Local traditions and culture in State of Sabah

1 more image

You will not find this type bathroom just in Sabah but all over Asia.
The first time we had one, we kept going in the small bathroom, coming out shaking our heads. There was no shower that we could see.

After further investigation we did see a shower attached to the wall. We also so a small box that must be the water heater. We turned it on and we had hot water and a shower.
There was a hole in the floor for the water to drain out.

Water heater is very small and hangs on the wall, thereby saving you valuable floor space.

It's part of the kadazan culture to drink whenever there's a party. Drinks can be the local wine- few of them,wine, beer,whisky or brandy. If somebody offer you a drink, just drink a sip if you don't normally drink. It's not polite not to take what is being offered to you. But if you really must decline, do it politely or ask somebody to help you to drink.

I think Sabah people like to shake hands..when you meet them AND when you leave them.Hug and a kiss is acceptable only if you are close with them-normally among relatives and close friends.

SOME muslims don't shake hands especially the ladies but don't feel offended by it.

Sabah was obtained by the North Borneo Company from the Sultanate of Sulu (Philippines). Hence there are no hereditary kings.

Sabah joined Malaysia not on Merdeka Day August 31, 1957 but later on September 16, 1963 called Malaysia Day.

Sabah has a large Christian community and hence Good Friday is observed as a State holiday.

The State Governor is appointed to serve as the Head of State.

6 April 2007 Friday
Good Friday (Sabah, Sarawak only)

30 & 31 May 2007 Wedesday & Thursday
Keamatan Festival (Labuan, Sabah only)

16 September 2007 Sunday
Malaysia Day & Birthday of Sabah State Governor

2 more images

If you are invited to a party in Sabah, make sure you go there with a very empty stomach, because a party here is basically about only one thing: food! It doesn't matter if you get there at 18:00 or at 23:00, the food will always be there, ready to be eaten.

The food is served in a buffet, you can take whatever you like, but make sure that you try everything. And only one full plate of food is never enough! Be prepared that you are expected to eat at least two rounds, but even better three or four!

After those four rounds it's time for some quality talks or karaoke of course...

A big part of the inhabitants of Sabah are Muslims, and so they don't drink alcohol. But another big part are Christians, and when you see them having a party it seems like they drink for two!

The local beer of Malaysia is Tiger Beer and it is the biggest Asian beer brand. At a night of partying with the Christian part of the Sabahans, many liters of the beer is consumed.

2 more images

Everywhere in Asia karoake is extremely popular. Malaysia is not different from that. In any CD-shop you will find lots of karoake-CD's. Some of them in English, but most of them in Malay. It's nice to sing along with the English songs, but it's even much more of a challenge to try to follow the Malay songs.

You can most assuredly get friendly responses to your queries for directions etc.

Taxi drivers, bus drivers, hotel staff, restaurant waitresses are of a different category altogether when compared to those of West Malaysia, especially the larger cities of similar size.