KOTA KINABALU SABAH
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
“selamat datang” (welcome) and/or “terima kasih” (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.
PLACES TO VISIT - KOTA KINABALU
PLACES TO VISIT - KOTA KINABALU
Signal Hill Observatory Platform
Signal Hill, the highest point in
the city, is one of the best places to get a good view of Kota Kinabalu. Just a
couple of minutes drive from Padang Merdeka will bring you to the airy deck
where you can get amazing views that extend to the outlying islands of the
Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and further.
Opening Hours
Daily from 8.00am till 12.00am
Getting There
You will have to use a taxi as it is
off the normal bus route.
Taxi fare to the Signal Hill
Observatory Platform is RM10-RM15
Admission Fee
Admission is free.
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| KOTA KINABALU - STATE MOSQUE |
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| STATE MUSEUM -KOTA KINABALU |
FILIPINO MARKET |
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| SHOPPING PEARSL |
