Sabah More Than 50percent Forested

The State Forestry Department Director, Datuk Sam Mannan said that after the introduction of agriculture to counter the over-reliance on timber, Sabah is still about 60 percent forested. 

Between 1970 and 2010, the percentage of deforestation was about 0.5 per cent a year. The height of deforestation happened between 1990 and 2000 during the booming of oil palm industry and this also saw the increase in the number of Orang Utans sent to the rehabilitation centre in Sepilok. 

Speaking at the Rainforest Discovery Centre (RDC) in Sepilok, also during the time of Sultan Brunei's visit to Sandakan early this month, he said about four million hectares in Sabah remain under forest reserves, parks and wildlife sanctuaries and great effort is being made to expand the forest reserve system. 

Sabah Rhino Via Save the Sabah Rhino

Mannan said that despite countless acts of random madness in the past, the rainforests have managed to recover, with considerable biological assets remain untouched, and only one species, the Sabah Rhino, is found to be close to extinction.

The RDC is now taking steps to try to save the Sabah Rhino by means of captive breeding. Launched in 2007, the RDC is created to create awareness on conservation and care for the environment. The state government of Sabah also actively supports and promotes ecotourism and recreation, education and research and development.

Source -  http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=80868

Celebration of Catholic Mass at Mount Kinabalu

The summit of Mt. Kinabalu at over 4,095.2 metre has been a favorite backdrop for many record-setting events. Some 30 years after late bishop Datuk Simon Fung of the then Diocese of Sabah celebrated mass on the highest point in South East Asia, a similar attempt was accomplished last month as catholics worldwide entered the season of lent, a 40-day period of fasting, abstinence and alms giving before Easter.

It culminated in a group of parishioners from the St John's Church of Tuaran celebrating mass near low's peak. Already, a group of seminarians and aspirants will do the same in May and the would be clergy to be led by co-adjuctant Bishop John Wong, and his successor as priest-in-charge of the aspirants, Rev Fr Wilfred Atin.

In the February mission, a group of 24 parishioners from the Catholic Charismatic Renewal Movement of the St John's Church led by Rev Fr Rayner Bisius succeeded in having mass amid the craggy peaks above the clouds after two earlier attempts failed due to bad weather.

'We thank God that we finally succeeded in celebrating mass there in line with the theme of the climb, Journey of Faith.' Fr Rayner told the Daily Express.'

Asked why did they decided to try it and the theme, the assistant rector of St. John's parish explained that it was in line with the 'Year of Faith' declared by the Pope for this year.

I feel grateful to God, happy awesome...words cannot describe. Our mountain guide said we were lucky because it had been raining the few days before our assault,' said Fr Rayner, on how he felt after the mass.

On whether the group would do it again next year or make it an annual event, the priest said 'may be, why not' adding that preparation for the recent trip started last year and that there was a lot of training and praying as the trip got nearer.

Joining the group recently was Rev Fr Mathius Augustine of Bundu Tuhan.

The feat by the St. John's Church CCR group is expected to spark a renewed interest in other catholic churches throughout sabah doing the same.

Mountains played an important part in the history of Christianity.

Throughout the bible, there were many significant incidents and the ten commandments, Jesus fasted for 40 days and later tempted by the devil on a mountain, the sermon on the mount, just to name a few.


Source: Daily Express, Special Report, Sunday, March 11,2012

Brunei's Sultan Visited Sandakan Festival

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah was in Sandakan for a two-day visit on 3-4 March 2012. The Sultan and his 17-member entourage came by an exclusive airplane which landed down at Sandakan Airport at 9.25am.

The Governor state of Sabah, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, Chief Minister of Sabah, Datuk Seri Musa Aman and several state ministers were at the airport to welcome the Sultan of Brunei.

Musa described the visit by Sultan of Brunei Darussalam as a historic moment.

Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah officiated the Sandakan Festival at the Padang Bandaran on Saturday, 3 March 2012. Musa, in his speech, expressed confidence that the visit would further reinforce the ties between Brunei and Malaysia, especially the Sabah State government.

The Sandakan Festival was launched in 2000 with its main goal to push the economic growth for Sandakan district and Sabah, in general.

"It is demonstrated that by organizing various cultural, arts and tourism activities, not only it is packed with distinctive and pleasant tradition but also possessing its own status and interesting attractions," Musa said.

