Mantanani Resort

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Mantanani is a group of 3 isolated islands (06-42.8N by 116-18.3E) northwest of Kota Belud, or about an hour's drive from the state capital of Kota Kinabalu. Although only approximately an hour's boat ride by speedboat from the mainland, the islands are a reminder of an earlier and simpler place and time. Time slows down here amidst the crystal clear blue waters lapping on white sandy beaches. Tall slender coconut palms, like windsocks, tells of gentle breezes from afar.

Until recently, the islands were only known to a few locals. The surrounding waters offer splendid fishing and scuba diving adventures. Sailfish and marlin are the main quarry of sport fishermen in these waters. Scuba divers come here for the underwater wrecks, which still hold plenty of the secrets from the day they first settled on the sea floor. These wrecks are now home to a menagerie of marine creatures and an unrivaled marine photo studio. For the novice scuba diver, the coral reefs of these islands offer some of the best scuba diving this side of Sabah.

Mantanani Resort lies at the edge of a white sandy bay at the western end of the largest island. Nestled amidst the tall coconut palms, are scattered beach cabins surrounding the main plantation styled house. These large and comfortable cabins come with attached bathrooms and air conditioning. The relaxing atmosphere makes this resort one of the best places to come to relax and get away (even for a little while) from the drumbeat of urban life. Afterall, there's only one resort here in these 3 islands, not the other way around.

More Information: 3 Islands 1 Resort - Mantanani Resort

Proboscis Monkey, Only In Borneo

Source: www.tustrucos.com/

Proboscis Monkey, among the world's most unusual and endangered animals. This kind of monkey is also known as the Monyet Belanda in Indonesian and the Malay dialect (literally: "Dutchman monkey"). In Englihs it is also often referred to as Nasalis Gerardis and the Long-nosed Monkey.

The Nasalis Lavartusis is endemic to the island known best in English a Borneo, occurring in Brunei, Indonesia (Kalimantan) and Malaysia (Sabah and Sarawak). Originally it inhabited the whole of coastal Borneo, as well as the satellite islands of Berhala, Sebatik and Pulau LautThe Proboscis Monkey is endemic to Kalimantan and Borneo's riparian-riverine forests, coastal lowland forest, mangrove swamps, peat swamps and freshwater swamp forest. It rarely ranges far from its local habitat’s waterway.

Proboscis Monkeys are mostly found in the State of Sabah, Malaysia (formerly known as North Borneo). One of the largest group of proboscis monkeys can easily be found along the Klias River. Proboscis Monkeys usually move in group of 8 to 15 numbers. Larger group may consist up to 20 or more (http://www.borneostarcruise.com/proboscis.cfm).

From Wikipedia: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Proboscis_Monkey

Other Source: http://www.proboscismonkey.org/

Nunuk Ragang Legendary

Source: http:http://www.sabahtourism.com/sc/images/calendar/2008/nunuk-ragang.jpg

Nunuk Ragang is a legendary red banyan tree traditionally located at the intersection of the left (Liwagu Kegibangan) and right (Liwagu Kawananan) branches of the Liwagu River to the east of Ranau and Tambunan in Sabah. The word "Nunuk" is a Dusun word for the Banyan tree, and "Ragang" comes from "aragang", the Dusun word for red. It was under this giant banyan tree that the village of Nunuk Ragang was founded and flourished. Tradition places this village as the original settlement grounds of the Dusun people who inhabit most of central Borneo.
In 2004, the quasi-government group Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) set up a memorial near Tampias at the site of what they believe is the original village. The memorial, which was built in the form of a huge fig tree, contrasts with the surrounding modern palm oil plantations. The association conducts annual pilgrimages to the site, timed to coincide with the inauguration of its paramount chief, the Huguon Siou - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Unduk Ngadau of Kaamatan Beauty Queen

Unduk Ngadau 2007

Source: http://picasaweb.google.com/

"Unduk Ngadau" owes its origin from that part of Kadazandusun genesis story, which pertains to sacrifice of "Huminodun" – Kinoingan’s only begotten daughter. The legend went on to relate the following:

A long, long time age, the staple food of Kinoingan and his people was a type of grrain called "Huvong". One day, there was no huvong left to plant, nor other grains left for food. Kinoingan was so worried and felt very sorry for his people sufferings. It was said that Kinoingan sacrificed Huminodun, the only child to Kinoingan and Suminundu. She was the most beautiful maiden in her time, truly anyone who gaze at her lovely countenance would be transfixed and fall in love with her. She was also kind hearted and blessed with wisdom beyond her years.

