tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84249547156058920082024-03-13T19:11:03.850-07:00Hello Kota KinabaluThe City of the "Land Below the Wind", Sabah, Malaysian's BorneoAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.comBlogger29125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-5844895077198280242012-11-01T00:01:00.000-07:002012-11-20T10:41:30.832-08:00Hollanders Rocking the Sumazau Dance<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbfMFNB9nTE/UJIsvnJfhMI/AAAAAAAAAkE/5-Tti51EpTk/s1600/sumazau+by+hollanders.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-BbfMFNB9nTE/UJIsvnJfhMI/AAAAAAAAAkE/5-Tti51EpTk/s400/sumazau+by+hollanders.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sumazau Dance by Hollanders and Penampang Homestay Famillies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just last month, 19 retirees from Holland visited Malaysia for a 3 weeks' holiday. They spent 2 weeks in Malacca, Peninsular Malaysia, 1 week in Sandakan, Sabah and the last day of their holiday at homestays at Kg. Putaton Inobong, Penampang, Sabah.<br />
<br />
Although they only get to spend half a day with the locals, nevertheless, they had a blast!!!<br />
<br />
Upon their arrival at Putaton homestay, they were divided into several groups and each group was placed under the responsibility of a homestay operator who participated in the proggramme. Then, each of these homestay operators brought their guests to their humble homes and showed them what they have, shared with them about things that they do to make a living and teach them a few of the recreational activities of the locals.<br />
<br />
They also had the opportunity to check out on some of the rare and distinct tropical Borneo herbs, learn to prepare local dishes, learn the process of "Lihing" making (our local rice wine) and get a closer look at the way rubber is harvested and the process to harden it before it is sold.<br />
<br />
They had a good time chatting up with the family members of homestay operators while enjoying lunch. Lunch was awesome and several traditional dishes were served.<br />
<br />
Just look at the short videos below. <br />
<br />
They had a "Sumazau" rock 'n' roll!!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/MXSoSlRapm4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/2aGm5SY2Z44?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/g8iCOKsbBI4?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The "Sumazau" dance is the KadazanDusun traditional dance which is commonly performed in weddings, during the annual "Pesta Kaamatan" festival and any significant or special occasions. The dance style is similar to a number or groups of birds soaring together. The arms are raised and flapped similar to that of a bird and "glide" softly at about shoulder level. The elbow and wrist are gently bended parallel at both sides of the body.<br />
<br />
These Hollanders may not rock the perfect "Sumazau" dance but considering their very short visit, it's not too bad huh! They had a really great time. Need proof? One couple, Dekker and Gerda, even offered a free accommodation for the homestay families who intend to visit Holland (Of course it was just a verbal promise, a promise made from the heart, nevertheless). Homestay is truly an experience that should not be missed if you want to build a close relationship with the locals.<br />
<br />
To those who are interested to learn the Sumazau dance, watch the video below and learn the dance...practice always makes perfect!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/AwdcFUsB9aw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br /></div>
<script type="text/javascript">
var adfly_id = 2703390;
var adfly_advert = 'int';
var frequency_cap = 5;
var frequency_delay = 5;
var init_delay = 3;
</script>
<script src="http://cdn.adf.ly/js/entry.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-38612376227086419252012-10-24T02:34:00.004-07:002012-10-25T06:35:03.660-07:00Think Bambangan, Think Sabah<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/J4YlZgtgGyU?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>What is Bambangan?</b></i></span><br />
It is a seasonal fruit, is sometimes described as a wild mango, when ripe has thick brown skin and fibrous yellow flesh and gives out a very strong sweet aroma. I don't know why some people say Bambangan gives out a pungent smell. According to dictionary.reference.com, pungent means "acutely distressing to the feelings or mind" which is NOT the case for me. I LOVVVEEE Bambangan, love to eat it, love to smell it, is acutely COMFORTING to my feelings and mind.<br />
<br />
Bambangan which is about 80% ripe is used to make pickle Bambangan. The young fruit is smaller in size than the ripe ones, the skin is brown and hard, and the flesh is white. This is most suitable to be used for cooking the "Pinasakan" dish, a favourite local delicacy, that incorporates young Bambangan fruit in its recipe.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Where is it found?</b></i></span><br />
Some people say it is found ONLY in Sabah Borneo (???). When it comes to Bambangan fruit, Sabah is the only place that I know (please correct me if I am wrong) in the South East Asia region that never stops hollering "Hail, Bambangan!!!". When you want to talk about Bambangan, you have to talk about Sabah. Hence, the title of this post "Think Bambangan, Think Sabah". But you do know that I am being biased, right?<br />
<br />
Since we have the same climate, I am sure Bambangan also grows abundantly in other parts of Borneo, like Sarawak (part of East Malaysia), Brunei and Indonesia which make up the island of Borneo, the third largest island in the world. The only difference is that the people there do not eat it as much as the Sabahans do (or maybe they're not even aware of the existence of this fruit). The matured tree has a very big trunk and tall, and during its season, will produce fruits abundantly. In Sabah, Bambangan is very special. It's a delicacy that is closely guarded and taught down to the younger generation so that it can be preserved as our food heritage.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>When is the Bambangan season?</b></i></span><br />
According to local farmers, who make their living by selling fruits and rubber sheets, when you hear it's the Durian season, then you know Bambangan season will follow suit. That is roughly around October to December every year.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Where can you get it?</b></i></span><br />
You can find fresh Bambangan and Pickled Bambangan either at the vegetable market or during "Tamu" time. "Tamu" literally means meeting time. Farmers gather together weekly in one place, the place and time are already fixed, to sell their produce. You can find all sort of fresh produce at the Tamu.<br />
<br />
<i><b><span style="font-size: large;">Bambangan Pickling Demo - How it started?</span></b></i><br />
I received an email from one lovely lady, Miss Cheng Yueh Fang, a UMS (Universiti Malaysia Sabah) student from Perak, inquiring whether the homestay operators conduct demo on "tapai making" or "Bambangan pickling" and I replied with an immediate "YES!". I was quite surprise and thrilled at the thought of meeting these young ladies. It must have been due to this post, <a href="http://hellokotakinabalu.blogspot.com/search/label/Homestay" target="_blank">a culinary event</a> that I have had a chance to attend, that triggered Cheng's interest to contact me.<br />
<br />
So, to make long story short, Cheng and her friends decided on the day and time to watch the food demo on how to pickle Bambangan. Cheng and four of her UMS friends are studying in the final year of their food-tech course and Bambangan pickling is one of the projects they have chosen. The other four students are Chang Sook Poh from Kuala Lumpur, Josyan ak Jangar from Sarikei, Sarawak and another two students, like Cheng, also hail from Perak, Ng Jia Qin and Lee Poh Yoke. All of them are in their early 20s.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>How do we make Pickle Bambangan?</b></i></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/dHj0NJEiQNw?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
<u>Ingredients</u><br />
5 Bambangan fruits (about 80% ripe)<br />
2 Bambangan Seeds (shredded & dried)<br />
Salt<br />
<br />
<u>Instructions:</u><br />
1. Peel off the Bambangan skin.<br />
2. Cut the Bambangan into small pieces. Use a pair of gloves when cutting the fruit to prevent rubbery substance from sticking to your hands.<br />
3. Prepare shredded Bambangan seeds. Take out the soft inner part of the seed. Before you do this, you have to cut/ peel off the hard fibrous shell that protects the soft inner part of the seed.<br />
4. Grate the seeds and dry them under the sun. Once shredded seeds are dried, sprinkle them onto the cut Bambangan pieces and add salt to taste. Then, mix thoroughly.<br />
5. Leave for 30 minutes.<br />
6. Prepare a glass bottle that is already sterilized. Transfer the Bambangan pieces into the glass bottle.<br />
7. This pickle Bambangan is ready for consumption in 1 - 2 weeks' time.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Which native in Sabah eat the most Bambangan and how is it served?</b></i></span><br />
Here in Sabah, we either like to eat it fresh or pickled it. It is mainly eaten by the KadazanDusun people, the biggest indigenous group in Sabah. They eat pickled Bambangan as often as the Koreans eat their Kimchi.<br />
<br />
Frequently, it is served with white rice and other main dishes such as meat or fish and vegetable. The pickled Bambangan is sometimes mixed with chilli, soya sauce (we call ketchup) and sometimes with "Belacan", shrimp paste. You can use all of these or just pick any combination. It's your choice!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Newspaper Publications for our "Bambangan Pickling" Event</b></i></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bfxvAPo6vY/UIfFumcEbkI/AAAAAAAAAjE/ejqF3KNGOeE/s1600/Bambangan+Demo+098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bfxvAPo6vY/UIfFumcEbkI/AAAAAAAAAjE/ejqF3KNGOeE/s200/Bambangan+Demo+098.JPG" width="117" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daily Express, 11 October 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HC_CqcBuMkc/UIfGmSxpTwI/AAAAAAAAAjM/m6meJfAxqLI/s1600/Bambangan+Demo+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HC_CqcBuMkc/UIfGmSxpTwI/AAAAAAAAAjM/m6meJfAxqLI/s200/Bambangan+Demo+001.JPG" width="113" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borneo Post, 15 October 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XyQPEQGkAI/UIfHSE5-s4I/AAAAAAAAAjg/fI2FmnjQ0WY/s1600/Bambangan+Demo+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4XyQPEQGkAI/UIfHSE5-s4I/AAAAAAAAAjg/fI2FmnjQ0WY/s200/Bambangan+Demo+003.JPG" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">continuation...Borneo Post, 15 October 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-74798292805417833892012-09-26T19:54:00.003-07:002012-09-28T18:24:43.735-07:00The Majestic Mt. Kinabalu: Fourth Highest in Southeast Asia<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1IiI9htH0w/UGPF7IaSM9I/AAAAAAAAAek/EnGWWLbryAM/s1600/mt_kinabalu.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1IiI9htH0w/UGPF7IaSM9I/AAAAAAAAAek/EnGWWLbryAM/s400/mt_kinabalu.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mount Kinabalu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The tallest mountain in Malaysia is Mt Kinabalu. It is located in Sabah, also famously known as "The Land Below the Wind" as geographically, it is located below the typhoon belt, and it also is part of the Borneo islands. Standing at 4,095 Meters, Mt Kinabalu is not only the highest mountain in the country but also the 4th highest in Southeast Asia. It is home to a rich and diversified flora and fauna which are unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Climbing Mount Kinabalu is one of the most fulfilling activities. Many local and international tourists do not want to miss the opportunity to climb this mountain when they visit Sabah. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q89COsoig-I/UGP32Od2VSI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/PVB1eaGLVRM/s1600/view+of+mt+kinabalu+from+kundasang.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q89COsoig-I/UGP32Od2VSI/AAAAAAAAAgQ/PVB1eaGLVRM/s400/view+of+mt+kinabalu+from+kundasang.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of Mt Kinabalu from Kundasang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2ku49Tpc_4/UGP3Ki5eqYI/AAAAAAAAAgI/TMTU57TSHc0/s1600/mt_kinabalu_covered+with+cloud.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-i2ku49Tpc_4/UGP3Ki5eqYI/AAAAAAAAAgI/TMTU57TSHc0/s400/mt_kinabalu_covered+with+cloud.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The best Mt Kinabalu view is before 10am on a bright sunny day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mt. Kinabalu is actually the peak of the Crocker Range. It is a non-volcanic mountain, deemed to be one of the youngest in the world. The wide climatic range in the mountain is the main factor that contributes to the fertile growth of numerous and rare flora and fauna. It is home to more than half of the flowering plants in the world. It has more than 500 species of ferns, 700 species of orchids, and some unique animals that are native to the land such as Kinabalu shrews and pygmy squirrels. It also has the world's largest plant, the Nepethes Rajah; and home to over 24 species of Rhododendrons. Seventeen of the 29 species of birds endemic to Borneo live in this part of the world. The red-breasted tree partridge and crimson-headed wood can also be found here.
