Brett, I've recently found out that despite all the polluted rivers and seas, the locals here places great importance in their rainforests. They would rather expand their land further towards the sea (roads and houses) than chopping down the trees. This is because the vast majority of bumiputeras (the aboriginal equivalent) see their precious forests as having spiritual powers. That's also one of the reasons why the climb up mt.kinabalu requires us to be with a guide (usually a bumiputera ranger) and no unauthorised offtrack walking is permitted (there's a belief that it would invoke the Mountain God). I thought it sounded spooky. lol. So yea the forests are very much still well preserved but I have yet to check them out due to the work load!
mr.Camel, I made my booking through this site
http://www.suterasanctuarylodges.com.my/v2/index.html under Laban Rata which is where I'll be staying for a night before the final ascent to the highest summit called Low's peak. Im also planning to do some side mountain climbing
http://www.mountaintorq.com/ It's supposed to be the world's highest via ferrata run by a singaporean company. However my package of rm 367 only includes accomodation, food (5 meals in total), permit, insurance. There is also transportation and tour guide fees yet to be included. but it shouldnt come up to more than rm500.
I supposed you've already checked out the geaography of it through the net. It's a big place really. depending on whether you're into watersports or jungle treks. Assuming you're a keen bushwalker, yes my friend did say that maliau basin would be a good choice. Also take a boat cruise on the Kinabatangan River for the best sigthings of the Proboscis monkeys. According to her lecturer, the trees on the river bank extends so that you'll get upclose and personal with these creatures
. The canopy walks at Ranau isnt as good as the ones in Danum Valley. Gua Gomantong has lots of sparrows and its fair share of scats on the cave's floor, you'll see the locals gathering their at great heights nest (expensive stuff in the chinese medicinal market). Then there's Sepilok which is know for their orang utan conservation park where you'll get to meet the 'Orang Utans' (literally means Jungle Man). The 'Tip pf Borneo' all the way up north is also a good place to stop by. Tenom in the southwest is famous for their coffee but you'll get it in major towns and souvenir shops. If you like a little history and culture, then the monsopiad cultural village is a good place, there are 64 hanging skulls dated back 300 years ago (something to do with this monsopiad guy from the kadazanduzun tribe who's a famous headhunter back then). White water rafting is also famous here at the Padas River. Pulau Gaya (an island just off the shores of kota kinabalu) is a no go for me because of the high numbers if illegal immigrants settlers from the phillipines (part of the island is very much polluted, bad sanitation and even the local police doesnt encourage visiting the island). However you can visit the other nearby islands (comparatively cheaper than Pulau Sipadan or Pulau Tiga) such as Pulau Manukan also off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.
Last advice, my country is know for tourist traps.. even though Sabah is relatively better in compared to cities like KL (we locals know better not to buy things in Chinatown, Petaling Street in KL, we often see tourist get conned) but you should never be too careful. In restaurants and taxis alike, always ask for a price. Taxi drivers in Sabah are infamously notorious (they dont go by the meter). Even I got conned! Its day light robbery! Oh and also, very unlike peaceful tassie, the crime rate here is high. So you'll have to be careful in quiet areas especially on the streets at night. Good luck with the planning. Feel free to drop me questions, I'll be more than happy to help.
