About Sabah | Essentials | Sabah, Malaysian Borneo Sabah, Malaysian Borneo Getting Around 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. At 76, 115 square kilometers large, Sabah is the second biggest state in Malaysia after Sarawak. People and Culture The people of Sabah are known as Sabahans.

Sabah is the third most populous state in Malaysia after Selangor and Johor; it also has one of the highest population growth rates in the country. There are currently 32 officially recognized ethnic groups in Sabah with the largest non-indigenous ethnic group being the Chinese and the largest indigenous group being the Kadazan-Dusun people. Two other larger ethnic groups in Sabah are the Bajau and Murut, compared to other states in the country; Sabah has relatively very small population of Indians and South Asians. 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. Traveler Malaysia - Country Profile - Federation of Malaysia ___ Malaysia Destination Malaysia, a virtual guide to the country in Southeast Asia that was formerly known as "Malaya". Malaysia consists of two geographical regions divided by the South China Sea: the peninsular Malaysia (or West Malaysia) on the Malay Peninsula bordered by Thailand on the north and Singapore in south, and Malaysian Borneo (or East Malaysia) located on the northern part of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia and surrounding the Sultanate of Brunei . Largest city and the national capital is Kuala Lumpur . Spoken languages are Malay (official), English, Tamil, and Chinese (Canton). On this page you will find comprehensive information about the country in its diversity, its geography, economy, people, culture, environment, government and history. You will have access to newspapers from Malaysia and you will find extensive travel and tourism information. Petronas Twin Towers, Kuala Lumpur Image: © nationsonline.org Capital City: Kuala Lumpur (pop.

6.9 million in metropolitan area) Seat of Government: Putrajaya Penang, Ipoh, Malacca, Johor Baru, Kuching, Kota Kinabalu, Alor Setar, Shah Alam. Government: Type: Federal parliamentary democracy with a constitutional monarch. Independence: 31. August 1957. (Malaya, which is now peninsular Malaysia, became independent in 1957. In 1963 Malaya, Sabah, Sarawak, and Singapore formed Malaysia. Singapore became an independent country in 1965.). Constitution: 31 August 1957, amended 16 September 1963. Geography: Location: Southeastern Asia, partly on Malay Peninsula south of Thailand and on the northern one-third of the island of Borneo, bordering Indonesia, Brunei, and the South China Sea, south of Vietnam. Area : 330,000 km² (127,316 sq. mi.) Terrain: Coastal plains and interior, jungle-covered mountains. The South China Sea separates peninsular Malaysia from East Malaysia on Borneo.

Climate: Tropical, annual southwest (Apr to Oct) and northeast (Oct to Feb) monsoons. People: Population : 29 million (2012) Ethnic groups: Malay 50%, Chinese 24%, Indigenous 11.0%, Indian 7%, non-Malaysian citizens 7 %. Religions: Islam (60%), Buddhism (20%), Christianity (10%), Hinduism (6%),Confucianism (2.6%), Animism (1%), others (including Taoism, Sikhism, Baha'i faith). Languages : Malay, Cantonese, Hokkien, Mandarin Chinese, English, Tamil, indigenous. Literacy: 94%. Natural resources: Tin, petroleum, timber, copper, iron ore, natural gas, bauxite. Agriculture products: Peninsular Malaysia - rubber, palm oil, cocoa, rice; Sabah - subsistence crops, rubber, timber, coconuts, rice; Sarawak - rubber, pepper; timber. Industries: Peninsular Malaysia - rubber and oil palm processing and manufacturing, light manufacturing industry, electronics, tin mining and smelting, logging and processing timber.

Sabah - logging, petroleum production. Sarawak - agriculture processing, petroleum production and refining, logging. Exports - commodities: semiconductors and electronic equipment, palm oil, petroleum and liquefied natural gas, wood and wood products, palm oil, rubber, textiles, chemicals, solar panels Exports - partners: Singapore 13.6%, China 12.6%, Japan 11.8%, USA 8.7%, Thailand 5.4%, Hong Kong 4.3%, India 4.2%, Australia 4.1% (2012) Imports - partners: China 15.1%, Singapore 13.3%, Japan 10.3%, USA 8.1%, Thailand 6%, Indonesia 5.1%, South Korea 4.1% (2012) Currency: Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) Malaysia Key Statistical Data. Background: Malaysia is a multi-ethnic and multi-religious country in Southeast Asia and one of the wealthiest and most developed countries, outranked in GNP only by Singapore and oil-rich Brunei. The Federation of Malaya became an independent country on 31 August 1957.

On 16 September 1963 the federation was enlarged by the accession of the states of Singapore, Sabah (formerly British North Borneo) and Sarawak. The name "Malaysia" was adopted from that date. Singapore left the federation on 9 August 1965. Asia Times Online :: Quagmire politics in Sabah Quagmire politics in Sabah By Nile Bowie Speaking Freely is an Asia Times Online feature that allows guest writers to have their say. Please click here if you are interested in contributing. KUALA LUMPUR - Tensions are high in Malaysia's eastern state of Sabah following a stand-off between militants from the nearby southern Philippines and Malaysian security forces. An estimated 235 armed militants landed in eastern Sabah in early February and occupied several villages in an effort to assert a centuries-old claim over the territory. Both sides have accused the other of firing the first shot, but once the stand-off produced Malaysian causalities, security forces deployed fighter jets and launched an unprecedented air assault to flush out the militant group. At least 52 militants have been killed, in addition to several Malaysian policemen who were reportedly mutilated by the insurgents.

The Manila-based Sultan of Sulu, Jamalul Kiram III, has directed the insurgency from afar, while his brother, Agbimuddin Kiram, led ground operations into Sabah. The sultanate insists that Sabah is its homeland and that it will not budge on its claims over the territory even if its personnel are killed in the stand-off. An earlier Asia Times Online report broke the news that militants sent an e-mail message to Malaysian authorities that included images of beheaded police officers. The insurgents identified themselves as the "Royal Sulu Army", representing the now-defunct Sulu Sultanate that controlled the territory for centuries before leasing the land to the colonial British North Borneo Company in 1878. Britain made what was then North Borneo a protectorate in 1888 and the territory became part of the Federation of Malaysia in 1963. At the time, the Philippines contested the transfer, claiming that the British did not possess the authority to transfer ownership to Malaysia. A British commission in 1962 had reported that two-thirds of the population favored joining Malaysia.

