Blazing Sabah - 3 days with only RM 500

The challenge was to spend three whole days in the “Land Below the Wind” which is Sabah, Malaysia with only 500 Malaysian Ringgit in our pockets. Could we handle it? Armed with hungry eyes and ears for information, an ample amount of curiosity, my travel buddy Rey Rivera of the Philippine Star and I, toting a handsome pair of Canon cameras, gamely took on the challenge. Kota Kinabalu, here we come!

Heart of the city

The challenge started at the city’s zero kilometer point located at the Sabah Tourism Building. Our first task was to secure lodging. Just a couple of blocks from the zero kilometer point, at the middle of the city’s Australia Place is a backpacker lodge called Lucy’s Homestay. Other backpackers from all over the world were also lodged at Lucy’s Homestay and so it became the melting pot for people with a single mission: To blaze Sabah.

Our first stop was the Signal Hill Observatory. Our roving eyes spotted eyes spotted a trail in Lucy’s backyard that cuts through the mountain side going up, which made it easier for us to reach the view deck. The place was a good place to start because it offered an excellent view of Kota Kinabalu City’s skyline. From there, it was another short walk to see the Atkinson’s Clock tower, an enduring landmark which serves as the city’s official time piece.

We then walked westwards towards the harbor to check out the scene at Kota Kinabalu’s Esplanade. The spot offers an excellent view of the sea as well as the five islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park which is located just off the city’s shore.

On our way to the city’s public bus terminal in front of Wawasan Plaza, we followed the harbor going south and came across the Central Market, the Wet Market, as well as the Handicraft Market which is also known as the Filipino Market because of the many Filipino merchants selling various products for tourists and locals alike.

Taking a bus that travels the line going to Penampang took us to the Sabah Museum Complex which houses several facilities that offer a glimpse of Sabah’s culture and lifestyle. Aside from the museum which gave us a glimpse of the province’s history, the complex also has the Sabah Islamic Civilization Museum and the Sabah Art Gallery which is a repository of contemporary pieces by local artists. Also inside the complex is a Heritage Village which depicts the people’s living conditions from the past, from its structures all the way to the tropical landscape where they settled.

We then took off to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park which is approximately five kilometers from the town of Kinarut. Along the way, we saw local wildlife including the Borneo Pygmy elephants, Malayan tiger, Proboscis monkey and the famous Orangutan.

This was followed by a trip to the iconic Menara Tun Mustapha, also known as the Sabah Foundation Building, to catch a glimpse of a fantastic view of the sunset. About 15 kilometers away from the city center at the Likas Bay area, the 30-storey high steel and glass tower draws a poetic scene when set amid the setting sun, definitely one good way to end a tiring day.

Welcome to the jungle

My travel buddy and I agreed to spend the second day with a trip that would traverse the area around Mount Kinabalu. We left Lucy’s early to get a ride going to the National Park. Because our itinerary would also cover the locations around the Kundasang village and Ranau town area, we opted to charter a taxi to take us to the destinations that we planned to see for a fixed rate. Fortunately, our driver, Mr. Yap Nyun Sang, was sympathetic and gave us really cheap rates.

The trip took us eastward towards the Ranau district and as soon as we left the city proper of Kota Kinabalu, it was all pristine landscapes and lush greeneries. The road going to the park proved to be a spectacular one as it elevated well above sea level. The view of the jungle canopy below, as well as the looming presence of Mt. Kinabalu served as a refreshing start to what was expected to be another tiring day.

Before getting to the Kinabalu National Park, we stopped over the town of Nabalu. Set up right beside the road is a complex that offers food and beverage as well as stalls selling souvenirs for tourists. The best thing about the spot is that it has a spectacular view of Mt. Kinabalu which we gladly took advantage of and captured great images of the towering peak.

As soon as we reached the Kinabalu National Park, we immediately sensed the altitude because of the cold climate and the distinct vegetation. The cool mountain breeze greeted us as we walked from the park’s entrance. It wasn’t long before we saw a trail that left the paved road and went deep into the woods.

We followed the Pandanus Trail, which was a 598 meter trek through a thick forest teeming with different types of vegetation. Although the distance was short, the trek was mostly uphill so it took us about 20 minutes to go through the trail. Climbing up the steep track wasn’t as hard as it seemed because of the cool temperature. The scene was made even more dramatic once the fog rolled in which gave the landscape a mystifying effect.

