Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu (pronounced [ˈkota kinaˈbalu]), formerly known as Jesselton,is the capital of the state of Sabah, which is located in East Malaysia. It is also the capital of the West Coast Division of Sabah. The city is located along the northwest coast of Borneo facing the South China Sea. The Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park lies on its west and Mount Kinabalu, which gave the city its name, is located towards the east. Kota Kinabalu proper has a population of 452,058,while the larger urban area, which includes the Penampang district, has an estimated population of 628,725.

Kota Kinabalu is often known as KK within Malaysia and internationally. For the locals it is also known as Api-Api.It is a major fishing destination and a popular gateway for travellers visiting Sabah and Borneo.Kinabalu National Park is located about 90 kilometres from the city and there are many tourist attractions in and around the city. Kota Kinabalu is also one of the major industrial and commercial centres of East Malaysia. These two factors combine to make Kota Kinabalu one of the fastest growing cities in Malaysia.

Outdoor Development Centre (ODEC) Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

For a decent rush of adrenaline, stress relief and sheer fun, gather a bunch of friends and get geared up for some paintball action at the Outdoor Development Centre (ODEC) in University Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

Located some 10 to 15 minutes away from the heart of Kota Kinabalu City, ODEC is by far the largest paintball utility in Sabah. It beckons paint commandos to have a field day playing Recball (a non-tournament game), Speedball (a game wherein teams play in closer proximities and the only barriers are man-made bunkers), and Woodball (a game played in a more natural setting and broader boundaries).

A game of paintball takes approximately 5 to 15 minutes and players have the liberty of choosing between a diversity of scenarios—Total Elimination, Save the Prisoner, Capture the Flag, and the works.

To minimize impact and bruising, be sure to clad yourself in thick clothing, covering as many parts of the body as possible. The minimum age requirement for this game is 10 years old, and as long as one is fit enough, there’s no age limit to this game. A caveat: those with respiratory and cardiovascular health problems should take extra precautions.

ODEC is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Reservations are to be made two weeks in advance.

For more information:

Contact Gabrielle at 016-8459991 or email to info@kkpaintballcentre.com.

Kundasang War Memorial

A must-visit in Kundasang is the Kundasang War Memorial. Established in 1962, this was one of the first memorials to commemorate the brave Australian and British Prisoners of War who died in Sandakan and during the infamous death marches to Ranau during World War II. The memorial also remembers the people of North Borneo who risked their lives to help the POWs.

The Memorial is made up of four beautiful gardens - the Australian Garden, the English Garden, the Borneo Garden and the Contemplation Garden and Pool - to represent the different nationalities. With its towering pine trees and blooming roses, a walk in the gardens is reminiscent to that of a stroll in a quaint English garden. The scent of roses lingers in the air and the serene atmosphere makes the Kundasang War Memorial an ideal place to contemplate and remember the heroes of the war. Visitors can also opt to view a brief video on the history of the Sandakan Death March.

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park was officially open to the public on the 17th February 2007. It is located along the Penampang-Papar old road and is fully developed by the Sabah Wildlife Department. 

The park consists of two components: zoological and botanical. The main objective of the park is to become a family-oriented park and the emphasis is put on the Children’s Zoo. 

Among the inhabitants of the zoo (zoological component) are the Borneo Pygmy elephants, Proboscis monkey, Malayan tiger, as well as some different species of deer.

The botanical component, on the other hand; offers visitors the opportunity to go jungle trekking along the botanical trail. The paved trail is about 1.4 kilometers long. However, for leisurely strolls, visitors are only advised to walk halfway along the trail.

Tariffs :

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is open for the public daily from 9.30a.m to 5.30p.m. Entrance fees charged are as follows: adults RM10 (Malaysian) and RM20 (non-Malaysian).

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

The marine park is a cluster of islands comprising Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug, all only 10 - 20 minute speedboat ride from the city of Kota Kinabalu. The five islands of the Marine Park are characterized by shallow waters, sumptuous coral gardens and all boast splendid white sandy beaches. 

