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Located in East Malaysia with Sarawak,
Sabah is Malaysia's second largest state and northernmost province.
Its natural attractions entice travelers in search of a different kind
of Southeast Asian experience. Those with a taste for adventure will
find that Sabah has almost everything. Most visitors head straight for
Mount Kinabalu, which is one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia.
Sabah is also legendary among nature lovers. Its lush tropical forests
have more than their fair share of unique wildlife. And their easily
accessible national parks and reserves ensure that certain animals,
such as the rare orang utans can be seen in their natural environment.
One can choose to jungle trek, explore caves, try water rafting, visit
secluded beaches, dive in remote tropical islands, or visit longhouses
to meet their genuine friendly and hospitable people and be intrigued
by their traditional lifestyles. Sabah is simple yet sophisticated.
It has retained its traditional charms despite keeping up with modernization.
Sabah will certainly impress you with its unique and unspoiled character.
Sabah's natural riches have drawn both
traders and raiders for centuries. Its history dates back to 1881. Sabah
was then known as North Borneo and was administered by the British North
Borneo Company. The British continued to rule the colony until 1942
when the Japanese invaded it. However, Britain recaptured the state
in 1946 and converted it into a Crown Colony. The British rule ended
in 1963 when the state obtained its independence by joining the Federation
of Malaysia.
But Sabah's natural wealth still attracts
other prospectors. Sabah's proximity with Indonesia and Philippines
ensures both nations claim parts of the state as their own. There are
close cultural ties with the Philippines although Sabah shares strong
Islamic traditions with Peninsula Malaysia.
The Long Houses of
Sabah
These long houses, which are built from
wood, can accommodate up to 20 families! Activities such as cooking,
weaving, and beading are all done in a common place for all residents.
Visitors are welcomed to spend a night or two in these houses. Most
of these long houses are found among the Rungus tribe near Kudat town.
Tamu
Tamus
are traditional open-air fairs where natives sell a wide variety of
local food, agricultural produces, and traditional crafts. Rural Sabahans
take this opportunity to peddle their wares for city folks to buy, barter,
or trade. Tamus also acts as a social place for community members to
meet and chat. It is indeed a colorful 'bazaar' that should not be missed