Apart from displaying the history, uniqueness and attractiveness of the district, the event had also increased co-operation amongst the people from a variety of sub-ethnic race groups, religions and culture.

Source- http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=80867

Lahad Datu: A Fast Developing Tourism Hub For Sabah

Lahad Datu is just a small town. Yet it takes on a significant role in the economic growth of Sabah, especially in the tourism industry.

Palm oil estates managed by sole proprietors and corporate and business leaders cover lengths and widths of the land, all set to fulfill the local and overseas customers' demand for palm oil. Other agriculture activities that can be seen here are the production of rubber, cocoa, and copra which is the dried kernel of coconut, to produce cooking oil. Its position close to the beach also promotes fishing activities. Other sea products here include tiger prawns, white prawns, mud crab and seaweed.

Some of the ethnicities in Lahad Datu are the Kadazan-Dusun, Dusun Subpan, Dusun Bagahak, Suluk, Bajau, Chinese, Kokos, Iranun, Bugis, Timor, Tidong, Jawa, Sungai, Idahan and Kagayan.

The title “Lahad Datu” began from the Bajau language. When interpreted into English, “Lahad” indicates “a place” and “Datu” is a name that was granted to dignitaries in historical times. The place was named so after the Datu clan migrated from the Suluk empire, headed by Datu Puti. The Sultan of Brunei passed over the land authority to the Suluk Sultan in 1879.

It is also claimed that the district’s name, was previously known as “Kerugau”. It probably originated from the visible spotted corals that can be seen around the beach from Kunak to Membatu, located in Tungku.

One can easily go to well-known destinations like Lembah Danum, the Tabin Wildlife Park, and the Batu Tulug Archaeological Museum, by road.

Lembah Danum, where the Ulu Segama Malua Forest Reserve is located is already enlisted by the state government as another potential world heritage site for Sabah. The Borneo Pygmy Elephant which is the smallest elephant in the world and categorized as a rare species can be found here. Other unique and distinct flora and fauna are the Borneo Sumateran Rhinoceros, Orang Utan, Tembedau, and numerous species of wild orchid can be discovered in large quantity in the forest.

With its distinctive and diverse flora and fauna, it is no wonder that the forest has been acknowledged as one of the world’s most elaborate ecosystems. Another such intriguing spot is the Tabin Wildlife Park, famous for its mud volcano, which is the source of minerals for the wildlife there. If tourists are lucky, they will be able to see fresh new footprints of its inhabitants.

The Lahad Datu district also has the Borneo Rhino Sanctuary that is home to three rhinoceroses. The sanctuary was created to help propagation of the species, which is presently on the brink of extinction.

After traveling to these places, visitors can go towards Sandakan, famous for its Orang Utan Rehabilitation Center in Sepilok, or to Semporna, the access to Pulau Perhentian and Pulau Mabul. Both islands are known for their stunning sceneries, and are much-loved by scuba-divers.

Lahad Datu’s ability to offer a total experience on land and under the sea can be its stepping-stone towards turning into a tourism centre.

The town, presently in the process of rapid growth, is the economic pulse of not only the people in Lahad Datu, but also those in adjoining areas, such as Silabukan, Silam and Kinabatangan. Foreigners from Philippines and Indonesia, who are mostly palm oil estate workers, get into the town in droves for numerous
dealings.

The local people try to benefit the situation by supplying various services. One of them is the “mini-buses”, a public transportation using vans that can sit about 14 passengers.

Lahad Datu may not be offering the most contemporary and superior kind of facilities, but the friendliness of its people is a significant lure of the town. The ever-cheerful locals are very helpful and would not think twice to stop and assist a stranger in need. There is still a big room for improvement to give visitors a cozier experience. The district office, with the support from the state government, can tap more of the town’s potential for the advantage of all parties.

Source: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/03/10/lahad-datu-a-top-tourism-centre-in-the-making-latest/#ixzz1pLviGfgp

Aussies Overwhelmed by Penampang Homestay Hospitality

Penampang Homestay, set up about four years ago, with the support from Tourism Malaysia especially Sabah Tourism Board, has played host to numerous travel related activities. Early this year, it had a busy time entertaining its first Australians who visited Sabah to have a taste of the homestay programme and do a study on Sabah's ethnicities and customs.

