Sabah Malaysian Borneo Buletin January 2009

January 2009 Volume 95

RM 1.00

Happy Chinese New Year! INSIDE: Kiulu 4M Bamboo Rafting Challenge, Weekend Getaways 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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Happenings & Highlights Chinese New Year Carnival Chinese New Year night market New Talent Paintings Exhibition Lion and Dragon Dance Festival Fallen Heroes of Petagas Food Exhibition 9th City Day 4M Kiulu Bamboo Rafting Challenge News

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Eating Out

Alric Goh - Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd.

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.

Secret Garden - Korean BBQ streamboat Little Italy Restaurant

Message from the Editor in Kota Kinabalu and join the frenzy during the Chinese New Year’s Eve Night Market – a flurry of sights, sounds and smells! Dancing dragons and leaping lions? Only at the Lion, Unicorn and Dragon Dance Festival of course. Watch with bated breath as the acrobatic lion and dragon dance troupe maneuver their way on poles and ladders with their fancy footwork. For more details on these events and more, check out our Happenings page.

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anuary is undoubtedly one of the most exciting months and for obvious reasons. The first month of the new year brings many things: reflection of the year gone by, enthusiasm for starting new and the hope of better things to come. We at ‘Sabah Malaysian Borneo’ are constantly striving for improvement and your continuous support, encouragement and constructive comments have helped guide us throughout the years. Keep ‘em coming! This month, the Chinese community will also be celebrating the start of their lunar calendar during the Chinese New Year which falls on the 26th and 27th of January. In conjunction with (literally) painting the town red, a host of events will take place throughout the State. Check out the Chinese New Year Carnival along the famed Gaya Street

For quick holiday ideas, our feature page (p.10) brings you weekend getaway ideas for those tight on time. So much to do, so little time! Our ‘Through The Lens’ pages (p.12-13) will also give you a glimpse of the events to come throughout 2009 to help you plan your holiday. Be it a cultural extravaganza during the Sabah Fest or the World’s Toughest Mountain Race, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. It’s going to be another exciting year right here in Sabah, Land Below the Wind! So are you ready to take on 2009?

Melissa Leong Editor

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Places of Interest Borneo Art Gallery

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Places of Interest Orchid De Villa

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Feature Weekend Getaways

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Through The Lens Events All Year Round

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Culture The Chinese Community of Sabah

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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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Fiddler Crabs at the Wetland Centre

spellbind you with their acrobatic skills. The grand affair will include performances from world champion lion and dragon dance troupes. An event not to be missed! Organiser: United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu Venue: Padang Merdeka Time: 3pm – 7pm For further info: Lim Shim Min Tel: +60 88 221440, +60 19 8738263 Fax: +60 88 266113 Chinese New Year Carnival 19 – 23 January 2009 Strong along the vibrantly lit Gaya Street with your family and friends to witness colourful cultural performances and visit the abundance of stalls selling Chinese New Year goodies during this lively carnival. Organiser: Kota Kinabalu City Hall Venue: Lintasan Deasoka For further info: Syron Tunggolou Tel: +60 88 521800 Fax: +60 88 316137 Email: [email protected]

New Talent Paintings Exhibition 8th January 2009 – 2 February 2009 Promosing local talents have the opportunity to showcase their work at this annual exhibition that aims to encourage them towards excellence and creativity. Organiser: Sabah Art Gallery For further info: Datuk Mohd. Yaman Hj. Ahmad Mus Tel: +60 88 268875 Fax: +60 88 210040 Email: [email protected]

Food Exhibition Every Thursday and Friday of the month of January 2009 Try some of Sabah’s unusual traditional food from the different districts in the state and find out how the recipes are linked to the lives of the respective ethnic tribes at this exhibition. Savour the delicious hinava (pickled fish), bambangan (pickled mango-like fruit) and nonsom (preserved food). Organiser: Monsopiad Cultural Village Time: 9.30am – 5.00pm For further info: Monsopiad Cultural Village Tel: +60 88 774337, 761336 Fax: +60 88 761680 Email: [email protected]

‘Fallen Heroes’ of Petagas 21 January 2009 A memorial service will be held at the Petagas War Memorial to commemorate those who fought and fell during World War II. Organiser: Kota Kinabalu City Hall For further info: Joannes Solidau Tel: +60 88 521800 Fax: +60 88 316137 Email: [email protected] Kiulu 4M Bamboo Rafting Challenge 25 January 2008 A traditional extreme sports competition, which incorporates the four ‘M’s in Kadazan, Manangkus (running), Mamangkar (rafting), Manampatau (bamboo body rafting) and Mamarampanau (walking on bamboo stilts). Held in the picturesque district of Kiulu, the 4M Challenge promises a wet and wild time for all. Organiser: Kiulu 4M Challenge Organising Committee For further info: Ariffin Gadait (Organising Chairman) Tel: +6088 225752, +60198624585 Fax: +6088 257091 Email: [email protected] Chinese New Year 26 – 27 January 2009 Chinese all over the world celebrate and welcome the year of the OX with family reunion dinners and traditional house-to-house lion, dragon and unicorn dance performances. Children and unmarried individuals receive packets of money known as ‘ang pows’ to wish them luck and prosperity. For further info: Sabah Tourism Board Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd Tel: +60 88 212121 / 232121 Fax: +60 88 212075 / 265540 Email: [email protected]

Lion and Dragon Dance Festival 17 January 2009 A spectacular event where over 50 lion and dragon dance troupes gather to perform and

