Nature conservation remains Sabah’s highest priority and the state is therefore receptive to any initiative that garner well for the environment. More than half of  Sabah is still forested and these areas are extremely rich with flora and fauna, some of which are indigenous to Sabah. However conservation efforts must be pragmatic and realistic in order to benefit all and not threaten the state’s development agenda.
 

Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Masidi Manjun said :

“.....With sustainable forest management in Sabah and the Deramakot Forest Reserve as an exemplary model, I strongly believe that we are heading towards the right direction in nature conservation,......“Because of such high biodiversity, the state is well-known as nature’s gateway to Borneo...”

SHOPPING

Kota Kinabalu is fast becoming Borneo's shopping paradise. A great way to jumpstart your shopping tour is Gaya Street market that opens on Sunday mornings. Be enthralled by the colourful paintings, handicrafts and garments, and the sounds of birds chirping. The aroma of local delicacies is also tempting. There are also pets for sale such as puppies, tortoises, tropical fish, hamsters, birds, rabbits and others. The items on offer are mind-boggling: Chinese medicine, good-luck charms, household items, fruit plants, flowers, vegetables, souvenirs, and carvings. Don't forget to try the local cakes and desserts.  

The Filipino market is indeed a paradise for souvenir hunters. Within the rows and rows of countless stalls are a wide range of treasures waiting to be discovered. Bargaining is the rule here. The more interesting merchandise are pearls, handicraft, bags made from natural fibres, crystal bracelets and colourful sarongs. Filipino Market is located at the KK Waterfront. Again, remember to haggle, haggle, haggle.

Near the Sinsuran Complex, there is also a night market that sells imitation branded watches, shoes, clothes and novelty items. Prices can be negotiated. Other areas such as Segama, Asia City, and Api-Api Centre are excellent for electronic products.  

Kota Kinabalu has of course major shopping malls as well as shopping areas that you find in many other Asian cities, most of them located at the main streets of the city. The six major shopping malls in Kota Kinabalu are:

Karamunsing Shopping Complex is synonymous with computers. Wisma Warisan, the latest addition to the shopping scene, attracts the trendier crowd. San Francisco Coffee, Yogurberry, Starbucks and Secret Recipe are among the spots to re-fuel after your browsing. KK Plaza is located near the Sinsuran Complex. This is a popular stop to buy warm clothes for your Mt. Kinabalu trip. Many stores sell warm clothes at rock-bottom prices.  

Wawasan Plaza has the biggest handicraft centre at level one.  

Most shopping complexes open from 10.00am and close at 10.00pm. During the months of March, August and December, they participate in the nationwide Mega Sales carnival with discounts of up to 70%.

Kompleks Karamunsing  

Kompleks Karamunsing located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu city, placed strategically in the fastest growth area. It is a lively shopping complex buzzing with activities. Events such as road shows, exhibitions (5000sqft), contests and performances held at the Central Podium. The complex houses the most comprehensive I.T. and computer outlets in Kota Kinabalu where you can find quality International Brands at competitive prices.

Warisan Square

The newest and trendiest shopping experience in Kota Kinabalu!  

Standing gracefully on 3.75 acres of prime land in the heart of the capital city, Warisan Square is set to change the concept of retail shopping in the city centre. A "street mall" concept is exquisitely etched into its design and set up so as to create an integrated synergy between the shop office blocks and the central building. Set amidst the bustling city centre overlooking the vibrant tourism-belt "KK Waterfront" and the idyllic islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, it is the mall where city folks and tourists flock to for something new and hip.

Key international and regional retailers as well as caf6 operators have gained a foothold into the KK retail scene with their first outlet here at Warisan Square.  

Tambunan Handicraft Centre At the Tambunan Handicraft Centre, all kinds of handicrafts are sold.  

Rafflesia Complex Located five kilometers after the Sinsuran Pass, Rafflesia Complex is the best spot to see the Rafflesia, the world's biggest flower.  

