Sabah - Land Below The Wind

a display of sarongs 

 sabah tea house

long house - the corridor

I recalled my climb up Mount Kinabalu years ago.  One had to be really fit.  I fell sick along the way – actually I was already sick when I began – the medication did not help either.  Coupled with that, I tried  not to cheat ie. opted  to carry my own knapsack on my back instead of giving it to the tour leader.   Much to my chagrin, I had to rest at the last stop and harnessed my energy for the downhill trip back instead of continuing climb up the peak.  I spent the rest of the week back home in excruciating pain and told myself ‘no more mountain climbing’ from thereon.

As such, this is my second trip into Sabah – Land Below The Wind - with bittersweet memories.  Situated in East Malaysia, Sabah boasts of her rich diversity of local people.  In West Malaysia, we were used to foreign labour ie. Myanmarese, Vietnamese, Indonesians, Filipinos.  In Sabah, I saw none of these but scores of the local indigenous people.  It felt different. 

Wherever I go, I like to try the local food.  Tuaran mee (taste like fried wanton mee) is a famous dish here.  Nasi Lembik is another attention grabber.  It is steamed rice parcel – something similar to ketupat except that the leaf wrapping differs.  Tenom coffee is good too, I heard but unfortunately did not have the opportunity for a cuppa.  Do tuck into seafood as it is fresh, fresh, fresh…..  Do bring home the Sabah Tea which is known for being pesticide and color free. 

At Sabah Tea House , I visited two vacated longhouse.  The various batik designs on sarongs provide a colorful canopy.  The longhouse was made entirely of bamboo and gaps between the flooring provide the draft.  Natural air-conditioning!  Sweeping the floor is easy as dirt falls through.  This communal living (one longhouse comprises of a number of rooms joined by a bamboo wall) brings all families together.  There are lovely chalets for rent at Sabah Tea House.  For shutterbugs, the picturesque surroundings will keep your fingers happy. Take a guided tour to the tea factory which is just a stone’s throw away.   I can assure you it is so enriching.  Read more about Borneo longhouse at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_house.