Urban allure meets rural charm as you set off to disconver Sabah, starting with a scenic drive through its capital, Kota Kinabalu City. The city, formerly known as “Singgahmata” or “the Place where the Eye Lingers”, has risen from the destruction of the last world war to become a vibrant and modern city that still retains its traditional charms. See many places of interests in the city centre such as the Wisma Tun Mustapha, Sabah State Mosque and the Sabah Museum for the historical and culturea l aspects of the indigenous people. Enjoy a brief stop along Signal Hill for a spectacular bird’s eye view of the city and nearby islands. A chance to shop at a handicraft market.

Your nocturnal adventure begins at dusk as the sun sets in a kaleidoscopic display of fiery hues. First, put your bargaining skills to the test with a visit to the colourful night market, where trinkets and souvenirs galore await. Then watch the city nightlife unfold before you, in all its glittering splendour, from a vantage view point at Signal Hill’s observation deck. Next enjoy a sumptuous Malaysian dinner enhanced by a lively cultural performance of Sabah dances. On a final note, spend the rest of the evening at your own leisure paintion the town red at any of the city’s popular night spots.

Set off, on a journey of discovery, to Tuaran where quaint rural villages nestle amidst rustling paddy fields and burgeoning fruit orchards and plantations, on the fringes of thick, lush jungles. Board a river boat for a ride that takes you into a cloistered Borneo sea gypsy village, where the Bajau community lives, and be amazed by their remarkable way of living since two centuries ago. Clusters of native houses built on stilts over water, some with thatch roofs, are connected by a latticework of plank walkways and are home for the Bajau. This Bajau village offers a fascination insight into a different way of life, unhurried by the pressures of modern civilization. The return journey offers a rickety adventure across a suspension bridge, one which you should not miss.

Explore one of the most interesting “Tamu” in Sabah, set in Kota Belud, home to the “Cowboys of the East”. A weekly event, the Kota Belud “Tamu” is a colourful melting pot of hawkers, vendors, farmers, fishermen and cattle breeders alike. The “Tamu” is as much a place to trade as it is a meeting place for friends and neighbours. You may even glimpse Bajau horsemen in their splendid finery and traditional sword making. Then head north, past vast oil palm and coconut plantations, for a stopover at Gombizou and Sumangkap villages and observe gong-making and honey bee framing. Next, visit the longhouse at Bavanggazo village where the Rungus people reside. One of Sabah’s many indigenous tribes, the Rungus are mostly farmers and gifted artisans who exvel in woven basketry and intricate beadwork. Their longhouse provides shelter for up to 20 to 40 families who each have their own private ‘apartments’ yet share common living area.

Just 20 minutes away by boat from Kota Kinabalu city, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park beckons with its idyllic setting of sun, sand and sea. Luxuriate on pristine white beaches, swim in warm, azure waters and snorkel amidst a myriad of tropical fishes or explore rich coral reefs on the islands’ fringes. The day is yours to enjoy at leisure and it may be as lazy or as fun filled as you wish it to be. Sumptuous barbecue is offered.

Come face to face with nature in this Orang Uran adventure that takes you to the other side of Borneo. Board a plane for historic Sandakan, one of Sabah’s earliest settlements, where you can visit the Sepilok Forest Reserve. At this reserve young, orphaned or captured Orang Utans are gradually rehabilitated into the wild. Tour includes a visit to the Sandakan Market and a brief town tour, after lunch.

Embark on a ride that will take you across mountainous Crocker Range with panoramic views of the countryside and soaring hills. Whilst enroute to Kinablu Park, you can catch sight of Mount Kinabalu, South East Asia” highest peak. The Park is a world Heritage Site with incredible mega bio-diversity of flora and fauna, a heaven for nature enthusiasts. On arrival, enjoy a guided nature trek along one of the many trails in the park before proceeding to Poring Hot Springs. As the name suggests, Poring Hot Springs offers visitors the opportunity for an invigoration dip into its hot sulphur springs. For a closer look at nature, take to the 41 m high canopy walk which offers a spectacular view of the Borneo Rainforest flora and fauna.

The day starts very early in the morning with a drive south to Beaufort town, dub the “Venice of Sabah”, as the towns are normally submerged during the rainy season. After Beaufort, we will then ride a one coach railcar / train for an amazing journey, running parallel, along the Padas Gorge to the town of Tenom. As the railcar / train chugs along the track we will be able to see up close the Crocker Range on both sides with the mighty Padas River roaring down the valleys. Here, Borneon Rainforest seems endless and then out of this rainforest, the village of Temon appears. Upon arrival at Tenom, a sleepy hollow with rolling plains, plantations and just an easy way of living, you will be driven to Lagud Sebrang, an Agriculture Research Centre. The Centre is famous for its Wild Orchid collections, an experience not to be missed. We will walk around the centre to see the numerous tropical plantations from fruits to vegetables to more commercial crops like tobacco, coffee, etc. Lunch will be provided at a local restaurant in Tenom or at the Perkasa Hotel Tenom.

Two hours south of Kota Kinabalu lies a new and exciting destination. The drive passes Sabah’s countryside, scenic secluded beaches, villages, paddy fields, plantations and mangrove forest. Passing the countryside one can see the changing ambience that can only be described by being there. Arriving at our destination, enjoy light refreshment with local cakes while mingling and learning about the local community. By 4pm commence our cruise down river in search of wildlife and our main search the odd nose of Borneo – the Probosic Monkey. Glimpses of macaque and the rare silver langur, occasionally bird’s of prey like the Crested Serpent Eagle and White Bellied Sea-eagle present themselves. BBQ dinner will be served by the river bank.

Make a redezvous with nature and culture on a trip that takes you to the Tambunan Rafflesia Centre and Bamboo Village. Start the journey with a ride past idyllic countryside, onwards and up mountainous Crocker Range. Your visit to Rafflesia centre includes a 2-3 hour nature trek admidst lush sub-Montane vegetation and lowland rainforest and chance to sight Rafflesia buds or a Rafflesia in full bloom. Stop for lunch at a highland local restaurant and enjoy the fresh mountain air befor proceding to the interior town of Tambunan. On your arrival at Sunsuron, explore this quaint bamboo village and learn how to make “Tapai”, a sweet, traditional rice wine.