Showing posts with label Tourism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tourism. Show all posts

7 Jun 2012

Sabah Tea on NTV7

Sabah Tea in Ranau as featured recently on NTV7
Informative...tapi sakit sikit telinga saya dengar slang English tu host. He forced it to sound like American

19 Jun 2009

Monsopiad Cultural Village trailer



This got to be my very first sample of Avicraft Production's work :-), nice! Hope to see more of their productions.

29 Nov 2008

A theme song for Sabah tourism

The Daily Express version: 'Sayang Kinabalu' chosen as Sabah tourism promotional theme song

So everybody knows the song kan. Siapa belum pernah dengar? :)

2 May 2008

Jambatan terpanjang di Sabah

Inilah dia 'wajah' jambatan yang paling panjang di Sabah, Jambatan Mengkabong. Sebelum ini Jambatan Kinabatangan yang pegang rekod tapi sejak Jambatan Mengkabong siap dibina pada Mac 2000, maka takhta pun beralih tangan. Hari Rabu lalu saya tiba-tiba saja dikerah buat lawatan kerja di perkampungan sekitar jambatan ini, mula-mula tu macam malas-malas mau bergerak, sudahlah cuaca panas lain semacam, panas tahap lelaki straight macho pun terpaksa pakai payung...*LOL*, sekali sampai sana...fuiyoo...punyalah cantik pemandangan terus macam susah mau balik.


Panjang lebih kurang 500 m

Megah merentasi muara Sg. Mengkabong

To me the Mengkabong estuarine is one of the picturesque scenes in Sabah. Although the best spot to enjoy the whole scenery is from the bridge, it's just too bad there is no special facility for the public or tourists alike to enjoy the view from the structure.

Adalah juga tempat berlabuh bot-bot kecil

Tempat memancing berbayar...memang banyak ikan di sini


Skuter empat roda (salah satu kemudahan rekreasi di Tg. Badak Resort)
tapi punyalah bising mengganggu ketenteraman awam saja.
Selain itu ada juga aktiviti jet ski, water scooter and parachute ski

But then very soon the whole landscape may change once Rasa Ria Resort (located nearby) expands its territory to this area. I hope it will enhance or upgrade the existing scenery and not deteriorating it.

11 Dec 2007

North Borneo Ink and Bar


Tattoos are symbolic art forms which hold great significance for certain ethnic groups in Borneo. In Sabah, the Murut people are known for their intricate motifs often seen adorning their walls, long houses and even their bodies. Today body art is very much alive; some preferring contemporary designs while others opts for more traditional look.Whatever your choice, the North Borneo Ink Tattoos and Bars, which opened its doors in April 2007, can cater to your requests. The establishment carries a unique concept whereby guests can get their tattoos done while waiting friends can enjoy a pint or two at the bar or play a round of pool. North Borneo Ink currently has three resident tattoo artists who can create almost any tattoo you desire. Check out the variety of Borneo-inspired ethnic designs or if you prefer you can also have body piercing done here. Talent for the art of tattoos? North Borneo Ink also offers apprenticeship to aspiring tattoo artists. The bar offers a wide range of beverages, be it your refreshing beer or your favorite cocktails, such as the NBI special – a sweet concoction that actually packs quite a punch! The cozy bar has a good view of Kota Kinabalu’s Gaya Street and can cater to one hundred people at a time, ideal for private functions. Need a bite to go with that drink? The kitchen can whip up a variety of finger food, such as fish and chips, sausage bite and chicken wings. Pool sharks will be glad to know Tuesdays offer free pool games all night long and ladies can enjoy a free tattoo (from a selected range) on Wednesdays. For professionally-done tattoo in a hip and happening ambience, look no further than North Borneo Tattoos and Bar. Even if you don’t walk away with a tattoo, you are guaranteed a great night out.


North Borneo Ink and Bar is located at Lot 80, 1st Floor Gaya Street Kota Kinabalu (next to Alliance Bank). Open weekdays from 11:00 am to 1:00 am and until 2:00 am on weekends. Bar opens at 5:00 pm. To get a tattoo done appointments are recommended to avoid disappointment. Contact Genn Lai at 013 8647898 or Mazlan at 014 652 5526
Sabah Tourism Mag

28 Nov 2007

The Sabah Tourism Awards 2007


The award goes to...



