Malaysia

Close to Kuching, covering nearly 3,000 hectares of rugged coastal landscapes and accessible only by boat from Kampung Bako, the Bako National Park is a spectacular wilderness of bizarre sandstone stacks, pristine beaches, mangrove forests and azure waters. Home to almost all of Borneo’s recorded plant species, as well as rare proboscis monkeys, monitor lizards and long-tailed macaques, the oldest park in Sarawak is rich in a quite staggering variety of natural wonders.

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Ancestral home of the Iban, one of Borneo’s last true wilderness areas is a land of unsurpassed beauty, its remote National Park, part managed by the local communities, is a haven for endangered orang-utan, gibbons and hornbills. The park surrounds the vast expanse of the Batang Ai hydro-electric reservoir and a highlight of any visit is a relaxing longtail boat ride along the river, taking in the idyllic splendour of its landscapes, passing the friendly locals who wave as you pass by.

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One of the last preserves of primary lowland rainforest left in Asia and recognised as one of the most complex ecosystems on the planet, the Danum Valley is an exceptional natural haven for a staggering diversity of flora and fauna. This rare landscape is home to the endangered Sumatran rhino, as well as orang-utan and proboscis monkeys, the elusive clouded leopards and over 275 species of birds.

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Encompassing a breathtaking landscape of spectacular karst formations, expansive caves and mountainous equatorial rainforest, this park is a sanctuary for a vast array of natural biodiversity. Over 3,500 varieties of plants, all of Borneo’s hornbill species and large numbers of animal and insect types have been recorded here. Its cave systems are some of the largest and most spectacular in the world, including the vast Clearwater and Wind Caves and the intimate Lang Cave, whilst the Deer Cave plays host to the incredible nightly egress of thousands of bats. Those looking to explore the rainforest can do so along the Canopy Skywalk, the longest tree-based walkway in the world - 480 metres long and nearly 20 metres above the forest floor.

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Borneo’s tribal diversity is made up of some 33 ethnic tribes, of which the Iban is the largest. Concentrated around the Sarawak region, these once feared headhunters, were formerly known as the Sea Dayaks, occupying longhouses along Borneo’s rivers. Traditionally animistic, they have embraced a unique mix of Christianity and spiritualism and many of their ceremonies are still celebrated in conjunction with their new found beliefs. Descendents of settlers who arrived along Borneo’s coast during the late 17th century, the Iban have retained many of their cultural traditions. They are skilled makers of longboats and famed for their woven cloth, the Pua Kumbu, once associated with ancient religions and head hunting. They also still practice the art of tattooing, a developed skill whose designs cover the arms, legs, and in some instances, throats of the tribal males. A visit to a an Iban longhouse is a great experience.

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The second longest river in Malaysia, the Kinabatangan stretches for some 560km, from the mountains of south western Sabah, to the Sulu Sea. Traversing a remarkable landscape of limestone caves, riverine forests and mangrove swamps, it is home to a staggering diversity of birdlife and wildlife, including orang-utans, crocodiles and proboscis monkeys. A stay in the Sukau region will enable you to fully explore the Kinabatangan river.

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The gateway into Sabah, Kota Kinabalu is a mix of European, Malay and Chinese influences, lying between the expansive waters of the South China Sea and the imposing shadow of Mount Kinabalu. Founded as a trading post for the British North Borneo Company, the city today is the bustling capital of the province and one of the most vibrant cities in Eastern Malaysia. The nearby islands of the TAR National Park offer excellent diving and snorkelling.

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Sarawak’s bustling capital lies along the banks of the Sarawak River, a city of rich diversity, where Chinese, Malays and Ibans have helped to make Malaysia’s fourth largest city a fascinating and charming ethnic mix. Once the personal kingdom of a British adventurer, this is one of the cleanest and friendliest cities in Asia, its delightful waterfront the thriving centre of modern life, the expansive and interesting Sarawak Museum a fertile repository of its past.

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Located amongst the stunning natural beauty of the Kinabalu National Park, Mount Kinabalu, at 4,095 metres, is the third tallest peak in South East Asia. Its verdant slopes present a landscape of lush vegetation and prime rainforest, blanketed in giant ferns and orchids that make it one of the most important botanical regions on the planet. With over 800 species of orchid, 600 different varieties of fern and the most prolific collection of pitcher plants, it is a veritable paradise. It is possible to ascend to the summit of this natural wonder, although the climb involves a challenging but rewarding 2-day trek with a night stop en route. Alternatively, you can visit the National Park as a day trip from Kota Kinabalu, approximately 2 hours drive away.

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Traversing 58km of stunning scenery, taking you into the heart of Borneo, this nostalgic journey recaptures Britain’s far-flung colonial days. A Vulcan steam locomotive and 6 meticulously restored carriages undertake twice-weekly departures: a 4-hour round trip between Kota Kinabalu and Papar, that passes through a wonderful landscape of villages and paddy fields. Please note that at the time of writing the line is closed for maintenance and due to re-open in early 2008.

