Starting today, Saturday April 26, 2008, there will be a Kalimaran Fest to showcase Murut culture for two days in the Murut Culture Centre in Kampung Polong, Tenom, Sabah. Visitors will get the chance to experience real Murut culture. Kalimaran means art in the Murut language.
Among activities planned are the Kalimaran Queen competition, Kalimaran concert, Murut handicraft exhibition and Murut singing competition.
Two other Murut sub-ethnic groups, the Tagol and Timugon, will present their cultural performances plus a mock wedding.
Showing posts with label sabah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label sabah. Show all posts
Sunday, April 27, 2008
Tuesday, January 01, 2008
How Malaysians celebrate New Year
Most Malaysians celebrate New Year 1st January the way others around the world celebrate New Year. Many go watch the usual fireworks at 12 midnight:
Other Malaysians celebrate New Year's Eve by going for concerts like those featuring Malaysian singers such as Mawi, M. Nasir, Awie and Wings, Malay cultures like ghazal music, or Chinese culture like a Chinese lion dance and even Indian cultures like Indian dances. Some may go for dinner and hotels and make lots of noise at 12 midnight. This is more dangerous, but some do get drunk. But let's hope they don't go driving around.
Photo of Fireworks in the skyOther Malaysians celebrate New Year's Eve by going for concerts like those featuring Malaysian singers such as Mawi, M. Nasir, Awie and Wings, Malay cultures like ghazal music, or Chinese culture like a Chinese lion dance and even Indian cultures like Indian dances. Some may go for dinner and hotels and make lots of noise at 12 midnight. This is more dangerous, but some do get drunk. But let's hope they don't go driving around.
How Penangites celebrate New Year
Penangites are residents of Penang, the Pearl of the Orient. Here are how some Penangites celebrated the beginning of 2008. They celebrated 1st January 2008 in jail. Twenty-six youngsters aged between 15 and 21 on Penang Island were jailed for creating disturbances at Gurney Drive and the Esplanade. They sprayed vehicles with artificial snow and started fights. Not only that, when policemen arrived to help calm down the disturbances, the boisterous youths threw empty spray cans at the policemen. To make matters worst, they verbally abused the policemen. The over enthusiastic youths were charged with vandalism and fighting in public areas. A man and a woman were also arrested for selling cans of artificial snow in Gurney Drive.How Ipoh residents celebrate New Year
Another 66 Mat Rempits (illegal motorcycle racers who frequently show off their riding skills with stunts) 18 to 28 years of age celebrated New Year with police summons and getting their motorcycles sized by the police for illegal racing on a public road (Jalan Brash beside the Sultan Abdul Aziz Recreational Park in Ipoh). One of them celebrated 1st January, 2008 in jail after being tested positive for drug.How Sabahans celebrate New Year
Some Sabahans celebrate New Year in a less conventional way. They go throw themselves into the rivers or the sea to "buang sial" or to get rid of bad luck. Alongside them may be others celebrating New Year by having barbecue parties on the beach.How New Year is celebrated in Laos
How strange! The Lao people celebrate New Year in almost the same way. Wonder if it is for the same objectives
Photo of Lao people in Vientiane celebrating New YearFriday, March 30, 2007
Serviced apartments in Sabah
Here is a list of serviced apartments in Sabah, East Malaysia:
88300 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah.
Tel: 088-260 8888
Fax: 088-261 8181
No. of units: 30
Api-Api Centre
88000 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah
Tel: 088-260 8888
Fax: 088-261 8181
No. of units: 60
Api-Api Centre
88000 Sabah
No. of units: 80
Financial Park Labuan Complex
Jalan Merdeka
87000 Labuan
Sabah
Tel: 087-453 333
Fax: 087-453 355
No. of units: 86
Colonnades Condominium
Jalan Kebajikan88300 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah.
Tel: 088-260 8888
Fax: 088-261 8181
No. of units: 30
Marina Court Resort Condominium
1st Floor, Block CApi-Api Centre
88000 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah
Tel: 088-260 8888
Fax: 088-261 8181
No. of units: 60
Promenade Hotel Apartments
3-G-17 Lorong Api-ApiApi-Api Centre
88000 Sabah
No. of units: 80
Beta Service Apartment
Beta Park TowerFinancial Park Labuan Complex
Jalan Merdeka
87000 Labuan
Sabah
Tel: 087-453 333
Fax: 087-453 355
No. of units: 86
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park
The Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park consists of five islands lying just off Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah, Malaysia. The five islands are Pulau Gaya, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau Sapi and Pulau Sulug. They can be reached in 10 to 20 minutes by speedboat from Kota Kinabalu.