Sapulut Tucked in the south-western corenr of Sabah, Sapulut lures visitors with its Murut longhouses at Kampung Pagalongan, Kampung Silunga and Pensiangan.  

Beaufort Beaufort is the jumping-off point for Pulau Tiga Park, consisting of the islands of Tiga, Kalampunian Besar, and Kallampunian Damit. Mud volcanoes are found on Tiga island. Kalampunain Damit is famous for its sea kraits which come to the shore to lay their eggs.  

Tanjung Aru Beach Tanjung Am beach is a romantic escapade from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre was set up in 1964 to rehabilitate orphaned baby orang utan. Set in the lush 4,300-hectare Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve, the Centre under the administration of the Wildlife Department of Sabah attracts tourists and researchers alike, giving them the opportunity to watch the orang utan up close in their natural habitat. A boardwalk leads you to a viewing gallery and feeding platform where the apes are fed milk and bananas twice a day at 10.00am and 3.00pm by rangers. Feeding time also attracts long-tailed macaques to the area.

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre Situated just two kilometres north-east of Kota Kinabalu City at Likas or ten minutes from the KK City Centre, the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre (KKWC) formerly known as Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary (KKCBS) covers 24 hectares (60 acres) of mangrove forest . It is at once an educational and recreational centre

City Mosque City Mosque is an example of contemporary Islamic architecture. It was built in 1997on an area of 2.47 acres at Likas Bay. The prayer floor can accommodate from 9,720 to 12,000 people at one time and houses 3 madrasahs.

North Borneo Railway. In the 1880s, when rubber and coffee plantations were cultivated in the interior, the North Borneo Railway was established as a mode of transport. Today, it still runs from Tanjung Aru till Tenom, carrying passengers through picturesque scenery, a mountain tunnel and a spectacular Gorge. It is operated by Sutera Harbour Resort.

Poring Hot Springs

Poring Hot Springs is the perfect spot to relax after a tiring climb up Mt. Kinabalu. Other attractions include an orchid gardens and a butterfly farm. A must-try is a canopy walk that is 58 meters long and hovers 40 meters high.

Tanjung Simpang Mengayau - The Tip of Borneo
This dramatic headland is situated in the northern-most tip of BORNEO, the third largest island in the world, after Greenland and New Guinea. It is located in the Kudat Peninsula, about three and a half hours (or 215 kilometres) drive from Kota Kinabalu City.

Kinabalu Park

Located 83 km east of Kota Kinabalu, Kinabalu Park spans 750 sq km. More than 1,200 species of montane orchids and 300 species of birds have been registered. Buses ply from Kota Kinabalu to reach Park Headquarters daily. Temperature ranges from 13 to 20 degrees Centigrade. More than 1,200 species of montane orchids and 300 species of birds have been registered.

Climbing Mount Kinabalu, which is 4,093 metres high, takes only two days. On should devote another two day for the return climb to enjoy the Park's diverse vegetation. , As one ascends higher, dipterocarp forest give way to montane vegetation, mossy forest and eventually cloudy forest. Climbers must registered with the Park HQ and be accompanied by guides. Park HQ offers a range of accommodation and restaurants.

Mabul island is recognized as one, of the best 'muck-diving sites in the world. This island surround by sandy beaches and perched on the northwest corner of larger 200-hectare reef. The reef is on the edge of the continental shelf and the seabed surrounding the reefs slope out to 25m - 30m deep.

Sipadan, the internationally famous island lies five degrees north of the equator in the Sulawesi Sea (Celebes Sea). Lying 35km south of Semporna, it is thickly forested and surrounded by sandy beaches. Sipadan is an oceanic island and was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct undersea volcano, which rises 600m from the seabed. Sipadan is well known for its unusually large numbers of green and hawksbill turtles gathered there to mate and nest. Another unique feature to divers visiting Sipadan is the turtle tomb.

