Sabah Malaysian Borneo Buletin February 2009

February 2009 Volume 96

RM 1.00

Romancing Sabah! INSIDE: Feature Personality, On The Street, Directory Listing and more!

Contents

ADVISOR YBhg. Dato’ Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin / Sitti B. Damsal EDITOR Melissa Leong DESIGNER Trevor Thomson

Lam C.W.

Charlieking Padasian Faizal Jaini (Kadaiku Section) PUBLISHER Sabah Tourism Board / Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd. 51 Gaya Street, 88000 Kota Kinabalu TRANSLATORS Chin Yen Sang (Chinese) Rie Harada (Japanese) Emzee Lee (Korean) BM EDITOR Puan Hjh. Asmiah Ajamain, Dewan Bahasa Dan Pustaka DESIGNED & PRINTED BY

COVER

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Feature Personality - Scot Toon, Gaya Eco-Resort

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Happenings & Highlights City Day Regatta Zoom Kota Kinabalu City Tourism Treasure Hunt Local Handicraft Exhibition North Borneo Sacred Legacy Photographic Exhibition Fiesta Cahaya Upcoming Events News

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Eating Out

David Kirkland

Inna Kinabalu Sdn Bhd (Publisher of The New Sabah Times) Jalan Pusat Pembangunan Masyarakat, Sembulan 88100 Kota Kinabalu Ever y effort has been made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of publication. The publisher cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions and alterations which may occur as a result of last minute changes. No par t of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the Sabah Tourism Board.

Kedai Kopi Chuan Hin California Grill

Message from the Editor

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On The Street

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Places of Interest HIking at Bukit Gemok

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am a fool for love. The sunset walks, the flowers and the sappy declarations – They make me smile just as much as the next love-struck fool. Needless to say, the month of February beckons me to present you Sabah in all its romantic glory. Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be about overpriced roses and over-the-top evenings. In our Feature pages (p.10-11) this month, check out great romantic ideas for you and your significant other that are not only unique but many of which are affordable too. Fall in love all over again - Sabah-style! From honeymoon getaways to an unforgettable wedding destination, Sabah has plenty to offer for any twosome.

While in Sabah, take the time to experience the various Happenings and Highlights (p.4-5) including the local handicraft exhibition at the Monsopiad Cultural Village and the Northborneo Sacred Legacy Photographic Exhibition. The city of Kota Kinabalu turns 9 years old this month and a myriad of events are held in conjunction with the celebrations. Check out our Calendar of Events or for more information, contact the Kota Kinabalu City Hall. Look forward to more exciting events in the coming months. We also took to the streets this month and spoke to the local folk on their favourite coffee shop picks (p.7). Look out for more ‘On The Street’ opinions in our upcoming issues. We’ve also given our listing page a new look – a useful guide to help make your trip a smoother one. We hope our publication gives you a better insight on Sabah and all it has to offer. Are you ready to fall in love with Sabah?

Melissa Leong Editor

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Places of Interest Tun Mustapha Tower (Menara Tun Mustapha)

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Feature Built For Two!

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Through The Lens Sabah Thrills and Spills!

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Culture The Sompoton

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Products of the Month at Kadaiku Sabah Souvenirs & Handicrafts

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Bahasa Malaysia Section

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Chinese Section

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Japanese Section

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Korean Section

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Directory Listings

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Sabah Map & Listings

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The Legend of Mount Kinabalu & Tanjung Simpang Mengayau - The Tip of Borneo

Local Handicarft Exhibition Every Saturday and Sunday for the month of February 2009 Sabah is known for its authentic handicraft, made using skills that are passed down from one generation to the next. In this exhibition, visitors will get to know the various types of handicraft found in Sabah and meet the craftspeople behind it. Organiser: Monsopiad Cultural Village For further info: Monsopiad Cultural Village Tel: 088 761336, 774337 Fax: 088 761680 Email: [email protected] International Darts Tournament 2009 February 2009 An annual event held in conjunction with the City’s 9th anniversary. Participants include local and international darts enthusiasts. Organiser: Kota Kinabalu City Hall For further info: Lifred Wong Tel: 088 521800 Fax: 088 219175 Email: [email protected] VIP Golf Tournament February 2009 Tee off for the needy at the City Charity Golf Tournament, organized in conjunction with the City Day celebrations. Organiser: Kota Kinabalu City Hall For further info: Alijus Sipil Tel: 088 521800 Fax: 088 244544 Email: [email protected]

9th City Day Celebration 2 February 2009 Join the city folks as they celebrate Kota Kinabalu’s

