Up Close with Elephants
Elephants. No cages. No bars. No cordoned off display areas. After seeing so many animals in zoos, seeing these elephants out in the wild like this is refreshing if not surreal. Here, I got to see them as how they should be; not trapped but free in the wild.
Perlis' Hidden Cave
Perlis is the most northern state in Malaysia, often quiet compared to its northern siblings like Kedah and Penang. But I was glad I visited because their Gua Kelam (Dark cave) is rather interesting. This limestone cave, at 370 metres long, can only be accessed by a suspension bridge. And that's only half the fun!
Mulu Caves – Simply Amazing
Des! Help! I could not imagine getting myself stuck in this position. My cousin Desmond knew I wasn't keen but after much cajoling and the promise of an unforgettable holiday, I gave in. And here I was stuck in a cold dark cave…Desmond (lucky for him) came quickly to my rescue. We proceeded through a narrow opening. And then I saw it. A cavern, you could fit a cathedral into, bathed in the most translucent light. It was beautiful!
Gua Tempurung
When you walk into Gua (Cave) Tempurung, you're walking into 400 million years of history. The limestone cave which is approximately 1.9km in length and 120 metres in height is a jaw-dropping experience with its mysterious look and vibes. And to think that such magnificence can be found in our own backyard! Incredible!
The Spectacular Waterfalls at Maliau Basin
Icy clear water flowing profusely and relentlessly, the scent of earth and mist, the grandeur of scale - this epic experience seems like the embodiment of Mother Nature herself. Part of Danum Valley in Sabah, Maliau Basin is the elusive home of untouched nature.
So Beautiful!
Elephants. No cages. No bars. No cordoned off display areas. After seeing so many animals in zoos, seeing these elephants out in the wild like this is refreshing if not surreal. Here, I got to see them as how they should be; not trapped but free in the wild.
Perlis' Hidden CavePerlis is the most northern state in Malaysia, often quiet compared to its northern siblings like Kedah and Penang. But I was glad I visited because their Gua Kelam (Dark cave) is rather interesting. This limestone cave, at 370 metres long, can only be accessed by a suspension bridge. And that's only half the fun!
Mulu Caves – Simply AmazingDes! Help! I could not imagine getting myself stuck in this position. My cousin Desmond knew I wasn't keen but after much cajoling and the promise of an unforgettable holiday, I gave in. And here I was stuck in a cold dark cave…Desmond (lucky for him) came quickly to my rescue. We proceeded through a narrow opening. And then I saw it. A cavern, you could fit a cathedral into, bathed in the most translucent light. It was beautiful!
Gua TempurungWhen you walk into Gua (Cave) Tempurung, you're walking into 400 million years of history. The limestone cave which is approximately 1.9km in length and 120 metres in height is a jaw-dropping experience with its mysterious look and vibes. And to think that such magnificence can be found in our own backyard! Incredible!
The Spectacular Waterfalls at Maliau BasinIcy clear water flowing profusely and relentlessly, the scent of earth and mist, the grandeur of scale - this epic experience seems like the embodiment of Mother Nature herself. Part of Danum Valley in Sabah, Maliau Basin is the elusive home of untouched nature.
So Beautiful! The fireflies here…man...they were BEAUTIFUL! We were huddled together in the small boat, all quiet as if the slightest sound would tip the boat over. But we were excited…to be in complete darkness waiting for blinking lights around us. And soon enough, they appeared. All pretty twinkling lights around us. Lovely!
Bird watching, Fraser’s HillDid you catch a glimpse of that silver-eared mesia?! It was just in the shrub. Oohh..wonder what we can spot next? Maybe the long-tailed sibia. Then again, there are many birds here at Fraser’s Hill. In the annual competition, the best eyes to spot as many bird species here, win! More than 250 local and migratory bird species are found here, with migratory species from islands north of Japan and far flung places like northern Siberia. Do, come visit. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a pair of sturdy binoculars!
The Climb up Gunung LedangGunung Ledang (also known as Mount Ophir) is often a training ground for many who are aiming for tougher terrain. Being my maiden mountain climb, it was tough but thoroughly enjoyable. The awesome view at the top and the inviting waterfalls along the way were lots of fun - more so with my friends.
