Sabah, the ‘Land Below the Wind’, has a wealth of cultural and historical attractions to entertain you and your family. Eco-activities aren’t the only things you can do here as there are many mosques, museums and cultural centres to help you discover Sabah’s historical and cultural heritage.
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu, fondly refered to as ‘KK’, is the capital of Sabah state which was previously known as Jesselton. World War Two nearly destroyed the entire town, but today, it has since recovered and progressed to become a modern city that blends high-rise buildings with ancient shop houses of Chinese and European architecture. Kota Kinabalu is a great place to relax and shop, the skyline perpetually blue with white clouds, lovely sunsets and majestic mountains hanging in the backdrop.
State Mosque
The State Mosque in Kota Kinabalu is a fine piece of architecture; its contemporary design and gold dome overlooks the city. On prayer day, the mosque can accommodate up to 5,000 visitors, with a special balcony for up to 500 women to pray, and women only.
Sabah State Museum
The Sabah State Museum was built in 1985, where the British Governor’s palace on stood in Kota Kinabalu. It is a complex composed of different-themed exhibits including the Main Building, Science and Education Centre, Heritage Village, Sabah Art Gallery and Museum of Islamic Civilization. Some of the collections on display here are ceramics, traditional weapons and costumes that reflect the diversity of the State's culture and record Sabah’s historical links with neighbouring countries of Southeast Asia and even China. Other exhibitions include musical instruments, tools and ritual paraphernalia.
The Heritage Village, on the other hand, is a place for you to experience the culture and traditions of various indigenous groups of Sabah. There are replicas of traditional houses for you to explore as well with handicrafts and tribal treasures displayed inside.
Within the complex you will also find a restaurant, coffee-house and an ethno-botanical garden with an artificial lake and a souvenir shop. The Ethno-botanical Garden has a huge range of tropical plants which even comes with a free guided tour at certain times.
Menara Tun Mustapha
Formerly known as the Sabah Foundation Building, this tower of steel and glass stands at 30-stories high in Likas bay. When it was first completed in 1977, it was one of only three such buildings in the world. Inside, you will find an auditorium, two mini-theatres, exhibition foyer, gymnasium, kindergarten and research library. The 18th floor houses a revolving restaurant where you soak in the view from above while dining.
Atkinson Clock tower
The oldest standing structure in Kota Kinabalu, the Atkinson Clock Tower was built out of wood without any nails in memory of Francis George Atkinson - the popular first District Officer of Jesselton during colonial times in 1902. It is functional till this day.
Signal Hill Observatory
The Signal Hill Observatory is located near the State Mosque in Kota Kinabalu. The observation located on a hill offers a panoramic view of the city and harbour. This is an excellent vantage point and place for stunning photography.
Mengkabong Water Village
The Mengkabong Water Village is built on stilts on top of water in a mangrove estuary. A visit here offers a rare opportunity to observe the lifestyles of the Bajau fishermen, one of Sabah’s unique tribal groups. Each house is connected by wooden planks.
Monsopiad Cultural Village
The Monsopiad Cultural Village near Kota Kinabalu is dedicated to the preservation of the Kadazan culture and heritage, one of the main tribal groups in Sabah. Named after a famous Kadazan Warrior and head-hunter, the cultural village was built on the very same land he lived upon centuries ago. The people who run it are direct descendants from his bloodline. Here, you can partake in traditional Kadazan activities, including blowing a blowpipe which is used to dart animals while hunting. From time to time, there are cultural dances and performances.
Lahad Datu
Lahad Datu is a small town based on agricultural activity. It is surrounded by cocoa and oil palm plantations but what is most significant about Lahad Datu is that it is the gateway to the beautiful Danum Valley Conservation Forest, the Tabin Wildlife Reserve and the Madai Caves south. Lahad Datu is also important as an archaeological site as ancient artefacts with links to China have been found here.
Sandakan
Sandakan first began life as a port for timber, developed by a British trader named William Clarke Cowie in the early 1870s’. The town has some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world, making it one very picturesque port. Today, Sandakan is a bustling modern town that functions a gateway to some eco-treasures such as the Sepilok Orang Utan Sanctuary, Kinabatangan River, Danum Valley and Gomantong Cave.
Semporna
In the Bajau and Malay language, ‘Semporna’ means perfection. This aptly describes the town which is filled with white sandy beaches, lazy coconut palms and tranquil waters. Semporna is also a centre of Bajau culture, one of Sabah’s unique indigenous groups. Every year, Semporna plays host to the Regatta Lepa, a boating festival where thousands sail into the sea with traditional boats decorated in all sorts of colours to win prizes. Semporna is also a gateway to Sipadan Island.
Labuan
Labuan is actually an island federal territory off the coast of Sabah with a bustling, modern town. Being a duty-free port, many locals come here to do shopping – either in modern shopping complexes or traditional night markets. There are also some nice beaches and smaller surrounding islands to enjoy. Anglers can enjoy fishing around the island all-year-round. |
