Me & My Malaysia

Discover The Wonders of Sabah, Borneo

2010-06-23T10:13:00.000+08:00

PLACES OF INTEREST

KOTA KINABALU CITY - the international gateway to Sabah

TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN MARINE PARK - Malaysia's premier marine park comprises of five island - Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Sulung.

MONSOPIAD CULTURAL VILLAGE -the house of skulls and legend of head hunter.
KINABALU PARK -Mt.Kinabalu World Heritage Site.

PORING HOT SPRINGS -hot springs, rainforest canopy walk.

SABAH TEA -Visit to Sabah's only tea plantation of organic tea

KLIAS WETLANDS -mangrove wetlands, fire flies and proboscis monkeys.

TIGA ISLAND -island where CBS series "Survivor" was filmed.

PADAS WATER RAFTING -adventure river rafting.

LABUAN ISLAND -the international garden of Borneo.

KOTA BELUD TAMU -traditional Bajau natives sunday market.

KUDAT RUNGUS VILLAGE -visit traditional rungus cultural long houses.

TENOM -the centre of Murut culture and Sabah Agriculture Park

BATU PUNGGUL -jungle trekking and hiking destination.

CROCKER RANGE PARK -Rafflesia research centre and jungle trekking.

NORTH BORNEO RAILWAY -take a journey back in time through steam train.

SANDAKAN -the gateway to Borneo's wildlife.

SEPILOK ORANG UTAN SANCTUARY -world famous conservation centre.

SUKAU -lower Kinabatangan wetlands, proboscis monkey and wildlife.

TURTLE ISLANDS MARINE PARK -turtle conservation area which comprises of three islands,; Selingaan, Bakkungan Kecil and Gulisan.

GOMANTONG CAVES -limestone cave, bird nest collection, culture.

LANGKAYAN ISLAND -a fabulous diving resort of Beluran.

DANUM VALLEY -Rainforest conservation centre.

TABIN WILDLIFE RESERVE -Borneo's richest wildlife concentration.

SIPADAN ISLAND -world famous diving destination.

MALIAU BASIN - Sabah's Lost World.

LAYANG-LAYANG ISLAND -world famous diving destination.

Sabah The Land Below The Wind

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The Kinabalu Park
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Introduction:
Mount Kinabalu, the majestic summit of Borneo is the focal point of the Park and the whole of Sabah. Such is the importance of this mountain that the state capital Jesselton was renamed Kota Kinabalu in 1964. The highest mountain between the Himalayas and the Snow Mountains of Popua Barat (New Guinea Island) this magnificent granite massif stands at 4,095.2m (13,435ft) tall.

Kinabalu Park is Malaysia's first World Heritage designated by UNESCO in December 2000 for its 'outstanding universal values' and role as one of the world' most important biological sites.

The Kinabalu Park and the Kundasang War Memorial situated just on the fringe of the Park were both established in 1962 as commemorative symbols for the 2,428 Australian and British prisoners of war who suffered and died at Sandakan and the 3 forced death marches from Sandakan to Ranau, and the local people who risked their lives to help the prisoners. It was the inspiration of Major G.S. Carter D.S.O (Toby Carter) a New Zealander employed with Shell Oil Co. (Borneo) and enlisted with the Royal Australian Engineers and parachuted into Borneo in 1945.

The Kinabalu Park covers a staggering area of 754 sq.km (300 sq.mile), from the Park Headquarters area all the way to Poring Hot Springs 40 Km (25 miles) away and northwards to Mandalon, almost reaching the Kudat Highway. It is bigger than Singapore island! Established as a state park in 1964, this botanical paradise is blessed with an astonishing variety of flora and fauna that ranges over 4 climate zones, from the rich lowland dipterocarp forest through the montane oak, rhododendron ; the coniferous forests, to the alpine meadow plants ... and to the stunted bushes of the summit zone. Kinabalu Park has probably one of the richest flora collections in the world.

Highways and sealed roads have made the Park easily accessible. It's an easy two (2) hour scenic drive from Kota Kinabalu and is a popular gateway from the hustle and bustle of the city where visitors can enjoy the cool invigorating air. in 2004, more than 415,360 visited the Park is the mountain, about 80% of visitors don't climb all the way to the peak but come simply to enjoy the serenity of this place ...