Layang Layang Island
Located 160 nautical miles from Kota Kinabalu, Layang- Layang is a volcanic atoll where its floor drops 2000 metres all around its rim. Marine life includes hammerhead shark, manta ray, dog tooth tuna, Napoleon wrasse, and hawksbill turtle. An airstrip and a resort makes visiting Layang-Layang a breeze but from October to January, the atoll is closed to visitors due to inclement weather.

Turtle Island Park
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

Mataking Island :  Mataking Island is an island not far from Sipadan. Located to the north of Mabul, it is about 40 minutes boat ride away from mainland Semporna. Diving in Mataking is a combination of Macro and pelagics which is suitable for photographers, new and advanced divers. There are many
interesting dive sites at the island with wide marine snecies.

Pulau Tiga Park
Beaufort is the jumping-off point for Pulau Tiga Park, consisting of the islands of Tiga, Kalampunian Besar, and Kalampunian Damit. Mud volcanoes are found on Tiga island. Kalampunain Damit is famous for its sea kraits which come to the shore to lay their eggs.

Many of Sabah's natural attractions are world famous. The atoll of Sipadan is highly rated as a diver's paradise by international skin-diving magazines and Mt.Kinabalu attracts thousands of hikers every year. In fact, in 2000, UNESCO has declared Mt.Kinabalu as a World Heritage Site. The Rafflesia, the State's official flower, is the largest in the world. Sabah's fauna and flora are mind-boggling in numbers. The State is home to more than 110 species of mammals, 500 over species of birds and more than 1,500 species of plants.  

Complementing the nature beauty is the modern infrastructure and facilities of Kota Kinabalu. The new face of the State capital is that of an upcoming shopping paradise. There are new shopping malls such as Warisan Square, Star City and others that are due for completion soon; 1 Borneo Hypermall, KK Times Square, Harbour City that will put Sabah as Borneo's shopping map.

Welcome to Sabah Situated in Malaysian Borneo, Sabah has lush tropical rainforests and stunning tropical islands teeming with an incredible diversity of marine life. The 32 ethnic groups here make it a land of colourful and intriguing cultures. Kota Kinabalu is Sabah's vibrant capital and gateway to eco-adventures such as diving, river cruising, mountain climbing, white-water rafting and caving.  

Sabah has a wide range of accommodation to suit any preference and budget. Several well-appointed beach resorts are located close to the capital city. Budget accommodation is widely available. Enjoy the wide variety of cuisine, from local delights to Continental fare.  

Sabah Museum This museum in Kota Kinabalu is built in the longhouse style of the Rungus and Murut communities. It showcases a wealth of ethnic treasures and handicrafts. History lovers will be charmed by the Sabah Tourism Building, one of the only three buildings in Kota Kinabalu to have survived World War II. Other attractions in the city include the State Mosque, Museum of Islamic Civilization, Atkinson Clock Tower and Signal Hill.  

Shopping and Crafts Sabah is famed for its splendid souvenirs including beads, accessories and bamboo products. The KK Handicraft Market, Kadaiku and Wawasan Plaza Handicraft are popular shopping spots in Kota Kinabalu.  

Mount Kinabalu The majestic Mount Kinabalu, standing at 4,095.2m, is one of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia. It is the main attraction of Kinabalu Park, Malaysia's first World Heritage Site. This dense jungle contains one of the world's richest assemblage of plants. Don't miss a visit to the Poring Hot Springs, a natural health spa offering open-air Japanese-style baths. The annual Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon draws participants from around the world.  

Sipadan Island Sabah has a number of excellent dive spots, with the jewel being the world-famous Sipadan. Its location at the heart of the Indo Pacific Basin makes it one of the richest marine habitats in the world. Here, fascinating sights of turtles, reef sharks and a thrilling 600m drop-off await experienced divers. The island was made famous by renowned oceanographer Jacques Cousteau in his documentary, 'Ghosts of the Sea Turtle'.  

Mabul and Kapalai Islands Situated near to Sipadan, these two islands are great destinations for macro-diving.