Mt Kinabalu, already listed in UNESCO World Heritage record, is a favourite destination for both amateur and professional climbers as it not only offers climbing adventure, the wide range of botanical and biological species attract nature lovers as well as scientists from all over the world.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B_XsXbfx6P4/UGRsxf-EL5I/AAAAAAAAAg8/d5dRRnZJS9U/s1600/mt_kinabalu.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-B_XsXbfx6P4/UGRsxf-EL5I/AAAAAAAAAg8/d5dRRnZJS9U/s400/mt_kinabalu.2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCEqhZKEcLU/UGRxmpMGzgI/AAAAAAAAAho/266Aypper9c/s1600/mt_kinabalu.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XCEqhZKEcLU/UGRxmpMGzgI/AAAAAAAAAho/266Aypper9c/s400/mt_kinabalu.1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1v2EonCvZJs/UGRsy8slPKI/AAAAAAAAAhE/7hR39ENIX_s/s1600/mt_kinabalu.3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1v2EonCvZJs/UGRsy8slPKI/AAAAAAAAAhE/7hR39ENIX_s/s400/mt_kinabalu.3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It only takes 2 to 3 days to conquer Mount Kinabalu. Climbers do not need to have any climbing experiences. However, it is advisable for anyone, individual or group, before they climb the mountain to plan ahead. They should check the weather conditions as Sabah often experiences heavy rainfalls and also be physically prepared by doing some exercises before the Kinabalu climb. You don't even need a strenuous exercise regime. Just concentrate on being healthy and fit.<br />
<br />
The best start for anyone who is thinking of climbing Mt Kinabalu is to sign up for the mountain climbing package with an experienced and reliable tour agency. You need help from a tour agency to guarantee a smooth, enjoyable, and trouble-free climb. The Kinabalu climbing package is usually an all-in-one package which includes accommodation, meals, transportation, park entrance, transfer, climbing permit, and mountain guide fees. Package rate is quite reasonable and can also be customized according to client's preference. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9naEkpAVf4E/UGSDaB80XNI/AAAAAAAAAic/reZ4CSGnSXk/s1600/24+hours+guarding.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9naEkpAVf4E/UGSDaB80XNI/AAAAAAAAAic/reZ4CSGnSXk/s400/24+hours+guarding.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">24-Hours Guarding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFtnXQRYO1g/UGPdOteTtmI/AAAAAAAAAfI/t-N1CRanKKw/s1600/entrance_to_kinabalu_park.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rFtnXQRYO1g/UGPdOteTtmI/AAAAAAAAAfI/t-N1CRanKKw/s400/entrance_to_kinabalu_park.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entrance to Kinabalu Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeDKivCzUag/UGPdQpUEU1I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/IK8l45gtVr4/s1600/kinabalu_park_office.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yeDKivCzUag/UGPdQpUEU1I/AAAAAAAAAfQ/IK8l45gtVr4/s400/kinabalu_park_office.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kinabalu Park Office - Here is where you register yourself before you climb</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Climbers start their Mt Kinabalu trip at the foothills by registering themselves at the park's office. Then they can stay for a night at one of the nearby accomodations to rest and enjoy a full day sighseeing at Kinabalu Park World Heritage Site. On day two, climbers will gather at the Timpohon Gate to start the first phase of their trekking. On the third day, from Panar Laban, they will wake-up at at 3'oclock in the morning and start their journey to the summit so that they can reach on time to enjoy the beautiful colours of the morning sunrise. The peak is at its most exquisite during the sunrise time.<br />
<br />
This rare scenery of swirling mists and rich flora and fauna await climbers and thrill-seekers from all over the world.<br />
<br />
Please contact: <span style="background-color: yellow;">inquiry@kotakinabalutourism.com</span> to inquire about our Kinabalu climbing package.</div>
<blockquote>
</blockquote>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-22784432065318887062012-09-07T07:20:00.001-07:002012-09-08T01:35:46.561-07:00Leisure Walking at Poring's Treetop Canopy Walkway<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've heard about my friends' and other people's experiences at Poring canopy walkway, how they said it's an experience not for the faint-hearted and height-phobia people. One friend even told me how once a weak hearted lady almost suffered a heart-attack when a squirrel jumped on her head while she was concentrating on crossing the walkway. Before, I tried to imagine and picture myself, tried to feel what it would be like walking on a walkway that is about 421 meters above sea-level and could feel my hair rising and my goosebumps getting goosebumps. At the time everything about Poring canopy walkway just sounded really scary. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
My friends dared me when we made a trip to Poring but I balked, telling them I was not ready and would rather spend time enjoying myself dipping in the sulfuric mineral bath. But just recently, on a lovely Friday, there I was with my family, wearing a T.shirt and a skirt and carrying a handbag...which makes me look more like joy walking than preparing for a 'live or die' experience. Funny, this time all the scary stories did not bother me at all. I was just, you know, feeling more relaxed and although I was not at my fittest condition (yea, thanks to no exercise, I've gained weight and I panted almost all the way up and stopped a few times, probably every 10 minutes or so, even rested at one of the the gazebos there) I was, I think, ready for the experience amid going there in a very unsuitable gear. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8RhqR91kmXE/UEn8nDIylxI/AAAAAAAAAZU/VuNEldG7u8Q/s1600/Nabalu_Lodge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8RhqR91kmXE/UEn8nDIylxI/AAAAAAAAAZU/VuNEldG7u8Q/s400/Nabalu_Lodge.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nabalu Lodge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We started our journey from Nabalu Lodge, our lodging at Kundasang, at about 12.00 noon time. On the way to Poring, we passed by some very well known resorts such as the <a href="http://kinabalupineresort.com/" target="_blank">Kinabalu Pine Resort</a> and Mountain Kinabalu Heritage Resort (used to be Perkasa Hotel), <a href="http://www.sabahtea.com.my/tourism/" target="_blank">Sabah Tea Garden</a>, the Luanti Fish Spa, Ranau town and we also noticed many new homestays along the way. We arrived at Poring about 45 minutes later. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Poring canopy walkway is a visit not to be missed by anyone especially foreigners who are first-time visitors in Poring Hot Springs. Just take a stroll amidst the lush canopy of the Menggaris tree, the tree which is known as 'king of the forest'. The walkway is about 157.8 meters long. It took us about one and a half hour to complete our canopy trip, starting from the bathing center and then back to there.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHRGjYnHTIE/UEn8unYVL2I/AAAAAAAAAZs/sl5FCf7vcFw/s1600/signboard_at_poring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JHRGjYnHTIE/UEn8unYVL2I/AAAAAAAAAZs/sl5FCf7vcFw/s400/signboard_at_poring.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Signboard...Choose where you want to go</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVKeKiwr9ao/UEn8xRqhyJI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/A0n44LTZ74M/s1600/trek_to_poring_walkway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oVKeKiwr9ao/UEn8xRqhyJI/AAAAAAAAAZ0/A0n44LTZ74M/s400/trek_to_poring_walkway.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trek to the Canopy Walkway...fairly easy ehhh</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3XIW_XuR_do/UEn8yyObh9I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/6WKvhwsRTq0/s1600/trek_to_poring_walkway2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3XIW_XuR_do/UEn8yyObh9I/AAAAAAAAAZ8/6WKvhwsRTq0/s400/trek_to_poring_walkway2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">If you feel comfortable trekking in skirt...why not huhu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l7SQSTl--zs/UEoSvIwCCRI/AAAAAAAAAbU/iWJM0W2vpTw/s1600/trek_to_poring_walkway3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-l7SQSTl--zs/UEoSvIwCCRI/AAAAAAAAAbU/iWJM0W2vpTw/s400/trek_to_poring_walkway3.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C_jmAIWK0C4/UEoT5rfoFVI/AAAAAAAAAb0/wYDWTrMn2Ic/s1600/beware_of_fallen_branch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-C_jmAIWK0C4/UEoT5rfoFVI/AAAAAAAAAb0/wYDWTrMn2Ic/s400/beware_of_fallen_branch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beware of any falling things...branch, fruit, animals etc</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-505kK0pHppE/UEn8qwazoKI/AAAAAAAAAZc/R304VaYkz28/s1600/menggaris_tree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-505kK0pHppE/UEn8qwazoKI/AAAAAAAAAZc/R304VaYkz28/s400/menggaris_tree.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Menggaris tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNQ4OctOtV4/UEn8sEjVE1I/AAAAAAAAAZk/mCW9PaXDvoM/s1600/resting_at_gazebo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cNQ4OctOtV4/UEn8sEjVE1I/AAAAAAAAAZk/mCW9PaXDvoM/s400/resting_at_gazebo.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting at one of the gazebos</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qsm5zxQcKcU/UEoCSSw0GZI/AAAAAAAAAaw/h3mUIXTH0TY/s1600/Robinson+taking+a+rest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qsm5zxQcKcU/UEoCSSw0GZI/AAAAAAAAAaw/h3mUIXTH0TY/s400/Robinson+taking+a+rest.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I was not the only one who needed a rest...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7ab5AUDY4A/UEoTBC3Z67I/AAAAAAAAAbc/ZO086L4AkAg/s1600/pondok_manggas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-G7ab5AUDY4A/UEoTBC3Z67I/AAAAAAAAAbc/ZO086L4AkAg/s400/pondok_manggas.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pondok Manggas is the starting point of the Canopy Walkway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpezePMNGXo/UEn8kW60DYI/AAAAAAAAAZE/wetSND-XAhA/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wpezePMNGXo/UEn8kW60DYI/AAAAAAAAAZE/wetSND-XAhA/s400/3.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Canopy Walkway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPiVKFr7a-o/UEn8iyXEJ5I/AAAAAAAAAY8/qHjkutblVfg/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VPiVKFr7a-o/UEn8iyXEJ5I/AAAAAAAAAY8/qHjkutblVfg/s320/2.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We're on a suspension bridge under the Menggaris Canopy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yswGsTjaAAw/UEn8hu3-ijI/AAAAAAAAAY0/VKcKXyz4BTo/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-yswGsTjaAAw/UEn8hu3-ijI/AAAAAAAAAY0/VKcKXyz4BTo/s400/1.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Menggaris is a huge tree...see if you can wrap your hands around it</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3oBp7z-d3gg/UEoUghgMgRI/AAAAAAAAAb8/PvLEJBPEdhU/s1600/yahoo_we_re_going_for_the_sulphuric_bath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3oBp7z-d3gg/UEoUghgMgRI/AAAAAAAAAb8/PvLEJBPEdhU/s400/yahoo_we_re_going_for_the_sulphuric_bath.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yahuuu...can't wait to dive-in the sulfuric bath!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Of course, when we arrived at the sulfur bathing center, we wouldn't in the world miss the opportunity to dip our achy legs in the hot sulfuric baths. We chose the enclosed bathtub and spent about one and a half hour dipping and relaxing to soothe our achy muscles, also hoping for the sulfur to work its miracles on our skin (they say the sulfur kills all the harmful germs on your skin). The rate is RM20.00 per hour for a deluxe size bathtub which includes a jacuzzi and RM15.00 per hour for a standard size bathtub. It is on first come first serve basis, you cannot pre-book the enclosed bathtubs.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKx7xssymmo/UEoCFKrm49I/AAAAAAAAAao/_i4eLVWSppc/s1600/standard_enclosed_bathtub.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tKx7xssymmo/UEoCFKrm49I/AAAAAAAAAao/_i4eLVWSppc/s400/standard_enclosed_bathtub.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enclosed bathtub - standard type</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Poring Hot Springs' daily opening hours is from 7am to 6pm. The conservation fee is RM5.00 for adult and RM3.00 for students (below 18 years-old). There is also an additional fee of RM5.00 for every camera and video that you bring with you.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-36068322110315827832012-09-02T06:59:00.001-07:002012-09-02T18:42:33.604-07:00Try Sabahan Rendang Ayam Recipe<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hari Raya Puasa is a very important celebration for the Muslims. This year, 2012, the new moon was sighted on August 19th. Every year, the sighting of new moon at the end of Ramadan month signifies the end of the fasting season and also marked the first day of Hari Raya Aidil Fitri. Muslims, all over the world, start off their day by gathering in the mosques very early in the morning to perform their prayers as well as paying visits to the graves of their loved ones.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Hari Raya is welcomed with great joy. Houses are cleaned until they're shiny and decorated with the lighting of oil lamps. The young Muslims will kiss the hands of their elders and ask forgiveness for their wrongdoings. They also wear new Malay traditional clothes. Open house, which means the Muslims inviting family members, relatives and friends to come over to their house is widely practised. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In Malaysia, the first two days of Hari Raya is declared as Public Holidays but the celebration lasts for a month. This is the time you can see plenty of traditional Malay delicacies. One of my favourite dishes is the <i>Rendang Ayam</i>. It is basically a spicy dish consists of one whole chicken, slow cooked with coconut milk, spices and a variety of local herbs. For this posting, I like to bring my readers' attention and encourage them to try this <i>Rendang Ayam</i> recipe. It is not very difficult to prepare, the dish is really delicious and can be served and eaten together with white rice or <i>pulut lemang</i> (glutinuous rice cooked with coconut milk using a bamboo), another famous dish served during this festive season.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUWUHjI-jTs/UEN6x3ZXYGI/AAAAAAAAAXg/WW80Xp7HRxY/s1600/spices+and+herbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RUWUHjI-jTs/UEN6x3ZXYGI/AAAAAAAAAXg/WW80Xp7HRxY/s400/spices+and+herbs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Fresh spices and herbs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gRx0rkHXHks/UEN6-_htI9I/AAAAAAAAAXo/09HdLb9eu5A/s1600/chicken.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gRx0rkHXHks/UEN6-_htI9I/AAAAAAAAAXo/09HdLb9eu5A/s400/chicken.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chicken, cut and cleaned</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X5SapEOpESU/UEN7HvmEeaI/AAAAAAAAAXw/JnrdLpZocX8/s1600/dried+chillies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-X5SapEOpESU/UEN7HvmEeaI/AAAAAAAAAXw/JnrdLpZocX8/s400/dried+chillies.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dried chillies</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMu1xwB3kmk/UEN7PbUVDPI/AAAAAAAAAX4/TsDXHtz7D7Q/s1600/fried+grated+coconut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UMu1xwB3kmk/UEN7PbUVDPI/AAAAAAAAAX4/TsDXHtz7D7Q/s400/fried+grated+coconut.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried grated coconut</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvjXyLKlqdQ/UEN7cN0xrdI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Dp2DplDzYkM/s1600/coconut+milk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XvjXyLKlqdQ/UEN7cN0xrdI/AAAAAAAAAYA/Dp2DplDzYkM/s400/coconut+milk.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coconut milk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b>RENDANG AYAM RECIPE</b></div>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