Two of the five island, Gaya Island and Pulau Sapi was gazetted as the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park 1974 to protect the natural enviroment, including the coral reefs, marine life, the fauna and flora. It was named after the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. The other 3 nearby islands, Manukan Island, Mamutik Island and Sulug Island was included in 1979.
Departures are at 9.00, 10.00, and 11.00 in the morning.
Pick-ups are in the afternoon at 1.30, 2.30, and 3.30.
During weekdays, boats must be chartered.
Most boats accommodate up to 12 passengers.
Two of the five island, Gaya Island and Pulau Sapi was gazetted as the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park 1974 to protect the natural enviroment, including the coral reefs, marine life, the fauna and flora. It was named after the first Prime Minister of Malaysia. The other 3 nearby islands, Manukan Island, Mamutik Island and Sulug Island was included in 1979.
Pulau Gaya
Pulau Gaya is the largest island at 15 square kilometre, and is closest to Kota Kinabalu. It is covered by dense tropical forest with trials that can be utilized by nature lovers and bird watchers. The main draw of this island is the Police Bay with its beautiful beach. This is an ideal place to picnic and to do a bit of snorkelling.Pulau Manukan
This is the second largest island, which is frequented by locals as well as tourists because it has stretches of sandy, clean beach. The coral reefs here are well worth having a look. It is also the most developed with chalets, clubhouses and restaurants as well as a diving center with water, electricity and telephone services.Pulau Mamutik
This is the smallest island at just 15 acres, but has good beaches and coral reefs, a jetty, changing rooms, toilets, picnic shelters, tables, barbecue pits, fresh water and electricity.Pulau Sapi
Its name translated literally is Cow Island. It has one of the best beaches in the park, and is a popular place for snorkling and scuba diving. On the island are picnic shelters, barbeque pits, tables, changing rooms and toilets. The forest is inhabited by macaque monkeys.Pulau Sulug
Pulau Sulug is the farthest island from Kota Kinabalu, so if tranquility is what you are seeking, this is the island to visit. The island also has patches of good coral reefs and can be an ideal place to snorkel.Getting there
There are daily boat services to the islands from Kota Kinabalu main center jetty.Departures are at 9.00, 10.00, and 11.00 in the morning.
Pick-ups are in the afternoon at 1.30, 2.30, and 3.30.
During weekdays, boats must be chartered.
Most boats accommodate up to 12 passengers.
Sunday, February 04, 2007
@mosphere restaurant at Menara Tun Mustapha
The Menara Tun Mustapha (Tun Mustapha Tower), formerly called the Sabah Foundation Building, is a 72 glass walled sides tower rising 30 storeys to 122 metres at the Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It is about 10 minutes drive from the center of Kota Kinabalu.
At the 18th floor is the high end revolving bar and restaurant @mosphere which provides a sweeping views of Kota Kinabalu, the South China Sea and Crocker Mountain Range. It is a nice place to watch the sunset and to enjoy a delicious meal. Its opening hours are 11am to 1am (Sunday to Thursday) and 11am to 2am (Friday to Saturday). Last food order is at 10.30pm. For reservations, call 088-249276.
If you don't want to drive or take a taxi, Touchdown Helicopter Charters can fly you there at RM599 (USD170.28) per person (minimum 2, maximum 4). Alternatively, you can get there by super-sized speedboat at RM299 (USD85) per person (minimum 2, maximum 6). On the way there, you can cruise the coral-fringed Tun Abdul Rahman island. The trip includes a 3 course meal and a glass of wine plus a ride home in a chauffeur driven vehicle.
Touchdown Helicopter Charter can be contacted at
Tel: 088-249 278
Fax: 088-256-408
eMail: kk@touchdownhelicopters.com
http://www.touchdownhelicopters.com
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
A Quick Guide To Climbing Mount Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Borneo
By: E-borneo.com
The majestic and awe-inspiring Mount Kinabalu is one of the premier destinations for thousands of visitors to Sabah, Malaysian Borneo each year. Kinabalu National Park, a designated World Heritage Site, boasts an estimated 4,500 species of plants which includes 1,500 species of orchids, 77 of which are endemic to Kinabalu, Nepenthes pitcher plants, and the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world. The Park also supports 289 species of birds and 290 different types of butterflies.
Besides being the highest peak in Borneo and the whole of South East Asia (between Irian Jaya and the Himalayas to be exact), and the youngest non-volcanic mountain in the world, Mount Kinabalu is extremely climber-friendly and compared to other much lower mountains around the world, Mount Kinabalu is an ideal first mountain for novice mountain trekkers to conquer.
