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INSIDE: What’s New At KadaiKu, Kapalai Island, Eating Out and many more...
June 2007 Volume 76June 2007 Volume 76
22nd Sabah Dragon Boat Race22nd Sabah Dragon Boat Race
Sandakan Harbour SquareDama Orchestra
Contents2 Calendar of Events
3 Feature PersonalityDH Robinson
4 Happenings & HighlightsDama Orchestra22nd Sabah Dragon Boat RaceMataking Reef Day3rd MAH Environmental WeekVocal Recital With Tan Sim Sim & PIanist Genevieve Wong Launching of Sandakan FestivalAFC U13 Festival of Football
7 Eating OutImperial Bayview Restaurant1 Delight
8 Places of InterestKapalai Island
9 Places of InterestBalung Eco Resort
10 FeatureSandakan Harbour Square
12 Through The LensWonderfully Wild!
14 CultureThe Kulintangan
15 What’s New at KadaikuSabah Souvenirs & Handicrafts
16 Bahasa Malaysia Section
18 Chinese Section
20 Japanese Section
22 Korean Section
24 Directory Listings
25 Sabah Map & Listings
26 A Trip To The Tamu
Time flies whenyou’re having fun,they say. I must’ve
been having a ball of atime: I hardly realizedhalf a year has goneby. My days are jam-packed with things todo, places to see andpeople to meet – lookslike life in Sabah isn’tas laid-back as manyperceive it to be.However, to mebeing busy is a blessingrather than a chore. In June, ourevents are on a roll, starting with theLaunch of Sandakan Festival on the2nd. Sandakan, which was onceknown as Little Hong Kong, is alsothe gateway to Borneo’s wildlife anda city rich with history. I love visitingthe ‘wilderness’ of Sukau and theworld-famous Sepilok Orang UtanRehabilitation Centre never bores me.I urge anyone to visit the home ofwriter Agnes Keith (who coined theterm Land Below The Wind) when inSandakan to discover more about hertime in Borneo. Without a doubt,Sandakan is a booming townshipand with the establishment ofSandakan Harbour Square along thecoast, many anticipate the return of‘Little Hong Kong’. Read about thisgrand project in this month’s Featurepage (p.10).
Other events happening thismonth are the much-anticipatedSabah Dragon Boat Race whichenters its 22nd year (p.4) and thereturn of Malaysia’s award-winningDama Orchestra (p.4). Once again,Dama hits the shores of Tawau andSandakan, accompanied by the vocal
talents of soprano Tan Soo Suanand baritone Liau Siau Suan. Aworld-class musical performance thatyou simply cannot miss! Footballmore your thing? Check out youngtalents in the Asian FootballConfederation (AFC) Under-13Festival of Football coming your way.Check out the details in ourHappenings section.
This month, why not visit thetamu? This weekly market is a greatway to see Sabahan folks go abouttheir daily dealings. You might evenwalk home with a great bargain!View our list of tamu on page 25.There’s never a dull moment inSabah. Just look in the right placesand we promise you an unforgettablemoment waiting to be discovered.
May your days be fun-filled andstress-free. Jumpa lagi!
ADVISOR YBhg. Dato’ Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin
EDITOR Melissa Leong
DESIGNER Trevor Thomson Lam C.W.
What’s New At Kadaiku design by Charlieking Padasian
PUBLISHER Sabah Tourism Board 51 Gaya Street, 88000 Kota Kinabalu
TRANSLATORS Chin Yen Sang (Chinese) Rie Harada (Japanese)Emzee Lee (Korean) Cover photo by Lim Sheng Haw, © Sabah Tourism Board
DESIGNED & PRINTED BY
Inna Kinabalu Sdn Bhd(Publisher of The New Sabah Times)Jalan Pusat Pembangunan Masyarakat, Sembulan88100 Kota Kinabalu
Every ef for t has been made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of publication. The publisher cannot be heldresponsible for any inaccuracies, omissions and alterations whichmay occur as a result of last minute changes. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the writ ten permission ofthe Sabah Tourism Board.
Melissa LeongEditor
Editorial
LAUNCHING OF SANDAKAN FESTIVAL2 JUNE 2007Known as the ‘Gateway to Borneo’s Wildlife’,Sandakan will be hosting its own programme of activ-ities and celebrations in their week-long festival. Agreat time to explore Sandakan’s sights namely theworld-renowned Sepilok Orang Utan and theKinabatangan River.Organiser: Sandakan Municipal CouncilFor furher info: Catherin ChuaTel: +60 89 229751, 275400 Fax: +60 89 222964Email: [email protected]
ASIAN FEDERATION OF FOOTBALL (AFC)UNDER-13 FESTIVAL4-10 JUNE 2007Calling football fans! Come and watch young Asianfootball talents compete in the Asian Federation ofFootball (AFC) Under-13 Festival this June. Held atthe Likas Sports Complex and Universiti MalaysiaSabah (UMS) grounds in Kota Kinabalu, the event willsee the participation of teams from around Asia.Malaysia is one of the four regional venues which willplay host to this prestigious event. Organiser: Asian Federation of Football (AFC) For further info: Ministry of Youth & Sports SabahTel: +60 88 287 555 / 287566
SENDAIT RIA: 50 HOURS NON-STOP OFTRADITIONAL SABAH FOLK SONGS8-10 JUNE 2007Come and witness a ‘Malaysia Book of Records’moment in the making! The Sendait Ria will feature50-hours non-stop of traditional Sabah folk songsfrom various ethnic groups including theKadazandusun, Lundayeh, Rungus, Bajau, Suluk,Bisaya and Brunei to name a few. Organised by theDewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Cawangan Sabah(DBPCS), the event will take place in the district ofPitas beginning 8 June at 3:30pm and end the follow-ing day at 5:30pm. More than 100 songs in 20 lan-guages will be performed so don’t miss this once in alifetime event!Organiser: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka CawanganSabah (DBPCS)For further info: Abdul Nassir SaidCliff Akid Kamijan AbdullahTel: +60 88 439 653E-mail [email protected] / [email protected]
MATAKING REEF DAY9 JUNE 2007The Reef Dive Resort at Mataking Island, a 45-min-utes boat ride away from Semporna, has dedicatedthis time of the year to carry out continuous conser-vation activities to save the reefs. A marine expert andspecially-trained PADI Dive Masters and Instructorswill assist the divers in all aspects of the event.