1 whole chicken <b>(cut and cleaned. You may remove some of its</b><br />
<b>skin and fats if you want your rendang to be less oily)</b><br />
<b>For the gravy: (Blend together)</b><br />
10 shallots<br />
4 garlic<br />
15 dried chillies<br />
15 eye of the bird chillies<br />
1 inch of ginger<br />
1 inch of galangal<br />
1/2 inch of fresh turmeric<br />
2 lemon grass<br />
<b>Add these after chicken is marinated:</b><br />
4 cups of concentrated coconut milk<br />
2 pieces of turmeric leaves<br />
4 pieces of kaffir lime leaves<br />
4 tbspns of fried grated coconut<br />
salt, sugar to taste<br />
<br />
<b>Instructions:</b><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
1. Marinate chicken with gravy for about 1 hour.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
2. Place marinated chicken in a pot and pour the coconut milk into the pot. Leave until it is boiling. Then add in kaffir lime leaves, turmeric leaves, fried grated coconut and salt and sugar to taste.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
3. Cook until chicken is tender and the gravy is thickened. Serve with white rice or <i>pulut lemang</i>.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_RIgRRELKy8/UEN8SVU5zvI/AAAAAAAAAYI/qjFBYzjGCdI/s1600/blended+spices+n+herbs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_RIgRRELKy8/UEN8SVU5zvI/AAAAAAAAAYI/qjFBYzjGCdI/s400/blended+spices+n+herbs.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spices and herbs blended together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In my attempt to cook this dish, I failed to include the galangal (<i>lengkuas</i>) as no one were selling it the time I went shopping for it at the nearby vegetable market. *sigh!* It was just one of those days...you know... you don't always find what you want. This dish is not perfect but even without the galangal, the taste of the <i>Rendang Ayam</i> was still very delicious. It would definitely taste even better if galangal was added in.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n8va-Vgoki8/UEN8UT5VMZI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/TIIxkrYmqpk/s1600/rendang+ayam.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n8va-Vgoki8/UEN8UT5VMZI/AAAAAAAAAYQ/TIIxkrYmqpk/s400/rendang+ayam.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeahhh...Sabahan's Rendang Ayam</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-56997574074611403342012-08-07T21:58:00.002-07:002012-08-08T18:24:08.621-07:00The Ramadan Month and Its Delights<div style="text-align: center;">
<object height="270" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/9MTVA-c4WAQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/9MTVA-c4WAQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="270" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. The lunar calendar is being used by Islam where the sighting of the new moon marks the beginning of each month. Due to the lunar calendar being eleven days shorter than the solar calendar, Islamic holidays "change" each year. This year, 2012, Ramadan began last month at the sundown on July 19th.<br />
<br />
Ramadan is the month where Muslims around the world pray, fast and do charity. Fasting in the Ramadan month means that Muslims do not consume or drink anything including water while the sun is still up. Besides fasting, Muslims are also encouraged to give alms and donations to the poor.<br />
<br />
It is the usual practice for Muslim families to get up early for <i>Sahur</i>, a meal taken before the sun rises. After the sun sets, the fast is broken with a meal known as <i>Buka Puasa </i>or breaking of fast. <i>Buka Puasa</i> usually begins with dates and sweet drinks that provide a quick energy boost.<br />
<br />
Fasting is one of the five duties of Islam. As with other Islamic duties, all able Muslims take part in the <i>puasa</i> starting from the age of twelve.<br />
<br />
Here in Malaysia, restaurants owned by Muslims are closed until at about 3pm, the time when Ramadan bazaar begins. Muslim civil government workers are also allowed to leave their office early, this privilege given only to the female workers, so that they can prepare the 'breaking fast' meals.<br />
<br />
The Pasar Ramadan or Ramadan Bazaar are not the same as the night and Sunday markets as the Ramadan Bazaars sell mostly food and drinks for the breaking of fast. <br />
<br />
Ramadan ends on the first of Shawal which is less than two weeks from the date of this posting. When the new moon is sighted, Muslims all over the world celebrate <i>Hari Raya</i> <i>Aidil Fitri</i>. In Sabah and Malaysia, it is known as <i>Hari Raya Puasa</i>.<br />
<br />
The food sellers, who are given short-term license at allotted spaces by the local authority, usually conduct their businesses at wooden stalls or just using a foldable table and under canopies or huge umbrellas.<br />
<br />
Normally, Ramadan stalls are open for business as early as 3.00pm and by late evening the bazaar would be packed with people of all races, Muslims and non-Muslims, all busy looking and buying their favourite foods. It is a once-a-year delicacies and favourite food event not to be missed.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rj6PzaZDodI/UCIC7I-2RCI/AAAAAAAAAW8/IeWXqD5B6-0/s1600/misc+038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rj6PzaZDodI/UCIC7I-2RCI/AAAAAAAAAW8/IeWXqD5B6-0/s400/misc+038.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramadan Bazaar at Lembah Impian, Penampang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3L9WLMGgV8U/UCH-uniZwTI/AAAAAAAAAWM/qwhOJPDEZjo/s1600/Ramadhan+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3L9WLMGgV8U/UCH-uniZwTI/AAAAAAAAAWM/qwhOJPDEZjo/s400/Ramadhan+006.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramadan Bazaar at open-space near Servay Putatan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPg1J_J4nO8/UCH_g5p0ifI/AAAAAAAAAWU/a6tmNyL8w_4/s1600/Ramadhan+029.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fPg1J_J4nO8/UCH_g5p0ifI/AAAAAAAAAWU/a6tmNyL8w_4/s400/Ramadhan+029.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramadan Bazaar at open-space behind Standard Supermarket, Putatan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J60lY-pDwec/UCIAQVIchrI/AAAAAAAAAWc/gYbtfiGqR4Q/s1600/Ramadhan+042.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-J60lY-pDwec/UCIAQVIchrI/AAAAAAAAAWc/gYbtfiGqR4Q/s400/Ramadhan+042.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ramadan Bazaar at Sembulan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For the food sellers, some of them being part-timers, it is a time when they can generate extra income for their families which they can use to buy necessities and luxuries to celebrate the <i>Hari Raya Puasa</i>.<br />
<br />
From afar you can already smell the inviting aroma of the grilled fish or <i>ikan bakar</i> and the roast chicken or <i>ayam panggang</i>. Some of the dishes, local cakes, cookies and snacks are those that are not easily found in one place during normal days. This is also one of the reasons why Ramadan Bazaar is very popular.<br />
<br />
From dates or kurma, you can also find your favorite food, like <i>nasi kerabu, nasi dagang, nasi beriyani or traditional cakes, like kosui, popiah, pulut udang, wajik, kuih lapis, lepat pisang</i> and popular drinks, like <i>cendol, abc</i>, coconut, sugar-cane and <i>cincau</i>.<br />
<br />
You can find dishes of <i>ayam</i> and <i>ikan percik</i>, the evergreen Malay dishes like <i>gulai masak pedas</i>, <i>rendang, ikan kari, ikan patin</i> and many other favorite dishes. <br />
<br />
There will also be the always-popular light food and snacks like <i>roti jawa, murtabak, noodles dishes like mee kari, mee bandung, mee goreng, rojak and laksa.</i><br />
<br />
For the fast-breakers, food will certainly look extra-delicious after a full day of fasting, and in fact they indeed are!!! And for the non-fast-breakers, it's a time for food celebration!!!<br />
<br />
When the Ramadan is nearing its end, you will see more food and other essentials for Hari Raya Puasa being sold, like the <i>ketupat, lemang</i> and <i>rendang</i>.<br />
<br />
You can find Ramadan Bazaars wherever there are big population or residents in an area, and they are usually located in open-area spaces (or parking lots) in the middle of towns, residential estates and villages.<br />
<br />
Ramadan month is a time of unique events and attractions in Sabah and the whole of Malaysia. Tourists or travelers who visit Kota kinabalu or other parts of Sabah during the Ramadan month will definitely cannot afford to avoid it as it is one of the main highlights in our annual calendar event.<br />
<br />
<br />
All pictures are copyrighted @kotakinabalutourism.com </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-46612989125010607382012-08-01T09:28:00.003-07:002012-08-07T23:04:25.238-07:00Homestay Penampang Showcasing Traditional Food of the KadazanDusuns<div style="text-align: justify;">
One of the major attractions in Sabah and one that has huge tourism potential is culinary tourism. I consider it as a highly untapped niche as it is a unique tourism package and rarely offered since the product is quite new in Sabah. Its marketing is also still at its infancy stage. It is a great way to attract international travellers who are curious and eager to seek culinary pleasures.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are three main ethnicities in Sabah: the KadazanDusunMurut or KDM (which is the indigenuous group), Malay and Chinese. The races in Sabah have their own distinct identity to present Sabah, Malaysian's Borneo, internationally. Owing to Sabah's diverse ethnicity, it is a melting pot of many unique culinary heritages.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I had a chance to visit a homestay runned by Mrs Mathilda and her family, who lived at Kampung Putaton, Inobong Penampang. On the day my friend, Lorena and myself visited Mathilda and her family, they were expecting three guests, to savour the culinary experience that they're offering as part of their homestay packages. Guests will also be given the experience to cook some of the local delicacies themselves.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Mathilda's house is a double-story house, built on family's land, probably previously built on stilts like most other kampung houses in Penampang villages and then when the family expands and more rooms are needed, the <i>kolong</i> which is the open and airy ground floor, is converted into a proper ground floor with concrete walls. They also have a big backyard with several fruit trees which were fruiting abundantly and barns for the chickens, pigs and wild boars.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We arrived about an hour earlier than their guests. So we had a good chat with the host and even feasted ourselves on a rather late and delicious breakfast. We then roamed about the place, enjoying ourselves by randomly taking pictures of the beautiful flowers, fruit trees, disturbing the caged wild boars and playing with little Achoi, Mathilda's grandson.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bT2eA2CvakI/UBoXzXTZaaI/AAAAAAAAAVE/4b9YCPjM_8s/s1600/homestay+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bT2eA2CvakI/UBoXzXTZaaI/AAAAAAAAAVE/4b9YCPjM_8s/s400/homestay+006.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0vE2wUH_oY/UBoX0u4tNZI/AAAAAAAAAVM/0uy5cCZfLJQ/s1600/homestay+011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Y0vE2wUH_oY/UBoX0u4tNZI/AAAAAAAAAVM/0uy5cCZfLJQ/s400/homestay+011.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jojoba tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD-Rwb--UE0/UBoX2UvfpYI/AAAAAAAAAVc/PPW8FnhI2yA/s1600/homestay+036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZD-Rwb--UE0/UBoX2UvfpYI/AAAAAAAAAVc/PPW8FnhI2yA/s400/homestay+036.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Guava tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ9-tT9yWhI/UBoX3mAEFAI/AAAAAAAAAVk/12fjXG93_bc/s1600/homestay+039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RQ9-tT9yWhI/UBoX3mAEFAI/AAAAAAAAAVk/12fjXG93_bc/s400/homestay+039.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little Ah Choi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOVYnkuZJuY/UBoX9fEYnxI/AAAAAAAAAVs/gbzo_IR19v4/s1600/homestay+033.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oOVYnkuZJuY/UBoX9fEYnxI/AAAAAAAAAVs/gbzo_IR19v4/s400/homestay+033.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jetropha tree</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the familiar tourist van finally arrived at Mathilda's house, three foreign guests, emerged from the van along with Randall and Danny, two staffs from Borneo Eco Tours.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The guests were from Melbourne, Australia, and introduced themselves as Barb and Megg Ross and Tali, the couple's beautiful 15 year-old daughter. Yes, this was a family vacation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Randall and Danny took out the vegetable, fish and chicken which they bought from the market (Rita guided them when they visited the market earlier) and laid everything on a table. Without wasting any time and before our stomach croaked, food preparations were immediately undertaken. The <i>Sayur Pakis</i> was unique to the Australian family, so, they were taught how to pluck and choose the edible part of the Pakis besides being told that the Pakis grew mostly in the jungle.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-UG8mrYfRA/UBoR_kve29I/AAAAAAAAAUM/pshA-T1gFQ8/s1600/homestay+050.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-s-UG8mrYfRA/UBoR_kve29I/AAAAAAAAAUM/pshA-T1gFQ8/s400/homestay+050.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First we need to do the hard work...food preparation !!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVfDhJE3aDk/UBoSA8YlIeI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/MowbzGwpfwc/s1600/homestay+051.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uVfDhJE3aDk/UBoSA8YlIeI/AAAAAAAAAUQ/MowbzGwpfwc/s400/homestay+051.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Ross' Family at Mathilda's House</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIrD7jGg2r4/UBoTL3yFoDI/AAAAAAAAAUc/k3nSNKUy2tI/s1600/homestay+049.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TIrD7jGg2r4/UBoTL3yFoDI/AAAAAAAAAUc/k3nSNKUy2tI/s400/homestay+049.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mary teaching Barb and Tali how to pluck the Sayur Pakis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