Other Dive Sites A ring of 13 coral atolls, Layang Layang is another world-class dive site of unique character. It offers the best chance to spot hammerhead sharks along with many kinds of pelagic. A cornucopia of fish life and wreck diving are major attractions in Mantanani. Other dive sites include Pulau Tiga, famed as the 'survivor island' as well as Lankayan and Mataking.  

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Enjoy splashing fun at this marine park, situated just 20 minutes by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu, Made up of five islands, it is the ideal playground for swimming, snorkeling, diving and even parasailing. Don't miss the unique experience of 'sea walking' amidst colorful fishes.  

Monsopiad Cultural Village Go back in time, to the era of the legendary Kadazan warrior Monsopiad. Founded by the direct descendant of Monsopiad, this living museum showcases traditional village houses, a sacred House of Skulls and several other attractions. Don't miss the exciting cultural performance.  

Sunday Gaya Street Market This open-air market is the place to get handicrafts, local delicacies and fresh jungle produce. The Tamu Kota Belud is another popular Sunday market for all things traditional. Watch the vibrantly dressed Bajau horsemen riding gaily decorated ponies during ceremonial occasions. They are known as 'Cowboys of the East' for their horsemanship.  

White-Water Rafting Enjoy the heart-stopping experience of contending the rapids! The Padas and Kiulu Rivers are popular for river rafting activities.  

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre Watch orang utans, known as the 'wild man of Borneo' during the daily feeding sessions. Said to be the world's largest orang utan sanctuary, the centre serves to rescue and retrain primates for jungle living. Off the mainland, Turtle Islands Park is reputed to be one of the most important turtle breeding spots in Southeast Asia.  

Sukau Situated on the Lower Kinabatangan River, Sukau has Malaysia's greatest wildlife concentration. Prolific bird species and animals such as orang utans, crocodiles and proboscis monkeys live along the riverine wetlands. Enjoy a boat ride to take a close look. En route, visit Gomantong Caves, home to millions of swift lets. They are prized for the bird's nest soup.

Danum Valley Conservation Area Sabah's largest expanse of lowland dipterocarp forest is haven to various bird species, reptiles, amphibians, fishes and over 110 mammals. Viewing platforms, a canopy walkway and nocturnal tours are not-to-be-missed adventures.

Tabin Wildlife Reserve Hailed as one of the finest wildlife viewing areas in Borneo, Tabin is home to some of the largest mammals in Sabah such as the Borneo Pygmy Elephant and Sumatran rhino. A highlight here is the mud volcano, reputed to possess healing properties.

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park The park is located approximately 25km from Kota Kinabalu and comprises of zoological and botanical sections. It is home to various unique wildlife of Borneo such as the proboscis monkey, orang-utan as well as the Asian pygmy elephant. Other attractions include a children's zoo and a botanical trail which features numerous local plants.  

Kudat Long House Make a visit to the traditional long house of the Rungus tribe. Their traditional attire and intriguing culture will make your trip unforgettable. Home stays are a fascinating way to observe their lifestyle.  

The Tip of Borneo Experience the thrill of standing at land's end! Simpang Mengayau Bay is the northwestern tip of Borneo. It offers glorious views of the sea and surrounding islands.  

Golfing The state boasts many superb golf resorts designed by  world-renowned names such as Ronald Fream and Ted Parslow. Major resorts are situated in Kota Kinabalu, Bongawan, Tuaran, Karambunai, Tawau and Kundasang.  

Getting There  

Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the main entry point into the state. Sabah is easily accessible by frequent short-haul flights from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) in Peninsular Malaysia. Visitors can also fly in from the Kuching International Airport in Sarawak as well as major cities in Malaysia. The Kota Kinabalu Port welcomes tourists arriving by cruise ships. Private yachts can dock at Sutera Harbour Marina.  

Useful Contacts  

Tourist Information Centre Tel: 6088-212 121 (Sabah Tourism Board)  

Sabah Tourist Police Tel: 6088-450 402/222 Sandakan Tourist Information Centre Tel: 6089-229 751