Category: Sabah

When you visit Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Mount Kinabalu would be visible at almost every corner of the state capital. In fact, it is synonymous with the city where you can hike to the peak although some preparations will be required.

One of the highest peaks in SEA

Located in Sabah, Mount Kinabalu is the fourth highest peak in the South East Asia region after Hkakabo Razi in Myanmar, Puncak Jaya and Puncak Trikora in Indonesia. The tallest peak in Malaysia is located in the eastern state of Sabah. Engulfed within the capital city of Sabah in Kota Kinabalu, it is surrounded at the foot by the Kinabalu National Park, a World Heritage Site. The national park is populated by many resorts and guest houses that welcomed millions of visitors and tourists every year whether for holiday or for those intending to conquer the peak.

Pleasing peak to climb

There are annual climbathons held to find the fastest climber to the top of Mount Kinabalu although commoners are also able to get to the top by merely hiking and do not require any professional equipments or expertise. From the National Park one could get to the top to Low’s Peak, the easiest climb, alternatively one could get through from another resort via the Mesilau resort.

Try to spot world’s largest flower

If lucky, one would be able to see the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower along the way. To get to the National Park, one can fly into Kota Kinabalu and engage the local travel agents that includes mountain guides as well.

Tawau is the third largest town in Sabah state located southeast coast facing the spectacular Celebes Sea. Basically, the town is separated into three main areas which are Sabindo, Tawau Lama and Fajar. Each area is specifically catered for different activities. For instance, one can find government offices and departments in Sabindo while Fajar is a thriving commercial area.

Facts about Kota Kinabalu

• Currency: MYR (Malaysian Ringgit)
• Dialling code: Tawau being a town in Sabah uses the same +6088 prefix for calling land lines. All other standard prefixes for mobile numbers are applicable here.
• Airport: Flying into Tawau is possible through the Tawau Airport which is one of the 2 international airports in Sabah. The other one being Kota Kinabalu International Airport.
• Airport Tax: This is applicable for both domestic and international flights
• Distance from airport to city centre: About 35km
• Temperature: The temperature in Tawau ranges between 23 and 36 degrees Celsius
• Climate and Weather: Tropical with high humidity
• Common languages: Bahasa Malaysia, English, Mandarin and Kadazandusun

Transportation Facts of Tawau

The distance from Tawau Airport to the town centre is quite far. As such, expect to pay about RM45 for a taxi trip. You can however take buses which charge RM10 per trip to the town centre. Within Tawau, you can take taxis from RM5 per trip while buses are available from RM2 per trip.

Highlights around Tawau

As Tawau is surrounded by the sea, you would naturally find a lot of water activities around here. Look for operators who can arrange tours for you. Among those that you can do here include:

1. Diving – This is one of the highlights in Tawau. After all, it is a major gateway for divers en route to Semporna that will bring them towards the likes of Kapalai, Mabul, Mataking and the infamous Sipadan
2. Tawau Hills National Park – one of the oldest establishments here. It was built as a water catchment centre and is now one of the very popular spots for camping and picnics. Besides that, you might enjoy hot spring and waterfalls too.
3. Fish Market – nothing beats experiencing the local markets and their produce in the place you are visiting. Come to the market and see for yourself the freshest fish catch of the day and other local items
4. Pasar Gantung – A very unique market which means ‘Hanging Market’. It is the Old Central Market here which is where you can find some very interest crafts and local products. Expect to find a lot of items from neighbouring countries the Philippines and Indonesia. Weave products, local textile and hand-woven baskets are among favourites.
5. Al-Kauthar Mosque
6. Bell Tower

Foods around Tawau

The most common foods you will find around Tawau would be seafood. You can expect to find the freshest fishes and others around the restaurants. For a bit of local delights, try places like:

1. The Asian Cuisine and Curry House
2. The Sabindo Hawker Center
3. Makanan Laut 101 – Great place for seafood

Meanwhile, take some time to try out common favourites like:

1. Sulawesi Soto Makassar
2. Onde-onde
3. Nasi Kuning

Rustic feel at Tawau

On the other hand, the town’s central market is ideally located in Tawau Lama. The town has more than 380,000 people with majority of Chinese descendants follow by:

1. Malay
2. Kadazan
3. Duzun
4. Bajau
5. Murut
6. and other bumiputera groups.

Large groups of multicultural communities

Do not be surprised to find that the number of Indonesians surpassed other races in Tawau as a result of uncontrollable illegal immigrants. There are only two options to get around town – taxi or bus. However, buses are rarely on time, hence it is advisable for visitors and tourists to hire a cab if you intend to visit places of interest.

