Three Musts in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo

[Sandra & John Scott]

Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia's corner of beautiful Borneo, is the capital of Sabah State and the gateway to visiting Sabah and Borneo. Known as KK, it is the largest city on Borneo and the sixth largest in Malaysia.  It is accessible from many places in Asia.

1. Orangs: One of the great attractions of Borneo is the orangutans and while they are difficult to see in the wild there are two places where it is easy to see the playful Orangs.  The easiest is at a rehabilitation center on the property of the Shangri-la Rasa Ria Resort not far from the center of KK. The orangs are just part of the resort’s Nature Reserve.  They are free roving but are fed twice a day by the staff so do not wander too far. There is also a nursery for the newborn orangs plus there is also a bird watching trail, nature trail, forest garden, and nature interpretation center.
   
2. Lok Kawi Wildlife Park: Located out of KK in the small town of Lok Kawi, is one of the largest wildlife parks in Malaysia. The park is home to orangutans, proboscis monkeys, and a wide range of fascinating tropical mammals, reptiles and birds most of which live in a large, open environment that provides easy viewing and photographing. A botanical garden highlights plant species common to the rainforest as well as some of the more unusual species.
   
3. Island hopping: Head to Jessleton Jetty, buy a boat shuttle ticket to one, two or three beautiful tropical islands with lovely beaches that are right on the city’s doorstep.  A special ticket can include a BBQ lunch on the island.  There is a departure tax and an island tax not included in the ticket price. Snorkel equipment is a little cheaper if purchased on the jetty instead of the island. The islands are part of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park.

 

http://www.examiner.com/article/three-things-to-do-kota-kinabalu-ma...