MANUKAN ISLAND

A 15 - 20 minute boatride takes you to Manukan Island - an ideal getaway for a short break from the city. This shade-fringed island offers modern chalet accommodation, a restaurant, and a swimming pool. A white sandy beach and fringing coral reefs teeming with marine life beckons the city-frazzled nature lover to swim, snorkel, dive and just unwind. Put everything on hold... Spend the day on the beach or trying-out one of the many sea-sports available on the Island's Marina.

MOUNT KINABALU

The Kinabalu Park - Malaysia's first World Heritage was designated by UNESCO in December 2000 'for its universal values' and vital biological sites. Covering an area of 754 sq km, the focal point of the Park is of course the majestic Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain between Northern Burma and New Guinea.

The Kinabalu Park also houses numerous unique plants such as the pitcher plant, about 1000 orchid species and the largest flower in the world, Rafflesia. More than 250 bird species have also been recorded in the Park, namely the Mountain Bush Warbler, Kinabalu Friendsly Warbler, Palceface Bibul and the Mountain Blackeyes. In a nutshell, the Kinabalu Park is one of the world's most unique ecological systems with an altitude between 152 metres to 3,952 metres above sea level: having beauty, splendour and charm to delight any category of visitors, from the tired businessman in need of a rest to nature lovers.

Standing at 4,095.2 metres high, the name Kinabalu is derived from the Kadazandusun words aki and nabalu,where aki literally means 'ancestor' and 'nabalu' is the Kadazandusun word for 'mountain'. The local Kadazandusun believed their spirits dwell on the mountaintop and as such the mountain remains sacred to them. The imposing Mount Kinabalu led to the renaming of the state's capital from Kinabalu Fort to Kota Kinabalu in 1964.

WHITE WATER RAFTING

Ever imagined of riding the oldest train in Borneo which passes through the once renowned headhunters' tribe? The Murut? Well, guess what, we have the best river guides amongst the tribe to guide you down the raging water of Padas River, claimed to have the best rapids in South East Asia! This exciting adrenalin' rushing tour will take you down to a wave that goes as high as six feet and thrilling rapids up to grade IV. Whilst rushing down this wild and untamed part of the Padas River you will experience totally untouched nature.

Padas River is situated in the interior of southwestern part of Kota Kinabalu that is only accessible by train (used since the late 19th century in Borneo). Basically, this trip will give you two experiences advantage:

1) Excursion of Class III-IV river
2) A uniquely ride in an antique train.

The adrenaline rush excursion covers a distance of 9km of this rather muddy 200 km river that holds 7 exciting and tough rapids! These rapids carry a uniwue ride such as Merry-Go-Round Rapid, Break Point Rapid, Scooby Doo Rapid, Cobra Rapid, Curve Rapid, Lambada Rapid and Head Hunter Rapid. Each rapid will give you the feel of the motion as what the name means.

The journey will first take 1-2 hours overland through the countryside to Beaufort town. From thereupon, adventure begins with 1-2 hours train rides tracks along the Padas River that gives glimpses of the thrills and excitement to come. Upon arriving at the starting point, participant will be given safety briefing before going down the river. The ultimate challenge will speak for itself as one shoots through and experiences the nerve tingling excitement which crescendos rapid after rapid while getting a closer look at the Borneo's amazing flora and fauna. After rafting, enjoy a sumptuous barbecue lunch by the river. Wind down with a sunset view of the return journey to Kota Kinabalu, along with presentation of certification of achievement.

KLIAS RIVER CRUISE

The Klias river cruise is a popular day trip with locals and tourists. On this cruise, you will see the Proboscis Monkey in the Klias wetlands. The Proboscis monkey is endemic to Borneo. The cruise starts in the afternoon and ends in the evening. It is easy to identify a Proboscis monkey, it is the one with a long nose and a bulging belly.

The cruise starts at 4.00pm in the afternoon, it is about a 2 hour boat ride that takes you into the wetlands. Soon, you will see monkeys and other wildlife in and around the trees. 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.

You return for to the jetty for a sunset dinner of fresh seafood. There is one more cruise after the sunset. On this cruise you will see the spectacular sight of thousands of fireflies lighting up the riverbanks. "Like fairy lights on Christmas trees", is the usual comment. These unique insects flicker in unison amid the mangrove trees and transforms the night into a magical wonderland.

Listen to the sounds of wildlife in the dark, then tilt your head back and see the millions of stars twinkling back at you from the pitch black sky. The night cruise is a short one, and it's time to get back to Kota Kinabalu city.