The City Waterfront Esplanade (Anjung Senja)
Saturday, April 30, 2011
Kota Kinabalu City - Places of Interest
Likas Wetlands - Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary
Designed as a bird sanctuary in September 1996, this 24 hectare remnant patch of mangrove forest is located just two kilometers north east of Kota Kinabalu. The sanctuary is the only remaining patch of an extensive mangrove forest that once covered most of the coastal area where now Kota Kinabalu is. Maintained and developed by WWF Malaysia, this sanctuary is a refuge and feeding ground for many species of birds, as well as several migratory species from Northern Asia. The sanctuary is a much needed green lung for the city, and strategically located as an environmental education centre, serving the public at large.
Tanjung Aru Beach and STAR
The Tanjung Aru Beach and the Prince Philip Park are popular places among the local Sabahans. It is the place to hang out in the evening or at night at one of the many food stalls along the beach. Coconut drinks and local fruits are also available here. During the weekend, this beach is crowded with locals for swimming, picnicking and other recreational activities for the entire family. At the fringe of the beach is another majestic land mark of Kota Kinabalu - the Shangri-la's Tanjung Aru Resort (STAR). It was Sabah's first five-star resort, and has evolved into another world famous resort destination for the rich and famous. It has won countless awards over the years. The resort boast world class facilities and operates a marina and water sports recreation centre. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is adjacent to the resort.
The Sutera Harbour Resort
The Sutera Harbour Resort is a beautiful and major landmark of the city of Kota Kinabalu. The property boasts two five star hotels - the Pacific Sutera and the Magellan Sutera and Spa Resort, both of which house excellent world class facilities. The Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club is an international standard 27 hole (Graham Marsh designed) golf course and already a major destination for golfers in Asia. For seafarers, the Sutera Harbour Marina and Yacht Club is a world class standard Marina (the best in Borneo) and can berth yachts up to 200 ft. Water sports and recreation facilities as well as ferries to the islands are also available for guests.
Kampung Air Night Market - Pasar Malam
The City Waterfront (Anjung Samudra)
Gaya Street Sunday Market
If you are in town on Sunday, the colourful Gaya Street Sunday Market is a must! Come as early as seven in the morning and you find all sorts of items available for sale by locals. Some come from the far interior of Sabah to offer their produce. Here you find also a rich assortment of antiques, handicraft, potteries, batiks, fruits, pets, plants, flowers and much more. Local fast foods and snacks are also available. If you like a local breakfast, try out the variety of shops along the street : Laksa, Nasi Lemak, Noodles, Dim Sum... the list goes on and on. The street gets very crowded, but by midday the fair is over!
Central Market
Open daily from dawn to 5 pm, the city Central Market is a place to visit. Wander through this market and you will find all sorts of foods, vegetables and essential items that Sabahans eat and use. It is exciting as you may discover many tropical vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices that you have not seen before. Climb upstairs and there are food stalls and a dry market where you can have your breakfast or lunch.
Open daily from dawn to 5 pm, the city Central Market is a place to visit. Wander through this market and you will find all sorts of foods, vegetables and essential items that Sabahans eat and use. It is exciting as you may discover many tropical vegetables, fruits, herbs and spices that you have not seen before. Climb upstairs and there are food stalls and a dry market where you can have your breakfast or lunch.
Handicraft Market (Filipino Market)
A hit amongst tourist, the Handicraft Market located near the Central Market is the place to purchase local, Indonesian and Filipino handicraft. Other items such as local fruits, shells, cascading macramé hangings, woven baskets, wood carvings and sunhats are also available here. Look through all the items and you never know you might find something you like for your friends or to decorate your house. Be sure to bargain!
A hit amongst tourist, the Handicraft Market located near the Central Market is the place to purchase local, Indonesian and Filipino handicraft. Other items such as local fruits, shells, cascading macramé hangings, woven baskets, wood carvings and sunhats are also available here. Look through all the items and you never know you might find something you like for your friends or to decorate your house. Be sure to bargain!
The Atkinson Clock Tower
One of only two structures in Kota Kinabalu that has survived the World War II bombings, the Atkinson Tower was built in 1905 in memory of the town's first district officer who died of 'Borneo Fever' at the age 28. It is located in an area that was the first developed part of the city, then named Jesselton. Just below to the left of the tower is where a very well known hotel stood in the 1930s (now the old police station). The tower is also the land mark to look for if you wish to board a private long distance taxi or bus to destinations such as Kinabalu National Park, Kota Belud, and others.