9th anniversary as a city. Have your family and friends participate in the many activities held during the week to win exciting prizes. Organiser: Kota Kinabalu City Hall For further info: Faradillah Abd Rani Tel: 088 521800 Fax: 088 233815 Email: [email protected] North Borneo Sacred Legacy Photographic Exhibition 2 – 27 February 2009 The establishment and founding of the Sabah Museum was based on this special and exclusive G.C Woolley collection. The collection was bequeathed by its collector George Catchart Woolley, a Senior British Administrator, a graduate from Queens College, Oxford to the then North Borneo Government. This superb collection has become a great legacy of Sabah’s pre-colonial era that help mold and shape Sabah’s current socio-cultural and socio-economic landscape. G.C Woolley’s romantic experience with the various indigenous ethnic communities will be showcased in this exhibition. Come visit and experience the legacy yourselves. Organiser: Sabah Museum For further info: Datuk Jospeh Pounis Guntavid Tel: 088 253199 Fax: 088 240230 Email: [email protected] Fiesta Cahaya 2009 21 February Organised by the Culture and Arts Exco of Universiti Sabah Malaysia, the Fiesta Cahaya 2009 showcases the unique and colourful Indian culture. Enjoy a variety of entertainment including traditional song and dance performances. The event takes place at the University’s Chancellor Hall. Tickets are available for purchase. Organiser: Culture and Arts Exco of Universiti Sabah Malaysia For further info: Mr. Sathiaseallan Tel: +017 532 3371 Website: www.fiestacahaya.com

City Day Regatta 21 – 22 February 2009 The City Day Regatta is held over two days, comprising of several races to determine the champions in various classes of boats. The event is held as part of the KK City Day celebrations. Organiser: Kinabalu Yacht Club For further info: Bobby Willie – Vice Commodore Tel: 088 240070, 243070, 019 8808859 Fax: 088 243007 Email: [email protected] Kota Kinabalu City Tourism Treasure Hunt 2009 22 February 2009 An annual event held in conjunction with the City Day Celebration. Treasure hunters search the city high and low while getting to know Kota Kinabalu better. Everone is welcome to join the hunt and win attractive prizes. Organiser: Kota Kinabalu City Hall For further info: Fauziahton Ag. Samad Tel: 088 521800 Fax: 088 316137 Email: [email protected]

City Run 1 March 2009 The City Run is held in conjunction with the City’s 9th anniversary. Some 10, 000 citizens of Kota Kinabalu are expected to participate in this years run, which offers attractive prizes and a fun lucky draw. Organiser: Kota Kinabalu City Hall For further info: Joannes Solidau Tel: 088 521800 Fax: 088 316137 Email: [email protected]

Feature Personality

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Scot Toon – Gayana Eco-Resort, General Manager he sound of waves lapping against the shore, blue-green waters surround you and the warmth of the sun kissing your skin all day long – While most of us toy with the idea of such an idyllic holiday, for Scot Toon, it’s just another day at the ‘office’. “This place is just beautiful – I love what I do,” says the current General Manager of Gayana Eco-Resort. And who could blame him? The New Zealand native has been in the hotel industry since 1991, having worked and help established several hotels and resorts in Australia, Sri Lanka and the Maldives. As fate would have it, he soon found his way to Sabah shores some 9 months ago. “I was excited to come here. I’ve actually visited Sabah when I was around 6 or 7 years old and I am amazed at how it has changed in the last 20 years!” he says. Today, Scot is back with his wife and two sons in tow, with big plans for refurbished Gayana Eco-Resort. “Our direction is to make it a unique luxury Borneo island experience. We want to immerse our guests in the tropical island experience with a heavy emphasis on the sea – hence the over-water chalets,” he explains. Scot also takes pride in the fact that Gayana provides each guest a personalized service, making them feel right at home. “Our staff makes an effort to know each guest by name and check-in is even done in the room itself – we don’t have a large lobby area where guests have to line up to check-in. We keep it small and personalized here. After the check-in, we offer a tour of the resort to our guests,” he says, adding that most of their guests are couples who come to Gayana for a tranquil and luxurious experience. But it’s not all just frills here at Gayana. Scot and his team are dedicated in playing their part for marine conservation and this is evident through efforts such as the coral regeneration and giant clam propagation projects. Guests can learn more about these efforts at the resorts’ Marine Ecological Research Centre. Earlier in March 2008, a boat was sunk just off the resort and turned into a wreck-diver’s haven. Cleanliness is also at the top of Scot’s list of concerns. “When I first came to KK, I was pleasantly surprised at how clean the city was in comparison to most other Asian cities. However, we seem to have a problem with rubbish in the sea,” he voices out. “Some of our boats transporting guests to the resort have to stop halfway to avoid floating rubbish in the sea and this isn’t really a good way for guests to