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Backpacking in Kota Kinabalu

I’ve always been competitive when it comes to physical challenges especially those that require serious trekking, walking or running. That’s why when the most trusted low-cost carrier in the country, Cebu Pacific, in cooperation with Sabah Tourism Board, invited select members of the media and a couple of bloggers to participate this year’s Cebu Pacific Backpacking Challenge in Kota Kinabalu, I felt a sudden surge of excitement.

It was like being back on the track again after a long hiatus. Backpacking is something that I’ve been meaning to do but just couldn’t find the right time to do so. Suddenly, the opportunity came and I just had to pack wisely and then we’re off to Sabah, Malaysia.

The Land below the Wind

East Malaysia comprises two states—Sabah and Sarawak—and a federal territory, Labuan. The region is known for vast expanses of rainforest, mist-capped mountains and UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Kinabalu Park, Gunung Mulu National Park. Kota Kinabalu, popularly known as KK, is Sabah’s capital city. It is known as the gateway to eco-adventures such as diving, river cruising, mountain climbing, white-water rafting and caving.

KK was formerly known as Jesselton and most parts of the city have been reconstructed after World War II. Its population of nearly 3.1 million is made up of 32 ethnic communities, including Filipino Muslims who have been staying there for the past 30 to 40 years. Aside from the scenic spots, what makes KK beautiful is its friendly and hospital people.

In many ways, they reminded me of my own race. Perhaps it’s because the Philippines is near Sabah and for centuries, Filipinos and Malays haven trading. Evidence of this can be seen in one of the several museums in KK where an old decorative banca, which was used by Malays for trade here in the Philippines, is displayed in the entrance area.

The region lies at the northern part of the equator so the climate is tropical but pleasant. Because of its location, KK is generally free from climatic disturbances and it lies under the typhoon belt, thus the name Land below the Wind. It’s generally sunny in KK whole year round although people may experience rain showers during the months of September to February.

The [major part of the] challenge

We were divided into five teams, two members for each. Our team was called Kinabalu team and I thought it was very appropriate since our goal was to conquer Kota Kinabalu—well, ideally. My team partner, Jonel Uy of letsgosago.com was last year’s winner in the CEB Backpacking Challenge held locally so he had some tips to share based on his experience.

Prior to the challenge, my team mate and I planned our itinerary for the first day of the three-day challenge. He had been to KK once but according to him, he never really got the chance to explore the city so we had to research a lot about the must-visit places and must-do activities in and outside of the city.

I didn’t do my homework but it was a good thing that maps and fliers that contain information about tourism in KK were handed to us by the organizers not to mention that they are also available for free in the airport.

Continue reading at: Backpacking in Kota Kinabalu
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Wonders of Land Below the Wind

The exotic tropical beauty that is Sabah promises much for curious travellers, whether their interests are ecological, historical, marine or cultural. Situated in the north-east of Borneo and part of Malaysia, Sabah offers an intriguing variety of experiences, as Agnes Keith discovered 70 years ago when the land was part of the British Empire.



A Hollywood-born journalist, she went to live in Borneo with her husband, Harry Keith, who had been appointed as Conservator of Forests for the British North Borneo Company (timber was a major industry). Five years after they arrived, she published what became a famous memoir, Land Below the Wind.



The couple lived in what is now Sabah and the title of the book - which has been reprinted many times, most recently in 2000 - has entered the lexicon of the State, particularly among tour operators. It draws on an ancient description of Borneo by seafarers. The country is located just below the region's monsoon belt, escaping its more destructive climatic effects. Land Below the Wind is highly recommended pre-reading for anyone intending to take in the delights of the country.



Keith lived in a beautiful Colonial two-storey timber house. It is still there, restored to its former glory, and is a major tourist attraction. Its furnishings recall an elegant colonial era and the walls are adorned with a marvellous range of period photographs.



Keith wrote lyrically of the region's landscape and marine beauty: "Enchanted coral gardens grow under the sea. They bloom with bright perennials, miniature herbaceous borders, blazing balsam beds, bright blue salvias, and periwinkle petreas . . . The occupants of these gardens are little darting fish from art-shop windows, little fish too fragile and beautiful to be real, little fish of every hue. Watching them flash is seeing a prism turn in the sun, is looking into a spectroscope. They are enchanted and belong in these gardens; they bedizen, delight and adorn them. I move carefully, apologetically, among them."