Happenings & Highlights

Chinese New Year Carnival 19 – 23 January his year, the Chinese community ushers in the lunar New Year on the 26 and 27 January. A time for red packets of money (ang pow), lion dances and family reunions! In Kota Kinabalu, join the grand festivities during the Chinese New Year carnival that takes place at Lintasan Deasoka (along Gaya Street). For five consecutive nights, visit the carnival to enjoy a host of activities including cultural shows and lion dance performances. More than 170 stalls will be set up selling Chinese New Year goodies, decorations, cookies, cakes and the likes. Enjoy the vibrantly lit lanterns along the streets of Kota Kinabalu and usher in the Chinese New Year blessed with prosperity, health and joy! The Carnival runs from 6:00pm to 10:30pm. For more information, please contact Syron Tunggolou of the Kota Kinabalu City Hall at tel. no 088-521800 or fax 088-316137. E-mail [email protected]

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New Talent Paintings Exhibition 8 January – 2 February he Sabah Art Gallery in Kota Kinabalu once again features the creative talents of new faces in the local art scene this month during the New Talent Paintings Exhibition. Come and discover fresh approaches and a variety of techniques used to produce beautiful masterpieces. Themes include Sabah’s natural wonders, cultural patterns and abstract art. The gallery is open daily from 9:00am to 5:00pm. For more information, please contact the Sabah Art Gallery at tel. no 088-268875 or e-mail [email protected]

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Lion and Dragon Dance Festival 17 January ancy footwork and martial arts movements are the highlights during any dragon or lion dance festival. This year, some of the best lion and dragon dance troupes will mesmerize audiences with their grace, style and dexterity, accompanied by the steady beating of drums and clashing of cymbals. According to Chinese belief, the lion and dragon dances are performed to ward off evil as the New Year begins. The Lion Dance is performed by two individuals, namely the ‘Head’ and the ‘Body’, showcasing an intricate display of co-operation and skill in order to make the movements as flawless as possible. The Dragon Dance requires a group of performers (depending on how long the ‘body’ of the dragon is), with fascinating twists and turns while the ‘head’ appears to be chasing a twirling ball of fire, handled by another performer. Lion dances are believed to bring good luck to the households or businesses they visit. While the appearance of the dragon is frightening, it has a benevolent disposition, symbolising supernatural power, goodness, fertility, vigilance and dignity. This year, the United Sabah Chinese Communities Association of Kota Kinabalu will be organizing the lion and dragon dance festival on the 17th of January at Padang Merdeka from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. For more information, contact Lim Shim Min at 088-221440 / 019 873 8263 or fax 088-266113.

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Happenings & Highlights

‘Fallen Heroes’ of Petagas 21 January

Food Exhibition very Thursday and Friday throughout the month of January

E he ‘Fallen Heroes’ of Sabah refer to the brave men who succumbed to the onslaught of the Japanese Imperial Army in January 1944. Following the fall of Sabah (then North Borneo) in January 1942 to the Japanese Imperial Army, a patriotic youth named Albert Kwok organized an underground guerrilla force to which more than 300 young men from various communities in the State were recruited to fight against the Japanese military rule. Unfortunately, the Japanese army received reinforcements and within two months of the uprising in October 1943, most of Albert Kwok’s members were either captured or surrendered. On 21 January 1944, many guerrilla members and detainees were killed at the Batu Tiga Prison Camp in Jesselton. Soon after the war, a special committee, headed by the few surviving members of the guerrilla force and their families, re-buried those who had been killed, together with the remains of the guerrillas who had been imprisoned on Labuan, in this common burial ground. A memorial service is held on the same day each year at the Petagas War Memorial. All are welcome to be a part of this poignant ceremony. For more information, please contact Joannes Solidau at tel. 088521800 or fax 088-316 137. E-mail [email protected].

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News SEAIR Brings Direct Flights from KK to Puerto Princesa SEAIR (South East Asian Airlines) held its inaugural flight to Kota Kinabalu from Puerto Princesa on 28th November 2008. The memorable event was attended by SEAIR President Mr. Avelino Zapanta (left) seen here with Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board Dato’ Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin, and Managing Director of Malaysia Airport Holdings Berhad (MAHB) Dato’ Sri Bashir Ahmad. SEAIR flies direct to Kota Kinabalu from Puerto Princesa every Friday. For more information, visit www.flyseair.com.

More Direct Flights From Singapore to KK Thanks to JETSTAR Travelers can now fly direct from Singapore to KK on a daily basis thanks to JETSTAR. The inaugural flight took place on the 2nd of December at Kota Kinabalu International Airport’s Terminal 1 and was attended by several dignitaries including the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, Datuk Masidi Manjun, JETSTAR CEO, Ms. Chong Phit Lian and Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board, Dato’ Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin. For more information or to make bookings, visit www.jetstar.com

It’s a gastronomical feast with a Sabahan twist at the Monsopiad Cultural Village this month. Savour the delicious flavours brought to you by the many ethnic groups found in Sabah – although some dishes might be an acquired taste! Try the famed hinava (shredded fish in lime, ginger and onions), tuhau (preserved wild fern), bambangan (pickled mango-like fruit) and for the truly adventurous, butod (live sago worms). Dine with the locals and you might even walk away with an ethnic recipe or two to impress friends and family back home. Learn more about the age-old methods used to prepare these unique dishes, many of which are still served in local households today. For more information, please contact the Monsopiad Cultural Village at telephone no. 088-761336 / 774 337, fax 088-761680 or e-mail [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.