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©D.Kirkland/Sabah Tourism

start their holiday!” he laments. The staff of Gayana painstakingly cleans their stretch of beach each day only to have the tide bring in more rubbish. “I think it starts with education. It’s not enough that we tell people to not throw their rubbish into the rivers and sea. It has to be a practice, a way of life. For example, here at Gayana, we educate the staff (most of whom come from nearby villages on the island) on the importance of disposing their rubbish correctly and they in turn relay the message to their family and friends,” he shares, adding that Gayana was also named a Litter-Free Resort by the Kota Kinabalu City Hall in 2008 – the first such establishment to receive the title. Sabah has certainly made quite the impression on Scot. “The people here are very

friendly. I walk down the street and people say hello to me and even welcome me to Sabah, thinking I am a tourist!” he laughs. “Sabahans are fantastic people. All our guests always comment on how personable and friendly our staff is. I think Sabahans are very good hosts by nature, mainly because they are family-oriented people and are just naturally very warm and welcoming,” Scot says proudly of his crew. Having been here less than a year, he states that there’s definitely plenty he’d like to explore in Sabah. “I’ve brought my family to Sepilok to see the Orang-Utan and explored parts of KK city. However, I would like to climb Mount Kinabalu one day,” he concludes. Now, if only he could find time to pull himself away from his ‘dreary office’…

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Happenings & Highlights

City Day Regatta, 21-22 February Sails up! Watch as the South China Sea comes alive with a myriad of sails during the City Day Regatta, held in conjunction with the City’s 9th anniversary. As with every year, the Regatta will take place along Tanjung Aru Beach and is held over two days. Sailors participate in several races to determine the champions in various classes of boats. Races run from 9:00am to 6:00pm. The annual event is to celebrate the importance of the sea and its significant role in the lives of Kota Kinabalu residents for leisure, sports and the economy. Organised by the Kinabalu Yacht Club, the regatta has a reputation for attracting top sailors from around Borneo and many come from the Peninsular States to compete as it is a benchmark regatta for sailing performance standards. For Sabah sailors, it is a very important ranking race. For more information, please contact Bobby Willie (Vice Commodore) at tel. no 088-240070 / 243070 / 019 880 8859 or e-mail [email protected]

Zoom Kota Kinabalu City Tourism Treasure Hunt 22 February Grab your friends and go on an unforgettable adventure during the annual Kota Kinabalu City Tourism Treasure Hunt this month! Groups of two to four people are given clues and ‘rally tulips’ at the beginning of the hunt, which will take them around popular sites in KK city. At certain points of the hunt, be prepared to get physical. Fun and sometimes unusual tasks are at hand, from eating exotic delicacies to coconut bowling! A briefing prior to the race will explain in detail on the rules and regulations of the treasure hunt. Get your registration forms from the Kota Kinabalu City Hall today. The hunt flags off from Nexus Resort Karambunai at 7:00am. Happy hunting! For more details and information, please contact Fauziahton Ag. Samad at 088-521800 or email [email protected].

News Sukau Rainforest Lodge Receives Nominations At 15th World Travel Awards Sukau Rainforest Lodge was nominated in two categories during the 15th World Travel Awards recently, namely World’s Leading Eco-Lodges and one of Asia’s 5 Leading Green Hotels. Managed by Borneo Eco-Tours, the awardwinning lodge is located at the edge of the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary in Sandakan.

Happenings & Highlights

Local Handicraft Exhibition Every Saturday and Sunday throughout February onsopiad Cultural Village brings you the Local Handicraft Exhibition this month! Learn more about the age-old skills passed down from one generation to the next in the art of handicraft making. From intricate bead-making to skillful weaving, see how the local craftspeople transform raw material into handy household goods, beautiful souvenirs and even fashion wear that are timeless. You might even have a go at weaving your own basket! A great opportunity to discover the fascinating art of craftmaking and its role in the livelihood of the local people. For more information, please contact the Monsopiad Cultural Village at telephone no. 088-761336 / 774337, fax 088-761680 or email [email protected]. The village is open daily (including public holidays) from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm. Visit the website at www.monsopiad.com.

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City Run, 1 March here are many activities to look out for in conjunction with KK City’s 9th Anniversary and the City Run is not one to be missed! Get those running shoes out and prepare to join some 10,000 City folk in this year’s run. This year, the 4-km route takes runners around the city, flagging off at 7:30am from the historical Padang Merdeka, which is also the finishing point for the run. Attractive prizes await winners and the fun continues after the run where you can participate in a lucky draw. Come join the fun with your friends and family. The City Run is organized by the Kota Kinabalu City Hall. For more information, please contact Joannes Solidau at tel. no 088-521800 or e-mail [email protected]

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North Borneo Sacred Legacy Photographic Exhibition 2-27 February he establishment and founding of the Sabah Museum was based on this special and exclusive George Catchart Woolley (better known as G.C Woolley) photograph collection. The collection was bequeathed by Woolley, a Senior British Administrator to the then North Borneo Government. This timeless collection has become a great legacy of Sabah’s pre-colonial era that helped mold and shape Sabah’s current socio-economic landscape. His romantic experience with the various ethnic communities is among the highlights of this exhibition at the Sabah Museum. The Sabah Museum is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. Entrance fees apply. For more information, please call 088-253199 or e-mail [email protected]

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Fiesta Cahaya, 21 February niversiti Sabah Malaysia is proud to present the annual Fiesta Cahaya 2009. The concert showcases the colourful and unique aspects of the Indian culture, featuring traditional song and dance performances. The concert takes place at the University’s Chancellor Hall from 6:00pm tp 11:00pm.Tickets are available for purchase. Tickets are sold at RM10.00 for members of the public and RM7.00 for students. For more information, please contact Mr. Sathiaseallan at 017 532 3371.