So KK won the cleanest town...ihik!..=). Congrats to Kak Nong restaurant (I heard that at Kak Nong, the staff salary will be cut off RM 50, each time the management receives complaint from customers on their inefficiency...:))

27 Nov 2007

Go Travel at Sutera Harbour

Go Travel is a Malaysian traveling guide TV program in Chinese aired over 8TV every Sunday at 7:30 pm. Join the program's two young hyperactive hosts discovering Sutera Harbour Resort in KK.

Part 1/3



Catch the other two parts

Part 2/3
Part 3/3


Whoaa..the Wake Board (water skateboard) is so tempting...(terpelanting-pelanting mengkali kalau saya yang main..=))

22 Nov 2007

Sightseeing: The Gomantong Cave


Gomantong Hill is the largest limestone outcrop in the Lower Kinabatangan area and contains at least nine caves. For centuries the Gomantong Caves have been renowned for the valuable edible birds’ nests made by two of the four species of swiftlets that roost in the caves. During the harvesting months, visitors may be able to witness the birds’ nests collectors in action. This is an age-old tradition and the trade history of birds’ nests spans several hundreds of years. Gomantong consists of two caves complexes, Simud Hitam and Simud Putih. Simud hitam is the main cave, a five-minute walk from the Registration Centre. Along the way to the cave enjoy the beautiful green surroundings, and if you are lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a macaque or two. A boardwalk inside the caves make exploration an easy task. Be sure to have a torchlight ready. Once inside be amazed by the 90-metre high cave roofs. Which is where the swiftlets’ nests are often found.

Exploring the Simud Putih is more for the adventurous, requiring rock climbing skills. The ‘white saliva’ birds’ nests found here are more valuable as they are more difficult to collect. The birds’s nests harvesters are individuals who have nerves of steel and skill honed through years of experience. Dangling precariously from the narrow network of ladders is not the task for the faint hearted! It is not surprising that there are only a few experience individuals who are very much in demand by people and communities that hold the Government’s harvesting licenses. Edible birds’ nests are protected under the Birds Nest Ordinance and the Forest Enactment. Heavy fines and penalties are imposed on unlicensed collectors

Generally two collections are made. The first takes place early in the breeding season before the swiftlets lay their eggs. The birds then make another nest in which they finally lay their eggs. After the young had fledged, the second collection is made. Care must be taken to assure that the nests are collected only after the young swftlets have abandoned these nests. Besides observing the exciting display of skill and courage by the birds’ nests harvesters, another activity for keen naturalists would be to watch the spectacular display of over 2 million or so resident bats as they spiral out for their evening feed. This usually occurs at 5:15 pm and 6:15 pm but rain may delay or ’cancel’ this spectacular event. As the bats leave the swiftlets are usually beginning to make their way back to the caves after a day’s foraging. The changing of ‘shifts’ between the bats and birds makes quite fascinating scene! Look out for the Bat Hawks that linger not far from the scene, as they pray specifically on the bats as they leave their roost

How to get there

Take a 45-minute drive or enjoy a leisurely 6-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. From Sandakan town make arrangements for a journey to the Kinabatangan region, which is approximately 2 hours by road. For more information, please contact Sabah Tourism Board 088-212121 or Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd at 088-232 121

Source: Sabah Tourism Magazine.

19 Nov 2007

Cruising the Kinabatangan

Much have been reported lately that the wildlife in the Kinabatangan river plain are under threat by the rapid plantation developement within the vicinity. The rhino for instance is in the verge of extinction. Another wildlife that's been said to have the same fate as the rhinos is the Borneo Pygmy Elephant. A person is considered very lucky to have a glimpse of these animals moving around freely in their natural habitat. The flashing of cameras, as mentioned by this article, upon seeing our version of mr jumbo, reminds me of those photographers at star studded red carpet. No doubt these animals have become the stars of their own...=) . Let's join this writer experiencing the thrill of cruising Sabah's wildlife hotspot...the riverbanks of Kinabatangan...






31 Oct 2007

A focus on performing arts in KK - Pt 2

The formation of Society of Performing Arts Kota Kinabalu Sabah (SPArKS)

Time ripe for performing arts body

by Mary Chin (Daily Express 28 Oct)

THE time was ripe for the formation of a performing arts association. To name a few, we have the KK Music Society, KK Symphony Orchestra, Philharmonic Choral Group, Jesselton Philharmonic Orchestra, Double Take, The L'espressivo Trio, Jazzelton Quintet, ballroom dancing associations and what have you.

