SABAH

PACKAGE

ISLAND EXCURSION

( 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS)

The five island and Marine Park are known for their shallow waters, beautiful coral gardens and surrounded by splendid white sandy beaches. Among the sandy seabed, a good variety of tropical marine life can be found here such as scorpion fish, blue spotted rays, cuttlefish, mantis shrimps and the occasional green or hawksbill turtles. Non-diving visitors can have as much fun at the island with other optional activities such as snorkeling, sea-walking, parasailing, and so forth. 

- RM 1570

KINABALU PARK & PORING HOT SPRING

( 3 DAYS 4 NIGHTS)

Malaysia’s First World Heritage Site is dominated by Mount Kinabalu (4,095m). Being the highest mountain in Borneo, it has a wide range of habitats, from rich tropical rainforest carpeted throughout the hills and lowlands, to sub-alpine forest and scrub on the higher elevations. A visit to Kinabalu Park will never be complete without a short trip to Poring. Visitors to Poring shall be able to enjoy the natural sulphur hot spring after an easy hike to the hill and enjoy the majestic valley view on the top of the Canopy Walkway hug amongst tall trees in the park. Note :

• Bring extra change of clothing’s
• Bring towel
• Bring insect repellant
• Bring windbreaker
• Bring raincoat or ponco & wear comfortable and suitable walking shoes

- RM 1080

THE PEOPLE OF SABAH

THE KADAZANDUSUN

• This is the largest ethnic category in Sabah and is predominantly wet rice and hill rice cultivators. Their language belongs to the Dusunic family and shares a common animistic belief system with various customs and practices. Their ancient beliefs on the verity that everything has life - the rocks, trees, and rivers are all living things. They have souls and spirits that must be appeased from time to time through specific rituals. In these modern times, some of the rituals are less performed except during certain festivities.

THE BAJAU

• The Kota Belud Bajau Horseman are the famous Cowboys of the East. During special occasions, the Bajau Horseman wears a black, sometimes white, long-sleeved shirt called badu sampit . Smart, gold buttons betawi run down the front opening and the shirt is also decorated with silver flowers called intiras . The trousers are more tight-fitting than the bajau bridegroom'sseluar sama . The horseman's seluar sampit is balck, and both the shirt and trousers have gold lace trimmings sewn on. He also wears a headpiece podong similar to the Bajau bridegroom's.

THE MURUT

• Being one of the largest indigenous groups in Sabah, Murut comprise of subgroups such as Baukan, Gana', Kalabakan, Okolod, Paluan, Sulangai, Serudung, Tagal, Timugon and the Beaufort and Keningau Murut. Literally "Murut" means "hill people". They inhibit the interior and southeastern parts of Sabah and the territory straddling the Kalimantan and Sarawak borders. They are mostly shifting cultivators and hunters with some riverine fishing. Those of Murut origin speak 15 languages and 21 dialects. The language commonly used and understood by the large majority is Tanggal. Their language is also related to the Kadazandusun languages. 
  
  

  Once feared as fearless headhunters and longhouse dwellers, the Murut these days have abandoned much of their age-old traditions especially headhunting. They are also very skilled in hunting with blowpipe.

THE RUNGUS

• The Rungus living in the Kudat district are known to have maintained their ancient traditions to this day. Even the traditional ladies costume has not many changes made to it. Some of the women still wear costumes made from cloth processed form hand-grown and hand-spun cotton. The design of the Rungus costume is simple. A black cloth with little hand-stitched patterns worn from the chest to the waist becomes the blouse ( banat tondu ) and the skirt is a knee-length sarong (tapi rinugading) of the same material. Another length of black cloth, about 28-30 cms. Wide is slipped over the head and it rests on the shoulders draped over the arms like sleeves.

FESTIVAL

PESTA KAAMATAN

• Most native Sabahans consider rice to be more important than just the main staple food. There is a certain sacredness attached to it, for it is a food given to them by Kinoingan, the Almighty Creator so that his people should never want for food. He sacrificed His only daughter- Huminodun and from her body parts, padi (rice) grew. This was Kinoingan's ultimate act of benevolence and to this day, His people repay the deed by conducting various ceremonies to honour Bambaazon, the spirit of Huminodun as embodied in rice. The most well-known of these is Pesta Kaamatan or Harvest Festival which begins on the first of May and celebrated throughout Sabah. Of major importance to this thanksgiving ceremony is the Magavau - a ritual to invite Bambaazon to the Pesta and is conducted only by the Bobohizan or high priestess. Festivities cannot proceed without the presence of Bambaazon and it is through Magavau that the Rice Spirit is invoked.