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Upcoming events... Planning a trip to Sabah? Mark your calendars for these exciting events! Sabah Agriculture Park’s 8th Anniversary, 7 & 8 March – Visit the sprawling Sabah Agriculture Park in Tenom to the mark the anniversary of the Park’s launch. From rare and beautiful orchids to giant lily pads, there is plenty to see and discover at the 202-hectare establishment. Enjoy a host of activities during the anniversary including colouring contests for children, a fishing competition and many more! Pesta Kalimaran, 4 & 5 April – Once famous for their legendary headhunting ways, the Murut people of Sabah celebrate their culture and traditions during the annual Pesta Kalimaran in the interior district of Tenom. Come join the festivities through a showcase of a mock tribal wedding, cultural performances and a fun-filled day of traditional games.

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Eating Out

California Grill alifornia in Sabah? California Grill, that is. Head over to 1 Borneo in Kota Kinabalu to taste the some of the finest grilled Western delights with an interesting Asian twist! The cozy establishment can seat up to 88 diners and is ideal for private functions. Glancing at the menu, it’s hard to decide where to start! The chef recommends the Red Curry Oyster to kick off your gastronomical experience and we can see why. The delicious fresh oysters are stir-fried to perfection in a red curry paste that leaves you wanting more. For an Asian flavour, try the Ox-Tail soup. For the main course, the grilled Rack of Lamb served with homemade mint sauce melts in the mouth or if poultry is your preference, go for the Grilled Maharaja Chicken, marinated with ginger juice, soy sauce and paprika. If you want the best of everything, we recommend the Fisherman Platter – a combination of half a lobster, tiger prawns and beef steak grilled over charcoal and served with vegetable and potatoes. You can also opt for pasta, pizza and other grilled favourites – speak to your friendly waiter on your preferred preparation. Saving the best for last? Be spoilt for choice during dessert and go for the Le Parfait Banana Split, offering 3 scoops of ice cream topped with mixed fruits, chocolate fudge and, of course, a banana! The Apple Pie is also a great choice, even better when served with ice cream. So if it’s a family outing or a romantic Valentine’s Day dinner for two, California Grill is the newest place in town to offer you that divine dining experience. California Grill is located at G-807, Ground Floor of 1 Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu. Open from 11:00am to 10:30pm on weekdays and until 11:00pm on weekends. For more information or to make reservations, please call 088-447 041. California Grill serves no pork and is a halal establishment

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Kedai Kopi Chuan Hin (Chuan Hin Coffee Shop) ot many restaurants can boast of holding on to a family recipe than spans four generations. But the family-run Chuan Hin Coffee Shop in Kota Kinabalu can proudly attest to that. Since opening its doors in 1986, the Lee family has been attracting diners with their famous ‘wo-teh’ or pork dumplings. Guests can enjoy the crispy goodness of a deep-fried dumpling while the health-conscious prefer the steamed version, known as ‘shui jiao’. According to the Lee sisters, the recipe was passed down from their great-grandmother in China and today, each dumpling is still prepared the traditional way. Apart from their delicious dumplings, Chuan Hin is known for savoury delights such as the grilled fish, stingray and squid – all served with a generous dollop of homemade shrimp paste (belacan) and lime. Another great snack? The classic ‘sotong kangkung’ (squid served with kangkung, a local vegetable topped with a special sauce and peanuts) is a must-try as well as the fruit ‘rojak’ (a mixture of cucumber, pineapple and the ‘mengkuang’ fruit topped with a home-made sauce). Unlike other Chinese restaurants and coffee shops that serve an array of main dishes complemented with white rice, Chuan Hin delights their customers with a wide variety of ‘snack-like’ dishes (served small, medium or large to your preference) as well as hearty servings of noodles, kuey teow (flattened ricenoodle strips) and rice fried to perfection! Once frequented mostly by older patrons, Chuan Hin is now a popular pick for youngsters looking for late-night snacks and a quick drink. In the morning, you can also start your day with a delicious bowl of beef noodles or home-made noodles served with pork slices (pai kut kon lau mein). Kedai Kopi Chuan Hin is located at Lot 13, Ground Floor, Luyang Phase 8, Wisma Leven, Kota Kinabalu (same area as KK Specialist Centre). Open daily from 7:00am to 1:00pm (breakfast and lunch) and 5:30pm to midnight (dinner). Contact 013 870 5781 or 019 800 7873.

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On The Street

Looking for coffee shop delights? This month, we speak to Sabahans on their favourites picks! Adrian Goh, 29, Loan Officer “Be it for breakfast or quick snack, I always enjoy a plate of shui jiao,(dumplings stuffed with century eggs and minced pork). The steamed dumplings are delicious and healthy so I can enjoy them without feeling guilty! My favourite shui jiao are found in Kedai Kopi 33, located at Lintas Square, Kota Kinabalu.”

