THERE are a few places on the planet that inspire a sense of wonder and adventure because of their untouched nature, their wildness and promise of things not before seen. Borneo is one of those places. Even the name suggests exoticism, mystery, a place far removed from rush and routine.
It is indeed a remarkable place that has fascinated scientists and those drawn to the unknown. For intrepid travelers, it also holds the promise of a road less traveled, a journey that will leave you with stories worth telling for years to come.
Ownership of the Borneo island is divided among Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia, with the states of Sabah and Sarawak belonging to Malaysia. For those seeking a glimpse at the island’s rich, exotic and rare wildlife, Sabah offers a wealth of opportunities.
As the home to Mount Kinabalu, a massive mountain that stands 4,095 meters high, Sabah tends to draw adventure-seekers, those willing to rough it a bit for an up close and personal encounter with the beasts and beauty of the island.
Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of Sabah, and the most convenient stop in terms of transportation in and around the state.
The phrase “capital city” likely evokes images of skyscrapers, clustered apartment buildings, shopping and at least some bustling nightlife. Not so in Kota Kinabalu. The primary reasons to fly into the city are to climb Mount Kinabalu, which was the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Malaysia, or to seek passage to elsewhere on the island.
That’s not to say that Kinabalu is entirely without charm. Narrow, cobble-stoned Gaya Street is home to a wealth of restaurants offering an array of reasonably priced Malay and Indian foods. Small outdoor bars occassionally offer live music performances, where foreigners mix with locals over beers and bad music. The charming El Centro bar and restaurant offers exceptional food and a fun quiz night that any stranger passing through can get in on. Pleasant Tanjung Aru Beach sits only a short, six-kilometer taxi ride away.
But Kinabalu is a small place, and Borneo’s true wonders lie beyond the city limits.
Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Close encounters with the wilds of Sabah, Borneo
.It is indeed a remarkable place that has fascinated scientists and those drawn to the unknown. For intrepid travelers, it also holds the promise of a road less traveled, a journey that will leave you with stories worth telling for years to come.
Ownership of the Borneo island is divided among Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia, with the states of Sabah and Sarawak belonging to Malaysia. For those seeking a glimpse at the island’s rich, exotic and rare wildlife, Sabah offers a wealth of opportunities.
As the home to Mount Kinabalu, a massive mountain that stands 4,095 meters high, Sabah tends to draw adventure-seekers, those willing to rough it a bit for an up close and personal encounter with the beasts and beauty of the island.
Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of Sabah, and the most convenient stop in terms of transportation in and around the state.
The phrase “capital city” likely evokes images of skyscrapers, clustered apartment buildings, shopping and at least some bustling nightlife. Not so in Kota Kinabalu. The primary reasons to fly into the city are to climb Mount Kinabalu, which was the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Malaysia, or to seek passage to elsewhere on the island.
That’s not to say that Kinabalu is entirely without charm. Narrow, cobble-stoned Gaya Street is home to a wealth of restaurants offering an array of reasonably priced Malay and Indian foods. Small outdoor bars occassionally offer live music performances, where foreigners mix with locals over beers and bad music. The charming El Centro bar and restaurant offers exceptional food and a fun quiz night that any stranger passing through can get in on. Pleasant Tanjung Aru Beach sits only a short, six-kilometer taxi ride away.
But Kinabalu is a small place, and Borneo’s true wonders lie beyond the city limits.
Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Close encounters with the wilds of Sabah, Borneo
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