By Murphy Ng
Decades ago, diamond dust shined the sky of Sabah every night. Sadly, due to increasing light and air pollution, one-third of world population such as Singapore and South Korea cannot see the Milky Way, which looks like a band of silver river across the sky. Now the only time I can see many stars in the city is after I stand up from a long squat.
Best Locations for Stargazing
Do not be despaired. In Sabah, when you are in the countryside, you can see a sky full of bright stars. Your best bet is at the beach or field. The following locations are some of the best stargazing spots in Sabah.
- Tegudon Tourism Village in Kota Belud
- Tip of Borneo, Kudat
- Sugud in Penampang (only 45 min from Kota Kinabalu)
- Mt. Kinabalu
Best Time
The best time for stargazing is during a clear moonless night. Obviously cloudy or rainy day is not a good day. If you want to make wishes, do not miss the Orion, Leonid and Gemini meteor showers in October, November and December respectively.
Tips
- Do not go to remote area alone or you will be abducted by aliens.
- You will need torchlight and insect repellent.
- For update on stargazing activities, please follow the Facebook page of Sabah Stargazers group @SabahStargazer
