Lying below the Typhoon range, also referred to as the land below the wind, the state of Sabah Located in the East of Malaysia in Borneo is a dream destination for Golfers. Boasting Long Mountain Ranges, Deep Tropical Rain Forests replete with animal and plant species, Pristine Beaches, and an array of Designer Golf courses the state is a ‘Must Visit destination’.

The second largest river of Malaysia Kinabatangan runs through it and the highest point in Malaysia, Mt. Kinabalu is located here.No Wonder it is the epicentre of Eco-Tourism in Malaysia attracting international as well as Domestic travellers. The earliest human settlement in Sabah can be traced back to 20,000–30,000 years ago along the Darvel Bay area at the Madai-Baturong caves. The state has had a trading relationship with China starting from the 14th century AD! Kota Kinabalu or KK as it is popularly known is the Capital of Sabah in the northern part of the island of Borneo. KK is a Coastal city surrounded by rainforest, known for its bustling markets, modern boardwalk, beaches and waterfront. It is also a gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Kinabalu National Park, the home of 4095M high Mount Kinabalu. KK is also a perfect city to gain insight on Sabah’s heritage in the form of Cultural villages like Mari Mari KDCA and Walai Tobilung.

KOTA KINABALU CITY CENTRE One can walk from one end of the city centre to the other end to gain an insight into the local lifestyles. There are inexpensive alfresco food centres, coffee shops to famous seafood restaurants that are found along the 1.6 km stretch of the city centre. Shopping is a whole different experience, with bargains found from street stalls to air-conditioned shopping malls like Imago and Suria Sabah, offering local produce, souvenirs and goods from international brands. The must-visit attractions include the Filipino Handicraft market, jam-packed with small stalls offering dried local produce and handicrafts from Sabah, Philippines and Indonesia. Witness the fishermen (a.k.s. sea gipsies) coming ashore with their catch of the day as they auction off the fresh seafood to restaurant suppliers and local

THE TRIP WAS COURTESY :

>Tourism Malaysia
>Sabah Tourism
>Batik Air
>Sutera Harbour Resort Group
>Shangri-La Rasa Ria

housewives, where haggling for the best deals are always part of the scene. Just before the sun sets, make your way to the famous Waterfront to capture the breathtaking sunset over the South China Sea. The Waterfront, a one-stop dining and entertainment centre where all the pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants are located, is one of Sabah’s most popular nightspots and is also the heart of the nightlife in Kota Kinabalu.

GETTING THERE

The most frequent entry point to Kota Kinabalu is by air travel. Kota Kinabalu at present doesn’t have a direct flight from India but is well connected with Kuala Lumpur. Batik Air would be the Airline of choice as it off ers seamless connectivity.

GOLF

Kota Kinabalu is a perfect Golfi ng destination and especially suitable for golfing couples where one partner does not play golf as there are plenty of other things to do which means that you do not have to plan everything around the golf course. There are some wonderful beaches in Kota Kinabalu and some extraordinary wildlife and the Orangutan Sanctuary is a place you must visit. If you are into snorkelling and diving as well as golf then head for Sapi Island which offers the clearest waters in the area. The Must play courses are:

>Sutera Harbour Golf & Country Club
>Dalit Bay Rasa Ria Golf Course
>Nexus Karambunai Golf & Country Club
>Borneo Golf & Country Club
>Sabah Golf & Country Club

STAY

While there are a number of Hotels in KK the most convenient properties with the best offerings in terms of Golf are the Pacific Sutera Harbor & Shangri-La Rasa Ria. Both resorts boast of Excellent on-property Golf Courses, own beaches and a horde of activities. Malaysian Tourism in partnership with Sabah Tourism hosted a group of Media and Travel Professionals to showcase the amazing offerings of the state of Sabah. The trip included visits to various places of interest and Rounds of Golf at the Sutera Harbour & Dalit Bay Golf Courses. The group was treated to delicious local and Indian Cuisine including a choice of seafood. The officials of both the tourism boards including the Deputy Minister of Malaysia Tourism and the Chairman of Sabah Tourism graced the networking lunch & dinner.