Signal Hill Observatory
A 15 minutes walk from the old quarters of Kota Kinabalu takes you to Signal Hill, a look out point from which you enjoy a breathtaking view over the whole city. This is the ideal place to take photographs of Kota Kinabalu. From the Signal Hill one can also see Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and some of the traditional villages built on stilts in the sea. The entrance is free.
A 15 minutes walk from the old quarters of Kota Kinabalu takes you to Signal Hill, a look out point from which you enjoy a breathtaking view over the whole city. This is the ideal place to take photographs of Kota Kinabalu. From the Signal Hill one can also see Tunku Abdul Rahman Park and some of the traditional villages built on stilts in the sea. The entrance is free.
Tun Mustapha (Yayasan Sabah) Building
This 30 storey circular glass building is supported by high tensile steel rods throughout its structure, an architectural and engineering marvel. It is one of only four such buildings in the world. It is also the the official office of the Chief Minister of Sabah
This 30 storey circular glass building is supported by high tensile steel rods throughout its structure, an architectural and engineering marvel. It is one of only four such buildings in the world. It is also the the official office of the Chief Minister of Sabah
Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
This unique park comprising five idyllic islands is only 20 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu by speed boat. It is home to a variety of flora & fauna, both land and water. With stretches of white sandy beaches, crystal clear waters and diverse coral reefs, this is an ideal spot for divers and for snorkelling, as well for picnicking. Various tour operators are located on the islands and provide a myriad of water sports and other activities such as parasailing, sea walking, and BBQs.
Taman Perdana Park di Tanjung Aru,Kota Kinabalu.
New in the town, Perdana Park is the very first recreational park with musical fountain performance in KK. The park is just located right next to Tanjung Aru Beach and pretty near to AirAsia airport.
Kiulu River Rafting (Class 1 - 2 / Beginner)
At 0830 hours in the morning, depart from city hotel. It will take 1.5 hours drive to Tamparuli. At 1030 hours, arrive at ending point and stop for light refreshment and participants can change clothes. After that, continue up to the starting point at Pukak or Sukang. The guides will allocate all rafting equipment ie. helmets, PFD, paddles, raft, while participants can apply sun block lotion and take pictures or walk on suspension bridge.
At 1115 hours, the river guide will give a briefing before getting in the river. After the briefing, start rafting down for about 2 hours to ending point (Kiulu Town) covering 7-8 km. After changing clothes and we will have BBQ lunch by the riverside. At 1400 hours, return on 1.5 hours journey back to Kota Kinabalu.
Suggested Things to bring: Sun Block lotion, personal toiletries, sandals & extra clothing.
Tour Includes: Land Transportation, meal as indicated, rafting equipment, safety equipment, life jacket and English speaking guide.
Klias River Safari
Pick up at city hotel. Land transfer to Kota Klias. Enjoy the scenic view as you past by padi fields, oil palm plantation and native houses among others on the way to the land of Beaufort. As you arrive Beaufort, enjoy local tea/coffee served with local cakes in the typical village house.
After a short briefing on the safety synopsis of the Proboscis Monkey, begin your river cruise. Enjoy the surrounding riverine forest for about 2 hours .Be amazed by the chorus of the birds and insects while you are on the look out for the endemic monkeys, only found on Borneo.Witness the magnificent Fireflies' "Christmas Tree" along the river as you return to the jetty. Upon reaching the jetty, a traditional dinner treat will be served in the traditional native house. There after, retrace your journey back to Kota Kinabalu City hotel.
2130hrs - There after, retrace your journey back to Kota Kinabalu City hotel.
