Borneo, an Island Surrounded by Islands

May 16
17:42

2018

Malcolm Wong

Malcolm Wong

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Borneo Climb & Dive Sdn. Bhd. specializes in nature based tours with packages. As a Mount Kinabalu Agency and Dive operator, we places a special focus on diving tours both the east and west coast of Sabah. We offer both local and foreign tourists a wide range of things to do while in Sabah, (such a city tours, mount climbing & wildlife observation), to sea-based activities (diving and snorkeling).

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Kota Kinabalu,Borneo, an Island Surrounded by Islands Articles the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah, obtained its city status in early 2000, and ever since has grown at an accelerated pace, proudly showcasing modern infrastructure and facilities on par with international standards. Yet, much of Kota Kinabalu. retains its original vibe: friendly locals maintain their laid-back approach to life, creating a relaxing atmosphere apparent to visitors.

The island of Borneo has long been a draw for nature enthusiasts, with key messages from tourism operators often pulling from the popular 'mountain top to the deep blue sea' phrase to highlight all there is on offer. The mountain top reference is to Sabah's, and Malaysia's, tallest mountain - Mount Kinabalu - that draws the attention of amateur and professional mountain climbers alike. On clear days, this spectacular mountain features as a backdrop from many angles in and around Kota Kinabalu.

'Deep sea' is a whole different arena, and one that cannot be described in a singular way. As the main gateway to Sabah, itself offers opportunities to explore the deep blue, with the protected islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park a mere 25 minutes away by boat. There are more than 25 dive sites in this marine park comprising the islands of Sapi, Manukan, Gaya, Mamutik, and Sulug. One can snorkel, ride a banana boat, water-ski, lie back to work on a suntan, or try the newest adrenaline-rushing product: the zip-line.

What if you do not want to get on a boat? As a city on an island (Sabah occupies the northern portion of the great Borneo island), it is stating an obvious fact that one is never too far from the shoreline. Around 10 minutes from downtown Kota Kinabalu is Tanjung Aru Beach, a picture perfect place to have a sundowner while looking out to the islands beyond. In the heart of Kota Kinabalu itself is the Waterfront, characterised by its bars and restaurants. The Waterfront is a vibrant and energetic place, equally popular to Tanjung Aru to watch the sun take a slow plunge into the South China Sea while sipping on a cocktail or two.

Further afar on the southeast coast of Sabah is Sipadan Island, praised as "an untouched piece of art... a jewel" by the late famed diving legend, Jacques Cousteau. With a 600 meter drop close to its shoreline, Sipadan's most popular sightings include giant schools of whirling barracuda, colourful overhanging corals, endangered turtles, and a wide variety of reef fishes. The corals surrounding the islands closeby - Mabul, Kapalai and those in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, are filled with little critters, making them a "muck divers'" delight.

Two other places that cannot be excluded from this list are Layang-layang Island on the northeast of Kota Kinabalu, and Lankayan Island, off Sandakan town on the east coast of Sabah. With such an array of islands off the island of Borneo, it is no wonder divers from around the world continue to put Borneo on their bucket list of places to visit.