Sabah Malaysian Borneo Buletin June 2009

June 2009 Volume 100

RM 1.00

INSIDE: KK Jazz Festival, Traditional Games, Vote for Sipadan and more!

Contents

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

Brian Sean Gomic

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

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Happenings & Highlights 24th Sabah Dragon Boat Race Jazz Festival Traditional Games 1st Sabah State Music Camp News: -TYT Votes Sipadan -Ongoing voting for Sipadan at Shopping Centres -Kadaiku launches Plush Toy Corner -World Enviroment Day -Dragon Inn Semporna Named Top 10 Floating -Resort in the World

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Eating Out Frankincense Ikan Bakar Pasar Sim Sim

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Places of Interest

COVER BY CV Chong

Inna Kinabalu Sdn Bhd (Publisher of The New Sabah Times) Jalan Pusat Pembangunan Masyarakat, Sembulan 88100 Kota Kinabalu Every 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 part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the Sabah Tourism Board.

Message from the Editor s the revelry of the Harvest Festival dies down, we gear up for more exciting activities coming our way as June rolls around. The gliding of fierce dragons along the South China Sea accompanied by the beating of Chinese drums marks the Duan Wu or Dragon Boat Festival. Sabah has a strong Chinese community and like many other festivals, we celebrate this with as much grandeur as possible! The most significant event in the month of June is none other than the Sabah Dragon Boat Race which takes place on the 20th and 21st of June at the Likas Bay in Kota Kinabalu. Entering its 24th year, the race continues to attract some of the top Dragon Boat teams from around the world, including Indonesia, Japan, China, Australia, Singapore, Penang and the Philippines to name a few. It’s an exciting time of the year as Likas Bay comes alive with ‘racing dragons’ and dancing lions! You won’t want to miss this annual race.

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It’s also the month go green and be nicer to Mother Nature as we celebrate World Environment Day. I had the immense pleasure of speaking with Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa’s General Manager, Andrew Steele (p.3) who shares my passion for all things Sabah and agrees with the sentiment that one less plastic bag with each purchase can go a long way. Another easy tip is to carpool. Not only is it gentler on the environment but reduces the growing traffic jam woes! Join the World Environment Day programme at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park on the 13th of June (see our Happenings & Higlights page for more details) and see how you can play your part in keeping the earth clean and green. Also noteworthy this month is the KK Jazz Festival at the Sutera Harbour Marina – Forget rock and

Promenade Hotel Tawau

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Places of Interest Tanjung Aru Bridal House

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Leisure KK Heritage Walk

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Feature Pom Pom Island Resort

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Through The Lens Scenes of the Sabah Dragon Boat Race

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Culture History of the Dragon Boat Race

country ballads! Let loose with the suave sounds of jazz performed by international and local talents.

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Be sure to check out the other sections of our magazine such as the Places of Interest and Eating Out for more ‘makan’ ideas. Every month, we look forward to bring you the best of Sabah Malaysian Borneo. Need more help? Visit our Tourist Information Counters at the Sabah Tourism Board office along Jalan Gaya or at Sri Pelancongan Sabah in Sinsuran. In Sandakan, swing by the Sandakan Tourist Information centre located in the heart of the city. From racing dragons to jazzy sessions, mark your calendar for another busy month in Sabah. Make this a holiday to remember!

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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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Vote for Sipadan!

Melissa Leong Editor

Products of the Month at Kadaiku Sabah Souvenirs & Handicrafts

Traditional Games Exhibition Every Saturday and Sunday for the month of June 2009 Here’s your chance to try out some of the little-known traditional games of Sabah. From congkak to bamboo-stilt walking, many of these unique games are still favourites and often played in the kampong (village) areas. Organiser: Monsopiad Cultural Village Time: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm For further info: Monsopiad Cultural Village Tel: 088 774337, 761336 Fax: 088 761680 Email: [email protected] Kaamatan Festival National Level Open House 7 June 2009 Join the festivities of the Ka’amatan or Harvest Festival at a grand scale right here at the University Malaysia Sabah. Be entertained by a variety of stage performances, sample local fare and indulge in the merriment. Everyone is invited! Organiser: Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture For further info: Puan Ruhani Binti Mamat, Ministry of Information, Communication and Culture Tel: 012 306 5762 1st Sabah State Music Camp 8 – 13 June 2009 Open to students and adults, the camp includes full ensemble rehearsals, sectionals, master classes, tutorials, music

appreciation classes, chamber music coaching (for more advanced students) and ample supervised practice time. Participants will be able to focus what they like best, to take casual interest or seriously study technique and theory. Organiser: Jesselton Philharmonic Orchestra For further info: Yap Ling (Conductor) Tel: 088 722230, 016 8333034 (Alice), 012 8203733 (Yap Ling) Fax: 088 722230 Email: [email protected] Music Camp Concert 8 June 2009 The Music Camp Concert is the finale performed by the participants of the 1st Sabah State Music Camp held for 5 days prior to the concert. The concert will Showcase the talent outcomes of the Jesselton Philharmonic Orchestra’s music camp which was held in an effort to contribute to the culture and musical growth of the local community. Organiser: Jesselton Philharmonic Orchestra For further info: Yap Ling (Conductor) Tel: 088 722230, 016 8333034 (Alice), 012 8203733 (Yap Ling) Fax: 088 722230 Email: [email protected] Remembering Double Six 6 June 2009 Ceremonies to commemorate the ‘Double Six’ tragedy in which some of the State’s top leaders were killed in a plane crash on the 6th of June 1976. The event takes place at the Double Six Monument in Grace Point, Sembulan. Organiser: Kota Kinabalu City Hall For further info: Syron Tunggolou Tel: 088 521800 Fax: 088 316137

