|
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 ˝
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.
Sabah Tourism Board
51 Gaya Street,
88000 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah , Malaysia
Telephone : +6088-212121
Fax : +6088-212075, 219311, 222666
Website: http://www.sabahtourism.com
|
