The
Kinabalu region is on the west coast of Sabah, "The Land Below the Wind".
Herein lies Southeast Asia's highest peak, the mystical Mount Kinabalu, which
rises a grand 4,101 meters above sea level. Kinabalu holds the promises of
many exhilarating moments for its visitors. Tour Kota Kinabalu, the bustling
capital city of Sabah, or retreat to Kinabalu Park, a paradise for naturalists,
botanists, bird watchers, mountaineers, or just about anyone who wants to
be close to nature.
Kota
Kinabalu (KK), Sabah's state capital on the west coast, is the gateway to
the rest of Sabah. It has a population of about 300,000 and is a relatively
new town. The original town was destroyed during World War II. This is a sprawling,
relaxed town that affords a splendid view of the sunset over offshore islands.
KK has mushroomed in size within the last decade and now has one of the most
striking buildings in the country. The largest ethnic group is the Kadazans/
Dusuns who make up about one-third of Sabah's population. They are prosperous
agricultural people and are the main producers of rice in the state though
many have now gone into different professions. Their system of beliefs revolves
around their rice planting and harvesting with female priestess called "Bobohizan"
presiding over the rituals. The many subgroups of the Kadazan/Dusun include
the Rungus, Lotud, Tambanuo, Kimarangan, Sanayou, Minokok and Tenggera.
