A Fresh Perspective on Travel Every Day
Kota Kinabalu is the delightful capital city of Sabah, a region located in East Malaysia. In contrast to Peninsular Malaysia, which is home to the capital city of Kuala Lumpur, East Malaysia provides a unique atmosphere that draws many visitors who seek a more rural experience, characterized by verdant jungles and majestic mountains.
Sabah combines protected jungles with tropical islands dispersed in the South China, Sulu, and Celebes Seas.
Borneo is the world’s third largest island (after Greenland and New Guinea), featuring over 15,000 plant species thriving in its ancient 130-million-year-old rainforests. The island is home to a variety of mammals, including orangutans and proboscis monkeys, which flourish in the dense jungles, alongside countless tropical islands, expansive beaches, and Malaysia’s highest mountain.
Sandakan, the second city of Sabah, attracts many visitors primarily for the renowned Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre, which focuses on rescuing and rehabilitating these magnificent apes. The city was poised to become the capital of North Borneo until 1946, when it was relocated to Kota Kinabalu following World War II, thus holding significant historical importance. Furthermore, Sandakan serves as the starting point for the infamous ‘death marches’ of World War II, in which British and Australian prisoners traversed Borneo, with various monuments throughout the city commemorating their legacy.
Sarawak and Sabah, the two remarkable states of Malaysian Borneo, each offer unique experiences worth exploring. While experiencing both would be ideal, time constraints may require you to choose one. Moreover, Sabah tends to be more popular among tourists, yet Sarawak often caters better to specific interests.
Affectionately known as “KK,” bustling Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah and the hub of tourism in Malaysian Borneo. Visitors from around the world use Kota Kinabalu as the jump-off point for nearby attractions, islands, and national parks.
Discover the hidden wildlife treasures of the Kinabatangan River in Sukau, Borneo, renowned for its diverse flora and fauna, including wild orangutans and proboscis monkeys.
If I sum up Sabah diving in one word, it is diversity. Whether you are intomuck diving, diving in Sipadan, or exploring colorful coral, this region of Malaysian Borneo will leave you speechless.