The standard climb up Mount Kinabalu is via the Kinabalu Summit Trail at Kinabalu National Park (~1,560m above sea level). The first ascent is from the starting point at Timpohon Gate, about 4km or 30 minutes drive from the Kinabalu National Park Headquarter.
If you prefer to start the ascent on Day 1, it is advisable to arrive at the Park late morning the latest or else, depending on the weather, the Park may not allow you to do the first ascent due to hazardous condition (i.e., the fog may be too thick by late evening causing visibility problems and/or the trail may be extremely slippery).
Most climbers prefer to stay overnight at Kinabalu National Park upon arrival to not only acclimatize to the altitude but also to enjoy the magnificent flora and fauna at the Park before the “assault” on the next day/morning.
The first ascent is from Timpohon Gate just after the Power Station up to the mid-summit Laban Rata Resthouse (or more popularly known as the 11,000 ft or ~3,873m). You will first follow the crest of a narrow ridge that dips down onto the main slopes of Mount Kinabalu itself. A little further on, you will reach a scenic waterfall known as Carson's Falls, named after the first Warden of the Park. Don't forget to take a sip and fill your water bottles with the fresh natural mountain water.
Conservatively, it should take a normal fit person an average 5-6 hours to reach Laban Rata. Participants at the annual Mount Kinabalu Climbathon competition went all the way up to 13,400ft (4092.5m above sea level) and back in 2 hours. But it is not really about how fast you can reach the top. It is about the experience of trekking pass different vegetation zones from Oak and Chestnut to mossy and eventually to alpine type of vegetations, and observing the rare and exotic flora and fauna on the way up.
Besides the heated Laban Rata Resthouse, the other option for climbers is to stay at the unheated mountain huts. There is actually another accommodation option at the so-called VIP Lodge, which is more expensive compared to the others and also, more difficult to secure (i.e., only two such units available).
After a short night rest to recharge your battery, the second and more grueling phase will commence early morning on Day 2, at about 2 am to 3 am. The second ascent will be from the mid-summit all the way to the summit, which is called Low's Peak, named after the British colonial officer Sir Hugh Low, supposedly, the first person to conquer Mt. Kinabalu.
The ascent should normally take a few hours but it is much more challenging than the initial ascent due to the thinner air near the summit. But near the peak on the granite portion of the ascent, there will be a thick nylon rope laid down to mark the route so that climbers will not get lost in the fog. You can use this rope to pull your tired body up.
Although, to reach the summit is already an achievement, it is best to target, if possible, to reach the summit just before sunrise to catch the awesome sight. If you reached too early, it will be too freezing cold to wait too long for the sunrise. On a good clear weather, the sky seemingly turns from black to red then orange and finally gold as the sun appears. When daylight breaks, you will truly feel that you are standing on top of the world. You can see as far as Kudat and even Sandakan if the weather permits.
One important tip is to make reservation early. Given the popularity of the Mount Kinabalu climb nowadays, it is advisable to book at least 3-4 months in advance (or even much earlier during the peak season usually around mid-year) to avoid any disappointment.
This is mainly due to the limited accommodation at the mid-summit (i.e., Laban Rata Resthouse, Mountain Huts or the VIP Lodge). In the event that there is no accommodation at the mid-summit, the climb will not be possible as strictly stipulated in the National Park's rules and regulations. Additionally, a mountain guide is compulsory.
In essence, Mount Kinabalu is relatively an easy mountain to climb. There is not much risk of acute mountain sickness at the first phase of climbing. Given climber-friendliness of the mountain, conquering the mountain must be high in your list of "activities to do" if you were to visit Sabah. For the average fit person, a visit to Borneo will not be complete without conquering Mount Kinabalu.
About the Author:
e-borneo.com is a Borneo travel gateway, trip advisor, and tour intermediary for the best and cost-effective custom/full-package Borneo holiday deals to Malaysia Borneo and Brunei. Check out one of the Mount Kinabalu tour itineraries at Tours or visit www.e-borneo.com.
Read more articles by: E-borneo.com
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
By: E-borneo.com
The majestic and awe-inspiring Mount Kinabalu is one of the premier destinations for thousands of visitors to Sabah, Malaysian Borneo each year. Kinabalu National Park, a designated World Heritage Site, boasts an estimated 4,500 species of plants which includes 1,500 species of orchids, 77 of which are endemic to Kinabalu, Nepenthes pitcher plants, and the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world. The Park also supports 289 species of birds and 290 different types of butterflies.
