If you have read my blog about Manukan Island, Kg Kelias & Kinabalu Park, here's the photos
Manukan Island - http://rockerteers2.multiply.com/photos/album/26
Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysia
Kg Klias, Sabah
Showing posts with label Sabah. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sabah. Show all posts
Wednesday, 11 July 2007
Thursday, 5 July 2007
Tip Of Borneo- Kudat, Sabah
By the way, I forgot to mention this place ...is a must see..The tip of Borneo located at Simpang Mengayau, Kudat.
Sabah is kind of hilly, about 3hrs drive through scenic countryside to Kudat. Along the way, you will get the chance to see the beautiful scenery. Is great. But I would like to remind you, there' no "pee stop" that you could make cos is unlike the North South Highway in Peninsular Malaysia. Be prepare not to drink so much of water.There are a lot of stalls for you stop over by the road side to buy some grilled corn/maize. Is very thin and unlike the usual corn you see anywhere. This is very sweet and is called Jagung susu (literally translated as milk corn) and the local ground nuts.
Before you reach kudat, there is this aborigines called the Rungus. En-route visit Sumangkap Village, well known for its "Gong" making skill by its local artisan. Proceed to the Bavanggazo Village for a Longhouse visit. Built entirely using local materials, it is a home to the Rungus people community, a sub-tribe of the indigenous kadazandusun. Observe their very own unique bead works, lifestyle and costumes. (Don't expect 5 star)You can also stay there if want to experience the Rungus lifestyle with a certain fee. And you can request them to cook for you.
And further down the road the government has this programme for the Rungus villagers something like cottage industry....One village One industry. Some village specialise in making drums, Honey, etc.
Once you reached Kudat, is so different. Fishing is the core business. They would get out to the sea very early morning. They have a market just for seafood and a market just for vegetables.
Visit the seafood market, they are all fresh from the sea and cheap.And you can see the squid changing clors. Is still alive. And some fishes too as they are still breathing. You probaly don't find certain fish in Peninsular Malaysia.
Is quite a journey to get in to Simpang Mengayau from Kudat (approx 40 km)cos you will pass by some off roads and oil palm plantation. And once you are greeted by Sulu & South China Sea, you will know you are there. Strong wind, high waves, beautiful sea front
Perhaps a chance in your lifetime, upon reaching here, one must know that you are now standing right at the tip of Borneo, hence its popular name "The Northern Tip of Borneo". In addition to its fascinating scenery of long stretch white sandy beach, its beautiful northern tip sea, the breeze of wind blow, this tip was blessed with a wide publicity especially in Borneo, through popular mass media, and the latest 2003 book edition entitling 'Kudat', with the northern tip photo as a full front cover. Complete your journey in Borneo by stepping your foot here.
Wednesday, 4 July 2007
Kg Kelias ,Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo) -Final
Here we come Kg Kelias after the Kinabalu Park.It was a long Journey as my friend drove all the way to Beaufort. All of us were anxious what Kampung Kelias look like.
It was raining & the weather didn't look promising for us to do anything when we arrive at Kg Klias. We have no idea what our friend had installed for us. Finally, when we arrived at the village, we were somehow greeted by jungle and lots of coconut trees and suddenly we saw this Rungus Longhouse and a river with boats parking by the jetty.
This village was set up by a local chinese and a foreign wife who loves nature I guess. One can choose to stay at the longhouse with basic amenities and the other one is a kampung house with air-cond & attached bathroom. So some of us choose to experience longhouse & some of us choose a little luxury accomodation. Can't rememeber how muich it cost us but worth it cos the package comes with 1 night accomodation, 5 meals for 2days/1night stay. They have got a very good cook . By the time we arrive there it was tea time, we had some goreng pisang with tea or coffee. Then off we got onto the boat for a river adventure.