Organiser:Mataking Reef Dive ResortFor further info: Sophia Sie (Executive Director)Tel: +60 89 770022 Fax: +60 89 770023Email: [email protected]
SUTERA HARBOUR JUNIOR AMATEUROPEN 200715 – 16 JUNE 2007Open to boys and girls aged 21 and below (a handi-cap of 18 below to qualify for A1 Boys Category and24 below to qualify for Boys Category). The girls arerequired to have a handicap of 36 to qualify for thetournament.Organiser: Sutera Harbour Golf ClubFor further info:Communications DepartmentTel: +60 88 318888Fax: +60 88 303338Email:[email protected]
3RD MAH ENVIRONMENTAL WEEK 200716-23 JUNE 2007Join in the gotong-royong (clean-up) activities andother environment-related projects during this week-long event. On the 23rd of June, test your raft-makingskills during the Raft Building and RaftingCompetition, also organized by MAH (Sabah/LabuanChapter).Organiser: Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH),Sabah/Labuan ChapterFor further info: Tulip NoorazyzeTel: +60 88 293852Email: [email protected]
VOCAL RECITAL BY TAN SIN SIM WITHPIANIST GENEVIENE WONG 16 JUNE 2007The Kota Kinabalu Music Society proudly presents aone-night only vocal recital with Malaysian soprano,Tan Sin Sim, accompanied by Geneviene Wong onthe piano. The concert will take place at the YayasanSabah Mini Auditorium. Tickets are available at PangPianos (+6088-266670) and Music Mart (+6088-232629) Don’t miss this musical treat!Organiser: Kota Kinabalu Music SocietyFor further info: Helen TseuTel: +60 88-437322Email: [email protected] Website: www.geocities.com/kkmusicsociety
22ND SABAH DRAGON BOAT RACE17 JUNE 2007A traditional Chinese festival that envolved frommyths and legend, that has grown into one of themain highlights of the year. This exciting race hasattracted many teams from as far as Australia, HongKong, Japan, China, Brunei and Indonesia.Organisers: Sabah Tourism BoardSri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn BhdSabah Chinese Culture AssociationFor further info: Zachary S. MobijohnTel: +60 88 232121, 260431, 212121Fax: +60 88 265540Email: [email protected]
DAMA ORCHESTRA CONCERTS 21 JUNE 2007 (SANDAKAN), 23 JUNE 2007(TAWAU)Come and enjoy a thrilling performance of Malaysia’saward-winning Dama Orchestra, dubbed as the‘ambassador of Malaysia’s Chinese TraditionalMusic’. An outstanding musical performance thatshould not be missed!Organiser: Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn BhdFor further info: Susan ShahiraTel: +60 88 232121Fax: +60 88 265540Email: [email protected]
PESTA MENUGAL30 JUNE 2007This event is held to foster unity and encourage farm-ers to cultivate local produce such as hill rice (padibukit).Organiser: Persatuan Petani dan PenternakBumiputra Sabah (PETANAH)For further info: Gaibin RansoiTel: +60 88 499157, 016 8133156Fax: +60 88 499157Email: [email protected]
Mataking Reef Dive Resort
Sutera Harbour Resort
3F e a t u r e P r e s o n a l i t y
D.H. Robinson is anything but mild. Born in 1917 inWoodford, Essex, Robinson is now 90 but his lust for travel and adventure has not waned. He tells his stories
best in his books Mild Man in Borneo and the sequel, Mild ManGoes North (A Tale of Old Sabah). Robinson was recently inKota Kinabalu for the launching of Mild Man Goes North, and hisenthusiasm for his publication was infectious. The book tells ofhis time in Sabah, where he was engaged in road and construction works for several years. His stories are sprinkledwith humour and dry wit, told in a nonchalant manner thatmakes the reader feel as if Robinson was sitting across thetable relating the story himself. His attention to detail is commendable, as are his description of the many colourful characters who crossed his path during his time in Borneo. Thebook also features several black and white photos of ‘old’Sabah, including the famous Gaya Street in Kota Kinabalu andthe Sandakan Fish Market.
Although it has been years since he left Borneo for good,Robinson always seems to find his way back. “For the last 9years particularly, I have been coming back to Borneo to avoidthe winter,” says Robinson, who now resides in a cottage insouthwest France. His trips last for approximately 2– 3 weeks ata time. Sabah holds many memories for him, including the birthof his twins on 10 September 1962. “It was my children who
inspired me to write my stories,” he says, adding that the booksare a way of letting his children know what he’s ‘been up to’. Butwriting his memoirs was no easy feat. “The first book (Mild Manin Borneo) which talks about both Sabah and Sarawak where Iwas stationed for several years, took 15 years to complete!” heconfessed. However, the sequel took only 2 years to compileand complete. Although decades have passed since he lived inthis part of the world, Robinson is in touch with many of hisfriends here and is surprised at how many people still remember this ‘Orang Putih’! “I was in Kuching recently and anIndian man came up to me. At first, I completely did not remember him but I was amazed that after 40 years, he couldstill recognize me,” he laughs.
