Travel

Situated near Tambunan, Trus Madi is Sabah's second highest peak (2,642m). Logging concessions surrounds it and the upper slopes and peak are wild and jungle-clad. Currently, there are plans to turn the mountain into a wilderness reserve. Independent trekkers must be well equipped and take all the food and water up the mountain. It is advisable to get a guide or at least get maps and assistance from the Forestry Department. With good maps or a guide, it is possible to go by a 4WD up to about 1500m, from where it is a five to seven hour climb to the top of the mountain.

Pulau Tiga National Park (Three Islands)

The name Pulau Tiga comprises of three islands: Pulau Tiga, Pulau Kalampunian Besar, and Pulau Kalampunian Damit. Pulau Tiga is the largest island, which was formed by the eruption of mud volcanoes. It is covered by dense vegetation but volcanic activity in the form of bubbling mud and escaping methane gas can still be seen at the summit of the island. There are walking trails, beautiful sandy beaches, and good snorkeling around the island. Pulau Kalampunian Damit is famous for the sea snakes that come ashore to mate. Some of these snakes are never even seen on nearby Pulau Tiga. Locals call this island Pulau Ular (Snake Island). A 7km coral reef around the islands is home to various species of hard corals and the brightly colorful marine life.

Sandakan

The town of Sandakan is a thriving commercial center at the entrance to a beautiful island-studded bay. It lies on a narrow strip of land between steep hills and the waters of the Sulu Sea. At the height of the timber boom, Sandakan was said to have the world's greatest concentration of millionaires. The region has always been renowned for luxury goods, such as pearls, sea cucumbers, edible birds' nests, and bees' wax, thus attracting traders from the nearby Sulu Sultanate, as well as China. However, Sandakan bears little evidence of its early history as a result of bombing during the war.

Sandakan's oldest temple is called Puu Jih Shih. Built in the 1880s, it is a large Buddhist temple that is perched on a steep hill overlooking the town, thus offering an unrivaled panoramic view of Sandakan Bay. The temple is a blaze of red and gold with writhing dragons, gilded Buddhas, hundreds of lamps, and the fragrance of burning incense.

The Muslim community is served by the simple Sandakan Mosque, which was built on the edges of the bay next to Kampung Buli Sim Sim. The kampung (village) is perched on stilts above the sea. Flowery sarong and fishing nets are hung up to dry and wooden boats bob at the 'front door'. Visitors are allowed to wander along the walkways to get a glimpse of their lifestyles.

Traces of the town's colonial past can be seen in the quaint stone church, St Michael's & All Angel's Church, which was built in the 19th Century. Another link to the past can be found in Agnes Keith's House, an old two story wooden villa. Keith was an American who came to Sandakan in the 1930s with her husband, who was the Conservator of Forests. Her book entitled "Land Below the Wind" was based on her life in prewar Sandakan.

The Australian War Memorial is situated in a quiet, wooded park. This was the site of the Japanese prisoner of war camp and the starting point of the infamous 'death marches' to Ranau, which is near Mount Kinabalu. It is a fascinating yet frightful place, and the place has a melancholy if not eerie air despite the tropical heat.

The Central Market is a must-see for all visitors to Sandakan. You will find a fascinating mixture of people as they bargain for tropical fruits and vegetables, sarongs and seashells, spices and sticky rice cakes. Also, Sabah's largest fish market offers a wide array of seafood.

For a look at the past and present in the forestry industry of Sabah, it is worth making the trip to the Forest Headquarters (Ibu Pejabat Jabatan Perhutanan) in Labuk Road, which is next to the Sandakan Golf Course. The Exhibit Center is a mini-museum that is interesting and well laid out. It presents Borneo's famous ironwood (belian), which is renowned for its durability. Although taken from the pilings off the jetty of Sandakan after 50 years in sea, the wood bears no trace of woodworm or any other type of wear or tear.

Another not to be missed attraction would be Sabah's only licensed crocodile breeder. The original stock came from wild crocodiles found around the Kinabatangan River. This Crocodile Farm in Labuk Road is open to the public and features up to 2,000 creatures in all stages of development in cement pools. Their precious skins are exported and the meat sold to local gourmets.

On a lighter note, visitors can find some peace by walking around the busy waterfront and watching fishing boats, barges, and ferries around the wharves. Also, the market is always bustling with activity and one can find interesting things to buy or see.

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