Thinking of a good travel destination for this year? The best places are often the less popular compared to the usual destinations where tourists flocked every year. Over the years, the Malaysian state of Sabah has seen its share of tourists but it was only recently that it has started to gain more attention and slowly becoming a top favorite for individuals that a looking for a place that is both fun and relaxing.
Sabah is the destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers. While a lot of people may not even be familiar with the place, it boasts of unspoiled beaches and virgin rainforests. Before you embark on a wonderful journey, it is best to learn some basic information about this wonderful piece of paradise:
History and Geography
Sabah is one of the thirteen states of Malaysia. It is also considered as the country’s second largest state and located in Borneo, an island that Malaysia shares with its neighbors: Brunei, Sarawak and Indonesian Kalimantan. Its dives nature is home to its amazing flora and fauna. Tourists can also witness the wildlife firsthand and see how animals adapt in this kind of environment. Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world can only be found here.
Culture and Traditions
The Sabahans or the locals are known for their warm welcome and smiles. Its rich culture and traditions are due to the number of ethnic groups living in the island. Their native language is Bahasa Malaysia but English, Mandarin and other Chinese dialects are also widely spoken.
When in Sabah, it is best to learn some of their basic words such as: selamat datang which means welcome and terima kasih or thank you. Do not forget to say these words and flash a great smile. Also remove that part of their custom is to remove you shoes when entering homes or mosques. It is also best to offer a handshake to the locals as their religion prohibits other forms of physical contact.
Travel Tips
Sabah is a tropical island which means it’s usually sunny and warm throughout the entire year. Visitors are advised to wear light and comfortable clothes especially when going on outdoor tours. There are a lot of things to do and places to visit in Sabah. Kota Kinabalu, the capital city is home for the best beaches and world class hotels. If you are looking for a different type of adventure, a hike on the summit of Mt. Kinabalu is certainly a new experience.
About the Author: Mia writes for sabahguide.com a portal that aims to provide information about sabah tourism.
