Food Glorious Food

Travelling is not just about the destination, it's also about taking in parts of the traveled into the traveler, satisfying the gormandizing spirit.

So wherever you may go or visit you have to eat

Travelling in Sabah means eating the food—traditional food, that is. Sabah has plenty of simple yet delicious dishes which are mainly pickled or preserved. This is mainly due to the Sabahan partiality to all things tangy. At the same time, it also dates back to the olden days when there were yet to be refrigerators to keep the food in. Nonetheless, the cuisines continue to remain synonymous to Sabah’s unique cultural identity.

Bambangan

Bambangan is a type of wild mango that comes with a distinct and sharp smell. Unlike the normal mango, Bambangan has a thick brown skin. While it is delicious when ripe, Bambangan is normally harvested raw to be pickled using salt mixed with grated Bambangan seed and slices of chilli.

Bambangan can be found at most tamu market or vegetable markets. Pickled Bambangan goes really well with plain white rice and deep-fried fish. Want to know a secret to a more delicious meal? Eat with your hands!

Pinasakan

 

Pinasakan sada, otherwise simply known as Pinasakan, is a traditional Kadazandusun dish of braised basung fish mixed with takob akob (a tangy wild fruit mainly harvested for its skin), fresh turmeric, salt and slices of Bambangan (optional). Pinasakan is another type of preserved food and is good to be eaten sans heating for days at a time. You can find Pinasakan at most traditional cuisine restaurants.

Pinasakan goes well with white rice or ambuyat and a dash of sambal.

Ambuyat

Ambuyat is a traditional Bruneian dish that is derived from the interior trunk of the sago palm. On its own, the Ambuyat is simply a bland starchy blob which is similar to the tapioca starch, but it goes well when eaten with tangy, spicy or salty accompanying dish such as the Pinasakan and Bambangan.

Ambuyat is prepared by mixing the sago starch powder into boiling water. As the sago starts to coagulate, use a pair of bamboo fork or wooden chopsticks to roll the starch around the prongs, dip into accompanying dish and munch. Be sure to have a glass of water handy!

Hinava

Hinava is most probably the most well known traditional dish in Sabah. Popularized by the Kadazandusun community, Hinava is made of fresh raw tenggiri (mackerel fish), which is filleted and thinly sliced; mixed with sliced chili, ginger, diced red onions, grated Bambangan seed, salt and set with a few squirts of lime juice.

Sometimes, slices of raw bittergourd are also added. If you don’t like fish, you can also substitute the mackerel with either prawn or squid. Hinava can be found in most traditional Kadazandusun restaurant, but of late, it has also been making its way to hotel buffet tables or served during special events and functions. Have it with white rice or on its own as a salad dish.

Tuhau

Most people, even locals, would have a love-hate relationship with the Tuhau due to its distinct pungent smell, which is not unlike that of a stink bug. However, once you’ve tried it, you may easily overlook its unpleasant smell.

Originating from the interior parts of Sabah (Tambunan, Keningau and Ranau), Tuhau is made of a type of wild ginger that is thinly diced, mixed with diced chili and diced scallion, and pickled using salt and vinegar. Tuhau makes a great accompanying dish for anything and everything. You can find it at tamu markets or vegetable markets all across Sabah.

Nonsom / Bosou

Another popular traditional Kadazandusun preserved dish is the Nonsom, or sometimes known as Bosou. It is made using raw fresh water fish mixed together with rice and pickled using salt and pangi (a type of local herb). After the mixing, the mixture is stored in a glass jar and marinated for two weeks. Like most preserved traditional food, the Nonsom / Bosou is salty and tangy in flavour. It goes well with white rice or even fried beehoon.

For a nicer aroma, sauté the Nonsom / Bosou together with diced garlic, a dash of pepper and olive oil—de-lec-table! 

Sabah's Outdoor Activities

Abseiling

Seeking for an adventurous activity? Try abseiling, which means to 'rope down' in German. This is one activity which will be both challenging and exciting!


Sabah has great outdoor rock climbing opportunities and also offers a great selection of indoor climbing opportunities.