Environmental Week by the Malaysian Association of Hotels, Sabah Chapter 13 June 2009 Various activities are organized during the environmental week, which includes a competition to build rafts made of recyclable materials, a myriad of environmental projects by individual hotels and a conservation programme for the public. Organiser: Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH), Sabah/Labuan Chapter For further info: Tulip Noorazyze Tel: 088 227880 Fax: 088 244871 Email: [email protected] World Environment Day 13 June Swing by the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park this June and be a part of World Environment Day! Activities include tree-planting, a drawing competition for school children and a treasure hunt. Visitors can also learn step-by-step garden composting methods. Enjoy 50 percent off the Wildlife Park’s entrance fee in conjunction with World Environment Day. Organiser: Sabah Wildlife Department For further info: Tel: +6088-215353 / 214442 Fax: +6088-222476 E-mail: [email protected] Sandakan Festival 21 June 2009 The annual Sandakan Festival takes off with the official launching ceremony, organized by the Sandakan Municipal Council. The festival was introduced in the year 2000 as means to promote the many tourism attractions Sandakan has to offer. Organiser: Sandakan Municipal Council For further info: Catherin Chua Tel: 089 224026 Fax: 089 272112, 213452, 274659 Email:[email protected] 3rd KK Jazz Festival 19 – 20 June 2009 Groove and sway to the sounds of international and local jazz acts for 2 days at the Sutera Harbour Marina Tennis Club from 6:30pm onwards. The event aims to build up local talents and boost the interest and participation in the performing arts scene of Kota Kinabalu. Performers include UK-based Son2nos and homegrown talents Double Take and Jonathan Ngu.

Organiser: Society of Performing Arts Kota Kinabalu, Sabah (SPARKS) For further info: Datuk Adeline Leong (President) George Ngui (Organizing Chairman) Tel: 019 8539922 (Datuk Adeline), 088 230245 Fax: 088 222985 Email: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected] 24th Sabah Dragon Boat Race 2009 20 – 21 June 2009 A traditional Chinese event that evolved from myths and legends that has grown into one of the main highlights of the year. This exciting race has attracted many teams from as far as Australia, Hong Kong, Japan, China and Brunei. Organisers: Sabah Tourism Board Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd Sabah Chinese Culture Association For further info: Zachary S. Mobijohn Tel: 088 232121, 260431 Fax: 088 265540, 219401 Email: [email protected] Sandakan Founding Day 21 June 2009 An event to commemorate the day Sandakan was established in 1879. Organised by the Sandakan Municipal Council, this is the third year Sandakan Founding Day is celebrated. Organiser: Sandakan Municipal Council For further info: Secretary of Sandakan Municipal Council Tel: 089 273994 Fax: 089 272112, 274659, 213452 Email: [email protected] Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen’s Day 25 – 28 June 2009 An annual event running for the 10th consecutive year held at the Padang Bandaran Sandakan, held over four days with many exhibitions and sales of highland and lowland fresh vegetables, tropical fruits, herbs, flowers, seafood and local handicrafts. Everyone is invited! Organiser: Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry For further info: D’Jamil Kamarudin Tel: 088 283688, 019 8604535 Fax: 088 234834

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Sabah’s Man of Steele Andrew Steele General Manager of Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort & Spa ou can take the man out of Sabah but with Andrew Steele, it seems like you can never take Sabah out of the man. Having been in Sabah between 2003 to early 2005, Andrew is back on our shores and could not be happier. “I love this place. I have always had a strong affinity for Sabah. In fact, I was probably a Sabahan in my previous life!”

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“I love this place. I have always had a strong affinity for Sabah. In fact, I was probably a Sabahan in my previous life!”

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Now serving as the General Manager of Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa (STARs), Andrew’s career of almost 20 years literally spans the globe. Hong Kong, Shanghai, Xi’an, Taipei, Koh Samui, Hayman Island, Jakarta and New Delhi are just some of the locations Andrew has found himself in, but he asserts none of them quite live up to Kota Kinabalu. “They say you don’t know heaven if you’ve never been to hell and Sabah is definitely heaven! Some of my postings have been hellish and emotionally confronting, so being back here is a breath of fresh air,” he says. Andrew is impressed with the changes he sees here in Sabah. “From the Waterfront to 1Borneo, it is apparent that KK continues to grow and prosper. But more importantly, I am impressed at how the City is really starting to ‘clean up’. And for this, I give credit to the Mayor for all his efforts,” he says, adding that Datuk Ilyas Ibrahim’s background as the former Commissioner of Police gives him the discipline, dedication and motivation to turn KK into the city it is today. “Our next big challenge is cleaning up the sea and rivers which are often littered with plastic bags and the like,” says Andrew, who is also the Chairperson for the Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Safety, Security and Environment Committee. In fact, as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), STARs ‘adopts’ schools in Kota