Dama Orchestra shows, among others, dominated the music scene some years ago, drawing capacity crowds. Equally packed was the Yellow River Cantata organised by L'espressivo Music Lab, founded and led by well-known soprano Phoon Sook Peng as Organising Chairperson. Annual dancesport championships organised by ballroom dancing schools are a hit with veterans, novices and beginners alike.

In the State capital, charity concerts in aid of schools, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and less fortunate groups are a regular affair, sometimes featuring international artistes. Last year, the presence of a 3,000-strong audience at the charity concert featuring veteran Taiwanese singer Yu Ya, 55, demonstrated clearly that Sabahans, young and old alike, have ears for music, be it classical, modern or contemporary.

Protem President of the newly-registered Society of Performing Arts Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (SPArKS), Datuk Adeline Leong observed that many young people are coming forward uninhibitedly to exhibit their talents in the form of music, dance and drama. SPArKS was registered on September 1st this year.

"These young people need encouragement and support, and most importantly, a platform to build on these talents. We (SPArKS) are here to provide that platform. It is also motivating to see that parents nowadays are liberal in allowing their children to choose careers in the field of performing arts in fulfillment of their dreams.

"This changing performing arts scene in Kota Kinabalu warrants the setting up of a performing arts body to unify music, dance and drama enthusiasts and promote their cause as a common interest group (CIG), as well as to showcase their talents. That's how SPArKS was conceived and born," she told Daily Express.

When told that only a few artistes make it to the international scene, Leong, who is the former President of Sandakan Municipal Council, said this situation was not an issue. "The majority are very happy doing what they like and giving joy to many."

The idea of forming a performing arts association was mooted by the Director of Sutera Harbour Resort, Encik Foo Kia Inn, two years ago. Last year, Foo, popular acoustic guitarist Roger Wang and Leong got together to plan the formation of SPArKS.

The first protem committee meeting, attended by 14 members, was held at the Sutera Marina Club on Oct 4, 2006. During those first few meetings, the committee planned to organise the lst Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival.

"We wanted to enliven the music scene in the city by introducing Sabahan musicians and music enthusiasts to the world of international jazz music.

But since SPArKS was not a registered body yet, it had to find a partner to co-organise the event and to look for sponsorship as well. We found the perfect partner in the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu which became the main organiser with Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) and Suria Group also in the Organising Committee," Leong explained.

Judging from the overwhelming response, the inaugural KK Jazz Festival at the Jesselton Point was a resounding success. Over 1,000 people turned up to enjoy the charity concert, a musical extravaganza featuring more than 20 local, national and international musicians (in five performing groups) and offering a wide variety of jazz music.

Said Leong : "We have, in a sense, succeeded in creating appreciation of this genre of music among a segment of the local populace. KK folks are receptive to jazz. On top of it, the Rotary Club of KK managed to raise some funds for its community projects in rural areas."

This has prompted SPArKS to consider a 2nd KK Jazz Festival. "We will be organising it next year."

What does the future hold for SPArKS?

Leong said its vision is for Kota Kinabalu to have a performing arts centre eventually.

"We are aware that the Federal Culture, Arts and Heritage Department is building a centre of this nature. When that is completed in a few years' time, it will provide many opportunities for our young people to showcase their talents in the fields of music, dance and drama.

"We are also happy to learn that Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK) is also planning to build a performing arts centre at the urging of the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment.

"When the centre becomes a reality, it will be an additional venue for performances not only by local but also internationally-acclaimed artistes," she said.

Leong concurred with Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun who said there is little doubt that the State indeed has an abundance of talents among its young people.

"We really need a centre for performing arts in the city because in many major cities in the world, art and culture symbolise modernisation.

"And with Kota Kinabalu becoming a big city, I feel there is a missing link in our city as we become more prosperousÉwe should look into other areas that we might have neglected," Masidi was quoted as saying last week.

"Having such centre will definitely enrich the quality of life of people, particularly those who are living in the city."

On other plans, Leong said SPArKS is keen to organise a KK Arts Festival with music, dance and drama events happening all in one week.

However, she was quick to point out that all these events need sponsorship.

"When the time comes, we hope major corporations will come forward to sponsor the events in the Festival as part of their corporate social responsibility and community service. In fact, ordinary citizens can also chip in to fulfil their individual social responsibility if they wish to lend a helping hand."