For the brave, why not attempt to abseil Mount Kinabalu and marvel at the spectacular view that Mount Kinabalu has to offer. This will surely not dissapoint.

Try Zip Borneo and abseil down their 18 meter tower and take in the beautiful jungle and river side views on your way down.








Biking

Another outdoor recreational activity which is slowly gaining popularity in Sabah is biking. Sabah is known for scenic roads, natural areas, cultural and historic attractions and biking is a great way to discover all this at your own pace.

Want to be away from the hustle and bustle of the city? Bring the whole family on a perfect biking activity and bask in the scenic views that Sabah has to offer.


Birding


Did you know that there are 688 species of resident and migratory birds and out of that 688 species, 54 species are endemic to Borneo and 33 species are endemic to Sabah?
Birding or bird watching is an activity where you could explore more of these unique feathered friends of ours.

Birding in Sabah
There are various locations in Sabah where bird enthusiasts could do birding.

Mountain Range
You can expect to see birds such as, the Malaysian Treepie, the Laughing Thrush, Short-tailed Magpies, Sunda Laughing Thrushes, Whitehead’s Spiderhunter and not forgetting the endemic Mountain Barbet at this type of terrain.

In Sabah, try visiting Kinabalu Park, where 17 endemic birds to Borneo can be found and Crocker Range Park, which has two areas often visited by birdwatchers; the Rafflesia Forest Reserve and Keningau head-station of Crocker Range.

Lowland Forest
Known to have the richest habitat, the most number of bird species can be found in this habitat in Borneo. There are a few prime bird watching areas in Sabah with this terrain, such as, Danum Valley Conservation Area, Tabin Wildlife Reserve both located in Lahad Datu, Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sandakan and Poring Hot Springs in Ranau.

For birders, this type of terrain, you can expect to see the endemic Bornean Bristlehead, the Scarlet Minivet, Banded Broadbill and the Red-bearded Bee-Eater. In Tabin alone, you can find 8 endemic species including the Bornean Bristlehead and Blue-banded Pitta.

Freshwater
Kinabatangan River – Kinabatangan River holds one of the world’s richest ecosystem and makes Kinabatangan an excellent location for bird watching.

Highlight in Kinabatangan : 8 species of Hornbills, Oriental Darter and Storm’s Stork.

*All birding destinations are easily accessible with good transportation network and accommodation facilities are also available.

Equip yourself with a good camera and a tripod, good binoculars and a good field guide and you are good to go. We see birds everyday, but can you distinguish one bird song to another? Take up birding and you may just be able to.


Golfing
Sabah's wealth of natural beauty makes golfing here a once-in-a-lifetime experience not to be missed. From picturesque courses in tranquil settings to the most challenging terrains, Sabah's golf clubs offer a spectrum of experiences for the avid golfers.

Today, Sabah boasts numerous golf clubs located in all corners of the State with some courses set amongst breath-taking scenery and offering interesting and challenging play, whatever your handicap and levels of challenge may be. You can choose to play in the city, by the sea, high above the sea level or closer to earth at the fringe of lush vegetation.

A world-famous golfer once said that one of the main pleasures of the game lies in its natural elements are brought in, to test the player to the full. (In fact Graham Marsh said it, in the Benson & Hedges Holiday Golf guide to where to play and stay in SEA, published 1978.

This great East Malaysian state on Borneo Island is naturally endowed with endless beaches and bays, ancient rainforests and amazing plants and animals, and the sacred Mt Kinabalu - and all this natural beauty is blended into the landscape of the golf courses, making Sabah truly a golfer's Paradise.

Parasailing
Parasailing is a recreational activity where you are able to enjoy the bird's eye view of the destination of your choice. Experience the sheer freedom and rush of being hosted up in the air.

While attached to a canopy wing, you, in your harness, will be lifted up and through the air by a moving boat. Doesn't that scream excitement? The feeling of infinite freedom that parasailing gives is exactly why you should give this activity a try.