Kinabalu to be part of the environmental awareness programmes, and clean-up sessions or gotong-royong are organised at Tanjung Aru’s First Beach. “We work hand in hand with local communities and assist in education efforts,” he adds. The resort also adopts four children from the Sri Mengasih School, a school for children with special needs, sponsoring their education for a year. Andrew cannot stress enough how he loves all things Sabah. “You have such a diversification of offerings. From dive sites to Mount Kinabalu and your rainforests are amazing. But most of all, you have the most wonderful people. With all this, other destinations pale in comparison with what Sabah has to offer,” he enthuses, adding that his recent trip to Danum Valley was one of the most unforgettable experiences during his time here. His passion for Sabah has led him together with their sister resort, Shangri-La’s Rasa Ria Resort in Tuaran, to team up and package the best of Sabah. “The General Manager of Rasa Ria, Timothy Wright, is simply excellent to work with. We are coming up with packages that allow visitors to have the complete Borneo Experience. For example, they can enjoy the sun, sea and city life during a 3-night stay in STARs and get up close with the Orang Utan and other wildlife at Rasa Ria for another 3 nights. It’s the best of both worlds,” he explains. He also mentions plans to work together with Yayasan Sabah to bring guests to Danum Valley as part of this package. “We don’t want visitors to come to Sabah and laze by the pool every day! We want them to get out there, visit the islands, trek the rainforests and meet the wonderful people so that they get a real feel of Sabah,” he says. Andrew concludes by saying apart from their goal to be positioned as a premier resort in the state alongside with Rasa Ria, he sincerely hopes to play a part in putting Sabah where she belongs: as one of the top 10 destinations in the world. “We want Sabah to be on everyone Bucket List – a place where you MUST go at least once in your life,” he explains. “But once you’re here I urge you to get out, explore and even walk into a coffee shop and you will be surprised at how open and friendly Sabahans are,” he adds. Andrew’s dedication also lies in continually improving the environment, “Sabah is truly beautiful, but paradise remains paradise provided its taken care of.” He ends the interview with a smile, “I think Marco Polo got its wrong when he said Hangzhou was heaven. That title belongs to Sabah.”

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24th Sabah Dragon Boat Race ast and furious dragons glide over the South China Sea to the pounding of drums this June during the 24th Sabah Dragon Race. The Dragon Boat Festival or Duan Wu, which originates from China and dates back to the 4th century, falls on the fifth day of the fifth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This is when the Chinese pay homage to their ancestors and appease the Dragon (Controller of the Water) to ensure adequate rainfall to ripen their crops. The race also commemorates the Chinese poet and countryman, Qu Yan who threw himself into Milo River to commit suicide. People began to row out in boats to search for his body and they threw rice dumplings into the river to console his spirit. The throwing of dumplings or chung tze into the sea is now a symbolic gesture and marks the start of the event each year. Initiated by the Sabah Chinese Cultural Association (SCCA) 23 years ago, the Race was placed under the responsibility of the Sabah Tourism Board in 1996. The race was then briefly under the organization of the Ministry of Youth & Sports in the years 2002 and 2003 but is now (since 2004) back in the hands of the Sabah Tourism Board with the support of the SCCA. This year, some 50 teams are expected to participate, both local and foreign, including teams from Brunei, Kalimantan, Singapore and China. Teams will be vying for nine trophies:

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• Sabah Head Of State Trophy – International & Top Malaysian Men’s Teams • Sabah Chief Minister Trophy – Malaysian Men’s Teams • Sabah Dragon Trophy – International & Malaysian Mixed Teams • SCCA President Trophy – Chinese Men’s Teams • SCCA President Trophy – Chinese Mixed Teams • Kinabalu Dragon Trophy – Junior Team Under 21 Years Old • Men’s Team Open 200 Metre Race – Open to all Men’s Teams • Mix Team Open 200 Metre Race – Open to all Mixed Teams • Charity Race – Open to all teams The newly-introduced Charity Race is a unique category in which teams select a charitable organization to represent. The name of the organization must be incorporated in the team name when registering for this event. All cash prizes of the winning team will then be donated to the respective charitable organisation. This year, the total cash prize for this year is RM43,000. The Heats for all categories take place on the 20th of June while the Finals are held the following day. In between races, enjoy the spectacular dragon and lion dance performances and a 24-Chinese drum presentation. On the 20th of June, visitors can also participate in a host of events at Likas Bay including beach soccer matches organised by KK Futsal Centre, canoeing by the Sabah Canoe Association and sailing activities by the Kinabalu Yacht Club and Sabah Sailing Association. Come and catch the excitement this June at Likas Bay! The event kicks off at 8:00am. For more information, please contact Zachary Mobijohn (Organising Secretary) at +6088-232121, fax +6088-265540 or e-mail [email protected]. Visit the website at http://dragonboat.sabahtourism.com

20 & 21 June 2009 Venue: Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu

World Environment Day, 13 June hink green and join us at this year’s World Environment Day at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park! With the collaboration of various agencies under the helm of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment, members of the public are invited to be a part of this event. Activities include tree-planting, a drawing competition for school children and a treasure hunt. Visitors can also learn step-by-step garden composting methods. Enjoy 50 percent off the Wildlife Park’s entrance fee in conjunction with World Environment Day! The event kicks off at 7:00am until noon. For more information, please contact the organizers at 088-215353 or 214442 (Sabah Wildlife Department).