The Malaysian government also began paying small annual payments to the heirs of the Sultanate as compensation for their cession of the land, an arrangement that has continued to the present day. Malaysia originally took a soft approach on the Filipino militants by offering them the opportunity to lay down their arms and leave peacefully, leading many to criticize the government and security forces for allowing the militants to penetrate Malaysian territory. Local media referred to the gunmen as "intruders", but soon after the gunmen engaged security personnel in a firefight, Malaysia began referring to the group as "terrorists". Prime Minister Najib Razak authorized intense retaliatory strikes, calling for the total surrender of militants. Following the airstrikes, Kiram told Filipino media that he was unable to contact his brother, militant leader Agbimuddin Kiram, and that he was increasingly worried over the safety of his "royal army" in Sabah, prompting the Manila-based sultan to call for a ceasefire. Najib reiterated that he would not consider any request unless the militants in Sabah turn over their arms to the Malaysian authorities and surrendered. War cries The Philippine government under President Benigno Aquino has sided with Malaysia and reiterated its call to Kiram's followers to surrender to prevent further bloodshed.

Aquino has spoken of punishing the sultan and his men for masterminding the armed rebellion in Sabah, prompting a domestic backlash that threatens fragile peace deals with separatist militant groups sympathetic to Kiram's cause. His fighters are mostly ethnic Tausugs from the Philippines' Sulu region, some of whom have aligned themselves with the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), a rebel group which has long fought and negotiated for autonomy over territories in the southern Philippines. Nur Misuari, leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), warned the Aquino government of chaos if Kiram is arrested or his men apprehended. Misuari founded the MNLF in 1969 with the aim of forming an independent egalitarian nation in the Philippines' easternmost regions of Mindanao, Palawan, and Sulu. The organization has at times preached religious tolerance, and is composed of Muslims, Christians, and followers of indigenous faiths. An MNLF offshoot - the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) - is known to have perpetrated brutal violence and murder. The ASG maintains links to Al-Qaeda networks and is known for its kidnapping-for-ransom of foreigners.

US diplomatic cables released by WikiLeaks implicate a Saudi Arabian ambassador to the Philippines of bolstering Filipino terrorist networks with cash through religious charities. At a recent press conference, Misuari stated, "And for what reason is he [Aquino] aligning this country with Malaysia, a colonial power occupying the land of our people? I am against that, totally against that with all my soul. I hope the president will be properly advised. I hope he will recant. Otherwise we won't forgive him. And there is an attempt even to arrest the sultan, I understand. Let them do that. The country will be in total chaos if they do, I promise you." Misuari also warned Najib that targeting Filipino Muslims in Sabah "would be tantamount to war". The Philippine Daily Inquirer reported that MNLF member Habib Hashim Mudjahab claimed that at least 10,000 Tausug people from islands in the southern Philippines were headed to Sabah to act as reinforcements in support of the Royal Sulu Army. Filipinos in Sabah who are not part of the Royal Sulu forces have reportedly joined the fighting in reaction to what they perceive as atrocities committed by the Malaysian government.

Former MNLF member Hadji Acmad Bayam told the Manila Bulletin that MNLF forces may have a significant weapons arsenal hidden within Sabah's thick jungles left behind by MNLF commanders who have moved in and out of the region over the years. Conspiracy theories Malaysia will soon hold a general election that pits incumbent premier Najib against de-facto opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. Najib has voiced suspicion as to why the Sulu rebels chose to pursue their long-standing claim to Sabah when the country was preparing to hold a general election, which must be held by June. Reuters cited sources within the Malaysian government who claimed that the gunmen were suspected to have links to factions that were unhappy with the Philippines' recent peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), another breakaway group from the MNLF which today is widely recognized as the mainstay of the ethnic Moro movement. Malaysia acted as the facilitator for that 2012 peace agreement. Kuala Lumpur has played a key role in facilitating peace talks between Manila and rebel groups in Mindanao since 2001. However, the MNLF publicly opposed MILF's Framework Agreement with Manila.

Reuters also cited an anonymous Filipino military officer who claimed that Sulu rebels were "invited to Sabah by a Malaysian opposition politician to discuss land issues". Najib then ordered Malaysian intelligence officials to investigate claims that an opposition leader had a hand in the armed intrusion in Sabah. Opposition leader Anwar has already pressed charges against Malaysian broadcasters for running a story implicating his involvement in the insurgency, and has vehemently denied any involvement. Pro-government mainstream media in Malaysia is routinely critical of Anwar's links to foreign figures. Bloggers have also posted photographs of Anwar meeting with MNLF leader Misuari, insinuating cooperation between the two in coordinating the Sabah invasion by the Kiram's royal army. Tian Chua, one of the leaders of the Pakatan Rakyat opposition coalition headed by Anwar, has accused the ruling party of orchestrating the gun battle with Filipino militants, claiming that the incursion was a "planned conspiracy of the [UMNO] government" to divert attention and intimidate the people in the run-up to elections. The ruling party has unanimously denied the allegations.

Filipino sources, meanwhile, claim that the Sulu Sultanate's incursion into Sabah is an attempt to undermine Aquino at midterm elections scheduled for May. Kiram ran as a senator allied to former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo during elections in 2007 and Filipino politicians allied to him are seen as pressuring Aquino to pardon his predecessor, who remains under house arrest for electoral fraud. Historical claims Kiram has told media in the Philippines that he wants the United Nations, the United States and the United Kingdom to intervene in his claim over Sabah. The Sultanate claims that the US must intercede, as agreed upon in a 1915 agreement signed with then US colonial government in the Philippines that mandated the US provide "full protection" to the Sulu Sultan in exchange for exercising sovereignty over the kingdom as the colonial administration. The resource-rich state of Sabah is abundant in oil and gas reserves which contribute to 14% of Malaysia's natural gas and 30% of its crude oil. Sabah's 15 oil wells produce as many as 192,000 barrels per day.

