Sabah, rich with eco-treasures from mountain high to ocean deep, is an adventurer's dream. There are mountains to conquer, marine life to see, jungles to explore. But what if you only had a day to experience the best of Sabah? What experiences would you fill into that single day? Where would you go?

A visit to the Klias Wetlands, near Beaufort, about 100 kilometers south of Kota Kinabalu, is the perfect choice for a day out in Sabah. Just one and a half hour's drive away from Sabah's capital city, it's near enough that you don't have to spend precious time wasted on the journey, yet exciting enough to fill your remaining hours with a memorable Sabah adventure.

The mangrove and peat swamp forests of Klias Wetlands and the deep river that runs through it provide visitors with numerous "wow!" moments as day turns to night. It is home to a diverse range of birds, reptiles, mammals and insects. This forest reserve is also important to the ecology and wildlife of Sabah's coastal areas.

Your adventure at Klias Wetlands begins around 3 pm with a simple afternoon tea of local delights served to you on a deck overlooking the Klias river and mangroves.

For an even better view of the entire area, you are invited to climb up the 30-foot observatory tower at Monkey Tops Safari. From here, you will take in a bird's eye view of the entire mangrove forest below and perhaps do a spot of birdwatching. There is also a boardwalk and sun deck that extends into the Klias River, offering guests an appreciative view of the natural surroundings.

Next, board a boat and take a leisurely cruise up and down the Klias river in search of the elusive proboscis monkey. With only about 3,000 of them left in population in Malaysian Borneo, they are now categorized as an endangered species. Endemic to Borneo, these gentle, tree-dwelling creatures are an attraction primarily due to their unique features. Bizzare as they seem, the pendulous nose and protruding belly of the proboscis monkey serve as a vital function to the mammal's existence.

Next to orangutans, the proboscis monkeys are probably the most popular attraction in Borneo. But unlike the orangutans which have been bred successfully in captivity, the proboscis monkeys have fared poorly in similar conservation efforts. This is partly due to the fact that proboscis monkeys have very specific dietary needs.

Thus, places like Klias Wetlands are important to their existence as they remain among the last few sanctuaries where these gentle primates freely dwell and where they can be observed by the public in their natural habitat.

Also watch out for long-tailed macaques, silver-leaf monkeys, otters and crocodiles that are known to lurk in the mangrove waters. Visitors will be delighted to spot some winged species here including the kingfisher, eagle, hornbill, gray heron, and white heron.

Before dinner, guests can take a break on land and indulge in a unique "pedicure" session. Head for the Fish Spa at Monkey Tops Safari, take off your shoes, and sink your feet into a pool of water filled with garra ruffa fish, also known as Doctor Fish. Relax as you let the tiny fish nibble away on the dead skin cells of your feet.

Next, enjoy the spectacular view of sunset with a river-side dinner. As night falls, the forest, too, comes alive with the sounds of insects and the various calls of the wild.

Finally, after sunset, board the boat again for an evening cruise where you will be amazed with the spectacular sight of thousands of fireflies lighting up the riverbanks. Like fairy lights on Christmas trees, these unique insects flicker in unison amid the mangrove trees, transforming the night scene into a magical wonderland. It's one of nature's greatest wonders that these insects are able to communicate with each other through synchronized flashings.

As you cruise down the river back to the jetty, close your eyes and let your senses take over. Listen to the buzz of the insects, and whatever other wildlife calls you can make out. Then tilt your head back and open your eyes to the millions of stars twinkling back at you from the pitch black sky. It's an unforgettable scene, one that you can hardly get back in the city.

This Klias River Cruise is a day-trip tour package offered by Borneo Starcruise, which also owns the Monkey Tops Safari chalet resort. At the moment, tents are available for those wanting to stay overnight; some 40 chalets/rooms will be ready by the end of 2009 to provide more accommodation options to guests. Those staying overnight can choose to go on the morning river cruise to observe proboscis monkeys and other wild animals foraging for food in the morning.

Monkey Tops Safari is an eco-friendly chalet resort located along the banks of the Klias River. In efforts to care for Mother Earth, it has installed solar panels to harness the natural energy from the sun. Currently, more than 50 per cent of its electricity is generated from the solar panels. The chalet resort also uses recycled wood and local, natural materials as much as possible to build its facilities.

For more information, contact:
Borneo Starcruise
Tel: +6088 381 196
Fax: + 6088 380 196
Email: info@borneostarcruise.com
Web: www.borneostarcruise.com

 

Issued by: Advertising & Publicity Division, Tourism Malaysia
Date: 4 May 2009
For further information, contact Ms. Anis Rozalina Ramli at +603 2615 8444 or email anisramli@tourism.gov.my
Tel: +603 2615 8188; Fax: +603 2692 4563
For more information, log on to: http://www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my/

 

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