RM 1.00

INSIDE: Sabah Agriculture Park, Fauziah Gambus, Eating Out, Listings and more!

Top 10 Thingsto Do in Sabah

March 2008 Volume 85March 2008 Volume 85

UUsseeffuull PPhhrraasseess IInnBBaahhaassaa MMaallaayyssiiaa

Apa khabar? – How are you?

Khabar baik – I’m fine

Terima kasih – Thank you

Sama-sama – You’re welcome

Pukul berapa…? – What time…?

Di mana…? – Where…?

Bolehkah anda membantu saya? – Can you help me?

Minta maaf – I’m sorry/Excuse me

Saya sedang mencari tempat makan – I’m looking for a place to eat

Berapa harga? – How much is this?

It is my pleasure to present the 2007 perform-ance of tourism in Sabah, the insights intoand direction for the tourism industry in The

Land Below The Wind for the next three years.

Sabah is an emerging, exotic, exciting,highly diverse, unique, friendly, hospitable,safe, politically stable, a value and a world classdestination that is being promoted and market-ed as ‘Sabah Nature’ally’, A PremierEcotourism Destination, capitalizing on its megabiodiversity and rich living heritage as APremier Nature Adventure Destination, EcoTreasures from Mountain High to Ocean Deep.

The harmony, high degree of tolerance andintegration among the multi religion and multiethnic people of Sabah of a delightful mix ofover 30 indigenous communities epitomizeSabah is Truly Malaysia. Malaysia is being suc-cessfully promoted Malaysia Truly Asia.

Sabah’s tourism industry performed verywell with an average growth of 22% per annumin the last ten years. The Land Below The Windis ‘a shooting star’ in the East Asia PacificRegion. Total arrivals of just over 400,000 in1998 significantly increased five folds to 2.48million in 2007, yielding RM 4.7 billion intourism receipts which is 14.8% of the GDP ofSabah . The average length of stay is 8 nights 9days. 96% of the arrivals are by air. 40% arerepeat visitors. The focus is on high yield longerstaying tourists ‘Less is More’ in pursuance ofsustainable tourism development. The hoteloccupancy statewide averaged 75%, with over80% occupancy for 4-5 Star hotels There is aneed to double to 6,000 rooms of 5-Starbeach resort hotels by 2010.

The growth of tourist arrivals is projected toaverage about 20% per annum in the next fiveyears. The projection for 2010 is 3.4 milliontourist arrivals yielding RM 6.5 billion tourismreceipts. The focus is domestic, the East AsiaPacific Region and the aviation hubs ofSingapore and Hong Kong. The completion ofthe redevelopment of Kota KinabaluInternational Airport (KKIA) by mid-2009 willincrease three folds its passengers per annumcapacity from 4 million to 12 million, and withan Open Sky policy, will encourage moredirect international scheduled flights to Sabah,Malaysia’s Eastern Gateway. Currently 9 airlinesfly directly to KKIA from South Korea, Japan,China,Hong Kong,Taiwan,Philippines,Singapore

and Brunei besides 20daily Kuala Lumpur-Kota Kinabalu flightsthat provide conven-ient connectivity forinternational flights toSabah via KualaLumpur InternationalAirport.

Sabah’s huge potential for sustainablegrowth will be enhanced by the recentlylaunched Sabah Development Corridor whichwill put in place world class tourism infrastruc-ture and services to strengthen Sabah’s positionas a premier eco-adventure destination and tomake Sabah among the most liveable places inAsia by 2025.

The challenge is a shared vision, tourismculture of cleanliness, politeness and efficiencybe a way of life, development in harmony withnature, energizing the Sabah tourism industry,ramping up Sabah’s tourism capabilities tomove up to the next level, and for Sabah to bea preferred destination of choice in the glob-al market.

I would like to take this opportunity tothank the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, TourismMalaysia, the Sabah State Government par-ticularly the Ministry of Tourism, Culture andEnvironment for the leadership and budget, allour industry partners and members of the trav-el industry, the management, staff and mem-bers of the Sabah Tourism Board, and SriPelancongan Sabah, for their strong supportand cooperation towards our effort in makingSabah A Premier Ecotourism Destination andTo Shine Among The Best.

To all our visitors, we wish you Selamat Datangand have a pleasant experience of The LandBelow The Wind in Malaysian Borneo.