What to see around Tawau

Tawau has a lot to offer especially for nature lovers and adventurous travelers. If this is your first visit to Tawau, do not miss out on the opportunity to check out Tawau Hills National Park, Bukit Gemok, Tawau Cocoas Village and Shan Shui Golf & Country Club. Families with kids and nature lovers should squeeze in Tawau Hills National Park in your trip itinerary because it is definitely a worthwhile trip. Situated about 24 kilometres from Tawau town, the park has picnic areas and camping sites catered to visitors.

Enjoy the waterfalls

You’ll be mesmerized with the cascading waterfalls that create a flowing pond for swimmers to have a good time. While enjoying the cool and tranquil surroundings, visitors can see a large pool of local flora such as crab-eating macaques, Maroon Leaf Monkeys and beautiful wild orchids.

Check out Bukit Gemok

Bukit Gemok (literally translated as Fat Hill) is yet another must visit attraction especially for outdoor lovers. Hikers who loved mountain climbing can have all the fun here since the hill is surrounded by a forest reserve. As you get to the top of Bukit Gemok, you’ll get a good view of Tawau town. But first, climbers have to hike the challenging canopy walkway, Titian Silara in order to get on top of the hill. Since Tawau is the world’s third largest producer of cocoa, a trip to Tawau is not complete without checking out the world-renowned cocoa-planting site, Quion Hill in Tawau Cocoa Village. Find out how cocoa is cultivated, harvested and dried before processing it.

Great for golfers too

Meanwhile, golf enthusiasts can spend some quality time at Shan Shui Golf & Country Club located about 15 kilometres off Tawau town. This challenging 18-hole championship golf course has one of the hardest bar holes in the country. Tempt your palate with some delectable local delights such as nasi campur, sate, succulent chicken wings, onde-onde and a wide variety of Jawa food. Amplang, a deep-fried fish paste dipped in corn flour is a must try delicacy found only in Tawau. Also, satisfy your cravings for fresh seafood by dining at Sabindo hawker stalls. Crab and shellfishes are cooked to perfection and available at really low prices!

Once known as ‘Little Hong Kong’, Sandakan is the second largest city in Sabah today. This city served as the capital of British North Borneo back in 1880s to 1940s.

Sandakan largest town in Sabah

It was then the largest town in Sabah due to the ever increasing number of traders from Europe, Africa, China and Arabia flocked to the city. After World War II ended, the capital transferred to Jesselton. During the early days, most of the traders have decided to settle down in Sandakan. Thus, one would have noticed that the city is rich with traces of different foreign cultures.

Attractions around Sandakan

With so much to offer from adventurous activities to exciting nightlife, stunning golf courses to historical landmarks as well as nature activities, tourists should plan ahead your holidays in Sandakan before you embark on a journey to the mystical city. There are plenty places of interest in Sandakan such as:

1. Puu Gih Jih Chinese Temple
2. Sandakan Crocodile Farm
3. Agnes Keith House
4. Parish of St Michael and All Angels
5. Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary
6. Kampung Buli Sim-Sim
7. and Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.

Puu Hih Jih Chinese Temple

Puu Gih Jih Chinese Temple built on a hilltop offers splendid view of Labuk Bay. This fiery red and gold temple is designed with ornate pillars with entwined golden dragons. Sandakan Crocodile Farm is highly recommended for families with kids because this is definitely an educational trip for you to get up-close with over 2,000 reptiles in concrete pool. Meanwhile, Agnes Keith House or also known as Newlands is a two-storey home built along Jalan Istana. The house offers fascinating insights to life during British North Borneo times. Take a stroll down the gallery on the first floor to witness the story of Agnes and her family.

Parish of St Michaels and All Angels

Parish of St Michaels and All Angels is a beautiful and enchanting granite church built in late 1890s. Remember to include this attraction in your trip itinerary because this is one of the few surviving pre-war buildings in Sandakan.

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary and Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre

Tourists who would like to check out monkeys all in their natural habitat should head over to Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary. Located slightly further away from the town, approximately 25 kilometres west of Sandakan is the world-renowned Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. First opened its door in 1964, this centre houses orphaned orang utan. Orang utans can roam freely around this virgin rainforest since the sanctuary is protected.

Great food around Sandakan

Your trip to Sandakan is not complete without tempting your palate with gourmet meals and delectable local delights. When you are in Sandakan, remember to try local Sabah favourites such as Bak Kut Teh, Beaufort Mee, Claypot Rice, Laksa, Fish Head Curry, Mee Goreng Tuaran and Ngiu Cap. Of course, how can you forget to try fresh seafood cooked to perfection!