Four new oilfields have been found in Sabah's territorial waters over the last two years. That's led some to speculate that perhaps one of the motivations for the Sultan's push to reclaim the territory is profit-driven. Even so, the highly suspect timing of the Sulu operation ahead of Malaysia's general elections has added to the intrigue, as have questions about the Kiram's sources of arms and funding. Analysts say the Sulu Sultanate could have taken several alternative dialogue-based approaches to address the situation that would have yielded infinitely less destructive consequences for his followers and his cause. The insurgent approach taken by the militants under his command has undermined the Sultan's claims and credibility, and lent credence to alternative narratives that allude to the crisis as being manufactured to bring about a conflict at a politically sensitive time. Malaysia seldom faces security crises, especially the sort that this conflict could expand into if more Filipino militants take up arms. Malaysia's upcoming general election is expected to be extremely close, and many fear that a wider crisis could delay the polls. Kiram has spoken of foreign intervention as the only solution to the conflict.

As many Filipinos categorize the actions taken by Malaysia as "atrocities", a credible threat exists in the prospect of a wider war if MNLF soldiers establish a foothold in Sabah. While Najib's position will likely remain firm, the risks are rising of a wider crisis as security forces engage militants and reports from the front stir nationalistic passions. Nile Bowie is an independent political analyst residing in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. He can be reached at nilebowie@gmail.com Speaking Freely is an Asia Times Online feature that allows guest writers to have their say. Please click here if you are interested in contributing. (Copyright 2013 Nile Bowie) 23 Interesting Facts About Brunei By Greg Rodgers Updated February 27, 2016. Most famous of the interesting facts about Brunei is the amount of gossip-fueling controversy that the Sultan has produced as a byproduct of his love life -- fans of soap operas pay attention! Where Is Brunei? Official Name: Brunei Darussalam Brunei is a tiny, independent, oil-rich country wedged between the states of Sarawak and Sabah on the Malaysian side (northeast) of the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia.

Brunei is considered a "developed" nation, and thanks to an abundance of oil, continues to prosper. Public debt in Brunei is zero percent of GDP. As of 2014, public dept for the United States was 106% of GDP. Some Interesting Brunei Facts The name Brunei Darussalam means "abode of peace" which is mostly true given the country's higher standard of living and longer life expectancy (average is 77.7 years) than many of their neighbors in Southeast Asia . In 2015, Brunei ranked higher on the Human Development Index (31st overall in the index) than all other countries in Southeast Asia aside from Singapore. continue reading below our video Before Your Road Trip, Watch This Brunei is considered to be the most observant Islamic nation in Southeast Asia. Beautiful mosques dot the country. Visitors are welcome inside of mosques outside of prayer times and with proper dress. Read more about etiquette for visiting mosques . Much of Shell oil comes from offshore drilling platforms in Brunei. The 2015 per-capita GDP in Brunei was US $54,537 -- ranking them 10th in the world. The U.S.

GDP in 2014 was US $54,629. Citizens in Brunei receive free education and medical services from the government. Brunei has one of the highest rates of obesity in Southeast Asia. An estimated 20% of schoolchildren are overweight. The literacy rate in Brunei is estimated at 92.7% of the population. Brunei passed a law in 2014 making homosexuality punishable by stoning to death. Caning is still a method of punishment for crimes in Brunei. Brunei is just a little smaller than the U.S. state of Delaware. The sale and public consumption of alcohol is illegal in Brunei, although non-Muslims are allowed to bring up to two liters into the country. Eight days after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the Japanese attacked and occupied Brunei to secure a source of oil. Brunei has one of the highest car-ownership rates (roughly one car per every two people) in the world. Although the Federation of Malaysia -- which includes Brunei's neighbors of Sarawak and Sabah -- was formed in 1963, Brunei did not gain their independence from Great Britain until 1984.

The Sultan of Brunei holds an honorary commission in the United Kingdom's Royal Air Force and Royal Navy. The Sultan also serves as Defense Minister, Prime Minister, and Finance Minister of Brunei. The Sultan's Controversial Love Life The Sultan of Brunei, one of the richest men in the world (at last estimate, his net worth was more than US $20 billion), has a tumultuous history: The Sultan married his first cousin, Princess Saleha. The Sultan's second wife was a flight attendant for Royal Brunei Airlines. He divorced his second wife in 2003 and removed her of all royal statuses. Two years later, the Sultan married a TV show host 33 years younger than himself. In 2010, the Sultan divorced the TV host and even took away her monthly allowance. In 1997, the royal family hired former Miss USA Shannon Marketic and a handful of other beauty queens to come model and entertain at parties. The women were allegedly forced into prostitution to entertain royal guests for 32 days.

Traveling to Brunei Despite having miles of beautiful coast, most travelers to Brunei only visit the capital city of Bandar Seri Begawan (population around 50,000). The roads and infrastructure in Brunei are excellent. Due to an abundance of oil and low fuel prices, local buses and taxis are the most cost-effective means of getting around. Brunei is typically a short stopover for travelers crossing by bus between the Malaysian Borneo states of Sarawak and Sabah. Nearby duty-free Labuan Island -- part of Sabah -- is an alternative route in and out of Brunei. Miri in Sarawak is the last major town in Borneo before crossing into Brunei. Visits of 90 days or longer require a travel visa before entering Brunei. Transit visas of 72 hours are available at the border. Travel in Brunei will be affected during Ramadan. Read about what to expect during Ramadan travel and important considerations for Ramadan . Population In July 2013, the population of Brunei was estimated to be only 415,717 people. Religion Islam is the official religion in Brunei.