Much has changed since Keith's adventures in what was then colonial British North Borneo. But the country's natural values haven't altered. Indeed, they have become one of the country's major tourist assets.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Wonders of Land Below the Wind

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Improved KK Jazz Fest in store

Kota Kinabalu: One of the striking differences about this year's KK Jazz Festival is its line up, which includes international names and highly talented local bands and singers.

Acknowledging the immense talent of the people from the Land Below the Wind, KKJF serves as a stage in showcasing our local artists. Celebrity DJ Serena C will be emcee for the event.

This was disclosed by the 5th KK Jazz Festival 2011 Committee when they paid a Courtesy Call on Datuk Masidi Manjun, Minister of Tourism, Culture & Environment Sabah recently.

The Organizing Committee members briefed the officials of the Ministry about the latest developments of the 5th KK Jazz Festival 2011 scheduled to be held on 17 & 18 June 2011 (Friday & Saturday ) at the Covered Tennis Court, Sutera Harbour Marina, Golf & Country Club.

Rotary Club Vice President Jack Ong said the event is an annual fund raising jazz extravaganza jointly organized by the Rotary Club of Kota Kinabalu (RCKK) and the Society of Performing Arts Kota Kinabalu Sabah (SPArKS).

"Jazz Music and all art is an essential part of the 'human experience'.

A basic understanding and appreciation of music can only serve to broaden ones character and deepen the connection with those around us.

I fully support this event and I hope that people out there support this event by purchasing tickets," said Masidi.

This year, KKJF is giving away 4 units of HTC ARIA, 2 units of Blackberry Bold 9700 and 2 units of Blackberry Curve mobile phones during the lucky draw over the two nights of the festival, prizes courtesy of Digi (winners will have to sign up for a Digi plan).

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A little taste of home in Klang Valley Tadau Kaamatan 2011

Being far away from home in the Land Below the Wind, proved no hindrance for Kadazandusuns in the peninsula who celebrated Kaamatan at Wisma MCA in Jalan Ampang on Saturday.

The Klang Valley Tadau Kaamatan 2011 was a hit not just for the Sabahan community but also their friends who came along to join in the merry-making.

Most claimed surprise and wonder as they witnessed and participated in one of Sabah’s major festivals.

“I have never seen this part of Malaysia before. It is latent but a real beauty. Great culture, I wish I had come in the previous years,” said Hendero Fin from Indonesia, who stopped by to support one of the contestants in the Unduk Ngadau contest.

“I’ve heard about this culture but I’ve never seen how it is celebrated before. It’s different from the three main cultures in Malaysia. I think a beautiful culture such as this deserves enormous exposure” said Keshen Antioni, a film student who is looking for inspiration in his next film project.

Many felt at home as they conversed in their native tongue or local Sabah dialect and enjoyed traditional food like the raw fish salad, hinava and traditional brew, lihing.

It was not difficult to get guests to join in the traditional Sumazau dance accompanied by the lively beats of the gong.

The Huguan Siou (Paramount Leader) of the Kadazandusuns, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan marked the start of the event by beating the gong which was met with thunderous applause and cheer from the crowd.

Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Seri Dr. Maximus Johnity Ongkili was also present.

Kaamatan is a thanksgiving celebration after the rice is harvested and is also in commemoration of the legend of Huminodun, who was sacrificed by the creator, Kinoingan, to save the people from famine.

The celebration ends with the selection of the Unduk Ngadau beauty queen who is widely regarded to be a symbol of Hominodun.

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Bringing Sabah, Sarawak Culture To International Stage

KOTA KINABALU -- The Information Communication and Culture Ministry seriously plans to take Sabah and Sarawak culture to the international stage in the form of quality and interesting animation, documentary and feature films.

Its minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Rais Yatim said the move was in line with the government's vision of seeing this country exporting animation, documentary and feature films each year.

"This means we must find ways to make interesting dramatisation of stories from Sabah and Sarawak that are worth for the export market," he said after opening the Borneo Culture and Heritage Seminar at the Lembaga Tabung Haji Building, here Thursday.

Rais said the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC) provided allocations to help achieve the ministry's mission of selling Sabah and Sarawak's image through films.

"This year, I had discussed with MCMC for part of the expenditure allocation be given for the production of animation, documentary and feature films.