Hjh. Dayang Kalthum, 49, Government Officer “My favourite coffee shop fare is idli at Sri Latha in Bandaran Berjaya. Idli are like mini fluffy pancakes made of black lentil and flour and usually served with chutney. It’s a popular Indian snack but I like having it for breakfast.”

CV Chong, Professional Photographer “Oh definitely the chu chap (mixture of pork innards and meat) in one of the Tanjung

Aru coffee shops. You can have it with soup or kon lau style (noodles mixed with sauce) but I prefer the latter. The coffee shop is often crowded but I’m willing to line up for half an hour just to have my bowl of chu chap in the morning!”

Norkatah Puddin, 37, Special Events Executive “I love the soto daging (a bowl of noodles served in a beef broth and topped with beef slices) in Kedai Kopi Happy, Sinsuran (located behind Le Meridien Hotel). They also have soto ayam (chicken) but I prefer the beef. For added zest, I ask for extra fried onions and add chilli into my soup.”

Vanessa George, 27, IT Executive “There’s a special dish served in Jing Wan Restaurant II in Lintas Square called pai kut Stout – that’s because they actually cook the pork ribs in Stout! A great meal to be enjoyed with a plate of white rice, particularly for lunch or dinner.”

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I n t e r e s t

Hiking at

Bukit Gemok trap on those hiking shoes and get ready to explore the untouched forest of Tawau’s Bukit Gemok. Situated 10 km from the city centre, Bukit Gemok (Gemok Hill) has recently become a popular spot for avid trekkers and Hash runners who love the challenge of varied terrain. Bukit Gemok is approximately 428 metres above sea level and is part of the Bukit Gemok Forest Reserve, covering 445 hectares. The hike begins with an easy trail of concrete stairs which eventually ‘disappear’ and make way for natural ground. The uphill walk is fairly challenging, particularly for beginners. Watch out for rocks, bulging tree roots and the like. Some parts get steeper and more demanding, but the beautiful natural surroundings make it all worthwhile. Along the way there is so much to marvel at, such as the giant trees that seem to stretch endlessly to the sky and the elusive creatures that scurry about. There are seven huts along the way for walkers to rest and relax. After hiking for about an hour (depending on your fitness level), you will arrive at the

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Titian Selara canopy walkway. At 231 metres long, it is deemed one of the longest canopy walkways in Sabah. Your ‘struggle’ to the top will be worthwhile once you get a glimpse of the breathtaking view of Tawau from this high up. The stunning scenery spans the town centre, the picturesque coastline and its surrounding areas. The trek down Bukit Gemok should take a shorter time, but be warned that the trail becomes muddy and slippery during the rainy season, so exercise extra caution. The forest reserve was developed in the early 1990s and is now equipped with basic facilities such as washrooms and rest huts along the trail. Any land vehicle can be used to get to Bukit Gemok. Just be sure to dress comfortably, drink plenty of fluids and get ready to soak in the majesty of the lush greenery along the trails of Bukit Gemok. For more information, contact the Tawau District Forestry Office at: 089-761833 / 761835 / 761863 or Forestry Officer En. Miskon Simin at 089-770604.

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I n t e r e s t • 9

Tun Mustapha Tower T

he Tun Mustapha Tower is one of Sabah’s most outstanding works of architecture, built along a concept and design that was way ahead of its time back in the seventies. Facing the blue waters of Likas Bay it is accessible by scenic coastal road of 11.2km. From a distance, it appears to be a cylindrical tower but it is in fact a 72-sided polygon with walls of 2,160 special reflective glass panels, which can withstand strong winds with speeds of up to 272kms per hour. The building is the headquarters of the Sabah Foundation and has been likened to a modern day Taj Mahal. The building ‘changes’ colour depending on the movement of the clouds and ever-changing shades of the sky. Remarkably, it is the fourth only such high-rise ‘hanging’ office building in the world. It consists of only a central column from which steel radial brackets are suspended. These are some 96 high-tensile steel rods, which hold up the 30 floors of the vuilding. Each floor weighs only about 500 tonnes while each of the 96 cables that support the floor can take the weight of up to 100 tonnes each. This means the structure is made up of floors hung from the top of the central core, each of them suspended strong and steady rods. The high tensile steel rods, which are one and a half inches thick, form a vital part of the building, sealed permanently out of harm’s way in vermiculite fire protection covering, which has a four-hour fire rating. This allows all occupants four hours to evacuate the building in the event of a fire. However, thanks to its efficient design, it takes no more than 15 minutes to clear the building in case of an emergency.

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Feature

Built for Two! In the mood for love? There’s plenty to see and do for the cuddlesome twosome or daring duo when in Sabah! Road Trip They say the best test for any relationship is to go on a holiday together – and what better way than to go on a road trip to explore Sabah! Take a leisurely drive up north to Kudat and visit the Tip of Borneo, Tanjung Simpang Mengayau. Imagine standing over a majestic cliff overlooking the meeting point of the Sulu and South China Seas while the waves crash on the rocks below. It’s a scene out of a movie! Or find a reason to cuddle by the fireplace as you enjoy the cool mountain air at Kinabalu National Park. Start your day with breakfast on the balcony as you watch Mount Kinabalu unravel itself.

