Sabah - 'Land Below The Wind'

Where: in Malaysian north Borneo Below the typhoon belt so that it misses the hurricanes and is therefore called Land Below the Wind A 2-hour flight, across the South China Sea, from Kuala Lumpur, capital of Malaysia Together with the state of Sarawak, forms East Malaysia Borders Brunei and Kalimantan Close to the Philippines

Who: 1.5 million people; over 50 different ethnic groups, including Kadazandusun (largest group), Bajau and Murut Chinese are the second largest ethnic group Muslims, Christians and those with traditional beliefs

What: National language is Bahasa Malaysia English is widely spoken Currency is Malaysian ringgit (sometimes called dollar) and sen

When: Weather is tropical, around 30 degrees centigrade (86 degrees Fahrenheit) all year Sometimes humid Rainy season from Nov-Feb Visits possible all year

Why: Delightful people who proudly practise their tradition of open hospitality Mt Kinabalu - the highest mountain in South-East Asia Fascinating flora - orchids and pitcher plants Wonderful scenery and vegetation Tantalising combination of cooking styles and ingredients Creative art work in batik, oils, and watercolours, inspired by the rich environment Exciting and stimulating community projects operating at the grassroots level People working with people to improve their quality of life

How: Fly from Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Bangkok, Perth, Hong Kong, Shanghai and Manila on Air Asia and other airlines Fly via Brunei on Royal Brunei Plus many other routes

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