Another great wildlife spot is in the 43,000 hectares of pristine tropical rainforest known as the Danum Valley. The verdant flora here is home to all manner of weird and wonderful wildlife, with over 120 species of mammals, 72 reptile species, 56 amphibian species and over 340 bird species calling it home. Wildlife aside, exploring this ancient rainforest by soaking in natural pools and waterfalls, visiting ancient burial sites, and listening to the bird's chorus will make for a truly memorable stay.
For a more under the radar rainforest experience, visit the Tabin Wildlife Reserve which is a protected area of dipterocarp rainforest the size of Singapore, or Deramakot Forest Reserve, which is the longest Forest Stewardship Council certified tropical forest in the world. Borneo pygmy elephant, gibbons, civet cats and orangutan all call Tabin home, as do some of the world's last remaining Sumatran Rhinoceros. Meanwhile, in Deramakot you can spot 75% of Sabah's mammal species, including potentially the ever illusive and extremely rare clouded leopard.
Malaysia's second longest river is another great destination, owing to the sheer biodiversity of species inhabiting the Kinabatangan River basin, and the exposed river banks. Exploration here is by boat, cruising the main river and narrow tributaries while on the lookout for wild orangutan, troops of proboscis monkey, colourful birdlife and herds of pygmy elephant. The cooling river breeze, and leisurely river cruises make this one of Sabah's most relaxed wildlife spotting locations.
For aquatic adventures we rate Gaya Island, which sits just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Days spent here are easily filled with snorkelling, kayaking, and lazing on the beach as you spot proboscis monkeys in the trees. The island of Lankayan has some of the best dive sites in the region, and Selingan Island is a favourite nesting place for giant turtles to lay their eggs, however please note that currently we cannot offer trips to Lankayan and Selingan.
