The far eastern Malaysian state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo, is known as the Land Below the Wind due to its location south of the typhoon-prone region of the Philippines. Despite this appealing factoid, and its myriad attractions— iconic Mount Kinabalu, the nearby dive site of Sipadan and orangutan sanctuaries, to name the most popular—the region is often an afterthought for visitors to the country, even Malaysians themselves.
Tatler spoke to Weena Marcus, an influencer and businesswoman who served as Miss Malaysia Tourism 2009/2010, for a local guide to the capital city of Kota Kinabalu, or KK—an excellent introduction to the state. Marcus is an indigenous woman of mixed native heritage—her father is Rungus from the Matunggong district and her mother is Kadazan from Papar—and she uses her platform to celebrate her hometown and region.
What’s the best way to greet a local?
“Kopivosian”—which means “hello” in the dialect of the Kadazan people, one of the largest indigenous groups in Sabah.
What do you love most about Sabah?
As an indigenous Rungus-Kadazan woman from Sabah, I am proud of my cultural heritage and the unique traditions and beliefs that come with it. Sabah is a beautiful state with diverse communities and natural resources, and I take pride in preserving and celebrating them. Our customs and values are an integral part of who we are as Sabahans. We are known for our hospitality and kindness, and it is a reflection of our diverse cultural heritage and strong community values.
What do you love most about your city?
Esta historia es de la edición June 2023 de Tatler Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición June 2023 de Tatler Singapore.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Mathew Leong
As the Norway-based Singaporean chef celebrates a milestone year both personally and professionally, he opens up about the toughest moments of his career and why failing is not an option
Asian Inspirations
Chef Ace Tan on his second restaurant, Asu-his love letter to regional Asian cuisine
State of the Arts
Arts nominated member of parliament Usha Chandradas discusses growing the creative economy by focusing on both supply and demand
Through a Curator's Lens
Circe Henestrosa, a fashion curator and the head of the School of Fashion at Lasalle College of the Arts, University of the Arts Singapore, merges her personal connection with artist Frida Kahlo with her extensive curatorial experience to explore intersecting themes of identity, disability and cultural heritage
Second Nature
Poet and educator Yong Shu Hoong brings fresh perspectives to the helm of the Singapore Writers Festival, from interdisciplinary perspectives to multilingual programmes
Wine Down
Nothing wraps up the day like a nice glass of vino. From flashy hedonistic escapades to geeky watering holes, these new wine bars promise celebrated viniferous pours that will please even the most discerning of oenophiles
A Legacy in Silhouettes
Kristina Blahnik, CEO of the designer shoe brand Manolo Blahnik and the niece of its legendary founder, shares her insights on preserving the house's heritage and introduces the new Manolo's Silhouettes campaign
To Have and to Hold
With its sumptuous textures, Loro Piana's elegant autumn/winter 2024 collection is a chic celebration of craft, quality and the universal appeal of tactility
Scent of Strength
Hermès unveils its first chypre perfume, Barénia―a captivating fragrance crafted by renowned perfumer Christine Nagel that embodies bold femininity and celebrates the brand's rich heritage
Nocturnal Revival
Nighttime skincare rituals will get a boost of supercharged restoration with La Mer's new Rejuvenating Night Cream