Dunno what we are looking at and what to expect. And the boatman suddenly pointed to us "look to your left" there's a group of monkeys. So what, as we have seen a lots in Botanical garden in Penang. Then he said this is call the probosis Monkey with long nose and orange color. And that caught our eyes.It's so cute and they were swinging from trees to trees and were shy. And some other animals that they showed us. Before we could venture further, it rained heavily that we have to return to base. All of us were soaked wet & chilled. Guess v r not welcome
Then it was time for dinner , then we continue for another river adventure.Looking out for firefly, we have to move silently so that we dun interrupt the firefly. WOW!it was amazing to "klip - klip" at night. Twinkle twinkle little star..... It was very dark that you wondering whether any crcodile will attack you silently!!!
We head back to base after that and we had supper. Enjoy this place cos is quite quiet and serene. Kampung Lifestyle.Sometime we need to get out of city...this is a great place to recharge.
And the next morning after b'fast we are out again for another boat ride to see the sunrise,monkeys again and the river view is so fantastic.
Then by noon we headed back to Kota Kinabalu to have lunch and did some shopping at the Filipino market. Bought some pearls (breed ones)- . Got to bargain with them.Seafood is cheap. You can buy a frozen one and just tell them you want to carry it to the plane as they will specially packed for you . Sea Cucumber, dried shrimps and prawns are relatively cheap in KK.
Will definately go to Sabah again...Check out this photos Kg Klias, Sabah
It was raining & the weather didn't look promising for us to do anything when we arrive at Kg Klias. We have no idea what our friend had installed for us. Finally, when we arrived at the village, we were somehow greeted by jungle and lots of coconut trees and suddenly we saw this Rungus Longhouse and a river with boats parking by the jetty.
This village was set up by a local chinese and a foreign wife who loves nature I guess. One can choose to stay at the longhouse with basic amenities and the other one is a kampung house with air-cond & attached bathroom. So some of us choose to experience longhouse & some of us choose a little luxury accomodation. Can't rememeber how muich it cost us but worth it cos the package comes with 1 night accomodation, 5 meals for 2days/1night stay. They have got a very good cook . By the time we arrive there it was tea time, we had some goreng pisang with tea or coffee. Then off we got onto the boat for a river adventure.
Dunno what we are looking at and what to expect. And the boatman suddenly pointed to us "look to your left" there's a group of monkeys. So what, as we have seen a lots in Botanical garden in Penang. Then he said this is call the probosis Monkey with long nose and orange color. And that caught our eyes.It's so cute and they were swinging from trees to trees and were shy. And some other animals that they showed us. Before we could venture further, it rained heavily that we have to return to base. All of us were soaked wet & chilled. Guess v r not welcome
Then it was time for dinner , then we continue for another river adventure.Looking out for firefly, we have to move silently so that we dun interrupt the firefly. WOW!it was amazing to "klip - klip" at night. Twinkle twinkle little star..... It was very dark that you wondering whether any crcodile will attack you silently!!!
We head back to base after that and we had supper. Enjoy this place cos is quite quiet and serene. Kampung Lifestyle.Sometime we need to get out of city...this is a great place to recharge.
And the next morning after b'fast we are out again for another boat ride to see the sunrise,monkeys again and the river view is so fantastic.
Then by noon we headed back to Kota Kinabalu to have lunch and did some shopping at the Filipino market. Bought some pearls (breed ones)- . Got to bargain with them.Seafood is cheap. You can buy a frozen one and just tell them you want to carry it to the plane as they will specially packed for you . Sea Cucumber, dried shrimps and prawns are relatively cheap in KK.