Madam Evelyn Masudal, the coordinator of Penampang Homestay said that Sabahans are very delighted to welcome such guests who show deep interest in learning the day-to-day living of the locals here.

The Australians comprised of a group of educators, one of them a professor, a few lecturers from Flinders University in Perth and primary and secondary teachers from all over Australia. Fifteen of them are post graduate mature students from Flinders University Perth, who have completed their Masters. They specialize studies about Asia and decided to take on Sabah as their practical ground.

The homestay programme was introduced to them by Tourism Malaysia, Sabah division and housing was arranged by one of the local tour agencies.

They sought to expand their understanding about Sabah's wide variety of ethnicities and traditions. They were extremely pleased with the vibrant and lively attitude of the people in Penampang. They also agree that homestay is one of the quickest and surest ways of getting to know the real Sabahan people and their cultures.

"I am completely touched by the hospitality of the people here. They warmly welcomed us in their homes and though the time we spent with them is very short, we have been able to do simple family things like sitting down together for breakfast and sharing experiences amongst family members."

"It is very helpful for both sides as I have discovered a lot of information and facts which I can include in my research. The host family also learned a lot of things about my country," said Shelly Waldon, a primary school teacher from Melbourne,  Victoria. She is currently finishing her research on the ethnicities and traditions of Asia, specifically in Sabah. This was her first time visiting Sabah but a second time to Malaysia.

Shelley, who pursues a special line of study in Science and Environmental Education also said, "Understanding the cultures of  Asia has often been one of my biggest interests. It is so vital to emphasize on this subject matter to our young kids so that when they become adults, they would have more understanding of  other people's cultures and be appreciative and respectful of  other people's way of living."

Professor Douglas Trevaskies, the group's leader was fascinated with the rich cultural heritage which is still very much in existence and being safeguarded very well. According to the Professor, he enjoyed very much his visit to Monsopiad Cultural Village and was hoping to pay a visit to such similar sites in the future.

Clare Selir who is 52 and works as a primary school teacher in Mentone Girls College, Melbourne was impressed with the beauty and unique cultures of every single ethnic group in Sabah. She said that every thing is so full of life and brilliantly colourful and thinks she needs to stay at least a year in Sabah just to study and understand the cultures here.

Claire has also tasted the 'Teh C' and commented on how pleasing it felt to her taste bud. She has a great passion about food and is intrigued by the various kinds of beverages and food served to her and her friends during their stay with the locals.

Lynn Jennison, a teacher teaching at Dingley Village Primary School in Melbourne had this to say, "My primary school children are extremely curious in just about every little thing, they wanted to understand what are smooth silk, orangutan, traditional dances, etc all about.

Therefore, I wanted a wide range of pictures of anything I can get here, and these would be a series of subjects I am preparing to show them after I get back to work. I have ample of good ideas now after seeing your different cultures.

Orangutan is another remarkable subject for the children too. They talk about this each and every time we discuss about rainforest wild animals," Lynn added.

"What we are working on now is all about creating awareness to our young generation.

We look at cultures as the path to instil in their minds that we can live together in a unified relationship even though there are so many cultures from numerous races of people all around us," said Lynn.

Another teacher from Melbourne, Rodney Issel, had also tasted the sago worm or 'butod' saying that it was not new to him because in his hometown this kind of worm is called 'grub' and is almost the same as the 'butod'. Rodney added that although he stayed only briefly with the homestay family here, he found it deeply impressive; from food, design, working tools, there was so much to discover from the cultures here.

Mary Sodong, a homestay operator from Kg. Putaton, enjoys receiving tourists from all over the world. She is always proud to share with them  simple knowledge such as the day-to-day skills of rubber tapping, paddy planting and the search for butod. Her knowledge about other countries is also increased as her guests share a lot about their cultures too.

Her Aussie guests, Lisa Winding and Paula Lindey who are both from Melbourne, stayed 2 nights in her house. Mary said her guests were happy with the simple accommodation she provided. She also helped them in their research work by giving them all the information they need pertaining to  traditions in Sabah.

Boniface Jingulam and Hilda Bisol, another homestay operator from Kg. Hubah, Penampang, who hosted Prof. Douglas Trevaskies and his wife said that his guests were pleased with the simple accommodation and local delicacies presented to their them. 