Happenings & Highlights

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9th City Day Celebration 2 February ota Kinabalu enters its 9th year as a city this February. Join the city folk as they celebrate at Padang Merdeka on the eve of City Day. Witness a symbolic flag-raising ceremony, poetry recital and a grand fireworks display. Various activities and competitions will be held throughout the week in conjunction with the City Day celebration. Contact the City Hall for more details on these events. For more information, please contact Faradillah Abdul Rani at tel. no 088-521800 or fax 088-233815. E-mail [email protected]

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News Sabah Hailed Malaysia’s No. 1 Destination Sabah was awarded the prestigious Celcom ‘Favourite Tourism Destination’ Gold Award during the recent Diplomacy In Tourism Dinner held in Kuala Lumpur. Sabah was voted as winner by ambassadors and senior diplomats in a unique judging system, beating top contenders Melaka, Penang and Langkawi. Receiving the award was Sabah Minister of Tourism, Culture & ©Kan Yaw Chong/Daily Express Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun. “Finally, we can say that we have the most beautiful state in Malaysia and I think what puts us above every one else is the natural friendliness of the people of Sabah and the fact that our racial make-up is second to none in the whole country,” he said.

Kids Scuba Adventure Camp 2008 Tunku Abdul Rahman Park’s Mamutik Island was the selected venue for the Kids Scuba Adventure Camp 2008. Some 15 families from Peninsular Malaysia consisting of 19 scuba ‘rangers’ (aged 8 to 12) and 12 junior open water divers (aged 13-17) spent their days exploring Sabah’s underwater world. Kids Scuba Director, Syed Abdul Rahman, said this was their first time to Sabah and objective of the camp was to give the children an opportunity to further develop their interest in scuba diving and to cultivate awareness for underwater conservation. With the full support of Borneo Divers, the camp lasted for 4 days and 3 nights and was held during the school holidays. For more information on Kids Scuba, visit www.kidsscuba.com.

Albert Teo Launches Tenth Book, ‘A Souvenir of Sabah’ Renowned personality in Sabah’s tourism industry, Albert Teo, recently launched ‘A Souvenir of Sabah’, his tenth publication to date. The 36-page photographic book is a joint effort between Teo and Dr. Dale Straughan – a colourful compilation of Sabah’s major towns, attractions and landmarks. Seen here is Teo presenting a signed copy to Chairman of Sabah Tourism Board, Dato’ Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin. ‘A Souvenir of Sabah’ is ideal as a memento of your trip to Sabah or as gift for friends and family. At only RM19.90, you can grab a copy at Kadaiku, located at the Sri Pelancongan Sabah office in Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu.

4M Kiulu Bamboo Rafting Challenge 25 January ith valleys, mountains, rivers and hills, Sabah is every adventureenthusiast’s dream. It’s all thrills and spills this month during the annual 4M Kiulu Bamboo Rafting Challenge. The event was initially scheduled to take place in December but due to unfavourable weather conditions, the event had to be postponed to January. Severe floods swept away the bamboo rafts and affected the race course. Organisers had no choice but to postpone the event to a later date. This exciting Quad-event consists of four popular race-events of Kadazandusun people: Manang’kus (a 6-km run), Mamang’kar (bamboo rafting for 5 km along the rapids), Manam’Patau (paddle-swim for 1.3 km with a bamboo pole) and Mama-ram-panau (bamboo stilt-walking for 0.2 km). Since its debut in 1996, the race has become a much-anticipated annual event, attracting adventure-enthusiasts from all over. The competition has several categories, including the X-treme 5M, the Mixed Open and Junior Open. Over the years, it has received rave reviews from both local and international participants due to its unique race elements – a truly Sabahan race! Come and cheer for your favourite team and be part of the excitement during the Challenge! For more information or to register, please contact Ariffin Gadait (organising chairman) at 088-225752 or 019 862 4585. E-mail [email protected]

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Eating Out

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Little Italy

ankering for a slice of pizza or a plate of pasta al dente? On the top of your list should be Little Italy, Kota Kinabalu’s most established Italian eateries. Now located on the Ground Floor of Capital Hotel (opposite Wisma Merdeka), Little Italy’s humble beginning began in the year 2000 and has since grown into one of the most popular restaurants in Sabah. Their popular following is testament to their unwavering commitment to quality food and stellar service. Emiliano Ceresa, owner of Little Italy, says that their policy is to ensure no customer leaves unhappy and quality is everything. “Our flavours are very ‘home-style’ and the recipes are passed on from generation to generation on my mother’s side,” he adds. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor dining options and can cater up to 140 diners at a time. There’s plenty to pamper the palate here, including a selection of pasta served with a variety of cream, tomato-based or mixed sauces, delicious appetizers, pizza and an array of main meals. Highly recommended is the Fettucine Boscaiola, a fantastic combination of chicken and fresh mushroom flam-

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Secret Garden ucked away in the residential area of Tanah Emas, Jalan Penampang is the aptly named Korean restaurant, Secret Garden. This family-run business serves a variety of Korean favourites but is well-known for its set dinner and lunch menu. Surrounded by a quaint garden, diners can enjoy their meals outdoors while groups of 10 to 15 can opt to utilize the function rooms for more privacy (the restaurants has 2 function rooms). Diners flock to Secret Garden to enjoy their set menu which comprises of 4 to 5 side dishes, a choice of 1 main meal and the popular sangchusam, a choice of sliced barbecued pork (samgubsal) or beef wrapped in a lettuce leaf, topped with slices of garlic and bean and chilli paste. Side dishes include an interesting variety of steamed vegetables, mini-yam pancakes and of course, kimchi, a staple in every Korean meal! You can opt to have the chef grill your meat to perfection or for the more adventurous; a hot plate can be placed on your table, allowing you to play ‘chef’. Quite the dining experience! There’s plenty noteworthy dishes on the menu including the Dolsot Bibimbab, a hot-pot of rice served with vegetables, fried eggs and chilli paste, the mouthwatering Yuk Gea Jang, beef served in a spicy vegetable soup and the Sam Gea Tang, a special Korean ginseng chicken soup which takes hours to prepare, so advanced ordering is required. Wash all of this down with cooling tea or a bottle of Soju, which is believed to neutralize the acidity of the food. Secret Garden can cater up to 200 people at a time and is ideal for weddings, birthday parties or anniversaries. So enjoy your Korean fare in the lush green surroundings of Secret Garden. Secret Garden is located in Taman Emas (also known as Tanah

