Life In Borneo

Posted by Daniel on September 28th, 2008 in Adventures, Destinations

Sabah is known for her treasures of the natural world, and one of them is the highland village of Kundasang which lies at the shadow of the granite-clad Mount Kinabalu. Located in the Kundasang valley at an altitude of more than 1,000 metres above sea level, it is one of the highest highland village on the Crocker Range and has one of the highest concentration of farming community in Sabah - quite possibly the whole of Borneo.

Sabah’s original Green Town

The climate of Kundasang makes it ideal for the local farming communities to plant temperate vegetables, and this is evident with the abundance of green edibles that are sold here daily. The most popular export of Kundasang are cabbages, but other vegetables are also planted here such as broccoli, cauliflower and carrots. These produce will eventually wind up in markets all over Sabah, especially in the west coast.

A picturesque surrounding

Kundasang boasts some of the most spectacular scenic views in Sabah, from the pine forest hills and the cascading mountain terrain, to the evening rays of the setting sun cast through shifting clouds. Not to mention a panoramic view of Mount Kinabalu itself. Combine that with the cool highland climate, and what you have is a perfect environment for visitors to come, relax and enjoy.

The surrounding area of Kundasang is dotted with lodges and chalets - a perfect location for resorts. It is also a mere 6 kilometres away from the Kinabalu Park Headquarters, which is the starting point for visitors who wish the hike up Mount Kinabalu.

Welcome to Kundasang

If you are visiting Sabah, make Kundasang as part of your travel destination. We assure you that it will be an unforgettable experience!

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Posted by Xander on September 15th, 2008 in Destinations, Foods, Hot Spots

Ramadhan is a month when the muslim community practices fasting and every year in Sabah, it’s state capital would put up a month-long Food Bazaar in the heart of the city. Located in the Asia City area which is situated nearby prominent malls; is a haven for food lovers as the selections of mouth watering delicacies comes from all corners of Malaysia.

It was officiated earlier this month on September 1st by Y.B. Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Yahya Hussin. With the multitude of selections presented at the Food Bazaar it is no wonder why the area is packed with so many people even as early as 3 p.m. Upon droves of stalls you can see people from all walks of life coming to this place and some still in their office attire.

Refreshments and Drinks . . .

Some of the staple drinks for breaking fast are the sugar cane juice, lime juice and coconut drinks, though lately the juice stands in the bazaar has diversified its range of refreshments and now you can see an assortment of drinks equally satisfying such as the Carrot juice, Guava and Watermelon.

Pastries and Local Delicacies . . .

In Malaysia, with its multifarious ethnicity and religion it is not surprising to find some of the best and somewhat unique foods available for all travelers to try out. One such food would be the Roti-John. Imagine a hot dog bun and instead of your normal sausage you find yourself biting into scrambled-eggs cooked with minced beef/chicken and onions. It is an enigma on how its name was procured but you’ll find yourself coming back for more of it.

Some other local delicacies includes the onde-onde, kuih lengang, kuih terang-bulan and murtabak-jawa. But no household would be short of one of the more traditional and usually a necessity for breaking fast among the muslim community: Dates. Besides its application in processed foods namely confectionery product, dates are a staple delicacy within the month of Ramadhan; the fasting month.

Grills and Barbecues . . .

The smell of fresh sea foods and chicken wings could jostle your olfactory senses from afar. Though being a food bazaar with a blend of traditional and local delicacies, there are more than just fishes being cooked here. Some includes the the sting-ray, squids, cuttlefish and the well known satay. There are so many stalls to choose from, one should find time to browse through them to find what suits your taste buds.

The Ramadhan Food Bazaar starts its operating hours as early as 1.00 p.m to 6.30 p.m, though it is advisable to come early though due to the fact that most of the best-selling foods here would be finished as early as 5 p.m. But rest assured this bazaar will be on through the whole month of September, and you will find yourself coming back here for more.