Muslim: 67%; Buddhist: 13%; Christian: 10%; Other: 10% Language The official language of Brunei is Malay, although it differs from the Bahasa Malay spoken in Malaysia English, and Chinese are also spoken in Brunei. English is understood and used widely for business. Telephone Country Code: 673 The currency used in Brunei is the Brunei dollar (BND). U.S. Embassy in Brunei The U.S. embassy in Brunei is located in Bandar Seri Begawan. Simpang 336-52-16-9 Jalan Kebangsaan Bandar Seri Begawan BC4115, Brunei Darussalam. Telephone: (673) 238-4616 After hours: (673) 873-0691 Fax: (673) 238-4606 Sabah Guide | Malaysia Travel | Rough Guides Asia » Malaysia » Sabah Until European powers gained a foothold at the northern tip of Borneo in the nineteenth century, the tribal peoples of Sabah had only minimal contact with the outside world.

Since then – and particularly since joining the Malaysian Federation in 1963 – these groups have largely exchanged traditional ways for a collective Malaysian identity. As Sabah’s cultural landscape has changed, so has its environment: the logging industry has been allowed to exploit huge swathes of the rainforests, with cleared regions used to plant oil palm – a monoculture that makes a poor habitat for wildlife. On the other hand, many locals would argue, this agro-industry provides work for thousands, and generates much-needed income into the state coffers. While arguments rage between campaigners, corporations and politicians, tourists continue to enjoy the remaining natural riches of “the land below the wind” (so called because Sabah’s 72,500 square kilometres lie just south of the typhoon belt). The terrain ranges from wild, swampy, mangrove-tangled coastal areas, through the dazzling greens of paddy fields and pristine rainforests, to the dizzy heights of the Crocker mountain range – home to the highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea, Gunung Kinabalu (Mount Kinabalu).

Although habitats for Sabah’s indigenous animals have shrunk dramatically, the remaining forests still offer some of the best wildlife-watching opportunities in Malaysia. Offshore, damaging fishing practices have as elsewhere in the region taken their toll, but marine parks protect areas of magnificent coral – most famously around Sipadan – and the attendant sea life. Sabah’s urban centres are not especially attractive or historically rich, thanks to World War II bombs and hurried urban redevelopment. While places like KK (Kota Kinabalu) and Sandakan lack notable buildings, however, they abound in atmosphere and energy, plus good places to eat and sleep. That said, Sabah’s remarkable natural attractions are the major draw for most visitors. The Klias Peninsula south of KK offers activity-based day-trips such as whitewater rafting or firefly cruises, while with more time you could visit the island of Pulau Tiga ; you may also need to transit through duty-free Labuan on the way to Brunei. North of KK lie the beaches and coconut groves of the Kudat Peninsula , where it’s possible to visit longhouses belonging to the Rungus tribe; the northernmost point, the Tip of Borneo , features windy shorelines and splendid isolation.

Heading east from KK, things get truly exciting. Dominating the landscape are the huge granite shelves of the awesome Gunung Kinabalu, a major attraction as getting up and down involves spending just one night on the mountain. Further east is Sandakan, a rapidly modernizing town with offshore attractions including the Turtle Islands National Park . Back on the mainland, at the nearby Sepilok Orang-utan Rehabilitation Centre and Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary , you can get a ringside view of animals at feeding times. Deeper into the oil-palm plantations of east Sabah lies the protected Kinabatangan River , where visitors can take boat trips to see wild proboscis monkeys, elephants and orang-utans. Further south, the Danum Valley Conservation Area offers a spectacular canopy walkway, with the choice of staying at a luxury lodge or a humbler research centre. Alternatively try the more affordable Tabin Wildlife Reserve , with a mud volcano and an elephant colony. In the deep south, accessible via the boom town of Tawau, nestles the untouched forest sector of the Maliau Basin , now open for challenging trekking.

For divers, the offshore islands near the southern town of Semporna are the jewel in Sabah’s crown. Sipadan offers world-class diving off coral walls, while its neighbour Mabul is known for its fabulous macro (small-scale) marine life. These two are simply the best known, and the area can keep divers and snorkellers enchanted for days. Brief history Little is known of Sabah’s early history, though archeological finds in limestone caves indicate that the northern tip of Borneo has been inhabited for well over ten thousand years. Chinese merchants were trading with local settlements by 700 AD, and by the fourteenth century the area was under the sway of the sultans of Brunei and Sulu. Colonialism Europe’s superpowers first arrived in 1521, when the ships of Portuguese navigator Ferdinand Magellan stopped off at Brunei before sailing northwards. Almost 250 years later, in 1763, colonial settlement began when one Captain Cowley established a short-lived trading post on Pulau Balambangan, an island north of Kudat, on behalf of the British East India Company.

Further colonial involvement came in 1846, when Pulau Labuan (at the mouth of Brunei Bay) was ceded to the British by the Sultan of Brunei. By 1881 the British North Borneo Chartered Company had full sovereignty over northern Borneo. First steps were then taken towards making the territory pay its way: rubber, tobacco and, after 1885, timber were commercially harvested. By 1905 a rail line linked the coastal town of Jesselton (later Kota Kinabalu) with the resource-rich interior. When the company introduced taxes, the locals were understandably displeased and some resisted; Mat Salleh, the son of a Bajau chief, and his followers sacked the company’s settlement on Pulau Gaya in 1897. Another uprising, in Rundum in 1915, resulted in the slaughter of hundreds of Murut tribespeople by British forces. World War II On New Year’s Day 1942, Japanese imperial forces invaded Pulau Labuan; Sandakan fell less than three weeks later.

