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Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Aerial view of a forested island surrounded by coral reefs and turquoise water, Sabah

Located in the northern part of Borneo, Sabah is Malaysia’s second-largest state. Fondly known as the “Land Below the Wind,” it shares the island with Sarawak, Brunei and Indonesia’s Kalimantan, forming part of one of the world’s most biodiverse regions.

Mount Kinabalu rising above the forested slopes of Kinabalu Park, Sabah

From the heights of Mount Kinabalu to the coral reefs surrounding its islands, Sabah is celebrated for its extraordinary natural landscapes and ecological richness. Mount Kinabalu rises within Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its exceptional biodiversity. Inland, the Danum Valley Conservation Area and Tabin Wildlife Reserve protect tropical rainforests that provide refuge for diverse and endangered wildlife.

Shallow turquoise reef flats around a Sabah island in the Coral Triangle

Sabah’s marine environment holds particular significance for the international coral reef community. Situated within the Coral Triangle, a global centre of marine biodiversity, the state is home to coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass meadows. These interconnected ecosystems support marine life and underpin the livelihoods of coastal communities through fisheries and tourism. From the celebrated waters of Sipadan to the extensive habitats of Tun Mustapha Park, Sabah offers a suitable setting for discussions on reef conservation, ecosystem resilience and sustainable marine resource management.

The highlands of Sabah beneath Mount Kinabalu, home to many indigenous communities

Sabah’s cultural heritage is equally diverse. Home to more than 30 indigenous ethnic groups, including the Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Murut and Rungus, the state embraces a rich tapestry of traditions, languages and ways of life. Other communities further enrich its multicultural identity. Bahasa Malaysia and English are widely spoken, alongside Mandarin, Chinese dialects and indigenous languages, making communication accessible to international visitors.

Kota Kinabalu’s seafront at Sutera Harbour, with the South China Sea beyond

As the host city for the Asia Pacific Coral Reef Symposium 2027, Kota Kinabalu offers a welcoming gateway to Sabah’s natural and cultural heritage, with the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park just offshore. Bringing the coral reef community together in this setting creates an opportunity to connect global perspectives with local experiences, and to deepen a shared commitment to sustaining coral reefs and the communities that depend on them.