Description of the island

Map The name of the state Sabah can be translated as "land below the wind." Endless white beaches are protected from the waves by coral islands scattered along the coast. Waters of the South China Sea, washing the coast of Sabah are famous for its crystal clear transparency and purity. Here you can come across all climatic zones of South-East Asia, from tropical rain forests at the foot of the mountains, where biologists each year discover new types of plants and animals to barren granite mountainside. It’s only in Sabah where you can witness an exotic flower Rafflesia - the largest flower in the world!

State capital is Kota Kinabalu which is relatively modern island city. It has direct air links to almost all Asian capitals. The best place to take an evening walk here is the central promenade Waterfront where it is always noisy and crowded. During a day it is quite worthy to check on the Phillipino Market where you can buy natural pearls at an amazing price of $5, as well as various souvenirs and tropical fruits. Off the coast of Kota Kinabalu there is a reserve of 5 incredibly beautiful islands ( Tungku Abdul Rahman Marine Park ), the most famous of which are Mamutik, Manukan and Sapi. These islands can be easily reached by boat ride of 10-15 minutes. Visitors to the islands can witness incredibly beautiful coral reefs and sandy beaches. Boats here run every hour and there is a decent place to have lunch and rent snorkeling gear, so if you’d like you can stay and swim here whole day.

In the distance of couple of hundred kilometers from Kota Kinabalu there is the tallest mountain on the island ( Mount Kinabalu ) rising 4100m. high. Picturesque park of plants and hot springs can be found at the foot of the mountain. Almost every year new previously unseen species of plants and animals are discovered here.

Fauna enthusiasts are recommended to set for a full day safari tour along the rivers of Weston, Klias or Garama. There you can watch the long-nosed Proboscis monkeys in their natural habitat. You can also visit a small private zoo Lok Kawi Zoo located not far from the city of Kota Kinabalu.
For the extreme seekers Borneo is ready to offer rafting of different levels of complexity, scuba diving, rock climbing on Mount Kinabalu, trekking to ethnic tribes and much more...
Sabah is waiting for you and ready to show its guests the wonders of nature that cannot be seen elsewhere!