What is Sabah Governor’s Birthday in Malaysia All About?
The State of Sabah in Malaysia forms part of the states that the governor is the head of state. Each first Saturday of October, the citizens gather to celebrate Sabah Governor’s Birthday. Malaysia is a country that honours its leaders, and some of these celebrations have some historical connections. And the governor’s birthday is no exception where it brings the citizen, officials, and dignitaries of Sabah together to celebrate in a colourful ceremony.
Things to Do During Sabah Governor’s Birthday in Malaysia
Sabah in Malaysia is one place that you’d love to visit during Sabah Governor’s Birthday. Perhaps, you’d join hikers climbing Malaysia’s Mount Kinabalu and witnessing the sunrise at the peak. Each year visitors from around the world go snorkelling at Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park. You can be part of the adventurers’ speed boating to the protected islands of Mamutik, Manukan, Gaya, Sapi, and Sulug.
Remember the TV series “Survivor”—Sabah’s Pulau Tiga was the season premiere host. This is an opportunity to explore the island and experience as you spend the night at Pulau Tiga Resort.
There is nothing exotic like nature and wildlife, and Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre is a place not to miss out on. Orangutans, one of the endangered species, survive within the rehabilitation centre. As if that’s enough, the Kinabatangan River which meanders through Sabah attracts the gorgeous threatened probosci’s monkeys. With your camera, you can get all the monkey’s beautiful photos as part of your future memories.
A trip to Borneo Island will usher you to a small town (Kudat), a convergence of the two seas (the South China Sea and the Sulu Sea). You can take selfies at the tip of Borneo—the scenery of the rocky outcrops amidst rough waves.
Every lover of zip lining has a chance to roll-down from Gaya Island to Sapi in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and experience 250meters (820ft) adrenaline intensity.
How Sabah Governor’s Birthday in Malaysia is Celebrated
As the different states in Malaysia have their own commemorations days, Sabah state has its public holiday observance. Sabah Governor’s Birthday is part of the calendar holidays that the citizens honour in pomp and colour. Padang Merdeka hosts the special occasion where a marching parade of 74 contingents (2,442) grace the event. Marching through the event are the security forces that include the armed forces, the police, public, and the private agencies alongside NGOs and students.
The event begins in the morning, with the Governor receiving the royal salute from the guard of honour. The national anthem ‘Negaraku’ and ‘Sabah Tanah Airku’ then follow, whereby a 17-gun salute rambles through in the end. The governor inspects the contingents alongside the major general as part of the ceremony protocols.
Besides the parade, the Royal Malaysian Navy and the Kota Kinabalu City Hall rendition the governor with silent drill performances and birthday songs. At the event, officials and dignitaries from various federal state positions grace the occasion.
At the event’s tail-end is an official investiture ceremony at Istana Negri and dinner at the State Assembly Legislative banquet hall.
Venues and Special Events for Celebrating Sabah Governor’s Birthday in Malaysia
Sabah’s capital is Kota Kinabalu along the South China Sea. When you’re at the capital, you can join the cultural dance tour and experience several night-times offerings. You may start with a visit to the traditional Pasar Malam, then the Signal Hill to view the city’s sunset. Late seafood dinner with a lively cultural performance from the local dancers would spice up the evening.
Some full-day recreation time at the Poring Hot Springs at Kinabalu Park would make it a pleasant outing to celebrate Sabah Governor’s birthday. According to the local, the waters allegedly alleviate one from sore muscles as it contains sulphuric minerals. Later in the day, you can stroll across the 41-meter high canopy walkway beneath the shade of the Menggaris tree.
