One of the best ways to see Sabah is to learn about its five administrative divisions, each with their own distinct traits and attractions.
Each division of Sabah has something special to offer, so it's worth taking the time to explore them all.
You'll learn about the diverse cultures and traditions that make Sabah special, as well as the people's warm welcome.
In a series of posts, we'll look at each division, its’ districts, and some of the well-known places inside them.
In this post, we shall begin with its first division, the West Coast Division.
1.West Coast Division
Kota Kinabalu
Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of Sabah, Borneo, and is located on the island's northwest coast.
Kota Kinabalu, or KK for short, is well-known for its vibrant metropolis, active nightlife, delectable seafood, and stunning beaches.
From lively marketplaces and shopping malls to historical buildings and cultural institutions, KK has something for everyone.
The city's waterfront strip provides guests with beautiful views of the sunset and nearby islands while they drink and eat.
Other popular sights in Kota Kinabalu include the Signal Hill Observatory Platform, the Atkinson Clock Tower, and Tanjung Aru Beach.
The Harvest Festival, commonly known as Kaamatan, is the best time to visit Kota Kinabalu.
This is a significant event in the cultural calendar of the Kadazandusun people, Sabah's largest ethnic group.
The celebration is traditionally held in May and lasts for two days, featuring traditional rituals and festivities commemorating the rice harvest season.
This is the time of year when the city comes alive with vibrant processions as well as traditional and musical performances.
While Penampang is the major venue for the Harvest Festival in Kota Kinabalu, there are various additional locations throughout the city where visitors can enjoy the activities.
The Sabah State Cultural Centre, located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, is one of the locations. Throughout the year, this venue holds a variety of cultural events, such as music and dance performances, exhibitions, and festivals.
The Gaya Street Sunday Market is another place to experience the Harvest Festival in Kota Kinabalu. This weekly market, situated in the city center, is popular with both locals and tourists.
The market is decked out with traditional decorations and offers a range of traditional delicacies such as bosou, hinava, pickled bambangan, tuhau, and rice wine.
The Harvest Festival is an excellent time to learn about Sabah's traditional culture, but the city has lots to offer visitors all year.
Penampang
Penampang is an intriguing site that provides visitors with a unique glimpse into the culture and traditions of the Kadazandusun people.
The Kadazandusun Cultural Association promotes and maintains Kadazandusun culture and traditions in this district, which is about 15 kilometers from the KK.
The Monsopiad Cultural Village, one of Penampang's primary attractions, provides a unique look into the traditional lifestyle of the Kadazandusun people.
The Hongkod Koisaan Kadazandusun Cultural Association building is another fantastic venue to learn about Sabah's rich culture and traditions.
Penampang has a variety of natural attractions in addition to its cultural offerings. The region is bordered by lush rainforests and is close to the Crocker Range, which allows hiking and exploration of Sabah's natural splendor.
Ranau
Ranau is a renowned tourist destination due to its magnificent natural beauty and rich cultural legacy. Ranau has something for everyone, whether you're a hiker, a nature lover, or a culture buff.
Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular hiking and wildlife destination, is one of Ranau's primary attractions.
Ranau also has a number of other natural features, such as hot springs and waterfalls.
The Poring Hot Springs, which are located within Kinabalu Park, are a popular site for travelers wishing to unwind in natural hot springs.
The Kipungit Waterfall and the Langanan Waterfall are also located in the district, which offers breathtaking vistas and the opportunity for visitors to swim in the cold waters.
The Sabah Tea Garden, Sabah's only organic tea farm, is another attraction in Ranau. Here, visitors can take a tour of the estate, learn about the tea-making process, and sample freshly brewed tea.
Ranau has a rich cultural past in addition to its natural features.
The Sabah Agriculture Park, which shows the people's traditional agricultural practices, is a great place for visitors to learn about the local culture.
Putatan
Putatan is a must-see for any foodie visiting Sabah; it is a well-known tourist destination thanks to its vibrant local culture and delectable food scene.
The neighborhood is home to a number of seafood restaurants and street food stalls that provide a variety of exquisite delicacies.
The Tenghilan Agricultural Centre, which is located in Putatan, is also a fantastic venue to learn about the district's agricultural history.
Putatan has a variety of natural attractions in addition to its food and agricultural offerings.
The neighborhood is located along the ocean and is ideal for water sports such as snorkeling and diving.
Visitors can also travel to nearby islands such as Pulau Dinawan and Pulau Tiga.
Tuaran
Tuaran is a famous tourist destination because of its rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty.
The Tuaran Crocodile Farm, Sabah's largest crocodile farm, is one of the primary attractions in Tuaran.
Tuaran also has a number of cultural attractions. The region is known for its unusual architecture, such as the Tuaran Pagoda, which features magnificent Chinese-style designs, and the Tamparuli Suspension Bridge, one of Sabah's oldest and most renowned bridges.
Tuaran has a variety of natural attractions in addition to its cultural offerings.
The district is close to the ocean and is an excellent place to enjoy water sports such as snorkelling and diving, as well as the Tuaran River, which provides kayaking and river cruises.
Kota Belud
The weekly Tamu, a traditional open-air market where residents sell a variety of things like fresh vegetables, handicrafts, and souvenirs, is one of Kota Belud's main attractions.
Kota Belud is particularly recognized for its unique buildings, such as the Gong-making Village, where tourists can learn the traditional craft of gong-making.
The Tambatuon River, which offers kayaking and river excursions, is another natural attraction in Kota Belud.
Kota Belud is also an excellent location for visitors to see the native animals. The Kota Belud Bird Sanctuary, which boasts a variety of native and migratory bird species, is located in the region.
There's also the Kota Belud Crocodile Farm, where you can see these reptiles up close and learn about their behavior.
Papar
Papar features a diverse range of attractions. One of the main attractions in Papar is the gorgeous Papar Beach, a popular destination for water activities that stretches for kilometers along the South China Sea beachfront.
Another famous site in Papar is the Crocker Range National Park, which is located on the district's eastern side and is home to Mount Alab, the tallest peak in the area, as well as a varied range of flora and animal species.
Papar is also known for its seafood, particularly the famed Papar fish noodles, which can be found in many local restaurants and food carts throughout the town.
This part of Sabah has something for everyone with its rich cultural legacy, natural beauty, and variety of attractions.
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