By the time the Japanese surrendered on September 9, 1945, almost nothing of Jesselton and Sandakan remained standing (although the worst structural damage was inflicted by Allied bombing). Even worse were the hardships endured by civilians and captured Allied troops, the most notorious of which were the Death Marches of 1945. Towards independence Unable to finance the postwar rebuilding of North Borneo, the Chartered Company sold the territory to the British Crown in 1946, and Jesselton was declared the new capital of the Crown Colony of North Borneo. Within fifteen years, however, plans had been laid for an independent federation consisting of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak, North Borneo and (it was intended) Brunei. The Federation was proclaimed at midnight on September 15, 1963, with North Borneo renamed Sabah. Modern politics Relations with federal Kuala Lumpur have seldom been smooth, but differences had seemed to narrow until, in 1985, the opposition Parti Bersatu Sabah (PBS), led by the Christian Joseph Pairin Kitingan, was returned to office in the state elections.

This was the first time a non-Muslim had attained power in a Malaysian state. Anti-federal feelings were worsened by much of the profits from Sabah’s flourishing crude oil exports being siphoned off to KL. Nowadays, with PBS having joined the country’s ruling BN coalition, central government is following a policy of patching up long-running, cross-state disunity to realize a vision of a multi-ethnic – but Muslim-dominated – nation. The people Although many traditions have died out, Sabah’s three-million-plus population includes more than a dozen recognized ethnic groups, and numerous dialects are still in use. The peoples of the Kadazan/Dusun tribes constitute the largest indigenous group; then there are the Murut of the southwest, and Sabah’s so-called “sea gypsies”, the Bajau. In recent years, Sabah has also seen an influx of Filipino and Indonesian immigrants, particularly on its east coast. Town and village tamus (markets), usually held weekly, are a wonderful opportunity for visitors to take in the colourful mixture of cultures. Large tamus include those held on Sundays in the state capital Kota Kinabalu (KK) and in the small town of Kota Belud, two hours north by bus.

The biggest annual festival is the Pesta Kaamatan, a harvest festival celebrated in May by the Kadazan/Dusun. Sabah Sabah travel guide - Wikitravel Regions[ edit ] Map of Sabah in Malaysia Sabah is divided into divisions, a legacy of the British North Borneo days. The divisions are in turn divided into districts. The divisions are: Kudat Division located in the north of Sabah with Kudat and Kota Marudu as the main towns, West Coast Division along the west of Sabah where Kota Kinabalu is located, Interior Division located in the south-west of Sabah, with Keningau and Tenom being its largest towns, Sandakan Division in the east, with Sandakan town as its largest town, and Tawau Division in the south-east of Sabah, with Tawau , Lahad Datu and Semporna as its largest towns. Labuan is a group of offshore islands with federal territory status.

Towns[ edit ] Kota Kinabalu - the state capital and main entry point into the state; a rapidly-growing city surrounded by golf courses, beach resorts and the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park Penampang - a satellite town of KK known as the heartland of the Kadazan people; hosts an interesting native tamu (market) on Thursdays and Fridays; home to the Monsopiad Cultural Centre which honours a famed Kadazan warrior of that name Sandakan - pre-World War II state capital and still the largest city on the east coast; known as 'Little Hong Kong' for its seaside location and large Cantonese Chinese-speaking community; gateway to the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and the Turtle Islands Tawau - third-largest city and main entry point from Indonesia; surrounded by vast cocoa and oil palm plantations; gateway to the Maliau Basin Conservation Area Lahad Datu - fourth-largest city located between Sandakan and Tawau; gateway to the Danum Valley Conservation Area Kudat - northernmost major town; heartland of the longhouse-dwelling Rungus people and home to one of the oldest Hakka Chinese-speaking communities

 in Sabah; famed for its secluded beaches, coconut and peanut-planting industries and proximity to the northernmost tip of Borneo at Simpang Mengayau Ranau - the largest town in the vicinity of Mount Kinabalu; also near the Poring Hot Springs, Sabah Tea Plantation and Kundasang War Memorial; notable for its links to the 1944 'Death March' undertaken by Allied Prisoners of War Semporna - heartland of the seafaring subgroup of Bajau people; hosts the Regatta Lepa event; provides access to major diving sites and beach resorts including Sipadan, Bohey Dulang and Pom Pom Tenom - small interior town famed for its coffee plantations, especially those run by the Yit Foh and Fatt Choi companies; heartland of the Murut tribe; home to the Sabah Agricultural Park and the Murut Cultural Village; southern terminus for the North Borneo Railway Kota Belud - west coast town in the heartland of the land-dwelling subgroup of Bajau people, famed for their horsemanship skills; gateway to Mantanani Island Beaufort - largest town in the south; heartland of the Bruneian Malays

 in Sabah and home to a predominantly- agrarian community of Hakka Chinese speakers; notable for the cultivation of limes and pomelos; whitewater rafting available here on the Padas River Kuala Penyu - an isolated southern town notable for its annual Pesta Rumbia (Sago Fest) as well as firefly and proboscis monkey spotting tours in the Klias Wetlands Tuaran - famous for the Tuaran mee (Tuaran noodles) dish created by the local Hakka Chinese community; surrounded by rice fields and water villages Tambunan - small, predominantly Kadazan town in the interior; surrounded by rice fields and the mountains of the Crocker Range; rafflesias can sometimes be seen in the nearby montane forests; gateway to the Mahua Waterfall History[ edit ] Sabah, which was known as North Borneo before it joined the Malaysian Federation in 1963, was part of the Sultanate of Brunei in the 16th century while the north-eastern coast of the state became part of the Sultanate of Sulu which was centered in the southern islands of the Philippines.

In the mid 18th century, Europeans began making an appearance and the British managed to open a trading post on Pulau Balambangan off the northern tip of Sabah. This post however failed to take off. In 1865, the American Consul for Brunei, Claude Lee Moses obtained a lease over North Borneo. The lease ownership was passed to an American company which tried to set up a post in what is today Kimanis. That also turned out to be a failure and was abandoned. The lease was then sold to Baron von Overbeck, the Austrian Consul in Hong Kong which he then transferred to Alfred Dent who in 1882 formed the British North Borneo Company to develop the colony. The capital was first established in Kudat, then transfered to Sandakan . North Borneo became a protectorate of Great Britain in 1888 but administration and control over the colony remained in the hands of the Company ruled until 1942 when the Japanese invaded. There were of course resistance to the company's rule, including by Mat Salleh in the late 1890s and the Muruts in the early 1900s.