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Get Ready! The Borneo International Marathon 2009 takes place on the 11th of October right here in Kota Kinabalu. Here’s a handy runner’s tip: Combine your running with strength training. Don’t shy away from pumping iron in the gym - It can help enhance endurance, reduce risk of repetitive stress injuries and increase lean body mass. For more info on the marathon, visit www.borneomarathon.com

The Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival 2009,19-20 June way, shake and shimmy to the sounds of jazz maestros from around the world! This year’s KK Jazz Festival takes place at the Tennis Arena, Sutera Marina Club from 6:30pm to 11:00pm. Indulge in the musical stylings of Sabah’s very own Double Take, featuring Roger Wang and Mia Palencia, Malaysian vocal harmony group Six2Eight, Hong Kong’s Junk Unit, Nah Youn Sun from Korea, UK-based Son2nos, Rimba, SIA Jazz Syndicate and Jonathan Tse. Music enthusiasts will also have the chance to jam with the performers on the 7th and 14th of June from

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3pm to 5pm at the Sutera Harbour Resort. Tickets for the 2-day access are priced at RM50.00 and RM100.00 and can be purchased at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets around Kota Kinabalu. This event is organized by the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu (RCKK) with the support of the Society of Performing Arts Kota Kinabalu Sabah (SPArKS). For more details, contact the organizers at 088 230245 or e-mail [email protected]

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Traditional Every Saturday & Sunday Games throughout Exhibition the month of June rom bamboo stilt-walking (rampanau) to top-spinning (gasing), traditional games are a aplenty at the Monsopiad Cultural Village in Penampang. Every weekend, join the fun and games of the traditional folk. Revive age-old past times, many of which require agility, skill and plenty of hand-eye coordination. It’s all happening at the Monsopiad Cultural Village! The exhibition runs from 9:00am to 5:00pm. For more information, please contact the organizers at 088-774337 / 761336 or e-mail [email protected]

F The 1st Sabah State Music Camp 8-13 June t will be a week of musical fusion, fellowship and fun at the 1st Sabah State Music Camp this June. Amateur musicians and music students of all ages and nationalities are invited to be a part of this amazing experience. The participants will gain concentrated knowledge in their particular area of interest and in depth study of their instruments or voice during the camp. The program for the week will include tutorials, sectional practices, orchestral and choral rehearsals, chamber music, master classes, camp recitals, recreation activities and sight-seeing. Held at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), the camp will be conducted in English. However Mandarin and Bahasa Malaysia will be used where necessary and translators are available. The camp culminates in a full orchestral and choral performance of the Camp Finale Concert at the UMS Recital Hall on 13 June. For more information, please contact Yap Ling at 016 820 0355.

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NEWS TYT Votes for Sipadan His Excellency Sabah’s Head of State, TYT Yang di-Pertua Negeri Sabah Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Ahmadshah Bin Abdullah casts his vote for Sipadan in its bid to be nominated as one of the 7 Wonders of Nature. In April, the Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman led the way by casting his vote during the DUN Assembly. Cast your vote by logging on to www.votesipadan.com.

Vote For Sipadan Campaign Going Strong in Shopping Centres The campaign for Sipadan to be listed as one of the nominees for the New 7 Wonders of Nature continues in shopping centres around Kota Kinabalu. Booths are set up by Sabah Tourism Board, the official supporting committee for the campaign, giving shoppers a chance to do live voting at selected shopping centres. Visit our booths and show your support!

Semporna’s Dragon Inn Listed as Top 10 Floating Hotels Popular website www.askmen.com recently named Semporna’s Dragon Inn Floating Resort as one of the Top1 10 Floating Hotels in the world. Dragon Inn was listed as number 7 on the list, joining the ranks of the Six Senses Soneva Gili Resort in Maldives, Reefworld, Great Barrier Reef in Australia and Dubai’s Floating and Rotating Hotel Tower.

Kadaiku sets up the Plush Toy Mini Sanctuary Corner Kadaiku, located next to the Sri Pelancongan Sabah Tourist Information office in Sinsuran, recently set up its Plush Toy Mini Sanctuary Corner. The Sabah souvenir and handicraft store features its exclusive collection of plush soft toys including Simbo the Orang Utan and his family, Lucky Laki the Proboscis Monkey and Kuno the Rhinoceros. Bring one home today! Check out page 15 to see what’s new at Kadaiku.

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Frankincense – A Family Cafe

Ikan Bakar Pasar Sim Sim

hen in Sandakan, find your way to the much-raved about Pasar Sim Sim. At first glance it appears to be your average market, but Pasar Sim Sim’s main attraction is the Ikan Bakar (Grilled Fish) stalls. Locals flock here during lunch and dinner to enjoy some of the arguably best grilled fish in this part of Sabah. According to Sandakan folk, Pasar Sim Sim started out as a modest market selling fresh produce and the like. But it wasn’t until 2004 that it gained popularity for its ikan bakar stalls. The friendly ‘makcik’ (aunties) and their assistants are proud to show their array of fresh fish, including grouper, ikan bahulu¸ ikan belays, ikan merah (red snapper) and ikan putih (trevally). Many visitors from the west coast (namely Kota Kinabalu) even claim that no trip to Sandakan is complete without an ikan bakar adventure! The ikan bakar is best served with plain white rice and a generous serving of sambal belacan (shrimp paste) – it might be a tad spicy, so go easy on the belacan! There are also plenty of side dishes to go with your ikan bakar, from local vegetables to pickled delights. Be adventurous and try a bit of everything! The market is open daily from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm. It is located on Jalan Buli Sim Sim, Sandakan.