The reefs lie in shallow waters with little current making it an ideal location for novice divers, however, the diverse and sometimes rare marine creatures also make it an interesting dive location for experienced divers and underwater photographers.  To dive in the marine park you must contact one of the local dive centers based in Kota Kinabalu who also offer a full variety of PADI courses ranging from Discover Scuba to Instructor.Among the sandy seabed a good variety of marine life can be found such as Scorpion fish, Blue-spotted rays, cuttlefish, mantis shrimps and the occasional green or hawksbill turtle. 

At some locations, rare creatures such as the harlequin ghost pipefish and mandarin fish can be found especially with the help from local dive guides.  During the cooler months from November to February, plankton blooms attract krill which in turn attract whale sharks, the world's largest fish. At times, the density of the krill can be so thick in these murky conditions underwater encounters with these colossal animals can be exciting as they suddenly appear out of the gloom.  Non-diving visitors can still have as much fun in the islands with other optional activities such as snorkeling in Pulau Sapi and Manukan and seawalking in Pulau Sapi. If water sport is your cup of tea, you may contact any local tour companies for more information regarding the water sport activities that are available.  The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is open daily from 8.30am to 5pm.

Rafflesia Information Centre Tambunan

Located at the roadside of the edge of a forest reserve is the Rafflesia Information Centre. This centre is set aside for the conservation purposes of the remarkable rafflesia flower. The Rafflesia Information Centre is situated about an hour’s drive away from Kota Kinabalu. 

 The Rafflesia Information Centre is open daily to visitors from 8am to 3pm. Here, visitors can look forward to a jungle trekking adventure to look for the rafflesia flower. It is advisable to wear comfortable trekking shoes in the attempt to trek through the RIC’s challenging terrain.

Tamu Kota Marudu

The Kota Marudu tamu is held every Sunday at Pekan Goshen. Big or small, tamus or alfresco markets open wherever people need to trade. It also fulfils one of the basic human needs - to be social. Besides shopping for fresh produce and other essential household items, here is where the people from around Kota Marudu come together and mingle each week. A true culture vulture's view to behold!

Mount Kinabalu Golf Club Kundasang

Tee off in dramatic style with Mount Kinabalu as your backdrop with the cool crisp air greeting you right here at the Mount Kinabalu Golf Club. Situated on the Pinosuk Plateau at 1,500 meters above sea level in Kundasang, Mt. Kinabalu Golf Club is the highest golf layout in Sabah. Designed by Robert Muir Graves, the golf course boasts a breathtaking landscape made up of sprawling farmlands and rolling hills. Many golfers agree that this 18-hole course is both physically and mentally challenging with its ever-present winds, steep slopes and surrounding mists. With occasional thick fogs, some even say it feels like you're playing in the clouds! One of its notable holes is the 14th, par 3, 142 meters, which features a gushing river at the bottom of a deep ravine. It is a true test of skill once you get here: you will need an accurate shot from the elevated tee across the Mesilau East River to land on the green perched on the edge of a cliff. Facilities include a clubhouse, golfers' lounge, practice putting and chipping green, golf shop, rental of buggy, golf shoes and golf sets, and caddy service.

Crocker Range National Park Keningau

                                                                           

144 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu is the Crocker Range National Park (CRNP), situated in the Crocker Range, Sabah. The Crocker Range Park is located 13 kilometers from Keningau town, approximately 25 minutes away by car. 

The Crocker Range was designated to be a forest reserve in 1968. In 1984, Crocker Range Nature Park was then established in order to protect the water catchments area which was supplying clean drinking water to the West Coast and the interior of Sabah. It was renamed Taman Banjaran Crocker (Crocker Range Park) in 1996 and is managed by the Sabah Parks. 

Located in the heart of Crocker Range Park, the newly developed Sabah Park’s facility which opened in February 2004 is ideal a place for meetings, camping, jungle trekking and outdoor educational activities. Among the attractions to found in the Crocker Range Park are the Rafflesia sites, trekking courses, and camping ground. 

The rising concern for protecting its rich biodiversity and rare species of flora and fauna had been the prime propellant in the initiative to gazette it as a national park.

Turtle Island Park Sandakan

The Turtle Island Park (gazetted 1977) lies 40km north of Sandakan in the Sulu Sea and consists of Selingan, Bakungan Kecil and Gulisan islands. The park is a safe haven for the endangered green and hawksbill turtles and gives you the rare opportunity to watch turtle landings. Selingan, the largest of the islands, houses the park's headquarters, a turtle hatchery, tourist accommodation and basic facilities. The other two islands are more for conservation activities.

