Sabah is Malaysia’s second largest multi-ethnic state in Sabah. The people of this country consist of various races with their respective cultural backgrounds. The original population consists of at least 30 groups using more than 50 languages and no less than 90 dialects. Among them are Kadazandusun, Bajau, Brunei Malay, Murut, Kedayan, Bidayuh, Melanau and many more. Sabah is home to many types of Pearls. Pearls are beautifully harvested from the sea and collected either sold raw or arranged into jewellery pieces such as necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. Pearls in Sabah are sold at much lower prices than in many other countries, with the same quality as everywhere. Besides, Sabah let you find a variety of markets, handmade crafts, crystals, antiques, fresh seafood, local cakes, exotic vegetables and fruits, and dry salty fish. The unique delicacies and souvenirs can be found at Kota Kinabalu, Kota Belud, Tamparuli, Papar, and Donggongon. Jalan Gaya Market was located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu. This is a popular place for locals and visitors to shopping every Sunday. Antique gongs, handicrafts, potted plants, orchids, animals, crystals, ceramics, clothing and accessories, local cakes and biscuits are just some of the hundreds of items offered. In addition, Tawau is where you will be if you are on a trip to Sipadan or a world-class dive site on the east coast of Sabah. On the return trip, be sure to take Tawau’s famous dry food such as shrimp and fish. For beauty and health, there is no better place than Sandakan to buy quality bird’s nest. This is a local harvest in Madhu and Gomantong Caves. Furthermore, Sabah got Tanjung Simpang Mengayau that also known as Tip of Borneo. This dramatic promenade is located at the northern end-mostly borneo, the third largest island in the world, after Greenland and New Guinea. It is located on Kudat Peninsula, about three and a half hours (or 215 kilo meters) drive from Kota Kinabalu City. Simpang Mengayau means ‘prolonged junction’ as it is the South China Sea that still exists and meets the Sulu Sea that flows from the east. Tourist that comes to visit Simpang Mengayau will able to enjoy stunning views. The sunset and full moon are just beautiful and the island of Kalampunian lighthouse is a memorial of treacherous beaches and past wrecks. To the left is the beautiful beach of Kalampunian Beach. It is a beautiful, easy walk to the flagpole, the Globe and the rocky outcrops that make up the “Tip of Borneo”. Sabah 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.
2 trails to the summit, Ranau trail and Kota Belud trail. Ranau Trail will take an easterly course while the second trail, Kota Belud trail will take the westerly course from Laban Rata also ending at Sayat Sayat. While you do not need special skills to climb, you must at least have the basic fitness level.
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.
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.
Exploring the lush green forest and with the mystery that surrounds the jungles. Exotic flora and fauna abound. Wild orchids of every imaginable hue. Pitcher plants that gulp down insects and flies. And of course, there’s the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world.
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.
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.
Quad biking (ATV: All-Terrain Vehicle) is available at the Kiulu Farmstay. Explore and have fun navigating these tough looking four-wheelers through the home of the Dusun ethnic group, passing green jungles and plantation and through locals’ farms.
17 endemic birds to Borneo can be found and Crocker Range Park (Rafflesia Forest Reserve and Keningau head-station of Crocker Range). A few prime bird watching areas in Sabah are located in Lahad Datu (Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin Wildlife Reserve), Sandakan (Rainforest Discovery Centre-RDC) and Ranau (Poring Hot Springs).
Sandy beaches, tropical islands, blue waters, coral reefs and atolls, Sabah has several dive sites rated to be amongst the top ten in the world and many more yet to be truly explored.
The islands of Sabah are also comparable to those of overseas islands. Among the popular islands are Mabul Island, Mantanani Island, Sipadan Island, Manukan Island, Sapi Island and others. There are many activities that can be done by tourists on the island, among them are banana boat rides, diving, snorkeling, parasailing, playing volleyball, zip line and other water sports.
The Kinabalu Park houses more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna, including 326 bird species and over 100 species of mammals and 110 species of snails. The park is located on the West Coast of Sabah and covers 754 square kilometers around Mount Kinabalu. The park is also one of the tourist attractions due to the quiet and peaceful atmosphere and surrounded by nature.
This park allows tourists to play lots of water sport activities as it consists of 5 islands and an area of 4,929 hectares. Tourists can see the beauty of the panorama and panoramic maritime island clusters that remain in the natural beauty and rich seafront with coral reefs. It is a suitable area for divers who want to see the beauty of the seafloor. Tourists also have the opportunity to travel across the jungle through small trails on Gaya Island and the Sapi Island.
Kundasang is a town located 6 kilometers far from Kinabalu Park. Kundasang is famous for its vegetable market which is open daily and it is fresh and cheap. Besides vegetables, there is also local fruits and also strawberries. Rose flowers are also available in Kundasang. The atmosphere at Kundasang cool and quiet will also make the travelers feel comfortable and calm. The accommodation in Kundasang is like Mesilou Nature Resort, Midori Homestay, Kiram’s Village, Kinabalu Pine Resort, Dream World Kundasang and others.