Even ballet dancers also complaining

26 Oct 2007

Makan time in Sabah

I consider myself as a light-eater, so food basically is not my favourite subject...I'll manage with only rice and lada potong campur kicap!...:)

But for those who like food......It's makan time! Very typical scenario in most restaurants in Sabah...


...except for the butod eating...:P (penuh perasaan pula durang makan tu..:D)


Talking about restaurants, I guess most of you are aware that only in East Malaysia (Sabah, Sarawak and W.P Labuan too) can we find a Malay (halal) stall at one corner of a Chinese restaurant. A true evidence of strong racial intergration. Unfortunately the articles above didn't feature such restaurants....:(

And for those who prefer to have their meal in some fancy eateries. (I wonder if they serve lada padi potong campur kicap?)


And the famous Kopi Tenom


Pertama kali pula dengar ada filem Jerman buat penggambaran di Tenom (mungkin hanya sekadar dokumentari..:))

18 Sept 2007

Mari melancong ke..

Saaaana Ranau...with Farish.

Poropok View/Kundasang



Kundasang War Memorial


Macam kelakar pula dengar si Farish cakap dari Sandakan Ke Ranau (guna kereta) ambil masa 5 - 6 jam..hehe!

Kepada yang rindu pekan Ranau...


Taman Negara Kinabalu bersama Sumandak Ranger

Macam saya kenal saja yang melambai-lambai mesra si Farish tu...

Sabah Tea



The rest of the videos

Taman Negara Part 2
Poring Hot Spring

14 Sept 2007

Crocodile rockin at Taman Buaya Tuaran

Entah macam mana last weekend...mansau punya mansau...kami tersesat pula ke Taman Buaya Tuaran.

Antara gambar-gambar yang sempat dirakamkan

Satu..dua...tiga lekuk...jantan betina saya ketuk! Buaya-buaya sedang lepak 'backstage' sebelum dipanggil ke arena untuk membuat persembahan. Punyalah banyak...sekali kau terjatuh dalam kolam durang ni...terus jadi hidangan makan besar (palis..palis).


It's showtime! Hmm...tiadapun kena main lagu rock and roll 'Crocodile Rockin'. I think they're not aware of such song.


Showtime is about thirty minutes. Lepas tu ada cultural show at the adjacent long house.

Semasa cultural show ada cabutan tiket bertuah (dua cabutan saja). Terus adalah si gaman nikan menjadi manusia paling bertuah hari tu....dapat hadiah rantai berloketkan gigi buaya lagi...jan jelous! (Anyway here's a secret or a tip if you want to have a free gift. Kalau pengacara panggil volunteer naik ke pentas sebagai tukang cabut tiket bertuah you better offer yourself...cos the volunteer himself will be given a gift. We only know about it at the end of the lucky draw...adalah juga kawan yang menyesal)
Mind you...durang jual harga RM10! Nasib baiklah pakcik bertuah hari tu


Ini dia buaya yang digelar "Bujang Tuaran"....so ladies keep your distance!
Cheers!


Kepada yang teringin mengembalikan semula nostalgia zaman kanak-kanak...ada juga disediakan permainan-permainan ini


Terdapat juga gera-gerai menjual bermacam-macam produk dari hujung muncung sampailah ke hujung ekor buaya...seperti daging buaya, barang perhiasan dari kulit buaya (paling mahal tas tangan wanita berharga RM 30,000! Ya ampun!)...dan bermacam-macam lagilah...tidak ketinggalan buaya jantan punya 'anu'! kekekek...

23 Aug 2007

Mari melancong

Batu-batu misteri di Pitas

Nampak gaya lagenda si Tanggang yang mana kapalnya disumpah jadi batu seolah dibuktikan oleh pulau berbentuk kapal di atas. Mungkin Lagenda kapal Nakhoda si Perak ni kisah si Tanggang versi Pitas. Yang Batu Barunsai itu pun macam bentuk manusia...hehe They should make further research on the tales behind those shapes, gerenti boleh jadi tarikan pelancong.


..Cantiknya


Need no introduction

But I've never been there since..err...1999!


Celyn Resort

This resort is getting much attention lately



Fun in the ice..

Ehemm! First timelah katakan...tapi macam line skating (roller blade) saja kan. Kalau yang itu terror jugalah main sikit-sikit

8 May 2007

Tourism events in May

(Copy and paste from Sabah tourism magazine)