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ooking for a dose of hearty home-cooked food? Swing by Frankincense, a quaint family-friendly café located at the Sri Kepayan Commercial Centre in Kota Kinabalu. Set up by husband and wife team of Casey and Cathy Lee, Frankincense offers the unique combination of Baba & Nyonya cuisine (of Malay-Chinese influence most popular in the Malaysians states of Melaka and Penang) and local Kadazandusun fare. On the menu you will find plenty of coffee shop favourites including toast, nasi lemak and fried noodles. But the real crowd-puller here is the variety of Baba Nyonya & local dishes, best enjoyed with a plate of steamed rice. Try the Ayam Pongteh, a simple chicken stew cooked with soya sauce and sengkuang (a crunchy type of fruit with an apple-like texture). According to Casey, the Ayam Pongteh dish is a must-have for the Baba Nyonya community on Chinese New Year Eve. Also served here is the Ayam Tempera, a chicken dish cooked with green pepper and vinegar served in a delicious gravy. The Nenas Masak Lemak is popular pick among the regulars – pineapple slices cooked in a coconut milk. You won’t be disappointed! Complement your meal with unforgettable Sabahan delights such as the hinava (pickled Spanish mackerel), tuhau (a pounded ginger-like plant mixed with lime juice, onions and chillies) and cincalok (a zesty shrimp paste served with lime and chillies). End your meal with a cup of Jenny’s Yogurt Ice Cream – some diners have been known to bring more than a cup or two home! The best part is all dishes are priced under RM10.00. Frankincense truly lives up to its ‘family-friendly’ concept with its Kids Corner. Tiny tots simply love the pint-sized tables and chairs and the reading corner keeps them busy. The café can seat up to 50 people. For a cozy dining experience for the whole family, look no further than Frankincense! Frankincense is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 10:00 pm. It is located at No. 17, Ground Floor, Block H, Lot 3, Sri Kepayan Commercial Centre (within the Austral Park housing estate). Does not serve pork. For more information, please contact Casey Lee at 016 813 9119

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Promenade Hotel Tawau romenade Hotel has opened its doors in the east coast town of Tawau! With 180 rooms and suites, this 16-storey hotel is the tallest hotel in town and is adjacent to Eastern Plaza - the biggest shopping complex in Tawau. Strategically located less than 1.5 km from the bustling town centre, Promenade Hotel Tawau is within reach of Government administrative offices, business, shopping and entertainment centres.

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Welcomes You!

The state’s latest 4-star business hotel was officially launched on Saturday, 2 May 2009 by the Chief Minister of Sabah, Yang Amat Berhormat (YAB) Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman in a lavish ceremony which included a High Tea buffet for more than 500 guests at the hotel’s Promenade Grand Ballroom on the 6th Floor. The Grand Launch of the Promenade Hotel Tawau at Kuhara Point, which was held consecutively with the launching of Eastern Plaza Shopping Complex, received the ‘thumbs up’ from the Guest of Honour, Sabah’s Chief Minister YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman, who lauded the opening of the hotel and the shopping complex as a positive step in the town’s development, citing that better accommodation and shopping facilities will attract more visitors to Tawau. Besides being the tallest hotel and having the largest ballroom in the state (with a seating capacity of 1,300 persons), Promenade Hotel Tawau also houses the biggest and only comprehensive gymnasium at its Leisure Centre on the 5th Floor. It also has a 24-hour coffeehouse Café@se7en on the 7th Floor, a Lobby Lounge with a Deli and Cigar Corner, a contemporary Zsa Zsa Zsu fun pub on the Lower Ground Floor with live band performances from the Philippines, a business centre, three meeting rooms (Berlian, Seraya & Agatis) and an exclusive Promenade Club Floor with an exclusive club lounge on the 15th Floor. For frequent hotel-goers or frequent visitors to Tawau, Promenade Hotel Tawau has its Promenade Platinum Tawau Membership (PPTM), which entitles cardholders to accommodation and dining discounts at Promenade Hotel Tawau, Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu, Promenade Hotel Apartments, Marina Court Resort Condominium and Colonnades Condominium. Catching up with the Managing Director of Promenade Hotel Sdn Bhd, Kong Hock Sian, during the event, Kong quipped, “We are proud to say that with our existing strong corporate management team at Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu, who happen to be all Malaysians, we are indeed looking forward to building up the Promenade Brand and facing more challenges by encapsulating our credos in line with our

Prime Minister’s and Chief Minister’s 1Malaysia Concept by working hand in hand towards achieving Vision 2020.” In conjunction with the Grand Launch of Promenade Hotel Tawau and Eastern Plaza Shopping Centre, a Grand Opening concert was held at the Eastern Plaza Shopping Complex on Sunday night. That was followed with an exciting post-concert party at the latest and most happening fun pub in Tawau, Zsa Zsa Zsu Fun Pub on the Lower Ground Floor of Promenade Hotel Tawau.

The Zsa Zsa Zsu Fun Pub is open daily from 5:00 pm (except for Sundays). Ladies Night is every Wednesday – a perfect excuse for some midweek fun! Daily Happy Hours are from 5:00 – 9:00 pm with 50% off on all house-pouring brands and beers. This June, be entertained by the upbeat 7-piece band ‘7th Theory’. For more information, please call the Marketing Communications (MARCOM) Department at Tel: 089 – 982 888 or Email: [email protected].