TABIN: SABAH'S GREATEST WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
With the recent capture of a wild rhinoceros on film at Tabin Wildlife Reserve - an historic first in Borneo - Sabah's largest sanctuary has confirmed its vital importance in conserving Borneo's wildlife. The Sumatran rhino is critically endangered, with perhaps as few as 20 individuals in Sabah, and maybe only 30 in the entire island of Borneo. Wildlife enthusiasts who come to Tabin know there's no chance they'll spot one of its iconic rhinos. After all, scientists have been conducting surveys since 1990 and until recently, virtually all they've seen is footprints and droppings. Unlike the elephant, the rhinoceros is incredibly shy and has a vast area at Tabin (some 120,000 hectares, twice the size of Singapore) in which to hide. Sabah Wildlife Department, together with several conservation agencies, not only conducts rhino research at Tabin but guards against poachers. One of the reasons for the critical status of the rhino is that it has been hunted for its horns for generations - despite the fact that research shows the horn has no medicinal value whatsoever. However, visitors have the opportunity of seeing a remarkable range of wildlife, including the two other large mammals for which Tabin is famed: the Asian Pygmy Elephant and the Wild Ox (tembadau).
Tabin's forest was selectively logged from the 1960s until late in the 1980s, so apart from a core area of almost 9,000 hectares of pristine rainforest, and several smaller virgin jungle reserves, most of Tabin Wildlife Reserve is secondary forest. You might think that this diminishes the amount of wildlife, yet paradoxically, you often have a better chance of seeing animals and birds in a secondary forest. The oil palm estates which surround much of Tabin attract animals such as elephants, pigs, civets, leopard cats, hornbills, eagles and other raptors, so early morning and night drives along the dirt roads near the Resort can be surprisingly productive.
No visit to Tabin is complete without a visit to the Lipad mud volcano, one of several in the forest which provide "salt licks" for animals and even birds. A 700-metre trek off the main boundary road leads through the forest - where everal of the trees have magnificent buttress roots and luminous fungi might be spotted - to a natural clearing about 80 metres across. In the centre of this, liquid mud burps up gently, and as it flows outwards, hardens to form greyish soil with small boulders and stones which have been spewed up when the "volcano" has one of its periodic mild eruptions.
Tabin's forest was selectively logged from the 1960s until late in the 1980s, so apart from a core area of almost 9,000 hectares of pristine rainforest, and several smaller virgin jungle reserves, most of Tabin Wildlife Reserve is secondary forest. You might think that this diminishes the amount of wildlife, yet paradoxically, you often have a better chance of seeing animals and birds in a secondary forest. The oil palm estates which surround much of Tabin attract animals such as elephants, pigs, civets, leopard cats, hornbills, eagles and other raptors, so early morning and night drives along the dirt roads near the Resort can be surprisingly productive.
No visit to Tabin is complete without a visit to the Lipad mud volcano, one of several in the forest which provide "salt licks" for animals and even birds. A 700-metre trek off the main boundary road leads through the forest - where everal of the trees have magnificent buttress roots and luminous fungi might be spotted - to a natural clearing about 80 metres across. In the centre of this, liquid mud burps up gently, and as it flows outwards, hardens to form greyish soil with small boulders and stones which have been spewed up when the "volcano" has one of its periodic mild eruptions.
Tabin Wildlife Reserve
DAY 1
Pick up from Lahad Datu Airport early in the morning recommended for client via Malaysia Airline at approximately 0700hours. Take an hour drive through the scenic journey to Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Briefing upon arrival. After lunch, take approximately 20 minutes drive and 30 minutes trekking to Lipad Mud Volcano. Explore the area that frequently visited by deer, wild boars, elephants, and bids. Look out for and identify the amazing footprints of animals. After dinner, there will be a video or slide presentation on Tabin's uniqueness. Followed by a night spotting trip to observe natural wildlife and birds.
Pick up from Lahad Datu Airport early in the morning recommended for client via Malaysia Airline at approximately 0700hours. Take an hour drive through the scenic journey to Tabin Wildlife Reserve. Briefing upon arrival. After lunch, take approximately 20 minutes drive and 30 minutes trekking to Lipad Mud Volcano. Explore the area that frequently visited by deer, wild boars, elephants, and bids. Look out for and identify the amazing footprints of animals. After dinner, there will be a video or slide presentation on Tabin's uniqueness. Followed by a night spotting trip to observe natural wildlife and birds.
DAY 2
Early in the morning, walk through the mist to explore part of the route that leads to Tabin's core area. Along the way, there will be opportunity to view wildlife and birds. Return to base at about noon. After lunch, depart Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Early in the morning, walk through the mist to explore part of the route that leads to Tabin's core area. Along the way, there will be opportunity to view wildlife and birds. Return to base at about noon. After lunch, depart Tabin Wildlife Reserve.
Note: Return airfare to Lahad Datu are not included.