Kinabalu Park Headquarters is situated on the southern boundary, at an elevation of 1,563m (5,000 ft). Most of the Park's facilities are located here including visitors' accommodations, restaurants, exhibit centres, Park offices where overnight visitors and climbers must register.

A minimal entrance fee is imposed at the entrance of the Kinabalu Park.

(Taken from : Sabah Tourism Board ; http://www.sabahtourism.com/)

My Friends and I, Cuti-Cuti Malaysia At Kinabalu Park, Sabah, Malaysia.

Trails To The Top

Climbing Mt Kinabalu can be done in 2 days but a more comfortable climb in 3-days is recommended to acclimatise to the altitude and fully enjoy the rich biologocal diversity - the not require special skills to do the climb, you must at least have the basic fitness level. Park regulations require climbers have to engage the services of the registered mountain guide. The numbers of guides depend on the number of climbers. Porter services are available and recommended. Book and pay for your mountain guide and porter at the Kinabalu Park.

Two (2) trails lead to the top, the Summit Trail and Mesilau Route. The 2 trails meet at Layang-Layang at 2,740m (or Km 4 from Timpohon Gate).

The Summit Trail is the well trodden main route taken by most climbers, since the beginning. Starting from the Park Headquartes, it used to be that climbers walk the 4 Km up to the Timpohon Gate at 1,866.4 m where the Summit Trail starts. Today most climbers opt to take the shuttle transport. Interestingly, the climb actually begins with the descent to Carson's Falls, named after the first Park Warden of Kinabalu Park. From here onward, depending on your fitness level, it is about 4 to 5 -hour for the day.

The trail winds up a steep staircase of gnarled tree-roots to a mossy world of drifting clouds and orchid-draped trees, where pitcher plants and rhododendrons abound. There are several Pondok (or Shelters). The first is Pondok Kandis at 1,981.7 m where on a clear day, a view of the road that links Kota Kinabalu to the Park can be seen.

The Second shelter is Pondok Ubah at 2,081 m, the area where one of Borneo's most unusual pitcher plants grows - the Nepenthes lowii, so do look out for these oddly-shaped plants with pitcher containers. The mossy forest continues on past the Sabah Telecoms Station at Komborongoh (2,252.2m). Interestingly, 'Komborongoh' is a plant that the Kadazandusuns use ti ward off evil spirits and used in traditional ceremonies and rituals.

The third shelter is Pondok Lowii. The trail continues up to the mossy forest of mixed bamboos and tree ferns. More rhododendrons are seen. At 2,515 m (8,251) is the fourth shelter, Pondok Mempening is reached with wild begonias growing nearby. Stops at these shelters give one time to observe the squirrels, tree shrews and birds that seem so unafraid of the climbers. You will also see the Layang-Layang TV station. Soon you will emerge to an open exposed ridge at Layang-Layang (previously known as Carson's Camp), at 2,702 m (8,865ft) this is where the Summit Trail meets with the Mesilau Trail.

At this point a band of ultramafic soil, distinguished by its orange-cinnamon colour, crosses the trail and the vegetation changes dramatically. The forest becomes shorter and much more open and is dominated by the second species Leptospermum that grows on Kinabalu, L.recurvum, with its tiny grey leaves and Dacrydium gibbsiae, a very beautiful conifer, both found only with the Kinabalu Park. This is also the zone of the insect-eating pitcher plants for which Kinabalu is famous. Of the 30 species of pitcher plant recorded from Borneo, around 10 grow on the mountain and at least 3 species are found nowhere else in the world. These include the spectacular Nepenthes rajah, the largest pitcher plant in the world and the beautiful N.villosa. These plants are delicate and easily damaged by trampling feet. Please look carefully where you tread.

Pondok Villosa, the fifth shelter, at 2,690m (8,825ft) is situated at the top of an open rocky patch and soon the forest becomes even more stunted. Here are found the scurfy orange young leaves of the endemic Haviland's oak add a touch of colour. Superb view can be seen of Mt Kinabalu endemics. Schima brevifolia ( a relative of the tea plant) with its young purple leaves and beautiful large camellia-like flowers is common from here.

