[bactrus]

Dear Francios,

Why not hit both the states, Sarawak then Sabah. I did some backpacking in my young days and enjoyed it thoroughly amidst some security fear then (now think 99% safe).

Stop by first at Kuching. Do a little city tour and visit the Bako national park. Maybe Robert can elaborate more here.

Next fly to Miri. Goto Mulu national park. I took a bus those days cos cheaper. You may have to stay in Miri overnight to catch a flight to Mulu national park. Look at teh four famous caves, clear water, lang, deer ???and also the pinnacles. Will take you 2 days.

To your question about going to Mulu by bus. You'll never get there unless it is a special build 4x4 bus and will take you forever to get there. Usually people fly in from Miri but there are people who will go by long boats which will take about 5 hours? (I stand corrected)

Next stop, Kota Kinabalu in Sabah. There are some places to visit in town. Kundasang at the base of mount Kinabalu is a nice rest stop. Muruvarn went there earlier this year. Maybe he can tell you more. Enjoy cold air and neps there. Hopefully some raflesiana (the flower not nep) be there to greet you with its smelly odour.

Proceed to Sandakan to see the Probosis monkey (Big nose monkey). They are unique to the region. Also not forgetting the Sipilok Orang Utan santuary. a Kinabatangan River cruise be pleasant to end your stay in Sandakan. An overnighter will definately be recommended as you have higher chances to seeing elephants and other wild life.

End your trip in Sempourna where you'll meet beautiful corals and nice beaches. This part I have not been to cos ran out of money. Don't worry about pirates as described by lonely planet. In any case, if you're captured, it will propell you to world wide fame. Hehe...

The above places are just coastal regions except mount kinabalu. If you want to go inland... talk to Robert and Junglemike.

Hope this helps. Have fun planning.