 Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah’s capital, was re-built after fire razed the original town during the Second World War. Kota Kinabalu is now a small but modern municipality with a growing commercial centre, several international standard hotels, golf and sporting facilities and a number of interesting buildings and attractions.
Sabah State Mosque
This resplendent structure, with its majestic domes and gold inlay motifs, is a place of worship for Kota Kinabalu’s Muslim inhabitants.
The Sabah Foundation Building
Another of Kota Kinabalu’s distinctive landmarks, the Foundation Building, is a 30-storey circular glass building supported by high-tensile steel rods. The building houses the head offices of the Foundation and the Chief Minister’s office and is a remarkable example of architectural and engineering innovation.
Kudat
Kudat, located at the northern-most tip of Sabah, is the home of the Rungus, one of the ethnic groups of Sabah. The Rungus live in long-houses and are well known for colourful bead-craft such as necklaces and bracelets. A must-see attraction near Kudat is Tanjung Sempang Mengayau, a tranquil scenic cape where the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea.
Mount Kinabalu
Majestic Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in South-East Asia. For all its size (4101km above sea level), it’s actually relatively easy to climb to the top of Mt Kinabalu, with fixed ropes aiding climbers in steeper areas. Once at the top, the views are sensational. A sunset on Mt Kinabalu is one that will be remembered for a lifetime.
The slopes of Kinabalu are the home of the hill tribes of Dusuns or Kadazans who believe the mountain to be the resting place of the spirits of their departed. Their villages are scattered throughout the area and they traditionally plant rice and other crops on the steep slopes. Some of the villagers can act as knowledgeable guides who will gladly take you to the top of the mountain.
Poring Hot Springs
The Poring Hot Springs are located inside Kinabalu Park. Visitors can soak in the steaming hot spring water that contains sulphur, known to have health and curative properties for the skin. You can hike along various trails leading through rich lowland forest, mountain streams, waterfalls and caves. Walkways have been built above the forest canopy and are a great way to spot birds and other wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might see the Rafflesia, the world’s biggest flower.
Also at Poring are an orchid garden containing many of Sabah’s native species, a butterfly farm and a tropical garden.
Gomantong Caves
The spectacular Gomantong Caves have been renowned for the valuable edible birds nests built by the swiftless that roost high up in the roof of the caves. These days, only licensed collectors may undertake the dangerous task of scaling the walls to retrieve the nests. Seeing these experts clamber to precarious heights using only rattan ladders, ropes and poles is nerve-wracking and truly awe-inspiring! The caves are also home to a variety of insects and small mammals like the fruit bat. There are numerous tours through Gomantong Caves, some of them on wooden pathways and others on trails through the cave. Although the paths are well visited, guides are recommended.
 Orang-utan Sanctuary
15 minutes’ drive from the east coast town of Sandakan is the world’s largest orang-utan sanctuary at Sepilok. Orang-utan means “man of the forest”, and these human-like creatures are intelligent, playful and endearing. The sanctuary cares for young orang-utan who have been abandoned by their mothers or formerly imprisoned in captivity. Here they are rehabilitated until they are ready to return to the wild. Visitors can watch the charming and entertaining apes being fed, and we encourage you to leave a donation to assist in this worthwhile endeavour.
Diving and snorkelling
The islands off the coast of Sabah offer fantastic diving and snorkelling opportunities. The island of Sipadan is recognised as one of the best diving destinations in the world. Note that all resorts on Sipadan will be closed as of January 2005 due to concerns about the impact of tourism on the environment. However, dive boats from Mabul and Kapalai should still be able to access Sipadan. More excellent dive spots can be reached from Layang-Layang off Sabah’s north coast. It's main attraction is a stunning 1874m sea wall where schools of hammerhead sharks and pelagic fish drift along gracefully. Other dive and snorkelling spots worth exploring are Mabul and Kapalai, and Labuan with it's interesting shipwrecks.
TOP TEN things to do
- Have an up-close encounter with an orang-utan at the Orang-Utan Rehabilitation Centre near Sandakan.
- Discover the magnificent marine life of Sipadan, Labuan and Layang-Layang.
- Climb to the top of Mt Kinabalu for a magnificent view of the setting sun.
- Soak your skin in the healing waters of Poring Hot Springs.
- Explore Gomantong Caves.
- Search for the giant rafflesia and the shy sun bear in Kinabalu Park.
- Meet the Rungus people of Kudat.
- Spend a day exploring the capital Kota Kinabalu.
- Test your bargaining skills at the markets of Kota Kinabalu.
- Admire the view from Tanjung Sempang Mengayau, Kudat
Events
The Malaysian people love festivals and the people of Sabah are no exception. Secular and religious festivals are celebrated with great enthusiasm, and there are also special events put on for tourists throughout the year.
Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year in February is celebrated almost everywhere in the world, but the Malays celebrate it with particular joy and enthusiasm. In Sabah, families get together over dinner while Chinese lion, dragon and unicorn dances are performed from house to house.
Pesta Kaamatan
Known as the Harvest Festival, Sabah’s best-known event is held in late May and is a state-wide celebration of the rice harvest. During the festival, Sabah natives wear their traditional costumes and enjoy a carnival atmosphere which goes from dawn until well into the next morning.
Tamu Besar Kota Belud
The 'Tamu' is Borneo's traditional open market. On this day, the Bajau horsemen known as "Cowboys of the East" dress in their traditional best and ride their extravagantly decorated horses, complete with a jingling collar bell. A ‘Wild East’ experience with a Borneo twist, this popular event is held annually in September.
Click here to read about Sabah
| 