By looking at the food preparation, I knew most of the dishes they were going to prepare. We would be having the <i>Hinava, Manuk Lihing, Sayur Pakis, Sayur Kampung Campur, Pinasakan, Tuhau, Bambangan, Noonsom</i> and the <i>Rebung</i> for our lunch on that day. The food preparations were done rather quickly as they were several people doing the work and some food like the <i>Tuhau, Bambangan</i> and <i>Noonsom</i> which are Sabah's local pickled food, have already been prepared in advance. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tali and Barb were given the honour to cook some of the dishes while Megg looked on and busied himself chatting with Randall and taking snapshots of the culinary event.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JH4S0-8T4YE/UBoT1n1vNSI/AAAAAAAAAUk/xr6fGVhQwo8/s1600/homestay+059.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JH4S0-8T4YE/UBoT1n1vNSI/AAAAAAAAAUk/xr6fGVhQwo8/s400/homestay+059.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tali cooking the Sayur Pakis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8W3mezH974/UBoT4-DZTEI/AAAAAAAAAUs/DmzB7OAI3uY/s1600/homestay+073.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-k8W3mezH974/UBoT4-DZTEI/AAAAAAAAAUs/DmzB7OAI3uY/s400/homestay+073.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Barb posing with Rhododendron flower tucked between her ear</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--FyQ1OKA3z8/UBoT5xrB5AI/AAAAAAAAAU0/OJwQhRGR4Tc/s1600/homestay+076.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--FyQ1OKA3z8/UBoT5xrB5AI/AAAAAAAAAU0/OJwQhRGR4Tc/s400/homestay+076.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's amazing to see what culinary interest can do to our lives...one shot for the album!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
Finally, the moment of truth...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After all the hard work phewww, foods were finally served...</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVNLeoyp4zA/UBoVYeGwZ-I/AAAAAAAAAU8/WpVKdTEFnoI/s1600/homestay+080.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qVNLeoyp4zA/UBoVYeGwZ-I/AAAAAAAAAU8/WpVKdTEFnoI/s400/homestay+080.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Traditional Food of the KadazanDusuns</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Hinava</i> is raw fish cooked with fresh lime, mixed with shallots, ginger, chillies, salt and shreds of <i>Bambangan</i> seeds. You also have the option to add bitter gourd into this dish.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Manuk Lihing</i> is chicken cooked with <i>Lihing</i>, our local rice wine.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Sayur Pakis</i> is a fern type of vegetable and is usually stir-fried with red chillies and dried shrimps. If you don't like seafood, you can leave out the shrimps.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i><br />Sayur Kampung Campur</i> is mixed local vegetable that is comprised of <i>Bunga Kantan</i>, <i>Sayur Bawang</i> and Green chillies.<br />
<br />
<i>Pinasakan</i> is fish that is simmered with water and fresh ginger, turmeric, some vegetable oil and salt are added to it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Tuhau</i> is wild ginger (the one with strong pungent smell) and mixed with lime, salt and bird's eye chilies.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Bambangan</i> is a type of mango fruit, has thick but peelable brown skin and yellow flesh.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i>Noonsom</i> can be either pickled meat or fish that is mixed with white rice and preserved with <i>Pangi</i>, a natural preservative made from pangi seeds.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tali who usually steered clear from seafood dishes, this time, had an exceptionally difficult time keeping away from the '<i>Hinava</i>' dish. In fact, it was her favourite food, the one that she liked the best. She also enjoyed the <i>Sayur Pakis</i> and the <i>Rebung</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Barb and Megg also expressed their satisfaction and complimented on the deliciousness of their newfound menu from Borneo. Mathilda shared some of the Sabahan traditional recipes with Barb. Barb and Tali said they would attempt to prepare the dish when they're back in Australia.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As for me and my friend, the two Borneo Eco Tours staffs and the host family, we too were busy savouring and enjoying our food. To me, it was a rare experience to have one hundred percent traditional food served on my plate. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
With good food, good host, new friends and wonderful guests, we were on cloud nine!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Food experience can indeed bring people come closer together.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I find that homestay can give a more real experience, not just in culinary but also other aspects in tourism. It is the best and most relaxing way of learning the everyday lives, culture, language, costumes and food of the Sabahan people.<br />
<br />
<br />
For more info on <b><span style="background-color: yellow;">Homestay Packages</span></b> in Sabah, please contact: <b><span style="background-color: yellow;">homestay@kotakinabalutourism.com</span></b>. All pictures are copyrighted to @kotakinabalutourism.com </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-1043472355566195872012-07-04T04:00:00.000-07:002012-07-04T16:04:29.223-07:00Petagas War Memorial Garden<div style="text-align: center;">
<object height="270" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/vi0okRdE5Rc?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0"></param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/vi0okRdE5Rc?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="270" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
In January 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army successfully occupied North Borneo (now called Sabah). A very patriotic youth named Albert Kwok and some other three hundred men from all over the state fought against the Japanese military. Albert, being the Commander-in-Chief, organized the underground imperial force. He was helped by Kong Su Pui whom he chose as his deputy and Ling Keng Fatt became Albert's advisor. They used the plantation at Mansiang, Menggatal, a land owned by Liew Loi Kui as their secret training ground and headquarters. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Albert even risked his life once when he met the United States Armed Forces in Tawi-Tawi to request for military and other supplies. In September 1943, Albert received information that the Japanese military suffered a heavy defeat at the battle front in other countries in South-East Asia and they wanted to enlist 2,000 Sabahan youth to strengthen their front-line defense. It was at that stage that Commander Kwok suggested a plan to curb the move and to start taking action to disrupt the backside of the enemy army. The plan consisted of a strategy geared at weakening and de-stabilizing the enemy's strength, an attempt to help the Allied Forces to fight against them. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Without wasting any time, Albert immediately launched a surprise attack on the Japanese police station and the military police headquarters in Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu). Armed with parang, they slashed to death a few scores of the enemy and started a fire at the Customs godown on the night of 9th October, 1943. The Japanese were considerably discouraged and their intention to enlist Sabahan youth eventually failed to materialize.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unfortunately, the Japanese military soon received help from Kuching. They then conducted a massive search and captured the suspected members of the underground guerilla. The Japanese also stopped all food and other supplies to their secret hideout. With no reinforcement and proper supplies of food, the guerilla force suffered terribly and when the Japanese threatened to kill innocent children and women, within two months' time, almost all its members surrendered to the Japanese.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then, On 21st January 1944, 176 men of the guerrillas (including sympathizers, followers and supporters) were transported by railway cargo wagons from the 'Batu Tiga' prison camp. Another group of 131 men were sent to Labuan to serve their imprisonment but 117 of them died of starvation, maltreatment, torture and the inhumanity living conditions. Some of the guerrilla members were known to have been tortured, killed and buried in other places and at other times.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After the war, a special committee was formed by the few remaining living members of the guerrilla force and their families. They re-buried those who had been brutally murdered together with the remains of the dead which were removed from Labuan, in this common burial ground. A monument was built over the grave and the surrounding was made into a beautiful garden in everlasting memory and in honour of their gallantry and selfless sacrifice for their country. The names of all those whose remains were buried here and all other known guerrilla force members who had been murdered by the Japanese military forces and buried in other places were engraved on this plaque. A yearly memorial service is held on the 21st January in memory of those brave men who fought against the Japanese occupation Forces.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLaI6dR02VI/T_Qhfkw4mwI/AAAAAAAAASs/EgJrHy5YQJc/s1600/petagas+memorial+garden4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eLaI6dR02VI/T_Qhfkw4mwI/AAAAAAAAASs/EgJrHy5YQJc/s400/petagas+memorial+garden4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2Sh0K7yWBQ/T_QhwrQbrXI/AAAAAAAAAS0/8lJg4gjtoIc/s1600/petagas+memorial+garden5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-D2Sh0K7yWBQ/T_QhwrQbrXI/AAAAAAAAAS0/8lJg4gjtoIc/s400/petagas+memorial+garden5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61iAtZ7ThRg/T_Qh7WeL6zI/AAAAAAAAAS8/nt8vTIP0dwg/s1600/petagas+memorial+garden6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-61iAtZ7ThRg/T_Qh7WeL6zI/AAAAAAAAAS8/nt8vTIP0dwg/s400/petagas+memorial+garden6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv3c1UMxlsw/T_TLCmfJENI/AAAAAAAAATs/q-UZucRLzOw/s1600/tugu+kebangsaan+019.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pv3c1UMxlsw/T_TLCmfJENI/AAAAAAAAATs/q-UZucRLzOw/s400/tugu+kebangsaan+019.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2F8PYWMIyU/T_TLEUg-8eI/AAAAAAAAAT0/6KNcHBBLpfc/s1600/tugu+kebangsaan+020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h2F8PYWMIyU/T_TLEUg-8eI/AAAAAAAAAT0/6KNcHBBLpfc/s400/tugu+kebangsaan+020.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Petagas War Memorial Monument</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PR_67Ad3EpM/T_Qh9F9HNjI/AAAAAAAAATE/MKtHbxEmtho/s1600/petagas+memorial+garden7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PR_67Ad3EpM/T_Qh9F9HNjI/AAAAAAAAATE/MKtHbxEmtho/s400/petagas+memorial+garden7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7azjjjKEfvE/T_Qh-5JqSoI/AAAAAAAAATM/i8o6B6AS66w/s1600/petagas+memorial+garden8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7azjjjKEfvE/T_Qh-5JqSoI/AAAAAAAAATM/i8o6B6AS66w/s400/petagas+memorial+garden8.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is the resting place for KK fallen heroes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGDmdw9rnug/T_QnDF3pZqI/AAAAAAAAATY/Ry72xIO5z8c/s1600/tugu+kebangsaan+007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VGDmdw9rnug/T_QnDF3pZqI/AAAAAAAAATY/Ry72xIO5z8c/s400/tugu+kebangsaan+007.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOi14Tkl4UA/T_QnFuzjSXI/AAAAAAAAATg/YttL4yGSqfs/s1600/tugu+kebangsaan+009.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gOi14Tkl4UA/T_QnFuzjSXI/AAAAAAAAATg/YttL4yGSqfs/s400/tugu+kebangsaan+009.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Names of the Kinabalu Guerrillas inscribed on this plaque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Pictures are copyright@2012 kotakinabalutourism.com. All rights reserved.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-35880503101645631562012-06-26T20:24:00.000-07:002012-06-26T21:08:43.834-07:00Unduk Ngadau Videos 2012<object height="270" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/d8WbVMXLfGA?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
</param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/d8WbVMXLfGA?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="270" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
<br />
<br />
<object height="270" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/71p3YtJmmls?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
</param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/71p3YtJmmls?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="270" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
<br />
<br />
<object height="270" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/PsK9RKMZNiQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
</param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/PsK9RKMZNiQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="270" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
<br />
<br />
<object height="270" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/z-bhytVvwjQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
</param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/z-bhytVvwjQ?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="270" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
<br />
<br />
<object height="270" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/98_rkgc2yFY?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
</param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/98_rkgc2yFY?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="270" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
<br />
<br />
<object height="270" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/qfpGpzZHM1g?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
</param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/qfpGpzZHM1g?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="270" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
<br />
<br />
<object height="270" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VK9vbOYK7nM?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
</param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VK9vbOYK7nM?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="270" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-47928810869546478842012-06-04T04:37:00.000-07:002012-06-26T20:42:07.444-07:00State Level Unduk Ngadau 2012<div style="text-align: justify;">
Miss Melinda Louis, 22 years-old, was the first Unduk Ngadau from Telupid to win the state-level Unduk Ngadau which was held at KDCA where the state-level Kaamatan Festival was being celebrated. She is from Kampung Gading, Telupid and works as an administration account staff.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first runner-up was Miss Fenney
Doimis who represented Kota Kinabalu City.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The second runner-up was Meryl Foster Paladius from
Tambunan.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Melinda received a cash prize of RM5,000 , a
pewter trophy with gold trimming worth RM1,600, a diploma
scholarship from Asian Tourism International College (ATI) worth RM25,000,
crown and jewellery set worth RM8,300 from Diamoney Jewellery Holdings, a
Samsung smartphone inclusive of one-year free internet, a gold edition
hotel voucher, hamper, Innershine beauty products, Victoria Jackson
beauty products, winning sash and a bouquet of flower from the
organizing committee.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“I didn’t expect to win this title as all
the finalists are very experienced and beautiful in their own ways.