Simpang Mengayau
Tg Simpang Mengayau a.k.a the Tip of Borneo is located 40 kilometres to the northwest of Kudat town. The journey will pass through mostly coconut plantations and remote villages such as Kg Sin San, Kg Tajau, Kg Pinangsoo, Kg Loro and Kg Tiga Papan before finally arriving at Tg Simpang Mengayau. Note that the road from Kudat is partially unpaved, and judging from the way things are, it will take some time before the current road resurfacing project to fully complete. Just get ready for some bumpy and unpleasant rides on the gravel road.
Night Diving
Experience the entirely different underwater world during night time! It is indeed an entirely different diving experience with unique underwater marine life!
Sabah Fest
Sabah Fest honors the many aspects of Malaysian culture across the state of Sabah.Sabah is home to more than 30 different ethnic groups with its ancient customs and traditions. The festival offers local ethnic foods, rice wine, traditional dance performances as well as traditional sport games competition which include the tug-of-war, blow pipe, minpulos (arm wrestling) and mamarampanau (racing on walking on bamboo stilts).
Nunuk Ragang, Sabah, Malaysia
According to the legend, Nunuk Ragang was the place where Kadazan Dusun civilization began. The annual visit to Nunuk Ragang and installation of the Huguan Siou or the Paramount Leader of the Kadazandusuns, is carried out on first weekend of July each year.
Nunuk Ragang is a legendary red banyan tree traditionally located at the intersection of the left (Liwagu Kegibangan) and right (Liwagu Kawananan) branches of the Liwagu River to the east of Ranau and Tambunan in Sabah. The word "Nunuk" is a Dusun word for the Banyan tree, and "Ragang" comes from "aragang", the Dusun word for red. It was under this giant banyan tree that the village of Nunuk Ragang was founded and flourished. Tradition places this village as the original settlement grounds of the Dusun people who inhabit most of central Borneo.
In 2004, the quasi-government group Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) set up a memorial near Tampias at the site of what they believe is the original village. The memorial, which was built in the form of a huge fig tree, contrasts with the surrounding modern palm oil plantations. The association conducts annual pilgrimages to the site, timed to coincide with the inauguration of its paramount chief, the Huguon Siou.
Nunuk Ragang is a legendary red banyan tree traditionally located at the intersection of the left (Liwagu Kegibangan) and right (Liwagu Kawananan) branches of the Liwagu River to the east of Ranau and Tambunan in Sabah. The word "Nunuk" is a Dusun word for the Banyan tree, and "Ragang" comes from "aragang", the Dusun word for red. It was under this giant banyan tree that the village of Nunuk Ragang was founded and flourished. Tradition places this village as the original settlement grounds of the Dusun people who inhabit most of central Borneo.
In 2004, the quasi-government group Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) set up a memorial near Tampias at the site of what they believe is the original village. The memorial, which was built in the form of a huge fig tree, contrasts with the surrounding modern palm oil plantations. The association conducts annual pilgrimages to the site, timed to coincide with the inauguration of its paramount chief, the Huguon Siou.
Pulau Mabul Sabah , Borneo
Mabul is a little island some 25mins by boat from Sipadan. Many who visit the area stay either at Mabul or at Kapalai. You may have found out by now that Sipadan no longer caters to overnight stays. All operators who had resorts on Sipadan have now relocated their operations elsewhere.
Mabul itself is a small island, currently with 4 resorts in the area, 1 converted oil rig stationed just in the shallow waters off Mabul , a bajau fishing village, a mosque, a school and an admin centre for the village. Just to the left of Sipadan Village Resort are several stalls selling all sorts of seashells. Please do not buy them as you may have been informed that it is an offence to take anything of this sort out of Malaysia and could be an offence to take them into your home country too.
Mabul has a beauty and it's not the kind you may get at Sipadan. Having been quite used to diving on coral reefs, diving in Mabul is as much a WOW! as being on coral reef. At Mabul it's called 'muck diving'.Muck Diving' was coined by a bunch of divers on a liveaboard
down in PNG (Papua New Guinea).
