State, for its geographical location (to the south of the typhoon zone) is called the "land below the wind".

Kota Kinabalu (formerly known as Jesselton) became the capital of Sabah, after the Second World War. The old part of town was built during the Second World War. The new city with wide avenues and modern buildings built in 1967. The population of Kota Kinabalu just over 13 thousand people. In the culture of the city are intertwined European, Malay and Chinese architectural styles.

Another name for Kota Kinabalu is Singgat Mata (delayed on what point of view). With the seafront of the city is overlooking the blue sea and clear sky.

In the economy of Sabah, main role is played by agriculture, forestry, tourism and manufacturing. In the exports are: oil palm, cocoa, rubber, timber, oil. The population includes 32 ethnic groups and amounts to approximately 2 million people.

At Sabah live three main ethnic groups: kadazan - dusun, murut and bhajans. Kadazan-dusun represent one third of the total population and live mostly in the middle part of the state, engaging in trade and rice. Rice harvesting is an important ritual, followed by a religious ceremony performed by a female shaman (bobohizan).

Muruts living near the border with Sarawak mostly are hunters and farmers. Many still live in shacks. Special tradition are well-prepared wedding ceremony. Nationality Bhajan, the second largest in Sabah, inhabits the coast. It is noteworthy that the tribes of the east coast are sea nomads, who landed on the beach only to bury the dead. Western tribes Bhajan are mostly farmers, breeders of horses. For their skill nation called East cowboys.

Geography

Sabah occupies the eastern part of North Borneo. Its area is 74,500 square km (second largest in Malaysia). West coast of Sabah is washed by the South China Sea, at the east by the Sulu Sea and Selebes. The total length of of the coastal strip is 1,440 kilometers. Relief of Sabah is mostly mountainous, wooded.

History

In the IX century AD in Sabah lived isolated tribes without a single control. Some of them made trade with China, Spain, Portugal.

In the XV century, Sabah was in vassalage to the Sultan of Brunei. In 1704 he ceded some territory to the east of the Gulf of Marudu Sultan of Sulu.

In early 1880, the American merchant Moses acquired the lease of Sabah from Brunei, Moses then resold the possession of an Englishman, Alfred Dent, who in 1881 signed with Brunei and Sulu agreement about how to obtain the ownership of Sabah.

British rule in North Borneo before the Japanese occupation. After the Second World War, Sabah was a British colony. In 1963 the state gained independence and became a part of Malaysia.

The weather or when to go?

All over the Sabah is extended continental climate, meaning that there is never very hot or cold. Climatic conditions vary depending on the terrain is mountainous or seaside. Sabah can be visited all year round, but some periods of the year have a more favorable climate. The hottest time is the period from May to September. Humidity is quite high throughout the year.

The most important factor for selection of travel time is a season. In Sabah, are separated two seasons: rainy and dry. The rainy season in Sabah runs from October to February. The rest of the year is dry season, but even this does not exclude the short rain showers.

What to see?

STATE MOSQUE

Mosque with a gilded dome, is located in the heart of the city. The building is an example of Islamic architecture and can accommodate up to 5 thousand believers. There is a special balcony for the 500 women. Near the mosque is a hill Signal, with a panoramic view of the city and port.

STATE MUSEUM

Building on the street Bukit Istana Lama was built in the style of hut tribes Rungus and Murut. The museum has a lot of historical items, jewelry, and handicrafts of the local population. There is also the room of ceramics. In full-scale were built huts, places of ethnic groups in Sabah.

In addition, there is a room devoted to the nature of the state, its flora and fauna, as well as the research center. The recently opened exhibition about the development of oil and gas industry in Sabah. The museum complex includes: restaurant, cafe, ethnobotanical garden, gift shop and pond.

SABAH FOUNDATION BUILDING

31-storey building in the Bay of Likasi, a 10-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu, built in a futuristic style in the form of a glass with 72 facets. It is seen from afar.

STREET FAIRS

On Sundays at Jalan Gaya opens an exhibition - sale of handicrafts, vegetables, fruit, shoes and clothing.

CENTRAL MARKET

Seaside village is Kampung aep where are moored cutters and boats. Near is located the central market.

Here you can buy fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables from farms in the foothills of Mount Kinabalu.

THE TANJUNG ARU BEACH

The beach lies to the west Kota Kinabalu, surrounded by palms and casuarina. Here are the yacht club, a park of Prince Philip, the Tanjung Aru Beach Hotel.

Hence, excursions to the islands in the Marine Reserve Tunku Abdul Rahman.

NATURE RESERVE TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN

The reserve occupies 50 hectares and is located about 20 minutes drive on the boat. Here are five islands with its unique beaches and amazing underwater world.

How to get there?

MAS plane makes regular flights from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Singapore, Hong Kong, Manila, Brunei, Jakarta, Seoul and Taipei. Local routes link Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur, Labuan, Lahad Datu, Sandakanom and Kuching.

On the way, has an extensive transport network links the major cities of the state, between which go express. At small distances involved taxis and small buses.

Railroad. In the state is built a branch line from Beaufort to a Tenom.

Along the rivers. In the interior areas of the state, rivers play the role of the highway linking the villages together.