Maliau Basin: The Lost World of Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia

Maliau Basin is one of the world’s finest remaining wilderness areas. It encompasses over 390 square kilometres of pristine rainforest in the south-central part of Sabah, Borneo, in Malaysia. The rainforest is so dense that less than 50 percent of it has ever been explored.

The Maliau Basin rainforest in Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia, encompasses an area of 390 square kilometres, but the land is so wild that it has never been continuously inhabited by humans. Photo courtesy of Borneo Eco Tours

Today, the Malaiu is awaiting UNESCO World Heritage Site status, which would help with conservation efforts. Funding is required to support initiatives like the construction of a network of trails that would allow small group treks to explore this unspoilt jungle accompanied by a local guide.

The ‘Lost World’ of Sabah

Surrounded by steep and forbidding slopes on all sides, the basin, which covers an area slightly larger than Singapore, is unapproachable on foot. There are no roads, only winding rivers and a lush tropical rainforest. The inaccessibility has kept this remote paradise hidden from humankind for millions of years. It was first spotted in 1947, when a British pilot flying from the west coast of Sabah to Tawau nearly ran into the steep cliff rising over 915 metres above the jungle floor. Maliau Basin has since been dubbed Sabah’s ‘Lost World’ due to its unique and mysteriously intact biodiversity.

The land of Maliau Basin has never been permanently inhabited. Although the people of the Murut tribe arrange yearly hunting trips into the area, they are the only regular visitors and no record or proof of their settlement exists in the forbidding basin. In fact, to date, only 25 percent of the entire area has been mapped.

The whole basin is one single water catchment and drains through a canyon in the south by one river, the Maliau River, which flows out into the Kuamut River, eventually joining Sabah’s largest and most important waterway, the Kinabatangan River. Back in Maliau, there are over 30 waterfalls – the most famous of which is the spectacular seven-tiered, 28-metre cascade known as Maliau Falls – making it the most waterfall-rich area in Malaysia.

With over 30 waterfalls, Sabah’s Maliau Basin on Borneo is the most waterfall-rich area in all of Malaysia.

Daring to Enter

Today, intrepid travellers up for a challenge can arrange a visit to this real ‘lost world.’ Maliau Basin contains over 70 kilometres of trails, and visitors must be accompanied by a guide at all times. To trek the land of Maliau Basin requires good physical fitness as the trails range from easy to steep and the terrain can be challenging.

Though a porter is provided to carry food supplies, hikers are responsible for carting in their own personal belongings and water, unless they are willing to pay an extra fee for additional porters. Exhaustion may take its toll gradually, but it is best to stay focused upon the various species of flora dwelling throughout this unexplored haven. Trekkers stay at campsites equipped with basic facilities where one’s guide is officially the ‘jungle chief.’

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Maliau Basin: The Lost World of Sabah, Borneo, Malaysia

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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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The dandelion, an eco-threat to Mount Kinabalu's native vegetation

KOTA KINABALU: The beautiful yellow dandelion flower at Mount Kinabalu, is posing a threat to the native vegetation at the mountain.

Community Development and Consumer Affairs Minister, Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun, said, “I have learned that the dandelion is a beautiful yellow flowering plant, but without realizing it is actually a threat to the plants and other local crops at the mountain,” “The foreign dandelion species can be easily reproduced as the climate and the soil structure at the mountain are suitable and fertile for them to grow, which, under the circumstances, could wipe out other flora in the mountain,” she said.

She said this when launching a three-day seminar and exhibition programme on the dandelion species at Kinabalu Park at the State Library here yesterday.

Since the programme was started out in 2001, she said, the weeds continue to grow even though it has been pulled out but we will continue to destroy it and put its propagation under control.

UNESCO declared Mount Kinabalu a World Heritage site on December 2, 2000. This declaration recognizes the importance of natural values globally, for the benefit of mankind, she said.

We inherited this legacy from the past and we have to leave this for our future generation, as there is no replacement for the source of life found in this natural heritage, she said.

Furthermore, she said, as the Kinabalu Park is now a world’s heritage site, we need to have a collective responsibility to protect and conserve its natural uniqueness.