Malaysia has some of the most beautiful islands in the world. If you are looking for a place to unwind where you can enjoy the sun and sea, you can head to many of these islands which are around the country.

Pulau Layang-Layang a great getaway

Layang-Layang island is located at the north of East Malaysian state Sabah. Known also as Swallow Reef, it is typically a dive resort. It is located in extremely deep waters to at least 2000 meters. Divers here would normally find the usual species of Hammerhead sharks and various other fishes. Most of the island is made from reclaimed land and the waters are still pretty much untouched.

Natural wonders at its best

Swallow Reef is located in the middle of the ocean and so far still preserves its natural resources including the pristine coral reef. While Layang-Layang is a diving resort, it does not have much holidaying facilities and fishing is prohibited.

Getting to Layang-Layang

Getting here is very easy as there are flights into Kota Kinabalu, the state capital of Sabah. From Kota Kinabalu, you can then fly into Layang-Layang. Take note that you need to confirm with the resort in Layang-Layang when you are in Kota Kinabalu so that they can expect your arrival to this island.

Kota Kinabalu is located at the western region of Sabah and is the most important administrative center in the East Malaysian state. It is the capital of Sabah where it houses the main transportation gateway for domestic and international flights through the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Kota Kinabalu is one of the most complete cities in Malaysia as it very well connected with islands located off the coast and Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia.

Formerly known as Jesseltown during British occupancy

Kota Kinabalu formerly known as Jesselton is the capital of Sabah state. Situated on the northwest coast of Borneo overlooking the South China Sea, it is considered as one of the largest urban city in Malaysia. Commonly known as KK, the city has become one of the main tourism destinations for local and also foreign tourists for its rich cultural heritage and beautiful sandy beaches. It is named after Mount Kinabalu due to its close proximity that lies approximately 90 kilometres east-northeast of the city.

Background of Kota Kinabalu

The establishment of Kota Kinabalu can be traced back to late 1800s when British North Borneo Company (BNBC) founded several colonies throughout Sabah (then known as North Borneo). BNBC founded a settlement in Gaya Island but was then burned down by Bajau residents led by Mat Salleh. Following the rebellion by Mat Salleh, BNBC decided to establish another settlement.

KK continues to grow

Only this time, the company has chosen the mainland opposite Gaya Island as it is much easier to guard. This new settlement is named Api-Api (taken from a small fishing village nearby). After modest development, it has expanded in size and the name was changed to Jesselton. Eventually, Jesselton has emerged as one of the main hub and trading post involved in rubber, rattan, honey and wax sector. After much struggle especially during Japanese invasion, the state finally managed to become part of Federation of Malaysia in 1963. Jesselton was renamed again to Kota Kinabalu in September 30, 1963 and granted city status from Malaysian government in 2000.

KK Town Center

Kota Kinabalu is a busy city throughout the day. This is mainly because thousands of tourists come into the city on a daily basis where it is the main stopover to travel to travel destinations like Sipadan Island known for its deep sea diving facilities, Kinabalu National Park where mountain climbers hike up the peak and many other attractions.

Activities in Kota Kinabalu

Throughout your holidays in KK, you’ll never short of activities as you can try exciting water sports such as water skiing and diving, shopping and also fishing. KK is popularly known as a divers’ paradise for the clear blue tropical waters around the island suitable for beginners and also experienced scuba divers who would like to try snorkeling. Get up-close and personal with the wonders of coral reefs in the underwater world.

See the best of the sea here

Thanks to Malaysian government untimely effort to protect and preserve the islands, you can now see the sea wonders and experience it first-hand after years watching it on television and National Geographic. So take your own sweet time to visit the greatest diving destinations in the world. Remember to visit several spectacular tropical islands namely:

1. Gaya
2. Manukan
3. Sulug
4. Sapi
5. and Mamutik.

Only 33 kilometres south west of KK, you can check out another world class diving destination – Pulau Tiga Park that comprises three beautiful islands where you can find thousands of insects, reptiles, amphibians and the rare kegapode bird.

Now, grab your rod and get ready for some fishing activities by participating in the annual Sabah International Fishing Tournament. The waters around the island offer variety of fishes such as Sailfish, Snappers, Amberjacks, Barracudas, Bill fish and Groupers.

Educations Institutes and places for rent

There are several institutes of higher learning located around Kota Kinabalu city which bring about an increase in demand for rooms and places to stay particularly among students. The largest institute here is the Universiti Malaysia Sabah or UMS which has been operating for about 20 years now. The campus is located not far from the town center along the coast at Jalan UMS. The areas surrounding the campus here like Kampung Delima Melayu and Taman Indah Permai are popular choices among students who come from different states around the country.