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bé in white wine and salsa rosa. Looking for something light? Try any selection of pasta with the Gamberi cause, a light combination of fresh prawns sautéed in olive oil and garlic. Emiliano’s favourite is the Crespelle al Forno, an oven-baked delight similar to lasagna, and comes in a choice of spinach, ham and cheese or mushroom. Pizza your thing? You will be spoilt for choice but we suggest you give the Pizza Bianca a try – a lovely mix of cream cheese and turkey ham. Be sure to check out the popular set lunches from 10:30am to 5:00pm on weekdays. Little Italy is also a great place to grab an espresso or a round of drinks with friends. From a range of Italian wine to Limoncello nightcaps, they have it all to keep the party going! So be it a special occasion or a quick hearty lunch, you simply cannot go wrong with KK’s favourite, Little Italy. Little Italy is located on the Ground Floor of Hotel Capital, Jalan Haji Saman, Kota Kinabalu (opposite the Wisma Merdeka shopping centre). Open daily from 10:30am to 11:00pm. For reservations, please call 088232231.

Korean BBQ Restaurant

Emas), Mile 3, Jalan Penampang (a signboard will direct you to the restaurant as you enter the junction to Taman Emas). Free transportation services available upon request (within KK city). Call to check applicable rates for requests from outside the city area. Open daily from 11:00am to 2:30pm (lunch) and 5:00pm to 10:30pm (dinner). For reservations or enquiries, please call 088-260606 or fax 088-234779. E-mail [email protected]

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Leisure

Spot the Proboscis Monkey at the Kinabatangan River s you cruise along the Kinabatangan River, chances are you might come across a strange-looking but fascinating creature known as the proboscis monkey. With its pot- bellies, long tails and outrageously bulbous nose, they are quite hard to miss! The proboscis monkeys (nasalis larvatus) are found only in Borneo, making it unique to this part of the world. They are forest-dwellers and are limited mainly to coastal swamp forests. Although they are typically found along the banks of the Kinabatangan river, villagers who live in the area say that the monkeys can often be seen at a particular tributary where the creatures will appear without fail every morning. The tributary, known as Sungai Menanggul, is a 10-minute boat ride upstream from the township of Sukau. To view these amazing creatures, travel 3km upstream, preferably with as little noise as possible as they are easily disturbed by the sound of boat engines and loud human chatter. The best time to view the proboscis monkey is between 4pm to 6pm, which is when they head to the tree branches along the river bank to settle down after a day of searching for food in the jungle. For the early birds, you can opt to see them between 7am and 8am, before they move off in search of breakfast. The proboscis monkeys live in harems, which are groups containing one male, one to eight females and their offspring. These harems are almost always together, especially by the riversides in the evenings. This is why large hordes of proboscis monkeys are sometimes spotted. The lower Kinabatangan area of Sabah is not only home to the proboscis monkeys but to other spectacular wildlife, namely the elephants, orang-utans, gibbons, long-tailed and pig-tailed macaques, bearded pigs and eagles to name a few!

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Interesting facts: The proboscis monkeys are proficient swimmers! They have partly webbed back feet, which help them to swim and walk on mangrove mud without sinking in. Generally, proboscis monkeys do not fare well in captivity. They become depressed, stop eating and soon die. The male leaders of the pack are usually found on the highest part of the tree. Proboscis monkeys can make a bizarre range of noises, including roars, grunts, nasal honks and squeals!

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I n t e r e s t

Borneo Art Gallery f paintings are your passion, a trip to the Borneo Art Gallery in Asia City Complex, Kota Kinabalu cannot be denied! The cozy art gallery showcases a variety of artwork produced by local artists, as well those from the Philippines and Indonesia, in various mediums. The gallery opened its doors in August 2008 and has since attracted art collectors from near and far. Visitors can enjoy a myriad of masterpieces ranging from abstract swirls to beautiful batik paintings. Most of the paintings depict scenes from Sabah, such as a bustling tamu atmosphere or a breathtaking vista of Mount Kinabalu at dawn. You can purchase these paintings to adorn your living space or as a memento of your visit to

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Sabah. Every now and then, the Borneo Art Gallery will also feature a selected artist and showcase his or her works for art lovers to enjoy and purchase. You can also buy the paintings online at www.artborneo.com (price shown does not include framing and delivery charges). The Gallery is open from 9:00am to 9:00pm from Mondays to Saturdays and from 9:00am to 3:00pm on Sundays and Public Holidays. The Borneo Art Gallery is located at Suite 2.22, 2nd Floor, Asia City complex, Kota Kinabalu. For more information, call or fax 088280707. E-mail [email protected]

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Orchid De Villa elcome to Orchid De Villa, a haven of lush greenery and blooming orchids. Located 20 km from the Kota Kinabalu city centre (a mere 20 minutes’ drive), the journey to Orchid De Villa will treat visitors to scenic sights of traditional kampung (village) houses, green padi fields and rolling hills. The orchid garden is situated in the heart of Kampung Kawakaan in Kiansom, Inanam. This 12-acre farm is home to some 400 species of orchids, ranging from wild to beautiful hybrid species. The orchids come from various parts of Sabah including Tenom, Lahad Datu, Tawau, Keningau, and Ranau. Visitors can purchase cut flowers; this is usually the main attraction. Four acres of the establishment are dedicated to a lovely fishpond, where schools of fish swim up to meet you as you walk across the bridge. If a day trip does not suffice, visitors can opt to stay a night or two at the lodges. Orchids are not the only spectacular flora found here. More than 150 herbs grow naturally within the grounds and since July 2003, an additional 180 species have been planted. Visitors can opt for an educational tour of these herbs and their uses. There are more than 13,000 herbs with medicinal value around the world, but only about 3,500 are commonly used for medicinal purposes. Malaysians commonly use 800 types of herbs to treat nine major groups of ailments: cancer, semi-paralysis, respiratory ailments, skin problems, hypertension, internal organs, bone/ tendons/ ligaments, mental ailments and female disorders. Enjoy a stroll in Orchid De Villa and indulge in the natural beauty it has to offer. Relaxing, scenic and educational, Orchid De Villa is perfect for a weekend family outing or simply to get away from the city hustle and bustle. For more information, please contact Orchid De Villa at Tel: 088434997/380611, 380612 or email: [email protected]. Open daily, 8 am – 5 pm.

