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Sabah

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Sabah is a state located in northern Borneo within the region of East Malaysia.

Haiyan 2013-11-07 1345Z (alternate, borderless)
Haiyan 2013-11-07 1345Z (alternate, borderless)

It shares land borders with the Malaysian state of Sarawak to the southwest. To the south, Sabah borders the North Kalimantan province of Indonesia. The state also has maritime borders with Vietnam to the west. To the north and east, it sits near the Philippines. The island of Labuan is a Federal Territory located just off the west coast.

Boats and ferries in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Boats and ferries in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Many people call Sabah the "Land Below the Wind." This nickname refers to its location below the East Asian typhoon belt. Because of this, the state is not frequently hit by typhoons.

The geography of Sabah is defined by diverse ecosystems and impressive landmarks. It has an equatorial climate with vast tropical rainforests. These forests host an abundance of plant and animal species.

Walking trail Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre
Walking trail Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

The Kinabatangan River flows through the state and is the second longest river in Malaysia. On the western side, long mountain ranges form part of the Crocker Range National Park. The highest peak in Sabah is Mount Kinabalu. This mountain is also the highest point in the entire country of Malaysia.

Kundasang - Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, Sabah, Malaysia
Kundasang - Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, Sabah, Malaysia

Human history in Sabah stretches back tens of thousands of years. The earliest known settlements occurred 20,000 to 30,000 years ago. These inhabitants lived near the Darvel Bay area in the Madai-Baturong caves.

Madai Sabah Madai-Cave-01
Madai Sabah Madai-Cave-01

Archaeologists have found stone tools and food remains from this era. In 2003, researchers discovered the Mansuli valley, which dates back 235,000 years. Another important site is Skull Hill in the Semporna District. This was the largest pottery making site in Neolithic Southeast Asia.

Lahad-Datu Sabah Panoramic-view-from-Tower-of-Heaven-01a
Lahad-Datu Sabah Panoramic-view-from-Tower-of-Heaven-01a

For centuries, various empires and traders influenced the region. In the 14th and 15th centuries, the Bruneian Empire held influence over Sabah. During the 14th century, Sabah also began a trading relationship with China. Chinese traders brought goods like spices, pearls, and rattan to the Kinabatangan River.

Sandakan Sabah Fishmarket-in-Sandakan-Harbour-04
Sandakan Sabah Fishmarket-in-Sandakan-Harbour-04

Some traders even brought unique funeral traditions to the area. This is evidenced by the discovery of 2,000 wooden coffins in the Agop Batu Tulug Caves. The Sulu Sultanate also exerted influence over the eastern coasts of the state.

Political control of Sabah changed significantly during the 19th and 20th centuries. The British North Borneo Chartered Company acquired the territory in the 19th century. During World War II, the Japanese occupied North Borneo for three years.

Japanese civilians and soldiers, Tawao (AWM 121707)
Japanese civilians and soldiers, Tawao (AWM 121707)

Following the war, it became a British Crown Colony in 1946. On August 31, 1963, the British granted self-governance to the newly renamed Sabah.

Sabah during the formation of Malaysia (16 September 1963)
Sabah during the formation of Malaysia (16 September 1963)

Shortly after, on September 16, 1963, Sabah became a founding member of the Federation of Malaysia.

Today, Sabah is a modern state with a complex political and economic structure. The capital city is Kota Kinabalu, which serves as the economic and governmental center.

The state government follows a system modeled on the Westminster parliamentary system. This includes a governor, known as the Yang di-Pertua Negeri, and a chief minister. The state is divided into five administrative divisions and 27 districts. According to the 2020 census, the population was 3,418,785 people. The economy is strongly export-oriented, focusing on oil, gas, timber, and palm oil.

District-Tawau Sabah Logging-Trucks-01
District-Tawau Sabah Logging-Trucks-01

Sabah is also a place of great cultural and natural significance. The state is known for its ethnic diversity in language and culture. One notable traditional musical instrument is the sompoton.

Tambunan Sabah Roundabout-with Sompoton
Tambunan Sabah Roundabout-with Sompoton

Beyond industry, the state relies heavily on agriculture and ecotourism. Visitors often come to see the unique wildlife and landscapes. The combination of ancient history, diverse people, and natural beauty makes Sabah a unique part of Malaysia.

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🖼️ Images & Media (37)
Lagu Rasmi Sabah - Sabah Tanah Airku.ogg
File:Madai Sabah Madai-Cave-01.jpg
Madai Sabah Madai-Cave-01.jpg
File:Japanese civilians and soldiers, Tawao (AWM 121707).JPG
Japanese civilians and soldiers, Tawao...
File:Sabah during the formation of Malaysia (16 September 1963).jpg
Sabah during the formation of Malaysia...
File:KotaKinabalu Sabah Sabah-State-Administrative-Centre-02.jpg
KotaKinabalu Sabah...
File:KotaKinabalu Sabah DewanUndanganNegeriSabah-01.jpg
KotaKinabalu Sabah DewanUndanganNegeriSabah-01.jpg
File:Semporna Sabah ESSCOM-soldiers-04 (extracted).jpg
Semporna Sabah ESSCOM-soldiers-04 (extracted).jpg
File:Haiyan 2013-11-07 1345Z (alternate, borderless).png
Haiyan 2013-11-07 1345Z (alternate,...
File:Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting).jpg
Blue-eared Kingfisher (Alcedo meninting).jpg
File:Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year in Sabah, 2001-2024.png
Global Forest Change tree-cover loss year...
File:Walking trail Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre.jpg
Walking trail Sepilok Orangutan...
File:District-Tawau Sabah Logging-Trucks-01.jpg
District-Tawau Sabah Logging-Trucks-01.jpg

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