Continue reading at: The dandelion, an eco-threat to Mount Kinabalu's native vegetation

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Hope for naming of Niah Caves as World Heritage Site

KUCHING: Sarawak is waiting for the Niah Caves to be inscribed as a World Heritage Site.



Tourism and Heritage Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state, through the Federal Government, had nominated the caves for certification as a World Heritage Site in the middle of last year.



The nomination had to be assessed by two panels — one at the national level and the other by the World Heritage Committee based at the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (Unesco) headquarters in Paris.



“We are looking forward to have Niah Caves as our next Unesco World Heritage Site. We haven’t got the result yet, but hope it will get the status,” he said yesterday.



The Niah Caves at Niah National Park is an important archaeological and historical site as some of the oldest human remains in South-East Asia had been found there.



Evidence shows that the caves had sheltered early humans more than 40,000 years ago.



Continue reading at: Hope for naming of Niah Caves as World Heritage Site

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Sarawak confident Niah Caves will be World Heritage site soon

NIAH: The state government has high hopes that the Niah Caves that sheltered early humans more than 40,000 years ago will be listed as a World Heritage site soon.

With this in mind, Assistant Minister for Tourism Datuk Talib Zulpilip said the state government had sent all the necessary paper work to Unesco.

Saying the state would follow up on the matter, he pointed out that the listing was very important and would have far reaching benefits not only to the people in Sarawak and Malaysia but also to the world community.

Among the benefits, he said, are tourism attractions and development as the caves and park are already popular tourist attractions, and getting the caves listed as a World Heritage site could also attract conservation funding.

“While the government and the relevant agencies are doing their best to have the caves listed as historical site, and also continue becoming places of attraction, the people, particularly visitors to the caves, too must play their roles.

“Visitors, please stop the ‘modern paintings’ on the caves. It is very disgusting and insulting to the heritage,” he said.

Talib told reporters this on Tuesday before leading members of the Tourism Taskforce Group (TTG) Miri Division, staff of his ministry and the Sarawak Forestry Corporation (SFC) in the ‘gotong royong’ project to remove graffiti in the caves.

Among those present were Sibuti MP Ahmad Lai Bujang, deputy chairman of TTG Abdul Aziz Yusuf, who is also the Deputy Resident of Miri Division, SFC Miri head Abang Araby Abang Aimran, Niah Park warden Haidar Ali and the Miri coordinator of Totally Protected Areas Kamal Abdullah

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sarawak confident Niah Caves will be World Heritage site soon

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Sabah to seek joint World Heritage Status for Maliau Basin, Danum Valley and Imbak Canyon

Tuaran: The Sabah Government is taking steps to secure Maliau Basin, and Danum Valley and Imbak Canyon in perpetuity by applying for joint World Heritage Status for all three conservation areas.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, when disclosing the State Cabinet's decision at the 1st Borneo Carnivore Symposium (BCS) here, Thursday, said this was to ensure that nothing would disrupt the ecosystems in these areas in the long run.

"The reason behind this is simple; we want to protect our forests so no future corrupted politician can take it away."

He said it was crucial to protect Sabah's forests and wildlife to benefit future generations and to ensure its position as a tourism destination.

"Eventually, tourism will be the number one earner for Sabah and people will come from all over the world to see Sabah's nature and it makes business sense to protect our jungles," Masidi added.

This first ever symposium on Borneo's carnivores was organised by the Sabah Wildlife Department, International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research of Germany, and attended by delegates from 15 countries comprising scientists, conservationists and representatives of government agencies.

During the one-week programme, they sought to ensure the future survival of Borneo's 23 carnivore species. The carnivores of concern are a group of mammals comprising cats like the Sunda Clouded Leopard, civets such as the Malay Civet (Tangalunga), otters and badgers such as Teledu.

One of the scientists present, Andre Hearn of Oxford University, said the three conservation areas being put forth by the State Government for the World Heritage Status application, were also home to the very mysterious and endangered species of carnivores such as the Borneo Bay Cat (Pardofelis badia) and Hose's Palm Civet (Diplogale hosei).

"The Borneo Bay Cat is found only in Borneo and has been recorded by camera traps in Danum Valley at relatively high frequency, compared to other areas in Sabah," said Hearn.