So apart from escaping the harsh winters of the northernhemisphere, what makes Robinson a frequent visitor toBorneo? “I love the people,” he immediately replies. “The people of Sabah are so likeable and friendly – It’s hard not tolove them!” Anything else?
“The girls.” he concludes, with a twinkle in his eye, “Theladies here are so good looking!” Robinson’s books are a greatway to step back in time to explore the charm of old Sabah butin the heart and mind of D.H. Robinson, his love affair withBorneo is timeless.
4 H a p p e n i n g s & H i g h l i g h t s
It’s back! The annual Sabah Dragon Boat Race enters its 22ndyear, promising an exciting event at Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu,where top local and international teams will paddle their way
to the finish line to the beat of the Chinese drum. With six tro-phies up for grabs, the event has drawn teams from around theworld including Australia, Japan, China, Indonesia and Brunei.Traditionally held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of theChinese calendar, the Dragon Boat Race is held in conjunctionwith the Duanwu Festival, a time to honour the ‘spirit of thedragon’, which represents unity and working together as a team
for one common purpose. The Dragon Boat Race is also anevent full of tradition and custom, with the offering of ricedumplings into the sea before the start of the race and the‘awakening’ of the dragon boats by marking their eyes with dotsdays before the race. Don’t miss this fantastic event!Closing date for registration is 13 June 2007. For furtherdetails, please contact Zachary Mobijohn of SriPelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd. at 088-232121, e-mail [email protected] or visit the website atwww.sabahtourism.com/dragonboat/
The Dama Orchestra, Malaysia’s award-winning traditionalChinese musical ensemble, will hit Sabah shores this month.This year, let them serenade you with songs of musical leg-
ends P. Ramlee, Saloma and Teresa Teng. Performing with theDama Orchestra is songbird Tan Soo Suan and baritone Liau SiauSuan, who will mesmerize you with their outstanding vocals com-plemented by unrivalled dramatic flair in this one-night-only concertwhich will take place in Sandakan and Tawau. With sold-out per-formances in worldwide venues, the Dama Orchestra has carved aname in the industry as the ‘ambassador of Malaysia’s traditionalChinese music’. Come and witness Sabah’s most anticipated musi-cal event of the year.For ticket inquiries or further details, please contact SusanShahira of Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd. at telephone no.088-232121 or e-mail [email protected]
Dama Orchestra Concerts21 June (Sandakan), 23 June (Tawau)
22nd Sabah Dragon Boat Race, 17 June
©Sabah Tourism
©Sabah Tourism
5H a p p e n i n g s & H i g h l i g h t s
Come and be part of dedicated conservation efforts during the Mataking Reef Daythis month. The Reef Dive Resort in Mataking, located some 45 minutes by boatfrom Semporna, has invited secondary school students from Tawau and their
teachers to visit the island and participate in a clean-up session. Participants will alsobe treated to an educational talk on the damage caused by littering. Non-divers andchildren can participate in the beach clean-up, while divers will collect rubbish from thereefs underwater. The group who collect the most rubbish will win a prize, and aspecial award will be given to the strangest item found during the clean-up! This andmany other fun activities have been lined-up in conjunction with Mataking Reef Day.Make your way to Mataking this June and do your part for Mother Nature.
The Kota Kinabalu Music Society proudly presents a one-night only vocal recital by Malaysian soprano, Tan SinSim, accompanied by Genevieve Wong on the piano. Tan
Sin Sim began vocal training at the age of 9 and went on to winvarious singing competitions including the prestigious MalaysiaNational Classical Singing Competition in 1999, 2000 and2001.She has also performed with Malaysian PhilharmonicOrchestra (MPO) production Organ & Voices. Genevieve is agraduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama,Scotland and is an accomplished performer. Together, Tan andWong promise a night of great music right here in Kota Kinabalu.For more information, please contact Helen Tseu at 088-437322 or e-mail [email protected] For tickets,contact Pang Pianos at 088-266670 or Music Mart at 088-232629. Visit the KK Music Society website for updates atwww.geocities.com/kkmusicsociety.
The Malaysian Association of Hotels(MAH) (Sabah Chapter sub-committee on Safety, Security &
Environment) will be organizing the 3rdEnvironmental Week this month. Thehighlight of the event is a ‘gotong-royong’ clean-up at the Tanjung Lipatbeach in Likas from 7:00 am to 12:00noon on 16 June, involving some 150participants from MAH member hotels,schools and the City Hall. On 23 June,come and join the excitement at TanjungAru Beach during the Fun Raft RaceChallenge. The rafts are made out ofused mineral water bottles with a singlesheet of plywood as the frame. See howyou can play a part in conserving andpreserving the environment during the3rd Environmental Week. This event issupported by major hotels, resorts andschools in Kota Kinabalu as well as theSabah Journalists Association.
For more information, please contactTulip Noorazyze of Shangri-La’sTanjung Aru Resort at telephone no.088-293852 or e-mail [email protected]
Vocal Recitalby Tan Sin Simwith PianistGenevieveWong 16 June,YayasanSabah MiniAuditorium
Mataking Reef Day, 9 June
3rd Environmental Week16–23 June
Join the excitement as Sabah hosts theAsian Federation of Football (AFC)Under-13 Festival this June. Held at the
Likas Sports Complex and UniversitiMalaysia Sabah (UMS) campus in KotaKinabalu, the event will see the participationof teams from around Asia including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia,Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand,Vietnam, Laos, Timor Leste, Myanmar,Australia and Malaysia. The objective of thefestival is to create a positive approach to thegame, develop sporting behaviour, networking and to provide a fun environmentfor all participants in the sport of football.Malaysia is one of the four regional venueswhich will play host to this prestigious event.Bring your football-loving family and friends tocheer on your favourite teams. You mighteven discover a Beckham or Ronaldo in themaking!For more information, please contact theMinistry of Youth & Sports, Sabah at telephone no. 088 287 555 / 287566.
