Land Below the Wind — Mountains, Tribes & Marine Majesty
Sabah, located on the northern portion of Borneo Island, is a Malaysian state known for its towering mountains, vibrant indigenous communities, lush rainforests, and world-class marine biodiversity. Nicknamed the “Land Below the Wind” due to its location south of the typhoon belt, Sabah offers natural wonders, adventure tourism, and cultural diversity like no other.
Historical Background
- Formerly part of the Sultanate of Brunei, then British North Borneo (1881–1963)
- Joined Malaysia in 1963 alongside Sarawak, Malaya, and Singapore
- Rich in colonial history, World War II sites, and local tribal governance traditions
Basic Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| State Name | Sabah |
| Capital City | Kota Kinabalu |
| Official Religion | Islam (with freedom for others) |
| Ethnic Groups | Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Murut, Chinese, Malay, Rungus, others |
| Area | Approx. 73,631 sq. km (2nd largest in Malaysia) |
| Population (2025 est.) | Approx. 3.9 million |
| Time Zone | Malaysia Standard Time (UTC +8) |
| Currency | Malaysian Ringgit (MYR) |
Government & Leadership (2025 est.)
| Position | Name | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Yang di-Pertua Negeri | Tun Juhar Mahiruddin | Head of State (Governor) |
| Chief Minister (CM) | Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor | Head of Government, leads Sabah Cabinet |
| Sabah State Assembly | Multi-party legislature (GRS-led govt) | 73 constituencies |
Administrative Divisions
Sabah is divided into 5 administrative divisions, comprising 27 districts:
- West Coast Division – Kota Kinabalu, Penampang, Tuaran, etc.
- Interior Division – Keningau, Tambunan, Tenom, etc.
- Sandakan Division – Sandakan, Beluran, Kinabatangan
- Tawau Division – Tawau, Semporna, Lahad Datu, Kunak
- Kudat Division – Kudat, Kota Marudu, Pitas
Geography & Nature Highlights
- Mount Kinabalu – 4,095m, UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Kinabalu Park – Biodiversity hotspot
- Sipadan Island – Top global diving location
- Danum Valley, Maliau Basin – Primary rainforest and research centers
- Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park – Island hopping and snorkeling near Kota Kinabalu
- Crocker Range – Highland plateau and protected zone
Economy
- Oil & Gas – Offshore platforms and refineries (especially near Labuan)
- Agriculture – Palm oil, rubber, cocoa, rice, tropical fruits
- Tourism – Eco-tourism, mountain climbing, scuba diving, cultural villages
- Timber & Aquaculture – Inland logging, fish farming, shrimp export
- Trade – Border trade with Philippines and Indonesia
Education & Institutions
- Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) – Main higher education institution
- Polytechnics, teacher training institutes, MARA colleges
- Religious schools and native language preservation centers
Transport & Connectivity
- Airports:
- Kota Kinabalu International Airport (BKI) – 2nd busiest in Malaysia
- Tawau, Sandakan, Lahad Datu – Domestic & regional hubs
- Ports – Kota Kinabalu, Sandakan, Tawau, Kudat
- Roads – Pan Borneo Highway (under development), interior still limited
- Sea links – To Labuan, Semporna Islands, and southern Philippines
Tourism & Attractions
- Mount Kinabalu & Kinabalu Park – Trekking, flora, mountain lodges
- Sipadan, Mabul & Kapalai Islands – Diving and marine life
- Mari Mari Cultural Village – Ethnic life demonstration
- Tunku Abdul Rahman Park (Sapi, Manukan, Gaya Islands) – Boat tours
- Poring Hot Springs, Sepilok Orangutan Sanctuary, Danum Valley
- Cultural Festivals – Kaamatan (Harvest Festival), Regatta Lepa (Semporna)
Culture & Cuisine
- Indigenous rituals, tribal architecture, beadwork, bamboo instruments
- Popular foods:
- Hinava (fish salad), Ambuyat, Tuaran Mee, Nasi Linopot, Seafood BBQ
- Multicultural harmony: Islam, Christianity, Animism, Buddhism coexist
- Kaamatan Festival – Celebrates harvest with traditional games, dance, rice wine
Summary
Sabah is a land of natural superlatives, tribal traditions, and tropical adventure. Whether scaling Mount Kinabalu, diving into the coral-rich South China Sea, or exploring rainforest tribes and wildlife, Sabah is a living postcard of Malaysia’s wild, wondrous side.