Sapi Island

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park in Malaysia is quite popular among nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Spread over 280 acres of land, the park is divided into two sections, the botanical and zoological side. It is run by the Sabah Wildlife Department under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment. The park is mainly family oriented and is also well-liked as a children’s zoo. The residents of the zoo include the Borneo Pygmy elephants, Orang Utan, Malayan Tiger, Sumatran Rhinoceros, Proboscis monkey, as well as a few species of Deer. The botanical side of the park allows the visitors to go on leisurely strolls and jungle trekking along the trail. The well maintained and paved botanical trail runs for approximately 1.4 kilometres and the entire botanical component is spread over 200 acres of the area. There is an aviary which is a very lively section of the park as you can hear a whole lot of pleasant sounds of the birds that greet the visitors who come to the park. The aviary houses many species of birds like the hornbill, parrots, pigeons, eagles and many more. The section in the zoo which is for children offers elephant rides from 10:30 am to 11:30 am and from 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm every day.

A cluster of five islands, Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is located at a distance of six kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. It expands on an area of 4929 hectares which has two-third of its portion included that of the sea. The five islands that form this park are Manukan, Sulug, Sapi, Gaya and Mamutik. All these islands are just a few minutes ride away from Kota Kinabalu. Various adventure sports activities are also offered at the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. One can also take the training of underwater sports like diving and snorkeling from the professionals here. Witness the gorgeous underwater marine life and coral biodiversity for an exceptional experience on your trip. Be it beginners or any other level of skilled person, everyone is welcome to experience this thrilling activity along with a certification.With high humidity in the year, this place experiences temperatures ranging between 23.8–29.4 degrees Celsius all year round.  An estimated number of 300,000 tourists visit this national park every year.One can buy the tickets for the island tours on the spot from the ticket counters at the Jesselton Ferry Terminal. The national park is open for its visitors from 8:30 AM to 4 PM. These islands are a major attraction among the tourists to get a true insight into the flora and fauna of this place.

The Tanjung Aru Beach is spread on the west coast of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. It is located close to the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. With a 1.3 mile stretch of the silky golden beach glistening under the sun, this beach has been successful in capturing the heart of its every visitor. People visit this beach to sight the most iconic sunsets and posing for sunset selfies. The tranquil aura of this place helps one relax in the most beautiful setting of nature here.  The Tanjung Aru Beach is subdivided into four areas namely First beach, Prince Philip Park, Second Beach and the Third beach. One can see the beach originating in the northernmost point from the entry here and then turning in the southward direction. The whole area is renowned as the First Beach. This place is an abode to the best beach sports activities, hawker stalls serving lip-smacking Malaysian food and exquisite hotels. The first beach resides almost everything that a visitor seeks in a vacation and hence it is the most popular spot of the Tanjung Aru beach.As the first beach ends, Prince Philip Park marks its way from there. This park is a popular picnic spot and was built in the 1960s. The beautiful fauna like oriental pied hornbills and blue naped parrots residing at this park are picture perfect midst lush aura.After the prince philip park, the second and third beach can be sighted extending till the airport. One can enjoy fishing, sports activities and Tai Chi hero. Most of the locals can be seen here spending quality time. These beaches are not very popular among the tourists and thus are less crowded than the first beach.

Another resort island with one of the best beaches in Malaysia, Mataking Island is the furthest from Semporna in east coast Sabah where a boat trip takes nearly an hour one way. Just stroll around the island to look for your own secluded place. One of the unique things about the island is that they have an underwater post office where you can literally post a letter or postcard. Highly recommended for those who want a 'Maldives' experience in Malaysia.   Highlights: This is the perfect romantic getaway as the island has a spa, private bungalows, an outdoor Jacuzzi by the sea and all the romantic walks by the beach you want. Special arrangements can be made for honeymooners, weddings or private parties. The only way to get here is by booking a tour package from the resort. There are no day trips or visits here.  How to Get There: It is about 40 minute’s boat ride from the mainland of Semporna in the province of Sabah.    

Are you a wildlife enthusiast looking for an ideal location to spot vibrant wildlife of Sabah? If yes, then Tabin Wildlife Reserve is an apt place to visit in Sabah. A tourist spot enveloped with immense natural beauty, Tabin reserve welcomes you with a bundle of priceless experiences.It is spread across an area of 1120 Sq Km which remains covered with mangrove forest.  The most important animal species found in the reserve include gibbons, elephants, macaques, red-leaf monkeys, and orangutans. On your visit to Tabin Wildlife, soak in the charm of its natural surroundings or spend your time capturing its exotic wildlife in your camera.Location: Lahad Datu, Sabah, MalaysiaEntry fee: There is no entrance fee for getting inside Tabin Wildlife Reserve

Also known as Swallow Reef, Layang Layang is one of the islands located towards the north of Sabah Coast in Borneo Island. Highlights – This is a very remote island, as it located in highly deep waters. The diving spots are close to 2000m deep. There is a naval base here and tourists are prohibited from entering into this area. There are lots of restrictions for tourists in these waters, due to which marine life is well-preserved. You will be able to spot Hammerhead sharks, whale sharks and abundant coral reefs here. Scuba diving is the main activity here, with the island providing maximum depths of up to 40m. Some famous diving spots in Layang Layang are Crack Reef, D-Wall, The Point, Pier Diving, Dog Tooth Liar and Wrasse Strip. Location – 300km towards the north the Sabah Coast, Borneo Island. Timings – March to August. Price – Depends on the package.

If you want to experience adventure amidst mesmerising Borneo Island, there can’t be a better Sabah tourist place for you than Mount Kinabalu. Standing at an altitude of 4095 metres, Mount Kinabalu is the tallest peak in Malaysia. This World Heritage site is known for its exotic flora and fauna which adds to the fun of hiking. Mount Kinabalu trek is a 5-hour long journey which takes you through spectacular landscapes to Panalaban. On your hiking trip, don’t forget to get up early and witness the panoramic sunset view from the hilltop.Location: West Coast, Sabah, MalaysiaEntry fee: RM 120 per person

Bohey Dulang Island is a mountainous island forged by the remains of an ancient volcano. The southern side of the lagoon is open but just below the surface is a protracted stretch of reef which represents the southern cratered fringe. The island is best known for its spectacular views at the top of its peak. It is possible to trail around the island at low tide by following the narrow edges of the beach and mangroves, although this involves scrambling over rocks or through vegetation's. Highlights: Prepare to be greeted by a host of tropical flora and fauna during the arduous but rewarding hiking trail to the top of Bohey Dulang Peak. Majestic views of the sapphire blue lagoon await those who make it through the hour long climb. How to Get There: Bohey Dulang is located about 35 minutes by boat from Semporna, 20 minutes from Pom Pom, 30 minutes from Mataking and 1.5 hours from Mabul.