Island Escapes Sun, sea, sand and a sweetheart – What more do you need for a romantic getaway? Start by island hopping around the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park off the coast of KK City. A tip: opt for smaller islands, namely Sulug or Sapi, for more quiet time and try to schedule your trip on a weekday rather than busy weekends. Want to be treated like royalty? Be King and Queen for a day (or two) at the Gayana Eco-Resort where breakfast is served right to your door…on a boat! Or visit the ultra-romantic Reef Dive Resort in Mataking Island for a honeymoon you won’t soon forget. Need an adrenaline rush? Try parasailing for two or give wakeboarding a go. If all fails, spend the day working on your tan or – a true classic - enjoy a romantic walk along the beach as the sun sets.

©D.Kirkland

©D.Kirkland

©Mewot/Sabah Tourism

©D.Kirkland

Table for Two Ah, food, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways…For Valentine’s Day, go the extra mile and make it unforgettable as you dine at any one of Sabah’s fine dining establishments. Our five-star resorts all offer top-notch restaurants and are yours for the choosing. Award-winning Peppino’s at Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa is a popular pick this time of the year as well as the romantic Italian joint Ferdinand’s at the Magellan Sutera. The Coast at Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort can arrange an outdoor dinner experience as you wine and dine in your private gazebo under the moonlit sky. @mosphere (located on the 18th floor of Menara Tun Mustapha) also offers a fantastic menu and a 360 degree view of the city. With all the candlelight action going on, be prepared for knee-bending, question-popping and heart-melting moments!

Spa Treatments ©Mewot/Sabah Tourism

What could be better than having your body pampered while your mind drifts off into oblivion? Enjoying this while having your partner beside you of course! Sabah’s spas offer plenty of packages for two, such as the Ka’andaman Traditional Healing Garden and The Borneo Spa at Dalit Bay. The Nexus Resort Karambunai also offers massage treatments in quaint huts on its sandy beach, a tranquil experience like no other. Looking a traditional touch? Jari Jari in Tanjung Aru Plaza, Kota Kinabalu, specializes in traditional treatments to soothe your mind, body and soul. Spa treatments for two? DouBle the bliss!

Fun! Romance isn’t all candlelit dinners and gazing into each other’s eyes. Think out of the box and think fun, fun, fun! Bring out the child in you and have a ‘wild’ time at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park as you discover some of Sabah’s amazing creatures great and small.How about a walk under the sea? Seawalking is a great way to explore the underwater world without getting a single strand of hair wet. If the conventional spa treatment isn’t quite your thing, head over to Ranau and try the unique Kampung Luanti Fish Massage. Simply dip yourself in the cool pond and wait for the friendly fish to gently ‘massage’ you with their mouths! Now there’s one for the album.

©D.Kirkland

For more information, visit www.sabahtourism.com or call our Tourist Information Centres at 088-212121 (Sabah Tourism Board) or 088-232121 (Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd.). E-mail [email protected]

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Hiking at Mount Ki

White Water Rafting alo Parasailing in KK City

©CV Chong

SABAH

Through the Lens

Mountain biking in Kudat

©Calvin Ng/Sabah Tourism

inabalu ©Suchen S.K

ong Padas River ©Melvin Ho/Sabah Tourism

4-Wheel Drive Expedition during the Borneo Safari

©CV Chong

H THRILLS AND SPILLS!

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n o t o p m So

abah is known for its myriad of unique traditional musical instruments. The sompoton is perhaps one of the better known instruments. Traditionally from Tambunan, it is now prevalent among the Kadazandusun and Murut people. The sompoton is constructed from a dried gours and eight bamboo pipes arranged in a double-layered raft. A small lamella of polod palm (like a tiny bungkau or jaw’s harp) is inserted in the side of each sounding pipe near its base. The pipes are fitted into a hole on one side of the gourd and sealed with bees wax. The lamellae lie inside the gourd and provide the sound of the completed instrument. The pipes are bound with thin strands of rattan. By blowing or sucking gourd’s mouth, the played can produce a soft sweet harmonious sound. It can be played as a solo instrument or in groups to accompany dancing.

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*Taken from ‘An Introduction To The Traditional Musical Instruments of Sabah’ (1992), Department of Sabah Museum and State Archives.