As turtle landings usually occur after dusk, an overnight stay would be the best plan to see the turtles as they come ashore to lay their eggs, but shining a light on them or using camera flashes should be avoided as either can be stressful on the creatures.

Turtles lay their eggs throughout the year, but the best time to head there is between July and October when the sea is calmer. Observe the collection of eggs, tagging of mother turtles and releasing of baby turtles into the sea.

Races in Sabah

Malaysia is a multi-national country, and it is even more so in Sabah. With 33 ethnic groups in a population of three million that communicates in over 80 ethnic dialects, the different races here in East Malaysia are even more diversified compared with West Malaysia. Sabah is really a melting pot of cultures and people. This harmony can be seen playing out in many parts of Sabah, where people of different races and religions can be seen happily chatting together at the local kopitiams. Inter-marriage among the races are the highest in Sabah, where the difference of bumiputra (natives or “Son of earth” in Sanskrit) and non-bumi (non-natives) are becoming quite obscure. Nevertheless, Sabahans also are recognised to be one of the most friendliest people in Malaysia and most Sabahans are multilingual and are able to speak at least three languages - Bahasa Malaysia - the national language - English and their mother tongue.

Ethnic Tribes

The Kadazandusun is the largest ethnic group in Sabah, making up almost 30% of the population. The vast majority of Kadazandusuns live in the hills and upland valley, where they till their lands with padi and vegetables. “Pesta Kaamatan” or Harvest festival is the most celebrated holiday in the calendar year for the Kadazandusun. “Unduk Ngadau” or Harvest Beauty Queen, Rice wine and traditional dances are the highlights of the festival which is celebrated annually on the 30th & 31st of May. Although the rites and customs of the Pesta Kaamatan are practiced by the Native tribes, all Sabahans join in the celebrations one way or the other. The true meaning is to honor the Rice Spirit, by giving thanks for a bountiful harvest.

Bajau is the second largest ethnic group in Sabah, where they are seafaring people and live their life off the sea, and fishing is their main livelihood. Many Bajaus in Sabah can be found on the east coast, and the Bajau of Kota Belud is famous for their house riding skill, which earns them the tag as "Cowboys of the East". Bajaus are expert horsemen - this is their main claim to fame in Malaysia, where horse riding has never been widespread anywhere else. The Bajau people are also well known for weaving and needlework skills.

The Muruts are the third largest among the ethnic groups in Sabah. Large percentage of Muruts can be found residing in towns like Keningau, Nabawan, Sook, and Tenom, in the Interior Division. Murut simply means "hill people". Headhunters in the past, they were also fishermen and hunters, skilled with their blowpipes. They were also the last of Sabah's ethnic groups to renounce headhunting.

Other indigenous ethnic groups include the Bisaya, Brunei Malay, Bugis, Kedayan, Lotud, Ludayeh, Minokok, Rungus, and Suluk. There are still many smaller groups that are not mentioned here.

The ubiquitous Chinese make up about 20% of Sabah population. Many of them can be found reside in major towns and cities, opening shops, kopitiams, and trading post.

Languages

Malay (Bahasa Malaysia) is the national language spoken across ethnicities, although the spoken Sabahan dialect of Malay differs much in inflection and intonation from the West Malaysian version. The Sabahan accent of Malay is actually what Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka endorses, which is Baku. Sabah also has its own unique slang for many words in Malay, mostly originated from indigenous or Indonesian words. English, Filipino specially Chavacano, Mandarin as well as Hakka and Cantonese are widely understood. In addition, indigenous languages such as Kadazan, Dusun, Bajau and Murut have their own segments on state radio broadcast.

The launching of Malaysia's Merdeka (Independence) month

Launching of Merdeka Month Date : 01 July - 30 November 2013 The launching of Malaysia's Merdeka (Independence) month is held nationwide simultaneously.

Sabah Women Artists Exhibition

Date : 12 July - 23 September 2013

Exposure of women artists' creative works to the public is necessary to uncover and introduce the uniqueness of their works. This exhibition is aimed at encouraging women artists to be more actively involved in the arts scene.