Sabah: Land Below the Wind

21 October 2015

Last Updated: 05 November 2016

Sabah: Land Below the Wind

Once known as North Borneo. Sabah is situated on the beautiful island of Borneo and 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. Here, we want to share with you of how beautiful Sabah and ways you could explore and glimpse Sabah in your limited explorer frame.

Upon Arrival

Upon arrival at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), which is the second busiest airport in Malaysia with 98% of visitor arrivals into Sabah is by air. As the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu (KK) is the main entry point to Sabah. Most of the major towns in Sabah (Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Tawau) have airports for domestic flights. There are two major airports in Kota Kinabalu, the largest is the KKIA Terminal 1(domestic and international flights from around the world) and Terminal 2 (operated by budget airlines, domestic and international flights). Both airports are less than 10 km from Kota Kinabalu city center. You also can fly to Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Tawau by domestic flights, served by Air Asia and MASwings daily.

The original Kota Kinabalu City site is here during earliest days of North Borneo Company.

Top Things To do in The City

Mari Mari Cultural Village located about 20 or 30 minutes north of Kota Kinabalu, Mari Mari offered insight into the living cultures of Sabah via a three-hour show-tour (beginning at 10am, 3pm and 7pm). Along the way to Mari Mari, the journey will passing through the jungle and various tribal dwellings.

Mari Mari Cultural Village, Kota Kinabalu

Mari Mari Ticketing Counter, Kota Kinabalu

The Central Market: Is a nice spot to see people transact their daily business. Nearby is a Handicraft Market or famous locally as Filipino Market,is a good place to shop for inexpensive souvenirs. Offerings include pearls, textiles, seashell crafts, jewellery and bamboo goods, some from the Philippines, some from Malaysia and some from other parts of Asia. Try your individual bargaining skill is a must.

Sabah Central Market or Handicraft Market or Philippines Market

Fish Market where you can find Dry or salted fish, traditional kuih etc

City Mosque: This unique Mosque build as if floating (also called as floating mosque), build in classical design and could accommodate until 12000 people.

Signal Hill: Signal Hill overlooking the Kota Kinabalu from the eastern edge of the city centre. You could take a snapshot of squatters’ stilt village at Pulau Gaya.

Signal Hill observatory center, the building look like UFO overlooking Kota Kinabalu City

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park: It’s best to arrive by 9.50am at the latest – feedings take place throughout the park at 10am. After the various feedings, an interactive show takes place at the stage around 11.15am everyday.

Tanjung Aru: This is public beach that stretches south to the airport. Food stalls are plentiful, most closing up a bit after dark. We would advice against swimming here because some said that water here is run-off from city and other nearby villages.

The popular Tanjung Aru Beach for Kota Kinabalu city dweller.

Sabah Museum: Four storey structured inspired by the longhouses of the Rungus and Murut tribes, is a good introduction of Sabah. Located at south of the city centre, on the hilly corner of Jln Tunku Abdul Rahman and Jln Penampang. Your ticket here also allow your entry into Agnes Keith House in Sandakan.

Night Market: KK’s main market is a place of delicious contrasts. Huddled beneath the imposing Le Meridien,the night market is the best, cheapest and most interesting place in KK for dinner. Vegetarian options available.

Abundance, delicious, fresh and reasonable price seafood.

The Highlands

Kinabalu Park, Kundasang and Ranau is synonym with highlands of Sabah located about 90 km form Kota Kinabalu. Legendary Mount Kinabalu is a pillar to this highlands. Kundasang is a town in the district of Ranau, Sabah that lies along the bank of Kundasang Valley. This is the first place we visit for this soft journey uplands.

Kinabalu National Park, UNESCO Heritage site; Gateway for rich flora and fauna and Kinabalu Mountain Climbing.

Timpohon Gate as a starting point to climb Mount Kinabalu, alternatively, a bit far, is Mesilau Gate.

Dairy Farm (Mesilau Farm): 8 km from Kundasang Town abd about 100 km from Kota Kinabalu City. They have about 680 Friesian Cattle imported from New Zealand and Australia

Small, narrow and gravel road to the Dairy Farm. Only van and small cars is recommended, both ascending and descending.

Sabah Tea: Located about 30 minutes from Ranau Town.

Poring Hot Spring: Located about 43 km from Kinabalu Park Office at east border. You can choose open or close bathing type available.

Poring: Canopy walkway

Kundasang War Memorial: Kundasang War Memorial located behind the shophouses of Kundasang Town as a memorial to British and Australian soldier under captured by the Japanese during World War II. This POW brought from Singapore and at height there are 1800 Australia and 750 British POW served as force labour for Japanese Air Strip

Kundasang War Memorial especially for ANZAC soldiers

Island Hopping

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is the nearest Marine Park from Kota Kinabalu, comprises a group of 5 islands located between 3 to 8 km off Kota Kinabalu: Pulau Manukan, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Suluq and Pulau Gaya. There are two ferry terminal of either using the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal or Sutera Harbour Resort Ferry Jetty.