6 H a p p e n i n g s & H i g h l i g h t s
Sandakan celebrates as they launch the much-awaited Sandakan Festivalon 2 June. A variety of activities and celebration have been planned in conjunction with the week-long festival. Be sure to take the opportunity to
visit Sandakan’s many places of interest, including the renowned Sepilok OrangUtan Rehabilitation Centre and the Kinabatangan river, home to many of Sabah’sdiverse flora and fauna. Sandakan is also rich in history and the best way to learnmore about its past is by taking a stroll along the Sandakan Heritage Trail. For more information, please contact Catherin Chua of the SandakanMunicipal Council at telephone no. 089-229751 or 275400. [email protected]
TM Named Title Sponsor Again for UpcomingMt. Kinabalu International ClimbathonTelekom Malaysia (TM) has generously donatedRM400,000.000 for theprestigious Mt. KinabaluInternational Climbathon.This year, they are onceagain the title sponsor forthe event. A mock chequepresentation was held on 11May 2007 at the PacificSutera Hotel, SuteraHarbour Resort. TM and Sabah Tourism also signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), witnessed by theMinister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, DatukMasidi Manjun.
Launching of ‘MildMan Goes North’British author D.H.Robinson was in KotaKinabalu recently to launchhis book Mild Man GoesNorth (A Tale of OldSabah). The event, at BellaItalia restaurant, wasattended by literary enthu-siasts, friends and mem-bers of the media. The book is an account of Robinson's timein Borneo in the late 1950s and early 1960s, when he wasengaged in road and construction works for several years.The book is a sequel to his earlier publication, Mild Man inBorneo.
Launching of Sandakan Festival2 June
Asian Federation ofFootball (AFC)
Under-13 Festival4–10 June
News
Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
Step into 1 Delight, a great place for Malaysian delicacies andSabah favourites. This cosy restaurant opened its doors inFebruary this year and has quickly become a favourite among
diners. Tucked away in the Taman Landbreeze shophouses alongKepayan Ridge, 1 Delight serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Themenu lists several can’t-go-wrong favourites including Hainan ChickenRice, Tom Yam Prawn mee, mee goreng (fried noodles), nasi lemakand fried rice Yong Chow style. To complement these dishes are a variety of vegetables stir fried with a choice of garlic, oyster sauce orsambal. You can also order your selection of chicken, beef, fish orprawns cooked in your preferred style, be it sweet and sour or with delicious butter sauce. Dishes can be ordered a la carte or served in abigger portion for groups of two or more. However, the true ‘stars’ of 1Delight are their signature Oxtail Asam Pedas and Fish Head AsamPedas –mouthwatering dishes, famous for their tangy and slightly spicysauces. 1 Delight is also unique as they serve an interesting array oftruly Sabah side dishes, including hinava (fish marinated in lime, gingerand onions), tuhau and marinated jelly fish. At night, crowds gatherhere to enjoy a scrumptious BBQ Steamboat dinner, where diners can‘dip’ their food into a steaming pot of soup or grill their food on a hotplate. Interactive dining at its best! The restaurant also has a functionroom on the 1st floor which can hold up to 100 guests at a time. Forgreat prices, ample parking space and a proudly Sabah dining experience, dine at 1 Delight!Catering services are also available. The restaurant does not servepork. 1 Delight is located at Lot 69, Taman Land Breeze Shophouse,Lorong Bunga Kertas, Kota Kinabalu. Business hours are 7:00 am to11:00 pm (closed on Mondays). For more information or to make reservations, please call 088-216699 / 215 699.
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BayviewRestaurantImperial
Sandakan is famous for its great dining experiences, offering fresh seafood and home to some of the best kopi-tiam (coffee shop) fare. On a grander scale, the Imperial
Bayview Restaurant brings you delicious Chinese-style cuisine,which can be enjoyed as you take in the sweeping view ofSandakan bay. The seafood is a must-try, served in variousstyles. Enjoy your lobster baked with cheese or sautéed withbutter. If fresh fish is your thing, you cannot go wrong withsteamed fish with black bean sauce. Be adventurous and trytheir specialties. The stewed assorted mushrooms wrapped inegg white are not only delicious but so beautifully presented, itseems almost a pity to take a bite! Simply mouthwatering are theclams steamed with garlic and served with vermicelli. The aromatic flavour of garlic coupled with the unmistakable taste ofclams is a pleasure to the palate. Complement your meal withsteamed white rice or, for a change, fried rice with seaweed. Inthe mornings, many flock to the restaurant for a hearty dim sum
meal. Choose from a wide variety of dim sum favourites such asthe beef brisket with radish, lotus buns and prawn dumplings.For dessert, the coconut cake or mango pudding will definitelysatisfy your sweet tooth. Dim sum are also served for lunch. Therestaurant also has a bar corner, a great place to enjoy yourfavourite cocktail and desserts as you enjoy a fantastic view ofthe sea. For something different, order Imperial Bayview’s special concoction, the ‘Crystal Jade’. With friendly service,quality food and a breathtaking view, Imperial BayviewRestaurant does not disappoint.