"We are giving Sabah and Sarawak special attention as these places could appeal to the world as they evoke romanticism with stories based on humanity, and we can also use such taglines as 'The Land Below The Wind' (referring to Sabah)."

Rais hoped that all quarters could work together to relive the stories based on Sabah and Sarawak's history and the people's way of life, including of the young generation, through films.

He said his ministry was also working with various bodies to ensure that the culture and traditions of the various ethnic groups in the two states would not become extinct.

Continue reading at: Bringing Sabah, Sarawak Culture To International Stage

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Land Below the Wind by Cruise

One of the joys of taking a cruise is stopping in exotic ports of call about which you know almost nothing. Such was the case when, during a recent cruise from Bali to Manila, I found myself deposited on the shores of Sandakan, a port city on the island of Borneo in the Malaysian state of Sabah, and couldn’t resist exploring.

Set amid lush tropical rainforests, these days Sandakan is most famous for its eco-tourism — there is an orangutan rehabilitation center, rainforest discovery center and Turtle Islands Park, all in or around the city. What I didn’t know before I spent a day exploring the city, however, is that it has a rich, fascinating colonial history that has left an indelible imprint.

By the end of the 19th century, Sandakan was one of the wealthiest towns in the region thanks to its timber. A group of British businessmen that had bought the land from the sultans of Brunei and Sulu established British North Borneo in 1881. Sandakan was named the capital in 1883, and, by the mid-1930s, the city was said to be home to the highest concentration of millionaires anywhere in the world.

Driving through the streets 80 years later, I found this rather hard to believe — many houses to the left and right of the main road seem neglected and run-down.

There are plenty of coastal fishing villages completely built on mangrove stilts, where one house can be home to three generations, crammed in one or two rooms.

“In earlier times, it was mostly fishermen and sea gypsies who lived in these villages,” said Ayrul, my tour guide. “They spent most of their time at sea. They believed in an old saying — the sea is for the living, while the land is for the dead. They only came to land to bury the dead.”

Nowadays, however, it is not only fishermen living in these quarters. The cheap accommodations have lured other townsfolk to settle there.

Sim Sim fishing village, which faces Sulu Sea, is a wild jumble of lodgings. There is electricity but no sewage system and no privacy whatsoever, it seems. The tiny houses’ walls are so thin that if someone watches television, their neighbor next door can follow the plot of the whole show without a single glance at the screen.

Simple eateries are scattered throughout the village, where the mostly Chinese inhabitants hunker down for a quick bowl of noodle soup or engrossing games of mahjong — a favorite local pastime, according to Ayrul.

The wealth of Sandakan vanished during World War II, when most of the city was destroyed in bombings.

But if one takes a closer look, there are still traces of a rich colonial past to be found throughout town, including many surprisingly well-preserved buildings.

St. Michael’s Anglican Church, first established in 1888, is one of the few buildings in Sandakan that survived destruction during the war. The roof was damaged, but the foundation stood firm during the bombings.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Land Below the Wind by Cruise
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Zooming in on Sabah

Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu is situated on the tropical island of Borneo and is the capital of the Malaysian state of Sabah, one of the two states of East Malaysia. Often called the 'Land below the Wind' because it lies below the typhoon belt, Sabah occupies the eastern part of North Borneo and is East Malaysia's second largest state with an area of 74,500 sq kms.

Sabah has the South China Sea on the west and the Sulu and Celebes Seas on the east. Kota Kinabalu, lies in a fertile lowland plain where most commercial and administrative activities are concentrated and is named after Mount Kinabalu, situated about 90 kilometres north-east of the city. A well known destination internationally, it is a major getaway into the state of Sabah and Borneo.

The city offers good recreational facilities and there is no dearth of leisure spots and conservation areas. Anjung Samudra is a waterfront entertainment spot in the city, speckled with restaurants, cafes, pubs and nightclubs. Tanjung Aru, located about six kilometres from the city centre has a beach stretching over two kilometres in length studded with a number of food and drink stalls.

Kota Kinabalu also plays host to one of the most popular national parks in Malaysia, the Kinabalu national park, about two hours drive from the city. The park covers an area of 754 sq kms and is made up of Mount Kinabalu, Mount Tambayukon and the foothills. It has been gazetted to preserve this valuable natural environment. The mountains have a fascinating geological history, taking 'just' a million years to form.