However, this winning is a special gift to my district, first time
winning the state-level Unduk Ngadau,” said the winner.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Melinda will be a ‘<i>Huminodun</i>’ of the Kadazan Dusun Murut
to promote the tourism of the state for a year, until the next Unduk
Ngadau is chosen next year. She is also expected to carry out social works such as raising funds for charities.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The fourth, fifth, sixth and
seventh winners were Vanessa Samantha Manih of Tanjung Aru, Samantha
Sharon C.E. Laujang of Penampang, Milviana Madrigal of Kota Belud and
Raemma Justim of Tuaran who received a total of RM4,000 prizes from the
sponsors.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After receiving the most votes through the DiGi voting
contest, Juslinah Dian Rangga from Tawau was awarded the subsidiary
title of Miss Popular Digi.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The
Unduk Ngadau is a tribute to legendary <i>Huminodu</i>n, the beauty among the
beauties who without hesitation came forth to offer herself to be a
sacrificial lamb to save her people from sure death from starvation.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWYvJ_ORDaA/T8yQDEPqLbI/AAAAAAAAAOI/DSvS4UtyXEI/s1600/spectators.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KWYvJ_ORDaA/T8yQDEPqLbI/AAAAAAAAAOI/DSvS4UtyXEI/s320/spectators.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spectators inside the KDCA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr5H3ZC7HOg/T8yQmGdos_I/AAAAAAAAAOY/oCYVtmYlM34/s1600/spectators2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Lr5H3ZC7HOg/T8yQmGdos_I/AAAAAAAAAOY/oCYVtmYlM34/s320/spectators2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The KDCA hall was packed to the door</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN0PC9yDOSo/T8yTUsOBs9I/AAAAAAAAAOs/euzG9qZKCzc/s1600/2011+UN+bo+tiza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZN0PC9yDOSo/T8yTUsOBs9I/AAAAAAAAAOs/euzG9qZKCzc/s320/2011+UN+bo+tiza.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UN 2011 Bo Tiza Disimon made an appearance before the 41 UN contestants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5Q5JWB4OZI/T8yT2qFe0cI/AAAAAAAAAO0/0HfwcGkl0sM/s1600/some+of+the+41+UN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-F5Q5JWB4OZI/T8yT2qFe0cI/AAAAAAAAAO0/0HfwcGkl0sM/s320/some+of+the+41+UN.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the 41 UN contestants</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MTc8dPE2gm4/T8yUP4wx3uI/AAAAAAAAAO8/-sLnJ5DuzIw/s1600/UN+waiting+4turns4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MTc8dPE2gm4/T8yUP4wx3uI/AAAAAAAAAO8/-sLnJ5DuzIw/s320/UN+waiting+4turns4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 UN taking turns to parade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eAkBULBZFNA/T8yW_1EqG3I/AAAAAAAAAP4/EcRsmFb0oz8/s1600/no13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eAkBULBZFNA/T8yW_1EqG3I/AAAAAAAAAP4/EcRsmFb0oz8/s320/no13.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UN Papar - Miss Wedylin Patin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tuWt1A3esBQ/T8yXdvK819I/AAAAAAAAAQI/CA8FD9E4_4M/s1600/no19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tuWt1A3esBQ/T8yXdvK819I/AAAAAAAAAQI/CA8FD9E4_4M/s320/no19.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UN Banggi - Miss Evilin Mathis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nFBRQs8T750/T8yXzvYoCJI/AAAAAAAAAQY/W62xwKwf5ek/s1600/no22.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nFBRQs8T750/T8yXzvYoCJI/AAAAAAAAAQY/W62xwKwf5ek/s320/no22.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UN Inanam - Miss Elsie R. Marius</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWcjTEBsmTI/T8yUrRqSXJI/AAAAAAAAAPM/5RZJXLE5ynI/s1600/UN+waiting+4turns2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uWcjTEBsmTI/T8yUrRqSXJI/AAAAAAAAAPM/5RZJXLE5ynI/s320/UN+waiting+4turns2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another 5 UN taking turns to parade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcIzKk3R7T8/T8yZSE_AGzI/AAAAAAAAAQw/SjlG30mK78k/s1600/no25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vcIzKk3R7T8/T8yZSE_AGzI/AAAAAAAAAQw/SjlG30mK78k/s320/no25.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UN Kota Kinabalu - Miss Fenney Doimis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JoTC67Uxg4/T8yVJHhf21I/AAAAAAAAAPY/PPa9P4CvMJ8/s1600/UN+waiting+4turns3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--JoTC67Uxg4/T8yVJHhf21I/AAAAAAAAAPY/PPa9P4CvMJ8/s320/UN+waiting+4turns3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next 5 UN taking turns to parade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICqS_4YtLt0/T8yb4GnteuI/AAAAAAAAARU/dor88hob-ds/s1600/no33.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ICqS_4YtLt0/T8yb4GnteuI/AAAAAAAAARU/dor88hob-ds/s320/no33.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UN Penampang - Miss Samantha Sharon C.E. Laujang</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgwyH3LymXg/T8yVbx98YwI/AAAAAAAAAPg/cMwf_U4R8gg/s1600/UN+waiting+4turns4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RgwyH3LymXg/T8yVbx98YwI/AAAAAAAAAPg/cMwf_U4R8gg/s320/UN+waiting+4turns4.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Next 5 UN to parade</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMiKRepGdXc/T8yaChwEKbI/AAAAAAAAARE/g0bZzt864zk/s1600/telupid.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gMiKRepGdXc/T8yaChwEKbI/AAAAAAAAARE/g0bZzt864zk/s320/telupid.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UN Telupid - Miss Melinda Louis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zWaU_2gVj3s/T8yc7YJ7gBI/AAAAAAAAAR0/dixpt4EUOzA/s1600/beaufort.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zWaU_2gVj3s/T8yc7YJ7gBI/AAAAAAAAAR0/dixpt4EUOzA/s320/beaufort.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UN Beaufort - Miss Gurmesh Kaur A/P Harjit Singh @ Geraldine</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0EVFw9s4I8M/T8ydnX0LHiI/AAAAAAAAAR8/m6WqvVWA3hg/s1600/kinabatangan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0EVFw9s4I8M/T8ydnX0LHiI/AAAAAAAAAR8/m6WqvVWA3hg/s320/kinabatangan.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UN Kinabatangan - Miss Nelly Lynda Abidin</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucJdyNtidjM/T8y61K4r0HI/AAAAAAAAASI/-f_MKHX1SGg/s1600/winners+for+the+7th,+6th,+5th+and+4th+place.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ucJdyNtidjM/T8y61K4r0HI/AAAAAAAAASI/-f_MKHX1SGg/s320/winners+for+the+7th,+6th,+5th+and+4th+place.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UN winners for the 7th, 6th, 5th and 4th place</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-61Jn0vlMNco/T8y7YCZ3nNI/AAAAAAAAASY/huFHsnk8_Mo/s1600/crowning+un.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-61Jn0vlMNco/T8y7YCZ3nNI/AAAAAAAAASY/huFHsnk8_Mo/s320/crowning+un.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Melinda Louis from Telupid is the Pesta Kaamatan's Unduk Ngadau 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17OEnejowRo/T8y7v7d8SfI/AAAAAAAAASg/4ugVuMlMZk4/s1600/crowning+un2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-17OEnejowRo/T8y7v7d8SfI/AAAAAAAAASg/4ugVuMlMZk4/s320/crowning+un2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Big smiles for the photography session</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
All Pictures Copyright @kotakinabalutourism.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-54349456152559632542012-06-03T07:29:00.000-07:002012-06-03T07:54:40.118-07:00Sodop Unduk Ngadau 2012<script language="JavaScript">
<!--
var message="";
///////////////////////////////////
function clickIE() {if (document.all) {(message);return false;}}
function clickNS(e) {if
(document.layers||(document.getElementById&&!document.all)) {
if (e.which==2||e.which==3) {(message);return false;}}}
if (document.layers)
{document.captureEvents(Event.MOUSEDOWN);document.onmousedown=clickNS;}
else{document.onmouseup=clickNS;document.oncontextmenu=clickIE;}
document.oncontextmenu=new Function("return false")
// -->
</script>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Sodop Unduk Ngadau 2012 or Harvest Festival Queen Gala Nite which was held on May 29
at the KDCA building not only paraded all the contestants for the State Unduk Ngadau but also raised funds for the Sabah Society for the Blind.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
On this Gala night two other subsidiary titles; <i>Tati Topiodo</i> or Miss Natural
Beauty and <i>Tati Tosuau</i> or Miss Friendly were presented by Puan Sri
Genevieve Kitingan, wife of YB Tan Sri Datuk Seri Panglima Pairin Kitingan, also the <i>Huguon Siou</i>.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There were several artists who made very outstanding performances during the Sodop Unduk Ngadau 2012. As usual there was also the drawing of lucky tickets with the grand prize worth not less than RM25,000.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Forty-one contestants representing all districts and
sub-districts across the state would compete for the Unduk Ngadau 2012
title. The Unduk Ngadau competition was the main highlight of the Kaamatan Festival celebration
at the state level.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
They say a picture paints a thousand words...well, I wanted to get the best photo shoots of the Unduk Ngadaus but it was hard, really hard...the video man cum photographer in charged for the Gala night took a spot that was right in the middle of the audience just below the stage and as usual there were sooo many other photographers who were swarming near the stage...ohh it was difficult indeed! Between the delicious foods that were being served and photographing...I chose to concentrate on the food instead while enjoying the show. But I still managed to get some pictures...oops the audience heads were definitely unavoidable.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6kPe4UmGkQ/T8ts9iJSS6I/AAAAAAAAALE/Rla4o0MAYHs/s1600/apperance+by+bo+tiza.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-r6kPe4UmGkQ/T8ts9iJSS6I/AAAAAAAAALE/Rla4o0MAYHs/s320/apperance+by+bo+tiza.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Appearance by the then reigning UN 2011, Miss Bo Tiza Disimon</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhOV6eSUbSw/T8tvNWTWnvI/AAAAAAAAAL8/YSvH4UVU4W4/s1600/gala+night+UNs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YhOV6eSUbSw/T8tvNWTWnvI/AAAAAAAAAL8/YSvH4UVU4W4/s320/gala+night+UNs.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UN Parading on Kaamatan's Gala Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6EWdiY0uw7k/T8tuYShC6MI/AAAAAAAAALk/PQOAJS6P9Aw/s1600/gala+night+UNs2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6EWdiY0uw7k/T8tuYShC6MI/AAAAAAAAALk/PQOAJS6P9Aw/s320/gala+night+UNs2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">UN Parading on Kaamatan's Gala Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpX9pwaz04g/T8tv04a02OI/AAAAAAAAAMM/6Ni-SpiEExU/s1600/gala+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cpX9pwaz04g/T8tv04a02OI/AAAAAAAAAMM/6Ni-SpiEExU/s320/gala+night.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swarms of Photographers with all kinds of Gadgets</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2WxR8puXgQ/T8twQOy3waI/AAAAAAAAAMU/T2hBGsxA59M/s1600/marsha+lomdoh.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K2WxR8puXgQ/T8twQOy3waI/AAAAAAAAAMU/T2hBGsxA59M/s320/marsha+lomdoh.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marsha was a Great Performer on Gala Night</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AqrwQEVo9Tg/T8tw1LQjuKI/AAAAAAAAAMk/cCoSicCQ9QE/s1600/UNs+parading+with+linda.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AqrwQEVo9Tg/T8tw1LQjuKI/AAAAAAAAAMk/cCoSicCQ9QE/s320/UNs+parading+with+linda.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Linda Sang while the UNs Continued Parading</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmMtHLYEZM0/T8txkKHjReI/AAAAAAAAAM8/RF1GCsXNGBM/s1600/announcement.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tmMtHLYEZM0/T8txkKHjReI/AAAAAAAAAM8/RF1GCsXNGBM/s320/announcement.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Announcements of the Winners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ1yeQrek60/T8txzTrcSjI/AAAAAAAAANE/ISSSmOhMl3Q/s1600/winners+of+gala+night.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ1yeQrek60/T8txzTrcSjI/AAAAAAAAANE/ISSSmOhMl3Q/s320/winners+of+gala+night.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tati Topiodo and Tati Tosuau</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56W0csYsLSI/T8tyZTDxkRI/AAAAAAAAANg/o0ExZ4d_r-M/s1600/winners+of+gala+night2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-56W0csYsLSI/T8tyZTDxkRI/AAAAAAAAANg/o0ExZ4d_r-M/s320/winners+of+gala+night2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Melinda Louis from Telupid is Tati Topiodo</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc8Iw5ROgu8/T8t3Lw_8s6I/AAAAAAAAAN8/KUVUKwvRBcY/s1600/gala+night+mayor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Hc8Iw5ROgu8/T8t3Lw_8s6I/AAAAAAAAAN8/KUVUKwvRBcY/s320/gala+night+mayor.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I felt honored to be eating one table with Datuk and Datin Mayor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All Pictures Copyright @kotakinabalutourism.com</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-39688004683583929932012-06-01T00:44:00.001-07:002012-06-01T00:54:13.037-07:00Kota Kinabalu's Unduk Ngadau 2012 (Part 3)<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Miss Fenney Doimis is crowned as Kota Kinabalu Unduk Ngadau 2012! </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
She bagged the RM4,000 cash prize, a
winning trophy, RM3,000 worth of jewelery from Diamoney and other
goodies from the organisers. She earned the right to represent the city at the State-level Unduk Ngadau contest to be held at the Hongkod Koisaan on May 31.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Charlyn Christopher Sherman, 18, was declared the first runner-up and besides
