Travel

As Sabah's capital, Kota Kinabalu (or KK as called by the locals) sits on the edge of the South China Sea overlooking a cluster of coral-fringed islands. One of Asia's fastest growing cities, KK is an interesting blend of European, Malay, and Chinese culture. Recent influx of Filipinos has added extra flavor to the existing cultural blend. KK is a modern city with a number of shopping complexes, and international hotels and restaurants.

• Please visit Mount Kinabalu under Highlands and Kinabalu Park under National Parks.

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

A group of five almost untouched islands - Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Manukan, and Pulau Sulug - make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. Located between 3 to 8km from Kota Kinabalu, the islands are a favorite among picnickers, divers, and nature lovers. In order to protect the natural environment with its coral reefs, marine life, and its flora and fauna, the islands were gazetted as a National Park. Only a short boat ride from the city center, they offer some of the best beaches in Borneo with crystal clear waters and a wealth of corals and tropical marine life. Pulau Gaya is the largest island in the park whereas Manukan is the second largest. The latter is also the only island with accommodation facilities.

Pulau Layang-Layang

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 KK, 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.

• Please visit Pulau Layang-Layang under Islands.

Crocker Range

The Crocker Range is the backbone of western Sabah as it divides the western coastal plains from the rest of Sabah. Lying more than 300m above sea level, it is spread over 139,919 hectares of densely forested terrain. It rises from near Tenom in the south and culminates in the north at Mount Kinabalu and Mount Trus Madi. The fertile coastal plain on which KK and other large settlements developed are situated nearly 1500m below the range. Roads crossing the range have made the interior more accessible from coastal areas, thus making it possible for visitors to enjoy the serene tranquility in the rugged mountains. Although logging has taken a toll on some parts of Sabah, Crocker Range still has intact forest and much of it is now preserved as the Crocker Range National Park. Presently, there are visitor facilities within the park and it is also not open for public visits. Those who intend to visit must obtain written permission from the Director of Sabah Parks.

Rafflesia Forest Reserve

The Rafflesia Forest Reserve is devoted to the world's largest flower. The rafflesia is a parasite plant that grows hidden within its host, which are the stems of jungle vines, until it busts into bloom. In many respects, this colorful flower is strange and baffling. It blooms as a single flower, which has no roots, no stem, and no leaves as well. This large, magnificent flower is able to grow up to 1m in diameter. The 12 or so species of rafflesias are found only in Borneo and Sumatra. There are several species that are unique to Sabah but their blooming is unpredictable.

The reserve gives us the opportunity to see this floral wonder. The Rafflesia Information Centre, which is located at the entrance of the reserve, has interesting displays and information devoted to the flower. It provides facts and advice about the flower, including where, when, and how to see them. From the center, trails lead into the forest where the flowers can be found. The flowers may be located close to the information centre or they may be deep in the forest. It is all a matter of luck and patience!

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