Exploring Malaysia 
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Fondly called “The Land Below the Wind’, as it lies below the typhoon and monsoon belt, the State of Sabah is a nature lovers paradise come true. Sheltered from the more extreme quirks of tropical weather it is home to diverse flora and fauna it its majestic mountains, great swathes of lush tropical rainforests and beautiful, beguiling islands off its coastline. Peopled by around 32 colourful ethnic communities with unique cultures of their own, Sabah offers an unforgettable mix of pleasures.
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Geography
Sabah is the second largest state in Malaysia covering 74,500 sq km. It is also one of the two Malaysian states on the island of Borneo. Situated in the northeast of the island, Sabah shares borders with sister state, Sarawak, and Kalimantan (part of Indonesia). Its long 1,400km stretch of coast line is lapped by the South China Sea on the West and the Sulu and Celebes Seas on the east. Scattered off its coast are many island paradises. Sabah's rugged terrain is dominated by the 4,095m Mt. Kinabalu while much of the State is covered by relatively untouched rainforests.
Sabah’s capital Kota Kinabalu, formerly called Jesselton, is a thriving city which features a mix of the old and new. Well served by world class resorts and hotels it is an ideal location for a holiday as well as a seminar or conference venue. It is also the departure point for the idyllic and popular islands off the coast of Sabah.
Another major popular town for tourists to Sabah is Sandakan, Sabah’s former capital, situated about 33km from Kota Kinabalu. There is a domestic airport in Sandakan, which is also the jump-off point to Turtle Island Park and the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre. The town of Tambunan, situated 80km from Kota Kinabalu, is interesting as you travel along a spectacular road that twists and turns up the 1650-metre high Sensuron Pass. Sapulut is another important township which is used as the departure point for river safaris to the interior. The Kudat Peninsula on the other hand is where you can sit back and relax on clean and quiet beaches.
History & Culture
Historically, Sabah was under several chieftains and traded with the Chinese as early as the 9th century A.D. Later, the state started trading with the Spanish as well as the Portuguese. The state became under the control of the Sultan of Brunei during the 15th century and later, under the power of the Chartered Company of British North Borneo. After the Japanese occupation during World War II it became a British Crown Colony. In 1963, it gained independence and also became part of Malaysia.
The population of Sabah is made up of more than 30 ethnic groups who all have their own culture, traditions and languages and dialects. The main indigenous groups are the Kadazan-Dusun, Murut and Bajau. The largest and arguably most important group of non-indigenous people of Sabah are the local Chinese with other smaller minority groups.