Sea Walking
The name itself is intriguing and it does speak for itself. What was once unthinkable, now made possible with the help of a 35 kg helmet of course. Sea walking is a new sea sport that allows a person to enjoy the underwater world without the hassle of mastering scuba skills.

Sea walking allows you to admire the amazing marine life up close and personal. Looking for an activity for the whole family, this would be perfect.

White Water Rafting
Adrenaline junkies and sports enthusiasts will be spoilt for choice with the variety of adventure and sporting activities available in Sabah, one of it is white water rafting. It is a recreational activity using a raft to navigate a river or other bodies of water.

Three main words you would need to know venturing into this sporting activity; rapid, whitewater and raft.  Rapid is the turbulent areas of a river. White water occurs when a river forms bubbly and frothy water which is white, due to rapids. Meanwhile, a raft is used to navigate through the river.

Whitewater rapids are classified into six categories. Class 1 which means it’s a smooth river with hardly any rapids to Class 6 which is suitable only to those seasoned experts. Class 3 and 4 will give you exciting, adrenaline pumping, wild fun rides, with limited risk.

In Sabah you could experience white water rafting at Padas River which gives you Class 3 and 4 rapids, while Kiulu white water rafting is more suitable for family with children as it gives you Class 1 to 2 rapids. All rafts big and sturdy, with an experienced expert guide who controls the steering of the rafts.

Turtle Island Park

      The Turtle Island Park (gazetted 1977) lies 40km north of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea and consists of Selingan, Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan islands. The park was founded to protect and be a safe haven for the endangered green and hawksbill turtles and gives you the rare opportunity to watch turtle landings. Selingan, the largest of the islands, houses the park's headquarters, a turtle hatchery, tourist accommodation and basic facilities. The other two islands are more for conservation activities.

As turtle landings usually occur after dusk, an overnight stay would be the best plan to see the turtles as they come ashore to lay their eggs, but shining a light on them or using camera flashes should be avoided as either can be stressful on the creatures.

Turtles lay their eggs throughout the year, but the best time to head there is between July and October when the sea is calmer. Observe the collection of eggs, tagging of mother turtles and releasing of baby turtles into the sea.

Address

Crystal Quest Sdn. Bhd

Sabah Park Jetty

Jalan Buli Sim-Sim

P. O Box 848,

90719, Sandakan

Telephone: 6 089 212711

Fax: 6 089 212712

Email: cquest1996@gmail.com

Sipadan Island

“I have seen other places like Sipadan 45 years ago. Now we have found again an untouched piece of art”. - Jacques-Yves Cousteau

       The internationally famous island of Sipadan, which is one of the top 5 diving sites in the world, lies five degrees north of the equator in the Sulawesi Sea (Celebes Sea). more than 3000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this richest of ecosystems. Sipadan is well known for its unusually large numbers of green and hawksbill turtles which gather there to mate and nest and it is not unusual for a diver to see more than 20 turtles on each dive. 

There is a total of 12 dive sites in Sipadan with the most popularly recommended dive sites such as : Turtle Cavern, Barracuda Point, South Point and Hanging Gardens. It was also declared a bird sanctuary in 1993, providing tourists a glimpse of migratory birds such as the wood sandpiper, greater sand plover and common sandpiper. Surprisingly, this island is so small, that just a 25-minute walk is enough to orbit the island.

Getting There

From Kota Kinabalu, take a 55-minute flight to Tawau and enjoy an hour’s drive to Semporna. From Semporna, Sipadan is another 40 minutes by speedboat. Be sure to pre-arrange transportation with your respective resort/dive operator.

Agents To Contact:

Best Borneo Tours Sdn Bhd

Office +60 88-486 088

info@bestborneo.com.my

Like Sabah Holiday Sdn Bhd

Office +60 88-318 831

tours@likesabahholiday.com

Borneo Dream Travel & Tours Sdn Bhd

Office +60 88-244 064

info@borneodream.com

All Borneo Connection Tours Sdn Bhd

Office +60 88-258 448

info@abctours.com.my

Qlu Sabah Holiday & Tours Sdn Bhd

Mobile +60 10-957 6620

enjoyborneoadventure@gmail.com

Pulau Tiga Marine Park

Make your way to the district of Kuala Penyu and hop on a boat to Pulau Tiga! The island’s claim to fame is none other than being the first ever ‘secret’ location for the hit reality series, ‘Survivor’. Hence, many refer to Pulau Tiga as Survivor Island. Located just 10km off shore on the West Coast of Sabah, you can enjoy a day trip to the island but many recommend spending at least a night or two.

