pitas
>> Rabu, 26 Ogos 2009
Pitas adalah salah satu destinasi baru perlancongan di negeri sabah.
Situated on the beautiful island of Borneo, Sabah is one of the thirteen states which Malaysia is made of. Sabah is the second largest state in Malaysia and shares the island of Borneo with Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan.
Sabah is richly blessed with nature diversity, unique cultures, fun adventure, beautiful beaches, and fantastic cuisines for the adventurous taste buds. We have it all, from the world’s largest flower - the Rafflesia, one of the highest mountains in South East Asia - Mount Kinabalu, to one of the world’s top dive sites - Sipadan Island. Sabah is also known for her great natural treasures which include the world-renowned Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin which is Sabah’s largest wildlife reserve.
Not only will you be amazed by the places to see and things to do here, you will also be treated with unique Sabahan hospitality. Explore the unique culture and tradition of Sabah and get ready to experience sweet memories to last a lifetime!
Borneo is the third largest island in the world and is located at the centre of the Maritime Southeast Asia. This island is divided between Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei.
Nevertheless, for people outside of Indonesia, “Kalimantan” refers to the area which is occupied by Indonesia on the island of Borneo. Malaysia’s region of Borneo is called East Malaysia or Malaysian Borneo. The independent nation of Brunei occupies the remainder of the island, being the wealthiest of the rest.
Once known as North Borneo, Sabah was under the British colony during the late 19th century till the early 20th century. Sabah gained self-government on the 31st of August, 1963. Sabah, together with Malaya, Singapore and Sarawak formed the Federation of Malaysia on the 16th of September 1963. At 76, 115 square kilometers large, Sabah is the second biggest state in Malaysia after Sarawak.
The people of Sabah are known as Sabahans. Sabah is the third most populous state in Malaysia after Selangor and Johor; it also has one of the highest population growth rates in the country.
There are currently 32 officially recognized ethnic groups in Sabah with the largest non-indigenous ethnic group being the Chinese and the largest indigenous group being the Kadazan-Dusun people. Two other larger ethnic groups in Sabah are the Bajau and Murut, compared to other states in the country; Sabah has relatively very small population of Indians and South Asians.
Apart from the Sabahans’ very own diverse mother tongues, Bahasa Malaysia (national language) and English is widely spoken; Mandarin and some Chinese dialects are also widely spoken.
In Sabah, we greet people by saying “selamat datang” (welcome) and/or “terima kasih” (thank you) with a smile. Due to religious reasons, some may prefer not to have physical contact with others. However, a handshake is generally acceptable as a way of introducing oneself.
It’s customary to remove shoes before entering a mosque as well as homes. In places of worship, visitors are required to dress modestly. Nude sunbathing is not allowed and is very frowned upon. Avoid pointing your index finger at others, as this is considered rude in the local custom.
Equatorial/Tropical—the climate is generally hot and sunny all year round; visitors need to wear comfortable clothing to avoid heatstroke. We also have scattered unpredictable rains, therefore, it’s advisable to always bring an umbrella in case it rains.
Lowlands (Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Sandakan, Tawau) – 32 degrees Centigrade
Highlands (Ranau, Kundasang, Tambunan) – 21 degrees Centigrade
Bear in mind though, that Mount Kinabalu has its own climate. Temperatures can drop to freezing level above 3500 meters.
Malaysian Ringgit (RM)
Foreign currencies can be exchanged for Malaysian Ringgit (RM) at a few 5-star hotels and foreign currency exchange counters located in major shopping complexes. Most major hotels charge a nominal fee for currency conversion.
VISA, MasterCrad, American Express, Diners Club - credit and charge cards are accepted in almost all departmental stores , supermarkets, petrol stations and restaurants.
Standard Malaysian Time is 8 hours ahead of GMT (GMT+8)
Monday through Friday from 9.30am to 3pm
Monday to Friday from 8am – 1pm and 2pm – 5pm; Saturday from 8am – 1pm
Shopping centers, supermarkets, restaurants and mini markets are generally open daily from 10am to 10pm
As for tipping; food and beverages in exclusive restaurants, cafes and clubs, as well as accommodations normally include 5 per cent service charges.
Tipping is not obligatory in most places.
Electricity is on the 240 Volts AC/ 50-Cycle system; treated pipe water is available in most urban and sub-urban areas.
Mobile telecommunications cover many parts of Sabah with the exception of some remote areas. Public phones are scarcely available in most places.
Government hospitals, clinics and dispensaries are available in all towns. The list of private medical practitioners and pharmacies are available in the local phone directory. However, those with specific medical needs are advised to have a good supply of medications.
Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the second busiest airport in Malaysia with 98% of visitor arrivals into Sabah is by air. As the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu (KK) is the main entry point to Sabah, and several budget airlines have selected KK as one of their destinations. Most of the major towns in Sabah (Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Tawau) have airports for domestic flights.
There are two major airports in Kota Kinabalu, the largest is the KKIA Terminal 1(domestic and international flights from around the world) and Terminal 2 (operated by budget airlines, domestic and international flights). Both airports are less than 10 km from Kota Kinabalu city center. You also can fly to Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Tawau by domestic flights, served by Air Asia and MASwings daily.
Bus is the most economic mode of transportation to travel between cities and towns, if time is not an issue for you. Listed below are the main bus stations of Kota Kinabalu city which can take you to most parts of Sabah.
If you want to reach a destination fast or move between a few remote places of interest in the shortest time, hiring a taxi will be your best option. You can always find taxi stand next to major hotels, shopping malls and bus terminals. To identify a taxi, keep a lookout for the word "Teksi", "Teksi Bermeter" or "Kereta Sewa". Hotels could also arrange taxis for their guests upon request.
Taxi services are available at Sabah airports. Upon arrival, purchase a taxi coupon at the booking counter at the airport and proceed to the taxi rank to be taken to your desired location.
Island destinations in Sabah are accessible by boat services. Boat terminals with licensed operators are available at the following boat terminals.
Note: Other services available – Fishing boat for rent, water sport packages, snorkeling kit for rent and also organizing diving trips.
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