Culture

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Bahasa Malaysia

Regatta Bandaraya 21-22 Februari

Pameran Kraftangan Tempatan

aikkan layar! Saksikan Laut China Selatan dimeriahkan dengan pelbagai layar pada Regatta Hari Bandaraya, diadakan bersempena dengan ulang tahun ke-9 Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu. Seperti setiap tahun, Regatta ini akan diadakan di tepi Pantai Tanjung Aru dan diadakan selama dua hari dari pukul 9:00 pagi hingga 6:00 petang. Pelayar-pelayar mengambil bahagian dalam beberapa perlumbaan untuk menentukan juara dalam pelbagai kelas perahu. Acara tahunan ini diadakan bagi meraikan kepentingan laut dan peranannya dalam kehidupan penduduk Kota Kinabalu untuk beriadah, bersukan dan ekonomi. Dianjurkan oleh Kelab Perahu Yacht Kinabalu, regatta ini memiliki reputasi untuk menarik pelayar-pelayar terkemuka dari sekitar Borneo. Ramai antara mereka juga datang dari negeri-negeri Semenanjung untuk bertanding kerana ia merupakan regatta penanda aras bagi tahap persembahan masing-masing. Untuk pelayar-pelayar Sabah, ini adalah perlumbaan penentu kedudukan yang amat penting. Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Bobby Willie (Naib Komodor) di talian 088-240070/243070/019 880 8859 atau e-mel [email protected]

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Setiap Sabtu dan Ahad sepanjang bulan Februari ampung Budaya Monsopiad membawakan anda Pameran Kraftangan Tempatan bulan ini! Pelajari lebih banyak mengenai kemahiran lama yang diturunkan dari satu generasi ke generasi yang lain dalam seni membuat kraftangan. Dari pembuatan manik sehinggalah kemahiran menganyam, lihat bagaimana pembuat kraf tempatan mengubah bahan mentah menjadi barangan kegunaan rumah, cenderahati yang cantik serta pakaian bergaya yang tidak dimamah usia. Malah anda boleh mencuba untuk menganyam bakul anda sendiri! Peluang baik untuk melihat seni mengagumkan pembuatan kraf dan peranannya dalam kehidupan penduduk tempatan. Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Perkampungan Budaya Monsopiad di talian 088-761336/ 774337, faks 088-761680 atau emel [email protected]. Kampung Budaya Monsopiad dibuka setiap hari (termasuk cuti umum) dari 9:30 pagi sehingga 5:00 petang. Kunjungan laman web di www.monsopiad.com.

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Larian Bandaraya , 1 Mac anyak aktiviti yang disediakan bersempena dengan Hari Ulang Tahun ke-9 Hari Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu dan Larian Bandaraya adalah salah satu acara yang tidak patut dilepaskan! Bersiap sedia untuk menyertai larian tahun ini bersama lebih kurang 10,000 warga kota yang lain. Larian sejauh 4-km ini membawa pelari mengelilingi bandaraya, berlepas pada pukul 7:30 pagi dari tempat bersejarah, Padang Merdeka, yang juga menjadi titik penamat untuk larian tersebut. Hadiah-hadiah menarik menanti peserta dan keseronokan diteruskan selepas itu dimana anda boleh menyertai acara cabutan bertuah. Datang dan sertailah keseronokannya bersama rakanrakan dan keluarga. Larian Bandaraya dianjurkan oleh Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu. Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Joannes Solidau di talian 088-521800 atau e-mel [email protected]

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Tempat-Tempat Menarik

Galeri Tun Mustapha Galeri Tun Mustapha membuka pintunya pada tahun 2006 sebagai penghargaan kepada salah seorang personaliti unggul negeri Sabah. Allahyarham Tun Mustapha merupakan seorang pemimpin berwawasan yang memainkan peranan penting dalam memimpin Sabah menuju kemerdekaan. Dia adalah seorang pejuang kebebasan ketika Perang Dunia ke-II dan memainkan peranan sebagai seorang aktivis negara, pemimpin yang memberi inspirasi dan telah berjasa sebagai Yang DiPertua Negeri Sabah yang pertama. Galeri indah ini terletak di premis yang pernah menjadi tempat persidangan Dewan Undangan Negeri dari 1980 sehingga 1995 dan mengetengahkan kehidupan dan era Tun Mustapha. Ia menampilkan bukti-bukti kejayaan dan kepayahan yang pernah diharunginya, dengan keterangan lengkap mengiringi gambar-gambar yang dipamerkan di sini. Galeri ini turut mempamerkan banyak artifak peribadi Tun Mustapha, dari pingat-pingat kebesaran sehinggalah baju yang dijahit khas. Sebuah topi golf yang koyak turut dipamerkan di galeri ini. Menurut keterangan, isteri kesayangannya telah mengoyakkan dan melontar topi tersebut keluar dari kediaman mereka ketika satu pertengakaran. Topi tersebut dikutip oleh pemandu beliau yang menyimpannya sekian lama dan kini ia ditempatkan di Galeri tersebut. Tun Mustapha bukan sahaja seorang peminat golf tetapi juga seorang pemuzik berbakat. Koleksi biolanya juga boleh dilihat di galeri ini. Satu lagi cerita mengisahkan bagaimana dia terselamat daripada keganasan tentera Jepun selepas mereka mendengar beberapa lagu Jepun yang dimainkannya dengan gesekan biolanya pada Perang Dunia II. Semua fakta menarik ini dan barang kenangan beliau diabadikan di Galeri Tun Mustapha ini. Galeri ini turut menyediakan sebuah kedai cenderakenangan yang khusus menjual kraftangan berkualiti tinggi, diilhamkan dengan motif etnik tradisional pelbagai kaum di Sabah. Galeri Tun Mustapha terletak di Podium Level di Yayasan Sabah. Galeri ini beroperasi dari Isnin sehingga Sabtu dari 8:00 pagi sehingga 5:00 petang. Bayaran kemasukan dikenakan. Untuk maklumat lanjut, hubungi 088-321153 / 326683