The restaurant is located at The Rotunda, 1st floor,Sandakan Central Market, Sandakan Harbour Square. Businesshours are from 9:30 am (8:00 am on Saturdays; 7:00 am onSundays and public holidays) to 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 10:00pm (dinner). For more information or reservations, please call 089-246888.
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Kapalai island – The mere name conjures the image ofcrystal clear waters and a floating paradise like noother. A 45-minute trip from Semporna by speedboat,
Kapalai island is one of the many beautiful diving havens inthis part of the world. However, Kapalai is truly uniquebecause it is not quite an ‘island’. The 40 chalets are built onhigh wooden stilts in the middle of the ocean. Visitors canenjoy the sights of marine life in action as they stroll alongthe boardwalk, a sturdy construction that connects the various sections of the floating resort.
The resort has 40 chalets, equipped with basic amenities,including tea and coffee making facilities. You will neverhave to gripe about having a less than desirable view: youhave a breathtaking view of the Celebes Sea no matter whereyou turn! The restaurant is a wooden deck, where diners caneat indoors or al fresco. There’s even a viewing area in themiddle of the restaurant which allows you to see the myriadof marine life passing below. The sundeck, a popularfavourite, is a great place to enjoy your novel, work on a tanor indulge in an afternoon siesta.
The Dive Centre provides diving, snorkelling and kayaking gear for rent. Can’t dive but would love to? Noproblem! The centre offers a variety of PADI courses, including Open Water and Introduction to Night Diving. Afterenjoying your underwater paradise, explore other facilitiesoffered by the resort including the souvenir shop, gamesroom and broadband access.
Need your Kapalai fix? Contact Pulau Sipadan Resort at 089-765200 or visit http://www.sipadan-kapalai.com/
– A floating fascinationMy, My Kapalai!
P l a c e s o f I n t e r e s t
©Sabah Tourism
P l a c e s o f I n t e r e s t 9
Balung RiverEco Resort
Whether organizing a family trip or the next annualcompany conference, consider the Balung RiverEco Resort in Tawau for a completely different
experience. Instead of opting for the usual beachside orcountryside accommodation, why not take the unique opportunity to experience plantation life in the comfortableambience of this eco resort?
Set admist the Balung River Estate’s 3,500 acres withthe pristine tropical rainforest of Tawau Hills Park as thebackdrop, Balung River Eco Resort is a perfect getaway forholidaymakers and an increasingly popular venue for groupmeetings or corporate outings. According to the Manager,Mr. Aru, they are receiving more and more bookings fromcorporate groups not only from Sabah but around Malaysiaas well. “I think the appeal of the resort is that you are surrounded by nature and there is a very relaxing ambiencehere. There is also so much to do, not only for the participants, but for their family members as well,” he says.
Visitors can indulge themselves with a myriad of activities during their stay. Learn more about agriculture andthe methods involved in processing the various crops foundhere. Join the interesting guided tours and briefings on thenumerous plantation crops such as oil palm, cocoa, pepperand coffee to name a few. It also prides itself on being adeveloper of large-scale teakwood and arenga pinnata(sugar palm) plantation. See how the sugar palm is cultivated and processed into edible sugar. A very interesting experience! Also found here are an abundance offruits, from the local favourites (bananas) to more exoticspecies, such as the dragon fruit and abiu.
The chalets are built with river stones and local timber,giving it a rustic feel. Tastefully furnished and air-conditioned, the rooms are comfortable and clean, ensuringyou have a pleasant stay. If you feel like having a dip, youcan drop by the swimming pool, located a short distancefrom the chalets, or you can venture to the cataracts ofBalung River. Some ends of the river are quite deep so inexperience swimmers need to take caution. Freshwaterfishing is also a popular leisure activity at a man-made pond.The fishes reeled in can be cooked to your liking by theresort chefs. Even your dining experience will prove to be aunique one at the resort’s restaurant as the vegetable dishes and fruit desserts are prepared from freshly harvested garden produce.
The eco resort also has a golf putting green, mountainbiking trail, camping site and provides a city tour of TawauTown. At the end of the day, make your way to the TowerDeck to get a panoramic view of the surrounding plantationor go bird watching. Whether you wish to relax or exploreand experience plantation life, Balung River Eco Resortpromises an unforgettable experience.For reservations and enquiries, please contact theresort at 089-761 339 or the Head Office at 088-233499.E-mail [email protected] or visit the website athttp://www.seaventuresdives.com©Sabah Tourism
10
Sandakan – the gateway to Sabah’swildlife and a city still rich with tales ofyesterday. Undoubtedly, Sandakan is oneof the must-visits during your holiday inthe Land below the Wind. This charming city brings you yet another
attraction: Sandakan Harbour Square. Located alongthe shoreline of Sandakan, the grand project is set tobring the city an exciting new look and lifestyle.
The Harbour Square spans approximately 5hectares and is divided into two phases. The firstphase includes the construction of the Central Market,61 three-storey shoplots, a 1.5-kilometre Esplanadestretch, a 1-hectare square and a boutique hotel. Thesecond phase will entail the building of a four-storeyshopping complex, an integrated 7-storey car parkwith more than 1000 parking bays, a five-star hotel runby an international chain complemented by aconvention centre.
The project, with a total development value ofRM240 million, spearheads the return of ‘Little HongKong’, as Sandakan was fondly referred to in earliertimes. This was due to the thriving businesses and timber boom. Apart from creating exciting investmentopportunities, Sandakan Harbour Square brings a newbreath of life to residents as well as visitors. TheEsplanade, which was officially launched in June2006, is fast becoming a popular hangout for theyoung and trendy. With its al fresco dining style, manylike to come here for a drink while enjoying therefreshing sea breeze. In the morning, tourists are fascinated by the sight of fishermen docking with theirearly catch. This fresh supply of seafood is then carted off to the Central Market, where a busy day oftrading begins. The Central Market is now home tostall-owners who have relocated from the former market. In the evening, why not sample the seafood ofyour choice at the Imperial Bayview Restaurant at TheRotunda? Dine on the finest while you enjoy a view ofthe Sulu Sea.