At the top of this open area at 3,050m (10,000ft), a small track leads off to a helipad on the right and it is worth making this 5-minute side trip for the dramatic view of the towering peaks from the helipad on a clear day.

After the helipad junction, the ultramafic soil ends and the forest are again the taller trees covered with mosses and orchids cover the ground in between granite boulders. At this elevation, about 60% of the ground cover is orchids. Within a few minutes you arrive at the sixth shelter, Pondok Paka at 3,080m (10,105ft), named after Paka Cave nearby, made famous because it is here that the very first summit expedition led by Sir Hugh Low sheltered, rested overnight before climbing to the summit on the morning of 11th March 1851. The Paka Cave, on the edge of a small stream is nothing more than a large overhanging rock.

The thinning air makes it harder to breathe. Finally, the various accommodations for overnight stop is reached, at Waras Hut, Laban Rata, Panar Laban or Gunting Lagadan Hut. The most comfortable is Laban Rata which equipped with running water, electricity, a restaurant, indoor showers and toilets.

Panar Labn 'the place of sacrifice' was where Sir Hugh Low and his local guides performed a ritual sacrifice to appease the ancestral souls for their 'disturbance' to the spirit world and to seek safe passage. This same sacrifice is still performed each year and when there is a major expedition or event on the mountain.

The Climb To The Peak

After a night's rest, most climbers leave at about 3.ooam for the 3-hour trek (pending on fitness level) to the summit and to catch a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting. In the dark, you can see the beams of torch lights as the procession of climbers trudge higher and higer. There are ladders, hand railings and ropes to help you over the steeper slopes.

An hour from Panar Laban, you'll see the Sayat-Sayat Hut (3,668m), this is the highest shelter on the mountain for the Park use only. From here, you will walk across the bare granite slabs that stretch endlessly ahead, in an eerie moonscape of stone. The vegetations are stunted shrubs and tough grasses in the crevices.

By about 6.00am, you reach your final destination; the highest point on Mt Kinabalu, the summit of Borneo at 4,095.2m is Low's Peak! As you wait in the cold, dawn gradually creeps over the horizon, illuminating the darkness with the light of a new day. In clear weather, you can almost see all of Sabah spread out below...

(Taken from : Sabah Tourism Board ; http://www.sabahtourism.com/)

Your Next List To Visit

2009-10-17T20:15:00.004+08:00

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National Monument (Tugu Negara)

2009-10-13T20:55:00.001+08:00

Topic: Malaysia National Monument (Tugu Negara Malaysia)

Location: Persiaran Salahuddin road near the Tasik Perdana (Lake Garden) Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur

The Idea: It was mooted by the then Prime Minister of Malaysia (YTM Tunku Abdul Rahman Putra Alhaj), in 1963 to commemorate the Warriors who died defending the sovereignty of the country.

Area: 48,562 square meters

Component: There are five main components,

    1. National Monument
    2. Fountains
    3. Pavilion
    4. A war memorial
    5. Gardens

I was really impressed by all the monument design. It was so classics, well care and at the time I looked straight at the statues, I know how much important to us (me and all the new generation of Malaysia today) to keep in mind that the independents of our beloved country that we celebrate until this ages comes in no easy way. To think about the past, I am so grateful that I lived in this peaceful country.

Hopefully, '1 Malaysia' concepts will carry on the 'hope of peace' to all Malaysian.

My brother and I are so grateful and really enjoyed on our vocation trips visiting places like ' National Monument (Tugu Negara)'.

Now you know a little bit about 'National Monument (Tugu Negara)', so why don't you take your time to visit Malaysia with family or friend?

Galleries

Federal Territory Of Malaysia

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Introduction :
(Flag of Kuala Lumpur)
(Flag of Labuan)
(Flag of Putrajaya)
Useful links :
History Of Kuala Lumpur | Best Places To Visit | Maps | Wiki |
History Of Labuan | Best Places To Visit | Maps | Wiki |
History Of Putrajaya | Best Places To Visit | Maps | Wiki |
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Malaysia - The Land Of Festival

Chinese New Year

A celebration lasting for 15 days beginning from the first day of the Chinese lunar calendar. The Chinese community ushers in the new year with a joyful family reunion dinner, a visit to the temple to seek the blessings of the God of Prosperity and giving 'ang pow' or red packets containing money by parents to their children or among relatives and well wishers.