The island has two resorts, Pulau Tiga Resort and Borneo Survivor Resort (see contact details). There’s plenty to see and do here: spend the sunny days swimming or snorkeling in its surrounding clear waters or go kayaking. Divers can explore its underwater treasures (diving courses are available).

Pulau Tiga is also famous for its therapeutic natural volcanic mud. Looking for some wildlife? Say hello the island’s famous residents: snakes! Facilities on the island include a restaurant and camping site.

Getting There

Kuala Penyu is 120km from Kota Kinabalu city. Take a bus from the Segama overhead bridge (next to the Post Office) and a one way-trip will cost you approximately RM18.00. A taxi ride from the taxi stand next to the Merdeka Field should cost around RM180.00 (up to groups of four) per way.

Contact Information

Sabah Parks

Block K, Lot No. 1-3, Phase 1,

P.O Box 10626,

88806, Kota Kinabalu

Office +60 88-211 881

Fax +60 88-211 585

Office +60 88-240 584

Fax +60 88-240 415

Office +60 88-230 806

Fax +60 88-237 806

rsvn@pulautiga.com.my

sdc@sipadandivers.com

neubay@tm.net.my

sdclodges.com

borneosurvivor.com.my

Madai Caves

Another treasure of the Sabah’s East Coast is the Madai Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre. This 3,436.5 hectares large area is located about 50 kilometers from Lahad Datu, 15 kilometers from Kunak.

Madai is basically a bird cave where the popular swiftlets birds nest delicacy originates, the nests are harvested annually by the Idahan tribe. Every year a festival is held by the tribe at the entrance of the main cave, when the male members of the tribe remove the nests from the high cave roof by risking their lives. This ritual and the rights to the Madai caves have been held by the Idahan tribe for over twenty generations and one has to obtain their permission to visit the caves. While the Baturong cave is riddled with several caverns which contain ancient coffins.

The Madai – Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre has been classified as a Class 1 forest reserve and is an excellent place for a day of cave exploration trip. Outdoor lovers will delight at the opportunity to familiarize with various aspects of tree species, caves, and the endemic flora and fauna in the area.

In addition to its canopy walkway, visitors of this forest reserve should not miss the chance to take a dip in the cool crystal clear stream of its scenic waterfalls.

Contact Information
Kunak Regional Forestry office
P.O.Box No 2
91207 Kunak

Office +60 89-851 863
Fax +60 89-851 862

Mabul Island

Mention Mabul Island and visions of swaying coconut trees and idyllic water villages come to mind. And that’s just above the water. Located only about 15 minutes by speedboat from the famous Sipadan Island, Mabul has gained its own recognition as one of the best muck-diving (a term used to describe limited visibility dives at shallow sites with usually sandy bottoms) sites in the world.

Mabul is a small oval shaped island fringed by sandy beaches and perched on the northwest corner of a larger 200-hectare reef. The reef is on the edge of the continental shelf and the seabed surrounding the reef slopes out to 25–30m deep.

Mabul is also renowned for its amazing array of macrolife, making it an underwater photographer’s dream location to capture some of the rarest ecological species on film. Flamboyant cuttlefish, blue-ringed octopus, spike-fin gobies, frogfish and moray eels are just some of the spectacular critters you will encounter beneath the waters of Mabul.

Although all the excitement is underwater, you can always set your scuba gear aside for a day to laze on Mabul’s soft sand to work on your tan.