claiming the RM3,000 cash prize, a trophy, jewelery from Diamoney worth
RM2,000 and goodies, she will represent Likas at the State-level
contest.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile, 25-year-old Vanessa Samantha Manih was the
second runner-up and with it the right to represent Tanjung Aru at the
State-level contest in addition to winning the RM2,000 cash prize, a
trophy, RM1,500 worth of jewelery from Diamoney and goodies.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Fourth
and fifth places were won by 22-year-old Jun Mitchelle Maisi and
Frederica Fabian Peter and each received RM800 and RM500 cash prizes
respectively with goodies from the organisers.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After receiving the
most bouquets and flowers from the audience, Fiona Anthony Lijua was
awarded the subsidiary title of Miss Popular, while Debra Maclene
Sylvester was declared Miss Digi.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9QWz4iQ1Yr4/T8hypFOtl2I/AAAAAAAAAK4/sAYqdbULUSk/s1600/presentation+of+prizes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9QWz4iQ1Yr4/T8hypFOtl2I/AAAAAAAAAK4/sAYqdbULUSk/s320/presentation+of+prizes.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Presentation of prizes to the winners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EE6KRQMREJk/T8hxkCUnCpI/AAAAAAAAAKw/vnlH9X0-nzw/s1600/dtk+n+datin+mayor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-EE6KRQMREJk/T8hxkCUnCpI/AAAAAAAAAKw/vnlH9X0-nzw/s320/dtk+n+datin+mayor.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Datuk and Datin Mayor presenting prizes to the winners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TM1qMq_VKJ4/T8hv6qQsViI/AAAAAAAAAKo/CUUeWcSVQ3Q/s1600/kk+unduk+ngadau+2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TM1qMq_VKJ4/T8hv6qQsViI/AAAAAAAAAKo/CUUeWcSVQ3Q/s320/kk+unduk+ngadau+2011.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KK Unduk Ngadau 2011 passing on the crown to her successor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqiX1JHeBvA/T8hUIJU7MEI/AAAAAAAAAKU/5pP633-lezY/s1600/kk+unduk+ngadau+2012+with+her+family.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aqiX1JHeBvA/T8hUIJU7MEI/AAAAAAAAAKU/5pP633-lezY/s320/kk+unduk+ngadau+2012+with+her+family.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Unduk Ngadau makes her family proud </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_RezgKJA1SE/T8hT3Wnbz4I/AAAAAAAAAKM/vV3B1dQ5nMQ/s1600/kk+unduk+ngadau+2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_RezgKJA1SE/T8hT3Wnbz4I/AAAAAAAAAKM/vV3B1dQ5nMQ/s320/kk+unduk+ngadau+2012.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Miss Fenney Doimis is KK's Unduk Ngadau 2012</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhR-oBvwQnQ/T8hTolIz1ZI/AAAAAAAAAKE/iQniOMI6LkU/s1600/kk+unduk+ngadau+winners.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RhR-oBvwQnQ/T8hTolIz1ZI/AAAAAAAAAKE/iQniOMI6LkU/s320/kk+unduk+ngadau+winners.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">KK Unduk Ngadau Winners</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All Pictures Copyright @kotakinabalutourism.comAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-46199650071667762292012-05-31T18:22:00.001-07:002012-06-26T21:05:04.889-07:00Kota Kinabalu's Unduk Ngadau 2012 (Part 2)<div style="text-align: center;">
<object height="270" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/DYa-8I0occI?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
</param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/DYa-8I0occI?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="270" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Unduk Ngadau owes its origin from the part of the KadazanDusun genesis story which pertains to the sacrifice of <i>Huminodun</i>, <i>Kinoingan's</i> only daughter. The Unduk Ngadau which derives its name from <i>Tunduk do Tadau</i> which means "Zenith of the Sun" crowned in the 'afternoon' completed the meaning of the Kaamatan (Harvest) Festival as the Unduk Ngadau is indeed the <i>Tunduk </i>which can grow and be the new shoot.
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To this day, the KadazanDusun people have included the Unduk Ngadau Pageant as a grand part of their Kaamatan Festivals. It is a manifestation to the deep sense of respect and admiration that the KadazanDusun people have for the legendary <i>Huminodun</i>.</div>
<br />
Here is the Part 2...the next 7 KK Unduk Ngadau Finalists.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RB_oLrK7Cx4/T8g-kjBrqyI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/7hY4SgAjQ-c/s1600/colleen+ineme.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RB_oLrK7Cx4/T8g-kjBrqyI/AAAAAAAAAJ4/7hY4SgAjQ-c/s320/colleen+ineme.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contestant No. 15 - Colleen Ineme Bernard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPlv1fOj8Rg/T8g-IOH1w7I/AAAAAAAAAJo/GIsgOkx88mA/s1600/jun+mitchelle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cPlv1fOj8Rg/T8g-IOH1w7I/AAAAAAAAAJo/GIsgOkx88mA/s320/jun+mitchelle.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contestant No. 14 - Jun Mitchelle Maisi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng_IPUbnX70/T8g9qy4NrwI/AAAAAAAAAJg/LZ5vt9IlJg4/s1600/fenney+doimis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Ng_IPUbnX70/T8g9qy4NrwI/AAAAAAAAAJg/LZ5vt9IlJg4/s320/fenney+doimis.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contestant No. 13 - Fenney Doimis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bcz8D6ipeE0/T8g88nvCVCI/AAAAAAAAAJY/-DP_Qd76oik/s1600/rounnah+beb+robert.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Bcz8D6ipeE0/T8g88nvCVCI/AAAAAAAAAJY/-DP_Qd76oik/s320/rounnah+beb+robert.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contestant No. 12 - Rounnah Beb Robert Sylvester</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FzPIh-QE6Y/T8g8m60K4ZI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/2ftx7nIJG1k/s1600/vanessa+samantha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_FzPIh-QE6Y/T8g8m60K4ZI/AAAAAAAAAJQ/2ftx7nIJG1k/s320/vanessa+samantha.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contestant No. 11 - Vanessa Samantha Manih</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jjoj5_eHu5Q/T8g75zAkq9I/AAAAAAAAAJI/CUj3wLxFtvg/s1600/fiona+anthony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jjoj5_eHu5Q/T8g75zAkq9I/AAAAAAAAAJI/CUj3wLxFtvg/s320/fiona+anthony.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contestant No. 10 - Fiona Anthony Lijua</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qo_mRlPIPWs/T8g7oiKCUyI/AAAAAAAAAJA/jWbFL7FGaHc/s1600/frederica+fabian.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qo_mRlPIPWs/T8g7oiKCUyI/AAAAAAAAAJA/jWbFL7FGaHc/s320/frederica+fabian.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contestant No. 9 - Frederica Fabian Peter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
All Pictures Copyright @kotakinabalutourism.comAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-52868294242537804052012-05-31T09:51:00.001-07:002012-06-26T20:58:12.822-07:00Kota Kinabalu's Unduk Ngadau 2012 (Part 1)<div style="text-align: center;">
<object height="270" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/t224NHpfexc?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0">
</param>
<param name="allowFullScreen" value="true">
</param>
<param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always">
</param>
<embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/t224NHpfexc?version=3&hl=en_US&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="480" height="270" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The KadazanDusunMurut (KDM) Kaamatan festival (also called Harvest Festival) is perhaps the most indigenous and grandest festival in Sabah. Merry celebrations are held at all levels commencing from the <i>kampong</i> (village), then the district and climaxing at the state level.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
To the KDM, the Kaamatan festival is particularly significant as it marks the occasion to thank God for their bountiful harvest and for His generosity in prolonging life on earth. It is also an occasion where the promise of friendship and brotherhood is renewed through mutual forgiveness as manifested in the open-to-all sharing-caring Kaamatan festival.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In every Kaamatan festival, the Unduk Ngadau (beauty queen) Contest assumes the highlight of the day's occasion. To the KDM, it is the culmination of all the activities undertaken as symbolic response to <i>Kinoingan's</i> ever-bounding love for his people.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Unduk Ngadau Contest for the City of Kota Kinabalu this year, 2012, was held on the 18 of May at the City Hall and 15 beautiful contestants (all finalists) had participated in the contest.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fUygP7U-3fA/T8gONMcfLnI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/nWAacQjxHXo/s1600/dtk+abidin%27s+speech.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fUygP7U-3fA/T8gONMcfLnI/AAAAAAAAAHQ/nWAacQjxHXo/s320/dtk+abidin%27s+speech.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Unduk Ngadau was commenced with a brief speech<br />
by Datuk Abidin Madingkir, Kota Kinabalu's Mayor</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Let's take a look at the contestants for KK Unduk Ngadau...<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xpsxTTdIgDc/T8gL0Xn9PlI/AAAAAAAAAHE/oNqj1weZito/s1600/anjelica+gantasim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xpsxTTdIgDc/T8gL0Xn9PlI/AAAAAAAAAHE/oNqj1weZito/s320/anjelica+gantasim.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contestant No. 8 - Anjelica Gantasim </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PaMXBTPNLU/T8gJe2pbBnI/AAAAAAAAAG8/_CmoOLOrTiU/s1600/charlyn+christopher.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--PaMXBTPNLU/T8gJe2pbBnI/AAAAAAAAAG8/_CmoOLOrTiU/s320/charlyn+christopher.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contestant No. 7 - Charlyn Sylvester Sherman </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbIQORF5Zhc/T8gI86gSpMI/AAAAAAAAAG0/skaxYP2rh4U/s1600/debra+maclene.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YbIQORF5Zhc/T8gI86gSpMI/AAAAAAAAAG0/skaxYP2rh4U/s320/debra+maclene.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contestant No. 6 - Debra Maclene Sylvester </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_AHw-jQ-afU/T8gIXBQFscI/AAAAAAAAAGs/D6lrVmxCQQg/s1600/natasha+apprillia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_AHw-jQ-afU/T8gIXBQFscI/AAAAAAAAAGs/D6lrVmxCQQg/s320/natasha+apprillia.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contestant No. 5 - Natasha Aprillia </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kt3ZYnx7F8k/T8gHaxbxwNI/AAAAAAAAAGk/ssYYGk0beIM/s1600/samantha+natasha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kt3ZYnx7F8k/T8gHaxbxwNI/AAAAAAAAAGk/ssYYGk0beIM/s320/samantha+natasha.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contestant No. 4 - Samantha Natasha Miles </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TL0AFwuiTz8/T8gGz1CAILI/AAAAAAAAAGc/2qZCQDoRFro/s1600/cassandra+devi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TL0AFwuiTz8/T8gGz1CAILI/AAAAAAAAAGc/2qZCQDoRFro/s320/cassandra+devi.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contestant No. 3 - Cassandra Devi </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YUZDliYqBA/T8gFb14_rrI/AAAAAAAAAGU/vw6qWTxmCI8/s1600/vera+ginsu3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0YUZDliYqBA/T8gFb14_rrI/AAAAAAAAAGU/vw6qWTxmCI8/s320/vera+ginsu3.jpg" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contestant No. 2 - Vera Ginsu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USK80jcNW8w/T8ehL7XcRtI/AAAAAAAAAGI/cAmJDOimS90/s1600/petrona+pitoros2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-USK80jcNW8w/T8ehL7XcRtI/AAAAAAAAAGI/cAmJDOimS90/s320/petrona+pitoros2.JPG" width="179" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Contestant No. 1 - Petronas Pitoro<br />
<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Cs9jTUSKKA/T8gO4ynlmoI/AAAAAAAAAHY/ycFSEoxnKeY/s1600/15+contestants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2Cs9jTUSKKA/T8gO4ynlmoI/AAAAAAAAAHY/ycFSEoxnKeY/s320/15+contestants.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the 15 KK's beautiful Unduk Ngadau contestants...Round 1</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
To be continued...<br />
<br />
<br />