Terima kasih.

Tengku Zainal AdlinChairman,Sabah Tourism Board

Contents3 Feature Personality

K1 Fighters

4 Happenings & HighlightsSabah Agricultural Park 7th AnniversarySabah and Sarawak Art Link ExhibitionPesta Lunsai9th Annual Sabah Adventure Challenge 2008Freedom of Entry to the City

7 Eating OutYoshimi Japanese Testaurant, Warisan SquareA Malaysian Staple - Chicken Rice

8 Spa EssentialsJust Relax

9 LeisureSabah Polo

10 FeatureTop 10 things to do in Sabah

12 Through The LensExciting events all year round

14 CultureA Gambus Album by Fauziah Suhaili

15 What’s New at KadaikuSabah Souvenirs & Handicrafts

16 Bahasa Malaysia Section

18 Chinese Section

20 Japanese Section

22 Korean Section

24 Directory Listings

25 Sabah Map & Listings

26 The Sabah Agriculture Park

ADVISOR YBhg. Dato’ Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin / Sitti B. Damsal

EDITOR Yolanda Graham

DESIGNER Trevor Thomson Lam C.W.

What’s New At Kadaiku design by Charlieking Padasian

PUBLISHER Sabah Tourism Board / Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd.51 Gaya Street, 88000 Kota Kinabalu

TRANSLATORS Chin Yen Sang (Chinese) Rie Harada (Japanese)Emzee Lee (Korean) Cover Pic © Scubazoo.com

DESIGNED & PRINTED BY

Inna Kinabalu Sdn Bhd(Publisher of The New Sabah Times)Jalan Pusat Pembangunan Masyarakat, Sembulan88100 Kota Kinabalu

Every ef for t has been made to ensure that the information is correct at the time of publication. The publisher cannot be heldresponsible for any inaccuracies, omissions and alterations whichmay occur as a result of last minute changes. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the writ ten permission of theSabah Tourism Board.

Editorial

Sarawak and Sabah Art Link6 March – 6 April 2008Come and see a display of works of art by 20artists from the neighbouring Sabah andSarawak. Organiser:Sabah Art GalleryFor further info:Tel: 088-268875Fax: 088-210040Email: gallery_9@msn.com

Sabah Agriculture Park 7th AnniversaryCarnival15 – 16 March 2008

A carnival will be held to celebrate the 7thanniversary of the Park’s launching. It will be afun-filled event, featuring various competitionsand exhibitions. Bring your family and friendsfor a fun day out at the park and take the oppor-tunity to visit the many gardens of the sprawlingSabah Agriculture Park. Organiser:Sabah Agriculture ParkFor further info:Muhidin Hj. Ismail (Park Warden)Puan Wan Masamah Wan Abedin (MarketingOfficer)Tel: 087-737952, 737558 (Tenom)Fax: 087-737571 (Tenom)Tel: 088-258529 Fax: 088-258529Email: agripark@sabah.net.my

Pesta Lunsai15 March 2008In the northeast of Sandakan lies the island ofLibaran. Many agree that the charm of thisisland lies in its simplicity: a long stretch ofbeach, crystal blue waters and beautiful sun-sets. Visit Pulau Libaran this month to learnmore about the local culture during the PestaLunsai.Organiser:Sandakan Municipal Council / Pejabat AhliParlimen LibaranFor further info:Catherin ChuaTel: 089-224026 Fax: 089-272112Email: Catherin.Chua@sabah.gov.my

Maulidur Rasul20 March 2008Muslims all over the world celebrate the birth-day of Prophet Muhammad.For further info:Email: info@sabahtourism.com

Good Friday21 March 2008A time when all Christians commemorate thecrucifixion of Jesus Christ in mass services andprayers.For further info: Sabah Tourism Board / Sri Pelancongan SabahSdn BhdTel: 088-212121/232121 Fax: 088-212075/265540Email: info@sabahtourism.com

9th Annual Sabah Adventure Challenge200821 – 23 March 2008The 9th Annual Sabah Adventure Challenge2008 is scheduled for the 21st to the 23rdMarch 2008 in the Ranau, Kota Belud and KotaMarudu districts with a race around MountKinabalu covering some 200 kilometres. Therace will see teams racing in teams of two cov-ering a dawn till dusk event with a series of dis-ciplines including trail running, orienteering,mountain biking and traditional bamboo rafting.Organiser:Sabah Adventure ChallengeFor further info:Avtar S. SandhuTel: 088-261070 Fax: 088-261070Email: sabahvchallenge@yahoo.co.ukWebsite: www.sabahadventure.com