Besides being the highest peak in Borneo and the whole of South East Asia (between Irian Jaya and the Himalayas to be exact), and the youngest non-volcanic mountain in the world, Mount Kinabalu is extremely climber-friendly and compared to other much lower mountains around the world, Mount Kinabalu is an ideal first mountain for novice mountain trekkers to conquer.
The standard climb up Mount Kinabalu is via the Kinabalu Summit Trail at Kinabalu National Park (~1,560m above sea level). The first ascent is from the starting point at Timpohon Gate, about 4km or 30 minutes drive from the Kinabalu National Park Headquarter.
If you prefer to start the ascent on Day 1, it is advisable to arrive at the Park late morning the latest or else, depending on the weather, the Park may not allow you to do the first ascent due to hazardous condition (i.e., the fog may be too thick by late evening causing visibility problems and/or the trail may be extremely slippery).
Most climbers prefer to stay overnight at Kinabalu National Park upon arrival to not only acclimatize to the altitude but also to enjoy the magnificent flora and fauna at the Park before the “assault” on the next day/morning.
The first ascent is from Timpohon Gate just after the Power Station up to the mid-summit Laban Rata Resthouse (or more popularly known as the 11,000 ft or ~3,873m). You will first follow the crest of a narrow ridge that dips down onto the main slopes of Mount Kinabalu itself. A little further on, you will reach a scenic waterfall known as Carson's Falls, named after the first Warden of the Park. Don't forget to take a sip and fill your water bottles with the fresh natural mountain water.
Conservatively, it should take a normal fit person an average 5-6 hours to reach Laban Rata. Participants at the annual Mount Kinabalu Climbathon competition went all the way up to 13,400ft (4092.5m above sea level) and back in 2 hours. But it is not really about how fast you can reach the top. It is about the experience of trekking pass different vegetation zones from Oak and Chestnut to mossy and eventually to alpine type of vegetations, and observing the rare and exotic flora and fauna on the way up.
Besides the heated Laban Rata Resthouse, the other option for climbers is to stay at the unheated mountain huts. There is actually another accommodation option at the so-called VIP Lodge, which is more expensive compared to the others and also, more difficult to secure (i.e., only two such units available).
After a short night rest to recharge your battery, the second and more grueling phase will commence early morning on Day 2, at about 2 am to 3 am. The second ascent will be from the mid-summit all the way to the summit, which is called Low's Peak, named after the British colonial officer Sir Hugh Low, supposedly, the first person to conquer Mt. Kinabalu.
The ascent should normally take a few hours but it is much more challenging than the initial ascent due to the thinner air near the summit. But near the peak on the granite portion of the ascent, there will be a thick nylon rope laid down to mark the route so that climbers will not get lost in the fog. You can use this rope to pull your tired body up.
Although, to reach the summit is already an achievement, it is best to target, if possible, to reach the summit just before sunrise to catch the awesome sight. If you reached too early, it will be too freezing cold to wait too long for the sunrise. On a good clear weather, the sky seemingly turns from black to red then orange and finally gold as the sun appears. When daylight breaks, you will truly feel that you are standing on top of the world. You can see as far as Kudat and even Sandakan if the weather permits.
One important tip is to make reservation early. Given the popularity of the Mount Kinabalu climb nowadays, it is advisable to book at least 3-4 months in advance (or even much earlier during the peak season usually around mid-year) to avoid any disappointment.
This is mainly due to the limited accommodation at the mid-summit (i.e., Laban Rata Resthouse, Mountain Huts or the VIP Lodge). In the event that there is no accommodation at the mid-summit, the climb will not be possible as strictly stipulated in the National Park's rules and regulations. Additionally, a mountain guide is compulsory.
In essence, Mount Kinabalu is relatively an easy mountain to climb. There is not much risk of acute mountain sickness at the first phase of climbing. Given climber-friendliness of the mountain, conquering the mountain must be high in your list of "activities to do" if you were to visit Sabah. For the average fit person, a visit to Borneo will not be complete without conquering Mount Kinabalu.
About the Author:
e-borneo.com is a Borneo travel gateway, trip advisor, and tour intermediary for the best and cost-effective custom/full-package Borneo holiday deals to Malaysia Borneo and Brunei. Check out one of the Mount Kinabalu tour itineraries at Tours or visit www.e-borneo.com.