The first photograph in the wild of the Borneo Bay Cat was actually taken only in 2002 in Mulu National Park in Sarawak.

The elusive Hose's Palm Civet was not found during any camera trap surveys in the lowland of eastern Sabah including Danum Valley, but was found instead only in Maliau Basin, which is the most "eastern" record of this species.

Continue reading at: Sabah to seek joint World Heritage Status for Maliau Basin, Danum Valley and Imbak Canyon

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Jungle ascent a peak experience in Sabah Borneo

As the first morning light creeps up the jagged peaks, the sky changes from black to icy blue and the stunning beauty of the landscape plummeting below me is revealed.

The cold biting at my fingers and face is forgotten as I marvel at the steep granite slope we have just climbed, then at the deep green lowlands and beyond.

When the Carpenters were warbling about being on top of the world, were they thinking about the peak of Mt Kinabalu?

Our adventure to "the top of the world" started two weeks before.

Upon arrival in Malaysian Borneo, we explored the enormous caves and vibrant jungle of Sarawak before soaking up the sun on the tropical island beaches in Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park off Kota Kinabalu, the bustling capital of Sabah.

Now my partner James Hutson and I felt ready to tackle the next challenge - and what better way to finish a holiday than by climbing a mountain? With its highest point (the formidable looking Low's Peak) reaching 4095m, Mt Kinabalu is one of the tallest mountains in South-East Asia.

Because of its relatively easy, climber-friendly terrain, combined with sensational views from the top, the Mt Kinabalu climb is one of the more popular, appealing to about 40,000 climbers (with a vast range in age and experience) every year.

Two days earlier we set out for Kinabalu National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to the famous peak) along a beautiful and exhilaratingly steep 90km drive from Kota Kinabalu.

On arrival at the park, we explored the many marked jungle trails and attended the information session provided.

The mountain unveiled itself in glimpses through the clouds until finally a full view of the peaks could be made out.

As I looked up at Low's Peak with poorly contained apprehension, I was transported back many months to when James and I were planning the trip.

How high? Oh, just over 4000m. No worries, I have plenty of time to train and get into peak condition, as the Climb Mt Kinabalu website recommends.

Now here I am staring up (way up) thinking that perhaps I should have got that full body endurance cross-trainer after all.

Deciding to save our legs for the next day, we have dinner and head straight to bed.

The next morning, after an early start and a delicious (though perhaps ill thought-out) three-course breakfast, we head to Park HQ where we sign to acknowledge there are dangers when climbing mountains.

We are given individual identity tags and introduced to our guide, Freddie. Time to hit the trail.

On the free shuttle to Timpohon Gate (1800m and the start point of our hike), I learn that Freddie has done this climb twice a week, every week for the past five years.

I reason that he could provide tips for a pleasant climb.

Freddie, as time would show, proved his weight in gold.

"Slow, steady, small steps and don't stop too often," he told us.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Jungle ascent a peak experience in Sabah Borneo
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Plans to make Kg Ayer as world cultural and natural heritage

By Azlan Othman

To further maintain and strengthen the national treasures, the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports through the Museums Department plans to register Kg Ayer as a world cultural and natural heritage with Unesco and strives to rectify to the convention for Brunei to get expert's assistance to make it World Cultural and Natural Heritage.

This matter has been discussed with Attorney General's Chambers and presented to His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam.

This was revealed by the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, YB Pehin Orang Kaya Pekerma Laila Diraja Dato Paduka Awg Hj Hazair bin Hj Abdullah when responding to YB Dato Paduka Awg Hj Idris bin Hj Abas queries on steps taken by the ministry to enhance Kg Ayer in the international arena.

The legacy of the memorial park found in Temburong to commemorate the struggle of locals who fought in the 1962 rebellion was also highlighted. YB Awg Hj Sulaiman bin Hj Ahad asked which department is responsible to maintain it. The minister in his reply, said such memorial park in Temburong is gazetted under historical artefacts and the treasures under the supervision of the Museums Department. It has been upgraded and improved and is now located near the boat wharf in Bangar.