Easter Sunday23 March 2008A meaningful celebration across the land asChristians mark the Resurrection of Christ.Easter brunch with family members is a com-mon practice and most major hotels in KotaKinabalu celebrate this day with various activi-ties such as egg painting and Easter egg hunt-ing.For further info:Sabah Tourism Board / Sri Pelancongan SabahSdn BhdTel: 088-212121 / 232121Fax: 088-212075 / 265540Email: info@sabahtourism.com

3

Three K1 Fighter champions from Japanand their 32 fans enjoyed a 4-day fanclub tour of Sabah in January this year. I

had the pleasure of lunching and chatting withthese three burly men about their lives, K1fighting and what they think about the LandBelow the Wind.

With four Japan GP championship titlesunder his belt, Akio Mori, 35, is better known bythe name of the famous and revered samuraiMusashi. He sits towering in the middle,flanked by his brother Tomo, 33, who has beenbronzed by the Sabah sun, and KazuyoYasuhiro, 31, one of the top three fighters inthe below 70-kg category.

The three of them tell me their backgroundto K1 fighting is Seidokei-kan karate and thatthey have far from abandoned the art. Yasuhirois a teacher of karate and his students rangefrom tiny tots aged 4 to seniors aged 60. Whenhe’s not teaching karate, he’s training forK1fights. “We train 5 days a week for K1,” saysYasuhiro. “We train at least 2 hours a day andbefore a fight, training is intensified to 2 hoursin the morning and 2 hours in the evenings,”adds Tomo. Musashi clarifies that K1 is a toughsport and one can only take part in 5–6 tour-naments in a year. “The time in between fightsis spent improving and training for the nextfight.”

They tell me K1 is not all about fighting andnot all about winning. Musashi straightens upwith a gleam of enthusiasm in his eyes.“Everybody has passion and a fighting spiritand K1 really brings that out in a person. Yourtraining, your body, your mind and your soul gointo the ring and become your life. K1 is a fighter’s life."

“But K1 is just as much about performanceas it is about fighting. Think of K1 as a concert– the fighters go out there to perform a goodfight and to thrill the fans. The stadium comesalive with cheering fans because we put up agood fight.”

“K1 is not dangerous,” Tomo promises. "Ialmost broke my neck in a kickboxing fight lastyear on a Muay Thai neck hold and kickmanoeuvre and had to cancel a fight. K1 ismuch safer.” Yasuhiro agrees but goes on totell me that fighting for real in the ring is saferthan training, confirming it with smile and astory of how he broke his nose twice duringtraining as if it were a fond memory.

K1 is a combat sport combining movesfrom Muay Thai, karate, taekwondo, Savate,San shou, kickboxing and boxing. It had itsbeginnings in Japan, but is now popular theworld over in countries like Korea, France,Hong Kong, Germany, Switzerland, the USA,Australia, Canada and many other countries.

Knowing that they had spent some timehaving fun in the sun banana-boating, parasailing and mangrove cruising for the previous three days, I asked them if they’vehad a good time. They instantly flash happysmiles and sing Sabah praises. “We LOVESabah. We had so much fun here with ourfans. Thank you so much!” Their sincerity anddelight was so infectious I couldn’t help butbeam from their compliments. I asked whatthey will tell the people back home about myhome. “Sabah is so beautiful the people havewarm hearts. Sabah is paradise! We will defi-nitely come back again and tell people they are missing out on a lot if they don’t come here.”

As we leave the restaurant, starstruckJapanese fans come from nowhere, exclaiming in delight and immediately snap-ping photos of the three K1 heroes. Musashi,Tomo and Yasuhiro are extremely gracious andmingle with the fans who were clearly dizzyfrom the sight of them. Before climbing intotheir vehicle to return to their hotel, Musashiturns to us and gives a final Japanese bow.Then with a sparkle in his eye he waves andsays, “I’ll be back!”

Their trip to the Land below the Wind wasmade possible by Malaysia Airlines Tokyo andH.I.S Co Ltd, the official ground handler for theK-1 Fan Club tour in Kota Kinabalu.