Contact Information
Borneo Divers & Sea Sports (SABAH) Sdn Bhd
9th Floor, Menara Jubili,
53 Jalan Gaya,
88000 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah, Malaysia

Office +60 88-222 226
Fax +60 88-221 550
information@borneodivers.info
borneodivers.info

Lankayan Island

Lankayan Island, a practically virgin island in the Sulu Sea is located at just 1.5-hour boat ride from Sandakan. Lankayan, tiny jewel-shaped island located on the northeastern coast of Sabah, is part of the Sugud Islands Marine Conservation Area (SIMCA) and is surrounded blue-green waters and coral reefs. It is also one of Sabah's top diving spots.

The island can be counted as one of the best tourist getaways. Situated within the Sea Turtle Corridor, the pristine blue waters of the island proffer an excellent diving experience. with 14 dive sites including the Lankayan Wreck, all only minutes away from the island, offer magnificent displays of marine life ranging from giant groupers to tiny ribbon eels. Enormous whale sharks are regularly sighted between March and May, and the island is also a nesting site for green and hawksbill turtles you can watch as the baby turtles are released back into the sea. Through the Lankayan Dive Resort, which arranges all the tours, one can avail the facility of getting close to the whale shark. During the period between June and September, one can also see new hatchlings of baby turtles being released. The island is also home to the famous Lankayan Wreck, a popular diving station for divers who visit Sabah.




The availability of jungle interior and interesting diving attracts both divers and non-divers alike to Lankayan.The Langkayan Island Dive Resort has sixteen attractive wooden chalets with beach fronts and the common dining area extends to a sundeck jutting out to the beach.





Contact Information
Pulau Sipadan Resort & Tours Sdn Bhd (KPL 2536)
Block B, 1st Floor, Lot B-1-1, Plaza Tanjung Aru, Jalan Mat Salleh, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Office +60 88-238 113
Fax +60 88-238 112

Tambunan Rafflesia Centre

Located at the roadside of the edge of a forest reserve is the Rafflesia Information Centre. This centre is set aside for the conservation purposes of the remarkable rafflesia flower. The Rafflesia Information Centre is situated about an hour’s drive away from Kota Kinabalu.

The Rafflesia Information Centre is open daily to visitors from 8am to 3pm. Here, visitors can look forward to a jungle trekking adventure to look for the rafflesia flower. It is advisable to wear comfortable trekking shoes in the attempt to trek through the RIC’s challenging terrain.

Note:

As mitigation, entering the Forest Reserve (Conservation Rafflesia Plots) after 3:00pm is strictly prohibited. For those who are permitted and still within the area are required to come out of the area at 3:00pm.

Admission Fee

Each ranger guide charge for local tourist is RM50.00 and international tourist is RM100.00; the maximum number of tourists for one ranger guide is 5 pax. Ranger guide request can be arranged upon arrival.

Getting There 

Bus; South bound long distance bus station (next to Merdeka Field). Communicate with the bus driver or conductor for the drop off point. Ticket price is at RM10.00/pax

Taxi; take any taxi. the fee would be RM100.00/taxi

Danum Valley Conservation Area

      Danum Valley, a protected lowland rainforest, is located towards the southwest of the town of LahadDatu, Sabah’s fourth largest town. After it was declared a national park in 1976, the area came to be called ‘Danum Valley Conservation Area’. Today, it covers more than 400 square kilometres of untouched, virgin forests and is home to some rare species of animals like the orang-utans, Wallace Flying Frog, Sumatran rhinoceros, mouse deer and blue coloured leopard. Some 90% of the conservation area is classified as dipterocarp forest where the canopy of trees sometimes reaches a height of 70 meters. The Borneo Rainforest Lodge nestled within the magnificent setting of Danum Valley is said to be the first eco resort in the area. It provides all the hotel facilities such as restaurant, bar, and chalets to the visitors who want to explore the diverse and complex ecosystem of Danum Valley. Jungle treks, river swimming, bird watching and night jungle tours are some of the outdoor activities that keep the tourists overwhelmed

Being remote from human habitation and almost alien to modern civilization makes the Danum Valley Conservation Area is a naturalists’ paradise. Recognized as one of the world’s most complex ecosystem, this forest serves as a natural home for endangered wildlife species such as banteng, Asian elephant, clouded leopard, orang utan, proboscis monkey, as well as a vast range of Sabah’s lowland fauna.

