Getting High, Going Low or Heading for the Jungle in Malaysia

Sabah is the second largest and northernmost Malaysian state. Known as the 'Land beneath the wind' as it's just south of a region known for its typhoons.

Getting high

Located less than 2 hours outside Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Mt. Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malaysia, and arguably in South East Asia, at 4,095 meters (13,435 ft). While it's not conical or a rugged peak, it is still geologically fascinating and beautiful to look at. A granite chunk of rock thrust out the Earth's core some 10,000,000 ago, it's been carved up and ground down by glacial activity ever since then.

Generally hiked in two days, one can take your time getting to the Laban Rata hut at 3,300 feat accomplished by those aged four to eighty-four, any reasonably fit person can make the ascent (and get a certificate stating as much). The climb is only half the experience as the incredible orchids, ferns and pitcher plants along the trail deserve a look. From June to August the plant life is in full bloom.

Going low

With several dive spots rated in the world's top ten, Sabah offers an unlimited amount of underwater adventures for both snorkelers and divers.

Pulau Tiga, just 35 nautical miles from Kinabalu, was once best known for its rich marine life such as nudibranches, sharks, stingrays and sea snakes. Since 1999 though, it is has been better known as Survivor Island as it was the location of the CBS hit show Survivor.

Closer in, a mere 20 minutes boat ride from Kota Kinabalu, is the Tunku Abdul Rahman marine park with white, sandy beaches and coral gardens frequently by rays, scorpion fish, green and hawksbill turtles as well as whale sharks from November to February.

Also near Kota Kinabalu is Mantani Island, a site with three wrecks, all well-occupied by octopus, seahorses and eels.

Finally, if you've ever told someone that 'Danger' was your middle name - you should check out Layang Layang. This isolated island resort boasts hordes of scalloped hammerhead, grey reef, leopard and silvertip sharks. Not to mention you'll be surrounded by manta, devil, marble and eagle rays as well as see spinner and bottlenose dolphins, whale sharks, orcas and melon headed whales.

Heading for the jungle

If you are a Tarzan kind of person, you will love the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center. The largest in the world, this sanctuary contains 4,500 hectares of virgin jungle and allows for overnight stays so you can spend plenty of time with these highly endangered creatures.

With multiple cave complexes to choose from, Sabah is right place to be for going underground. At Gomantong you can enter a large cavern with 0 meter high roof and watch as licensed collectors dangle and balance precariously on rattan ladders, ropes and poles as they harvest birds nests. The area also boasts serpent eagles, kingfishers, Asian fairy bluebirds and leafbirds.

If this isn't enough, Sabah also offers hot springs, the 438 sq. km Danum Valley Conservation area with viewing platforms and canopy walks, the Tabin Wildlife Reserve with rhinoceros, elephants, wild oxen and mud volcanoes, and Turtle Islands Park where green and hawksbill turtles come to lay their eggs.