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12 | MALAYSIA SABAH: NATURE'S TREASURE TROVE Sabah is the second Malaysian state on Borneo island, and home to the country's highest peak: the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mount Kinabalu. Known as the "Land Below the Wind", the state and its capital – Kota Kinabalu – enjoys stable weather all year around, thanks to its favourable position under the typhoon belt. With 241 business events conducted here in 2018, plus the allure of 130 million-year- old rainforests, wildlife, island hopping, diving adventures, tribal communions, and even glamping (glamourous camping), Sabah is one all-rounder that's hard to resist. Sabah is linked to almost 100 direct international air routes within the Asia Pacific region, further connecting to major airports worldwide. To capitalise on its strategic location, the Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) – due for completion in 2020 – is located in the city centre, just 15 minutes from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport. With a waterfront address across 92,000sqm, SICC offers world-class infrastructure and amenities. Within, pick from a column-free convention floor that can be divided into three halls, hosting up to 2,000 people per section. For simultaneous events, a separate floor offers 5,300sqm of flexible space aided by six meeting rooms and a private lounge; or the 12 private rooms on the top floor. For performances and talks, the two-tier performing arts hall seats 1,250 people comfortably. Outdoors, a 7,000sqm plaza area with F&B outlets lend convenience to delegates who want it all in one space. Depending on itinerary, it is possible to stay in the city for meetings and events, before shifting out to stay closer to the coastal zones for island hopping and sea activities, or towards the Bornean rainforest for a night of glamping – making the incentives experience truly exhilarating. Key business-equipped city hotels include the Hilton Kota Kinabalu with 1,140sqm of meeting spaces, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu offering 924sqm of events space, and Mercure Kota Kinabalu fitting a cosy meeting area for up to 170 people. For delegates who would like to arise to sea-facing mornings, Sutera Harbour Resort offers two hotels: The Magellan Sutera Resort and The Pacific Sutera Hotel. Otherwise, Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa is set on a white sandy bay and its private nature reserve is bound to please. Or, experience an unforgettable night out at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, a high-end resort within the forest's Danum Valley Conservation Area. Other unique venues include the Inanam and Balong Eco River Resort in Tawau, and Mari Mari Cultural Village in Kionsom. MEET STAY Sabah is connected to major airports in Kuala Lumpur, South Korea, China, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, Philippines and Brunei, via more than 100 direct international flights. Kota Kinabalu is 2 hours 35-minutes from Kuala Lumpur by flight. Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, has 29 business and luxury hotels with meeting facilities. FAST FACTS