Kopi’vosian and Greetings from Sabah, Malaysian Borneo!

There have been a lot of events and new tourism attractions introduced during the past half year of 2008. One of the attractions that are getting very popular is the Fish Massage activity at Kg. Luanti, Ranau. Since the introduction of this product, many visitors have come to experience this unique massage in nature.

We also welcome visitors to try the Mountain Torq via Ferrata. Located at Mount Kinabalu, it is the world’s highest and Asia’s first Via Ferrata that was launched end of last year. This activity is not solely for experienced mountain climbers but also for beginner climbers who wants to experience the scenic beauty of Mount Kinabalu.

Previously in June, the first and largest lifestyle hypermall in East Malaysia, 1Borneo finally has its soft opening. Although not 100% completed, visitors can expect great things from 1Borneo since it is seen as an icon for Sabah’s tourism, retail and property sector. Within the 1Borneo, there is a handicraft and cultural centre known as 1Borneo Rainforest which is the first of its kind in East Malaysia and worldwide. This centre provides an insight of Sabah’s rich handicrafts and cultures to both local and international tourist under one roof.

There are several big events happening this August. The KL Tower International Jump 2008 Menara Tun Mustafa Base Jump will be held at Menara Tun Mustafa on the 9th to 10th of August. The KL Tower International Jump 2008 in Kota Kinabalu is the 3rd venue of the event that will be held from 3rd to 31st of August. Sandakan Sepilok Nature Half Marathon Run will also be held on 10th of August for the first time ever. This event aims to highlight Sandakan as a premiere eco-tourism destination. “The World’s Toughest Mountain Race”, 22nd Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon 2008 is also back this year on the 23rd to 24th of August. This yearly event is expecting a lot of participation from international runners especially runners from The Buff Sky Runners association. For more details of the events, you can check out our website on the events section.

The Sabah Tourism Board wishes to assure that Sabah including its many islands is SAFE.

Despite travel warnings issued, tourists continue to visit the islands around Sabah for diving, snorkeling and sightseeing activities. The Police and the Malaysian Armed Forces have put in place extensive measures to combat terrorism and criminal acts and to ensure safety of the general public. Many visitors to Sabah have conveyed their satisfaction and delight that Sabah is a safe place to visit especially for diving.

Sabah will be ready to accommodate more tourists coming in as more hotels opening by this year and next year. We are also expecting an increase in tourist arrivals after the completion of the new and improved KKIA terminal in 2009.

The weather is unpredictable but as a general guide, the wet season falls between November and February. Nevertheless, sunny blue skies typify most days and it is summer all year round.
We look forward to welcome you to truly experience the beauty of The Land Below the Wind - Sabah, Malaysian Borneo.

For more information please contact:
Sabah Tourism Board – Market Communications Section
Email: hezrina@sabahtourism.com, dlgaban@sabahtourism.com, info@sabahtourism.com