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Feature

Weekend

Getaway!

Only 48 hours to spare? Make the best of your brief break and check out the best of Sabah for an unforgettable weekend: If you are in Kota Kinabalu…

Kinabalu Park To do: Spend a weekend in any of the cosy cabins in the park and enjoy the cool mountain air. Visitors literally stop and smell the roses when visiting Kinabalu Park, a perfect change from the hustle and bustle of the city. The park, heralded as Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site, has excellent facilities including restaurants, a multi-purpose hall, information centre and several nature hiking trails for the adventure enthusiast. Special attraction: This is where your journey up Mount Kinabalu begins. Sabah’s unmistakable landmark attracts visitors from around the world all year round. Just a short drive from Kinabalu Park is the Kundasang Memorial Park; home to beautiful gardens commemorating the fallen Australian and British soldiers of World War II.

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park To do: Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is made up of five islands – Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, Gaya and Sulug just off the coast of Kota Kinabalu city. A speedboat-ride takes an average of 20 minutes to any one of these islands where you can enjoy a multitude of water sports, go diving, snorkelling or just laze on the beach. You can opt to spend a night or two on Manukan Island in the lovely seaside chalets. Check out www.suterasanctuarylodges.com for more information. Special attraction: Go seawalking at Sapi Island! Imagine traipsing the seabed without getting a single strand of hair wet while surrounded by a myriad of marine life. Call 088-249115 or visit www.borneoseawalking.com for more information.

©CV Chong

Kudat To do: Head north of Sabah and visit the town of Kudat. Home to the native Rungus people, Kudat boasts several must-see places including the Gombizau honey farm, the gong-making village of Matunggong and the famous Bavanggazo longhouse. Special attraction: Kudat is most famous as the location of the Tip of Borneo, Tanjung Simpang Mengayau. A mere 40-minute drive from Kudat town, its breathtaking view alone is well worth the visit.

©David Kirkland

©David Kirkland

If you are in Tawau…

The Islands To do: The islands located off the coast of Semporna are deemed some of the best scuba diving sites in the world. Visit the romantic Mataking Island for a wonderful pampering experience or the floating chalets of Kapalai. Special attraction: Sipadan Island needs little introduction, having been hailed one of the top three diving sites in the world. Mabul is known as a macro-diving haven. Also worth checking out is the unique Seaventures – an oil-rig turned dive resort just a stone’s throw away from Mabul.

Balung Eco Resort To do: Balung Eco Resort offers visitors a unique plantation experience. The eco-resort is built amidst a sprawling 1400-hectare plantation, its fertile soil home to a myriad of fruits, flowers and other crops. Special attraction: Join a guided tour to discover little-known facts about the plantation and the crops grown there. Give freshwater fishing a try and enjoy freshly harvested garden produce at the resort’s restaurant. Also, check out the Tower Deck to get a panoramic view.

If you are in Sandakan…

The Rainforest Discovery Centre To do: Located in the famous Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve (which is also the location of the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre) the RDC is a centre for environmental education. Take a walk on the 150-metre long steel canopy in the heart of the jungle and spot some of the most unique flora and fauna found in this part of the world. At the Visitor’s Building, walk through the exhibition hall to learn more about nature’s gifts. Special attraction: The Night Walk is a great opportunity to bump into elusive nocturnal creatures. The 800-m Rainforest Discovery trail also allows visitors to walk among gigantic Dipterocarp trees while looking out for darting animals such as civets and flying squirrels.

Sandakan’s Historical Sites To do: One of the best ways to spend 48 hours in Sandakan is to soak up the rich historical sites of the city. The ideal way to see the best of Sandakan’s places of interest is to follow the Sandakan Heritage Trail. A relatively easy walk around the city, the trail takes visitors to more than 10 historical spots, including the William Pryer Memorial, St. Michael’s and All Angels Church and the Sam Sing Kung Chinese Temple. Special attraction: The home of famed Agnes Keith, the American writer who coined the term ‘Land below the Wind’, has been converted into a museum containing various memorabilia that chronicle the writer’s life during her time in Sabah. Right next to Agnes Keith’s House is the quaint English Tea House. Perfect for a quick cup of tea and oven-fresh scones!

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Events All Year Pesta Kalimaran 2009 28-29 March

6th Malaysia Nation Harley Owners Grou 18-25 May

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Through the Lens

Round

16th Regatta Lepa Semporna

nal up (HOG) Rally 2009

18-19 April

00 World Cup Powerboat Race 2009 December

Sandakan Memorial Day 15 August

1st Borneo Bird Festival 2009 13 - 15 October ©Cede Prudente

Culture

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The Chinese Community of Sabah he Chinese community make up the second largest group in Sabah and form the largest non-indigenous group in the State. While the Chinese have been visiting the shores of Borneo for over 1,000 years (mainly for trade) and Chinese settlements are believed to have been established at a few places—including along the Kinabatangan River and the Brunei Bay area—mass Chinese migration to Sabah only started in the 1880s after the formation of the British North Borneo Chartered Company. The early Chinese migrants were mainly farmers brought in to open up the land, although artisans and miners also came. The early Chinese settlers in Sabah were mainly Hakka Christian farmers. Today, the Chinese make a large contribute to Sabah’s economic development and brighten the year with colourful events such as the Dragon Boat Race, Mooncake Festival and the Chinese New Year. The largest single Chinese group in Sabah are the Hakka; other groups include the Cantonese, Hokkien, Teochew, Hainanese and Henghua, each distinguished by their own dialect. Many Chinese have intermarried with the local population, mainly the Kadazandusun. This has created a unique sub-culture of Sino Kadazans, who practise both Kadazandusun and Chinese customs and traditions.