Here, visitors also get the chance to visit an ancient Kadazandusun burial site, complete with belian coffins and ceramic spirit jars. Three burial sites have been discovered in Danum Valley—two near the field centre and one below the cliff, overlooking Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

Please pre-arrange with the travel agent regarding your booking.




Getting There
Lahad Datu has direct daily flights from Kota Kinabalu and Kuala Lumpur. Another way of transportation would be air-conditioned coaches from Kota Kinabalu which will take about 7 hours drive to reach Lahad Datu.

Address: Lembah Danum, Jalan Sandakan-Lahad Datu, Kota Kinabatangan, 90200, Kota Kinabatangan, Sabah Malaysia
Tel: +60 88 486168, +60 88 248 698

Kinabalu National Park

      

      Located 138 kilometres away from Kota Kinabalu and covering 754 square kilometres of area, the Kinabalu National Park offers great scenic views and natural diversity to its visitor. Mt. Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South East Asia with its peak at 4,095 metres is the main attraction of the park. It has attracted enough attention, both geographically and historically, with many legends woven around it. But, apart from with this peak, the surrounding slopes, valleys, rivers and rainforests of Mt. Kinabalu make the Kinabalu National Park even more scenic. The National Park is a protected reserve area, governed by the Sabah Parks. Some of the richest ecological diversity in flora and fauna can be seen at this park. Despite being the third largest mountain, climbing Mt. Kinabalu is one of the easiest journeys and takes approximately 2-3 days with no special hiking equipment needed. The mountain manifests a rich vegetation and plant growth along the trail. The Poring Hot Springs is one famous attraction that has been developed into open air Japanese styled baths. The sulphur water is known to cure many skin ailments.

Kinabalu Park is Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site. Also the Centre of Plant Diversity for South East Asia, the Park boasts more than 5,000 vascular plant species and the Park has no shortage of fauna as well, being home to some 90 lowland mammal species and many others.

Apart from traditional mountain climbing, visitors can also experience the Mountain Torq, the world’s highest and Asia’s first Via Ferrata or ‘iron road’ at 3,200m to 3,800m above sea level.

Surrounding the Kinabalu Park is a multitude of natural attractions and enjoyable activities. A variety of accommodation is available within the Park and in its surrounding areas, ranging from basic hostels to luxury chalets.

Essentials

A good vacation is never without some must-have essentials. As Kinabalu Park is located in a hilly area, it is best to pack up warm clothing and gloves to ward off the cold. Also, don’t forget to bring a highly water resistant knapsack and a raincoat in case it rains.

The rough terrains of Mount Kinabalu require its ambitious to-be conquerors to have comfortable walking/ tracking shoes with them. Last but not least, be well prepared with energy snacks e.g. chocolate, nuts, glucose sweets and a water bottle for fuel and hydration. As a safety recommendation, bring along a torch light in case one gets lost at night.

Important notice : Mt. Kinabalu is a popular destination, visitors who wish to climb Mount Kinabalu are advised to make reservations 6 months in advance to avoid dissapointment.

Contact Information
Contact the accommodation reservation at: 
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges,
G.15, Ground Floor,
Wisma Sabah,
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.

Office +60 88-889 098
Office +60 88-243 629
Office +60 88-245 742
Fax +60 88-259 552
info@suterasanctuarylodges.com
suterasanctuarylodges.com.my

Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary

 The centre attracts tourists and researches alike, giving them the opportunity to watch the orang utan up close in their natural habitat. A boardwalk which leads to a viewing gallery and feeding platform where the apes are fed milk and bananas twice a day at 10am and 3pm by rangers. Feeding time also attracts long-tailed macaques to the area.