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This protected marine park is renowned as a bountiful nesting ground for green and hawksbill turtles both of which lay their eggs throughout the year. A speedboat transfer from Sandakan takes approximately 1 hour and given the nocturnal nature of these remarkable creatures, an overnight stay is required. Accommodation is basic, but the unique and memorable experience more than makes up for it.

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Founded in 1964, this unique site, covering some 43 square kilometres of the Kaili-Sepilok rainforest, was set up to help preserve the lifestyle and habitats of orangutans. Intended to rehabilitate and to educate, the reserve ensures that visitor activity does not intrude on the natural process of reintroducing the apes back into the wild, whilst affording a quite unique opportunity to see these rare animals in their natural setting.

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Set amidst an area of natural beauty, the Abai Jungle Lodge, Kinabatangan offers 18 rooms, with en suite facilities and ceiling fans. There are opportunities to take part in local conservation projects, as well as enjoy wildlife boat trips and self-guided walks along the jungle boardwalk.

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The Hilton Batang Ai Longhouse Resort is located, some 4 hours’ drive from the capital Kuching, on the shores of a spectacular freshwater lake, surrounded by mountains and the unspoiled rainforests of Sarawak. Its design is based on the traditional timber longhouses of the region's native Iban Tribes. The resort's 11 indigenous timber longhouses contain 100 individually air-conditioned guest rooms, 88 of which are standard rooms. These rooms, all with attached bathrooms, come fully equipped with modern amenities - a welcome luxury in the heart of a rainforest. Facilities include the Nanga Mepi Restaurant, the Wong Irup Bar, an outdoor terrace, a swimming pool, and a boat jetty for arriving guests. Nearby is the 27,000-hectare Batang Ai National Park.

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Overlooking the river front promenade, the Hilton Kuching is conveniently located and offers panoramic views of either the river or the city from its 315 superbly appointed rooms. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, health and fitness centre, a good selection of bars and dining options ranging from international and local cuisine, and you can enjoy the river views whilst sampling local dishes such as Panosh Manuk (bamboo with fragrant rice).

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The Royal Mulu Resort is an ideal base from which to explore the spectacular Gunung Mulu National Park, situated approximately 3km from the park entrance. Tastefully built on wooden stilts and inter-connected by a series of walkways, rooms offer private bathrooms and spacious verandas, with views across the jungle or the river Melinau. The resort has a restaurant, bar, small outdoor swimming pool, a spa and a range of activities, making it an ideal rainforest resort.

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Overlooking Dalit Beach, north of Kota Kinabalu, the Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort is situated at the point where the jungle meets the sea and is set in 400 acres of gardens. Most of the 330 rooms afford great views of the sea, gardens and the long sweep of pristine beach, and are furnished in restful earthy colours and wood. All ground floor rooms have private roofed patios accessible through the landscaped gardens and the rest are split-level with private balconies. The Coast Restaurant serves Californian cuisine with vegetarian options,while the Naan restaurant gives you the flavours of north Indian and Goan delicacies. The Sampan Bar is the epitome of a casual beachside bar. The hotel offers extensive leisure and recreational facilities to complement the resort’s 18 hole championship golf course, and 64 acre nature reserve,where you can see the famous orang-utans of Borneo. Another alternative is the hotel's sister property, the Shangri-La TanjungAru Resort just outside Kota Kinabalu (click here).

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An exceptional resort, the Shangri-La Tanjung Aru offers 495 engaging rooms that combine local charm and comfortable luxury, with spectacular views of either the South China Sea, the outlying islands or the distant mountains. The resort boasts an outdoor pool, a CHI Spa, superb choice of restaurants and bars, an extensive range of leisure activities including water sports.

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Situated near the southern tip of Bali on Seminyak Beach and built in the style of a traditional Balinese village with sloping thatched roofs, The Oberoi Bali offers 60 lanai cottages and 15 deluxe villas, 9 of which have their own private pools.With charming and endlessly obliging staff, this resort really is an enchanting escape from the cares of everyday life. 2 restaurants provide a choice of international and Balinese fare. Relax beside the large swimming pool or let the health club, gym and the Oberoi Spa by Banyan Tree take good care of you. Although totally secluded, the resort is just 25 minutes from the bustle of shopping centres and nightlife and Bali’s spectacular temples and handicraft villages are all within easy reach.

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An idyllic garden resort on Medana Beach, The Oberoi Lombok is located on the coast of the island, east of Bali. Set in 24 acres of private grounds, the hotel is a special getaway where you can indulge in the comfort of luxurious accommodation, with superb cuisine, and a conscientious staff. Accommodation is in one of 50 luxurious Villas and Luxury Pavilions,with spacious bedrooms and marble sunken garden baths. All guest accommodation is in thatched roof buildings of local materials. Private walled gardens ensure privacy, overlooking pristine waters and set in its own walled garden. The resort also features a swimming pool,massage centre and full range of water sports. The Oberoi Spa by Banyan Tree offers a fabulous range of full body and beauty treatments designed to rejuvenate, refresh and restore.

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