ABOUT SABAH

ABOUT SABAH ABOUT TAWAU GETTING TO TAWAU PLACES OF INTEREST SABAH occupies the top portion of the island of borneo and covers an area of 74,500 sq. km with a coastline of about 1,440km. Sabah's climate is tropical but pleasant with sunny blue skies all year round. Beside the friendly people, vast areas of tropical rainforest and the unspoiled natures creation are the key attraction of Sabah. Million years old granaries greets you all the way to the Marco Polo Hotel. Sabah, the "Land Below The Wind", is on the north side of the world third largest island Borneo. Sabah's indigenous people, lush tropical rainforest, abundant flora and fauna, marine and coral life, and beautiful beaches all contribute to a visitor's memorable experience Sabah. In Tawau, visit a cocoa and palm oil factory. Then stop at Sipadan for lunch, before the trip to Sipadan Island, which is world renowned as one of the best dive spots. The only oceanic island in Malaysia, Sipadan stands on a coral sea-mount of 2000 feet from the Sulawesi Sea floor, And in the ocean, a wide range of rare marine species can be found - a sheer delight to any diver. The next day return to Semporna to continue the journey to Lahad Datu, a picturesque coastal town, once an imperial Japanese Navy headquarters during World War II. From there, journey to Sandakan for side trip to the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary Gomantong Caves where you can see edible birds nests, a delicacy built by swifts. And to Turtle come to lay their eggs. After Sandakan you can fly to Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. From Kota Kinabalu, visit Kota Belut (to see the famous bajau horseman) and Kudat (to meet the equally famous Rungus girls) to the north, also climb Mount Kinabalu (Southeast Asia's highest mountain) to the east. Visit Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (Off Kota Kinabalu), a sanctuary for the many beautiful species of corals and tropical fish. Other Species include wild pig, macaques, pangolins and pied hornbills. MOUNT KINABALU Mountain Kinabalu is the highest mountain (4,093 meters) in South East Asia. The origins of the name Kinabalu is also somewhat shrouded in mystery and myth. Some believe Kina-balu means Chinese widow. Kina being a corruption of China and Balu a widespread native dialectical term for widow. SABAH NATIONAL MUSEUM The Museum houses some of the treasures of Sabah. Galleries on Ethnography, Ceramics, Natural History, Archaeology, History, Limestone caves, and other exist. Also there is an art gallery with an exhibition on the oil and petroleum industry, the largest such exhibition in the world. GAYA STREET FAIR Gaya Street Fair is where local delicacies, handicrafts and antiques, as well as clothes, furniture and a whole host of other goods can be bought every Sunday. But you should be there by 8.00 am. ETHNIC Kota Kinabalu, the gateway to Sabah, a land known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage is just a footstep away from all wonders and excitement. The rich cultural heritage of the 83 ethnic groups in Sabah and harmony between provides Kota Kinabalu with an asset comparable to none.