Discover Borneo EXPLORE NOW! SABAH • Kota Kinabalu • Labuan • Sandakan • Tawau SARAWAK • Kuching • Miri • Bintulu • Sibu BRUNEI BALIKPAPAN The name invokes curiosity and a vision of unexplored lush wilderness unknown to man. After 130 million The years of undisturbed sleep, Borneo is still one of the few remaining untouched territories on Earth, BorneoAdventure a wildlife mecca filled to the brim with magnificent flora and fauna. Beyond the vast greenery are world class beaches, waters clearer than crystal and a kaleidoscope of chromatic marine kingdom. The fiercely protected culture and heritage pave the way for the preservation of Borneo’s distinctive and diverse ancestry. At every turn, Borneo is where you’ll find life’s greatest adventure! LAND SIZE 743,300 km2 POPULATION 19,800,000 TIME ZONE UTC+8 (Brunei, Sarawak, Sabah, East & South Kalimantan) UTC+7 (West & Central Kalimantan) LANGUAGE Malay, Chinese, English, Indonesian, Iban, Bidayuh and other ethnic languages TELEPHONE CODE +60 (Malaysia) +673 (Brunei) +62 (Indonesia) RELIGION Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism All information in this guide is correct at press time and is subject to change without prior notice. CONTENTS PG 04 SABAH PG 24 BRUNEI PG 06 Kota Kinabalu PG 25 Brunei Events & Festivals PG 08 Labuan PG 09 Sandakan PG 26 PAMPERING IN BORNEO PG 10 Tawau PG 11 Sabah Events & Festivals PG 27 BALIKPAPAN PG 13 Diving in Borneo PG 14 SARAWAK PG 16 Kuching PG 18 Miri PG 20 Bintulu PG 21 Sibu PG 22 Sarawak Events & Carnival PG 23 Golfing in Borneo ©AirAsia Berhad 2013. All rights reserved. 3 Sabah The Land Below the Wind Home to the mighty Mount Kinabalu, Sabah is a beautiful eco-tourism destination for many who are seeking for thrills beyond the magnificent mountain. There is so much to do in this wonderful state, from diving and trekking to even island explorations and bargain-shopping. The northern-most state of Borneo truly thrives with an abundance of treasures, exciting places and a unique concoction of indigenous tribes. Kota Kinabalu Wildlife, Nature & Adventure page 06 Labuan Shopping, Islands & Diving page 08 Sandakan Wildlife page 09 Tawau Diving, Islands & Cocoa page 10 Special Events & Festivals in Sabah International Sports, Fishing & Culture page 11 MONEY MATTERS Malaysian Ringgit (RM) LANGUAGE English, Malay, Chinese, Kadazan- Dusun and Murut WEATHER Tropical climate all year round with higher rainfall towards year end GETTING AROUND AirAsia offers connectivity within Sabah with super low fares! 4 ©AirAsia Berhad 2013. All rights reserved. The Land Below the Wind ©AirAsia Berhad 2013. All rights reserved. 5 Kota Kinabalu Kota Kinabalu, affectionately known as KK, is Sabah’s capital and the main city in the state. The vibrant city is the pulse of Sabah, with wonderful sights and sounds coupled with scrumptious cuisines and natural wonders for all to enjoy. KOTA KINABALU’S BEST Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park Head west off the coast of KK to this marine national park, consisting of the five islands Manukan, Gaya, Sapi, Mamutik and Sulug. Pristine beaches and cerulean waters bursting with marine life are ideal for a fun- filled day of diving, snorkelling and lazing by the beach. Padas River Rafting If you love an exciting challenge Kinabalu National Park down the river rapids, then this (World Heritage Site) is the perfect activity for you. Breathtaking scenery surrounds Graded as a Grade III to IV river, you the moment you step into it offers pure thrills to even the this haven of lush flora and fauna most seasoned rafter. Don’t as you gaze in admiration at the worry if you’re a novice, as there impressive Mount Kinabalu. Enjoy are milder rapids for the tame trekking along trails across the at heart. mountainous Crocker Range with a stunning view of the Borneo rainforest. 6 ©AirAsia Berhad 2013. All rights reserved. Rumah Terbalik (Upside Down Kundasang Kudat (Tip of Borneo) House) Don’t make the mistake of The town exudes a certain A visit to this house will literally making Kundasang a mere transit laidback charm, but its true change your perspective! before scaling Mount Kinabalu potential lies in it being the Everything inside the house as there are plenty of interesting gateway of the northern-most tip is flipped upside down, from spots around this panoramic of Borneo at Tanjung Simpang home appliances to the car area. Loosen your tired muscles Mengayau. Kudat is also the which is parked in its garage. at Poring Hot Springs (a natural gateway to hidden paradises and Rumah Terbalik is the brainchild sulphur hot spring), embark on unspoilt beaches to truly enjoy of Alexander Yee who feels a night walk at the Sabah Tea the South China Sea view. that creative ideas should be Garden or learn more about World incorporated into Sabah’s tourism War 2 at the Kundasang War industry. Memorial, complete with beautiful BOOK NOW picturesque gardens. HOW TO GET TO KOTA KINABALU: From Frequency All-In Fare (One Way) Kuala Lumpur 15x Daily From RM124 Penang 11x Weekly From RM144 Johor Bahru 18x Weekly From RM121 Kuching 3x Daily From RM111 The city is a melting pot of cultures, hence the MUST-EAT vast selection of delectable cuisines from the diverse ethnic groups. Seafood - It is a sin to be in Sabah and yet not taste the bounty of its sea. Pick from the many mouth-watering fares of the ocean such as succulent prawns, delectable crabs and the freshest of clams! ©AirAsia Berhad 2013. All rights reserved. 