tourist destination in Malaysia: Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak

tourist destination in Malaysia: Sarawak
Gunung Mulu National Park

Mulu Caves National Park is home to one of the longest networks of caves in the world. Here lies the world’s largest underground chamber, the Sarawak Chamber, capable of accommodating forty Boeing 747 airplanes.

In Mulu, you will also find the world’s biggest cave passage, Deer Cave, which can fit five cathedrals the size of Saint Paul’s in London. Another key attraction is Clear Water Cave, the longest cave in Southeast Asia. The massive caves here are home to millions of bats and cave swiftlets that swarm out into the jungle in great clouds every evening at dusk!

The outdoorsy type will be pleasantly surprised by some of the best examples of tropical limestone weathering in the world, including enormous razor-sharp pinnacles, deep-cut canyons, appropriately named The Pinnacles. There are tough but rewarding multi-day hikes available from the resort. A guide and porter are recommended.

Key Tips

Arrive at the viewing platform in front of Deer Cave by 6 pm to witness the fantastic spectacle of countless bats exiting the cave, headed out for a night's prowl of the jungle. Set your camera to ASA 800 to capture the 'show' sharply as flash won't work in this situation.

How to get there

By Air
Malaysia Airlines operates three daily flights from Miri into Mulu (30 minute flight). Recently, an airline called FAX, which is a subsidiary of Air Asia, has started flying to Mulu as well.

By Boat
You can also take the express boat from Kuala Baram (three hours) to Marudi. From Marudi, take a commercial express boat to Kuala Apoh or Long Panai on the Tutoh River (a tributary of the Baram River). The express departs Marudi at noon daily and returns to Marudi in the early morning of the next day. The trip takes about three hours.

Accommodation Booking

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source: tourism malaysia

tourist destination in Malaysia: Danum Valley, Sabah

tourist destination in Malaysia: Sabah
Danum Valley

The Danum Valley Conservation Area, 83km south-west of Lahad Datu, is blessed with a startling diversity of tropical flora and fauna. This vast Eden-like basin is home to the rare Sumatran Rhinoceros, orang utans, gibbons, mousedeer and the beautiful clouded leopard. Some 270 species of birds have been recorded in the area. The Danum Field Research Centre is located within the confines of the 440 sq km forest reserve.

It also boasts one of the first eco-resorts in Sabah, known as the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. This comfortable resort has a restaurant, bar and comfortable chalets overlooking the Danum River. Jungle treks, river swimming, bird watching, night jungle tours and excursions to nearby logging sites and timber mills are some of the activities offered here.

Key Tips

Be sure to bring a jumper. Yes, you're in the tropics, but the jungle can get surprisingly cool at night, partly because the sunlight rarely reaches the jungle floor through the canopy.

Accommodation Booking

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tourist destination in Malaysia: Lankayan Island, Sabah

tourist destination in Malaysia: Sabah
Lankayan Island

Lankayan Island is a virtually uninhabited island located in the Sulu Sea. This tiny island is covered by thick tropical jungle that is surrounded by smooth, white sand - the perfect getaway.

It has the only dive resort in Malaysia's Sulu Sea called the Lankayan Island Dive Resort and is one of the best spots for whale shark sightings. The location of the whale shark is usually indicated by flocks of seabirds screeching high above the placid surface. With luck, divers and snorkellers may get close to this gentle giant, although it won't stay close for long.

During the day you can witness black-tip sharks swimming about by the beach. At night, hawksbill and green turtles may be spotted coming to shore. Large stretches of beautiful hard and soft corals belonging to numerous genera can also be found here, the perfect habitat for colourful juvenile fishes.

Among the 40 dive sites is Lankayan Wreck, where the remains of an ocean-going fishing boat can be explored. This wreck now hosts many different species of fish from small glassfish, harlequin ghost pipefish, painted frogfish to giant grouper and marbled stingrays.

Despite the remoteness, the island has all the amenities of a tropical resort. Visitors can stay in wooden bungalows that blend into the natural surroundings. Indeed, Lankayan is not only for discerning divers but for anyone who appreciates the tranquility of a paradise island that offers beautiful sunrises, spectacular sunsets and magnificent seascapes.

Key Tips

Lankayan's speciality is 'macro' diving - looking for beautiful tiny creatures - although 'big fish' pelagic diving is also available.

How to get there

By Air
Guests will have to catch the morning flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan.

By Sea
Speedboat transfer is from the Sandakan Yacht Club to Pulau Lankayan, takes about an hour and a half.

Who to contact

For more information, please contact Sabah Tourist Office Tel: +6088-248 698 / 211 732

Accommodation Overview

Lankayan is a resort island with comfortable amenities.

Accommodation Booking

www.dynamictourism.com

tourist destination in Malaysia

source: tourism malaysia

tourist destination in Malaysia: Lambir Hill National Park, Sarawak

tourist destination in Malaysia: Sarawak
Lambir Hill National Park

Lambir Hills is very popular among ecologists and researchers. Just a sample 52 hectares of the park's 7,000 hectares revealed 1,050 different species of trees, and each tree supports 1,000 species of insect life!

Ecologists think there are many plant and insect species in the park still waiting to be discovered. This ecological wonderland is one of the most accessible of Sarawak's national parks, just a 30-minute drive from Miri. In your eagerness to get to Mulu or Niah you should not miss out on a visit to Lambir. Its forest is home to gibbons, tarsiers, bearded pigs, flying squirrels, deer and 157 types of birds and the beautiful clouded leopard.

You will see the wildlife as you wander the park's forest trails. The longest and toughest is to the top of Bukit Lambir (465 metres) but the superb view of the rainforest below makes the climb worth the sweat.

There is a 40m tall tree tower on the trail from which you can get a close-up view of the pulsating life of the rainforest canopy. The Park is also ideal for birdwatching.

Its close proximity to Miri makes the park ideal for a day visit, but if you want to study the wildlife at leisure, overnight accommodation is available at the park headquarters.

Key Tips

Bring your swimsuits because the park has some great, and easily accessible, swimming holes at the base of some waterfalls. It's the best way to cool off from the humid jungle.

How to get there

By Road
The park is easily accessible, being only half an hour's drive away from Miri. The Park headquarters is close to the Miri-Niah road. Just get on the Bintulu and Bakong bus in Miri. You may opt to join an organised trip departing Miri in the early morning and returning after lunch. Arrangements can also be made for overnight stays upon request. Alternatively, you can charter a taxi for the day

Who to contact

For more information, please contact Sarawak Tourism Office Tel: +6082-246 575 / 775 Email: mtpbkch@tourism.gov.my

Accommodation Overview

There is a resthouse available at the park. Alternatively, the city of Miri, with its complete range of accommodation, is just 45 minutes away.

Accommodation Booking

www.dynamictourism.com

source: tourism malaysia