in the hotels around the main town so that you'd have easy access to the shops, airport and ferry / boat terminal. There are many duty free stores in Labuan where you can purchase duty-free goods such as chocolates, liquor, cigarettes and leather products.

There are several diving spots around Labuan, mostly shipwrecks, that you can go to. There are four shipwrecks around Labuan that divers can explore: the Australian Wreck (southwest of Rusukan Besar Island) the American Wreck (southeast of Rusukan Kecil Island) the Blue Water Wreck (northeast of Kuraman Island) the Cement Wreck (east of Kuraman Island) You can also go for diving certification on the island at registered diving training centres.

There are several smaller islands around Labuan Islands such as Pulau Daat, Pulau Papan, Pulau Burong, Pulau Rusukan Besar, Pulau Rusukan Kecil and Pulau Kuraman. These islands are great for snorkelling, diving, swimming or just relaxing on the beach. You can reach these islands by chartering boats from the boat jetty next to the Waterfront Hotel in Labuan. A trip to Pulau Burong will take around 20 minutes by boat whereas it takes 40 minutes to Pulau Kuraman.

Danum Valley

2009-02-11T12:27:00.012+08:00

Quoted from http://www.malaysiasite.nl

Danum Valley is about 70 kilometers (44 miles) west of Lahad Datu, Sabah's fourth largest town. It comprises 43,800 ha of virgin forest. It is a vast reserve of lush tropical lowland forest rich in Sabah’s unique flora and fauna. The area has been recognised as one of the world's most complex ecosystems.

The Danum Valley provides visitors with ecological experience into the wilds and wonders of ancient tropical forests. The hot and humid jungle teems with a variety of towering tropical trees, lingering lianas, exotic orchids and overhanging epiphytes.

Danum Valley lies within the upper reaches of Sabah's second largest river, the Segama and its tributaries. Danum Valley is generally hilly but not mountainous. Its highest point is Mount Danum, of 1093 meters (3585 feet) in height.
There are few places on earth that can provide such an awe-inspiring spectacle of nature in its original, pristine state.

The fastest way to get to Danum from Kuala Lumpur is to take one of the daily KLIA flights directly into Tawau with Malaysia Airlines or Air Asia.

From there you have to go to Lahad Datu by bus or taxi, some 120 kilometres (72 miles) from the airport. From Lahad Datu, head out towards Gunung Silam and follow signs to Danum Valley.

All visitors must get their entry permit from the sales office in Lahad Datu. If you drive your own vehicle, you must also first obtain a gate pass from the Lahad Datu office. The pass must be produced at the checkpoint at 5.5 km on the Main Line West Logging road. Follow this road to major junction at km 56.5 where there is a sign-posted left turn to the Field Center 10 km onwards.

Although Danum Valley is essentially a conservation area it is also a wonderful retreat for nature lovers and naturalists. Among the many nature activities are:

Tembaling Waterfalls
It takes one to two hours along a scenic trail alive with flora and fauna to reach the waterfalls.

Sungai Purut 7-tiered pools
One of the most spectacular waterfall and pools found in Danum Valley Conservation Area is Sungai Purut Waterfall situated on the way to Gunung Danum. This waterfall is about 20 m in height with 7-tiered pools. It takes about 4 hours of jungle trekking from the Field Centre to reach the pool.

Madai Caves
This is where the local natives, the Idahans, have been harvesting birds' nests, a Chinese delicacy, for 21 generations. Gunung Danum or Mt. Danum is the highest peak in Danum Valley Conservation Area at 1093m.

Burial Caves
Burial caves have a special place in the myths and legends of the Orang Sungai in Borneo.

Other Interesting Places
Other interesting places are the nearby Rafflesia Hill where Rafflesias are found, Rhino Pool where the elusive Sumatran rhinoceros was once sighted, and Gunung Nicola, another peak within the area.

Trails
There are over 50km of marked trails for visitors, including a self guided Nature Trail.

Take note: for the safely of all visitors, you are request to trek or jungle walk accompanied by a guide.

Mammels:
Sumatran rhino, Asian elephant, Orang utan, Western tarsier, Flying lemur, Leopard cat, Yellow barking deer, Mouse deer, Sambar deer, Bearded pig, Malay civet, Long-tailed macaque, Slow loris, Clouded leopard, Giant flying squirrel, Malayan sun bear, Smooth otter, Proboscis monkey.

Birds:
Rhinoceros hornbill, Bay owl, Bill fletcher, Crested fireback pheasant, Great argus pheasant, Black-backed kingfisher, Lesser green leafbird, Bornean flycatcher, Crimson sunbird, Asian fairy bluebird, Buffy-fish owl, Helmeted & wreathed hornbill Bushy-crested & pied hornbill.

History Of Mount Kinabalu

2009-01-05T18:25:00.018+08:00

The Mysterious Mountain
Rising at 4,095m (13,436ft), Mt Kinabalu is the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. The mountain is located on the east Malaysian state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo. Mysterious and moody, but always a magnificent sight, Mt Kinabalu has captured the imagination of locals and explorers for centuries. Cloaked in swirling mists, puffy clouds, golden sunsets and rich flora and fauna, the mountain is ever-changing in its sights and sounds.

Mt Kinabalu and its surrounding Park has a very wide range of habitats, from rich tropical lowland and hill rainforest to tropical mountain forest, sub-alpine forest and heath on the higher elevations. In 2000, Mt Kinabalu was included in UNESCO’s World Heritage List to preserve and protect its natural heritage. It has also been designated as a Centre of Plant Diversity for Southeast Asia. Read more ......

View Mount Kinabalu

(This image may be subject to copyright)

View Of The Mabul Island

2009-01-03T19:50:00.010+08:00

The sunset in Mabul Island image above is by mastino70.

The Mabul Island snorkeling image above is by ewster.

The floating resort, Mabul Island photo above is by spamangr.

The jetty image here is by limchinhuang.

Photo of Mabul Island above is by leafbug.

Gold List for The Top Dive Destinations of the World

2009-01-03T18:21:00.008+08:00

Sipadan was at the top of Scuba Diving magazine’s Gold List for The Top Dive Destinations of the World, a distinction it shared with two other destinations known for an equal diversity of their marine life - the Galapagos Islands and Truk in Micronesia. Article by David Lavoie.

The lagoon photo left is by pats0n.