Malaysia Airlines flies direct from Cebu to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah and back twice weekly. In just two hours, one can be in Sabah, the gateway to Borneo. Sadly, a marvelous opportunity is too often wasted simply because few people are aware of the adventure that awaits them there.
Borneo is the third largest island in the world. It contains the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak; the sultanate of Brunei; and the Indonesian provinces of Central, East, West and South Kalimantan. The fastest way to get to Borneo from the Philippines is by plane to Kota Kinabalu from Manila or Cebu. In most cases, though, Kota Kinabalu is not the final destination but merely a stopover for jet-setting shoppers, businessmen and OCWs en route to Brunei's Bandar Seri Begawan or the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur.
MARINE PARK
Think of missed opportunities. If one can only extend one's stay in Kota Kinabalu by another day, one can spend a relaxing day at a white sand beach at any of the five islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park - a mere 15-minute ride away from KK. One can explore the only undisturbed coastal dipterocarp forest left in Sabah at Gaya Island. With a diving mask and snorkel, one can spend hours admiring the inhabitants of the coral reefs that fringe the islands. With scuba equipment, one will realize that a day's visit might not be enough. No problem, the islands of Manukan and Mamutik are equipped with comfortable facilities to accommodate sleep-in guests.
MT. KINABALU
Should you find yourself with three extra days in Kota Kinabalu, why not head for the Kinabalu Park? It is the prime destination of all adventure-seeking tourists in KK. The park is located some 80 km. from the town, a distance that can be covered in a two-hour bus ride.
The main attraction here is Mt. Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia. Despite its intimidating height, anyone in good physical condition can climb the mountain. No special skills or equipment are required. Each year, thousands of visitors of all ages and nationalities climb the summit. You can even get a certificate of achievement to show off to unbelieving friends back home that you "conquered" Southeast Asia's highest peak.
Even if you are not the rugged adventurous type, there are relaxing activities around the park to make communing with Nature an uplifting experience. A good number of visitors to Kinabalu Park are couples, families and schoolchildren on day trips. There are many trails within short walking distance around the park, various gardens, sports facilities, and restaurants. For those who wish to spend a few nights, there are villas and lodges equipped with a fireplace and kitchen; two-bed cabins; and hostels.
PORING HOT SPRING
About an hour's drive away from the park headquarters are the Poring Hot Springs. Water from cold and hot springs are piped into open-air Japanese style baths. The baths consist of several deep tubs, each fitted with hot and cold faucets to allow the bather to mix his preferred water temperature. Soaking in this sulphur bath is reputedly good for the skin and extremely soothing to a tired body. There are also sauna cubicles for people who prefer to enjoy steam baths in private.
The other attractions here are jungle trails through rich lowland forest, mountain rivers, waterfalls and tumbled bat caves. There is a canopy walk which permits observers bird-watching above the trees. The Kipungit waterfalls are only a 15-minute hiking distance. The Langanan falls, about 2 km. away, consist of seven falls, the last having an impressive 150-meter drop.
Visitors would need an extra day, perhaps more, to experience all these. Again, accommodations are not a problem. There are chalets, hostels and cottages.
WHITE WATER RAFTING
White water rafting is another adventure awaiting intrepid beginners. A minimum of four people is required by tour agencies that arrange these activities. Experience is not required, and the necessary equipment will be provided by the agencies. The regular package covers pick up and transfer from the hotel to the site, snack packs, barbecued lunch, and a certificate of achievement. Participants will be briefed on safety rules and rowing techniques before the ride. To ensure safety, they will likewise be provided with safety helmets and lifejackets, and will be accompanied by trained guides throughout the ride.
The popular venue is Padas river. To get there one takes a picturesque ride from Kota Kinabalu to the town of Beaufort, which by itself is well worth the trip. This adventure takes an entire day, but one should be back at his hotel by sunset.
JUNGLE SAFARI
Sandakan, another major town in Sabah, offers more wildlife adventures. There is a whole-day tour to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center, the world's largest. An overnight stay in a rainforest lodge gives the visitor a chance to explore the Gomantong Caves the next day. Or he can cruise along Sukau river and have a glimpse of village life along the riverbanks, perhaps catch sight of some proboscis monkeys and other fascinating wild animals along the way. The boat ride to Selingan "Turtle" Island enables one to observe giant turtles lay their eggs at night.
RICH CULTURE
The 1.7 million inhabitants of Sabah are a rich mix of indigenous and immigrant groups. The indigenous groups include Kadazan.Dusun, Bajau, Murut, Rungus, Lotod, Brunei, Orang Sungei, Bisaya and many other sub-groups. The Chinese form the largest non-indigenous group. With over 30 different races and over 80 different dialects, Sabah is a colorful tapestry of culture, tradition, festival and customs. Communicating in English is not a problem, as the language is widely spoken. Bahasa Malay is also a language than can be fun to learn as it shares many similar words with our own Tagalog and Bisaya. With so many Filipinos - about 80,000 - working in stores, restaurants and hotels, selling wares at the night market, and running the boats at the wharf -- the Filipino tourist will never feel too far away from home.
TOUR PACKAGES
Whatever type of nature trip you favor, you'll surely be impressed by the wealth of possibilities and choices. One visit is obviously not enough. Armed only with a travel guide and map, the adventurous traveler with plenty of time to kill will enjoy the flexibility of doing it all. Those with limited time and those who are doing this for the first time should employ the services of a competent tour agency. It is so much more convenient to have everything from tour guides to accommodation, transportation, and meals to park permits arranged for you.
There are several agencies at Kota Kinabalu. Some are flexible and can tailor a package to suit your schedule and budget. Other offer fixed packages at standard rates suitable to groups. The minimum number to avail of these packaged tours can be two, or four or ten. Highly recommended is Borneo Eco Tours, last year's winner of "The Most Visionary Green Incentive Concept Award" in the Greening of Tourism awards sanctioned by the World Trade and Tourism Council.
You may also consult the local office of Malaysian Airlines. They, too, can offer packaged tours through MAS' own network of accredited agencies.
Whether you find yourself making a stopover in Kota Kinabalu on your way to another destination, or you simply want to get away from the concrete jungle -- why not invest some time and money to have the adventure you deserve? A mere three days can do wonders in rejuvenating your zest for life, respect for nature, and goodwill to those of different race, culture and religion. These you will find in Sabah, Malaysia.
Published in The Freeman Magazine, November 1995