Monday, April 25, 2011
Mulu 4 Show Caves (A World Heritage Site)
Day 1 - Kota Kinabalu or Miri / Mulu National Park
At 0900 hrs. Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the airport to board flight to Mulu National Park. Upon arrival, transfer and check in Royal Mulu Resort. Afternoon, depart for a three KM plank walk to Dear Cave and Lang Cave. Late afternoon, observe the millions of bats coming out from the vast of the Dear Cave which will be a memorable occurrence during the fineweather. Return to overnight Resort. (Lunch /DinnerIncluded)
At 0900 hrs. Pick up from your hotel and transfer to the airport to board flight to Mulu National Park. Upon arrival, transfer and check in Royal Mulu Resort. Afternoon, depart for a three KM plank walk to Dear Cave and Lang Cave. Late afternoon, observe the millions of bats coming out from the vast of the Dear Cave which will be a memorable occurrence during the fineweather. Return to overnight Resort. (Lunch /DinnerIncluded)
Day 2 - Mulu National Park
Depart by a long boat going up river to Wind Cave and explore the limestone formation of this unique eco system. Continue the journey by plank walk to Clearwater Cave where interesting stone formation can be seen. Return to overnight resort. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Included)
Depart by a long boat going up river to Wind Cave and explore the limestone formation of this unique eco system. Continue the journey by plank walk to Clearwater Cave where interesting stone formation can be seen. Return to overnight resort. (Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner Included)
Day 3 - Mulu National Park / Kota Kinabalu or Miri
Transfer to Mulu Airport for flight back to Kota Kinabalu or Miri. (Breakfast Included)
Transfer to Mulu Airport for flight back to Kota Kinabalu or Miri. (Breakfast Included)
Note: Return airfares to Mulu are not included.
Sarawak River Cruise
A cruise along the Sarawak River is a relaxing way to enjoy the various phases of the city and retrace the trip James Brooke made when he first arrived in Sarawak. You will sail past the Waterfront, Brooke Dockyard, the 100 year old Malay Kampung, Fort Magherita, Astana, Square Tower and the Industrial Estate.
As you sail toward the sea colourful fishing boats will appear in abound and nearby Bako after the Chinese and Malay villages are the houses and mansions of Kuching's affluent society. The constant changing of this living scenery gives you the best picture of the history and lifestyles in Kuching.
Annah Rais Bidayuh Longhouse
Bidayuh, the second largest ethnic group in Sarawak, is formerly known as the 'Land Dayak' and was once also known as the 'Engineer of Bamboo'. When making a visit to the Bidayuh longhouse, you will be able to see the splendid architecture of their longhouse which was build mostly by bamboo. Annah Rais is one of the most famous Bidayuh longhouse in Sarawak which located about 100 km east from Kuching city and quite closes to the Indonesian border. The excursion will take about one and a half hour on the road.
During your visit, you will also be able to view the villagers with their own daily routine like rice pounding and winnowing, basket and mat weaving, bamboo carving, etc. You will be brought into the most unique and important structure, the 'Baruk' or the head house which situated in the middle of the longhouse. This once was used as a fort to protect the whole village from being attack by enemy. Inside the 'Baruk', you will be able to view the real human skulls hanging around the fire place in the middle and the also their sacred war drum.
Crocodile Farm and Mini Zoo
You'll be taken to a crocodile farm, which is situated amongst lush tropical fruit trees. This farm is home to over 1,000 crocodiles as serves as the perfect sanctuary to these fearsome reptiles as they are housed in enclosures simulating their natural habitats.
You will also been able to see other native Sarawackian wildlife such as the bearcats, civets, deer, pythons, hornbills and gibbons.
Return to Kuching and drop-off at hotel.
Sarawak Cultural Village
Popularly known as the 'Living Museum', the Village is a showcase of a kaleidoscope of Sarawak's cultures and traditions. On arrival, you will explore the 7 authentic replicas of ethnic houses. Chinese Farm House, Malay Stilted House, Melanau Tall House, Penan Hut as well as Longhouse of the Iban, Bidayuh and Orang Ulu. Displayed in each house are the many artifacts made by the individual dwellers. Demonstration of arts and crafts like beadwork, wood and bamboo carvings, "Pua" weaving and straw weaving can be seen while touring the Village.
You will also be entertained with 45 minutes of the traditional dances of the various ethnic tribes of Sarawak at the Village theatre.
Free & Easy on Manukan Island
Day 1 - Kota Kinabalu / Manukan IslandTransfer to jetty for Manukan Island, the second largest among five islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. Upon arrival, you will check-in at the Manukan Chalet. Lunch is served at the lsland's resort. This boomerang shaped island has good stretches of beaches on the southern coastline, which is ideal for snorkelling, diving, swimming or simply relax at your own time. Dinner is served at the island's resort. Overnight at the Manukan Chalet.