The Japanese occupation between 1942 and 1945 was brutal and this was when the infamous Death Marches by British and Allied soldiers forced by the Japanese took place. British Military Administration took over when the Japanese surrendered and in 1946, North Borneo became a British Crown Colony. Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu ), which suffered Allied bombing, was rebuilt and chosen to replace Sandakan as the capital. On September 16, 1963, North Borneo together with Malaya, Sarawak and Singapore formed the Federation of Malaysia and from then on it became known as Sabah. Culture[ edit ] Sabah is one of the most culturally diverse states in Malaysia. Its population of about 2.5 million is a mix of native groups (who are usually divided into Muslim and non-Muslim groups), Chinese, and other smaller ethnic groups such as Indians and Eurasians. The main native groups are the Kadazandusun, Murut, Bajau, Suluk, Bisaya and Orang Sungai.

Most of the Chinese who migrated to the state during the British era, belong to the Hakka dialect group although there are also large numbers of Cantonese especially in Sandakan. There are also many Filipinos and Indonesians, many of whom entered Sabah illegally and later became naturalised under a controversial state policy. The most important festival among the non-Muslim native groups of Sabah is Kaamatan or Harvest Festival. This usually takes place in May and the last two days of the month are public holidays in the state. The most popular event is the unduk ngadau or Harvest Queen in Kadazan, where girls throughout the state compete for the crown. A lot of drinking and general merry-making accompanies the festival. Talk[ edit ] Unsurprisingly, the most commonly spoken language in Sabah is Bahasa Malaysia (Malay), the national language of Malaysia. All road signs are in Malay, and governmental or administrative affairs are generally conducted in this language. Travellers intending to drive in Sabah should learn some of the words and phrases commonly encountered on the roads; similarly, travellers who need to spend time dealing with civil servants would do well to brush up on their spoken Malay, as lower-level civil servants generally speak little or no English.

Some knowledge of Malay is also important when interacting with locals in smaller towns and rural areas. Malay as spoken by Sabahans is significantly different in its pronunciation and vocabulary from Malay as spoken in Peninsular Malaysia. This is because Sabahan Malay is influenced by the native languages of indigenous races, especially the Kadazandusun languages. That said, English remains the lingua franca of the private sector, especially in the major towns. As such, many shop signs are written at least partially in English, and most businesspersons understand and speak it with varying levels of fluency. As you would expect, the majority of workers in the tourism industry also speak English. Generally, the further away you are from the major towns, the less likely it is that the locals are able to speak English. Sabah is a melting pot of indigenous cultures. Among the main indigenous local races are the Kadazandusuns, the Rungus, the Murut, the Bajau, the Brunei Malays, the Sungai and the Lundayeh. These are further divided into various subgroups native to certain towns or regions. As such, different indigenous languages predominate in different regions of Sabah.

For example, you would expect to hear Kadazan in Penampang, Bajau in Kota Belud, Rungus in Kudat and Bruneian Malay in Sipitang - but of course, this does not mean you would not hear other native languages spoken in a certain area. The majority of indigenous Sabahans speak Malay, but you may find that those in the countryside prefer their native tongue and in the most rural areas not much else may be understood. Many indigenous Sabahans in the urban areas speak English, and some may surprise you with their command of Mandarin or other Chinese dialects (intermarriage between native Sabahans and Chinese Sabahans is extremely common). The large Chinese minority in Sabah is concentrated in the major towns (i.e. Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan and Tawau) and in several of the smaller towns (particularly Kudat, Beaufort, Keningau and Tenom). The majority of Chinese Sabahans speak Hakka, a southern Chinese dialect which is closely related to Cantonese. There are smaller communities who speak Cantonese, Hokkien and other Chinese dialects.

This is a notable difference from other parts of Malaysia as Sabah is the only state in Malaysia (and indeed one of few places in the world) where Hakka is the majority language among the local Chinese populace. However, most Chinese Sabahans also speak Mandarin and English, especially the younger generations. In fact, some younger Chinese Sabahans have adopted Mandarin as their mother tongue at the expense of their family's native dialect. Conversely, it is not uncommon to encounter elderly Chinese, especially in the countryside, who speak only their native dialect. There are a few towns in Sabah where Hakkas do not form the majority in the local Chinese community; notable inclusions are Sandakan (mainly Cantonese) and Sipitang (mainly Hokkien). Sabah is also home to immigrant communities from other countries. In addition to their native languages, most also speak Malay but very few speak English, with the general exception of Tagalog-speaking immigrants from the Philippines. Get in[ edit ] Sabah maintains autonomy on immigration rules, mostly so that non-Sabahans cannot freely immigrate and swamp the state.

Malaysians from Peninsular Malaysia and neighbouring Sarawak are subjected to some level of immigration control, such as showing their identity cards, and are restricted to a stay of 90 days at a time. Foreigners need to fill out a second immigration form. Nevertheless, for most travellers this is just a formality and an interesting extra stamp in their passport. See Malaysia | Get in for details. By air[ edit ] Kota Kinabalu International Airport [2] ( IATA : BKI ICAO : WBKK) (sometimes abbreviated to 'KKIA') is the busiest airport in Malaysian Borneo, and is the main international gateway to Borneo island. KKIA is serviced by the two main Malaysian airlines, which are Malaysia Airlines [ and AirAsia [ which link Kota Kinabalu to various cities throughout Malaysia as well as several international destinations, one of which ( Perth , Australia on Malaysia Airlines) is Kota Kinabalu's only intercontinental destination.

