Welcome to Sabah, a land set apart from the rest by natures most abundant and diversified eco-treasures.  This Malaysian State, on the north-eastern part of Borneo, the world’s third largest island and it shares borders with the state Sarawak, Indonesian’s Kalimantan and Brunei. Sabah, also known as ‘negiri di bawah bayu’ ,which translates to ‘land below the wind’,  due to its location being just outside the active typhoon region surrounding the Philippines. Previously a British crown colony, Sabah joined with the Federation of Malaysia 1963. The state capital, Kota Kinabalu, was formerly known as Jesselton. North Borneo enjoys a sunny tropical climate with temperatures ranging from 23-35 degrees Centigrade all year round. Its population of nearly 2 million is varied and culturally diverse with more than 30 ethnic races and over 80 local dialects spoken. The beauty is that they all live amicably together while still maintaining their own customs, traditions and cultures. With so many tribes living together there are numerous occasions for holiday and celebrations each unique in their own authenticity the most popular festival being the ‘Pesta Kaamatan’ or ‘Harvest Festival’ of the Kadazan and Dusan tribes. Others include ‘Hari Raya’ celebrated by the Muslims, and of course Chinese New Year celebrated by all.