Mari Makan

California Grill alifornia di Sabah? Restoran California Grill kini ada di Sabah! Datanglah ke 1 Borneo di Kota Kinabalu untuk merasai sendiri hidangan panggang terbaik barat digabungkan dengan citarasa menarik Asia. Tempatnya boleh memuatkan sehingga 88 pelanggan dan sesuai untuk majlis persendirian. Melihat pada menunya, memang sukar untuk membuat pilihan! Chefnya mencadangkan tiram kari merah untuk memulakan pengalaman anda menjamu selera. Tiram segar digoreng bersama adunan kari merah yang pasti membuatkan anda mahu lagi. Untuk citarasa Asia, cubalah Sup Ekor Lembu. Bagi hidangan utama, rusuk kambing dihidang bersama sos pudina buatan sendiri dan sekiranya ayam menjadi pilihan anda, cubalah Ayam Panggang Maharaja, diperam bersama pati halia, kicap dan cili. Jika anda mahukan yang terbaik antara semua, kami mencadangkan Hidangan Nelayan (Fisherman’s Platter) – gabungan separuh bahagian udang kara, udang harimau dan stik daging lembu yang dipanggang di atas arang dan dihidangkan bersama sayuran dan kentang. Anda juga boleh memilih pasta, pizza dan hidangan panggang kegemaran yang lain. Untuk yang terakhir, banyak sekali pilihan untuk pencuci mulut! Cubalah Le Parfait Banana Split - menawarkan tiga senduk aiskrim bersama campuran buah-buahan, manisan coklat serta sebiji pisang. Pie Epal juga merupakan pilihan yang bijak, lebih baik jika dihidangkan bersama aiskrim. Sama ada untuk jamuan sekeluarga atau makan malam romantik Hari Kekasih berduaan, California Grill adalah tempat terbaru di bandar ini yang menawarkan anda pengalaman makan malam yang indah. California Grill terletak di G-807, Tingkat Bawah 1 Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu. Dibuka dari 11:00 pagi hingga 10:30 malam pada Isnin hingga Jumaat dan sehingga 11:00 malam pada hujung minggu. Untuk maklumat lanjut atau tempahan, hubungi 088-447041.

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©CV Chong

The Legend Of Mount Kinabalu

©CV Chong

Revered, respected and even feared, Mount Kinabalu is a sacred emblem to the local people of Sabah. Legend has it that the name Kina-balu means ‘Chinese Widow’. Kina is a variation of the word ‘China’ and ‘Balu’ is the Malay word for ‘Widow’. This is an allusion to the legendary belief that many women were widowed when their husbands attempted to obtain a pearl on top of the mountain. However, this pearl was fiercely guarded by a dragon and many men perished at the hands of this creature. For the Kadazandusuns (the main ethnic group of Sabah), Kinabalu derives from the Kadazandusun phrase ‘Aki Nabalu’, which refers to ‘the revered resting place of the dead’. The locals believe that when a person dies, his or her soul finds its final resting place in the mountains. This is why the mountain is treated with great respect and several rites are still practiced to ensure the spirits are appeased. Today, people come from far and near to scale Mount Kinabalu, which stands at 4095.2 metres.

Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, The Tip of Borneo, Kudat anjung Simpang Mengayau derives from the original Rungus name ‘Tanjung Sampang Mangazo’. Literally, Tanjung means ‘tip’ and ‘Sampang Mangazo’ means a junction where battle took place. According to Rungus folklore, this was the site of a fierce battle fought by their forefathers, defending Rungus territory against invading enemies.

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Local folklore states that pirates often frequented this area, attacking and looting innocent villagers who lived nearby. The villagers decided to join forces and defend themselves. Hence, Tanjung Simpang Mengayau became an ideal spot to observe the arrival of pirates and foreign ships. The brave warriors stood guard here and kept unwanted visitors at bay. History also claims that the fleet of famous explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, on its voyage to circumnavigate the globe, stopped here for forty-two days to repair their ships. In the distance, you can see a lighthouse. Locals believe that spirits ‘move in’ to this lighthouse when their ‘homes’ in surrounding areas (either on the mainland or nearby islands) are disturbed by human activity. Today, the lighthouse serves as a guiding beacon to passing ships and vessels. Visitors can find their way to the Tip of Borneo via road from KK City – a scenic 3-hour drive through the countryside. Along the way, enjoy the pristine Kalampunian beach or visit nearby attractions such as the Gombizau Honey Bee Farm and the gong-making village of Matunggong.

©CL Chan