Sabah is the second largest state in Malaysia, located on the northern tip of Borneo Island and one of Southeast Asia's greatest surprises.

This half-day tour will introduce you to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah's modern state capital with its alluring blend of Malay and Chinese culture. Largely destroyed during World War II, Kota Kinabalu has since developed into one of Malaysia's most exciting cities. Go past the serene City Mosque, followed by a photo stop at the Tun Mustapha Building. A 30-storey circular glass edifice supported by high tensile steel rods, this amazing structure is an architectural and engineering feat, one of only four such buildings in the world.

Continuing on, you will stop at the Sabah State Museum to see the extensive exhibits of Sabah's diverse culture, beliefs and traditions at the Heritage Village. Situated within the Ethno Botanical Gardens, you’ll find replicas of traditional long houses representing the different ethnic communities of Sabah. Enter the houses and discover the way of life of the different groups. Take a walk on the hanging bridge across the lotus pond and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful scenery.

From here, it's on to the magnificent Masjid Negeri Sabah or State Mosque, with its golden inlay motifs and impressive minaret. After a photo stop here, you will then make your way to your final stop, a brief visit to a local handicraft market where you can mingle with the locals and perhaps pick up a few souvenirs to take home.

Enjoy a panoramic drive in air-conditioned comfort through Kota Kinabalu, the culturally diverse capital of the Sabah state. As you travel through the city, known affectionately as KK, you will pass a variety of attractions, giving you a broad understanding of life here. Along the way, you drive past the waterfront city mosque and you will pause for photos at the glass-and-steel Tun Mustapha high rise. Like most of the buildings in Kota Kinabalu, they were constructed post-World War II, as the Allies razed the city during the war to prevent the Japanese from using it as a base. Islam is the main religion, but Buddhism is also practiced in temples such as Pu Tuo Si, which features traditional Chinese architecture. The Sabah state is also known for its natural beauty, which you will see while stopping for a drink at Marriot Hotel.

Experience authentic tribal life in a jungle village where the residents still embrace the ancient customs and traditions of their ancestors.

joy an orientation drive through Kota Kinabalu, formerly known as Jesselton and affectionately called KK, making a couple of photo stops along the way.

Continuing on into the heavily forested countryside, you will soon arrive at the Mari-Mari Cultural Village, where you can savor the soul of Sabah. Different ethnic tribes are represented in the village in a natural environment where their traditions and histories have been well preserved.

During your visit, you have the unique opportunity to acquaint yourself with each tribe as they welcome you into their homes and give you a glimpse of their simple, yet intricate lives. Not only does this village portray these tribes through the architectural genius of their traditional houses, but also through a range of simulated lives of the olden epoch by the residents of the village. You will hear stories of how their ancestors lived, learn about their spiritual beliefs, and see demonstrations that may include fire starting, cooking and tattooing. Tribal traditions are alive and well here.

You will also be treated to an entertaining cultural performance before sitting down to lunch. Some of the dishes have been prepared in cookware made of bamboo cut in the forest.

On the return to the pier, you will stop at a handicraft market known for its selection of beautiful sarongs, cultured pearl jewelry and tribal masks.

Cruise into a protected, mangrove wetlands teeming with wildlife, including proboscis monkeys, which are only found in Borneo.

After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a meandering and immensely scenic drive into the Klias Wetland, a vast reserve of mangrove forests. Upon reaching the Klias River, which runs through the heart of the wetlands, you will cruise into the wilderness.

Wildlife is abundant in and out of the water. You may spot eagles in the treetops, crocodiles basking along the shore and long-tailed macaques. Many Buddhists and Hindus consider these monkeys sacred, one of the reasons that they are commonly seen around temples.

Still, the most revered animal in the wetlands is the proboscis monkey, an endangered species that is most active later in the day. Endemic to Borneo, these rather odd-looking primates are named for their long, pendulous noses. Scientists believe that the purpose of their large proboscises is to allow the monkeys to produce remarkably loud warning calls.

Besides being excellent swimmers, proboscis monkeys wade through shallow water on their hind feet. They are also sometimes spotted walking through the forest in an upright position. They are one of the few monkeys that are habitually bipedal.

It will be quite the sight to see one, as only about a thousand of proboscis monkeys are estimated to live in the wild. The protected Klias Wetland is one of the finest places in Borneo to see them.

Towering 13,431 feet above the verdant tropical jungles, Mount Kinabalu is the magnificent centerpiece of Kinabalu Park and one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia. This full day tour is to Malaysia's first World Heritage Site, selected by UNESCO for its role as one of the world's most important biological centers. Your tour begins with a 2 hour drive through the Crocker Range en route to the park. Time is allowed at a roadside market for a chance to mingle with the native Dusun people. You will then continue on your journey to Mt. Kinabalu. A natural paradise, the mountain has four vegetation zones and is home to an incredibly diverse range of flora, including over 1200 species of orchids, 25 species of rhododendrons and nine species of carnivorous nepenthes plants. Touring the park, enjoy the opportunity to walk along one of the most beautiful trails in the park. After the trail, continue for lunch at a resort situated atop a hill, approximately 5,000 feet above sea level. The property has a commanding view of the majestic Mount Kinabalu (weather dependent), the highest mountain in South East Asia and dominating Malaysia’s First World Heritage Site, the Kinabalu National Park. After lunch, step out to the garden and enjoy the beauty of the sprawling foot hills dotted by temperate vegetable farms and the natural cool atmosphere.