Read more articles by: E-borneo.com
Article Source: www.iSnare.com
Thursday, September 14, 2006
Sabah, Malaysia Borneo - An Emerging Tropical Island Vacation Capital Of The New Millennium
Sabah, Malaysia Borneo - An Emerging Tropical Island Vacation Capital Of The New Millennium
by: E-borneo.com
The Malaysian state of Sabah, located at the northeast corner of the island of Borneo, is well positioned to offer a unique tropical island vacation flavor with a difference.
In fact..., with a very big difference.
There is more to Sabah than the sunny tropical weather, beautiful white sandy beaches, tropical island setting, clear crystal waters, and rich ocean and marine life.
Unlike the Caribbean islands or most tropical island vacation destinations in the world, Sabah offers a complete array of activities from adventure and nature to wildlife on top of a world class tropical beach vacation.
What makes Sabah, Malaysia Borneo a unique tropical island vacation spot?
Given its unique geographical advantage where within 76,115 square kilometers (or 29,388 square miles or slightly smaller than the US state of South Carolina), you can...
* laze around in white pristine and unspoiled tropical beaches
* conquer the highest peak in South East Asia
* encounter wildlife in their natural habitat
* admire the largest flower in the world
* lay back and enjoy the sun and water at international standard and luxurious tropical resorts
* appreciate the culture of the colorful indigenous peoples
* rough it out in controlled adventure vacation sites
* brave the river rapids on a white water rafting adventure
* be one with nature in the world of million years old rainforests
* dive into some of the world's best underwater wonderlands
* explore the underwater cave of the world's only mushroom-shaped world class dive spot
On top of the above, traveling around Sabah is also easy and relatively cheaper, and the locals are helpful and friendly.
Most of the tropical wonders of the world, from ocean deep to mountain high, can be found right here in sunny Sabah. You don't have to travel far and wide to savor the best tropical attractions, saving you invaluable time and money to stay put in just one tropical vacation destination.
You can actually experience Sun, Sea and Sand, Forest and Mountain in less than ONE hour - that is, if you utilize a helicopter service.
If you are planning for your next tropical island vacation, or thinking of exploring a new and exciting tropical vacation destination, please explore Sabah personally to find out why it is an ideal choice for your dream tropical island vacation.
About The Author
E-borneo.com ( E-Borneo ) is a leading Borneo travel gateway, trip advisor, and tour intermediary for the best custom/full-package vacation deals to Malaysia Borneo. Check out some of Sabah’s top tour packages at Sabah Tours or for more info on Sabah, please Borneo Tropical Vacation
by: E-borneo.com
The Malaysian state of Sabah, located at the northeast corner of the island of Borneo, is well positioned to offer a unique tropical island vacation flavor with a difference.
In fact..., with a very big difference.
There is more to Sabah than the sunny tropical weather, beautiful white sandy beaches, tropical island setting, clear crystal waters, and rich ocean and marine life.
Unlike the Caribbean islands or most tropical island vacation destinations in the world, Sabah offers a complete array of activities from adventure and nature to wildlife on top of a world class tropical beach vacation.
What makes Sabah, Malaysia Borneo a unique tropical island vacation spot?
Given its unique geographical advantage where within 76,115 square kilometers (or 29,388 square miles or slightly smaller than the US state of South Carolina), you can...
* laze around in white pristine and unspoiled tropical beaches
* conquer the highest peak in South East Asia
* encounter wildlife in their natural habitat
* admire the largest flower in the world
* lay back and enjoy the sun and water at international standard and luxurious tropical resorts
* appreciate the culture of the colorful indigenous peoples
* rough it out in controlled adventure vacation sites
* brave the river rapids on a white water rafting adventure
* be one with nature in the world of million years old rainforests
* dive into some of the world's best underwater wonderlands
* explore the underwater cave of the world's only mushroom-shaped world class dive spot
On top of the above, traveling around Sabah is also easy and relatively cheaper, and the locals are helpful and friendly.
Most of the tropical wonders of the world, from ocean deep to mountain high, can be found right here in sunny Sabah. You don't have to travel far and wide to savor the best tropical attractions, saving you invaluable time and money to stay put in just one tropical vacation destination.
You can actually experience Sun, Sea and Sand, Forest and Mountain in less than ONE hour - that is, if you utilize a helicopter service.
If you are planning for your next tropical island vacation, or thinking of exploring a new and exciting tropical vacation destination, please explore Sabah personally to find out why it is an ideal choice for your dream tropical island vacation.
About The Author
E-borneo.com ( E-Borneo ) is a leading Borneo travel gateway, trip advisor, and tour intermediary for the best custom/full-package vacation deals to Malaysia Borneo. Check out some of Sabah’s top tour packages at Sabah Tours or for more info on Sabah, please Borneo Tropical Vacation
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