Been There – Sabah
Been There Sabah is a mug for the Malaysian state located in northern Borneo.
Sabah’s history as Malaysia’s easternmost state begins with the establishment of the British North Borneo Company in 1881, which administered the territory until World War II. The state endured Japanese occupation from 1942 to 1945, which devastated much of its infrastructure and population. Sabah gained independence and joined the Federation of Malaysia on September 16, 1963, a date now celebrated as Malaysia Day. Known as “Land Below the Wind” for its position south of the typhoon belt, Sabah has evolved from a resource extraction economy into a biodiversity hotspot and adventure tourism destination while maintaining its rich indigenous cultures and natural heritage.
– Masjid Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu is the city’s main mosque and a striking landmark with its golden dome and white minarets. Built on reclaimed land overlooking the South China Sea, this beautiful mosque serves as both a place of worship and an architectural icon. The mosque represents Sabah’s Islamic heritage and the harmonious coexistence of diverse religious communities in the state.
– Menara Tun Mustapha is Sabah’s most distinctive skyscraper, a 32-story cylindrical glass tower that dominates Kota Kinabalu’s skyline. Completed in 1977 and named after Sabah’s first Chief Minister, this unique building features a revolving restaurant and serves as government offices. The tower symbolizes Sabah’s modernization and architectural ambition while honouring the leader who shaped the state’s early development.
– Kg Pukat Fisherman Village and longhouses preserve traditional Sabah lifestyles where coastal communities live in water villages and indigenous groups maintain longhouse traditions. These settlements showcase wooden stilt houses extending over the sea and communal longhouses that once housed entire villages. These structures represent the enduring customs of Sabah’s indigenous peoples and coastal fishing communities amid rapid urbanization.
– Mount Kinabalu is Southeast Asia’s highest peak at 4,095 meters and Sabah’s most iconic natural landmark. This UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts thousands of climbers annually who ascend through diverse ecosystems from tropical rainforest to alpine meadows. Mount Kinabalu holds deep spiritual significance for the indigenous Kadazan-Dusun people and represents Sabah’s dramatic natural beauty.
– The Bornean rhinoceros represents Sabah’s critically endangered megafauna and conservation challenges in protecting remaining rainforest habitats. The Borneo Rhino Sanctuary works to save these rare animals from extinction through breeding programs. The rhino symbolizes both the fragility of Sabah’s ecosystems and ongoing efforts to preserve irreplaceable natural heritage.
– The Marlin Statue stands as a prominent landmark in Kota Kinabalu, celebrating Sabah’s reputation for world-class sport fishing. The billfish sculpture honours the marlins, sailfish, and other game fish that make Sabah’s waters a premier destination for anglers. This statue represents the state’s maritime economy and the thriving sport fishing industry that attracts international enthusiasts.
– Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park comprises five islands off Kota Kinabalu’s coast, offering pristine beaches, coral reefs, and tropical marine environments. These protected islands provide accessible nature escapes with snorkelling, diving, and beach activities just minutes from the city. The marine park demonstrates Sabah’s commitment to balancing tourism development with environmental conservation.
– Kadazan Penampang traditional attire showcases the distinctive black clothing adorned with intricate beadwork and silver accessories worn by Sabah’s largest indigenous group. This elegant costume features the sinuangga belt with silver coins and elaborate headpieces that reflect the wearer’s status. The traditional dress represents the cultural pride and artistic heritage of the Kadazan-Dusun people who continue to celebrate their identity through festivals and ceremonies.