KK11 Fighters

F e a t u r e P e r s o n a l i t y

4 H a p p e n i n g s & H i g h l i g h t s

An exhibit showcasing art-work from Sarawak and

Sabah will be held in themonths of March and April thisyear at the Sabah Art Gallery,featuring the work of 10Sarawakian and 10 Sabahanartists. This event is jointlyorganised by the Galleria,Kuching and Sabah ArtGallery, with the aspiration toillustrate the relationshipbetween the artworks of thetwo neighbouring states andto draw art enthusiasts tocome and behold the work ofour artistic talents.

For further information, contact the Sabah ArtGallery on Jalan Muzium,88300 Kota Kinabalu, tel: 088-268748/ 268825/268875 or fax 088-210040.

In the northeast of Sandakan lies the island of Libaran. Many agree thatthe charm of this island lies in its simplicity: a long stretch of beach,

crystal blue waters and beautiful sunsets. Visit Pulau Libaran this monthto learn more about the local culture during the Pesta Lunsai.Organiser: Sandakan Municipal Council/Pejabat Ahli ParlimenLibaran. For further info, contact Catherin Chua at tel: 089-224026,fax: 089-72112 or e-mail: Catherin.Chua@sabah.gov.my

Pesta Lunsai, 15 March 2008

Sarawak and Sabah Art Link Exhibition 6th March to 6th April 2008

The Sabah Agriculture Park iscelebrating its 7th anniversary

this year with a lineup of thrillingactivities for the public to take partin including a fishing competition,traditional games competitions, atreasure hunt, a karaoke contestand tons of other fun events. Carenthusiasts may want to comeand check out the carnival thisyear, because to celebrate their7th year running is also a MiniAustin Car Show, organised by

the Kota Kinabalu Mini Club. Bringyour family and friends for a funday out at the Park and take theopportunity to visit the many gardens of the sprawling SabahAgriculture Park.

For further information,contact Ms. Wan Masalmah

Wan Abedin (Sabah AgriculturePark Promotion Unit) tel/fax: 088-258529 or e-mail agripark@sabah.net.my

Sabah Agriculture Park 7th Anniversary Carnival15th-16th March 2008

5H a p p e n i n g s & H i g h l i g h t s

The 9th Annual Sabah Adventure Challenge 2008 is scheduled for the 21stto the 23rd of March 2008 in the Ranau, Kota Belud and Kota Marudu dis-

tricts with a race around Mount Kinabalu covering some 200 kilometres. Therace will see teams racing in teams of two covering a dawn till dusk event witha series of disciplines including trail running, orienteering, mountain biking andtraditional bamboo rafting.For further info contact Avtar S. Sandhu (Sabah Adventure Challenge)at tel: 088-261007 or fax: 088-261070 or e-mail:sabahvchallenge@yahoo.co.uk. Check out their website:http://www.sabahadventure.com

NewsFirst Airasia Airbus TouchdownAir Asia’s first Airbus320 touched down inKK for the first time in January this year,the first of a complete fleet to replace thecurrent Boeing 737s currently servicingKota Kinabalu. The plane flies the KualaLumpur-Kuching-Macau from KotaKinabalu and seats 180 compared to theBoeiing 737’s capacity of 140.

Fauziah Gambus19 year old Fauziah Suhaili launched herfirst album entitled Fauziah Gambus inJanuary, an album featuring melodies andrhythms from the traditional musical instru-ment, the gambus. Fauziah was applaud-ed by YB Datuk Hj Karim Bujang, theAssistant Minister of Tourism Culture andEnvironment, who officiated the launch,and celebtrated by those who appreciatetraditional music.

Sabah Development CorridorPrime Minister Datuk Seri AbdullahAhmad Badawi recently launched theSabah Development Corridor, which is setto accelerate Sabah’s economy and tomake Sabah a more competitive andattractive place to do business. The focusof the SDC will be the agriculture, tourismand logistics services.

