Sabah is located in the north of Borneo, the world’s third largest island. It is often referred to as 'the land below the wind' due to its location just south of the region prone to typhoons around the Philippines. It is the second largest state in Malaysia, after Sarawak, with which it shares its south west border. The southern border links with the province of East Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The country contains many important wildlife regions and is one of the last places in the world where you can still find virgin rainforest with the largest being in Danum Valley, now a conservation area. The tropical rainforests found here are home to many protected species including Orang-utans, Proboscis monkeys, Elephants, Sumatran Rhino and rich birdlife, some of which are endemic to Borneo.
The country is also home to Mount Kinabalu, which at 4,095 metres is the highest mountain in Malaysia and part of Kinabalu National Park. The park was designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 2000 due to being one of the most important biological sites in the world. Sabah is a botanical paradise and the world’s largest flower, Rafflesia, which can grow up to a metre in diameter is also found here.
The population is 2.52 million, made up largely from the coastal areas. The people are divided into 32 recognised ethnic groups and are varied in their cultural backgrounds. Nicky and Lynsey felt very privileged to meet many of the warm and friendly Sabahans on their travels and are proud to be working with the local community to help companion animals in need.