Day 2 - Manukan Island / Kota KinabaluAfter breakfast, free at leisure until transfer to Kota Kinabalu before noon.
Suggested Things to bring:Sun Tan Lotion, towel, personal toiletries, swimming attire, sandals and extra clothing.
Note: Water sport is also available as optional.
Tour Includes: Transportation, meals as indicated, entrance fees, 1 night stay at Manukan Island lodge or chalet (Twin Sharing).
Sepilok Orang Utan & Sandakan City Tour
Tour Highlights
- Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
- Sandakan City Tour
Tour Itinerary:
Pick up from Sandakan airport or hotel; proceed to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre (30 mins journey) situated in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. Learn about the rehabilitation of orphaned orang utan before taking a boardwalk through the lowland rainforest to view the feeding platform. Witness the feeding of orang utan at 1000hrs.
Pick up from Sandakan airport or hotel; proceed to Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre (30 mins journey) situated in the Kabili-Sepilok Forest Reserve. Learn about the rehabilitation of orphaned orang utan before taking a boardwalk through the lowland rainforest to view the feeding platform. Witness the feeding of orang utan at 1000hrs.
Lunch; Afternoon proceed to city tour, visit water village, centre market & Buddhist Temple. After tour, drop off at Sandakan airport or hotel. (Lunch)
Package included: Tours & transfer, English speaking guide, entrance fee, lunch.
Package excluded: Airfare, camera/video fee.
Minimum: 2 persons, SIC basis.
What to bring: Good walking shoes, light raincoat, insect repellent, sun block.
Kinabalu National Park Tour (World Heritage Site)
Depart from city hotel. The drive takes about 1.5 hours through scenic countryside and beautiful mountain range. On the way, stop by at Nabalu Fruit Market.
Arrive at Kinabalu Park HQ, jungle walk with the park naturalist and guide. Visit the Mountain Garden or Plant Research Centre. See the smallest orchid in Borneo and experience the different vegetation.
Lunch at local restaurant. Visit the exhibition centre and watch interesting slide shows the animals and unique plants found only on Mount Kinabalu. Transfer back to Kota Kinabalu.
Island Hopping - 3 Islands
An escorted tour and a chance to visit 3 beautiful islands in one day. Sapi, Mamutik and Manukan Islands boast of its magnificient surroundings and crystal clear waters that will entice the young, adventurous and even romantics.
Pick up from city hotel and transfer to jetty for about 15-20 minutes boat ride to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Islands. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is a snorkelling, diving and even jungle walking santuary.
Firstly, enjoy the island hopping tour to Sapi Island. The next stop is at Manukan Island where lunch is served at the island's resort. Our final destination is Mamutik Island and transfer back to city hotel.
Suggested Things to bring: Sun Tan Lotion, towel, personal toiletries, swimming attire, sandals and extra clothing.
Note: Water sport is also available as optional.
Tour Includes: Transportation, lunch and tour guide.
Kota Belud Sunday Market
The journey will take about 1 hour drive to Kota Belud. Rice fields, villages and beautiful scenery can be seen along the way. Kota Belud is the land for the Bajau, a local native tribe who are popularly known as Cowboy of the East. On every Sunday, the Bajau bring out their local produce, handicraft and other wares to be sold in this large open air market. The market is also the local points for the locals to socialise and mingle in groups. Today, you may be able to see the Bajau horsemen with their traditional colourful costume on Parade in the field. Buffalo is used widely in the rice cultivation in the areas around Kota Belud as farming method has never been modernised. You may also be able to see the numerous buffalo line up to be auctioned to the highest bidders.
Tour Includes: Land Transportation, Tour Guide & Lunch.
Island Hopping - 2 Islands
Pick up from city hotel and transfer to jetty for about 15-20 minutes boat ride to Tunku Abdul Rahman Park Islands. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is a snorkelling, diving and even jungle walking sanctuary. Enjoy the island hopping tour to Manukan Island either Sapi or Mamutik Islands for BBQ seafood lunch & transfer back to hotel.
Suggested Things to bring: Sun Tan Lotion, towel, personal toiletries, swimming attire, sandals and extra clothing.
