The state capital of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu, sits on the edge of the South China Sea overlooking a cluster of coral-fringed islands.. Kota Kinabalu, the gateway to Sabah, a land known for its natural beauty and cultural heritage is just a footstep away from all wonders and excitement. Kota Kinabalu is a major city with fast developing modern infrastructure set on the banks over looking the South China Sea. One of Asia's fastest growing cities, KK is an interesting blend of European, Malay, and Chinese culture. Recent influx of Filipinos has added extra flavor to the existing cultural blend. KK is a modern city with a number of shopping complexes, and international hotels and restaurants.
Sabah is a unique land, a melting pot of many indigenous and immigrant groups. The population of slightly over 1.7 million comprises over 30 different races and over 80 different dialects, each group having its own colourful culture, tradition, festival and customs. The indigenous groups include the Kadazan / Dusun, Bajau, Murut, Rungus, Lotud, Brunei, Orang Sungei, Kadayan, Bisaya and many other subgroups. The Chinese form the largest non-indigenous group. The main groups and their 'adat' (cultural observances) are highlighted here.
Sabah occupies the top portion of the island of Borneo and covers an area of 74,500 sq. km with a coastline of about 1,440km. It situated at East part of Malaysia. Sabah's climate is tropical but pleasant with sunny blue skies all year round. Kota Kinabalu is bordered by Sarawak on its southwestern side, and Kalimantan (Indonesian Borneo) to the south, occupying the top portion of the island of Borneo. She lies between 4° and 8° North of the equator and has climate that is tropical but pleasant.
Sabah is also known as the "Land Below the Wind" because it is situated just under the typhoon belt and is free of any climatic disturbances. The 1,440km length of coastline surrounded by the South China Sea in the west, the Sulu Sea and Celebes Sea on the east, allows Sabah to be boastful of its beautiful serene beaches, breathtaking neighbouring isles and the famous "Tip of Borneo" - the very last end of the Island of Borneo on the most north-eastern tip with incredible views of merging seas!
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