A day with Orang Utans I've heard so much about this place and was glad I could squeeze in some time before my flight back to KL. It's nice to watch the orang-utans roam freely in their own habitat, at times times acknowledging tourists. For just RM30, everyone who stops by Sandakan and appreciates nature should visit.
The Rafflesia in Full BloomThe Rafflesia is the world's largest flower. And I believe that it is also one of the most fragrant. Not in a good way though. Imagine rotting smelling meat; that is how this flower smells like. Yet, despite its unsettling odour it is amazing seeing this unique flower open up close and in full bloom.
The Climb that Brought Me to the TopIt was a fantastic journey for me to climb up the tallest peak in South East Asia. Never mind that I wasn't that physically ready for it, it was worth the toil, the pain and the head cold. Mount Kinabalu challenges even the most fit but the views along the way are breathtaking and the feeling of extreme victory at reaching the top is unmatched.
One with Nature What I find most amazing about this natural reserve is that it has remained unchanged for millions of years. Kind of like stepping into a time machine and revisiting the ancient past. Deep emerald forest, steep limestone cliffs, and an overabundant of natural life: I wanted to see nature at its most primal, and I got it!
Nerve Wrecking FUN! If you're anything like me (afraid of heights), you must challenge yourself to go on this 400-metre forest canopy walk. It's the longest forest canopy walk and it's 25 metres above ground. Nerve wrecking I kid you not, but extremely rewarding to be walking in full view of the rich diversity of both flora and fauna. Truly a worthy experience.
Remnants of World War II Underwater
I dived in one of the islands off Labuan and was lucky to be able to view both the Australian and American wreck. Both World War II ships were brought down by the Japanese and now lie on the seabed, a safe depth of 33 meters. It really is an amazing underwater discovery with most parts of the ships still intact!
A Guest at Niah Caves
Meet the Indigenous Proboscis Monkey
Also in Sandakan is the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. This is a must-visit as you get to observe this indigenous species up close. Their features are distinguished by their big, orange, dangling noses and flat-top hairstyles. A boat trip allows you to see other monkeys and some bird watching too.
Take A Dip Here
Don't you just want to jump in? That's what I did IMMEDIATELY after I snapped this picture. The water was freezing but it was a welcome change to the heat from the blazing sun. The Lata Iskandar waterfall is on the way to Cameron Highlands from Tapah so remember to make a pit stop here!
Royal Belum Forest
The Royal Belum Forest is a massive 290,000 hectares with a crazy 146,000 hectares of pure virgin forest. It is most pleasing to know that Malaysia is determined to protect nature, especially in this day and age of modernization.
Remnants of World War II UnderwaterI dived in one of the islands off Labuan and was lucky to be able to view both the Australian and American wreck. Both World War II ships were brought down by the Japanese and now lie on the seabed, a safe depth of 33 meters. It really is an amazing underwater discovery with most parts of the ships still intact!
A Guest at Niah CavesWhen I first entered Niah Caves, it was unsettling at first. The chamber walls have changed very little over the aeons. But after our guide told us that this used to be home to many prehistoric people, a sense of familiarity and warmth sets in. The many artefacts found here including pottery and cave paintings showed that this was a thriving lively and colourful community.
Meet the Indigenous Proboscis MonkeyAlso in Sandakan is the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. This is a must-visit as you get to observe this indigenous species up close. Their features are distinguished by their big, orange, dangling noses and flat-top hairstyles. A boat trip allows you to see other monkeys and some bird watching too.
Take A Dip HereDon't you just want to jump in? That's what I did IMMEDIATELY after I snapped this picture. The water was freezing but it was a welcome change to the heat from the blazing sun. The Lata Iskandar waterfall is on the way to Cameron Highlands from Tapah so remember to make a pit stop here!
Royal Belum ForestThe Royal Belum Forest is a massive 290,000 hectares with a crazy 146,000 hectares of pure virgin forest. It is most pleasing to know that Malaysia is determined to protect nature, especially in this day and age of modernization.
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