REGATTA LEPA SEMPORNA

• The Sabah East Coast Bajau community has a unique lifestyle. In their dialect, lepa means "boat". The lepa is usually made of Ubar Suluk or Red Seraya wood. The lepa is a cultural legacy inherited by the people from many generations ago. The existence of lepa is believed to originate from the fishing community who live in Bum Bum Island and used by the Pa'alau people along the coast of Semporna. The Regatta Lepa has been celebrated every year since 1994 to commemorate the Bajau tradition of building these splendid boats. Semporna comes to life as the colourful sails take to the sea to compete for the prize of the most beautiful lepa. This is judged based on its decoration, local ethnic music and dances performed on board, sambulayang (sails) and tapis-tapis (small flags). Other attractions include sea sports such as rowboat, sailing and kelleh-kelleh (small dugout boat) competitions, lepa tug of war, children swimming and duck catching competition. A colorful cultural night performance put on by this community is certainly not to be missed.

PESTA RUMBIA

• Kuala Penyu, approximately 2 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu city celebrates this special event every year. Rumbia or sago comes from the family of palmae. It is mostly found in Kuala Penyu and the surrounding districts of Beaufort and Papar. The starch or sago that is rich in carbohydrate is an alternative staple food for the Bisayas and Kadazan (Dusun Tatana) people and is locally known as "ambuyut". No part of the sago palm is discarded. The locals use the leaves as roofing materials and the branches (known locally as kumbar) for making their house's walls. Floor mats and baskets are just some examples of things made entirely from the plant. A rumbia information center is located at Kampung Kasugira in Kuala Penyu and it also provides displays of sago and its uses, handicrafts as well as demonstrations of sago delicacies.

PESTA JAGUNG

• The Pesta Jagung or maize fesival is held in the district of Kota Marudu, about 130 km or two hours drive from Kota Kinabalu. Just like other agriculture-based celebrations, this fest promises to be another exciting event that should not be missed by any visitor to Sabah. Maize or jagung is one of the many agricultural products in the state that has provided an important economic contribution to the lives of mainly the Kadazandusun communities in Kota Marudu. This event serves to highlight the significance of this plant to the people. Of course there will be plenty of fun too with jagung cooking and planting competitions, cultural shows and the Jagung Fashion Queen.

TAMU BESAR KOTA BELUD

• Kota Belud situated 70 km northeast of Kota Kinabalu is about an hour drive by car. Known as the "Land of the Cowboys of the East", it is one of Sabah's most scenic and culturally rich districts. A melting pot of cultures and customs with a blend of the largely Muslim Bajau community and the many tribes of the Kadazandusun and the Irranun, Kota Belud has played a significant role as the cultural hub of northern Borneo for many centuries. To this day, the Kota Belud tamu (Sunday open market) has continued to maintain its role as a venue for the people of the various communities to meet and trade. The best time to view Kota Belud's striking cultural potpourri is during the grand Tamu Besar. It is Sabah's biggest open-air market where farmers, fishermen and vendors offer their best produce and wares for sale to the public. The grand Tamu Besar is an annual event.

EVENT

BFOS 2012-THE 1ST BORNEO 4WD AND OUTDOOR SHOW

• If you live in KK or will be in KK in a week’s time, do check out this great event coming up on 26th October 2012. The FIRST Borneo & Outdoor Show or BFOS 2012is designed as one-stop event for outdoor enthusiasts to find all the products, information, advice and entertainment they need to get equipped for their next off-road adventure. BFOS 2012 is probably one of the first ever of its kind in Borneo, taking into account that Malaysian Borneo is BLESSED with pristine rainforests and tropical islands which provide a fantastic nature playground for outdoor enthusiast. It is an event that should not be missed. Those interested to go to BFOS 2012 can check out more information at their website: www.borneo4wdshow.com . The event is organized by Sabah Four Wheel Drive Association (SFWDA) and will be held in conjunction with the spirit of Borneo Safari’s 22nd International Challenge to be flagged at the BFOS 2012 showground at Alamesra, adjacent to the 1Borneo Hyper Mall.So, don’t miss the fun and exciting event of the year. ENTRANCE IS FREE, so bring along your family and have a great weekend.