Huminodun was willing to be a sacrifice and be an offering to the great earth so that there will be seeds once agaon for planting and there will be food for the people. Kinoingan was deeply saddened, but seeing that there was nothing else he could do to dissuade her, Kinoingan went ahead and cleared the land for planting. Through his supernatural powers, he was able to clear such a large area over many hills without any difficulty. When the time came for planting, Huminodun was brought to the cleared plot. As she was leaving, one cold hear the pitiful wails of great sadness from Suminundu, her mother. It was not at all easy for Huminodun to leave her mother and likewise her mother letting her only child go. The young men who had fallen in love with Huminodun could not let her go either. Indeed, they too cried and begged her to change her mid. However, there was nothing anyone could do, Huminodun had decided that her father’s people came before her.

When she arrived at the cleared plot, she turned to her father and said: "Father, you will see that my body will give rise to all sorts of edible plants for the people. My flesh will give rise to rice; my head, the coconut; my bones, tapioca; my toes, ginger; my teeth, maize; my knees, yams and others parts of my body to a variety of edible plants. This way never again will our people grow hungry to the point of dying."

"However," Huminodun continued, "Do follow these instructions of mine for it will guarantee us a bountiful harvest. When you have strewn parts of my body all over this clearings, do not come and see me for seven days and seven nights. When the padi has ripened, and it is time for harvest, do not start the harvest without doing this; take seven stalks of rice (padi) and tie them to one end of a spliced bamboo stick and them, plant this stick at the centre of the rice (padi) field. Only after this may you begin your harvesting activities. Later, place this bamboo stick with the seven rice (padi) stalks in the rice (padi) storage container (tangkob) when you bring it home after the harvest. For your first day harvest, do keep them in a big jar (kakanan). And, Father, do not give away your first year’s harvest because the grains may become bad. You can only give away your harvest to others in the second year." (That is why to this day, the Kadazandusun people do not give away their first years harvest.)

Kinoingan agreed to follow all her instructions. So it was that when Kinoingan sacrificed Huminodun, the whole world turned dark and there was awesome thunder and lightning.
That year, the people had never seen such a harvest. It was plentiful. Kinoingan had done as Huminudun instructed He also kept away the first day’s harvest in the kakanan and harvested the first seven stalks of rice from the rice plot. The seven stalks of rice represented Bambaazon, the spirit of the padi or rice.

As for the rice in the jar, the kakanan, on the seventh day a beautiful maiden miraculously stood up out of the big jar. She was referred to as Undul Ngadau, the spirit of Huminodun. It was said that this Unduk Ngadau was the one who instructed the first Bobohizan or Kadazandusun priestess in her prayers.

Therefore 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 Huminodun. It is a sacred title ascribed to Huminodun, to her absolute abedience to Kinoingam, so much so as to be a willing sacrifice for the sake of the father’s creation. "Unduk Ngadau" then is commemorative term in praise of Huminodun’s eternal youth and the total beauty of her heart, mind and body.

The term "Unduk " or "Tunduk" literally menas the shoot of a plant, which, in it most tangible description, signifies youth and progressiveness. Likewise, in its literal meaning, "Ngadau" or "Tadau" means the sun, which connotes the total beauty of the heart, mind and body of an ideal Kadazandusun woman. In essence therefore the "Unduk Ngadau" is a processual event of selecting from among the Kadazandusun beauties, one who would resemble the ascribed personality of "Huminodun".

Source: http://www.e-borneo.com/ (Experience Borneo Electronically)

Sabah Handicraft Exhibition

Images from: http://www.asianz.org.nz/

April is special month for all handicraft maker because April, 2008 is handicraft month. Sabah is known for its various ethnic handicraft, using skills that are passed down from one generation to the next. In this exhibition, get to know the various types of handicraft found in Sabah and the craftspeople behind it. This event is held every Saturday & Sunday for the month of April 2008 - SabahTourism.