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Bahasa Malaysia

Cabaran Berakit Bambu 4M Kiulu

Pameran Makanan Setiap Khamis dan Jumaat sepanjang bulan Januari erkampungan Budaya Monsopiad akan mengadakan pesta pelbagai makanan rakyat Sabah. Nikmati sendiri juadah lazat pelbagai kumpulan etnik yang terdapat di Sabah – sesetengah hidangan wajib dicuba! Cubalah hinava yang sememangnya terkenal (hirisan ikan dengan limau nipis dan bawang), tuhau (paku pakis yang diperam), bambangan jeruk (buah seakan mangga) dan kepada yang lebih berani, butod (ulat sagu yang hidup). Makanlah bersama-sama masyarakat empatan dan anda mungkin boleh membawa pulang satu atau dua resipi sesuatu kaum untuk ditunjukkan kepada kawan-kawan atau keluarga di tempat anda. Pelajari lebih cara lama yang digunakan untuk menyediakan makanan-makanan unik ini yang kebanyakannya masih dihidangkan dalam kalangan rumah-rumah masyarakat tempatan hari ini. Untuk maklumat lanjut, hubungi Kampung Budaya Monsopiad di talian 088-761336/774337, faks 088-761680 atau e-mel: [email protected]. Perkampungan tersebut dibuka setiap hari (termasuk cuti umum) dari 9.30 pagi hingga 5.00 petang. Layari laman jaringnya di www.monsopiad.com.

P engan lembah, gunung-ganang, sungai dan bukit-bukaunya, Sabah adalah impian setiap peminat cabaran kembara. Cabaran Berakit Bambu 4M Kiulu bulan ini menjanjikan debaran dan keseronokan. Acara ini pada awalnya dijadualkan berlangsung pada Disember tetapi disebabkan keadaan cuaca yang tidak mengizinkan, acara ini ditangguhkan ke Januari 2009. Banjir besar menghanyutkan rakit-rakit bambu dan menjejaskan laluan perlumbaan. Penganjur tidak ada pilihan selain menangguhkan cabaran ini. Cabaran menarik ini terbahagi kepada empat perlumbaan popular dalam kalangan masyarakat Kadazandusun: Manang’kus (berlari sejauh 6km), Mamang’kar (berakit bamboo sepanjang 5km) Manam’Patau (berenang sejauh 1.3km dengan batang bambu sebagai pelampung) dan Mama-ram-panau (berjalan bertongkatkan bambu sejauh 0.2km). Sejak kali pertama diadakan pada tahun 1996, perlumbaan ini menjadi acara tahunan yang dinanti-nantikan, menarik peminat cabaran kembara dari pelbagai tempat. Pertandingan ini mengetengahkan beberapa kategori termasuk X-treme 5km, Terbuka Campuran dan Terbuka Remaja. Selama beberapa tahun, pertandingan ini mendapat pujian daripada ramai peserta tempatan dan antarabangsa kerana elemen perlumbaannya yang unik – perlumbaan rakyat Sabah sebenar! Datang dan sokonglah pasukan kegemaran anda dan nikmatilah keseronokan melalui Cabaran ini! Untuk maklumat lanjut atau pendaftaran, sila hubungi Ariffin Gadait (Pengerusi Penganjur) melalui talian 088-225752 atau 019-8624585. E-mel [email protected]

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Pameran Lukisan Bakat-Bakat Baharu 8 Januari – 2 Februari aleri Lukisan Sabah di Kota Kinabalu sekali lagi mengetengahkan bakat-bakat baharu dalam arena seni lukis tempatan bulan ini sempena Pameran Lukisan Bakat-Bakat Baharu. Datang dan saksikan pendekatan baharu dan kepelbagaian teknik yang digunakan untuk menghasilkan karya yang cantik. Temanya termasuklah keindahan semula jadi Sabah, corak budaya dan seni abstrak. Galeri ini dibuka setiap hari dari 9:00 pagi hingga 5:00 petang. Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Galeri Lukisan Sabah melalui talian 088-268875 atau e-mel [email protected]

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Bahasa Malaysia

Little Italy M

ahukan sepotong piza atau sepinggan pasta al dente? Yang teratas senarai anda sepatutnya ialah Little Italy, restoran Itali paling mapan di Kota Kinabalu. Kini terletak di tingkat bawah Hotel Capital (bertentangan dengan Wisma Merdeka); Little Italy mula dibuka pada tahun 2000 dan menjadi salah satu restoran paling popular di Sabah. Restoran ini semakin dikenali hidangan berkualiti dan perkhidmatan memuaskan. Emiliano Ceresa, pemilik Little Italy, berkata dasar mereka adalah untuk memastikan tidak ada pelanggan yang pergi dengan rasa tidak puas hati dan kualiti adalah segala-galanya. “Cita rasa kami sangat ‘home-style’ dan resipi yang disediakan telah diturunkan dari satu generasi ke satu generasi daripada sebelah ibu saya,” tambahnya. Restoran ini menyediakan ruang terbuka dan di dalam dan boleh menampung hingga 140 pelanggan pada satu-satu masa. Banyak makanan yang boleh dinikmati di sini, termasuklah beberapa pilihan