The Pedestrian Mall concept is also geared to givevisitors a pleasant shopping experience. With its spacious walkways and myriad of shopping outlets aswell as dining choice, this aspect of Sandakan HarbourSquare will be comparable to that of Kuala Lumpur’sfamous Bintang Walk. Sandakan will also be able toplay host to large-scale conventions, conferences andother exciting events with the construction ofSandakan Harbour Square’s Convention Hall. Apartfrom the five-star hotel which will be built as part ofPhase 2 of the project, the Harbour Square is only astone’s throw from other hotels in the Sandakan city,making the location ideal for meetings and conferences.
With its prime location, exciting line-up of retail anddining outlets and stylish design, Sandakan HarbourSquare is geared to be one of the city’s top attractions.Enjoy the freshest seafood, treat yourself to a dose ofretail therapy, mingle with the trendy crowd or simplybask in the sunset as you stroll along the Esplanade –the experiences are endless at Sandakan HarbourSquare.
Sandakan
F e a t u r e • 1 1
Harbour Square
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T h r o u g h t h e L e n s
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14 C u l t u r e
TheKulintanganThe Brunei people first introduced the kulintangan into Sabah, but it is
also traditionally used by the Bajaus. It is played mostly on festiveoccasions such as weddings and religious ceremonies, when it is
played usually together with other traditional Kadazan gongs. The instrument consists of a set of about seven small brass gongs,
which have different notes when they are struck. The gongs are placedloosely on a wooden stand, next to each other in a row. The player sits onthe floor in front of the row of gongs and beats them with two small wooden mallets.
The music of the kulintangan is very melodious, because there are bothvery high and low notes in it. It is pleasant to hear, but very difficult to playwell.
During wedding ceremonies, the kulintangan is played together withanother instrument called the ‘rabana’. The rabana is played when the people lead the bride and bridegroom to the place of the wedding, whilethe kulintangan is only played in the house. The rabana is almost the sametype of instrument as the kulintangan, except that the notes are differentand that the base of the instrument is covered with the skin of animals. Therabana has only five notes, and its gongs are not placed together like thekulintangan.
Courtesy of Sabah State Archive Library.
©Sabah Tourism
©Sabah Tourism
Orkestra Dama, iaitu kumpulan muzikal tradisional Cina dariMalaysia yang pernah memenangi anugerah akan munculdi Sabah bulan ini. Tahun ini, mereka akan menghiburkan
anda dengan lagu-lagu muzikal legenda P. Ramlee, Saloma danTeresa Teng. Persembahan akan dijayakan bersama penyanyiterkemuka Tan Soo Suan dan baritone Liau Siau Suan yangakan memukau anda dengan kemantapan vokal dilengkapkan
dengan bakat dramatik tak terbanding pada konsert semalam iniyang akan diadakan di Sandakan dan Tawau. Dengan persem-bahan hebat di seluruh dunia, Orkestra Dama telah mengukirnama dalam industri ini sebagai ‘duta muzik tradisional CinaMalaysia’. Datang dan saksikan acara muzik paling dinantikan diSabah tahun ini.Untuk pertanyaan tiket atau maklumat lanjut, sila hubungiSusan Shahira di Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd di talian088-232121 atau e-mel [email protected]
Ia Kembali Lagi! Perlumbaan Perahu Naga Sabah memasukitahun yang ke-22, menjanjikan perlumbaan yang menarik.Acara ini berlangsung di Pantai Likas, Kota Kinabalu. Di sana
pasukan utama tempatan dan antarabangsa akan berentap kegarisan penamat dengan iringan paluan gendang Cina.Dengan enam piala menjadi rebutan, acara ini menarikpasukan-pasukan dari seluruh dunia termasuk Australia,Jepun, China, Indonesia dan Brunei. Tradisinya diadakan padahari kelima bulan kelima kalendar Cina, perlumbaan PerahuNaga pertama diadakan bersempena dengan Pesta Duanwu,masa untuk menghormati ‘semangat naga’, yang melam-bangkan perpaduan dan kerjasama sebagai satu pasukan kearah satu tujuan yang sama. Perlumbaan Perahu Naga jugamerupakan satu acara penuh adat dan tradisi, denganmenaburkan beras pulut ke laut sebelum bermulanya perlum-baan dan ‘kebangkitan perahu naga dengan menandakanmata mereka dengan titik merah beberapa hari sebelum per-lumbaan. Jangan lepaskan peluang untuk menyaksikan acaramenarik ini!Tarikh tutup pendaftaran adalah pada 13 Jun 2007. Untuk maklumat lanjut, hubungi Zachary Mobijohn di SriPelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd. di talian 088-232121, [email protected] atau kunjungi laman web diwww.sabahtourism.com/dragonboat/
Perlumbaan Perahu NagaSabah ke-22, 17 Jun
Konsert Orkestra Dama21 Jun (Sandakan), 23 Jun (Tawau)Konsert Orkestra Dama21 Jun (Sandakan), 23 Jun (Tawau) ©
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©Sabah Tourism
17B a h a s a M a l a y s i a
Sertai keseronokan ini kerana Sabah menjadu tuan rumahdalam Festival Persekutuan Bolasepak Asia (AFC) Bawah-13 Jun ini. Diadakan di Kompleks Sukan likas dan
padang Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) di Kota Kinabalu,acara ini akan menyaksikan penyertaan pasukan dari sekitarAsia termasuklah Brunei, Kemboja, Indonesia, Singapura,Filipina, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Timor Leste, Myanmar,Australia dan Malaysia. Objektif festival ini adalah untuk mewujudkan pendekatan positif dalam sukan ini,mengembangkan sikap kesukanan, rangkaian kerja dan membekalkan suasana seronok untuk semua peserta dalamsukan bola sepak. Malaysia merupakan salah sebuah dari empattempat di rantau ini yang akan menjadi tuan rumah untuk kejohanan berprestij ini. Bawalah keluarga anda dan rakan-rakan yang meminati bola sepak agar turut sertamenyokong pasukan yang anda minati. Anda mungkin menemuibakal menjadi Beckham atau Ronaldo!Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Kementerian Belia danSukan Sabah di talian 088-287555/287556.