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lanning to tie the knot in Sabah? Opt for a hassle-free experience with the help of Tanjung Aru Bridal House in Kota Kinabalu. Nestled in a leafy spot facing the Tanjung Aru Beach and a stone’s throw from the Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa, this establishment is the answer to every wedding couples’ prayers! The one-stop bridal house offers a variety of services for your big day, from wedding gown rentals to professional photo sessions. The ‘bridal house’ is actually a colonial-style building with a sprawling garden that is barely a hundred metres from the beach. With such beautiful scenery, you can be sure of breathtaking backgrounds for your wedding album. Tanjung Aru Bridal House offers a very relaxed atmosphere, where each couple is personally attended to. Take your time to browse through more than 100 gowns, evening dresses and men’s suits. The gowns are the creation of an in-house designer and include the latest fashions hot off the latest bridal

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runway. Still can’t decide? Then why not custom-make your gown? Another fantastic service offered by these wedding professionals. The bridal house offers hard to resist packages which are not only value for money but tailored to suit your needs. Most packages include the rental of gowns, hair and make-up services, wedding portraits, personalised wedding favours and a professional photo session – a coffee-table album of your desired size is included as well as a soft copy of all the images taken during your shoot. Be it a romantic beach wedding or a tropical rainforest theme, the photographers will cater to any setting you wish. You can even opt to include a wedding video montage in the package. Since opening its doors in February this year, Tanjung Aru Bridal House has received rave reviews for its range of wedding packages to suit a wide variety of budgets. Nothing beats the convenience of having your wedding dilemmas solved under one roof! Tanjung Aru Bridal House can also produce

family and individual portraits and offers wedding day event photography and videography services as well as corporate events photography. The professionals here are happy to help you with any wedding-related inquiries such as venues and catering suggestions. Make your wedding in Sabah Malaysian Borneo an unforgettable experience with Tanjung Aru Bridal House. Tanjung Aru Bridal House is open from 10:00am to 6:00pm from Monday to Thursday and from 10:00am to 8:00pm from Friday to Sunday. It is located at no. 19 Jalan Aru, Tanjung Aru. For more information, please contact the Marketing Manager, Jean Tan at +6017 823 8131 or Sale Manager, Abdul Muis at +6017 813 1933. E-mail: [email protected]

ust when you think you know a place, there’s always something more to discover. The KK Heritage Walk unravels Kota Kinabalu’s rich history as you stroll along its streets. The walk is a guided tour of the city’s streets and landmarks, each with an interesting story of its own which dates back to pre-war, post-war and post-independence days.

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The 2-hour walk begins from the Independence Field (Padang Merdeka) and takes you through various parts of the city. First stop is Australia Place, one of the oldest established sections of Kota Kinabalu. Today, many backpacker lodges are found here as well as printing companies. A quick pit stop at the Museum Kopitiam gives you a glimpse of a bygone era. The kopitiam (coffee shop) stays true to its original concept back in the 1940s, complete with framed photographs of pre-war and post-war days adorning its walls. The walk then brings you to other historical buildings and monuments such as the Atkinson Clock, Community Centre, Sabah Tourism Building, Jesselton Hotel, Malaysia Monument, War Memorial and the City Council Building. For added fun, a short treasure hunt is conducted. This is where you should keep your eyes and ears peeled! Apart from getting a historical tour of KK, the walk is a great opportunity to experience the city’s sights and sounds. The KK Heritage Walk is held every Tuesday and Thursday (other days, except Sundays, are available by prior arrangement with a minimum of four persons per group) and is conducted by professional licensed tourist guides. Participants will also receive a KK Heritage Cap and ‘A Guide To KK Heritage Walk’ booklet. For more information, please contact Grace Leong at 012 802 8823 or e-mail [email protected]. Visit the website at http://kkheritagewalk.com

ith a name like Pom Pom, it’s hard to forget this gem of an island located on the east coast of Sabah. Our trip to Pom Pom Island was already an adventure by itself – The pelting rain followed us on the boat ride all the way from Semporna; by the time my team and I arrived, we were drenched but happy to see land! Thankfully, nothing but sunshine paved the way for the rest of our trip.

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Pom Pom Island Resort is located some 40 minutes by speedboat from the town of Semporna, Tawau. Originally the island was named Pom Pong but over time, the name Pom Pom proved to be more catchy and easier to remember. The resort is built on 40 acres of land with a sprawling frontage. The long stretch of beach offers ample sunbathing spots for you to soak up the sun! However, the first thing that caught my eye was the huge dining and reception area. Never before have I seen such a massive wooden structure at an island resort – it is a beautiful piece of architecture and I was fascinated with the detail. As I further explored the resort, I noticed the attention to detail in each of the structures. There are currently three types of accommodation: Water Bungalows, Beach Villas and Garden Villas. A combination of natural materials was used to construct the buildings, from coconut tree bark for the walls, selangan batu timber for the floors and for the ceiling, the very sturdy belian wood. I was also impressed with the tasteful décor in each room – simple with an elegant touch, giving the rooms a ‘clean’ look with very little clutter. Our friendly guide Ronnie gave us a tour of the resort. The Beach and Garden Villas are for everyone, from travelling friends to honeymoon couples on – not only are they spacious but I loved the idea of having the beach literally at your doorstep. I spent a good portion of my afternoons falling asleep on a hammock, listening to the gentle lapping of the waves. But for the ultimate luxury, stay at the Water Bungalows. Imagine diving right into the ocean at your own personal ‘jetty’ and enjoy the marine life swimming right below you. Located nearby is a special bungalow that provides muchneeded body massages and heavenly reflexology sessions. All this with a fantastic view of the sea! Back on land, we were given a tour of the island’s very own vegetable and fruit garden. Ronnie explained that the resort supplies its own fresh produce where possible. We saw a colourful com bination of eggplant, chillies, bananas, papayas and even dragonfruit just begging to be on the kitchen table. Another unique aspect of the resort is the use

