Introduction

Welcome to Sabah Situated in Malaysian Borneo, Sabah has lush tropical rainforests and stunning tropical islands teeming with an incredible diversity of marine life. The 32 ethnic groups here make it a land of colourful and intriguing cultures. Kota Kinabalu is Sabah 's vibrant capital and gateway to eco-adventures such as diving, river cruising, mountain climbing, white-water rafting and caving.

Sabah's population is heterogeneous and culturally diverse, with more than 30 different ethnic races and over 80 local dialects spoken. Traditions and customs have long been part of our daily lives. Most of it has survived for eons; others have barely endured, touched by other influences that have led others yet to be forgotten altogether. Well known as the Land Below The Wind and also Land Of The Sacred Mountain , Sabah is a land of varied landscapes and natural wonders. One will normally ask what kinds of people live in this land of eco-treasures? Often by further understanding our spectrum of cultures, you will find the answer as all types, colours and creeds. All these ethnic groups live together harmoniously while at the same time preserving their own culture, traditions, festivals and customs to make Sabah a multiculturally exotic experience unlike any other that you might have already experienced.

Getting There Kota Kinabalu international Airport is the main entry point into the state. Sabah is easily accessible by frequent short-haul flights from the Kuala Lumpur international Airport (KLIA) in Peninsular Malaysia. Visitors can also fly in from the Kuching International Airport in Sarawak as well as majoy cities in Malaysia . The Kota Kinabalu Port welcomes tourists arriving by cruise ships. Private yachts can dock at Sutera Harbour Marina.

Entry Regulations : Visa free entry for holiday purposes (14 days to 3 months) is given to most nationalities. Best to check with Malaysian Diplomatic Missions for current situation. Passports must have 6 months validity.

Working Hours : Government : 08:00 a.m. to 04:15 p.m., Private Sector : 09:00 a.m. to 05:00 p.m., Mondays to Fridays, Saturday half day. Most shops would be open between 09a.m. and 05:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday, but many open earlier and close later and are open on Sunday. Shopping complexes close at 09:00 p.m.

Religion : Malaysia's official religion is Sunni Islam, but freedom of worship is respected. In Sabah, major religions are Christianity (29%), Islam (26%) and Buddhism-Taoism (17%).

Capital : Kota Kinabalu City, the gateway to the rest of Sabah, is also the State Capital. Kota Kinabalu or K.K. as it is usually called, is relatively new as the original town was destroyed during the Second World War.

Language : Bahasa Melayu (Malay) is the official language, English is widely spoken, especially in business and tourism circles. Other languages include Chinese dialects, kadazan and several indigenous and dialects.

Accommodation Sabah has a wide range of accommodation to suit any preference and budget. Several well-appointed beach resorts are located close to the capital city. Budget accommodation is widely available. Enjoy the wide variety of cuisine, from local delights to Continental fare.

Golfing The state boasts many superb golf resorts designed by world-renowned names such as Ronald Fream and Ted Parslow. Major resorts are situated in Kota Kinabalu, Bongawan, Tuaran, Karambunai, Tawau and Kundasang.

Useful Contacts Tourist information Centre Tel: 6088-212121 (Sabah Tourism Board)
Sabah Tourist Police Tel: 6088-450402/222
Sandakan Tourist Information Centre Tel; 6088-229751