Malaysia

Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur and State of Sabah)

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I joined a group organized by the Memphis Zoological Society to go on a tour of Borneo - more specifically the State of Sabah in Malaysia. The tour started in the city of Kota Kinabalu with visits to the Rafflesia Forest Reserve, Tenom Orchid Centre and Orchid de Villa. Then we visited Mt. Kinabalu, Gomantong Caves, Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Seligan Turtle Island, City of Sandakan, Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Sanctuary near Sandakan, and Danum Valley. We then flew from Lahad Datu to Kuala Lumpur via Kota Kinabalu in preparation for a flight back home on the following day. We spent 11 nights in Sabah, and one night at Kuala Lumpur International Airport.

Since I wanted to see Kuala Lumpur, I arranged my own trans-Pacific flights and spent two nights there before joining the group in Kota Kinabalu. Also, I spent an additional full day in Kuala Lumpur before flying back to San Francisco via Narita.

Click here to view these photos as slide show

Mt. Kinabalu

Although I enjoyed seeing unusual flora and fauna of Borneo as well as many breathtaking sights, the highlight of the trip for me was the climb on Mt. Kinabalu (4,095 m or13,435 ft). Actually I could have dispensed with the climb itself, but the sunrise from the summit and the views of rugged granite peaks were fabulous. Then again, I appreciated the beautiful scenes even more because of the effort I had to put in, I think. Luckily the weather was perfect for the two days it took to complete the climb and descent.

If you have a broadband connection, here is a video clip which you may wish to view.