48 | August 2012 | woman this month Travel The low-down: The easternmost state of Malaysia, Sabah, is located on the northern portion of the island of Borneo. With no distinct wet or dry seasons, it is warm throughout the year with occasional tropical rain showers and cooler afternoons which help keep the rainforests green. That being said, it is an eventful place with the month of May being the busiest time of the year. To escape the crowds, head over to Sabah when the population is steady and you can really immerse yourself in the jungle experience. X-factor: Visit one of many conservation areas or national parks and experience first-hand the thrill of jungle trekking or night safaris. Turtle Island Park acts as a home for endangered sea turtles, and at Tabin Wildlife Reserve you may be able to catch a glimpse of the Bornean elephant, Sumatran rhinoceros and even the Bornean clouded leopard. The area is also known for its coral reefs; snorkelers and fledgling divers can enrol in classes at any of the dive resorts so you too can take part. Best for: Trekking fanatics. The mountain climber in you will relish a visit to Kinabalu Park. Climbing Mt. Kinabalu can be done in two days, but it is definitely more comfortable to do it in three. The best thing about it is that no special skills are required, just a basic fitness level. With a registered mountain guide at your side, you can take the summit trail to the top. Stay overnight at one of the mountain huts and then set off again to catch a stunning sunrise. In clear weather, you will be able to see all of Sabah spread out below you. Sabah, Malaysia Off-Season Adventures By Keerthana Louis Being trapped on a beach with a million other tourists is not always our definition of fun, especially when there is a whole world of untouched adventures waiting to be explored.
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