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Lahad
Datu
| This
town is a very interesting place. It is very close to the Philippines
and as a result of that it has become home to many immigrants. Lahad
Datu is the starting point to the famous Danum Valley. |
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Danum Valley Conservation
Area
At Danum Valley, it is possible to see
a 60-million-year-old rainforest, which has a semi-government natural
tourism setup that provides proper accommodation, food, and trained naturalists
who give professional interpretations of the forest. Danum supports an
incredible diversity of wildlife. The focus here is the huge spectrum
of plant-life and their complex ecosystem, which also supports a very
interesting array of rare fauna. Other observations include 275 bird species,
and 110 species of mammals, including great rarities such as the Sumatran
rhino and the beautiful clouded leopard. It is indeed a rare privilege
to stand under towering canopies of ancient trees and see some of Sabah's
superb wildlife.
Madai Caves
Like the more popular Gomantong Caves to
the north, these limestone caves are also famous for their birds' nests.
At the entrance of the cave, there is a sprawling "kampung" (village)
of empty wooden shanties. When the birds start nesting, these become the
nest collectors' temporary homes. A small river runs through the caves
and emerges at the entrance. A torch is necessary to explore the caves
and a guide is also needed if visitors wish to explore the inner-depths
of the caves. It is possible to walk through the caves but there are many
obstacles involved, such as wading through the river, which can reach
the thigh at certain places. Furthermore, the exit is reached by clambering
over slippery rocks. It is much easier to take the trail outside. Apart
from the caves, Madai also offers a large Air Terjun Madai (Madai Waterfalls)
and the small Hutan Rekreasi Madai (Madai Recreational Forest). The forest
reserve is situated around the falls with picnic facilities and food stalls.
Opposite the falls is the Kletus Muyuk Trail, which is a 45km walking
trail that leads back to the caves and further inland to the Madai-Baturong
Forest Reserve.
Pulau Sipadan
Acknowledged as one of the best diving
and unique spots in Southeast Asia, Pulau Sipadan is located off the small
coastal town of Semporna on Sabah's eastern coast. Just 15 feet from the
beach, the water turns indigo blue as the sea drops abruptly to 2,850ft
deep!
• Please
visit Pulau Sipadan under
Islands.
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