If you are a keen traveler and would like to experience a culture or nature trip in a new way, you need to choose your next destination in Asia. There are scenes you will not see anywhere else, and people with big smiles and hearts you will remember for the rest of your life. No matter if you are interested in the cultural, human, or natural aspect of this continent, you are sure to find new experiences that will stay with you and shape your future life.

Connection with Nature

Image via National Park Service

One of the things you will notice is that people living in rural areas of Asia are connected with nature on a different level. They can tell when it is going to be raining, when the river will rise, and even when the sun will set, even without a computer. Their traditional lifestyle and knowledge will help you develop your own connection with nature and your own environment. Just listen to the old stories and myths, and you will see that there are loads to learn from Asia.

The Importance of Water

You might also notice that people’s lives and schedules are determined by the monsoon and the flow of water. In many Asian countries, gods control the rivers and the rain, and this signifies the importance of water in people’s lives. If you happen to visit Thailand, don’t forget to check out Phi Phi Island, where you can embrace the real tropical lifestyle. Take the ferry and check out how locals respect the water and the environment.

Respect for Humans and Gods

In Asia, people are human-centered, and another person is the representation of gods in many religions. This is why family ties are so close, and parents don’t only look after their children and plan their future carefully, but also care for the sick and the elderly. If you are a visitor in Asia, in particular in India, you are likely to be treated as a god. As the ancient Sanskrit saying goes: Atiti Devo Bhava, or the guest is god.

Looking After the Natural Environment

Image via National Park Service

Another thing you can learn from people living in traditional villages and towns in Asia is that they look after the living and natural environment. If you would like to learn more about how humans, animals, and ecosystems can exist in harmony, you might want to book a borneo travel package with ecosystem tours and visits to traditional villages where you can find out more about the values and beliefs of natives. Spending a few days with villagers living in harmony with nature can be a life-changing experience.

There are plenty of reasons why you might want to visit Asia. You can find out more about the religion of the country, the belief systems, the values, and the approach to education and work. On the other hand, you can witness how hard some of the conservationists work to protect the living environment of endangered species and restore their original ecosystem.

Gateway to Borneo

Kota Kinabalu also referred to as KK is located on the northwest coast of Borneo, in the Malaysian state of Sabah. Kota Kinabalu, which was once formally known as Jesselton is the state capital of Sabah. The location is an ideal base to explore the northern region of Borneo.

Borneo

Borneo is the third largest (non continental) island in the world. Located in South East Asia, and surrounded by the south China sea to the north and northwest. The Island is divided by three separate countries. Indonesia, Brunei and Malaysia. Brunei has the smallest portion of the Island. The Malaysian part of the Borneo is split between two different states, Sabah and Sarawak. The Indonesian state of Kalimantan controls the largest portion of Borneo.

Borneo is a nature lovers playground. The majority of the island is covered by dense rainforest, with a great richness of species diversity. This rainforest is one of the oldest rainforests in the world! Estimated to be 140 million years old. Home to a range of unique fauna and flora, and the center of evolution and distribution of many species. It is understandable that a lot of ecological research is conducted here. With this, Borneo is also home to a number of sustainable, conservation and responsible travel projects. The Island of Borneo is a really unique and magical place.

Four days in Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu was our first introduction to this amazingly unique island. Spending four days in this city was truly wonderful, the only negative was that it was not enough time! We stayed at a backpackers hostel, close to the center of the city. As we arrived in the afternoon, our first day was spent walking around and taking in the atmosphere of the city. Our first evening was spent at the night market, then on to an all you can eat buffet – and buckets of beers, the price was ridiculously cheap. The next morning, we woke up and started to explore more of the city. In addition to visiting the sights and attractions of KK, the majority of our stay was spent island hopping, which included snorkeling and hiking adventures.

City highlights and attractions

KK water font and times square

With crystal clear waters and sunny skies the waterfront is gorgeous to walk along. Times square represents the commercial downtown area of Kota Kinabalu.

Sabah state mosque

Located close to the city center, the mosque is worth a viewing. The architectural design is very impressive.

Signal hill observatory tower

Provides gorgeous views of the city at the highest point.

Atkinson clock tower

This is the oldest standing structure in Kota Kinabalu. The towers sits on a hill overlooking the city.

Central market

A vibrant and busy market located on the waterfront. A great place to explore and take in the atmosphere of the city.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

The Tunku Abdul Rahman park is a marine park with a cluster of five islands (Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Sulug and Mamutik) located off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. These islands are easily accessible. The distance ranges from three to eight kilometers off the coast, and you can take a 15-20 minute speedboat ride from the Jesselton point ferry terminal. Plus, all of the islands are a short boat ride from each other. Island hopping was the highlight of our time in Kota Kinabalu. We were able to visit many stunning beaches, go snorkeling, hike through jungle trails and see some pretty impressive animal and plant species.

Kota Kinabalu, with its tropical islands and stunning landscape is a nature lovers playground, and is rapidly becoming a more popular tourist destination, due to the city being a cultural hub with natural beauty. Kota Kinabalu was the perfect introduction to the island of Borneo. I am so eager to return and explore even more of the Island. I would love to experience a wilderness trip, absorbing the true remoteness and adventure that Borneo can offer.