Located at the end of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and is approximately 6 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu city. It is the Tanjung Aru Beach which has a special place in the heart of every local. When you visit the beach, you will find out why is has gained such reputation from the locals. The Tanjung Aru Beach took its name from the casuarinas or aru tress that surrounds the sandy beach. This is the place for people to get the best seats for viewing the greatest sunset on earth every evening when the sun slowly sets into the horizon. The Tanjung Aru Beach has transformed quite a bit from being hawker stalls to restaurants and beachside cafes. The beach is divided into three sections, beach 1, beach 2 and beach 3. There are plenty of places to eat at Tanjung Aru Beach. Foodstalls here serve food and drinks till late at night. You may opt to choose from enjoying a simple meal of coconut and sugarcane juice with chicken or beef satay or you can also opt for a full-course dinner at the seafood restaurant found here. There are several activities which you can do here at the Tanjung Aru Beach. You can either take a jog or stroll along the long stretch of sandy beach in the morning or in the evening. There is also a park here which is called the Tanjung Aru Beach Park. It was formerly known as the Prince Philip Park. This is a great place to bring your family for quality family time. You can come here in the afternoon and spend time here till after dinner.
Rumah Terbalik Sabah is best described as an otherworldly upside-down home. Billed as Southeast Asia’s first, the 1,500sqft compound looks like its neighbours traditional Sabahan homes, but the house, car and even a wheelbarrow leaning against the outdoor wall are all flipped over. Designed by Alexander Yee, a look into this topsy-turvy home is like stepping into the pages of Alice in Wonderland, with sofas, ashtray, books and the TV in the living room, the beds and dressers in the bedrooms, the microwave, stove, tables and chairs in the kitchen all stuck to the ceiling.Similar to Germany’s ‘The World Stands on its Head’ upside-down home, Rumah Terbalik Di Sabah (Upside Down Home in Sabah) is a childhood fantasy come to life.
Located in village Nalapak in Ranau district, about 120 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Location tea plantation is on the highway between Telupid – that is, after crossing into Ranau Poring Hot Spring. This tea plantations at an altitude of 2,272 feet above sea level with an area of 6,200 acres of farm size. The tea plantations are surrounded by lush forest that has been around since 130 million years ago. The tea plantation is also against the backdrop of the mountain and a single organic tea plantation in Malaysia.
Fancy something more unique than your average spa? Then head on to Kampung Luanti, Ranau for a fish massaging session! In the Local Kadazan Dusun dialect, ‘tagal’ means ‘no fishing’, and the main purpose of the ‘tagal’ is to preserve the environment as well as the ecosystem to benefit the future generation. ‘Ikan Pelian’ or Malaysian Mahseer comes from the family of Cyprinidae. These fishes are specifically trained by the villagers to perform the healing massage activities. The fish massage is deemed to have a curative effect on those who suffers from psoriasis. Come to Kampung Luanti for regular fish massages and you will enjoy smoother and suppler skin – just like a baby’s bottom. It takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes by road to Ranau from Kota Kinabalu. You can get a taxi or you could rent a car and drive to Ranau.
Danum Valley Conservation Area is a 438 square kilometres tract of relatively undisturbed lowland dipterocarp forest in Sabah, Malaysia. It has an extensive diversity of tropical flora and fauna, including such species as the rare East Sumatran rhinoceros, Borneo orang utans, gibbons, mousedeer, and clouded leopards and over 270 bird species. Activities offered are jungle treks, river swimming, bird watching, night jungle tours and excursions to nearby logging sites and timber mills.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve is a nature preserve in Sabah, Malaysia. It was created in 1984 to preserve Sabah’s disappearing wild animals. Occupying a large part of the peninsula forming the northern headland of Darvel Bay, it is located 48 kilometres east of Lahad Datu. Tabin Wildlife Reserve comprises a rectangular area of approximately 122,539 ha. in the centre of the Dent Peninsula, north-east of Lahad Datu town, south of the lower reaches of the Segama River and north of the Silabukan Protection Forest Reserve. It can be reached via sealed and gravel roads from Lahad Datu in about 40 minutes.
Explore the Mari Mari village give the travellers a unique chance to learn about the sceptic lifestyle of the local tribes. Grab the wonderful opportunity and gather knowledge about the regional cuisines and the ethnic lifestyle of the people. Witness their hunting skills and their precise fishing techniques. The settlement inhabits five different kinds of pagans. Learn their hunting skills. Get a chance to relax in the huts during the hot and humid days. Satisfy your taste-buds with mouth-watering tribal food. The cultural village is isolated modern civilization and deep into the country side of Inanam in Kota Kinabalu.
Borneo is the 3rd largest island in the world, and its northern-most tip is the meeting point of two big oceans, South China Sea and Sulu Sea. The Tip of Borneo is located in Kudat district and one of the most popular attractions in Sabah. The scenery is delightful but you may not know where you stand was used to be a watch-point for pirate invasion hundreds of years ago. That’s why the Tip of Borneo is also known as Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, which means the junction to the battle at the tip (in Rungus language).
