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After paying the entrance fee, and walk through a small hut that acts like a time travel portal, visitors are transported back in time to a period that resembles the British era of North Borneo from 1930 to 1950. Upon passing a small garden with its well kept lawn, a beautiful and charming British style colonial house appears and it is begging for the visitors to come in for an historical experience. This house,“Newlands”, was once occupied by the Great American writer, Agnes Keith. She even wrote her award winning book, Land Below the Wind which described her Borneo experiences, at this very house. Apart from Land Below the Wind, she also wrote two other books, namely Three Came Home, and White Man Returns. These three books help to promote Borneo and in particularly Sabah tremendously to the Western World. Restoration of the house was started in 2001 by Sabah Museum, and in 2004 the house was opened to the public. In honour of Agnes work the Malaysian government has named the house Agnes Keith House, a special tribute to this award winning American authoress. (more…)

One of Sabah most recognized products and always a gem as a souvernir or gift is no doubt the famous Sabah Tea. Mostly wrapped in green package with Mount Kinabalu as its background, Sabah Tea can be bought in tea bags or plain simple tea leaf. Besides as gift Sabah Tea is also served in many of the cafes and restaurants in hotels and resorts around Sabah. A visit to Sabah Tea Garden will give guests a more inside knowledge on how these teas are farmed, haversted and processed.

Sabah Tea Garden located at the district of Ranau, is about 3-hours drive from Kota Kinabalu, and just under an hour drive from Kinabalu Park Headquaters. This tea garden, a six thousand acre plantation, is surrounded by tropical rainforest, believe to be one of the world’s oldest. Sabah Tea Garden has a total tea planting area of about one thousand acres, and is also an international certified organic farm.

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Located at the ground floor of Wisma Sabah, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges manages many of the accommodations, like chalets, lodges, hostel, and resthouse, for Sabah Parks. Places that come under the management of Sutera Sanctuary Lodges are Kinabalu Park, Laban Rata Resthouse, Mesilau Nature Resorts, Poring Hot Spring, and Manukan Island Resort.

Climbers who wish to climb Mt. Kinabalu, must secure a bed at any of the following resthouses: Laban Rata Resthouse, Gunting Lagadan Hut, Waras Hut, or Panar Laban Hut. Permit to climb Mt. Kinabalu will only be issued by Sabah Park when one has secured a bed on the day of climb. These places are heavily booked throughout the year, it is advisable to book six months ahead to avoid any disappointment.

Kinabalu Park also has lodges and hostels for those people who just want to enjoy the cool mountain air and peaceful environment. One can easily spend a day or two to explore the many trials around the park, and check out the fauna and flora of Kinabalu park.

Mesilau Nature Resort has an unique forest setting unlike any other, as the resort is literally built into the forest, with the minimum felling of trees. Tall trees can be seen right at the door step of the many lodges in Mesilau nature Resort.

Most climbers will come to Poring Hot Spring after conquering the Majestic Mt. Kinabalu. Soaking at the sulphur enriched hot spring of Poring is an ideal antidot for smoothing the aching legs of the many climbers. Hostels and Lodges are available for rental.
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Top Ten List on what to do in Kota Kinabalu:

1. Kinabalu National Park (A World Heritage Site)

2. Tungku Abdul Rahman Park

3. Padas River Rafting

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