Sabah is the second largest state in the whole Malaysia, covering an area of about 76,000 sq kilometres, situated mext to Sarawak on the most Southern-North part within the Borneo Island and the Celebs Sea in the East. Sabah is known for it Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia and its crstal clear beaches and tropical islands for scuba diving.
Way before the World War II, Sabah & Sarawak were part of the Borneo island under the rule of the Sultan of Brunei during the 15th century. In fact, as early as the 9th century, trading with the Imperial China was common. During those days, Sandakan the capital of British North Borneo (Sabah) was rich in exporting birds' nest, gutta percha and tobacco. With these , it has attracted many settlers to come especially from Mainland China and it was even known as "the little Hong Kong of Borneo" in 1930s. During First World War, Antanum, a warrior and a leader admired by the people of Murut was murdered by the British in 1917 in a rebellion against the British using corvee labours and paving paths without permission across the hills.
Today, Sabah has population of about 2.6 milion and over 30 ethnic groups of 80 different local dialects. The largest among the ethnic group is the Kadazandusun, occupying mostly the West Coast and has been an important role in farming for the State's economy. Sabah is rich in exporting timber and mining industry. it is also the third important petroleum and natural gas producer besides being an agricultural state.
Just like what they say, Sabah is a land of eco-trasures. So many adventures you can find with this cultural and unspoilt land. Visitors always come back and make this place a must to visit destination in their itinerary every year.
Sabah Attractions
Kudat
One of the most popular places in Sabah is Kudat, a 3 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu. The people who live here are mostly Rungus, a sub-group of the Kadazandusun group and are also well known for their beadworks. The best time to visit is probably in September when people celebrating the coconut fest. Beside Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, which is a must to visit, you can also visit Kampung Gombizau for beeswax and honey; Kampung Sumangkap for the making of gongs, a type of musical instrument; and Kampung Bavanggazo (Runggus Longhouse) and Kampung Tinagol for beadwork and needlewrok crafts. If you are adventerous enough, try a home stay programme known as Misompuru among the Kudat people where you can visit more interesting places like the pool that has natural oil instead of water only. Not forgetting, Kudat is also well-known for their fresh seafood cook in local style. Contact Misompuru Homestay, kampung Minyak Co-ordinator: Mr. Jeffry Hayha collect at tel: +60138721765/+60168155056.
Kinabatangan River
Apart from the Labuk Bay Proboscis Sanctuary near kampung Samawang in Sandakan, you can also head down towards nature at the Kinabatangan River (the longest river in Sabah) near Sukau to take a look at these pot-bellies monkeys with a long fat nose hanging from the face. Interestingly these unique creatures are only can be found in Borneo.
The best time to see this kind of monkeys will be between the time from 1600 to 1800 where proboscis monkey will return back to the tree branches from the river. other than the monkeys, there are also elephants, Orang Utan, bearded boar and many other wild animals to be seen in the vicinity. For further information please call collect at 088-232121 or Sabah Tourism Board.
Sepilok Orang Utan
This is the World's largest orang Utan Rehabiliation Centre. You can come close to these creatures and even hug some of them. The 4,500 hectares of virgin forest was part of the centre for training these monkeys back to the wild. To get here, you need to reach Sandakan first, from here take a taxi for about 20 minutes.
Sabah Agricultural Park
In Tenom town of Bahagian Pedalaman, the Agricultural Park spreads across 1,500 acres of land. The park is officially opened to the public by Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad in 200. There is the Hybrid Orchid Centre, which houses 1,500 identified species of orchids, the Bee Centre that accomodate four local bee species and the Evolution Park for various displays of the evolution eras, To get here, you must reach Lagud Sebrang, for more information you may call the Park Manager collect at Tel : 087-737952. Entrance fee charges at RM 10 adults while tourists need to pay RM 25.
Tanjung Simpang Mengayau- The Tip of Borneo
This place is said to be one of the unspoilt place in Kudat, the newest attraction in Sabah. The magnificent view of the Sulu and South China seas that can be seen at the tip of the North Borneo is an awsome sight and the sunset is a breathtaking experience. This is also where the pirates used to attack the villagers, What's more? You can even hop into one of the choppers for just about RM 1,300 to see the entire place.
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| THE TIP OF BORNEO Agnes Keith House Along Jalan Istana in Sandakan is the famous writer of the book "Land Below The Wind", Agnes Newton Keith's house. The house is protected as a heritage to the country in remembrance of her. Within the interior, the furniture and antiques were from the British and it also features about the life of the family during the time of British North Borneo. Opens from 0900 to1700 daily except Friday. You may contact 008-225033 or 088-253199 or 089-222679 for details. Gomatong Caves Bird's nest If you travell all the way by boat and vehicle to come to Gamatng Caves just to see how Bird's nests are formed and harvested, don't give up, it is simply worth it. Especially during the harvesting months of February to April and from July to September, you will get to see how the locals climbing up to the rattan ladders as high as 90 metres to remove the hardened swiftlet's saliva from the walls of the caves. No wonder it is so expensive and if you want to buy choose the white ones. It is better to arrange the trip with the Sabah Forestry Department or a reliable travel agency. Danum Valley  Tawau, this 438 sq kilometres area is said to be at least 60 milion years old. Walkingthrough it, you can get to see Asian elephants, the Sumatran Rhinoceros, gibbons and other wild animals. There is also a range of hostels for visitors to stay over and the interesting suspension bridge for a great view over the place is about 2 hours drive from the airport - Lahad Datu Airport. |
Kota Kinabalu
The state capital of Sabah is a must to visit when you are. The town center offer visitors a wide varieties of Shopping Malls and Entertainments. Tanjung Aru Beach is also another hangout place for supper and seafood. And for those who love yacthing, there is a Sutera Harbour Resort that provides water sports facilities and ferries to the nearby islands.
Atkinson Clock Tower
The Atkinson Tower was one of the buildings survived after the World War II. It was built in memorial of the first District Officer of Jesselton, Fracis George Atkinson, died of malaria at the young age of 28. His mother, Mary Atkinson of Englanf, built the Atkinson Clock Tower on Bukit Brace (Brace Hill) in 1905, in memory of her son. The clock tower is situated near the Gaya Street Sunday Market along Signal Hill Road.
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