Sabah
Often
called the 'Land Below the Wind' because it lies below the typhoon
belt, Sabah occupies the eastern part of North Borneo and is East
Malaysia's second largest state with an area of 74,500 sq.km. Sabah has
the South China Sea on the west and the Sulu and Celebes Seas on the
east.
Mountainous and largely carpeted by lush
tropical rainforests, its population of nearly two million is made up
of 32 colourful ethnic communities.
Kota Kinabalu, the
capital, lies in a fertile lowland plain where most commercial and
administrative activities are concentrated. But the 'real' Sabah can
best be found in its contryside.
Kinabalu Park has been
listed as a UNESCO Heritage Site, due to the diversity of plant life
and wildlife there. It provides a challenging climb amidst a lush
virgin rainforest, where you can find hidden hot springs in cool high
altitudes.
Sipadan island off the south eastern coast of
Sabah, has been one of the top five dive sites in the world for years.
This is attributed to unique underwater goegraphy that encourages
proliferation of wildlife. Leatherback turtles, barracuda and white
tipped sharks are a common sight while diving in Sipadan.
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