Will definately go to Sabah again...Check out this photos Kg Klias, Sabah
Tuesday, 3 July 2007
Kinabalu Park,Sabah, Malaysia (Borneo)
After Manukan Island, we took the speedboat back to mainland and rent a SUV (Cost less than RM200.00..Aprrox USD60), we headed to Kinabalu Park (the foothill of Mount Kinabalu- the highest peak in Malaysia & South East Asia).The journey to Kinabalu Park HQ will take about 2 hours. The Kinabalu Park Headquarters lies at an elevation of 1,563 meters (5,128 feet) above sea level. The 90 kilometers (50 mile) drive along sealed road takes an easy journey but not until the road passes the little town of Tamparuli, after about 45 minutes, does it start to rise. Although clouds usually cover the summit by midday, in the early morning the mountain is often clear, the view constantly changing as the roads winds up and up. Some of the best views come near Kampung Kelawat at the kilometer 55 (to Ranau) mark, when the mountains rises dramatically ahead as you round the corner.
Shifting cultivation covers most of the hills around here, and at kilometer 33 the roadside stalls of Pekan Nabalu are well stocked with local produce. This is a regular tourist stop where a variety of good quality handicrafts can be purchased as well as the deliciously nutty flavored brown hill rice - a specialty of the area, together with extra sweet pineapples.
Rented a double storey bungalow, looks very english http://www.suterasanctuarylodges.com.my/kinabalupark.htm. The weather is very cold at night & very misty along the way to Kinabalu Park. The Mountain Scenery was awesome & you will enjoy the flora & fauna while driving.
When we arrived at the park, we are unable to see the mountain peak at all. It was due to the misty weather.We checked in our bungalow, set up the fire (They provide woods at the fire place), we had tea & some biscuits,it felt so good. You can go to the information center and get all the information about Mount Kinabalu and Sabah Parks, know more about the flora of Mount Kinabalu in the mountain garden guided walk or maybe go to their mini-theater to watch video show about Mount Kinabalu. A fee of only a few ringgit is charged for each activity. You can buy a "package" ticket for all three.
There's only one restaurant there,so everyone got to eat there. Food is not bad & price is reasonable.They are open till 10.00am and seved western & oriental food
There's cable tv in the bungalow, so one can enjoy a lot of TV show. We slept early cos we got to get up early to get the sneak preview of the Kinabalu Peak. IF you wish to climb Mt Kinabalu, one got to be physically fit and get a week training. And you can't just climb the mountain without a pre arrange trip and one get must get a professional liscensed guide & permit to climb the mountain http://www.mount-kinabalu-borneo.com/.
We got up at 5am to catch the view of Mount Kinabalu (the later you get up you probably see nothing cos the clouds will be covering the entire mountain), We drive our selve to Timpohon (the very foothill of Mt Kinabalu where you will begin your journey to climb the hill, you must report yourself before climb. Unfortunately, we are not geared to climb the mountain.Therefore , we just catch the glimpse of the mountain & enjoy the fantastice view of the surrounding & waterfalls.And we managed to catch the sunrise.
While we were there we saw a few local people who works on top of the hill, they climb up the mountain everyday with just simple gear. Mind you, they carry a lot of stuff up the hill, like gas tank, sands, bricks, tools....just wondering how they managed it...is a daily thing for them. People like us will probably half dead.
As you get out of the park...you can head to pouring hot spring http://www.mount-kinabalu-borneo.com/poring.html. But we didn't have enough time, therefore we head ourselves to another place...check out next....here's the picture u can view Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysia
Shifting cultivation covers most of the hills around here, and at kilometer 33 the roadside stalls of Pekan Nabalu are well stocked with local produce. This is a regular tourist stop where a variety of good quality handicrafts can be purchased as well as the deliciously nutty flavored brown hill rice - a specialty of the area, together with extra sweet pineapples.
Rented a double storey bungalow, looks very english http://www.suterasanctuarylodges.com.my/kinabalupark.htm. The weather is very cold at night & very misty along the way to Kinabalu Park. The Mountain Scenery was awesome & you will enjoy the flora & fauna while driving.
When we arrived at the park, we are unable to see the mountain peak at all. It was due to the misty weather.We checked in our bungalow, set up the fire (They provide woods at the fire place), we had tea & some biscuits,it felt so good. You can go to the information center and get all the information about Mount Kinabalu and Sabah Parks, know more about the flora of Mount Kinabalu in the mountain garden guided walk or maybe go to their mini-theater to watch video show about Mount Kinabalu. A fee of only a few ringgit is charged for each activity. You can buy a "package" ticket for all three.