YB Awg Hj Bakar bin Mansor asked whether any studies would be made on the Wasai found in this country and also asked to revive the legacy of Lela Menchanai in Kg Ayer.

The minister said it has also been taken into consideration by the History Centre and the Museums Department, adding that the historical studies are implemented based on genuine facts. Some legendary stories are not supported with facts but the Museums Department and History Centre welcome feedback from the public.

Meanwhile, YB Awg Hj Mohd Shafiee bin Ahmad asked whether any steps were taken to revive the legendary Kuala Balai, which used to be the administrative centre in the early days.

Touching on the ministry's plan to introduce a reviewed Youth Act, there is no plan to do so, the minister said, highlighting on several laws currently put in place due to global issues affecting youths in relation to development, education, abuse, exploitation, health and protection. We have a youth policy outlining the way forward.

Meanwhile, the speaker said we should not wait for another year for respective ministers to answer the queries. The Legislative Council will forward the unanswered queries to them and the departments should also answer the queries during the current session.

On issues relating to poverty with 5,472 households being categorised as poor and needy were raised by several Legislative Council members again yesterday. The Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports said attention is given to teenagers and youths who are categorised as poor and needy.

From the studies, it was found that something must be done in a practical manner to free these people from poverty such as giving them education. We would not just give financial assistance but help improve their environment in order to be free from poverty. The Ministry of Education opted for a way to tackle it in an integrated manner, by allocating them to school hostels. It would give them a better and conducive environment.

YB Pehin Kapitan Lela Diraja Dato Paduka Awg Goh King Chin, among others asked about the percentage of household members that are above 50, 40, 30 and 20 years old and living in poverty.

On the need to give allowance for social workers as raised by YB Hj Mohd Shafiee bin Ahmad, the Minister said we must take into account the budget but claimed he has not heard any social workers asking for allowance. However, the matter will be analysed if needed.

Social workers are taken because we encourage youths to carry out community works. Their presence could be seen during disasters like floods where many youths come forward to conduct welfare works. If there is a need to add more social workers, we could do through other agencies like the village institution.

Touching on the issue on Youth Development Centre, the ministry is thinking about widening the course and expanding the target. The ministry plans to enhance the capacity building by providing training to youths to improve their status.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday
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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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World Heritage Site for Maliau Basin boost

MALIAU BASIN (Tawau): The Federal Government will support the efforts of the State Government to enlist Maliau Basin as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said: “We can support and make the presentation to UNESCO as we have a UNESCO office and members of the board of directors of the UNESCO. So we will try to present this case because the moment you are listed as the world heritage by UNESCO there is an immediate jump in terms of worldwide interest.”

Najib told reporters after launching the Maliau Basin Studies Centre (MBSC) and Stability of Altered Forest Ecosystems (SAFE) here yesterday.

For example, he said George Town, Malaka, Mulu Cave and few others had really benefitted from being listed as a world heritage by UNESCO.

“So I would support what the Chief Minister (Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman) said. There is a process as it cannot happen overnight. Hopefully we can list this as part of the world heritage,” he said.

Earlier, in his speech, Musa hoped that Maliau Basin will become a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the near future.

When asked to elaborate further on the statement he made in his speech earlier on the ecological experimental project carried out by Sime Darby Foundation (YSD) and Royal Society’s South East Asian Rainforest Research Programme (SEARRP) called Stability of Altered Forest Ecosystem (SAFE).

He said the critics especially the west have to understand that Malaysia needs to use land for development whether for industrialization, urbanization or plantation, because we need to create opportunity to support the people.

“Besides that, there are areas whereby no development activities are allowed such as Maliau Basin, Danum Valley, water catchment and forest reserve areas, these areas will be protected,” he said.

“If you look at the overall track record in Malaysia we are better than the developed countries, who created more sin than us and now they are pointing fingers at us. They made the mistake earlier than us and in fact we have a balanced policy where we can look after the interest of the people and forest for the interest of the world and future generation,” said Najib adding that Malaysia is committed to the Rio Earth Summit agreement as 60 per cent of the country are now covered with forest.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: World Heritage Site for Maliau Basin boost
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Maliau Basin’s best kept secret to be savoured by Malaysian PM

Maliau Basin, which is poised to be a World Heritage Site soon, has become the most enticing destination in Sabah. People from every part of the world, particularly nature lovers, love to come for the precious moments of savouring the pristine condition in Maliau Basin, also lovingly called Sabah’s Lost World. Maliau Basin is visited by tourists of different ages and from the entire globe.