Note: Water sport is also available as optional.
Tour Includes: Land & Sea Transportation, Tour Guide & Entrance Fees.
Rafflesia Rainforest Reserve
Pick up at Hotel & drive through the scenic view within Crocker Range Park to the Tambunan Rafflesia Centre. Inside the Rafflesia Centre, there is an Information Centre where photographs, drawings, text information are displayed. A model showing the conservation area and the locations of Rafflesia plot which is also displayed. After visiting the information center, do some jungle trails in the cool mountain air to search for the world's largest flower - Rafflesia.
Besides the Rafflesia Information Center, the conservation area also has a picnic ground, look out pavilion and nature trails. The picnic ground is located at Masakob where a 20 feet waterfall is found. Other facilities provided at the picnic ground include a cooking area, changing rooms, washroom, resting hut and parking area. For the more adventurous, the center's nature trails lead to many interesting parts of the conservation area where visitors can see giant trees, and Rafflesia plots. Lunch at local restaurant. Then proceed to Tambunan plains and its terraced rice fields for an insight into the rural lifestyle of Sabah. Return to Kota Kinabalu in the afternoon around.
Labuan Island & Historical Tour
Take a 3 hours trip by ferry from the KK jetty or simply hop on a flight from KL or KK to the Labuan Island which lies off the west coast of Sabah. It came under Federal Teritory jurisdiction on April 16, 1984. The only duty free port nearest to Sabah and with business center for barter trade with the Southern Philippines.
Pick up at hotel or upon arrival you proceed for a city tour . Among the must see is Patau-Patau Water Village made of wooden houses built on stilts over water; Labuan Peace Park & Japanese Surrender Point, a world war 2 war memorial of the; Bird Park exhibiting a large variety of tropical birds from around the region; The Chimney with a 106 feet high structure built in the 1800's; Labuan World War II Memorial which is Malaysia's largest war grave; Labuan Museum displaying the history and culture of Labuan; Labuan Square – a raised open-air stage used for events and Labuan International Sea Sports Complex – a world class water sports centre. After tour, proceed for dinner and return to hotel. Here lunch will be served at a local restaurant. After shopping at the duty free shop, you will take the return journey by ferry to Kota Kinabalu in the late afternoon or back to the hotel.
Tour Includes: Land Transportation, Tour Guide & Entrance Fees.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Kudat Rungus Longhouse Tours
Pick up from City Hotel. It will take about 3 hours drives to Kudat Town, passing by several oil palm plantations where you can have a better view of the golden fruit of Malaysia. En-route, stop by at Kg. Gombizau , Bee Farm, for a visit . Then, transfer to Kg. Sumangkap, Gong Making Factory, for a visit and watch skilled craftsman make gongs at various stages at the village. Then, transfer to Kg. Bavabgazo for the Rungus Long House. Upon arrival, our local guide will tell you all the stories that you want to know about the Rungus people. Local lunch is served at the long house. After lunch and relax, transfer to Tanjung Sempang Mengayau known as 'Tip of Borneo' for 50 minutes drives on gravel roads from the long house. The journey will take you pass wild coconut trees and friendly villages. Upon arrival, witness the spectacular breathtaking view where the South China Sea and Sulu Sea meets. Then, return journey to Kota Kinabalu in the late afternoon.
Tour Includes: Land Transportation, Lunch, Tour Guide & Entrance Fees.
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Mangrove Cruise & Crab Catching Tour
Pick up at city hotel and transfer to Borneo Kelly Bays. Begin the afternoon with Crab Catching activities & Mangrove Cruise. Later, lunch is served with a taste of local Malay delicacies.After that try out the non-motorised water sports activities like the Banana Boat, Kayak & Paddle Boat or enjoy a swim at the beautiful beach at Kelly Bay. Optional payable activities are also available upon request. Depart to City Hotel.
Pick up at city hotel and transfer to Borneo Kelly Bays. Begin the afternoon with Crab Catching activities & Mangrove Cruise. Later, lunch is served with a taste of local Malay delicacies.After that try out the non-motorised water sports activities like the Banana Boat, Kayak & Paddle Boat or enjoy a swim at the beautiful beach at Kelly Bay. Optional payable activities are also available upon request. Depart to City Hotel.
Tour Includes: Land Transportation, Lunch & Tour Guide.
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