KKIA is also served by the following foreign carriers: AirAsia Zest [ ( Manila , the Philippines) Asiana Airlines [ Eastar Jet [ Jeju Air [ and Jin Air [ ( Seoul , South Korea) China Southern Airlines [ ( Guangzhou , China) Silkair [ ( Singapore ) Tigerair Taiwan [ ( Taipei , Taiwan) Other airlines operating at KKIA include Malindo Air, which competes with Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia on the lucrative Kota Kinabalu- Kuala Lumpur route, as well as Malaysia Airlines' east Malaysian subsidiary MASWings [ which provides rural air services in Malaysian Borneo. As the list of airlines servicing KKIA frequently changes, particularly with respect to foreign airlines and international routes, you are advised to check the airport's Wikipedia page for updated information on the routes that are in operation at any given time. Tawau Airport [3] is the only other Sabahan airport with international flights, in this case to Tarakan in the Indonesian province of North Kalimantan. These flights are operated by MASWings. Tawau is also served by interstate flights to Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur. Sandakan Airport does not have international flights at present, but is linked to Kuala Lumpur by AirAsia and Malaysia Airlines.

The other two airports in Sabah - which are in Kudat and Lahad Datu - do not have interstate or international flights. By road[ edit ] The only place where you can travel overland into Sabah is from Sarawak through the border crossing at Merapok near Lawas . Those who are not citizens of Sabah or Sarawak will have to go through immigration checks here. The road between Kota Kinabalu and the border is sealed all the way and in good condition. If you are planning to do the overland trail from Sarawak to Sabah, it is possible to get from Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei - or with a bit of a stretch, from Miri - to Kota Kinabalu within a day. See Kota Kinabalu to Brunei in a day for details. There is no official land crossing with Indonesia , although there may be some informal tracks from the interior of Sabah which locals use to get to East Kalimantan . By boat[ edit ] You can enter Sabah by boat from the Malaysian Federal Territory of Labuan , Zamboanga in the southern Philippine , and from Nunukan in East Kalimantan , Indonesia .

However, there are no passenger boat services between Sabah and Peninsular Malaysia. To/from Labuan: Passenger boats depart Labuan for Kota Kinabalu and Sipitang while vehicular ferries operate between Labuan and Menumbok in the southern part of Sabah. See the individual city pages for ferry details. Labuan is where you have to change boats if you hope to travel between Brunei and Kota Kinabalu . See the Kota Kinabalu to Brunei in a day page tails. To/from Zamboanga: Boats run between Zamboanga in Mindanao in the Philippines and Sandakan . To/from Nunukan: At least one ferry daily between Nunukan in East Kalimantan and Tawau . Kota Kinabalu International Airport has flights to all other airports in Sabah on the following airlines: Kudat: MASWings Sandakan: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines and MASWings Tawau: AirAsia, Malaysia Airlines and MASWings All the above flights (with the exception of Kota Kinabalu-Kudat flights) operate several times a day.

Intra-Sabah flights originating at Sandakan Airport go to Kota Kinabalu, Kudat and Tawau, while Tawau Airport's intra-Sabah flights go to Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan. Kudat Airport has flights to Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan, while Lahad Datu Airport is only served by flights to Kota Kinabalu. In addition, there are airstrips such as those in Keningau, Semporna and Tomanggong which do not currently see any commercial air traffic. However, if you wish to visit these places, it is worth checking before your trip to see if flights to these airports have been reinstated. By road[ edit ] Sabah's road network is not as developed as that in Peninsular Malaysia and there are large areas of the interior, such as the Kinabatangan River basin, which are not connected by road.

The main road most useful to travellers are those running along the West Coast from the Sabah-Sarawak border at Sindumin through Sipitang, Beaufort and Papar to Kota Kinabalu (called Route A2) and northwards from Kota Kinabalu to Kota Belud and ending at Kudat near the northern tip of Sabah (Route A1). The main road into the West Coast interior runs from Kota Kinabalu to Tambunan, Keningau and Tenom. The main road to the East Coast (Route A4) branches off Route A1 near Tuaran, about 30km north of Kota Kinabalu. It passes the foot of Mount Kinabalu and Ranau right through to Sandakan . The main road to Tawau and the southeastern parts of Sabah (Route A5) branches off from Route A4 about 55km west of Sandakan or 285km from Kota Kinabalu. A road is being constructed from Keningau through the isolated Pensiangan and Kalabakan districts to Tawau at the southeastern corner of Sabah.

Once completed, the road will enable those travelling from Kota Kinabalu to Tawau to cut travelling time and distances significantly without needing to use the KK-Sandakan road. By bus[ edit ] Long distance express buses operate between major cities in Sabah. Most of these are air-conditioned and quite comfortable. There are also non-aircon stage buses running between towns which stop to pick-up and let down passengers along the way. They may be cheaper but take forever to get anywhere. A lot of short-distance inter-town travel in Sabah is also done by minibuses and minivans. These are either small buses or vans which are converted to take in passeners. They charge the same fare as buses but carry fewer passengers. Most operate in the morning and will only leave when they are full. But once they get going, the journey can be quite fast. You can make long distance journeys with minibuses and minivans but you'll have to change along the way. Most attractions are not connected to public transportation, and are usually reached by tourbusses with arranged tours. Cities near attractions can be easily reached by public transportation, but note that even from here packaged tours or personal transport (car, taxi) are often required to reach the actual attractions.

By train[ edit ] The North Borneo Railway [4] is the only railway network on Borneo. The network is small (134km), linking Kota Kinabalu to Beaufort along the west coast, and then inland along the Padas River to Tenom , which is the more interesting and popular stretch for travellers. The new Kota Kinabalu to Beaufort service opened in Feb 2011. Beaufort to Tenom remains only once a day. See the respective city pages for train details. See[ edit ][ add listing ] Sabah can be said to be one of the best states in Malaysia when it comes to things to see and do, although it is predominantly focused on mass tourism and independent travel to attractions can be challenging. Its attractions range from breath-taking natural wonders such as mountains, patches of jungles, islands and flora and fauna, to the colourful cultures of its multi-ethnic inhabitants. Most of the attractions have their own pages. The list below provides the links. Natural attractions[ edit ] Mount Kinabalu - This has to be the top of the list of reasons for visiting Sabah.