Hari Raya Haji

Celebrated by the Muslims on the tenth day of the last month of the Muslim calendar, the conclusion of the pilgrimage in Mecca is marked by the Hari Raya Aidil Adha celebrations. Sacrifices of cattle or goats are made by Muslims to commemorate Prophet Abraham's test of faith by God when he was asked to sacrifice his son.

Thaipusam

Thaipusam is celebrated annually, in January or February. This day of penance and thanksgiving for Hindus begins with a grand procession of the magnificent silver chariot bearing the statue of Lord Subramaniam, the God of Prosperity. In an atmosphere electric with drumming and chanting, holy water is sprinkled on the deity's route and thousands of fresh coconuts are smashed, symbolising the washing away of sins. This popular celebration is held at Batu Caves and attended bt tens of thousand of people every year.

Awal Muharram

Maal Hijrah, the first day of the new Islamic calendar year, is celebrated on a moderate scale with gatherings at public halls and mosques where special prayers, sermons and Quranic recitals are held to usher in the Muslim new year.

Prophet Muhammad's Birthday

The birthday (May 2nd) of the Prophet Muhammad or Maulidur Rasul is an important event in the Muslim calendar marked by processions to demonstrate solidarity of believers. Prayers, sermons and religious discussions are held at this time to strengthen the faith and consolidate the spirit of the Muslim community.

Wesak Day

Celebrated around May by Buddhists to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha - all three events having taken place on the same lunar date according to Buddhist reckoning. Buddhist observe a vegetarian diet to cleanse themselves prior to the occasion.

Sabah Kaamatan Festival

Ancient traditions, rites and customs are the order of the day as the indigenous Kadazan-Dusun of Sabah offer thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest (May 1st). The 'Magavau', a cleansing and blessing ritual performed by the Bobohizan or high priestess will keep you spellbound.

Sarawak Gawai Festival

The end of the padi harvesting season (end May or early June) in Sarawak is cause for joyous celebration as the indigenous Ibans and Bodayuhs indulge in much merry-making, traditional dancing and drinking of tuak, a potent rice wine.

Malaysia's National Day

Malaysia's national day is celebrated on 31st of August in a show of patriotism, unity and rejoicing by Malaysians of all races and creeds. A spectacular parade is held in the morning at the Merdeka Square in Kuala Lumpur to mark the occasion. His Majesty, the King and government leaders are joined by a mammoth crowd in witnessing the parade. The 'Jalur Gemilang' (Malaysian flag) is proudly flown at office buildings, private homes and on vehicles. Stage shows, competitions and exhibitions are held in the various states.

Deepavali

For the Hindus, Deepavali or the Festival of Lights signifies the triumph of good over evil. Celebrated during the 7th month of the Hindu calendar, a traditional oil bath precedes the festivities. The celebration includes visits to temples and prayers at household altars. Hindu homes are adorned with lights or oil lamps to symbolise the victory of Lord Krishna over the demon, Ravana.

Hari Raya Aidilfitri

Hari Raya Aidilfitri marks the end of Ramadhan, the fasting month, and is celebrated by Muslims on the first day of the month of Syawal. Early in the morning, special prayers are held in mosques throughout the country and families visit the graves of departed members to offer prayers. It is also a day fo joyous family reunions and 'open houses' for friends. His Majesty, the King of Malaysia, and Muslim government leaders also hold 'open houses' for the public at their official residences.

Christmas

There is much joy and gaiety as Christians celebrate the birth of Christ with parties, carolling and evening mass. Streets, hotels and shopping complexes are decorated with brilliant lights and ornaments to create a yuletide atmosphere-the Malaysian way. The spirit of giving extends beyond homes and individuals as hotels, shopping complexes and corporate companies hold concerts and shows as well as organise charity drives.

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To Bring You The Beauty of Malaysia Culture.

Visit Malaysia 2009-2010

2009-10-10T15:43:00.001+08:00

Welcome to my Blog.
I am hoping this blog will help those who wanted to visit Malaysia.