Organiser : Monsopiad Cultural Village
Contact Person : Monsopiad Cultural Village
Telephone : +6088 774337, 774336
Fax : +6088 761680
Email Contact : info@monsopiad.com
Event Website : http://www.monsopiad.com/

Sabah Handicrafts: Tekiding, Sinonson (Tree Bark)

Tekiding is a basket made from bamboo, rattan or the selingkawang. The basket has a narrowbase, gradually widening at the top or mouth of the basket. It is supported by a piece of rattan,where its mouth, called simpai and its base is joined and tied using rattan or selingkawang. Tekidingis used for carrying farm produce. It is used by the Kedayan community from the Beaufort and Sipitang districts.Nowadays,it can be a decorative item or to be multipurpose basket.

There are three common trees for making bark materials or making Sinonson. The Yarn are called Tipulu, Tohop and Timbagan.They all have similar leaves to that of "Tarap" which belongs to the genus as "Jackfruit" and "Breadfruit". The "tree bark"costume can be a decorative item or can be your next costume for a fancy dress party.

Kota Kinabalu City - Places of Interest

1. Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village

Built in 1985, the Museum complex is sited where then British North Borneo Governor's Istana was once located. The Museum consists of the Main Building, Science and Education Centre, Heritage Village, Sabah Art Gallery and Museum of Islamic Civilization.
Inside are various Galleries housing Natural History, Ceramics, Ethnography and Archaeology exhibits, among others ...
Ceramics, traditional weapons and costumes reflect the diversity of the State's culture and traces Sabah's early trade links with the neighbouring countries of Southeast Asia and China. The museum also houses musical instruments, tools and ritual paraphernalia.
There is a Heritage Village on the Museum grounds where you can enter and experience different types of traditional houses of the various indigenous groups of Sabah. Cultural activities are held here from time to time.
The Sabah State Museum is located on Jalan Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu, 4 km or about 15 minutes from the KK City Centre. For more information, visit http://www.sabahtourism.com/.

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2. Water World Theme Park

What better way to cool down under the brilliant Sabah sun than to enjoy a day at the Water World Theme Park! Situated at Taman Tun Fuad Stephens, Bukit Padang, the park is a great place to bring the family for a splashing good time. Thrill-seekers will love the Torpedo Speed Slide and Double Loop Slide. There are several swimming pools to cater to adults as well as children.
Enjoy a round of Water Basketball or have a go at the Water Cannons. Other facilities include a cafeteria, an air-conditioned lounge with equipped with Astro, lazy chairs and a souvenir shop. The Park can also help organize special events, such as children's birthday parties, making it a memorable event for your little one. Contact the Park for their Special Packages. Getting there, please visit http://www.sabahtourism.com/.

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3. Menara Tun Mustapha or formely known as Yayasan Sabah

Located 5 kilometres or about 15 minutes away from the KK City Centre. Formerly known as the Sabah Foundation Building, this circular tower of steel and glass stands 30 storeys high in the Likas Bay area and is instantly recognizable as a Sabah icon. It has a central core with steel brackets supporting each floor. When completed in 1977, it was one of the three such buildings in the world based on this design concept.
Inside are housed an auditorium, two mini-theatres, exhibition foyer, a gymnasium, kindergarten and Research library. On the 18th floor is the revolving restaurant Atmosphere where you can enjoy a different dining experience. How to getting there? Look at here http://www.sabahtourism.com/attraction.php?ID=3.

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4. Monsopiad Cultural Village

Nestled besides the Penampang River are the many traditional buildings that make up the Monsopiad Cultural village, a living museum located 16 km or about half an hour away from the KK City Centre. Monsopiad was a fearsome warrior who lived in the village of Kuai nearly 200 years ago.
At the Village, visit the Tangkob or Grainery where the padi is housed.Kotos Di Monsopiad or Monsopiad's Main House is dedicated to the life and times of Monsopiad and his descendants. On display are ceramic jars, padi grinders, bamboo items as well as the costume of Bobohizan Inai Bianti, direct descendant of Monsopiad and very senior high priestess.
Other interesting exhibits include the massive monolith which invokes a dozen legends, the traditional restaurant and of course Siou Do Mohoing, or the House of Skulls, where all 42 ‘trophies' of Monsopiad hang from the rafters. Getting there from KK City centre? Visit at http://www.sabahtourism.com/attraction.php?ID=78.