They appreciate and simply take pleasure in what ever that is being served to them. It was without a doubt an helpful trip for both sides, for me and my family and particularly my guests," said Hilda.

Source: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/read.cfm?NewsID=823

Picture shown is by courtesy of Lorena Binisol.

Trade Fair Scheme Unveiled to Promote Responsibility In Tourism Related Business

On January 12, 2012, Kota Kinabalu City Hall unveiled its 'Fair Trade Tourism Select- An Accredited Outlet' programme to give recognition to tourism related small business premises which put into practice aspects of accountability and fairness in their business.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun who launched the programme said, "This implies that business premises picked in this programme have been evaluated by City Hall to satisfy all of the terms and conditions to help them to be recognized as reliable businesses."

"The Ministry is thrilled with this programme as it will increase benefit to the existing services and products provided to tourists."

According to the minister, every single outlet that is certified will obtain a certificate which will then be shown on the outside of the business premises.

The purpose of exhibiting this certificate is to assure tourists and shoppers that they will be receiving a great service and a fair selling price as the certification is a promise that the premises will not charge them an irrational price."

The launching of the program was made at Kadaiku, located at Sinsuran, a handicraft and souvenir business outlet run by Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd because it is the very first recognized tourism related business outlet under the Programme.

According to Masidi, the main reason the programme was launched was because these business outlets provide the first line of  reaction for tourism in Sabah.

"They reveal what Sabah is all about to international visitors. If we are fair and deal with them well and we don't 'cut' them with excessive profits then certainly they will keep returning to Sabah to purchase things."

He said it is a strategy whereby a business will continue to make profit by asking for a fair sum to all the customers.

"This programme has been applied in Hong Kong and it's one of the boosting factors for the tourism sector in Hong Kong.

Masidi also proposed that once an outlet is accredited under the program and after it has been in operation for a year without any issues then it will be awarded with a two year certification.

Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir added that the outlets under the programme will be supervised by City Hall to make sure they follow the conditions of the certification.

Datuk Nancy Ho, who is one of City Hall's Advisory Board member and Tourism, Culture and International Communications Committee Chairwoman who said the launching of the certification was the first held in Sabah, hoped the business would function as a very good role model as a primary shop for the State.

"We hope to see more participation,  like 50 more outlets in Sabah doing business in tourism related products by the end of this year," she said.

Application forms are readily available for download for the serious businesses at City Hall's and the Ministry of Tourism Culture and Environment websites.

The event was also attended by Ministry Permanent Secretary Datuk Michael Emban, Sabah Tourism Board Chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin and City Hall Deputy Director cum Programme Organising Chairman Bahari Hassan.

Welcome to Kota Kinabalu

If you are preparing a vacation to Malaysia, be sure to invest some precious time in this amazing tropical paradise over looking the South China Sea and its group of spectacular islands. Take a leisure walk along white soft sand beaches and feel the gentle wind unwinds your mind and take you to a time and spot in which history, culture and contemporary living have merged to ensure your holiday is an unforgettable one. Strolling around this city, you might find yourself wanting to relax for a while longer, to reflect and breathe in its distinctive and vibrant spirit.

Here is the perfect place to discover all you want to know about stunning Kota Kinabalu! From hotels and places to eat, to destinations of interest and activities to do, our goal is to show you in a very simple yet enlightening way so that you are free to delight in and value all that this beautiful place has to offer. We are very excited that you have chosen to come to our city and want to offer you with all the support you will need in order to have a joyful and unforgettable stay with us. The state government of Sabah sees tourism in Kota Kinabalu as very important and together we are extremely pleased to present our city to you.

We strive to provide you on a regular basis with the most up-to-date information and details on new and current improvements on all aspects of travel and leisure, including holiday accommodation and locations of interest.

There are lots to do here: world well-known shopping, cuisine, sports, or just enjoying in the local surroundings with its plethora of colour, fascinating buildings, and the lively nature of its people. Bag a discount at the market place in which you will discover an assortment of hand-made crafts, or go shopping at one of the city’s outstanding shopping centers; Take pleasure in Malaysian food with its intriguing fusion of Indian and Chinese influences; plan a getaway to one of the islands, or participate in one of the several sports activities out there such as deep sea scuba diving, fishing or golfing. This multi-cultured piece of Malaysia will brighten up your feelings and your dreams will be filled up with songs and colour and fun.