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 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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Posted by Xander on July 18th, 2008 in Announcement, Destinations, Promotionals

Date: 12 October 2008
Time: 8:00am
Starting Venue: Likas Stadium Sport Complex

Organizers Office Address:
Championship Sports Events Sdn Bhd
B702, 7th Floor, Wisma Merdeka Phase 2,
Jalan Tun Razak, Kota Kinabalu,
88000 Sabah, Malaysia
Tel/Fax: +6-088-218833

October would be a month to remember for all in the Land Below the Wind. An event unlike no other would be held and it is certain to be a crowd-puller indeed. The Borneo International Marathon happens to be an international sporting event that promises to attract participants from South East Asia and even countless regions around the world.

The Borneo International Marathon are also looking forward to making this a yearly international event to highlight sports tourism in Sabah and also to raise awareness and fund for organizations that need it.

Money raised will be for 8 charitable organizations and 10% of participants entry fees shall go towards an organization of their choice.

With a venue like Sabah, its going to be a holiday that most people would reminisce. With three race routes offered to both experienced and novice runners alike (full marathon, half marathon and 10KM run). The starting and finishing point for the marathon will be at Likas Sports Stadium and the route will take runners along some major highlights in the city.

Full Marathon

Half Marathon

10KM

Race Categories :

Prizes :

Charitable organizations involved are:

• Rumah Kanak-Kanak Bondulu, Tambunan or Tambunan Childrens Home
This home is sponsored entirely by donations and looks after children from this interior town and the surrounding villages; this is a typical rural farming community and comprises some of the poorest areas of Sabah.The money will go to help to pay for the roof on the new dormitory that they have been trying to complete for over a year now.
Contact Person : Sister Rose (Tel: +6019 8719201)

• Emmanual Homes, Kudat, Sabah
Taking care of over 50 children with a small volunteer staff and very little money, this facility is very basic and the children need everything from beds to chairs. It is hoped that we can raise enough money to get them a small van so the kids can have days out. Please also see wish list from Emmanual Homes.
Contact Person: Howard Stanton (Tel: +6013 8818395)

• Borneo Child Aid Society
Providing basic educational support for children living in plantations.
Office: MDLD 6057, Lorong Perdana 3, Sri Perdana, P. O. Box 61850, 91127 Lahad Datu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Contact Person: Torben Venning (Tel: +6089 866857/862402), (Fax: +603-21784113) or (Mobile: +6019 8530656)
Email: info@borneochildaid.org or Website: www.borneochildaid.org

• Food For The Hungry International - Sabah
Office: City Gate, Unit No. C-2-3A, Block C, 2nd Floor, Plaza Tanjung Aru, Jalan Mat Salleh, Tanjung Aru, 88100 Kota Kinabalu.
Contact Person: Melanie Chu or Horwath T. H. Liew Tong (Tel: +60 88240335) or (Mobile: 016-8391768)
E-mail: fhim@streamyx.com or Website: www.sabah.org.my/fhisabah

• MERCY Malaysia
Vision: Outstanding in the delivery of medical and humanitarian aid to all.
Mission: MERCY Malaysia is a non-profit organization focusing on providing medical relief and sustainable health related development for vulnerable communities.
Core Values: We focus on rapid medical response for the assistance of communities affected by disasters. We recognise the value of working with partners and volunteers. We provide an opportunity for individuals to serve with professionalism, upholding the International Code of Conduct for Humanitarian workers. We hold ourselves accountable to our donors and beneficiaries
Website: www.mercy.org.my

• Befrienders Kota Kinabalu
Vision: A world in which fewer people feel the need to end their own lives.
Mission: To alleviate distress and help reduce the risk of suicide through emotional support and public education.
Tel: +6-088-255788 or Website: www.befrienders.org

• SIP (Semporna Islands Project)
Community action for sustainable use and conservation of coral reefs.
Project Officer (Sabah): Helen Brunt. Email : helen@sempornaislandsproject.com
Website: www.sempornaislandsproject.com

• Health In Harmony
Health in Harmony supports an innovative programme in West Kalimantan, Indonesia that partners with local communities to integrate high quality, affordable health care with startegies to protect the threatened rainforest.
Email: kinariwebb@healthinharmony.org or anna.hallemeier@healthinharmony.org
Website: www.healthinharmony.org

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Posted by Xander on June 30th, 2008 in Destinations, Hot Spots, Travels

Located along the streets of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and the Main Bazaar, the Kuching Waterfront is situated along the river banks of Sarawak River. Kuching being the state capital of Sarawak, it is also a focal point or gateway for many travelers visiting the Land of the Hornbills. Upon reaching the waterfront, one could already expect the breath-taking scene and anticipating a relaxed and interesting stroll.

The whole stretch of the waterfront are dotted with multifarious choices of stalls to visit. Starting from Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, various food stalls could be found selling local dishes and pastries. Keep walking and you could find other numerous kiosks of food and beverages variegated in their menu as well.

Taking a stroll along the walkway there are more interesting places to visit like the handicraft stalls. Various kinds of mementos are sold from necklaces and/or wrist-bands made of pearls, beads, aventurine and even jade. Souvenirs of key chains or letter-openers made from ceramic, stainless steel and wood are also present to name a few.