A trip to the nearby Buhay Dulang of RO (reverse osmosis) water. This means that the water supply is filtered several times, making it purer than what is normally found in our household taps. According to Peter Loong, the owner of the resort, Pom Pom is the first resort to implement the use of RO water. We further traipsed the resort and found it well-equipped with a meeting room, a games room for a round of billiards and darts, a souvenir and convenience store and internet services. Plenty to do should you ever decide to peel yourself away from the lure of the beach! Scuba divers are well taken care of by the experienced divemasters working here. Apart from the surrounding marine attractions of Pom Pom, divers can opt to explore nearby

diving sites, such as those of Mataking, Timba Timba, Kalapuan, Pandanan and Bohey Dulang (which is part of the Tun Sakaran Marine Park). As the sun begins to set, nothing beats a walk along the starfish-studded beach. Divers flock to the common area come dinner time to share their amazing underwater photos and exchange dive experiences. Need a drink? Nothing the friendly bartender can’t fix. Whether you wish to explore the oceanic wonders of the East Coast or escape the humdrum of the city, the pleasures of Pom Pom will not disappoint. For more info, visit http://pompomisland.com or call 088-233966/959 or fax 088-234088. E-mail [email protected]

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The amazing architecture seen at the dining hall

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Origins of the Dragon Boat Race

he Dragon Boat Festival or Tuan Wu, has its origins in the 4th century BC. It falls on the “Dragon fifth” – the fifth day of the fifth month in the Chinese lunar calendar. It is one of the three days in the lunar year when all debts must be settled. It is also a time to pay homage to ancestors and to appease the dragon, believed to be the Controller of the Water, ensuring adequate rain to ripen the crops. The most exciting part of this traditional festival, however, involves the Dragon Boat Race. The race is held to commemorate the death of Chu Yuan, the legendary Chinese poet and patriot who lived during the Chou dynasty. He held a high position in the court of one of the major states of China but was eventually exiled by corrupt government officials. Chu Yuan wrote many poems to express his great love for his country and people, lamenting his own fate. As a final protest against the government, Chu Yuan cast himself into the Milo river. The local fisherman were so moved by his gesture that they raced in their boats to try to recover his body, beating the water with paddles to prevent the fishes from devouring him. They also threw rice dumpling into the water to appease his spirit. To prevent sea serpents from eating the rice offerings, the dumplings were wrapped in silk bound with five threads in the colour of the Emperor.

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Sabah Folklore In Sabah native folklore, the Dragon holds a significant place as the guardian of Mount Kinabalu, the Sacred Mountain and the Summit of Borneo. Mount Kinabalu is believed to be the resting place of spirits of the dead and that somewhere deep inside the Mountain are many precious stones guarded by dragons.

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Perlumbaan Perahu Naga Ke-24 Pameran Permainan Tradisional Setiap Sabtu dan Ahad sepanjang 20 & 21 Jun 2009 bulan Jun Teluk Likas, Kota Kinabalu

aripada rampanau (berjalan bertongkatkan buluh) sehinggalah gasing, banyak permainan tradisional yang boleh disaksikan di Kampung Budaya Monsopiad di Penampang. Setiap hujung minggu, sertailah keseronokan dan permainan orang dulu-dulu. Kembalikan masa lalu, banyak daripadanya memerlukan kemahiran dan ketangkasan serta banyak daripadanya memerlukan gabungan tangan-mata. Semuanya berlaku di Kampung Budaya Monsopiad! Pameran ini berlangsung dari 9:00 pagi sehingga 5:00 petang. Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi penganjur di talian 088774337/761336 atau e-mel [email protected]

D egak-gempita perahu naga meluncur di Laut China Selatan mengikut irama paluan gendang Jun ini ketika Perlumbaan Perahu Naga Sabah ke-24. Festival Perahu Naga atau Duan Wu yang berasal dari China dan bermula sejak abad ke-4 ini, jatuh pada hari kelima bulan kelima dalam kalendar lunar Cina. Ketika inilah orang-orang Cina memberikan penghormatan kepada nenek moyang mereka dan memuaskan Naga (Pengawal Air) bagi memastikan hujan yang cukup untuk menyuburkan tanaman mereka. Perlumbaan ini juga adalah untuk memperingati penyair China, Qu Yan yang terjun ke Sungai Milo untuk membunuh diri. Orang ramai berdayung menaiki perahu untuk mencari mayatnya dan menabur ladu beras ke sungai untuk menenangkan rohnya. Perbuatan menabur ladu atau chung tze ke laut kini menjadi simbol isyarat dan menandakan permulaan acara itu setiap tahun. Dimulakan oleh Persatuan Kebudayaan China Sabah (SCCA) 23 tahun yang lalu, Perlumbaan ini diletakkan di bawah tanggungjawab Lembaga Pelancongan Sabah pada 1996. Perlumbaan ini kemudiannya berada seketika di bawah penganjuran Kementerian Belia dan Sukan pada tahun 2002 dan 2003 tetapi kini (sejak 2004) kembali dilaksanakan oleh Lembaga Pelancongan Sabah dengan sokongan SCCA. Pada tahun ini, sekitar 50 pasukan dari dalam dan luar negara dijangka mengambil bahagian, dari dalam dan luar negara, termasuk pasukan dari Brunei, Kalimantan, Singapura dan China. Mereka akan berentap merebut sembilan piala secara keseluruhan. Perlumbaan Amal yang baharu diperkenalkan adalah kategori unik. Pasukan-pasukan memilih sebuah badan amal untuk diwakili. Nama badan tersebut perlu digabungkan dengan nama pasukan apabila mendaftar untuk acara ini. Semua hadiah wang tunai yang dimenangi pasukan itu akan disumbangkan kepada badan amal masing-masing. Tahun ini, hadiah wang tunai keseluruhan ialah RM43,000. Saringan untuk semua kategori akan berlangsung pada 20 Jun, manakala pusingan akhir akan diadakan pada hari yang berikutnya. Selingan perlumbaan yang dapat dinikmati ialah persembahan hebat tarian naga dan singa serta 24-gendang Cina. Pada 20 Jun, pengunjung juga boleh menyertai acara pelbagai di Teluk Likas, termasuklah perlawanan bola sepak pantai yang dianjurkan oleh KK Futsal Centre, bersampan anjuran Persatuan Kenu Sabah dan aktiviti berlayar anjuran Kelab Perahu Layar Kinabalu serta Persatuan Perahu Layar Sabah. Datang dan rasai kemeriahannya Jun ini di Teluk Likas! Acara bermula 8:00 pagi. Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Zachary Mobijohn (Setiausaha Penganjur) di talian +6088-232121, faks +6088265540 atau e-mel [email protected]. Kunjungi laman web http://dragonboat.sabahtourism.com