7 Labuan The unassuming federal territory of Labuan that faces the South China Sea is a unique destination comprising the main Labuan Island and six smaller islands, namely Pulau Kuraman, Daat, Rusukan Besar, Rusukan Kecil, Papan and Pulau Burung. The jewel of East Malaysia is located off the northwest coast of Borneo, and is an ideal destination for wreck diving. LABUAN’S BEST Wreck Diving Duty-Free Shopping As one of the best places for wreck diving in Asia, Labuan has 4 major Nothing beats duty-free shopping wreck diving sites namely the Australian, American, Blue Water and on the island. From modern Cement Wrecks. malls to individual stores, there is a vast range of local and Kampung Air / Water Village imported goods. Watch out for The village is as literal as its name – a quaint little village settlement month-long shopping carnival fully built on wooden stilts along planed pathways. A great place to during year end. spend the day capturing the scenic pictures! The War Memorial There are crabs This memorial is built to commemorate nearly 4000 Commonwealth MUST-EAT and there are servicemen who died in the World War II, either in battle or in captivity. crabs, but there are no crab dishes like the dedicated Anjung Ketam HOW TO GET TO LABUAN: in Tanjung Aru. Famous for its crab dishes, the 4 stalls at this From Frequency All-In Fare (One Way) food court serve the freshest Kuala Lumpur 11X Weekly From RM134 seafood in the land! Try the very much sought-after Coconut Pudding, available only in Labuan. BOOK NOW 8 ©AirAsia Berhad 2013. All rights reserved. SANDAKAN’S BEST Sandakan Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre A hive of activity is always Always wanted to see these expected at Sandakan, brilliant and gentle primates in action? Well, you may at this especially at its waterfront sanctuary where the orangutans where the city centre is. are given much care and Great seafood, magnificent rehabilitation before they are views and unspoilt nature released back into the wild. make for an interesting destination to visit. Sungai Kinabatangan It’s time for a scenic river tour as you cruise along the 560 km river. Every nature enthusiast will love the charming view of palm oil plantations, exotic wildlife, mangroves, rare bird species and gorgeous landscapes found along the coast. Turtle Island Park The endangered species have their own sanctuary in this 3-island park in the Sulu Sea dedicated to protect the precious creatures. You can HOW TO GET TO SANDAKAN: drop by to see them lay their eggs or participate in the From Frequency All-In Fare (One Way) conservation efforts! Kuala Lumpur 3X Daily From RM154 Kota Kinabalu 2X Daily From RM74 Sandakan Memorial Park During the Japanese Occupation in 1942-1945, this site was the starting point of the infamous “death marches” to Ranau. Of the 1800 Australian and 600 British servicemen imprisoned in this POW camp, only 6 Australians managed to escape. Danum Valley in Lahad Datu A protected area without any human settlement, Danum Valley is a seemingly magical place where birds sing in playful melodies and monkeys cavort on top of the tree canopies. A perfect place for research, Fancy salted fish? It is available at the local market, education and eco-tourism! MUST-EAT along with tasty prawn crackers and dried shrimps. Dried ikan bilis (anchovy) is also a local favourite available at most shops. You could bring this back as a gift. BOOK NOW 9 Tawau Once a sleepy town, Tawau is now Sabah’s third largest city, acting as a developing commercial hub and a formidable cocoa exporter. The booming city is also the gateway to lush greenery, amazing natural habitats and of course, the world’s most divine islands. TAWAU’S BEST Kapalai Kapalai is unique because what Tun Sakaran Marine Park - Semporna used to be an island is now The sanctuary for limitless types of marine life and intense hues of only a sandbar. Chalets built on coral reefs, the clear azure waters of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park stilts give an illusion of a floating never fail to beckon marine enthusiasts from across the globe.