Malaysia consists of 13 states, one of which is Sabah, located in the northern part of Borneo Island. It is Malaysia’s second-largest state, second only to Sarawak, and it borders Indonesia’s Kalimantan to the south. Since typhoons do not pass through, Sabah is known as the “Land Below the Wind.” The capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, and Chinese, English, and Malay are commonly spoken. Sabah was ruled by the British starting in 1881 until September 16, 1963, when it, along with Sarawak, gained independence from the United Kingdom. As early as the 15th century, merchants from Brunei and the southern Philippines referred to this place as Sabah.
Sabah has a population of over 3 million people, composed of diverse ethnic groups. Its total area is 76,115 square kilometers, and it has a coastline of 1,440 kilometers, surrounded by the Sulu Sea to the northeast, the Celebes Sea to the east and south, and the South China Sea to the southwest. It is home to Malaysia’s highest peak, Mount Kinabalu, which stands at 4,095.2 meters above sea level and attracts mountain climbers from around the world each year.
Sabah boasts an unspoiled natural environment. The tropical rainforests of Kinabalu National Park are home to various bird species, making it a haven for bird watchers. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, with its abundant marine life and tropical fish, offers an excellent experience for enthusiasts of underwater ecosystems. Borneo’s unique proboscis monkey habitats are also waiting to be explored.
Sabah’s weather is warm year-round, with temperatures ranging from 24 to 32 degrees Celsius. The local culture is simple and pure, and the lifestyle is leisurely, making it an ideal vacation destination for the whole family.
Additional Sites of Sabah and Kota Kinabalu:
- Cultural Diversity: Sabah is known for its rich cultural diversity, with over 30 different ethnic groups, including the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, and Murut, each with their own unique traditions, festivals, and languages.
- Island Hopping: The waters around Kota Kinabalu are dotted with beautiful islands such as Manukan, Mamutik, and Sapi, which are perfect for island hopping, snorkeling, and diving.
- Local Cuisine: Sabah offers a variety of delicious local foods, such as fresh seafood, the famous Beaufort Mee, and the traditional Kadazan-Dusun dish called hinava, made from raw fish marinated in lime juice.
- Night Markets: Kota Kinabalu is home to bustling night markets like the Filipino Market and the Gaya Street Sunday Market, where visitors can shop for local handicrafts, souvenirs, and street food.
- Cultural Villages: The Monsopiad Cultural Village and Mari Mari Cultural Village offer insights into the traditional lifestyles of Sabah’s indigenous people, showcasing their customs, crafts, and performances.
- Adventure Activities: For adventure enthusiasts, Sabah offers a range of activities such as white-water rafting on the Padas River, jungle trekking, and wildlife spotting in the Kinabatangan River and Danum Valley.
- Historic Sites: Kota Kinabalu has several historic landmarks, including the Atkinson Clock Tower and the Sabah State Museum, which provide a glimpse into the state’s history and heritage.
- Wildlife Conservation: Sabah is a leading region for wildlife conservation, with notable efforts in protecting endangered species like the Bornean orangutan and the pygmy elephant, especially in areas such as the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.
These features make Sabah and Kota Kinabalu vibrant and attractive destinations for tourists seeking both relaxation and adventure.