Malaysia Tourism - Activities in Sabah
Borneo Adventure Tours!
Borneo may be famous among divers thanks to its incredibly rich and diverse seas but there are plenty of things to do above water too. Adventure opportunities are endless here - from climbing the spectacular Mount Kinabalu to whitewater rafting, to visiting orangutans, or sea kayaking around the islands.
Dive The World have teamed up with the Discover Borneo, experts in Malaysia tourism and adventures tours in Sabah. They are based in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, the provincial capital city of Sabah, and specialise in organising all sorts of fun activities for the days when you're not underwater.
Many of these exciting activities are available as day trips or overnight stays from Kota Kinabalu. Other tours are further afield and can be included in your Borneo travel itinerary.
Here are some ideas for things to do when visiting Sabah…
• View a map of Sabah
Tours available from Kota Kinabalu include:
Full information on all these Borneo adventure tours below ...
Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary and Resort
You can book a stay at Sepilok directly with Dive The World. For more information on Orang-utans, please see our Orangutan feature.
Climbing Mount Kinabalu
Standard Mt. Kinabalu Climb
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Mount Kinabalu rising to 4,101 metres, is the highest peak in Southeast Asia. Challenge yourself and attempt the summit of Borneo in Malaysia's first World Heritage Site. The climb takes you through varying vegetation zones offering breathtaking scenery and the chance to see some endemic plants including the Nepenthes Rajah - the world's largest pitcher plant. Overnight in the Laban Rata accommodation zone. The next day's early morning summit ascent starts at 3 am, so you will have to be up by 2 am in the morning! If you are lucky you will reach the summit plateau for the sunrise.
Add-On 1: Via Ferrata Walk The Torq
An introduction to the world of Via Ferrata - a permanent network of iron rungs, rails and cables attached to the rock. Suitable for beginners, this activity takes you on the world's highest Via Ferrata and across a 6m Monkey Bridge. You will also attempt a 430m rock traverse and ascend.
Add-On 1: Via Ferrata Low's Peak Circuit
This activity is carried out on your descent from Low's Peak. The Via Ferrata detour will allow you to see stunning views and explore places off the beaten track. Best suited for those with an above average level of fitness, the program not only includes the 6m Monkey bridge and 430m rock traverse but also a 763m long Via Ferrata.
Kinabatangan River Safaris
Sungai Kinabatangan is Sabah's longest river, measuring 560 km from its headwaters in the southwest of the state to its mouth in the Sulu Sea, east of Sandakan.
For nature lovers, these safaris are the highlight of a stay in Sabah. The incredible bio diversity of the region is on display as you drift along the river and take walks in the jungle. You may see macaques, proboscis monkeys, orang utans, Bornean pygmy elephants, crocodiles, hornbills, snakes and much more.
Kinabatangan River Adventure 1
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
The program includes a visit to the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Gomantong Cave and an overnight stay in the Bilit Rainforest Lodge. You will also partake on an afternoon river cruise in search of wildlife. On Day 2 you will visit the Oxbow lakes for bird-watching before returning to Sandakan for your onward flight. If time permits, you will stopover at the Australian War Memorial.
Kinabatangan River Adventure 2
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, the Rainforest Discovery Centre and Gomantong Caves are the first stop in this program giving you an introduction and insight to the wonders of Borneo. On the evening of Day 1 you will be taken on a night cruise for nocturnal animal spotting. Day 2 involves a visit to the Oxbow Lake and an afternoon cruise in search of wildlife. If you are lucky you may be able to spot wild orangutan, elephants, deer, numerous encounters with birdlife and many other animals. Your last day involves another early morning cruise before returning to Sandakan for your onward flight. If time permits you will stopover at the Australian War Memorial.
Klias River Proboscis Monkey Cruise
Duration: 1 day trip
Found only in Borneo, the rare proboscis monkey, with its huge nose, is one of Malaysia's most bizarre sights. Take a relaxing cruise and watch the monkeys play. Sightings guaranteed!
The Klias River is located in the southern part of Sabah very close to Beaufort. One of the few remaining wetlands, this area is home to many types of wildlife but none more elusive than the proboscis monkey. Also known as the long-nosed monkey or the Dutch-man monkey, this trip starts in the afternoon and ends in the evening after dinner. Apart from the proboscis monkeys, you can also expect to see macaques, silver leaf monkeys, bats and sometimes crocodiles. During certain times of the month you even see fireflies.
Mulu Caves
Standard Mulu Caves Tour
Duration: 2 days / 1 night
Home to Malaysia's second UNESCO World Heritage Site, this trip introduces you to the 4 magnificent show caves of Mulu. Your trip to Mulu arrives in the afternoon where you proceed immediately to Deer & Lang Cave for an afternoon's exploration and the awesome bat exodus at dusk. You spend the night at the Royal Mulu Resort. Day 2 of your program includes a boat ride to Clear Water & Wind Caves followed by a picnic lunch. You return to hotel for your check out and transfer to the airport for your onward flight.
Mulu Caves & Pinnacles Tour
Duration: 4 days / 3 nights
This 4 day program entails a lot of trekking. It starts on day 1 with your afternoon arrival in Mulu followed by a trip to Deer & Lang Cave. You will spend the night in a local homestay. On Day 2 your trip continues with a boat ride to Clear Water & Wind Cave followed by trekking to Camp 5 where you will stay the night. On Day 3 you will spend the day trekking and exploring the route to the Pinnacles. That night you will also stay in Camp 5. Day 4 sees you trekking back to Mulu for your onward flight.
Danum Valley Rainforest Tours
Duration: 3 days / 2 nights
The Danum Valley Conservation Area covers more than 100,000 acres of virgin forest. It is widely considered to be one of the most important ecosystems in the world.
The scheduled transfer in the morning from Lahad Datu takes you over 97 km to the Danum Valley Conservation area where you will stay the night in the newly refurbished Borneo Rainforest Lodge. The activities on your first day include a visit to the Canopy Bridge and an introductory trail. Day 2 sees you trekking to View Point and Coffin Cliff in the day. In the evening you will be taken for a night walk. Danum Valley is home to many larger mammals including elephants, deer, wild boar and other animal life. Return to Lahad Datu after lunch on day 3 for your onward flight.
White Water Rafting Tours
Try whitewater rafting on the rivers of Borneo, which offer thrilling rides which will get your adrenaline pumping. Quite a change from the underwater world, you may be in for a bumpy ride! Note: you must be able to swim and your active participation is required throughout the trips.
Padas White Water Rafting
Duration: 1 day trip
Your trip starts from Kota Kinabalu at about 07:30 hrs on a 2½ hour overland journey to Tenom. In Tenom you will board the train to Rayoh where you start your white water rafting activity. Padas River is considered to be a Grade 4 white water river. This means you can expect medium-sized waves, rocks and drops. After heavy rain this can be quite an adrenalin ride! This also means that the briefing covers a wide range of rafting skills and techniques you will need to battle the rapids.
Liwagu White Water Rafting
Duration: 1 day trip
The Liwagu River is located in the Ranau district and consists of 25 Class 2 and Class 3 rapids. Overall you can consider the river to be a Grade 3 experience with small waves and drops. The river ride also allows one to be closer to nature.
Kiulu White Water Rafting
Duration: 1 day trip
The Kiulu River is the most suitable river for corporate groups, families with children and anyone whom has never experienced white water rafting. The easiest river to access also means that the trip is not a full day affair leaving you with much of your afternoon free. A Grade 2 level also means you really only need to know basic paddling skills.
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