For more choices of souvenirs, make your way to the Main Bazaar Handicraft Market which can be found near the Visitor’s Information Center and National Park Booking Office. The handicraft building could easily be identified by being the only two-storey building to grace the waterfront along the street. The towers located facing the river can be visited to get a wider view of the scenic Sarawak River and the Kuching Waterfront.

Finding your way around is made easier with the Tourist information center located near the Waterfront Security building upon the waterfront walkway. Nearby you could find a small hall that has locals performing cultural dances and playing variegated instruments from different ethnic origins within Sarawak.

The Sarawak River is alive somehow with so many boats servicing the entire river, ready to shuttle visitors from one end of the waterfront all the way to the Main Bazaar Market. For a fare you could also make your way across the river and visit the Fort Margherita. Larger vessels are also present to cater to your traveling needs along the river.

The path along the waterfront has many remarkable sights, sound and smell to entice your every need as a traveler to this exceptional location within Kuching City. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself coming back here when the sun sets and when it does, it is a whole new ambiance and experience altogether. To have glimpse of this place at night time go here.

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Posted by Raz on April 24th, 2008 in Destinations, Events, Wildlife

22 April, MULU: Mulu National Park took another step forward in understanding and respecting the millions of bats at Deer Cave in the national park with the launching of the first webcam of real time unintrusive viewing of the mammals in their natural habitat.

The Mulu Batcam facility was launched by Prince Albert II of Monaco during his first visit to Mulu on Sunday.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu and State Secretary Datuk Amar Wilson Baya Dandot were among those present during the launching ceremony.

The group braved the rain, walking through the three-km walkway through the verdant virgin rainforest, to reach Deer Cave, where the iconic image of Lincoln profile has filled promotion brochures and many travel magazines around the world.

The Mulu Batcam project, regarded as another innovative ecotourism development by the state government, was conceived and implemented by Borsamulu Park Management Sdn Bhd in collaboration with Sarawak Forestry Corporation.

The technical design and implementation of the digital remote wildlife monitoring system was provided by CTG Security Matrix, an international award winning company from Australia, and the project is expected to be entered for another prestigious international award competition.

Mulu Batcam uses five remote controlled special television cameras and infra-red lighting placed inside Deer Cave, home to three million bats, to provide a spectacularly clear detail of bats’ behaviour in their natural habitat with the help of modern digital technology.

Prince Albert and guests were treated to the first hand look of the bats in the caves, including detailed close-up shots of the bats and swiftlets in the cave.

There was a heavy downpour after the visit to the Deer Cave by the Prince and his entourage, and the Batcam revealed the bats staying put in the cave, including caring for their young, grooming and hanging around the huge cave as they forego their meal outside.

Mulu was accorded the world natural heritage site by Unesco in November 2000, and visitors have increased to 25,000 from all over the world, and the arrival of Prince Albert added a touch of royalty to the world renowned site.

Prince Albert later told the local media that he was impressed with Mulu after watching a BBC documentary on the bats of Mulu and learning about the rich bio-diversity in the park from it and hearing personal anecdotes from the commentary director about a year and half ago. With conservation close to his heart, he said Mulu was an amazing spot of natural heritage which should be safeguarded and protected for posterity.

The Batcam project will not only help scientists but will also help to create greater public awareness of the bats and other ecological aspects of Mulu to generate conservation spirit among them.

Earlier, the managing director of Borsamulu Datuk Robert Geneid said Mulu had come a long way since its inception as a national park and eventual Unesco recognition as world natural heritage site.

Human capital development in proper training of park guides, singage, guide books and others together with infrastructure development under Borsamulu have now placed Mulu on the path of world renowned ecotourism destination, he said.

With locals as stakeholders, the park currently employs 80 local staff in park management and another 200 as local guides, while the Mulu Resort employs and trains another 80 to international standard in the tourism industry.

Her Excellency Evelyne Genta, His Excellency Achille Kallakis, Deputy Minister of Tourism Dato Sri Sulaiman Abdul Rahman Taib, Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industries Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan and Telang Usan assemblyman Lihan Jok were also present to witness the ceremony.

Meanwhile, Prince Albert released 40,000 fish fry into the Melinau River on his way to the Clearwater Cave where the royal visitor launched the mini regatta before proceeding to have breakfast at the foot of the cave.

They later left for Miri where they had lunch before flying off to Singapore.

http://www.muluparkbatcam.com

Written by:
Philip Kiew
The Borneo Post
22 April 2008

source: www.sarawaktourism.com

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Posted by Eshark on February 24th, 2008 in Destinations

Located in Tuaran, northern part of Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The crocodile farm was first open on 2005 and operates as a branch of one of the three other crocodile farm in Sandakan and Langkawi with more than 1,000 crocodiles.

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Posted by Eshark on December 24th, 2007 in Destinations

Here we meet again..

After 4 days of great Raya trip, I’ve been brought to the south of Lahad Datu where we visit ‘Pantai Bakapit’, not many people knows about this beach as the beach was quiet popular back 40 years ago..

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Posted by Eshark on December 18th, 2007 in Destinations

The next day of Raya, I brought to visit many raya open house around town for makan, makan and makan and makan, untill I can’t even stuck anymore food to my 6 piece stomach.. brupp!!

followings are some food that I managed to snap while I still can..

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