Award of 'Airline Of The Year 2007' - AirAsia

Revolutionary achievements, outstanding performance and accelerated growth have cemented AirAsia as the leading and largest airline in Asia, and in growing from strength to strength, AirAsia has now proven itself to be worthy of the CAPA Airline of the Year 2007 award this year. Honoured by the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) at the Aviation Outlook Summit, AirAsia took home the most prestigious award last night at the CAPA Aviation Awards for Excellence presentation ceremony.
The Airline of the Year 2007 award is the highest level of recognition and honoured to the airline for its notable achievements in the aviation industry and outstanding strategic contribution over the course of the past year. AirAsia has had the greatest impact on the development of the airline industry in the region, established itself as a leader, and the benchmark for others to follow.
Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia received the award before 300 distinguished members of the aviation community. The Gala Awards Ceremony was held as part of this year’s fourth annual Aviation Outlook Summit, showcasing airline and airport CEOs from around the Asia Pacific and Middle East regions.
AirAsia has previously won several awards from CAPA – AirAsia was a joint winner of the Airline of the Year award in 2003, won the Asia Pacific Low Cost Airline of the Year 2004, followed by the Asia Pacific Aviation Executive of the Year 2005 which was awarded to Tony Fernandes, Group CEO and Founder of AirAsia.
Tony Fernandes, Group CEO of AirAsia, said, “This is our best year yet! Winning the award is a testament to our resilience, commitment and discipline to deliver what we know best which is for everyone to fly and this exemplifies our endeavor in rising up against the big incumbent players. We never underestimated the strength of our passion and spirit, and our 5,000 staff’s concerted and relentless efforts in delivering their best and will continue to do so.” “Who would have known such a small airline from Malaysia which started out with RM40 million in debt would have such impact on the aviation landscape today. But we are more sentient than ever that there’s much work to do from now onwards. We know we must not rest on our laurels. The best part is, we know where we’re heading and with AirAsia X, our enterprising venture ever, it is time for us to spread our wings further from Asia to beyond,” concluded Tony.
Peter Harbison, Executive Chairman of the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, “AirAsia is poised to become the biggest airline in the region next decade, commanding a highly influential position in regional aviation. In aviation history terms, AirAsia’s arrival on the international aviation scene is unprecedented. Perhaps only Ryanair and easyJet have made such meteoric rises. Barely in existence only five year ago, in another five years, it promises to be the largest airline in the region. In the course of this phenomenal advance, it has changed the shape of Asian aviation and strongly influenced government attitudes to regulatory reform.” Mr Harbison added, “AirAsia continues to provide the global benchmark low cost operation. Its new ventures this year include an extension of the cross-border joint venture model it pioneered in Asia, as well as the launch this week of its long-haul AirAsia X offshoot, confirming the airline's role as a true innovator and a catalyst for positive market change in this region and beyond”.
About AirAsiaAirAsia has carried over 40 million passengers to date, grown from a 2-aircraft fleet to 62 today and now, has the most extensive low cost route network in the region of over 80 routes – all within the grasp of six years in operation. The airline today is proud to be a truly ASEAN airline with its network stretches across 10 ASEAN countries. For more information, please log on to http://www.airasia.com/.

Simpang Mengayau or Tip of Borneo, Sabah

Tip of Borneo is located in the district of Kudat, in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. The tip is the meeting point of Sulu and South China Sea. Tip of Borneo is also known as Tanjung Simpang Mengayau. In addition to its fascinating scenery of long stretch white sandy beach, its beautiful northern tip sea, the breeze of wind blow, this tip was blessed with a wide publicity especially in Borneo, through popular mass media, and the latest 2003 book edition entitling 'Kudat', with the northern tip photo as a full front cover.

