Sabah, Borneo

Before joining Malaysia, Sabah was known as North Borneo. It became one of the founding members of the Federation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963, alongside Sarawak, Singapore and the Federation of Malaya. The state's Malay name, Negeri Di Bawah Bayu, translates as the Land Below the Wind, a reference to its position just south of the typhoon belt.

Sabah is home to more than 30 indigenous groups. The Kadazan-Dusun are the largest, and the Bajau, Murut and Rungus are also prominent, alongside a large Chinese community. Many Kadazan-Dusun regard Mount Kinabalu as sacred, and its name is usually traced to Aki Nabalu, the mountain's guardian spirit. Islam is the religion of the majority of the population, so mosques, prayer rooms and halal food are easy to find in towns.

Sabah's identity is rooted in its many indigenous communities, from Kadazan-Dusun rice farmers in the hills to Bajau seafaring families on the coast, whose stilt villages still line parts of the shoreline. Tamu, the traditional open-air markets held in rural towns, remain the best place to see local produce, handicrafts and everyday trade. Food blends Malay, Chinese and indigenous traditions; look for fresh seafood in Kota Kinabalu, and note that halal restaurants are widespread while some Chinese eateries serve pork, so ask if in doubt.