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Saturday, March 5, 2011

Itchy mango stands for Menggatal

By Ismail Hj Mansor

If Kuching city in Sarawak is famous for its cats and a replica of giant cats being erected as the symbol of the city, some towns in Sabah are also synonymous with Kuala Penyu for its marine life, Beaufort for its oranges, Menggatal with the symbol of mango as this town was named after the "manga gatal" which refers to the itchy mango abundantly grown in this area in the past.

Some local authorities in Sabah built structures in many forms on roundabout or recreational park as well as road junction resembling nature, some inscribed with words of welcome on concrete memorials and monuments.

The structure is not merely a symbol but they are able to add beauties to the town.

They are symbols for each town, which never fail to attract the attention of road user.

Some travellers took their opportunities to take picture with the structures as the background.

Sandakan is well-famous for its "orang utan" and bird nest.

Upon arriving at Sandakan, travellers would notice a replica of "orang utan" on a roundabout near the junction to the Sandakan Airport.

Sipitang is known for its "gasing" or top spinning.

Sipitang has produced the largest replica of top spinning in Malaysia in 2003, measuring 1.07m in diameter and weighs 300kg.

It was made of 128-year-old Agathis Bemeenis wood.

The replica is now exhibited at the Sabah Museum in Kota Kinabalu, which was recorded in the Malaysia Book of Records.

Kundasang is known with its cabbage and Mount Kinabalu are both the natural creation which becomes the symbol and very synonymous to Kundasang and Ranau town in particular and generally, Malaysia.

On a fine weather, Mount Kinabalu could be visible from as far as the west coastal area of Sabah up to Papar area.

Meanwhile Kota Belud is known for its horse.

Travellers to the north of Sabah will notice the replica of a giant horse upon reaching Kota Belud town.

Meanwhile coconut is the symbol of Kudat town in the north of Sabah.

Kota Kinabalu is famous for its marine and nature. Marine fish and hibiscus flower as the national flower for Malaysia were erected at the roundabout as the landmark of the city.

Visitors approaching Kota Kinabalu city through the Tanjung Lipat coastal highway may come across with the replica of the giant Hibiscus flower at the Wisma Perkasa roundabout.

The replica of the fishes found at the roundabout near the Segama Shopping area adjacent to the Hyatt Hotel.

Several arches and memorials are also found in Kota Kinabalu city as well as other small settlements throughout Sabah to welcome visitors.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
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