Meanwhile, there are other private institutes here like:

1. Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman
2. AlmaCrest International College
3. INTI College
4. Informatics College,
5. and the UiTM (Universiti Teknologi MARA) Kota Kinabalu branch

UiTM is located around Taman Indah Permai and residences around the area like Taman Putera Jaya, Kampung Keliangau and Taman Perindustrian Kota Kinabalu are popular choices among the students in the institute.

Attractions in Kota Kinabalu

There are a number of cultural, historical and leisure sites in Kota Kinabalu. Of course, it you would like to find out more on the state’s history and origin, you have to include Sabah Museum in your itinerary. Ideally located nearby the big building of Queen Elizabeth Hospital, travelers can easily spot the museum. If you happen to be around the vicinity, do not miss out the opportunity to visit the Art Gallery, Ethno Botanic Garden and Science and Technology Centre.
The Wisma Budaya Art Gallery located right at the city centre exhibits a lot of national and regional art masterpieces.

The rich cultural heritage in KK also displays the Hongkod Koisaan building that is the home to Kadazan-Dusun Cultural Organization (KDCA). To find out more information on Kadazan ethnic group, do not hesitate to stop by at Monsopiad Cultural Village as it displays the traditional way of life of Kadazan ethnic group. Ideally located within half an hour on south-east of town, the village also tells the heroic story of Kadazan warrior who killed about 42 men when they attacked the village.

Visitors can check out the 42 skulls in the Hall of Skulls. In addition to the above mentioned cultural destinations, KK also offers numerous historical sites such as The Atkinson Clock Tower, Double Six Monument and Petagas War Memorial. Atkinson Clock Tower was built around early 1900s by Mary Edith Atkinson. Located few minutes away from city centre, or more precisely nearby Bandaran Berjaya, it was once used as a navigation aid base for ships. It is best known as one of the pre World-War II buildings to survive the invasion of Japanese. Another historical site is the Double Six Monument which is located in Sembulan built in memory of the fatal crash that brought to the death of Tun Fuad Stephens.

Lastly, remember to include Petagas War Memorial in your trip itinerary. The place was a spot for Japanese to execute Kinabalu Guerillas team that fought against the Japanese during the 1942 invasion. Sabah State Mosque is a true architectural gem standing firm in KK designed with unique dove-grey walls and glittering majestic domes recognizable from afar.

Ideally situated along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, the mosque can accommodate up to 5000 worshippers during prayers time. Incorporating Islamic architecture and contemporary design, the mosque has become a famous tourism spot for visitors around the world as it allows Muslim women to visit the mosque via a special balcony. Bear in mind that you need to follow the dress code on your trip to the mosque. Located nearby the mosque is the State’s Mausoleum.

Other famous tourism spot in KK include the Tun Mustapha Tower. Standing high from the grounds, this 30-storey and 122 metres high rise building was formerly known as Sabah Foundation Building. The magnificent tower is one of the world’s hanging structures with glass façade. In addition to that, the tower is also famously known as the only unique building in Asia with 72-sided polygon and column free floors.

Your trip is not complete without a tour down by the beautiful and sandy white glistening beach. Get a taste of paradise at Marine Park filled with exotic and breathtaking tropical islands. Located only minutes away from the city, Marine Park comprises five islands namely Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug. Get ready for some white glistening beaches, crystal clear water, and blue dotted skies with soothing sound of the waves, spectacular coral gardens and also the wonders of reefs in the sea water.

Monsopiad Cultural Village

For those who would like to find out more about Kadazan ethnic group, remember to stop by at the Monsopiad Cultural Village. The village exhibits the traditional lifestyle of Kadazan ethnic group. It also offers information on Kadazan heroic story whereby a warrior killed 42 men who attacked the village. Hall of Skulls displays 42 skulls from that particular incident.

The Atkinson Clock Tower

Another popular historical site in KK – The Atkinson Clock Tower was built during early 1900s and one of the pre World War II buildings that survived Japanese invasion. Remember to include Tun Mustapha Tower in your trip itinerary as this high rise 122 metres building is one and only unique building in Asia with 72-sided polygon with glass façade hanging structures.

And of course, your trip is not complete without paying a visit to nearby beautiful and picturesque Marine Park. It comprises five tropical islands – Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug. So get ready and head down to the tropical islands for some crystal clear blue water and wonders of reefs in the sea water.

Pulau Tiga Park

Lastly on your trip itinerary, drop by at a world class diving destination, Pulau Tiga Park that comprises three islands filled with various species of reptiles, thousands of insects, amphibians and also kegapode birds.