There's only one restaurant there,so everyone got to eat there. Food is not bad & price is reasonable.They are open till 10.00am and seved western & oriental food
There's cable tv in the bungalow, so one can enjoy a lot of TV show. We slept early cos we got to get up early to get the sneak preview of the Kinabalu Peak. IF you wish to climb Mt Kinabalu, one got to be physically fit and get a week training. And you can't just climb the mountain without a pre arrange trip and one get must get a professional liscensed guide & permit to climb the mountain http://www.mount-kinabalu-borneo.com/.
We got up at 5am to catch the view of Mount Kinabalu (the later you get up you probably see nothing cos the clouds will be covering the entire mountain), We drive our selve to Timpohon (the very foothill of Mt Kinabalu where you will begin your journey to climb the hill, you must report yourself before climb. Unfortunately, we are not geared to climb the mountain.Therefore , we just catch the glimpse of the mountain & enjoy the fantastice view of the surrounding & waterfalls.And we managed to catch the sunrise.
While we were there we saw a few local people who works on top of the hill, they climb up the mountain everyday with just simple gear. Mind you, they carry a lot of stuff up the hill, like gas tank, sands, bricks, tools....just wondering how they managed it...is a daily thing for them. People like us will probably half dead.
As you get out of the park...you can head to pouring hot spring http://www.mount-kinabalu-borneo.com/poring.html. But we didn't have enough time, therefore we head ourselves to another place...check out next....here's the picture u can view Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysia
Monday, 2 July 2007
Manukan Island, Sabah Malaysia (Borneo)
Many of you may have heard of Borneo or Sipadan Island (the world famous or best diving spot). There are 2 states in Borneo belongs to Malaysia - Sabah & Sarawak. And below this 2 states is Kalimantan which is Indonesia.
Sabah is also known as the Land below the Wind. And the Capital city is Kota Kinabalu. I have made a trip there last year for 4 days/3 nights.It was a fruitful trip and very interesting indeed.
To get there, we took Air Asia http://www.airasia.com/ from Kuala Lumpur (thanks to Air Asia for making it affordable to travel nowadays to East Malaysia otherwise we have to fork out close to MYR1000 (USD350) to travel to Sabah with the other national airline those days)
When we arrived there we managed to cover the sea, hills & river adventure in 4 days.The moment we arrived we took a taxi to customs jetty and hop into a speed boat to Manukan Island. (one may have to wait cos the speed boat will wait for 7 - 10 passengers to fill up the boat) There's no specific time table. Do arrange for return transfer with a specific date given to the boatman.And we have also arranged for Island Hoping with the boatman . The Islands are Mamutik & Sapi.
We stay a night at the resort (in between 3 star to 4 star resort) called the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. There are several category i.e double storey beach Lodges, beach lodge (single storey), & Hill lodge. You got to make an early reservation and not walk in like city hotels. This is the one and only hotel available http://www.suterasanctuarylodges.com.my/manukan.htmThe rooms are clean and well equiped. You can also tune into cable TV like HBO & Sports chanel.
If you followed the Amazing Race a few years ago, you may heard of this island as this is one of the venue that participants have their pit stop.
What we do over there. Well we spent a lazy time on the island, the water was crystal clear,you may swim & snorkel by the sea which is just a walk away from the room and you will be surrounded with fishes and tropical corals. Is amazing. Becareful if you are very hairy cos this fishes are like gangster like my friend said, it bites. Probably the fish thought it was their food
There are many fishes which you can find (catching the fish & taking the corals are strictly prohibited and is against the law. You will be fined & jailed). You can read about the fishes that you see at the jetty where they put a posters of various fish found around the island. You can even feed the fish at night.You are only allowed to swim within the confined area so that the life guard is able to see you. One of the star attractions and must see on Manukan Island is the fish feeding at the jetty where large school of fishes have made their home. You can even snorkel and dive amongst the fish here!
