Discover Sabah...

Famous for its eco treasures, Sabah is a Malaysian state situated on the Northern tip of Borneo. A land of varied landscapes and natural wonders, it’s home to the Orang Utan, or “The Wild Man of the Forest”, and one of the only environments that allows visitors to see this remarkable creature in its natural habitat. With accommodation ranging from modern 6 star hotels, to more traditional, rustic lodgings, every stop is a cultural wonderland. Locals welcome travellers with true warmth and invite them to take part in their traditions and customs. The mystique of the Rainforest and remarkable variety of Sabah’s wildlife provide explorers with never ending discoveries.

THINGS YOU MUST DO IN SABAH

• Visit the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre, located on the east coast of Sabah at Sandakan. After all, Sabah is famous for the Orang Utan, and visiting Sepilok is a unique experience that you won’t forget
• Trek through dense jungle terrain on a two day hike to the top of Mt Kinabalu – Malaysia’s first world heritage site and South East Asia’s highest peak. Take in the beautiful sites of the jungle and enjoy seeing wildlife exclusive to Sabah
• All year round, off the East coast of Sabah, you can see turtle hatchlings at Turtle Island Park, 40km north of Sandakan. The endangered Green and Hawksbill turtles treat the park as a safe haven, a perfect opportunity to witness these majestic creatures lay their eggs and to see hatchlings enter the world
• When in Sabah, you must visit the Virgin Jungle. Orang Utans, Proboscis Monkeys, Asian Elephants and many species of birds are unique to the region and you’ll have the chance to see a range of flora and fauna that no longer exist anywhere else in the world
• Explore the downtown markets in Kota Kinabalu Sabah’s capital city, or Sandakan, and the many other villages in Sabah, dine in one of Sabah’s seafood restaurants and experience a cultural show

NATURE AND WILDLIFE IN SABAH

Home to 50,000 wild Orang Utans, Sabah presents its guests with an assortment of wild life and natural beauty that is unforgettable. Sabah’s marine life is the most diverse in the world, with over 3,000 species of Reef fish, and 5,000 species of coral. Sabah also houses the world’s oldest rainforest, the Borneo Rainforest. From misty mountains on the horizon to beautiful coral reefs and tropical fish, taking in the variety of wild life and landscape is a visual delight.

CULTURE IN SABAH

Culturally, the people of Sabah incorporate their preserved traditional customs and practices into their everyday lives. With 32 indigenous groups living in Sabah, it is not uncommon to see the people of Sabah donning various tribal dresses. Sabah’s locals have a reputation for being very warm and welcoming, involving travellers in their local traditions and practices, ensuring their guests truly get an insight into the various aspects of every day life in Sabah. Eating out in Sabah is a truly satisfying experience. Local Sabah favourites provide a diverse range of cuisine, inspired by a mix of Chinese, Malay and traditional Kadazandusun cooking.

QUICK FACTS ABOUT SABAH

• Sabah’s currency is the Malaysian Ringgit. Most credit cards are accepted in Hotels and major stores, and ATMs are available in major shopping centres
• You can purchase travel insurance that applies to a trip to Asia from your Harvey World Travel Agent
• If you’re an Australian citizen, then you aren’t required to receive any vaccinations, and you are not required to apply for a visa when visiting Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
• Australian POW troops were shipped from a Changi POW Camp to Sandakan, so there is plenty opportunity for Australian travellers to absorb this link between Australia and Sabah with Australian WW2 heritage at Sandakan, Ranau and Kundasang
• Sandakan Day is held annually on the 15th of August, as a memorial day at the sight of the POW camp, in Sandakan Memorial Park
• From glamorous 6 star resorts, to more rustic accommodation, Sabah offers a range of surrounds for varied budgets and desired experiences
• Sabah is located north of the equator, and is tropical to equatorial all year round, with 32 degree weather in the lowlands and 16 degree weather on Mt Kinabalu

Sabah is a unique and unforgettable region, and is a prime eco tourism destination. From cuisine to flora, fauna and landscape, Sabah welcomes its visitors with open arms, for the experience of a lifetime.