pasta yang dihidangkan dengan pelbagai krim, sos berasaskan tomato atau campuran, pembuka selera yang lazat, piza dan bermacam jenis hidangan utama. Hidangan yang paling disyorkan ialah Fettucine Boscaiola; gabungan menarik ayam dan cendawan segar dalam wain putih dan salsa rosa. Mahukan sesuatu yang ringan? Pilihlah manamana pilihan pasta ala Gamberi, kombinasi ringan udang segar diadun dengan minyak zaitun dan bawang putih. Kegemaran Emiliano ialah Crespelle al Forno, hidangan lebih masak sama seperti lasagna, dan didatangkan dengan pilihan bayam, ham ayam belanda dan keju atau cendawan. Mencari piza? Terlalu banyak pilihan ditawarkan namun kami syorkan anda mencuba Pizza Bianca – gabungan enak krim keju dan ham ayam belanda. Pastikan anda menikmati set makan tengah hari yang terkenal dari pukul 10:30 pagi hingga 5:00 petang. Little Italy juga ialah pilihan untuk minum bersama-sama rakan-rakan. Daripada wain Itali hinggalah Limoncello, mereka ada segala-galanya untuk memastikan pesta berterusan! Sama ada suasana khas atau sekadar ingin makan tengah hari, segalanya sempurna dengan pilihan ramai KK, Little Italy. Little Italy terletak di Tingkat Bawah, Hotel Capital, Jalan Haji Saman, Kota Kinabalu (bertentangan pusat membeli belah Wisma Merdeka). Dibuka setiap hari dari 10:30 pagi hingga 11:00 malam. Untuk tempahan, hubungi 088-232231.

Tempat-tempat Menarik

Orchid De Villa elamat datang ke Orchid De Villa, syurga orkid yang subur dan menghijau. Terletak 20km dari pusat banda raya Kota Kinabalu (hanya 20 minit memandu). Pengunjung akan dapat melihat pemandangan menarik rumah kampung tradisional, sawah padi dan bukit bukau yang menghijau sepanjang perjalanan ke Orchid De Villa. Ladang orkid ini terletak di tengah-tengah Kampung Kawakaan di Kiansom, Inanam. Ladang seluas 12 ekar ini ditanam dengan lebih kurang 400 spesis orkid dan kacukan yang cantik. Orkid dari pelbagai tempat di Sabah termasuklah Tenom, Lahad Datu, Tawau, Keningau dan Ranau. Pengunjung boleh membeli jambangan bunga, biasanya ini menjadi tarikan utamanya. Empat ekar kawasan ini dikhaskan untuk kolam ikan , lazimnya sekumpulan ikan timbul untuk ‘bertemu’ anda sebaik anda berjalan di jambatan. Sekiranya bersiar-siar sehari tidak cukup, pengunjung boleh memilih untuk tinggal semalam atau dua malam di rumah tumpangan. Orkid bukan sahaja satu-satunya tumbuhan menarik di sini. Lebih 150 herba tumbuh secara semula jadi di sini dan sejak 2003, terdapat tambahan 180 spesis telah ditanam. Pengunjung boleh memilih untuk melawat sambil belajar mengenai herba-herba ini dan khasiatnya. Ada lebih 13,000 herba dengan nilai perubatan di seluruh dunia, tetapi hanya lebih kurang 3,500 yang biasa digunakan untuk tujuan perubatan. Rakyat Malaysia secara amnya menggunakan 800 jenis herba untuk merawat sembilan penyakit utama: barah, lumpuh sebahagian badan, masalah pernafasan, masalah kulit, organ-organ dalaman seperti tulang, urat dan ligamen, penyakit mental dan masalah wanita. Bersiar-siarlah di Orchid De Villa dan nikmatilah keindahan semula jadi disini. Menenangkan, cantik dan memberikan pengetahuan, Orchid De Villa sesuai untuk hujung minggu sekeluarga atau sekadar melarikan diri dari hiruk-pikuk kota raya. Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Orchid De Villa melalui talian 088434997/380612 atau e-mel: [email protected]. Dibuka setiap hari dari 8 pagi hingga 5 petang.

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C h i n e s e

C h i n e s e

little Italy

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Japanese

Japanese

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Korean

Bambangan (pickled mango-like fruit)

Korean

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MUSEUMS & MEMORIALS

TAMU MARKETS * most tamus operate as early as 6am and close by 2pm.

Kota Kinabalu

Gaya Street Fair - Sunday Kampung Air - Sunday Telipok - Thursday

Penampang

Kota Marudu

Pekan Kota Marudu - Saturday & Sunday

Tuaran

Pekan Tuaran - Sunday Kiulu - Tuesday

Donggongon Thursday & Friday

Tamparuli

Papar

Kuala Penyu

Sandakan

Sandakan Town - Sunday Gua Mantong Jaya - Sunday

Tawau

Pekan Kuala Penyu -Tuesday Pekan Kota Belud - Sunday

Keningau

Ranau

Lahad Datu

PekanRanau - Sunday Pekan Kundasang - Friday

Sabah Islamic Civilisation Museum Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm Jalan Menteri, off Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Kota Kinabalu Tel: 088-538227/538228

Second World War Memorial Petagas Open daily Tel:088-253199

Kota Belud

Bandar Tawau - Sunday Batu 15 Jalan Apas - Sunday

Sabah State Museum Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm Jln. Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu Tel: 088-253199/263551

Sabah Ethnobotanical Heritage Museum Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu Tel: 088-253199/263551

Pekan Tamparuli - Wednesday

Kinarut - Saturday

KOTA KINABALU

Lahad Datu Township - Sunday

Tun Mustapha Gallery Mon - Sat: 8.00am to 5.00pm Aras Podium, Yayasan Sabah Tel: 088-321153 / 326683

