5 Adventure Sports To Try At Sabah

Sabah, Borneo isn't just known for its natural beauty and wildlife. This is a list for adrenaline junkies looking to try something new and exciting at this haven in Borneo. All of these are guaranteed to get your heart racing. In no particular order they are - 

Mountain Torq Via Ferrata

The Mountain Torq Via Ferrata mountain trail gives one an opportunity to scale Mount Kinabalu, the tallest mountain in South-East Asia. Standing at 3,300 meters, the mountain's north face is covered in iron rungs, footholds, cables and rails. There are several packages available for adventure sports lovers including - Walk the Torq, The Low Peak's Circuit, The Balancing Act, Conquer the Torq, The Preamble and The High Path. In addition to this one can learn sports climbing, rope ascending and rappelling. The mountain is just one and a half hours away from Kota Kinabalu and accommodation is available at dormitory style facilities near the camp.

Sipadan Island

Renowned as one of the best diving spots worldwide, Sipadan is a pristine island located in the Indo-Pacific basin, 35km south of Semporna on Sabah's mainland. It has twelve different diving spots, and its waters teem with more than 3000 species of fish, and hundreds of species of coral. Large numbers of green turtles and Hawksbill turtles live in these waters, and the abundant schools of barracuda and trevally fish are a diver's dream come true. Lucky divers can also spot manta rays, hammerhead sharks and whale sharks - the largest fish in the ocean - when underwater. Out of the twelve diving spots Turtle Cavern, Barracuda Point, Hanging Gardens and South Point are the most highly recommended. Along with the diving attractions, Sipadan Island is also a bird sanctuary. One can get to Sipadan by first taking a 55 minute flight from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau and then a one hour drive to Semporna, from where Sipadan is accessible by speedboat.

Bukit Gemok

Bukit Gemok or Gemok Hill is a spot perfect for trekkers and hikers who relish the challenge of varied terrain. It is located ten kilometres from Tawau and is part of the Bukit Gemok Forest Reserve. The hike takes one uphill while passing enormous trees and various forest creatures. The trail has seven huts along the way at which one can rest, all equipped with restrooms. After one hour of trekking one reaches the Titian Silara canopy walkway, a beautiful sight and a gruelling climb, that finally leads to the summit from where the view of Tawau is breathtaking. One can see the town center, the coastline and even the surrounding area. The trek back downhill is relatively easier and a taxi ride can be arranged to take one back to the town.

Kiulu White Water Rafting

A one hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, the Kiulu river is the perfect river for beginners looking to try white water rafting.It is easy to navigate and one can raft up to 15 kilometres in the water. This is the longest white water rafting trip in Sabah and takes around 1-2 hours. Before the trip there is a safety briefing session by a professional raft guide which covers rafting techniques and proper handling of rafting equipment. After the trip one is treated to a barbeque lunch by the riverside, where one can relax and eat away the hunger they have worked up, as the enjoy the picturesque view of the Kiulu river. One can get picked up and dropped off from their hotel in Kota Kinabalu at 9 in the morning and 6 in the evening respectively. It is recommended that one carries sunblock, insect repellent, and a change of clothes.

Bunga Raya Island Resort and Spa

For travellers looking for luxury mixed with adventure, there is the Bunga Raya Island Resort and Spa. It is approximately 30 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu, the capital city, by speedboat. One can go snorkeling in the brilliant blue waters here that have very high water-visibility. Volleyball games are held regularly on the beach in the evenings. One can even take part in jungle trekking to explore the forests beyond the beach. If, at the end of the day, all this adventure is tiring, there is always the Solace Spa - Sabah's first jungle themed spa, that is guaranteed to soothe one's aching muscles. The resort also houses the Koi Restaurant and the Pantai Grill on the beach - both serving delicious food that makes this stay even more memorable.

A trip to Sabah is incomplete without trying out the novel activities this destination offers - whether it is scaling the highest mountain in South-East Asia, or going white water rafting and enjoying a barbecue afterwards by the waterside.

To visit Sabah, please contact us on +91 22 40213204 or write to us at info@ultimatetourism.com