The mighty Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in South-East Asia, is actually a granite massif that was later thrust upwards through the crust of the surface. The park offers a spectacular view of the mountain and has been assigned the status of a world heritage site by the UNESCO because of the diversity of plant and animal life.

Other sites include the state mosque in Sembulan, which is the largest mosque in Sabah and is embedded with real gold plates. The Mustapha Tower, a 30-storey glass building, supported by high-tensile steel rods, stands at 122 metres and is arguably the tallest building in Borneo.

Popular shopping spots in the city are Kompleks Karamunsing, Centre Point, Wisma Merdeka and KK Plaza. The Filipino market and the Gaya Street Sunday Market are popular for traditional handicrafts, souvenirs and food stuff.

Just outside Kota Kinabalu in the South Chinese Sea is the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park with five tropical islands - Pulua Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Sulug and Pulau Mamutik. All the islands offer refreshing opportunities for diving at the coral reefs and the swift multi-coloured tropical fish are a real visual treat.

There's lots to do in the city; for avid nature lovers, there are the rainforests to explore and for sports enthusiasts, there is always sailing along the azure blue coast. Outside the city, Crocker Range National Park, located about 70 kilometres away from the city near Keningau, is a popular spot for jungle trekking and camping.

The world's largest flower species, the rafflesia, can be found in Tambunan. A stone's throw away is the Gunung Emas Highland Resort which is another spot popular for its scenery and cool climate.

The Tuaran Crocodile Farm, about 30 kilometres north of the city, has around 1,000 crocodiles in its enclosure, making it the largest of its kind in Sabah. The newly opened Sabah Zoological and Botanical Park (Lok Kawi Wildlife Park) in Lok Kawi, about 20 kilometres south of the city, is the first zoo in Sabah. Set on a 280-acre piece of land, it is arguably the largest zoo in Malaysia.

Continue reading (Incl.Pic) at: Zooming in on Sabah
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Welcome To 'Homestay Without Package' In Sabah

KOTA KINABALU -- Nowdays the 'homestay' programme is getting popular in Malaysia's local tourism industry including that in Sabah which is also known as 'Land Below The Wind'.

Among the districts in Sabah that offers this programme is Kota Marudu where some 1,000 people from 12 ethnic groups are taking part in the homestay programme that began in 2008.

Sabah National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) officer Jessica Basat said the homestay programme in Kota Marudu can be seen as a positive move to enhance relations between the guests and hosts.

The guests who are Malaysians from the peninsula can also exchange cultures and traditions with their Sabah hosts.

"This programme is on demand by the local community and it is unique as the programme is devoid of any packages as the activities are decided by the hosts and visitors.

"We encourage the villagers to be involved in the homestay programme as Kota Marudu has the potential to be developed as a key tourist destination," she said.

HOMESTAY WITHOUT PACKAGE

The 'without package' homestay programme refers to activities that have no limits and the hosts as well as guests take part in drawing up the activities during the stay. These activities are suited to the guests needs and requests.

What is important is the understanding and experience on the culture and socio-economy of the local community which is made up from people of various ethnic groups. This helps to preserve unity among the population.

Via the integration visits organised by JPNIN, the homestay programme can act as the platform to enhance relations between the people of Sabah and those from nationwide.

The homestay programme also creates positive impact by improving the economy of the rural community in Sabah.

HOLIDAY PACKAGE IN SABAH

Meanwhile, Sabah is well known for its rich natural treasures right from the state's mountains and down to its valleys. As well as the expanse of land between its lush forests to its off-shore attractions.

Its life forms include insects as small as ants right until mammals as big as the Orang Utan and pygmy elephants.

Apart from the homestay packages in Kota Marudu, visitors can also go to Kudat, located some 190 km from Kota Kinabalu.

They can visit Tanjung Simpang Mengayau in Kudat which is known as the Tip of Borneo, the tip of land at the most extreme north in Sabah's map. It is located some 200 km from Kota Kinabalu and 30 minutes drive from Kota Marudu.

Tanjung Simpang Mengayau is formed by a 'chain' of hills that headed towards Laut Sulu. It offers breathtaking scenes during dawn and dusk.

In the language of the Rungus in Kudat, Tanjung Simpang Mengayau is called 'Tanjung Sampang Mangazo'. 'Tanjung' means cape, 'Sampang' means junction and 'Mangazo' means war.

Continue reading at: Welcome To 'Homestay Without Package' In Sabah
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