Bukit Tengkorak Archaelogical Site Museum, Semporna Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm Tel: 088-253199

Sandakan Memorial Park Mon - Sun: 9am-5pm Sibuga Forest Reserve Mile 7, Jalan Labuk, Sandakan Tel: 016 8221616 (Doris)

OTHER DISTRICTS

Agnes Keith House, Sandakan Mon - Sun: 9.00am - 5.00pm Tel: 089-222679

Murut Museum (Sabah Murut Cultural Centre , Tenom) Mon – Sun: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Lembaga Kebudayaan Negeri Sabah (Tenom Branch) W.D.T 72, 89909 Tenom. Tel: 087-734506

Sandakan Heritage Museum Mon - Sun: 9am-5pm Wisma Warisan, Sandakan Tel: 089-222679 Batu Tulug Archaeological Site Museum, Kinabatangan Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm Tel: 088-253199

TAWAU

Kinarut Mansion Ruins Museum Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm Tel: 088-253199/263551

Pekan Keningau - Sunday

SANDAKAN

Teck Guan Cocoa Museum Mon-Fri: 8am -11:30am 1:30pm-4:30pm Sat: 8am-12pm Sun: Closed Mile 2, Tanjung Batu Laut, Teck Guan Factory, Tawau Tel:089-775566 ext 2601

Mat Salleh Memorial, Tambunan Open Daily Kg. Tibabar, Tambunan Tel :088-253199/ 263551 Kundasang War Memorial, Open daily including Public Holidays Tel: 019 899 2041 (Mr. Sevee Charuruks) Quailey Hill Open daily including Public Holidays 8.00am to 5.00pm Sabah Tea Garden, KM 17 Jalan Ranau-Sandakan, Kg Nalapak, Ranau.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES Sabah Tourism Board

Useful Numbers

No.51, Jalan Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu Tel: 088-212121 Fax: 088-212075 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sabahtourism.com Open: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Mon-Fri) 9:00am to 4:00pm (Weekend & PH)

Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd

Lot 4, Ground Floor, Block L, Sinsuran Complex, 88000, Kota Kinabalu Tel: 088-232121 Fax: 088-265540 Email: [email protected] Website: www.sabahtourism.com Open: 8:00amto 5:00pm (Mon-Fri) 8:00am-4:00pm (Weekend & PH)

Fire Department - 994 Ambulance /Police -999 Police Hotline HQ SABAH – 088-253555 KK – 088-221191 Airport - 088-238555

Yayasan Sabah Ambulance 088-326655

Tourism Malaysia (Sabah)

Lot 1-0-7, Ground Floor, Block 1, Lorong Api-Api 1, Api Api Centre, 88000, Kota Kinabalu Tel:088-248698/ 211732 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.tourism.gov.my Open: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Mon-Fri) Closed on weekends SANDAKAN (089) !Hospital 212111

LABUAN (087)

660405

!Hospital 413333

!Airport

Queen Elizabeth Hospital 088-218166 Damai Specialist Centre 088-222922 Sabah Medical Centre 088-211333

Information Services 088-280600/ 280631/ 280641

!Immigrations 668308

415015

!Immigrations 412298 TAWAU (089)

International Telephone Directory Assistance -108

!Airport

!Hospital 773533 !Airport

950013

!Immigrations 773343

Come Meet the Fiddlers at the Kota Kinabalu City Wetland Text and photos by William W.W. Wong ucked away in a quiet little corner and a stone’s throw away from the city centre is an ideal place where you can blend in with nature. It is also a place where you will meet face to face with the many resident fiddlers – the fiddler crabs, that is. These are small but very colourful crabs, living among the mangroves and mudflats of the inter-tidal zone right here at the Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre (formerly known as the Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary). To observe them, you need to be very quiet and move very slowly so as not to frighten them scrambling into their burrows. The best time to see these inter-tidal animals is just as the tide is going out and before the next high tide comes in.

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Ever wondered why they are called ‘fiddler crabs’? For starters, the male fiddler crab exhibits one of the most extreme examples of body asymmetry in the animal kingdom. It has one large major claw, which probably weighs as much as a third to half of the animal’s body mass. This major claw is used to attract a mate by waving it and tapping on the ground. Male fiddler crabs often fight with each other using this large claw. Some have been known to lose this stately male symbol in a fierce combat, but not all is lost. In its next moulting, a large claw will develop from the small one opposite the claw that was lost, and a new smaller claw will regenerate to replace the one that was lost in battle. The smaller claw is used to grab food. Therefore, the movement of the smaller claw moving from mud to mouth during feeding time appears as if it is playing the larger claw like a fiddle! Female fiddler crabs, however, have two small feeding claws. The Kota Kinabalu City Wetland Centre is not only for the birds and bird watchers but also for those who are looking for the smaller and less conspicuous inhabitants of the mangrove and the mudflats. Fiddler crabs are extremely interesting inhabitants and they play a very important role in the ecology of the mangrove wetlands. When they feed, they shift through the sand for algae, fungi, detritus and microbes. In so doing, they help aerate the mud and substrate, thereby keeping the mudflats ‘well-aired’. Although this bird sanctuary is only 24 hectares in size, its function and ecology are vital to both resident and migratory birds who find food and refuge here. These colourful fiddler crabs unfortunately form a part of the diet of these wading birds, but they are part of the food chain that supports life in the mangrove wetlands. Each component of this food chain must be maintained to ensure that the delicate balance of nature is preserved. Why not head for the Kota Kinabalu City Wetland not just for the birds, but to get to know the tiny fiddlers ‘playing’ for you out there on the mudflats! For more information, please call 088-246955 or e-mail [email protected]