Opening Hours
Security Gate: Daily from 8.00am till 5.00pm
Reception & Ticketing Counter: Daily from 9.00am till 11.00am and 2.00pm till 3.30pm
Exhibition Hall: Daily (except Fridays) from 9.00am till 4.30pm
Centre: Daily from 9.00am till 12.00pm and 2.00pm till 4.00pm Fridays 9.00am till 11.00am, 2.00pm till 4.00pm

Getting There
If you are not on any tour, public buses and taxis are available from Sandakan town. The Labuk Road Bus Company vehicles depart from the front of the Sandakan Town Council (Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan or MPS) from 6.00 am onwards. Fares are RM2.10 one way, but it will only stop at the junction to the Centre. You will have to walk about one and a half km in. You can hire a taxi for a return trip for about RM100.00 negotiable. The distance between town and the Centre is approximately 23km.

Admission Fee
Below 18 years old: Malaysian RM2, Non-Malaysian RM15

Adult: Malaysian RM5, Non-Malaysian RM30

Use of Cameras, camcorders, camera phones etc will be charged RM10.00.

Contact Information
Batu 14, Jalan Labuk Sandakan Sabah

WDT200, 9009 Sandakan Sabah

Office +60 89-531 180
Fax +60 89-531 189
nulias69@yahoo.com
sabah.gov.my

Introduction

The “Cuti-Cuti Malaysia” campaign is a program organized by the Ministry Of Tourism Malaysia designed to promote tourism destinations within the country for foreign and local tourist by providing the information about the tourist attraction of each of the 14 states of Malaysia as well as information about the accommodation rate for each. It’s also meant to encourage Malaysian to go for holidays locally and really see the beauty of their own country.

Sabah, of Borneo

Situated on the beautiful island of Borneo, Sabah is one of the thirteen states which Malaysia is made of. Sabah is the second largest state in Malaysia and shares the island of Borneo with Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan.

Sabah is richly blessed with nature diversity, unique cultures, fun adventure, beautiful beaches, and fantastic cuisines for the adventurous taste buds. We have it all, from the world’s largest flower - the Rafflesia, one of the highest mountains in South East Asia - Mount Kinabalu, to one of the world’s top dive sites - Sipadan Island. Sabah is also known for her great natural treasures which include the world-renowned Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin which is Sabah’s largest wildlife reserve.

Not only will you be amazed by the places to see and things to do here, you will also be treated with unique Sabahan hospitality. Explore the unique culture and tradition of Sabah and get ready to experience sweet memories to last a lifetime!

Borneo Island

Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is located at the centre of the Maritime Southeast Asia. This island is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.

Nevertheless, for people outside of Indonesia, “Kalimantan” refers to the area which is occupied by Indonesia on the island of Borneo. Malaysia’s region of Borneo is called East Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo. The independent nation of Brunei occupies the remainder of the island, being the wealthiest of the rest.

Once known as North Borneo, Sabah was under the British colony during the late 19th century till the early 20th century. Sabah gained self-government on the 31st of August, 1963. Sabah, together with Malaya, Singapore and Sarawak formed the Federation of Malaysia on the 16th of September 1963.  At 76, 115 square kilometers large, Sabah is the second biggest state in Malaysia after Sarawak.

People and Culture

The people of Sabah are known as Sabahans. Sabah is the third most populous state in Malaysia after Selangor and Johor; it also has one of the highest population growth rates in the country.

There are currently 32 officially recognized ethnic groups in Sabah with the largest non-indigenous ethnic group being the Chinese and the largest indigenous group being the Kadazan-Dusun people. Two other larger ethnic groups in Sabah are the Bajau and Murut, compared to other states in the country; Sabah has relatively very small population of Indians and South Asians.

Apart from the Sabahans’ very own diverse mother tongues, Bahasa Malaysia (national language) and English is widely spoken; Mandarin and some Chinese dialects are also widely spoken.

In Sabah, we greet people by saying “selamatdatang” (welcome) and/or “terimakasih” (thank you) with a smile. Due to religious reasons, some may prefer not to have physical contact with others. However, a handshake is generally acceptable as a way of introducing oneself.

It’s customary to remove shoes before entering a mosque as well as homes. In places of worship, visitors are required to dress modestly. Nude sunbathing is not allowed and is very frowned upon. Avoid pointing your index finger at others, as this is considered rude in the local custom.