Come this Saturday, Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak will be Malaysia’s first prime minister to visit this internationally-acclaimed area, and at the same time enjoy the golden chance of discovering Maliau Basin’s best kept secret.

On that day, he is scheduled to open the Maliau Basin Studies Centre and witness the signing of several memorandums of understanding between local and international groups involved in research in the untouched rainforests of Sabah. Najib is also expected to launch Project Safe undertaken by Sime Darby in the area during his visit to the 30 sq km basin off the east coast.

“Maliau Basin is our precious natural treasure and heritage that needs to be protected at all costs,” State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun told Bernama, here, yesterday.

“That’s why the Sabah government had nominated Maliau Basin together with Danum Valley as a World Heritage Site for future generations to enjoy the designated areas of unspoilt natural beauty.”

Over the past years, Maliau Basin has been the subject of the so-called “monkey or gold” debate—whether the area should be left as pristine as possible with only monkeys roaming the hills and plains, or to have its valuable minerals extracted for economic gain. However, the debate subdued when the state government stood firmly and shot down the idea or the possibility of conducting mining operations in Maliau Basin.

Continue reading at: Maliau Basin’s best kept secret to be savoured by Malaysian PM
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Kinabalu World Heritage Site Gallery a new attraction

Kundasang: The Kinabalu World Heritage Site Gallery has become the latest attraction at Kinabalu Park here, showcasing the park's unique features and rich natural heritage, befitting its status as a World Heritage Site.

It was officially declared open two days ago by State Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Ellron Angin, in conjunction with Kinabalu Park's 10th anniversary as a World Heritage Site.

Sabah Parks research and education coordinator, Rimi Repin, said the gallery comprised three sections, one of which was a three-dimensional display of the park's physical features.

The other sections are a diorama landscape showcasing the park's biodiversity, and information on the park's selection as a World Heritage Site by Unesco.

Continue reading at: Kinabalu World Heritage Site Gallery a new attraction
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Kinabalu Park remains World Heritage site due to its diverse biodiversity

Kundasang: The diverse biodiversity at the Kinabalu Park has enabled it to remain among the 911 World Heritage sites from 151 countries in the world, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Ellron Angin said.

He said of the 911 heritage sites, only 180, including the Kinabalu Park, were assessed for their natural environment, which was high in biodiversity.

Sixteen of the sites were in critical stage due to uncontrolled human activities, he said when opening the Kinabalu Biodiversity Expo, here, Thursday.

He called for public cooperation to help maintain the ecology at Kinabalu Park so that it could continue to be a world heritage site.

Ellron said the Kinabalu Park was part of the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation world heritage status since 2000 for its outstanding universal values and its role as one of the most important biological sites in the world.

"Kinabalu park is not only important as a world heritage site for future generation, but also to increase the economy of the people with the arrival of tourists," he added.

Continue reading at: Kinabalu Park remains World Heritage site due to its diverse biodiversity
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Dusun community returns to Mount Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU: The Dusun community in Bundu Tuhan and Kiau will make a pilgrimage to Mount Kinabalu on Dec 3, a journey that will symbolize a return to their sacred mountain.

After more than forty years since Kinabalu Park was gazetted and more recently, as a World Heritage Site, the indigenous people in the areas feel ‘separated’ from what was once their ancestral domain and the final resting place of the departed souls. The pilgrimage, which is jointly collaborated between the Kinabalu Council of Elders and Sabah Parks, is hoped to launch what would become an annual affair where the community gets one day in a year to return to their sacred mountain they once referred to as ‘Gayo Ngaran’ (the big name).

“We know that this mountain in now a heritage for the world and we’re proud of it. But all we’re asking for is just one day for our community to make our pilgrimage,” said Johnny Ghani, a community activist from Bundu Tuhan.