While we were there it was a fasting month for the muslim, therefore my muslim friend brought some fruits & drink during the island hoping to break fast. She actually dug up a hole on the beach and kept the food there and went for a swim, a smart monkey saw what she did, the monkey dug up the hole and ate all her food and drank up her packet drink...:-[ She was so upset & laughing at the incident at the same time.
There's only one restaurant on the island, therefore you probably have to dine in there. Or else bring your own instant food.
The next morning, we headed for a morning jungle walk. it was so breezy, the sun was shining thru the trees and sea. At 6am, you get sunlight here, it was indeed a beautiful scenery that will keep you snaping at every corner.
There are other area that one can explore but the crystal clear water is so captivating that I spent most of the time in the water & by the beach, just couldn't resist...Will keep you posted soon where I went after Manukan Island...
Sabah is also known as the Land below the Wind. And the Capital city is Kota Kinabalu. I have made a trip there last year for 4 days/3 nights.It was a fruitful trip and very interesting indeed.
To get there, we took Air Asia http://www.airasia.com/ from Kuala Lumpur (thanks to Air Asia for making it affordable to travel nowadays to East Malaysia otherwise we have to fork out close to MYR1000 (USD350) to travel to Sabah with the other national airline those days)
When we arrived there we managed to cover the sea, hills & river adventure in 4 days.The moment we arrived we took a taxi to customs jetty and hop into a speed boat to Manukan Island. (one may have to wait cos the speed boat will wait for 7 - 10 passengers to fill up the boat) There's no specific time table. Do arrange for return transfer with a specific date given to the boatman.And we have also arranged for Island Hoping with the boatman . The Islands are Mamutik & Sapi.
We stay a night at the resort (in between 3 star to 4 star resort) called the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. There are several category i.e double storey beach Lodges, beach lodge (single storey), & Hill lodge. You got to make an early reservation and not walk in like city hotels. This is the one and only hotel available http://www.suterasanctuarylodges.com.my/manukan.htmThe rooms are clean and well equiped. You can also tune into cable TV like HBO & Sports chanel.
If you followed the Amazing Race a few years ago, you may heard of this island as this is one of the venue that participants have their pit stop.
What we do over there. Well we spent a lazy time on the island, the water was crystal clear,you may swim & snorkel by the sea which is just a walk away from the room and you will be surrounded with fishes and tropical corals. Is amazing. Becareful if you are very hairy cos this fishes are like gangster like my friend said, it bites. Probably the fish thought it was their food
There are many fishes which you can find (catching the fish & taking the corals are strictly prohibited and is against the law. You will be fined & jailed). You can read about the fishes that you see at the jetty where they put a posters of various fish found around the island. You can even feed the fish at night.You are only allowed to swim within the confined area so that the life guard is able to see you. One of the star attractions and must see on Manukan Island is the fish feeding at the jetty where large school of fishes have made their home. You can even snorkel and dive amongst the fish here!
While we were there it was a fasting month for the muslim, therefore my muslim friend brought some fruits & drink during the island hoping to break fast. She actually dug up a hole on the beach and kept the food there and went for a swim, a smart monkey saw what she did, the monkey dug up the hole and ate all her food and drank up her packet drink...:-[ She was so upset & laughing at the incident at the same time.
There's only one restaurant on the island, therefore you probably have to dine in there. Or else bring your own instant food.
The next morning, we headed for a morning jungle walk. it was so breezy, the sun was shining thru the trees and sea. At 6am, you get sunlight here, it was indeed a beautiful scenery that will keep you snaping at every corner.
There are other area that one can explore but the crystal clear water is so captivating that I spent most of the time in the water & by the beach, just couldn't resist...Will keep you posted soon where I went after Manukan Island...
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