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Sabah, more often than not, has been nicknamed the "Land Below the Wind" and is a beautiful Malaysia state situated on the northern tip of Borneo Island. This place is known for its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and diverse wildlife, it remains one of the most sought-after destinations for any traveler who wants to explore an untapped paradise.
The beauty of Sabah (Source: Kenh14)
Sabah has a rich history attributed to the many different cultures and civilizations that existed long ago. Archaeological evidence shows that human settlements existed in this place as far back as 20,000 to 30,000 years ago. Starting before the arrival of European explorers, Sabah fell within the trading route between China and the Malay Archipelago, hence it is a place with a rich tapestry of cultures.
Starting in the 16th century, European powers began to seek out the region, and the Portuguese and Dutch established routes and bases in Borneo. Sabah fell under the influence of the Sultanate of Brunei by the 19th century and later under British North Borneo Company administration.
History of Sabah (Source: phunuso)
It would finally become a protectorate of the British and became known as "North Borneo." Following the Second World War, North Borneo was ceded to the British Crown Colony and later joined Malaysia in 1963, officially to be known as Sabah. Today, Sabah is one of Malaysia's prosperous states with its peculiar blend of traditional and modern cultures and fascinating history that one would love to explore.
Sabah is situated on the northern part of Borneo, the third-largest island in the world. It shares the island with its neighboring state of Sarawak, the independent country of Brunei, and the Indonesian region of Kalimantan.Bordered west by the South China Sea and northeast and east by the Sulu and Celebes Seas, the coastline of Sabah comes up to more than 1,400 kilometers. Its capital, Kota Kinabalu, is a bustling coastal city facing the South China Sea and acts as the primary gateway for tourists traveling to Sabah.
Location of Sabah (Source: propertyhunter)
Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Southeast Asia, standing at 4,095 meters, and one of the most iconic landmarks of Sabah. It is situated within Kinabalu Park, which has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is a must-visit destination for any avid trekker or adventurer.
A must-do activity is a visit to Mt. Kinabalu to go on challenging routes and rewarding views from the top to see lush landscapes with panoramic views. Various flora and fauna abound in this park itself, making it a dreamland for nature lovers.
Mount Kinabalu (Source: OfficeHoliday)
Sipadan Island is considered one of the best diving destinations in the world, and for a reason. Its waters are crystal clear, full of vitality in coral reefs, and inhabited by myriads of marine life. This island, situated off the eastern coast of Sabah, is an underwater haven teeming with sea turtles, barracudas, reef sharks, and different types of tropical fish.
Divers around the world flock to Sipadan because of its spectacular underwater biodiversity. Note that, in order to protect its fragile ecosystem, only a limited number of daily permits are issued, making this diving spot one of the most exclusive and pristine ones.
Sipadan Island (Source: ZuBlu)
KK, the capital of Sabah, more colloquially known as Kota Kinabalu, presents urban life combined with the best of scenic beauty. Its waterfront permits a vibrant market scene, food stalls offering local delicacies for the best of everything one could ever want to taste, seafood restaurants, and cultural attractions.
Being on the waterfront, the views of the setting sun are stunningly beautiful and highly recommended for evening strolls and a good place to have your meal. Other nearby local attractions include the Atkinson Clock Tower, the Signal Hill Observatory, and Gaya Street Market, which gives a glimpse of the rich culture and history that Sabah has.
Kota Kinabalu City & Waterfront (Source: Flickr)
The Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan is among Sabah's best wildlife attractions. It is a center that was set up to conserve and rehabilitate orphaned and injured orangutans.
Besides this, the gentle apes can be viewed in their natural habitat during feeding sessions, and it is also a venue for learning about wildlife preservation efforts carried out by the center. Next to it lies the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre, which is likewise worth visiting for any animal enthusiast.
Wildlife in Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre (Source: InsideAsiaTour)
A mere boat ride away from Kota Kinabalu, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park consists of five breathtakingly beautiful islands that include Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik, and Sulug. Each island is unique in its own right, with several of the islands sharing certain activities, which range from snorkeling to scuba diving, and even jungle trekking.
Crystal-clear waters around the islands, teeming with coral reefs and marine life, make these islands ideal for underwater explorations or relaxed vacations on the beach.
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (Source: BorneoAdventure)
Read more: Malaysia tour 7 days: Wild Borneo adventure
Sabah has a tropical climate, with high humidity and temperatures between 23°C to 33°C, which prevails throughout the year. The perfect time to visit Sabah is during its dry season, which generally starts from March to October. During this time, the weather can be sunny and warm, perfect for diving, trekking, and wildlife spotting.
Best time to visit Sabah (Source: SabahTourismBoard)
By Air: The Kota Kinabalu International Airport, BKI, is the main gateway into Sabah. It is well-connected through major cities in Malaysia such as Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru, but it also serves international flights to such places as Singapore, Manila, and Seoul.
By Sea: Ferries and boats connect a number of coastal towns, such as Sandakan and Tawau, for visitors from neighboring regions like Brunei or the Philippines. Although less common, traveling by sea than it is to fly, it does offer another exciting method of viewing the Sabah coastline.
Within Sabah: Getting around upon arrival in Sabah is quite easy by the use of public transport systems: taxis, buses, and boats. Domestic flights also connect Kota Kinabalu with Sandakan and Tawau, thereby enabling movement into more interior areas of the state.
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (Source: SabahTravel)
Sabah provides a beautiful combination of nature, adventure, culture, and wildlife. Its enchanting history, along with striking landscapes, makes it unique to visit the state in Malaysia, replete with a variety of attractions. The best time to visit would be during the dry season of the year, when all places are accessible and one will be able to experience all the wonders of this lovely area.
Read more: Off the beaten track Malaysia