INTRODUCTION OF SABAH - LAND BELOW THE WIND
Sabah, situated at the northern part of Borneo, caressed by the South China Sea on it's west, Sulu and Celebes seas on its eastern coastline, seems almost unfairly blessed with nature’s beauty. With its timeless rainforest and captivating ancient caves, alluring beaches and idyllic islands, it encapsulates the very best of the third largest island in the world. Sabah is well known as “THE LAND BELOW THE WIND", because it is located just south of the typhoon-prone region, making it free from typhoons. Home to 32 different indigenous groups that consist of over 30 ethnic races, Sabah is often described as the people that makes visiting Sabah so special.
The vast and roug terrain of Sabah ranges from long white sandy beaches to coastal mangroves, from rivers to fertile plains, from limestone caves to ranges covered with rainforest, all this culminating in the majestic granite massif of Mount Kinabalu, top 5 highest mountains in Southeast Asia. Standing at 4,095m tall, Mount Kinabalu is the focal point of Kinabalu Park and the pride of Sabah. Such is the importance of this mountain that the state capital was renamed from Jesselton to Kota Kinabalu in 1964. Not forgetting Sabah’s extensive coastline populated with coral reefs and teaming with marine life, treasured marine heritage islands glittered with crystal-clear waters, all of which present Sabah as picturesque scenery, destined to fulfill the dream of a tropical island paradise!
With its simplicity and charm, made possible by their remarkably warm and welcoming people, Sabah is the ultimate haven to explore. Begin your discovery of Sabah today!
ECO-TREASURES DISCOVERED IN BORNEO
Welcome to Sabah, the land of eco-treasures, where you can climb the awesome peak of the highest mountain in the region, play with the “Wild Man of Borneo”, admire the largest flower in the world in the million years old rainforests, dive into one of the world’s best diving spot and dream of a tropical haven on the unspoilt and untouched white sandy shores.
Meet some of the friendliest, warmest and welcoming people in the world, where you join in their colourful festivals and traditions that will take you back centuries.
If you yearn for the exhilarating sense of adventure, Sabah is the perfect place for jungle trekking, cave exploration, white water rafting, mountain climbing or deep sea diving. Your taste for the exotic culture will be more than sated by the numerous ethnic customs and celebrations which include living in longhouses or homestays and tasting the potent rice wine called “lihiing”. Alternatively, you can just laze all day on a secluded private beach or tee off in a championship golf course in any of the many world-renowned holiday resorts.
So why dream of the eco-treasures when you can experience the wonders of it all in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo? Come and unveil the eco-wonderland!
PLACES OF INTEREST
KOTA KINABALU
Mari Mari Cultural Village, Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Monsopiad Cultural Village, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, Sabah State Museum, Museum of Islamic Civilisation, Tanjung Aru Beach, State Mosque, City Mosque, Sabah Tourism Building, Tun Mustapha Gallery, Menara Tun Mustapha, Signal Hill Observatory Platform, Atkinson Clock Tower, Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre, Petagas War Memorial, Doublex Six Monument,
KINABALU PARK
Mount Kinabalu
RANAU
Sabah Tea Garden, Poring Hot Springs, Kampung Luanti (Fish Massage)
KUNDASANG
Mesilau Nature Park
TAMPARULI
Upside Down House, Kiulu White Water Rafting
KUALA PENYU
Pulau Tiga (Survivor Island)
TENOM
Padas White Water Rafting, Sabah Agricultural Park
KINARUT/PAPAR
KK Adventure Park
KOTA BELUD
Mantanani Island, Kampung Siasai (matchete-making centre), Kadamaian White Water Rafting
KUDAT
Simpang Mengayau Bay, Rungus Longhouse, Kampung Gombizau (Honeybee Farm), Kampung Sumangkap (Gong Factory), Kampung Tinagol (Rungus beads and handicraft-making)
SANDAKAN
Turtle Islands Park, Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, Gomantong Cave, Agop Batu Tulug, Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centrye, Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Rainforest Discovery Centre, Rafflesia Information Centre, Lankayan Islang, Libaran Island, Agnes Keith House, Sandakan Crocodile Farm, Sandakan Heritage Trail, Sandakan Memorial Park, Sabah Tea House.
TAWAU
Tawau Hills Park, Maliau Basin
SEMPORNA
Mabul Island, Kapalai Island, Mataking Island
LAHAD DATU
Tabin Wildlife Reserve, Danum Valley Conservation Area, Madai-Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre