Sabah, 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 is South East Asia - Mount Kinabalu, to
one of the world’s top dive sites - Sipadan Island.
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!
North Borneo
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
its independence through Malaysia on September 16, 1963. At 76, 115 square
kilometers large, Sabah is the second biggest state in Malaysia after Sarawak.
People,
Language and Common Customs
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.
Travel Tips
Sabah is a state with a democratic political system with
universal suffrage. Here, the Yang di-Pertua Negeri (Head of State of Sabah)
sits on top of the hierarchy, followed by the State Legislative Assembly and
the State Cabinet. A general Election takes place every five years for both the
State and the Federal level officials.
Sabah’s economy was traditionally lumber dependent.
However, with the increasing depletion of natural forests as well as ecological
efforts to conserve the rainforest; palm oil has proven to be a more
sustainable resource.
Other than that, Sabah’s economy is highly dependent on
agricultural products such rubber and cocoa. Sabah also exports other produces
such as vegetables and seafood. Tourism, particularly eco-tourism, is presently
the second largest contributor to the economy.
Other
Important Information
Climate
Equatorial/Tropical—the climate is generally hot and sunny
all year round; visitors need to wear comfortable clothing to avoid heatstroke.
We also have scattered unpredictable rains, therefore, it’s advisable to always
bring an umbrella in case it rains.
Average
Temperature
Lowlands (Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Sandakan, Tawau) – 32
degrees Centigrade
Highlands (Ranau, Kundasang, Tambunan) – 21 degrees
Centigrade
Bear in mind though, that Mount Kinabalu has its own
climate. Temperatures can drop to freezing level above 3500 meters.
Currency
Malaysian Ringgit (RM)
Travelers’ cheques and foreign currencies can be changed
for Malaysian Ringgit at banks and hotels. However, there are also money
changer kiosks available at major shopping complexes and airport. Most major
hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion.
Major
Credit and Charge Cards
VISA, MasterCrad, American Express, Diners Club - credit
and charge cards are accepted in almost all departmental stores , supermarkets,
petrol stations and restaurants.
Local
Time
Standard Malaysian Time is 8 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+8)
Banking
Hours
Monday through Friday from 9.30am to 3pm
Usual
Office Hours
Monday to Friday from 8am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm; Saturday
from 8am – 1pm
Shopping
Shopping centers, supermarkets, restaurants and mini
markets are generally open daily from 10am to 10pm
As for tipping; food and beverages in exclusive
restaurants, cafes and clubs, as well as accommodations normally include 5 per
cent service
charges.
Tipping is obligatory when you think the services was good
Electricity
& Water Facilities
Electricity is on the 240 Volts AC/ 50-Cycle system;
treated pipe water is available in most urban and sub-urban areas.
Communications
Mobile telecommunications cover many parts of Sabah with
the exception of some remote areas. Public phones are scarcely available in
most places.
Medical
Government hospitals, clinics and dispensaries are
available in all towns. The list of private medical practitioners and
pharmacies are available in the local phone directory. However, those with specific
medical needs are advised to have a good supply of medications.
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