South East Asian Trips

Sabah is a tropical paradise located at the northeast corner of Borneo. In ancient times it was known as the 'Land Below the Wind' because it lies below the typhoon belt. Sabah attracts visitors with its scenic beauty, rugged landscape and cultural diversity.

Sabah offers many attractions to tourists-Rainforests, mountains, unspoilt marine life, water sports, and unique flora and fauna. Sabah is also home to the world's biggest flower, Rafflesia.

For many visitors, the primary attractions of Sabah are its outstanding national parks, which include Kinabalu National Park, the Crocker Range Park, and the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary. Others come to enjoy the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park and the diver's paradise of Pulau Sipadan. However, Sabah possesses a number of other attractions as well, all of which are worth exploring.

Location

Located at the northeast corner of Borneo, Sabah was known in ancient times as the "Land Below The Wind" because it lies below the typhoon belt. Sabah's terrain is rugged, with Mt. Kinabalu, at 4,101 metres, dominating the surrounding landscape. It has a wide diversity of flora and fauna, as well as one of the world's largest rainforests. Sabah's people comprise 31 different indigenous groups, including the Kadazans, Muruts, Bajaus, Kedayans, Sulu, Bisaya, Rumanau, Minokok, and Rungus.

International access to Malaysia'a eastern gateway is through Sabah's capital, Kota Kinabalu, which receives flights from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila, Brunei, Jakarta, Seoul, and Taipei. Domestic travel in this vast state is via daily flights between Labuan, Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Tawau, though large areas are still inaccessible. A rail network stretches from Kota Kinabalu to Tenom, and buses, taxis, and boats are also available.

History

Sabah was earlier under various chieftains. Evidences indicate that Sabah had trading relations with Chinese, Portuguese, and Spanish. During the 15th century, Sabah was a vassal of the Sultan of Brunei. In 1704, the Sultan of Brunei ceded the land east of Murudu Bay to the Sultan of Sulu. In the early 1880's, Moses, an American trader, obtained a lease over Sabah from Brunei. The lease eventually passed to Alfred Dent, an Englishman. In 1881, he signed a treaty with Brunei and Sulu, converting the lease into a cession.

Thus the British North Borneo (earlier name Sabah) was born. It was administered by the Chartered Company of British North Borneo until the Japanese occupation. When the Japanese surrender, Sabah was put under the British Military Administration. In 1946, the Company surrendered its rights to the British Government and Sabah became a British Crown Colony. In 1963, it gained independence and joined Malaysia. In 1963, it gained independence and joined Malaysia.

Climate

Sabah has an equatorial climate. Temperature varies from 21°C to 32°C in the lowlands, while in the hilly regions temperature varies from 13°C to 23°C. Average annual rainfall is 2000 mm.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Sabah is between May and September when the weather is comparatively dry. It is also the best time to see the turtles, which make nightly landings at various locations to lay their eggs. November to January is the rainy season and it is better to avoid going to Sabah at this time of year.

Attractions

Sabah State Mosque, Kota Kinabalu

This resplendent structure, with its majestic domes and gold inlay motifs, is a spectacular sight, ideally located as a place of worship for Kota Kinabalu's Muslim inhabitan3ts and visitors.

Sabah Foundation Building, Kota Kinabalu The 30-story circular glass building, supported by high tensile steel rods emanating from a central building, is an architectural and engineering feat. It is one of only four such buildings in the world.

Kota Belud

Kota Belud is a small town located 77 km from Kota Kinabalu. Every Sunday it comes alive in a scene of blazing, riotous colour when the "Tamu," or open market, takes place.

Tuaran

Tuaran is the location of the region's agricultural station. Nearby is Mengkabong, a Bajau village built over water. Also close by is Tamparuli, a town specializing in the production of local handicrafts.

Penampang

Another village that offers an insight into Sabah's varied ethnic groups, Penampang is home to the Kadazan people. The village is located 13 km south of Kota Kinabalu.

Sandakan

Sandakan is busy port on the Sulu Sea, about 386 km from Kota Kinabalu. The forestry exhibition in Sandakan showcases the astounding variety of flowers and plants found in Sabah; the Sandakan Orchid House has a collection of rare orchids. Along the Labuk Road from Sandakan is a crocodile farm, housing about 1,000 crocodiles of various sizes.

Gomantong Caves

The journey to the Gomantong Caves takes a whole day; first a boat-ride across the bay from Sandakan, then a drive by landrover through 16 km of dense jungle. Within the marvellous caves, swifts build their nests high on cave walls and roofs. These nests are considered a delicacy, and are carefully collected by native men climbing on tall bamboo poles. Tours can be arranged through the Forest Department in Sabah or a travel agency.

Semporna

Located on the southeast coast of Sabah, Semporna is the jumping-off point for Pulau Sipadan, a diving paradise, and Pulau Gaya, the island where Sabah pearls are cultured.

Kudat

A long way from Kota Kinabalu (238 km), Kudat is, nevertheless, worth a visit, as it is home to the colourful Rungus tribe. The journey to the village is an attraction in its own right, winding through the region's varied terrain of mountains, valleys, and jungles.