Dengan jarak yang amat dekat dengan pusat bandarayaKota Kinabalu, disanalah terletaknya Jesselton Point yangcantik dan bersejarah yang sebelum ini dikenali sebagai
Terminal Feri Kota Kinabalu. Kawasan dermaga itumenampilkan wajah baru dengan penerapan nostalgia zamanpenjajah. Ia bermula sebagai kawasan kapal berlabuh dan persinggahan peniaga selama bertahun-tahun. Ia juga menjaditerminal untuk perkhidmatan laluan kereta api. Laluannya masihboleh dilihat apabila anda bersiar-siar di sepanjang jalan konkritnya.
Hari ini, Jesselton Point sedang menuju menjadi bandardepan laut bertaraf dunia, dengan menonjolkan pelbagai kemudahan untuk keperluan perniagaan, tempat tinggal, hiburan, jualan dan perhimpunan. Projek 15 tahun ini dijangkasiap dalam tiga peringkat, yang meliputi kawasan seluas 23ekar: Satu kawasan nakal menjadi pusat hiburan, makanan dankedai jualan. Ketika ini, ia juga bertindak sebagai terminal utamabuat feri dan bot penumpang yang ingin belayar ke WilayahPersekutuan Labuan atau menikmati kehidupan sehari di pulaudi Taman Laut Tunku Abdul Rahman.
Melangkahlah ke 1 Delight: Tempat hebat yang menghidangkan makanan Malaysia yang menjadi kegemaran orang Sabah. Restoran yang menyelesakan
ini membuka pintunya pada Februari tahun ini dan segera menjadi pilihan dalam kalangan orang ramai. Terletak di rumahkedai Taman Landbreeze di Kepayan Ridge, 1 Delight menghidangkan sarapan, makan tengah hari dan makan malam.Menunya menyenaraikan makanan kegemaran termasuklahNasi Ayam Hainan, Mi Udang Tom Yam, mi goreng, nasi lemakdan nasi ayam ala Yong Chow. Sebagai pelengkap hidangan iniialah pelbagai jenis sayuran yang digoreng dengan pilihanbawang putih, sos tiram atau sambal. Anda juga boleh memesanpilihan ayam, daging lembu atau udang dimasak ala cara kegemaran anda, sama ada masam manis atau sos keju yangenak. Hidangan boleh juga dipesan secara a la carte atau hidangan besar untuk sekumpulan dua atau lebih.Bagaimanapun ‘bintang’ sebenar 1 Delight ialah asam pedasekor lembu atau asam pedas kepala ikan - hidangan menyelerakan, terkenal dengan kuahnya yang sedikit pedas. 1Delight juga unik kerana mereka menghidangkan pelbagai hidangan Sabah, termasuklah hinava (ikan yang dijerukbersama-sama limau nipis, halia dan bawang), tuhau dan jerukobor-obor. Restoran ini juga memiliki sebuah bilik majlis ditingkat satu yang boleh mengumpulkan 100 tetamu dalam satumasa. Untuk harga yang berpatutan, ruang letak kenderaanmencukupi dan pengalaman makan malam ala Sabah, makanlahdi 1 Delight!Khidmat katering juga ada. Restoran ini tidak menghidangkanmakanan haram. 1 Delight terletak di Lot 69, Taman Land BreezeShophouse, Lorong Bunga Kertas, Kota Kinabalu. Waktu perniagaan adalah dari pukul 7:00 pagi hingga 11:00 malam(ditutup pada hari Isnin). Untuk maklumat lanjut atau tempahan awal, sila hubungi088-216699/215699.
Jesselton Point
1 Delight
Festival Persekutuan Bola SepakAsia (AFC) Bawah-13, 4-10 Jun
Mari Makan!
Kunjungi...