BLU INC BUMPER REWARDS 2012 ROADSHOW AT 1BORNEO

• Blu Inc Bumper Rewards 2012 Roadshow event is back in Sabah again. It is being held at the Centre Atrium, 1Borneo Hypermall, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, since yesterday until tomorrow (12-14 October 2012). Among the main events are the lucky draws (marvellous gifts ranging from RM200 – RM500 worth of gifts) sponsored by big shots such as Mary Kay, Kanebo, Hilly, Bags Bar, Marie France Bodyline, etc.

PLACE OF INTEREST

SABAH UPSIDE DOWN HOUSE TAMPARULI KK

• The Upside Down House Of Borneo or “Rumah Terbalik Borneo” is probably the latest tourist attaraction in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. It started operation on 1st February 2012 and officially opened on 10th March 2012 by Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun. The house which is literally upside down is said to be the first in South East Asia and has been officially included in the Malaysia Guinness Book of Records. Tickets for a Malaysian or My-Card holder is RM10, and RM18 for non-MyKad holders. Kids below 3 are entitled for free admission to the house.

GAYA STREET KOTA KINABALU

                                    

• The famous Gaya Street of Kota Kinabalu is one of the main streets in Sabah. It has the largest number of shop lots, legal offices, banks, eateries and financial institutions than any other streets in Sabah. It also hosted the ever popularGaya Street Fair every Sunday morning. A very busy street and the chances of getting a parking space here after 8am is very, very slim. Check out some of the kopitiams (coffee house) over there. They really serve nice coffee and great breakfast. Quite a number of budget hotels and backpacker lodges are located along Gaya Street for you to choose if you are travelling on a low budget.

LOK KAWI WILDLIFE PARK             

                                      

• Lok Kawi Wild Life Park is officially open to public on 17th February 2007. The wildlife park is located about 25km (about 15 – 25 minutes drives) from Kota Kinabalu on a 280 acres of forested land. It is easily accessible by either the Old Penampang-Papar Road via Donggongon or the Putatan-Papar Road. You can drive there on your own or take a tour bus or taxis and you will be guided to view the exhibits in the park by the staff.LOK KAWI WILDLIFE PARK.

FOOD

CHICKEN WING

Chicken wing has become one of the icon food at KK these few years. It all started by a little chicken wing stall at Beverly Hills.

Ngiu chap is a noodle dish made of beef slices and innards which have been slow-cooked with various Chinese herbs and spices. This tender, juicy and flavourful dish is served with either rice vermicelli, yellow noodles or flat noodles.  - See more at: http://www.asiarooms.com/en/community/guest-articles/sabah-top-10-food/#sthash.fqfCSpYZ.dpuf

Ngiu chap is a noodle dish made of beef slices and innards which have been slow-cooked with various Chinese herbs and spices. This tender, juicy and flavourful dish is served with either rice vermicelli, yellow noodles or flat noodles.  - See more at: http://www.asiarooms.com/en/community/guest-articles/sabah-top-10-food/#sthash.fqfCSpYZ.dpuf

COCONUT PUDDING

Coconut pudding is another specialty of Sabah. The pudding is served in a unique way: it is served in a coconut shell with the flesh of the coconut. The dish is delectable and since coconut has a cooling effect on the body, it will help cool your body in the heat during the day.

Ngiu chap is a noodle dish made of beef slices and innards which have been slow-cooked with various Chinese herbs and spices. This tender, juicy and flavourful dish is served with either rice vermicelli, yellow noodles or flat noodles.  - See more at: http://www.asiarooms.com/en/community/guest-articles/sabah-top-10-food/#sthash.fqfCSpYZ.dp

                                                                                   

IKAN PANGGANG

The dish is made of grilled stingray and cooked on a banana leaf. It is truly amazing and it is served with sambal and fresh lime juice.

DAMAI ROTI KAWEN

This dish was initially made at a kopitiam (coffee shop) called Foo Yuen. The bread melts as it goes into your mouth. The locals often have this with Teh Tehrik which is hot tea made from black tea leaves, evaporated milk and condensed milk.

 SEAFOOD

Lat zi hai (crab prepared in hot & spicy sauce), rich and crispy butter prawns, kam heong la la (stir-fried fragrant clams) and crunchy sayur manis (local ferns, or as locally known, "Sabah vegetable") cooked with belacan (prawn paste).