At the Tip of Borneo, Simpang Mengayau of Kudat, you can see the breath-taking view of wide and open coastline. It is considered one of the most beautiful spots in Sabah, and all the work is done by the nature. Kudat, a three-hour drive north of Kota Kinabalu, is famous for its rich cultural heritage and blending of ethnic groups, especially the Rungus, the largest and the main ethnic group living in Kudat.

Tales of Kinabalu

There are two stories that led to the main beliefs in the origin of the mountain's name. The first derivation of the word Kinabalu is extracted from the short form for the Kadazan Dusun word 'Aki Nabalu', meaning "the revered place of the dead".

The second source states that the name "Kinabalu" actually means "Cina Balu" (which would fully mean "A Chinese Widow"). Due to the lingual influence among the Kadazan Dusun of Sabah, the pronunciation for the word "cina" (chee-na) was changed to "Kina" (kee-na). It was told that a Chinese prince, was cast away to Borneo when his ship sank in the middle of the South China Sea. He was subsequently rescued by the natives from a nearby village. As he recovered, he was slowly accepted as one of the people of the village. Eventually, he fell in love with a local girl, and married her. Years went by, and he started to feel homesick. So he asked permission from his newly-found family to go back to China to visit his parents (the Emperor and Empress of China). To his wife, he promised that as soon as he was done with his chores in China, he would come back to Borneo to take her and their children back to China.
When he made his return to China, he was given a grand welcome by his family. However, to his dismay, his parents disagreed with him about taking his Bornean wife back to China. Worse, they told him that he was already betrothed to a princess of a neighbouring kingdom. Having no choice (due to high respect towards his parents), he obeyed with a heavy heart.

Meanwhile, back in Borneo, his wife grew more and more anxious. Eventually, she decided that she will wait for her husband's ship. However, since the village was situated far away from the coast, she couldn't afford to come to the shore and wait for him daily. Instead she decided to climb to the top of the highest mountain near her village, so that she could have a better view of the ships sailing in the South China Sea. Thus, she was then seen climbing up the mountain at every sunrise, returning only at night to attend to her growing children. Eventually her efforts took their toll. She fell ill, and died at the top of the cold mountain while waiting for her husband. The spirit of the mountain, having observed her for years, was extremely touched by her loyalty towards her husband. Out of admiration for this woman, the spirit of the mountain turned her into a stone. Her face was made to face the South China Sea, so that she could wait forever for her dear husband's return.

The people in her hometown who heard about this were also gravely touched by this. Thus, they decided to name the mountain "Kinabalu" in remembrance of her. To them, the mountain is a symbol of the everlasting love and loyalty that should be taken as a good example by women. Local legend among the people of Ranau, a district in Sabah, has it that St. John's Peak was the stone which her body was turned into.

Mt. Kinabalu Climbing Package and Guide

Mount Kinabalu (Malay: Gunung Kinabalu) is a prominent mountain in Southeast Asia. It is located in Kinabalu National Park (a World Heritage Site) in the east Malaysian state of Sabah, which is on the island of Borneo in the tropics.

In 1997, a re-survey using satellite technology established its summit (known as Low’s Peak) height at 4,095 metres (13,435 ft) above sea level, which is some 6 metres (20 ft) less than the previously thought and hitherto published figure of 4,101 metres (13,455 ft).[1] The mountain is the fourth tallest in Southeast Asia behind Hkakabo Razi of Myanmar (5881 m), Puncak Jaya (4884 m) and Puncak Trikora (4750 m) of Papua, Indonesia,[1] and is therefore also the tallest in Malaysia and on the island of Borneo, which Malaysia shares with Indonesia and Brunei.

The main peak of the mountain (Low's Peak) can be relatively easily climbed by a person with a good physical condition, and requires no mountaineering equipment. Other peaks along the massif, however, require rock climbing skills.