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©Sabah Tourism
©Sabah Tourism
©Sabah Tourism
1 8 C h i n e s e
©Sabah Tourism
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20 J a p a n e s e
J a p a n e s e 21
22 K o r e a n
K o r e a n 23
Ambulance/Police -999
Police HotlineHQ SABAH – 088-253555 KK – 088-221191
Airport - 088-238555
Queen Elizabeth Hospital088-218166
Damai Specialist Centre088-222922
Information Services 088-280600/ 280631/ 280641
Us
efu
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um
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rs Yayasan Sabah Ambulance088-326655
International Telephone Directory Assistance -108Sabah Medical Centre
088-211333
Fire Department - 994SANDAKAN (089)
!Hospital 212111
!Airport 660405
!Immigrations 668308
TAWAU (089)
!Hospital 773533
!Airport 950013
!Immigrations 773343
LABUAN (087)
!Hospital 413333
!Airport 415015
!Immigrations 412298
Sabah Tourism Board No.51, Jalan Gaya, 88000, Kota KinabaluTel: 088-212121 Fax: 088-212075Email: [email protected]: www.sabahtourism.com
Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn BhdLot 4, Ground Floor, Block L, Sinsuran Complex,88000, Kota KinabaluTel: 088-232121 Fax: 088-265540Email: [email protected]: www.sabahtourism.com
Tourism Malaysia (Sabah)Lot 1-0-7, Ground Floor, Block 1, Lorong Api-Api1, Api Api Centre, 88000, Kota KinabaluTel:088-248698/ 211732E-mail: [email protected]: www.tourism.gov.my
Kota KinabaluGaya Street Fair - SundayKampung Air - Sunday
Penampang InobongSunday
TuaranPekan Tuaran - SundayKiulu - Tuesday
SandakanSandakan Town - SundayGua Mantong Jaya - Sunday
Kuala PenyuMenumbok - Sunday
Ranau Pekan Kundasang - Friday
KudatPekan TomburungusTuesday & Wednesday
PaparLok Kawi Sabindo - Saturday
SipitangSindumin - Saturday
Kuala PenyuMenumbok - Sunday
SempornaPekan Semporna - Sunday
* most tamus operate as early as 6am and close by 2pm.KOTA KINABALUSabah State MuseumMon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pmJln. Bukit Istana Lama, Kota KinabaluTel: 088-253199/263551
Sabah Islamic Civilisation MuseumMon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pmJalan Menteri, off Jalan Tunku AbdulRahman, Kota KinabaluTel: 088-538227/538228
Sabah Ethnobotanical Heritage MuseumMon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pmBukit Istana Lama, Kota KinabaluTel: 088-253199/263551
Second World War Memorial PetagasOpen dailyTel:088-253199
Kinarut Mansion Ruins MuseumMon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pmTel: 088-253199/263551
SANDAKANAgnes Keith House, SandakanMon - Sun: 9.00am - 5.00pmTel: 089-222679
Sandakan Memorial ParkMon - Sun: 9am-5pmSibuga Forest ReserveMile 7, Jalan Labuk, SandakanTel: 016 8221616 (Doris)
Sandakan Heritage MuseumMon - Sun: 9am-5pmWisma Warisan, SandakanTel: 089-222679
Batu Tulug Archaeological Site Museum, KinabatanganMon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pmTel: 088-253199
TAWAUTeck Guan Cocoa Museum Mon-Fri: 8am -11:30am
1:30pm-4:30pmSat: 8am-12pm Sun: ClosedMile 2, Tanjung Batu Laut, Teck Guan Factory, TawauTel:089-775566 ext 2601
Bukit Tengkorak ArchaelogicalSite Museum, SempornaMon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pmTel: 088-253199
OTHER DISTRICTSMurut Museum (Sabah Murut Cultural Centre , Tenom)Mon – Sun: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Lembaga Kebudayaan Negeri Sabah (Tenom Branch) W.D.T 72, 89909Tenom.Tel: 087-734506
Mat Salleh Memorial, TambunanOpen DailyKg. Tibabar, TambunanTel :088-253199/ 263551
Kundasang War Memorial, Open daily including Public HolidaysTel: 019 899 2041 (Mr. SeveeCharuruks)
MUSEUMS & MEMORIALS
TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES
TAMU MARKETS
© Sabah Travel Guide
The tamu, the local lingo for open-air market, is an integralpart of Sabah’s community. In the olden days, the tamuwas more than a place of trade. Every district holds a
weekly (sometimes twice or thrice weekly) tamu. Traditionally,the tamu is not only a place to gather and trade, but for peopleto fraternize. The origin of the tamu dates back to the late 19thand early 20th centuries. The British North Borneo Companyintroduced the tamu as a neutral meeting ground to foster tiesamong the vastly divergent ethnic groups and growing numbers of immigrants to the state of North Borneo (Sabah, aswe now know it). Each ethnic group specialized in certain produce. For example, the Dusun of the interior valleys andhills produced beeswax and herbs, while the coastal Irranunpeople traded salted fish. The Rungus tribe had hill rice, vegetables and livestock.
Today the tamu is still a vital part of the local community. Be itin villages or in a city like Kota Kinabalu, the tamu is a greatplace for good bargains and to experience a variety of sights,sounds and smells! The weekly Gaya Street Fair in KotaKinabalu is one of the most popular markets. Every Sunday,the side streets along Gaya Street are closed and traders setup their stalls for a busy day of bargains. Here you can find amyriad of things from delicious local cakes (perfect for breakfast) to exotic orchids. The Gaya Street Fair is alsounique with its talented street musicians and various charitydrives. There’s even a corner where you can enjoy a foot massage by blind masseuses, in aid of the Sabah Society forthe Blind. But if it’s some true-blue Sabahan oddities you want,visit the tamu on the outskirts of KK city, such as Donggongonor Kota Belud. These are great places to buy local delicaciessuch as bambangan (a mango-like fruit often preserved andenjoyed with other dishes) and noonsom (fermented fish – definitely an acquired taste!). You can also look for rice wine(lihing) here.
The mother of all tamu is, without a doubt, the annual TamuBesar (literally translated as Big Market) held in Kota Belud.Not only does the tamu come alive with its lively traders, butalso with a variety of song, dance and even a beauty pageantfor the local girls. In a nearby field, tourists and locals flock tosee the ‘Cowboys of the East’ parade their beautifully adornedhorses. Another highlight is the bare-back water-buffalo race.This year, the Tamu Besar will be held on 27–28 October. Timeto hit the tamu!
A Trip to The
Tamu
Recommended