The community from the two areas has sought for permission to have the park closed for just one day in a year for them to perform the pilgrimage. It is learnt that due to climbing bookings already made by climbers in advanced their request might not be possible this year. But they hope that when the event becomes an annual affair, their request for one-day closure could be allowed. Johnny explained that the pilgrimage is particularly for the benefit of their younger generation.

“Before the area was gazetted as a park, villagers here were free to go to the jungle to find natural resources for their livelihood. They can’t do it now…Although it’s good to see how this area has developed especially in tourism, people probably are not aware that many of our children have never climbed the mountain because they couldn’t afford the fees even at discounted rates,” he said.

He added that it is not only about climbing the mountain but more significantly about a tradition that was once closely connected to the mountain. “Our younger generation has lost that connection,” he lamented.

Negotiations to gazette Kinabalu Park began in 1962 between the British and local officers as well as the community members from Kiau and Bundu Tuhan. After full consent from the communities to ‘give up’ the mountain, the matter became official in 1964. However the community asked to be allowed to have access into the park to harvest rattans, collect forest products and to hunt only to learn later that such activities were strictly prohibited.

In 2000 Kinabalu Park was declared a World Heritage Site after being globally acknowledged as a biodiversity hotspot. It is also a major tourism destination where in 2009 more than 25,000 people visited the park and 47,000 climbed the mountain, the highest peak in South East Asia.

Continue reading at: Dusun community returns to Mount Kinabalu
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Bring back Niah Caves artefacts from abroad

MIRI: Archaeological artefacts taken from Niah Caves and which are now overseas should be brought home as they are the heritage of Sarawak and Malaysia, said Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.

Archaeologists from as far as Nevada University in the United States of America had showed interest in Niah Caves as early as 1957 when 122 skeletons were taken away to be studied by Richard and Sheilagh Brooks.

Though the Brooks have prepared some reports, none have been published.

Professor Zuraina Majid last inspected them in 2004.

“As the Brooks are elderly and no longer able to conduct research I would like to propose that the artefacts, or some of them, be brought back to Sarawak,” said Taib at the launch of an international seminar on Bornean archaeology here Wednesday night.

The Centre for Global Archaeological Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Penang had brought back Gua Cha (Kelantan) burials from Cambridge University in 2008.

“However, before the Niah burials could be taken back Sarawak Museum must build a special room with specially designed curation boxes to meet appropriate standards of storage and preservation,” said Taib.

The proposed place for this is at the left wing of Miri Petroleum Museum which could be designed and prepared with assistance of USM staff.

“The burials should be brought home so as to be easily accessible to researchers,” Taib said.

The estimated cost of the whole project is around RM1.5 million which includes initial investigation trips to Las Vegas, air freight and airfares and construction of a special curation room and facilities.

Taib also proposed the nomination of Niah Caves as Unesco World Heritage Site.

Continue reading at: Bring back Niah Caves artefacts from abroad
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British explorers map out 'never-ending' cave network underneath Borneo jungle

These incredible images show British scientists on an expedition to map a 'never-ending' cave network in a project that dates back more than 30 years.

The twisting network of caverns underneath Gunung Mulu National Park, in Sarawak, Borneo, contains the largest cave chamber in the world, the largest cave by volume and what is believed to be the largest cave passage.

Scientists carry out bi-annual visits into several caves and have so far mapped out an incredible 186 miles of the underground network.

Using lasers and other equipment they measured the dimensions of different sections of the numerous caverns stretching throughout the UNESCO World Heritage site and feed them into a computer to build up the map.

Working with Borneo's National Parks authority, the team of Brits also began mapping the area above the caves to help tourists trekking between the cave mouths know where they are.

Sarawak Chamber is the world's largest, the Clearwater Cave system is the largest by volume and Deer Cave is believed to be the biggest passage.

More than 30 years ago the Royal Geographical Society (RGS) led the first expedition to the cave system, which current team member Andy Eavis, 62, was part of.

Other members of the team - all British - included leader Tim Allen, 49, Dr Gina Moseley, 26, web designer Hugh St Lawrence, professor Pete Smart and cavers Matt Kirby and Robbie Shone.

The expedition saw the team camping for periods below surface during a three-week trip in May.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: British explorers map out 'never-ending' cave network underneath Borneo jungle
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