Wildlife Exprience in Kota Kinabalu

Wildlife, flora and fauna as well as cultural explorations are the main attractions for Kota Kinabalu aside from its scintillating beaches where you can have a fantastic day under the sun. Check out the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park which is south of Kota Kinabalu. A rich variety of orangutans, proboscis monkeys and gibbons can be found on this diverse wildlife park. You can also find Sumatran Rhinos, tigers, deer, elephants and a large variety of bird species that can be found in an aviary. You can take advantage of the tour service or car rentals of Sabah Oriental Hotel Kota Kinabalu as getting to the place is a bit of a struggle. However the amazing vision you will behold will surely melt all those transportation issues away.

For a cultural experience, check out the Monsopiad Cultural Village where you can see the traditional life of the Kadazan ethnic group. They tell the story of Monsapiad, a warrior who lived 300 years ago who killed 42 men who terrorized the village. The skulls of the 42 men can be seen at the Hall of Skulls.

Aside from these natural and cultural experiences, you can also get some active participation by trying out on Bike, Blade and Board, an extreme sports community in Kinabalu. You can also take a tour to meet other people through an Eco and Natural tour to see other amazing locations around the city. If you want to get more extreme and lose some pounds, learn some self defense skills at the Kota Kianabalu Mixed Martial Arts Gym.

Of course you can experience conventional touristy pleasures like shopping for souvenirs and of course, eating delectable local food. In Kota Kinabalu, you are in a melting pot of gastronomic varieties. Choose between Chinese, Malay, Filipino and even European delicacies or even a combination of some.

The east Malaysian state of Sabah welcomes millions of tourists each year, hence it is common that one would be able to find a wide range of budget accommodations here catered to the backpackers, business travellers as well those who are here for vacation.

The Airport View Hotel best near the airport

Located close by to the airport, the Airport View Hotel is a great place to stay for those here on stopovers where rooms start from RM80. The hotel is located in the state capital of Kota Kinabalu which is also where one could find Ang Hotel which is easy to locate and situated in the city center. Room rates here start from RM60.

Akinabalu Youth Hostel and North Borneo Cabin

If you are intending to just stay in a room and spend most of your time here outdoors, then the Akinabalu Youth hostel is an ideal choice where rooms start from RM20 per night. The North Borneo Cabin is another affordable choice here where rooms start from RM30. Century Hotel provides rooms that start from RM90 per night. There are also many homestays and cabins located in Lok Kawi along the west coast of Kota Kinabalu.

Accommodation in Sandakan

Over in Sandakan there are several options available:

1. The Hotel Seafront Sandakan is one of the common choices as they provide affordable rooms with basic facilities that start from RM60 per night.
2. Hotel Ramai here have room rates starting from RM65 per night.
3. For a similar rate, you could also enjoy a good night’s stay at Hotel Star City.
4. For a cheaper alternative, the Hotel City View of Sandakan offers a lower range with RM50 per night rooms with basic amenities.

Sabah towns, cultures and history

Sabah is one of the states that make up East Malaysia, the other being Sarawak. It is divided into various residencies, an administrative concept passed down from the British North Borneo era. They are Interior Residency which is around the south western areas that include towns like Tenom and Keningau, the West Coast Residency which is where capital town Kota Kinabalu is located, the Sandakan Residency at the east where Sandakan is located. The Kudat Residency is the northern corridor of the state where Kudat is the main city there and Tawau Residency is located around the south east. Major towns here are Semporna, Tawau and Lahad Datu.

People of Sabah

Sabah is popular and is known to be one of the most culturally rich states in the country. It consists more than 2.5 million people of which is divided among various races like Malay, Chinese, Indian while the native groups here are predominantly Kadazandusun while others like Bajau, Murud and Bisaya make up portions of the population here. Among the chinese however, most of them are from the Hakka dialect.

Most of the Chinese who migrated to the state during the British era, belong to the Hakka dialect group although there are also large numbers of Cantonese especially in Sandakan. There are also many Filipinos and Indonesians, many of whom entered Sabah illegally and later became naturalised under a controversial state policy.

History of Sabah

It was previously known as North Borneo prior to joining Malaysia in 1963. Ruled by the Brunei monarchy way back in the 16th century, it became part of the Sulu administration before the Europeans came by and started making claims. After that, the Japanese occupied North Borneo during the Second World War which observed the Death Marches by British event. Sandakan, which was the capital then was replaced with Jesselton which later was changed to be called Kota Kinabalu.

In 1963, Sarawak, Malaya (the former name for Malaysia), and Singapore formed the Federation of Malaysia and it was then that the name of the state was changed to Sabah.