Sabah Tourism

SABAH
Malaysian Borneo
Eco Treasures from Mountain High to Ocean Deep

Picture yourself in a country where the attractions are as varied as they are excitingly fresh and unspoilt uncrowded beaches, isolated tropical islands, fascinating culture and beautiful marine life, spectacular countryside dominated by an awesome mountain (Mt Kinabalu, summit of Borneo), and where the genuine friendliness and hospitality of the people are part of their traditions.

However you want it - Sabah can be simple or sophisticated. She has retained her traditional charm and freshness, as well as keeping in step with the 21th century. Sabah will surely impress you with her unique and unspoilt character - truly Borneo’s paradise.

GEOGRAPHY
Sabah occupies the top portion of the island of Borneo (the third largest island in the world) and covers an area of 74,500 sq km (29,388 sq miles) with a coastline of about 1,440 km (about 900 miles) washed by the South China Sea on the West and the Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea on the East.

As a general guide the wet season falls between November and February. Fortunately, Sabah does not experience any natural disaster or calamities. In fact it is under the typhoon belt (thus the name "Land Below The Wind") and is free from any climatic disturbances. Temperatures seldom reach 90 °F (33 °C) and usually vary and are cooler on the mountains.


KOTA KINABALU - GATEWAY TO SABAH

Kota Kinabalu, the gateway to the rest of Sabah, is also the State Capital. It has a population of around 300,000. Kota Kinabalu or K.K. as it is affectionately called is a relatively new city as the original town was destroyed during the Second World War. In the vicinity of the city, there are various places of interest, including the offshore islands, Tanjung Aru Beach, the State Museum and the State Mosque, the Gaya Street fair held every Sunday morning, the ‘Pasar Malam’ or open night markets where you can test your bargaining skills, and nearby water villages. Kota Kinabalu itself is well served with various ranges of hotels, from five-star to bed-and-breakfast accommodation, and restaurants.

For those who prefer to laze under the sun, go swimming, snorkeling, or simply relax on the beach of a typical tropical island, the outlying islands of Kota Kinabalu are awaiting them. There are five beautiful islands you can visit within a 15-20 minutes boat ride, Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug, Sapi and Gaya. These islands are part of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.

ACTIVITIES
For the true diving enthusiasts, the island of Sipadan located off the town of Semporna on the East Coast of Sabah, is a must and is considered as to be one of the best diving areas in this part of the world. It has an abundant of marine life that will thrill and amaze you. There are also a few more diving sites which are equally great like the Layang-Layang Atolll, Mabul Island, Kapalai, and Lankayan off Sandakan town.

To enjoy a more active holiday or cool surroundings, visit Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site, the Kinabalu Park. It is only about 1 ½ hour away from the city of Kota Kinabalu, through spectacular countryside scenery.

The Park is a paradise for naturalists, botanists, bird watchers, mountaineers and those who simply admire nature. The main attraction of the Park is Mt. Kinabalu rising majestically to a height of 4095.2m above sea level, its granite massif dominating the surrounding landscape. No climbing experience is required therefore the energetic visitor can try scaling Mt. Kinabalu.

Another flagship of Sabah, is the Orang Utan. In Sepilok, about 30 minutes drive from Sandakan town, is the world’s largest orang utan rehabilitation center. Orang Utan (‘wild man of Borneo’) which have been abandoned by their mothers, or which were formerly in captivity, are rehabilitated until fit enough to be returned to the wild. Watching these charming and entertaining orang utan during feeding time is a sheer delight.

There are many other exciting and interesting activities which make your holiday uniquely Borneo. The culturally inclined can visit Rungus Longhouses or shop at the local open-air market ‘Tamu’. For the more adventurous can try white water rafting down Padas or Kiulu Rivers, trek into the million years old forest, explore the birds’ nest caves, marvel at the Proboscis monkeys along the Kinabatangan River.

For the golf enthusiasts, try the many championship golf courses or even the Mt. Kinabalu Golf course, rated as the highest golf course above sea level in this region. New and exciting activities like a journey on the only Steam Train in Borneo and skydiving will certainly make your trip to Sabah most memorable.
(source: Sabah Tourism)

Sabah Tourism Board