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Festival Jazz Kota Kinabalu 2009 19-20 Jun ayatilah keasyikan irama daripada pemuzik-pemuzik jazz hebat dari seluruh dunia! Festival Jazz KK tahun ini berlangsung di Tennis Arena, Sutera Marina Club dari 6:30 petang hingga 11:00 malam. Dengarlah gaya muzik Double Take yang berasal dari Sabah, menampilkan Roger Wang dan Mia Palencia, kumpulan vokal harmoni Malaysia Six2Eight, Junk Unit dari Hong Kong, Nah Youn Sun dari Korea, Son2nos yang berpangkalan di UK, Rimba, SIA Jazz Syndicate dan Jonathan Tse. Peminat muzik juga berpeluang untuk jam bersama-sama pemuzik pada 7 dan 14 Jun dari pukul 3 hingga 5 petang di Sutera Harbour Resort. Tiket-tiket masuk untuk dua hari ini berharga RM50.00 dan RM100.00 dan boleh dibeli di cawangan The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf di sekitar Kota Kinabalu. Acara ini dianjurkan oleh Kelab Rotary Kota Kinabalu (RCKK) dengan sokongan Kesatuan Persembahan Seni Kota Kinabalu Sabah (SPArKS). Untuk maklumat lanjut, hubungi penganjur di talian 088 230245 atau e-mel [email protected]

Tempat-tempat Menarik

Menara Tinjau Signal Hill

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iada apa yang dapat mengatasi pemandangan dari puncak dan untuk membuktikannya, pergilah ke Menara Tinjau Signal Hill di Kota Kinabalu. Tempat terkenal itu baru-baru ini membuka semula pintunya semula kepada orang ramai, menawarkan pemandangan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu menerusi pandangan dari udara. Dengan sudut yang strategik, pengunjung boleh melihat pemandangan bangunan-bangunan utama di bandar ini, lot kedai malah pesisir pantainya yang menakjubkan. Saksikan kesibukan bandar ini dan pada sebelah petang, nikmatilah pemandangan romantik matahari terbenam dan angin sepoi-sepoi yang nyaman. Menara ini juga dilengkapi dengan tandas awam dan pagar yang tinggi untuk tujuan keselamatan. Pintunya dibuka antara pukul 8:00 pagi hingga 12:00 tengah malam setiap hari dan masuk adalah percuma. Bagaimana untuk ke sana: Pengunjung boleh memilih untuk menggunakan kenderaan persendirian atau pergi dengan teksi. Menara ini terletak lebih kurang lima minit memandu dari pusat bandar.

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Mari Makan

pabila berada di Sandakan, carilah jalan untuk ke Pasar Sim Sim yang terkenal itu. Daripada pandangan pertama, pasar itu dilihat seperti pasar biasa tetapi tarikan utama Pasar Sim-Sim ialah gerai-gerai Ikan Bakar. Penduduk tempatan berkumpul di sini ketika makan tengah hari dan makan malam untuk menikmati ikan bakar yang diakui terbaik di bahagian ini di Sabah. Menurut penduduk Sandakan, Pasar Sim Sim bermula sebagai pasar biasa yang menjual hasil ikan segar dan seumpamanya; sehinggalah pada tahun 2004, pasar ini mula menjadi terkenal kerana gerai-gerai ikan bakarnya. ‘Mak Cik-mak cik’ dan penolong mereka yang peramah dengan bangga menunjukkan pelbagai jenis ikan segar termasuklah antaranya kerapu, ikan bahulu, ikan belais, ikan merah dan ikan putih. Ramai pengunjung dari Pantai Barat (terutamanya Kota Kinabalu) turut mendakwa perjalanan ke Sandakan tidak sah tanpa menikmati ikan bakarnya! Ikan bakar paling sesuai dihidangkan bersama-sama nasi dan sambal belacan – sambal ini mungkin agak pedas jadi berhati-hatilah dengan belacan! Ada juga beberapa hidangan sampingan yang sesuai dimakan dengan ikan bakar, daripada sayur-sayuran tempatan sehinggalah jeruk. Cubalah rasai semuanya! Pasar ini dibuka setiap hari dari 10:00 pagi sehingga 10:00 malam. Pasar ini terletak di Jalan Buli Sim-Sim, Sandakan.

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