The Best of Sabah Borneo 10D9N

Sabah, Pronounced in Malay: [saˈbah] is located on the northern beautiful island of Borneo, and is one of the thirteen states which Malaysia is made of. Sabah is the second largest state in Malaysia and shares the island of Borneo with Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan. Kota Kinabalu City is the state´s capital, its economic hub, and seat of its government. As of 2019, Sabah had a population of over 3.9 million. The state´s other major towns are Sandakan and Tuwau. Besides its land borders with the other Malaysian state of Borneo, Sarawak, to the southwest and the Kalimantan region of Indonesia to the south, Sabah shares maritime borders with Vietnam to the west and the Philippines to the north and east.

Colorful History

Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is located at the centre of the Maritime Southeast Asia. This island is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei. Nevertheless, for people outside of Indonesia, “Kalimantan” refers to the area which is occupied by Indonesia on the island of Borneo. Malaysia’s region of Borneo is called East Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo. The independent nation of Brunei occupies the remainder of the island, being the wealthiest of the rest.

The earliest human settlements in Sabah can be traced back to around 20,000 to 30,000 years ago. Over the centuries, Sabah got influences from China through trade relations and the Brunei Empire, along the 15th century. Once known as North Borneo, Sabah was under the British colonization during the late 19th century till the early 20th century before being invaded by the Japanese during the World War II and back under the British Empire after WW II. Sabah gained its autonomy and self-government on the 31st of August, 19 63. Sabah, together with Malaya, Singapore and Sarawak formed the Federation of Malaysia on the 16th of September 1963.

Sabah, Best of Borneo

Sabah is favored with an equatorial climate with tropical rainforests and abundant fauna and flora species along with a unique underwater and subaquatic ecosystem. Sabah is home to the highest point in Malaysia, the Mount Kinabalu, the Crocker Range National Park, including a long mountain ranges on the west side and Malaysia´s second longest river, the Kinabatangan River, that flows through Sabah. Crocker Range National Park is the largest park in Sabah and covers around 1 400 km². Being previously under protection as a forest reserve, it consists of hill and mountain forests, with many species of flora and fauna autochthonal to Borneo, including few species of primates as the orangutan, gibbons and furry tarsier.

Sabah is richly blessed with nature diversity, unique cultures, fun adventure, beautiful beaches, and fantastic cuisines for the adventurous taste buds. Sabah has it all, from the world’s largest flower - the Rafflesia, one of the highest mountains in South-East Asia - Mount Kinabalu, to one of the world’s top dive sites - Sipadan Island. Sabah is also known for its great natural treasures which include the world-renowned Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin which is Sabah’s largest wildlife reserve. Not only will you be amazed by the places to see and things to do here, you will also be treated with unique Sabahan hospitality. Explore the unique culture and tradition of Sabah and get ready to experience sweet memories to last a lifetime!

Great People and Culture

There are more than 30 indigenous groups in Sabah with the largest non-indigenous ethnic group being the Chinese and the largest indigenous group being the Kadazan-Dusun people. Three other larger ethnic groups in Sabah are the Bajau, Murut and Rungus. Apart from the Sabahans’ very own diverse mother tongues, Bahasa Malaysia (national language) and English is widely spoken; Mandarin and some Chinese dialects are also widely spoken.

Like all Malaysia, Sabah notably self-prides on its ethnic, cultural and linguistic diversity. The state´s official language is Malay and Islam the official religion, however, other religions are tolerated and may be practiced in total peace and harmony allover the state´s territory. Besides its abundant natural resources, including oil, gas and palm oil, Sabah´s economy stakes on export agriculture and ecotourism. The blue and clear waters of the seas and oceans along with numerous islands, lagoons and bays make of Sabah one of Malaysia´s most perfect and popular destination for tourists to dive and snorkel. Nature lovers can delve into the wilderness of Sabah. Here, you can explore coral reefs, secluded coves and forests. The flora and fauna here are unique and unlike anywhere else in Malaysia: Located in the north of Sabah, this town has some of the best natural sites in all of Malaysia. Here, you can explore coral reefs, secluded coves and forests. The flora and fauna here are unique and unlike anywhere else in Malaysia.

In Sabah Borneo, people greet you by “Selamat dating”, meaning welcome and/or Terima kasih to mean thank you, with a smile. Sabah is unique in its culture, nature & Hospitality.

Trip Information Highlights

International Flights: round-trip flights are included in the trip´s price. We fly to Malaysia with the major airlines, depending on your point of depart, Malaysia Airlines, Qatar Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, Emirates Airlines, Etihad, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, etc. 

Destinations: Sabah Malaysian Borneo
Starting point: Kuala Lumpur 
Ending point: Kuala Lumpur 

Accommodation: in twin or double rooms in Standard 3-Star, Premium 4-Star or Superior 5-Star hotels, according to your choice. Single rooms are available upon request and subject to a supplementary fee.

Features: private local professional tour guides and for the tours, experienced drivers and private air-conditioned vehicles which size depend on the number of passengers

Meals: Breakfast will be both western and Sabahan at the hotel, lunch and dinner at local Halal restaurants. Meals will be exclusively Halal certified. For any special request related to other than Sabahan and/or Malaysian cuisines (Arabian, Indonesian, Indian, Pakistani, etc.), please advise us in advance.

Performing Salat Prayer Service: in different prayer room and facilities

Pricing Policy:
- Infants aged 2 years and under: free of charge.
- Child price is applicable for children aged 3-12 years. At the time of booking for child, a minimum of 2 passengers of which one adult is required

- Group price is applicable for minimum 6 passengers and above

Inclusions:

• International round-trip flights, depending on your point of depart
• Hotel accommodations with daily breakfast according to your choice
• Halal meals as specified in the itinerary
• Private air-conditioned vehicle with experienced driver for land transportation
• Experienced private English language speaking tour guide
• All admission tickets to sightseeing places and scenery spots
• All government taxes

Exclusions: 

• Own travel insurance
• Optional tour & insurance
  Gratuities or tips to porters, doormen, tour guides and drivers
• Excursions & activities not included in the itinerary
• Expenditure of a personal nature, such as drinks, souvenirs, laundry, etc.