For the last month or so I have been planning a trip for the end of March to Tawau, located in the Eastern Coast of Sabah, to visit a fellow YAGM friend and see some of the most beautiful diving areas and islands in the world.
Until this happened.
U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Security Message for U.S. Citizens
Violence in Coastal Eastern Sabah (Borneo)
March 8, 2013
March 8, 2013
The U.S. Embassy in Kuala Lumpur advises U.S. Citizens against travel to the coastal area of eastern Sabah (Borneo). This region extends from the town of Kudat, on the north coast, south to the border with Indonesia. Included are the towns of Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Kunak, Semporna, and Tawau. On March 7, the Government of Malaysia designated this area as a “Special Security Area.” Several of these towns are the embarkation points for nearby islands frequented by tourists, including the dive sites of Sipadan and Mabul.
During the period March 1-8, there have been continuing clashes between Malaysian security personnel and an armed group that entered Sabah by sea from the southern Philippines. Military and police operations are ongoing against armed groups. There is the potential for more violent incidents.
U.S. Citizens currently in the area covered by the “Special Security Area” are encouraged to depart when local authorities indicate that it is safe to do so. You should obey any evacuation or curfew orders announced by Malaysian officials. U.S. Citizens traveling to or residing in other areas of Sabah should exercise caution and remain alert to your surroundings.
U.S. Citizens are reminded that they should carry their U.S. passport with them at all times when in Malaysia.
The U.S. Embassy is not aware of specific threats to U.S. citizens in Malaysia at this time.
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It's always strange to know that conflict like this is happening around you. The first few days of March I obsevered people moving about more cautiously.
My language skills are doing quite well, but there are definatly conversations that are not completely comprehended. With that being said, I just do what I am told and know that people here are looking out for each other. There are adaptations for every change and currently the state of Sabah is excersing extra caution for it's people.
We have our twice a week fellowship and we continue to pray for our community like normal, but we also add prayers for Sabah as a whole to the list. The local night market is a lot less crowded these days but other than that things are seemingly normal.
It's always strange to know that conflict like this is happening around you. The first few days of March I obsevered people moving about more cautiously.
My language skills are doing quite well, but there are definatly conversations that are not completely comprehended. With that being said, I just do what I am told and know that people here are looking out for each other. There are adaptations for every change and currently the state of Sabah is excersing extra caution for it's people.
We have our twice a week fellowship and we continue to pray for our community like normal, but we also add prayers for Sabah as a whole to the list. The local night market is a lot less crowded these days but other than that things are seemingly normal.
Now to begin a new journey of planning for other excursions inland! White water rafting, a train ride and kayaking may be on the new agenda for the end of March!
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