All Pictures Copyright @kotakinabalutourism.com </div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-5379738672137266282012-05-03T08:38:00.000-07:002012-05-09T16:06:07.088-07:00Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival (KKIFF) 2012<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/39876516" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="500"></iframe>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<a href="http://kkiff.com/about/" target="_blank">Kota Kinabalu International Film Festival</a> (KKIFF) is an annual event in KK and this year, 2012, is its 4th year. KKIFF states that this year it will be organizing an even more exciting and memorable event. The event, to be held from 08 to 14 June, will provide to the people of Kota Kinabalu exciting opportunities and be able to enjoy various international and local movies while increasing their knowledge on film-making.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Firstly, it will be showing several foreign films from countries such as France, Japan, Germany and the Philippines. Secondly, a filmmakers’ competition called ‘Links5’ (which it has already announced and will end on May 9) in which 3 cash prizes totaling RM8,000 will be presented to the winners. This competition is opened to Malaysians who live in Malaysia. A workshop for the ‘Links5’ Filmmakers’ Competition will be held at which reviews and comments will be made for chosen entries.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This year the Sabah Film Forum, held over the weekend of 09 and 10 June will present four workshops: ‘Story-telling’, ‘The Work of the Producer’, ‘What a Cinematographer’s Work Involves’ and ‘How to Write Proposals to Get Funding for Your Movie’. The workshop front runners will come from KL and beyond - famous people in the film industry. There are no fees charged and anyone who is interested in film-making can attend these workshops.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Also for the first time, KKIFF 2012 welcomes short film submissions from Malaysian movie makers and selected submissions will be shown for free on 10 June from 7.30pm-9.30pm. There will be Questions and Answers session after the screening of each film so that people at these workshops will have a better understanding of what each director is trying to express through his work.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The video above is one of the short films submitted for the 'Links5' competition. The film "Treasure" is directed by Dulie Hamdan and acted by Artorbelly Evali, Robinson Ken, Jeremy Alsten and Nathasius Julian.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-24582494968717957372012-04-22T03:19:00.002-07:002012-04-22T03:20:33.267-07:00Borneo Pygmy Elephant<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--dnP9AMgqvU/T5PbCkLVEeI/AAAAAAAAAF8/XmVf6qopTU8/s1600/pygmy+elephant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--dnP9AMgqvU/T5PbCkLVEeI/AAAAAAAAAF8/XmVf6qopTU8/s320/pygmy+elephant.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Borneon Pygmy Elephant</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) carried out a DNA analysis in the year 2003 on the pygmy elephants, it was proven that pygmy elephants are distinct from elephants in other parts of Asia and therefore was recognized as a subspecies. However, scientists are still doubting if the Borneo Pygmy elephant is an animal endemic to Borneo island. They made a speculation that these elephants could originate from Java which they believed was abandoned by the Sultan Sulu in the seventeen century. The Javan elephants has long been extinct on the island of Java.<br />
<br />
Borneo pygmy elephants are smaller and are significantly less hostile than other Asian elephants. The males may grow no more than 8.2 feet, while other elephants grow up to 9.8 feet. They have rounder faces, bigger ears, and tails that reach nearly to the ground and are more rotund.<br />
<br />
Before WWF came to Borneo, no one had ever carried out a study on the pygmy elephant. When their habitat becomes smaller, they get into more recurrent confrontations with people over land and food.<br />
<br />
In June and July 2005, Dr. Christy Williams and Raymond Alfred led a study on this elephant, a joint venture study carried out by Asian Rhino and Elephant Action Strategy proggramme and WWF Malaysia. They succeeded in attaching satellite collars to five pygmy elephants in different herds in Sabah. This was a ground-breaking challenge to understand more about the elephants and their habitat.<br />
<br />
The collaring is part of the first scientific study ever made on this little-understood population. The preliminary data has already given information about the activity of these elephants and their use of the forests in Sabah. The information is critical in helping officials in Malaysia make land-use decisions.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Just last month (March 12), a <a href="http://wildsingaporenews.blogspot.com/2012/03/malaysia-50m-wide-corridor-boon-to.html" target="_blank">corridor project</a> to connect fragmented forests in Sabah to help in the survival of the elephants was announced by the state government. The 50 meter forest corridor strip, also called the Melapi Elephant Corridor in
Sukau is making a huge difference in the survival of the Bornean pygmy
elephants.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="fullpost">The elephants can now pass through the land using this corridor to travel from
one key habitat to another. Before, it was a very narrow
bottleneck and the elephant suffered a lot. This introduction of </span><span class="fullpost">the corridor will also be able to greatly reduce the potential human-and-elephant conflict which happens mainly in villages and plantation.</span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-77106929726096538432012-04-17T22:39:00.001-07:002012-04-19T16:30:15.644-07:00Tarsier, the Unique Nocturnal Primate<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://cdn.theborneopost.com/newsimages/2012/03/A3786.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://cdn.theborneopost.com/newsimages/2012/03/A3786.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr align="justify"><td class="tr-caption">Lad, seen here eating insects - picture via Bernama</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
A palm sized male tarsier (Tarsius Syrichta), a nocturnal primate, was rescued early last month, (March 7). It was found in a new oil palm plantation, on the land owned by villagers who live in the Gomantong (Sandakan district) area. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Saroto Payar, who is the Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC) field research assistant brought the tarsier to the centre. In order to learn about its home range, it was fitted with a radio collar.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cardiff University student Alice Miles, who is the head of a project on the ecology of tarsier and slow loris at the DGFC, said the rescued animal was placed in a cage for a day and was given insects before it was set free into the jungle.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“We fitted him with a radio-collar and put him back into the wild. We call him Lad which is short for “ladang” or plantation in Bahasa Melayu, and which also means male in English."</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“The next night, we returned to the forest and searched for him with the help of our telemetry equipment."</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Lad was seen at about 150 to 200 metres from where he was freed, looking for food on the ground”, Miles said."</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dr Benoit Goossens, the director of DGFC, said knowing the habitat needs, diet and social organisation of tarsiers is critical to developing conservation policies for tarsiers.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“We have so far, besides Lad, collared another four tarsiers in the area of the field centre in Lot 6 of the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary."</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“A short while ago, two females were fitted with radio collars allowing us to discover their sleeping sites and map their home range. We hope that Lad will meet one of these two females in the near future,” Goossens said.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He said the nocturnal primate project at DGFC is funded by three American zoos — Columbus, Cleveland and Phoenix.</div>
<br />
Source: http://www.theborneopost.com/2012/03/12/rescued-tarsier-to-provide-info-on-home-range/#ixzz1sMdynITQAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-52756579598496169152012-04-17T08:23:00.001-07:002012-04-17T17:36:06.817-07:00Book Your Hotel Here!<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span class="hc_list_maintext">Get Amazing Discounts - up to 80% off</span>
<span class="hc_list_subtext">and compare prices on hundreds of hotel booking sites at once. </span><br />
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="296px" scrolling="no" src="http://www.hotelscombined.com/Affiliate/Widgets/300x296_b/default.aspx?a_aid=42700&languageCode=EN&openInNewWindow=1" style="display: block;" width="300px"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-47490123100637615282012-04-13T23:56:00.000-07:002012-04-14T01:56:07.583-07:00Try Deep Sea Fishing in Sabah<div style="text-align: center;">
<object height="240" width="320"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" />
<param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/142450935771085" />
<embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/142450935771085" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" width="320" height="240"></embed></object> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsLpgmwIxiQ/T4kSBeNrC4I/AAAAAAAAAEk/1XGNUGAIv7Q/s1600/Sabah+Fishing+Tournaments+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsLpgmwIxiQ/T4kSBeNrC4I/AAAAAAAAAEk/1XGNUGAIv7Q/s1600/Sabah+Fishing+Tournaments+2010.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hsLpgmwIxiQ/T4kSBeNrC4I/AAAAAAAAAEk/1XGNUGAIv7Q/s320/Sabah+Fishing+Tournaments+2010.jpg" title="Participants for Sabah International Fishing Tournament" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Third Place in the Sabah International Fishing Tournament</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are many fishing spots in Sabah but one that is near to Kota Kinabalu and is a favourite spot for many anglers here is the sea near Pulau Mengalum, also called the "Mysterious Island". It is called a mysterious island because not many locals have been to that place and the sea there is said to be always calm.<br />
<br />
I have interviewed one of the KK anglers. His name is Liborius Kasun and currently works full time helping his family supervise their family-owned rubber plantation at Kimanis, Papar. Fishing is his favourite hobby and together with some friends who themselves are 'part-time' anglers will plan for their fishing outing whenever they can afford to take a few days off from their work.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--A6ZbTq7pL4/T4kTnkM-DII/AAAAAAAAAE8/KlBhaP5BPrA/s1600/Discovery+Anglers+Tournament.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--A6ZbTq7pL4/T4kTnkM-DII/AAAAAAAAAE8/KlBhaP5BPrA/s320/Discovery+Anglers+Tournament.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Second Place in the Discovery Anglers Tournament</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
The conversation below is based on Liborius's fishing experience in the deep sea off the coast of Sabah.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgyftHmyvY4/T4kUEI62UpI/AAAAAAAAAFE/qfl5QdE4MNo/s1600/big+catch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jgyftHmyvY4/T4kUEI62UpI/AAAAAAAAAFE/qfl5QdE4MNo/s320/big+catch.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the big catches</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
KKTCom: Where is the fishing spot? (referring to the video posted here)<br />
<br />
Lib: I'm not sure of the exact location but we went past Pulau Mengalum (Mengalum Island). So, I would say maybe a few miles away from that island. Pulau Mengalum is on the northwest of Kota Kinabalu.<br />
<br />
KKTCom: How many days is the fishing trip?<br />
<br />
Lib: We spent 3 days and 2 nights enjoying our fishing adventure.<br />
<br />
KKTCom: Where do you hire your boat?<br />
<br />
Lib: We have a friend who has a boat. He charges between RM2,800.00 to RM4,000.00 depending on the size of the boat and number of days of the trip.<br />
<br />
KKTCom: When is the best time of the year to go for fishing?<br />
<br />
Lib: It is usually between May - July when the sea is calm and less rainy. But it is difficult to say now because the weather is becoming very unpredictable. So I advise it is best to check the weather forecast first.<br />
<br />
KKTCom: Can you recommend the best fishing spot in Sabah?<br />
<br />
Lib: I am planning to go fishing at Pulau Layang-Layang with my friends. I heard there's an abundant of fish in that part of the sea. Other places I've heard are Pulau Mantanani near Kota Belud, and Pulau Tiga (the Survivors Island). There are also other many good fishing spots in Sabah but are less known.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mxu-C5S1qnE/T4kROvsR3hI/AAAAAAAAAEc/-bu9Lls7h8Q/s1600/red+garouper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Mxu-C5S1qnE/T4kROvsR3hI/AAAAAAAAAEc/-bu9Lls7h8Q/s320/red+garouper.jpg" width="215" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another big catch - a Red Snapper</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
KKTCom: Can you share with us some of your best fishing experiences?<br />
<br />
Lib: In one of my deep sea fishing trips, I used a small live Baraccuda fish as a bait. We were fishing at night and to my surprise I caught one big Garouper weighing 13kg (shown in the video in this posting). It was very exciting and I had to struggle for more than 10 minutes to pull a fish of that size out of the sea. It was awesome and a very fulfilling experience.<br />
<br />
<span id="goog_2037193597"></span><span id="goog_2037193598"></span><br />
KKTCom: Did you ever participated in any of the local fishing tournaments?<br />
<br />
Lib: Oh yes! many from kampung (country) to state level, I have done that. The biggest win I and my angler friends have achieved so far was our participation in the Sabah International Fishing Tournament, which was held in 2010. We were placed third and we received RM5,000.00 cash reward. <span id="goog_2037193599"></span><span id="goog_2037193600"></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-41849472607222804382012-04-13T07:01:00.003-07:002012-04-13T18:13:31.393-07:00The King's Enthronement<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/files/2012/04/malaysia-14th-king.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/files/2012/04/malaysia-14th-king.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malaysia's New King Installation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Last Wednesday, 11 April 2012 was declared a public holiday for Malaysia. On that historical day, the country celebrated the enthronement of its new king. The ceremony was done lavishly, rich in centuries-old royal traditions.<br />
<br />
Sultan Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah who is now 84, was also the King in the 1970s. He is the first King to hold the position twice under the country's rotating monarchy.<br />
<br />
The "Yang di-Pertuan Agong" (meaning "He Who Is Made Lord") a name given based on his rank, is the normal and respectful way to address the king in this country. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The King officially took his oath in a public ceremony in the yellow carpet throne room of the National Palace at the hilltop in Kuala Lumpur.<br />
