Sabah, Best Of Borneo
Situated on the beautiful island of Borneo, Sabah is one of the thirteen states which Malaysia is made of. Sabah is the second largest state in Malaysia and shares the island of Borneo with Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan.
Sabah is richly blessed with nature diversity, unique cultures, fun adventure, beautiful beaches, and fantastic cuisines for the adventurous taste buds. We have it all, from the world’s largest flower – the Rafflesia, one of the highest mountains in South East Asia – Mount Kinabalu, to one of the world’s top dive sites – Sipadan Island. Sabah is also known for her great natural treasures which include the world-renowned Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin which is Sabah’s largest wildlife reserve.
Not only will you be amazed by the places to see and things to do here, you will also be treated with unique Sabahan hospitality. Explore the unique culture and tradition of Sabah and get ready to experience sweet memories to last a lifetime!
Borneo Island
Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is located at the centre of the Maritime Southeast Asia. This island is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.
Nevertheless, for people outside of Indonesia, “Kalimantan” refers to the area which is occupied by Indonesia on the island of Borneo. Malaysia’s region of Borneo is called East Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo. The independent nation of Brunei occupies the remainder of the island, being the wealthiest of the rest.
Once known as North Borneo, Sabah was under the British colony during the late 19th century till the early 20th century. Sabah gained self-government on the 31st of August, 1963. Sabah, together with Malaya, Singapore and Sarawak formed the Federation of Malaysia on the 16th of September 1963.
People And Culture
There are more than 30 indigenous groups in Sabah with the largest non-indigenous ethnic group being the Chinese and the largest indigenous group being the Kadazan-Dusun people. Three other larger ethnic groups in Sabah are the Bajau, Murut and Rungus. Apart from the Sabahans’ very own diverse mother tongues, Bahasa Malaysia (national language) and English is widely spoken; Mandarin and some Chinese dialects are also widely spoken.
In Sabah, we greet people by saying “selamat datang” (welcome) and/or “terima kasih” (thank you) with a smile. Due to religious reasons, some may prefer not to have physical contact with others. However, a handshake is generally acceptable as a way of introducing oneself.
It’s customary to remove shoes before entering a mosque as well as homes. In places of worship, visitors are required to dress modestly. Nude sunbathing is not allowed and is very frowned upon. Avoid pointing your index finger at others, as this is considered rude in the local custom.
Before Your Travel
• Sabah Advisory
sabahtourism.com/advisory
• Covid Advisory
sabahtourism.com/covid-sop
• Travel Visa
Travellers are advised to conduct due diligence on entry requirements.
malaysia.gov.my/portal/content/133
• Embassies / Consulates
embassypages.com/city/kotakinabalu
While In Sabah
• Where To Stay
sabahtourism.com/where-to-stay/
• Tour Operators
We advice all travellers to conduct due diligence when purchasing travel / tour packages.A list of licensed travel agent and tour operators are listed here:
motac.gov.my/en/check/tobtab
• While In Sabah
o General Info
Weather: Equatorial / Tropical Climate
o Timezone : GMT +8
o Electricity And Powerpoint : Plug Type 230V / 50Hz (British Plug / Type G Plug)
o Language : Bahasa Malaysia is the national language however English and to some extent Mandarin is widely spoken.
o Currency : Malaysian Ringgit (MYR)
E-wallets and Credit Cards are accepted however it is still advisable to have cash for transactions.
o General Shop /Office Operating Hours
Coffee shops usually open from 6am to 10pm
Malls 10am to 9pm
Offices: 9am to 5pm
o We Advise All Travellers To Dress Modestly Especially While Visiting Places Of Worship.
Quick Links
• Events In Sabah
sabahtourism.com/events-in-sabah
• Kadaiku
Kadaiku features a wide range of unique, traditional, functional, and innovative Sabah handmade handicrafts.
www.kadaiku.com
• Reporting Fraud
Sabah too is not spared from scam travel packages. We advice each consumer to be vigilant on purchasing packages especially when the price seems ‘too good to be true’. Check on the operators licence:
motac.gov.my/en/check/tobtab
motac.spab.gov.my/eApps/system/index.do?aplCode=en
• Reporting Consumer Complaints
kpdn.gov.my/en/consumerism/hak-pengguna/consumer-complaints
• MM2H
imi.gov.my/index.php/en/main-services/malaysia-my-second-home-mmh2-en/
• Immigration
Immigration Department Malaysia -The Immigration office at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (24 hours Operations) at 088- 413657
imi.gov.my/index.php/hubungi-kami-2/direktori-staff/sabah