For Mount Kinabalu Climbing information:

http://www.mount-kinabalu-borneo.com/

http://travelmalaysiaguide.com/mount-kinabalu/

http://www.beachtours.com.my/

Mount Kinabalu Climbing Package:

http://www.bgbackpackers.com/

http://www.goborneo.com/adventurer/climbkinabalu.htm

http://www.journeymalaysia.com/highmountkinabalu.htm

http://www.mountkinabalu.com.my/des_kinabalu.php

Sipadan - Diving Site Island

Sipadan is the only oceanic island in Malaysia, rising 2,000 feet or 600m from the seabed. It is located in the Celebes Sea east of the major town of Tawau and off the coast of East Malaysia on the Island of Borneo. It was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct volcanic cone that took thousands of years to develop. Sipadan is located at the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, the centre of one of the richest marine habitats in the world. More than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this ecosystem.

Normally rare diving scenes are frequently seen in the waters around Sipadan: schools of greenback turtles and hawksbill turtles nesting and mating, schools of barracuda & big-eye trevally in tornado-like formations, pelagic species such as manta rays, eagle rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks and whale sharks.

A mysterious turtle tomb lies underneath the column of the island, formed by an underwater limestone cave with a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain many skeletal remains of turtles that have become lost and drown before finding the surface.

Diving at Sipadan Island - http://www.sipadan-resort.com/ , http://www.divetheworldmalaysia.com/ , http://www.sipadandivingvacation.com/

Kiulu 4M Bamboo Rafting Challenge Gallery

The Lost World of Maliau Basin

The Maliau Basin is one of the most spectacular and pristine natural features in Malaysia, and indeed, Southeast Asia."

The Maliau Basin is one of the most spectacular and pristine natural features in Malaysia, and indeed, Southeast Asia. The Maliau Basin is almost unvisited and completely uninhabited by man. It is located in south-central Sabah, about 40km north of the Indonesian border
at between 116° 40' - 117° 2' and 4° 40' 4° 50' N.
While all of this region is rugged, remote and forested, the Maliau Basin is distinguished by its steep slope up to 1,500m in height, making it insurmountable on foot from most directions. The size of the enclosed Basin is 390 sq. km with a maximum diameter of 25km. The highest point is Mt. Lotung, on the north rim which is about 1,900m elevation. It is drained by a set of radiating tributaries of the Maliau River, one of which descends a series of waterfalls, known as the Maliau Falls.
The river drains through a gorge into the Kuamut River which in turn feeds into the Kinabatangan River, the longest river in Sabah. The basin is a faunal haven for lowland animals such as wild pigs, barking deer, proboscis monkey, clouded leopard, pythons and many species of birds including the rare Bulwer's Pheasant, the Crimson headed Partridge and the Peregine Falcon have been sighted here.
Since 1970, the area has formed part of a large timber concession assigned to Yayasan Sabah. Since 1981, however, the Maliau Basin and another large area, the Danum Valley, have been designated Conservation Areas within the Foundation's long-term Forest Management Plan, to remain unlogged for purposes of wildlife conservation, education and research.

From - Virtual Malaysia

Rafting, Swimming with Bamboo and Walking on the bamboo stilt

Running or Manangkus

Kiulu 4M Bamboo Rafting Challenge 2007

Kiulu 4M Bamboo Rafting Challenge on 02 December 2007.

Venue: Pulou Kelapa, (Malangang, Kiulu)

Time: 7.30 a.m

Introduction - Kiulu 4M Challenge (1998-2006)

Kiulu is located about 60 km from Kota Kinabalu and is the venue for this traditional sporting challenge. The Kiulu 4M Challenge consists of four traditional sports. The ‘M' in 4M stands for the four Kadazandusun sports comprising of managkus (running 6 km), mamangkar (bamboo rafting for 5 km), manampatau (swimming with bamboo for 1.3 lm) and mamarampanau (walking with bamboo stilts for 0.2 km). All four are indigenous, adventurous and thrilling events that will test your physical and mental skills.

Besides being a sport event, the K4MC is also a noble endeavor to protect and preserve nature, in particular the Kiulu River. Among the objectives of the challenge are to promote traditional sports as an eco-tourism product of Kiulu to create opportunities for active local participation in the tourism industry and instill environmental awareness among the community.

Organizer of the one-day event have also introduced a new category called X-treme 4KMC for men above 21 years old only which involves running and bamboo rafting over a distance of 13 km.

This information is available at http://www.sabahtourism.com/culture.php?ID=21