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Posted by Daniel on September 14th, 2008 in Events

On the 31st August 2008, Malaysians throughout the country commemorated the 51st Hari Merdeka (or Independance Day). Each year on this date, every state in Malaysia will celebrate this day with a march-past, and Kota Kinabalu is no exception - a Merdeka Day parade was held in capital city of Sabah at the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront, with hundreds of participants and spectators attending the event.

31st August 1957 - Independance Day
It was more than half a decade ago when the first Prime Minister of Malaysia, the late Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Al-Haj, made the official proclamation of independence at Stadium Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur. The proclamation was witnessed by a score of international dignitaries and royalties including Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. It marked the start of a new era for all Malaysians - a new era of freedom and democracy. 51 years later, Sabahans in Kota Kinabalu still honour this day with other Malaysians nationwide.

The theme for this year’s Merdeka Day celebration was Perpaduan Teras Kejayaan, which means “Unity Is The Core of Success.”

The Merdeka Day Parade
The parade began with the arrival of the guests of honours, among whom was Sabah’s Head of State Yang diPertua Negeri Tun Ahmad Shah Abdullah. It then proceeded with the inspection of the guard, followed by the march-past of more than a hundred contingents.

After the march-past, several performances was held in front of the dignitaries; there was a cultural dance show, a martial arts of Silat Cekak demonstration, and an awe-invoking performance by the Fifth Infantry Brigade of the Royal Malaysian Army.

Merdeka!! Merdeka!! Merdeka!!
In this modern age, we tend to take for granted the peace and prosperity that our ancestors have laboured so hard to obtained.

We at Lifeinborneo.com salute the heroes of our country who fought and bleed for our independance and for our freedom. And to all Malaysians, may the years ahead be as peaceful and as prosperous as ever.

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Posted by Eshark on September 10th, 2008 in Destinations, History

Launched in 2006, the Tun Mustapha Gallery was established to honour a great leader who was a visionary in leading Sabah to Independence. He helped to lay the foundations of a modern and progressive state within the federation of Malaysia (16 September, 1963). Tun Mustapha was the first Governor (1963-1965) of the Malaysian state of Sabah. He was also the third Chief Minister of Sabah from 1967 to 1975. He passed away on 2nd January, 1996 at the age of 76.

Located in premises that once housed the Sabah State Assembly from 1980 - 1995, the Gallery tells the life story of the late Tun Datu Hj. Mustapha bin Datu Harun. Featuring a combination of impactful graphic panels, audio visual-visual and artifacts, the Gallery unfolds the life of this remarkable man, from his humble beginnings to his illustrious term as the former Chief Minister of Sabah.

A classic car from a model of Daimler which before have been used by Tun himself during his official transportation was showcase in the main hall of the gallery.

The Gallery also operates a Souvenir Shop that specialises in high quality crafts that are unique and beautiful, inspired by the traditional motifs of the indigenous tribes of Sabah while fashioned after mainstream culture.

The Tun Mustapha Gallery is located at the Podium Level of Tun Mustapha Tower (formerly known as Yayasan Sabah Tower)

The Tun Mustapha Gallery operates from :
Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
Saturday 8am - 5pm
Sunday - Closed except Public & School Holiday.

Entrance Fee :
Visitors without MyKad (NRIC) RM15
Visitors with MyKad(NRIC) RM5
Under 12 without MyKad (NRIC) RM5
Goverment staff RM3.50
Students staff RM1.50

additional info source: sabahtourism.com

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Posted by Raz on September 9th, 2008 in Destinations, History

The Kundasang War Memorial is located near the renowned vegetable market in Kundasang Village. It was established as a tribute to World War II prisoners of war who died during the Sandakan Death Marches in 1945.

Major G.S. Carter, D.S.O. (Toby Carter) a New Zealander employed with Shell Oil Co. (Borneo) initiated the building of the Memorial in 1962, together with the launching of Kinabalu Park; to remember the 2,428 Australian and British prisoners who died during the World War II at the Sandakan POW Camp, and the Continue reading this post…

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