<br />
The King who studied at Oxford University, is a great fan of jazz, football, polo and golf.<br />
<br />
He was proclaimed as the fourteenth King by Malaysia's Prime Minister and before an audience of other sultans, ministers and foreign dignitaries.<br />
<br />
For the ceremony, the monarch was dressed in black and yellow royal regalia, made of wool and embroidered with gold threads. He was presented with a Koran and then with "Keris Panjang Diraja", the royal long dagger. <br />
<br />
It is known that in the Malay history and among the Malay rulers, these two things signify symbols of power and authority. The King drew out the dagger and kissed it. The country's sultan lineage can be traced back to the 15th century, since Parameswara's settlement in Malacca.<br />
<br />
Government offices in the country must show respect to their king and queen by hanging potraits of them both on the wall where it can be easily seen by the public. The king is also the symbolic head of Islam in the nation, as well as the nominal chief of the military.<br />
<br />
The country has had an elected monarchy since independence from Britain in 1957. In a unique arrangement, the throne rotates every five years among the rulers of the nine Malaysian states still headed by royalty.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-30433683544755183212012-04-08T23:13:00.000-07:002012-04-09T16:20:48.711-07:00Visit Kinabalu National Park, A World Heritage Site<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oY83uBmS7-c/T4K46wh_k_I/AAAAAAAAAD8/A75Pigh4IDc/s1600/mtkinablu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oY83uBmS7-c/T4K46wh_k_I/AAAAAAAAAD8/A75Pigh4IDc/s320/mtkinablu.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mt Kinabalu</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In December 2000, at the World Heritage Conference in Cairn Australia, an announcement was made that Kinabalu Park had been chosen as one of the World Heritage Sites in the natural site category. It is also Malaysia’s very first world heritage site.<br />
<br />
Kinabalu had attained two criteria which warranted for inscription Criteria (ix) and (x): The site has a various biota and substantial endemism. The altitudinal and climatic gradient from tropical forest to alpine conditions blend together with precipitous topography, diverse geology and frequent climate oscillations to give conditions suitable for the growth of the rare varieties of plants.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu27U3_S8W0/T4K57RFxtsI/AAAAAAAAAEE/tNiAimft3fU/s1600/valley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Pu27U3_S8W0/T4K57RFxtsI/AAAAAAAAAEE/tNiAimft3fU/s1600/valley.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful Valley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Park features high biodiversity with representatives from more than half the families of all flowering plants. The majority of Borneo’s animals, birds, amphibians and invertebrates, many endangered and vulnerable, can be found in the dense forest of the Park.<br />
<br />
Mt Kinabalu at 4095m is the highest mountain in South-East Asia and is located in the Kinabalu National Park in the province of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. Countless numbers of tourists visit Kinabalu National Park each year and most come here determined to conquer Mt Kinabalu.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1Q9sDoOjSg/T4K6P84g2CI/AAAAAAAAAEM/TQZp4JcO__U/s1600/climbathon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-E1Q9sDoOjSg/T4K6P84g2CI/AAAAAAAAAEM/TQZp4JcO__U/s1600/climbathon.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Results of Climbathon 2011</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Climbathon, an international sport event which has attracted participants from all over the world, is being held here every two years.<br />
<br />
There is good news for the not so confident climbers! Mt Kinabalu is one of the least difficult peaks in the world to overcome. It requires just two days and climbers don't need any previous experience at mountain climbing. At sunrise, the views from Mt Kinabalu's summit at Low's Peak are spectacular, a sweet reward for all of the hard work. <br />
<br />
Frequently, climbers take two days to climb up and descend Mt Kinabalu. The eight-kilometre climb starts from the Timpohon Gate near park headquarters at 1800m, with an over night stay at one of the visitor houses at Laban Rata which is at 3273m high. Early next morning, climbers will proceed to the summit which takes about 2- 3 hours to arrive. If the weather is fine, Mt Kinabalu's summit will be reached in time to view the sunrise, before going back to Laban Rata for morning meal. Climbers then descend the mountain, generally reaching the park headquarters by late-afternoon.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKPJ-JG4z6k/T4K621FAwjI/AAAAAAAAAEU/jDJ8_Ce8e-w/s1600/pondoktimpohon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vKPJ-JG4z6k/T4K621FAwjI/AAAAAAAAAEU/jDJ8_Ce8e-w/s1600/pondoktimpohon.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Timpohon Gate, the Starting Point of Mt Climbing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Anyone with a fair level of fitness and the determination to persevere through fatigue and discomfort can climb to the peak of Mt Kinabalu. It is achievable and extremely fulfilling.<br />
<br />
All pictures have copyrights.<br />
<a href="http://www.kotakinabalutourism.com/" target="_blank">Copyright@2012 Kota Kinabalu Tourism.Com. All Rights Reserved. </a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-88507660726293206032012-04-05T00:13:00.000-07:002012-04-06T10:59:47.872-07:00Kipandi Butterly Park, A Great Place For the Nature Lovers<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHKa77Y4ffo/T31Y42FCfrI/AAAAAAAAADI/Ny6C2keI8Pg/s1600/welcome.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHKa77Y4ffo/T31Y42FCfrI/AAAAAAAAADI/Ny6C2keI8Pg/s320/welcome.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kipandi Butterfly Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Kipandi Butterfly Park is located in the Crocker Range which is a complex of high altitude hills, up to 1500m, extending southward from this summit. These hills are mostly covered with primary forest in which at least 8000 species of plants including 2500 species of trees have been recorded and this area is one of the most important sanctuary for the biodiversity in the world. The entomological fauna of this area is one of the richest in the world.<br />
<br />
Kipandi Butterfly Park is situated in Moyog, in the district of Penampang and lies at 700 meter altitude in the heart of the Crocker Range. It is a very beautiful place, great for relaxing and enjoying the cool mountain air. It is also a favourite place for photographers who enjoy taking nature photographs especially gorgeous butterflies and exotic flowering plants. The park is surrounded with forest and taking a walk in it will bring you back to a lost paradise with the song of cicadas and birds and fluttering butterflies sipping the nectar of rare flowers. Many butterflies come into the garden to suck nectar from the many flower shrubs. Over 100 species have been recorded and they can be easily photographed inside the enclosure.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh-HzbaCA0o/T31ZQ_3bK7I/AAAAAAAAADQ/jXVMTY3-lyo/s1600/butterfly.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kh-HzbaCA0o/T31ZQ_3bK7I/AAAAAAAAADQ/jXVMTY3-lyo/s1600/butterfly.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Rare Butterfly</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Some of the rarest species of butterflies that can be seen at the park are the Rajah Brooks' and Golden Birdwings. The breeding of these species is carried out through a joint venture project with Sabah's Wildlife Department. This joint work aims to repopulate the forest with the threatened species and since its inception, have several times released hundreds of birdwings butterflies into the wild.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYCSysWCKNI/T31ZxQ9SjAI/AAAAAAAAADY/RuZ1v1jEqls/s1600/insect+museum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mYCSysWCKNI/T31ZxQ9SjAI/AAAAAAAAADY/RuZ1v1jEqls/s1600/insect+museum.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Insect Museum in Sabah</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You will also be able to visit the very first Insect Museum of Sabah at the Park. There, you will see a great diversity of butterflies in various shapes and colours. The museum has over 500 butterflies and over 3000 beetles. It also showcases some very rare endemic species recently discovered by scientists.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcdRgWQqTm4/T31aHIfRObI/AAAAAAAAADg/_u3I2jE_Fs4/s1600/enclosure.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NcdRgWQqTm4/T31aHIfRObI/AAAAAAAAADg/_u3I2jE_Fs4/s1600/enclosure.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Butterfly Enclosure</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Special enclosures have been constructed to house some of the rare and endangered orchids and pitcher plants in Sabah.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HJc1XLb9k5s/T31aUkLQGII/AAAAAAAAADo/DebpFRJC-ok/s1600/native+orchids.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HJc1XLb9k5s/T31aUkLQGII/AAAAAAAAADo/DebpFRJC-ok/s1600/native+orchids.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Native Orchids</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
These botanical collections allow specialists to study the more than 500 species of native orchids, which are known to be extremely rare and therefore, difficult to find in the forest. <br />
<br />
All pictures have copyrights.<br />
<a href="http://www.kotakinabalutourism.com/" target="_blank">Copyright@2012 Kota Kinabalu Tourism.Com.</a><br />
<span class="status">CR8CUH4J2J3T </span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-57758349336506327692012-03-26T04:50:00.000-07:002012-03-26T04:53:52.212-07:00Sabah More Than 50percent Forested<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNU7b1FNK9A/T3BWV6mTKeI/AAAAAAAAACw/poDKenhm8vg/s1600/kk%2Bwetlands.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kNU7b1FNK9A/T3BWV6mTKeI/AAAAAAAAACw/poDKenhm8vg/s320/kk%2Bwetlands.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/12327_434318899697_406630479697_5584350_5466778_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/12327_434318899697_406630479697_5584350_5466778_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=434318899697&set=a.10150102805659698.326357.406630479697&type=3&theater" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Sabah Rhino Via Save the Sabah Rhino</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Source - http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=80868</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-8166083785831008832012-03-19T23:53:00.002-07:002012-03-25T06:28:42.264-07:00Celebration of Catholic Mass at Mount Kinabalu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lwhj4GpCHaI/T2gpOPRjbDI/AAAAAAAAACU/2FaEny9PU9k/s1600/mt+kinabalu3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Lwhj4GpCHaI/T2gpOPRjbDI/AAAAAAAAACU/2FaEny9PU9k/s320/mt+kinabalu3.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
The summit of <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=6.08333333333,116.55&spn=0.1,0.1&q=6.08333333333,116.55%20%28Mount%20Kinabalu%29&t=h" rel="geolocation" title="Mount Kinabalu">Mt. Kinabalu</a> 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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
'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.'<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Joining the group recently was Rev Fr Mathius Augustine of Bundu Tuhan.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
Mountains played an important part in the history of Christianity.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
<br />
Source: Daily Express, Special Report, Sunday, March 11,2012<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=c7e0ec0b-357d-4ea0-9d84-454cdfaa256f" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8424954715605892008.post-41742796137659788812012-03-19T03:42:00.002-07:002012-04-06T10:45:55.967-07:00Brunei's Sultan Visited Sandakan Festival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.sabah.gov.my/cm/gallery/pix/2012/mar/sultan-brunei-rdc/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://www.sabah.gov.my/cm/gallery/pix/2012/mar/sultan-brunei-rdc/02.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah was in <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandakan" rel="wikipedia" title="Sandakan">Sandakan</a> 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.<br />
<br />
The Governor state of Sabah, Tun Juhar Mahiruddin, <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Chief_Ministers_of_Sabah" rel="wikipedia" title="List of Chief Ministers of Sabah">Chief Minister of Sabah</a>, Datuk Seri Musa Aman and several state ministers were at the airport to welcome the Sultan of Brunei.<br />
<br />
Musa described the visit by <a class="zem_slink" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Sultans_of_Brunei" rel="wikipedia" title="List of Sultans of Brunei">Sultan of Brunei Darussalam</a> as a historic moment.<br />
<br />
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.<br />
<br />
The Sandakan Festival was launched in 2000 with its main goal to push the economic growth for Sandakan district and Sabah, in general.<br />
<br />
"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.<br />
<br />
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.</div>
<br />
Source- http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=80867<br />
<div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;">
<a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_e.png?x-id=3cf2a4d9-9701-4651-a298-c1d30467207f" style="border: medium none; float: right;" /></a></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00204546765378865613noreply@blogger.com0