The 4,095m mountain is the second highest in Southeast Asia (outside Papua, which is regarded as part of Oceania) after Hkakabo Razi in Burma, but is probably one of the easiest to climb as no mountaineering experience is needed, just a lot of stamina and a guide. The surrounding National Park is also home to many plants and animals. Sipadan and the other islands - World-class diving. Sepilok - The world-famouns Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary near Sandakan is home to orphaned or captured orang utans where they are slowly readapted to the jungle environment. Turtle Islands Park - Three islands in the Sulu Sea off the coast of Sandakan where you can see turtle conservation at work. Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park - Very popular coral islands just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu. Poring Hot Springs - Soak in pools of natural hot water to cure your muscle aches after you assault on Mount Kinabalu Danum Valley - See the tropical rainforest near Lahad Datu at its most pristine.

Proboscis monkeys - See them in the wild in the Sukau and Kinabatangan areas near Sandakan and the Klias Wetlands area. Rafflesia flowers - The world's largest flowers, nearly 1m in diameter, can be seen in the Crocker Range when in bloom. Kinabatangan River Safari - A way to see the wild life of the Sabah Jungle – Pygmy elephant, orang utan, proboscis monkey, crocodile and a various of birdlife. There are jungle lodges for accommodation. Kiulu Valley - Experience the way the local community live by the river in the beautiful Kiulu Valley. Cultural[ edit ] Monsopiad Cultural Village - Located near Kota Kinabalu , it tells the story of Monsopiad, a warrior of the Kadazan ethnic group who lived some 300 years ago and slew 42 of his enemies. The skulls of these 42 are on exhibit in the Hall of Skulls. Do[ edit ][ add listing ] Hand-in-hand with the many attractions, Sabah is also a place where you will not run out of things to do.

You'll have a choice of mountain climbing, diving, paragliding, white-water rafting and jungle trekking as well as many other more sedate activities. Climbing Mount Kinabalu - This should be one of the highlights of your visit to Sabah. See Mount Kinabalu page. Paragliding - This adrenaline rush xtreme airsport is booming everywhere in the world, here you can learn or fly tandem paragliding for about USD50 per flight, the famous sites like Bandukan hill in Keningau, Lohan (ranau), tamparuli, kokol(kota kinabalu) or even take off from the top of mount kinabalu. One of the best operator is Borneo Adventure Team @ wazzap/sms/call 0172936717 (Capt Azizan), he got many experience in hang gliding, paragliding, paramotor and also microlight around the world. Recently he just introduced a new powered paragliding tour by flying to the summit of mount kinabalu using a certified paratrike with Polini Thor 250 engine.

Camping - If you love camping then you will like Borneo, some site need small fee per person usually less than USD10, you can bring your own gears or just rent for less than usd10 per nite, the best camping site are at Bandukan riverside campsite, Bandukan Hill paragliding takeoff campsite, Poring Hot Spring (Ranau), Lohan Hill(Ranau), Tunku Abdel Rahman Island Park (kota Kinabalu)..if you have any enquiry dont hesitate to contact(whataps/sms/call) 0172936717(aziz) Diving and snorkeling - You'll enjoy some of the best corals in the world. Locations include Sipadan and Mabul on the East Coast, and Layang Layang Island in the disputed Spratly group. Less hardcore and just a few minutes by boat from Kota Kinabalu city, are the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park . Many dive operators based in Kota Kinabalu are at your disposal. There are a few operators with dive stations on the islands with the rest offering diving from their dive boats.

Technical diving - Sabah is very popular for recreational divers. It is also an emerging location for technical diving. You can now learn to dive on a semi-closed rebreather or a closed circuit rebreather during your stay in Sabah. Many other basic and advanced diving courses are also available for visiting experienced divers wanting to develop their scuba diving skills in the tropical waters of the South China Sea. Many of these advanced diver training courses are run from Kota Kinabalu, nearby Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and at the WW2 wrecks located in Usukan Bay along the west coast of Sabah. White-water rafting - along two rivers, Padas and Kiulu. The Padas River, accessed from Beaufort boasts Grade Three to Four rapids. Going into the jungle - many tour companies have itineraries which bring you into the interior of the state. Some popular places include jungle camps along the Kinabatangan River, and going into the isolated Batu Punggul area. Note that hiking without a guide is almost never possible in Sabah, even for easy trails.

Ride on Sabah's Jungle Railway - Catch the slow train between Beaufort and Tenom which runs along the fast-flowing Padas River. Eat - Sabahans love to eat. Consequently different food choices are abundant and choices abound from Malay to Chinese to Indian to Western to Filipino and almost every other style of food in between. For many this is a big attraction in Sabah and should not be avoided. Quad Biking in Kiulu Valley - Experience the way the local community live by the river in the beautiful Kiulu Valley. Tours[ edit ] Sabah can be a difficult region to get round independently, in terms of cost and reliable transport. To have everything pre-arranged for you, it's best to contract the services of a tour operator of which there is no short supply in Sabah. If you’re on a shoestring budget you can find good reliable freelance guides at Sabah’s Tourism Board [5] , whose price can be considerably lower than a fixed package. It can be difficult to vists attractions without an arranged tour or personal transportation, however, as most are not connected to public transport.

Stay safe[ edit ] Most towns of Sabah are generally safe, but the general rule of not showing off your wealth openly in the public is advisable as pick-pocketing is a danger especially in poorer areas while robbery is rare. You can still shop safely around the towns and cities. It is advisable to avoid any region north of Kota Kinabalu, as extremist groups from the Phillippines can be present there due to the close proximity to Philippine islands. Get out[ edit ] By air from Kota Kinabalu airport to other parts of Malaysia or other countries in the region. By boat via Labuan island to Brunei . By coach overland to other parts of Borneo , including the Malaysian state of Sarawak , the Indonesian province of Kalimantan , or Brunei .

Question: Sabah is a state of which SE Asian independent federation?
Answer: Malaysia