Update: Tabin Wildlife ReserveIn our February issue we featured the exciting Tabin Wildlife Reserve onour back cover. Their new contact details are now as follows: Tabin Wildlife Holidays Sdn Bhd (Co No 160437-V) (formerly known asTabin Wildlife Sdn Bhd ) Lot 11-1, 1st Flr, Blk A, Damai Point, Jln Damai,88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Tel: 088-267266 Fax: 088-258266 Website: http://www.tabinwildlife.com.my

Flea Market at Warisan SquareFridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Check out the flea market at Warisan Square held on the weekend from 4pm to 11pm. Food, clothes, accessories and

an assortment of bits and bobs are laid out for you to browsethrough and buy. Fancy handling a store yourself? Booth rentalsare open to the public. For more information contact Lizio Mosigil at 017-8987199

In April the “Freedom of Entry Ceremony” will be held on the 26th April2008, a naval tradition that stems from medieval times. Watch out forupdates in our April issue about this significant event!

Coming in April – Freedom of Entry to the City

9th Annual Sabah AdventureChallenge 2008, 21 – 23 March 2008

E a t i n g O u t

Girls dressed in kimonos greet you with pleasure as youwalk through the door. Then as you sit yourselves downand look around, you will notice the delightful Japanese

images hanging from the ceiling and on the walls, adding to theatmosphere. There is also a VIP room with shoji doors that canfit up to eight diners. Yoshimi boasts that there is no otherJapanese restaurant in town that will offer Japanese food asauthentic as theirs. There is no fusion food on their menu andthey import authentic ingredients down to their green teas. Theirkitchen is staffed with chefs who are experts in preparingJapanese delights, including a seasoned 5-star hotel chef anda chef from Japan. Dishes like the Rainbow Oshi Sushi (anarray of raw fish), Yari Ika Ni Maki (simmered squid with vine-gared rice) and rice paper roll No Age Kani Maki are among thesimply scrumptious and fantastically presented dishes served atthis Japanese eatery. Try their Kisu Sakana Furai (crispy friedkisu fish) and Kurma Ebi No Salada Uramaki (boiled whole kingprawn with vinegared rice seaweed roll with cucumber, crabstick, mayonnaise salad coated with fish roe). Another recentnew addition to their menu is the Cha Zuke, the traditionalJapanese steamed rice with green tea clear soup! With succu-lent dishes like the Gyuniku Enoki Maki (beef rolls with goldenmushrooms and butter soy sauce) and their famous ShakeKabuto Teriyaki (a salmon head delicacy) it’s no wonder thatcustomers come back for more.

Yoshimi is situated at C-01-06, Block C, first floor, WarisanSquare and is open 11.30 am – 2.30 pm and 6–10.30 pm onweekdays and 11.30 am to 10.30 pm on weekends and publicholidays. Catering is available for private functions for up to 50people. For further information please contact them at 088488388.

You have to try this simple yet delicious dish while you’re in the country, andit won’t be too difficult to find it! Go on a chicken rice hunt in the city – there

are more than a few popular chicken rice shops around. The main ingredientsmay be the same but for the discerning tongue not all chicken rice is createdequal! The hard-to-resist chicken rice set consists of rice cooked in chickenbroth, with a serving of succulent steamed or roasted chicken, laid on a platterwith a few crunchy slices of cucumber, dashed with some soy sauce for flavour.Eat it just like that or order a side of vegetables to accompany your meal. Ordera different type of meat, such as duck, for variety. One thing is for sure though,there’s no wonder this dish is one of Malaysia’s favourites. So if you’re head-ing out to grab a bite, sample chicken rice.

Chicken rice can be found almost anywhere; popular shops specializing inthis dish include Rafflesia Chicken Hut in Karamunsing and Damai, SingaporeChicken Rice in Karamunsing, and Nasi Ayam 2.80 in Centrepoint to name afew. For more information contact Sabah Tourism Board at 088 212121 or SriPelancongan Sabah at 088 232121.

Chicken Rice – A Malaysian Staple

Yoshimi7

8 S p a E s s e n t i a l s

Just Relax in Kota Kinabalu offers a great sooth-ing experience for the tired and stressed body,

right here in the heart of city. The relaxation centreis particularly known for its body relaxation therapysessions, using a few techniques during a sessionincluding traditional shiatsu and Chinese-stylemethods. Each session may last up to 60 minutes,depending on your preference. Foot reflexology isalso a specialty, ideal for those who have spent agreat deal of time on their feet, be it wanderingthrough shopping centres or climbing MountKinabalu! Let the professional therapists kneadyour aching soles, leaving you relaxed and rejuve-nated.

Many people also swear by the ear-candlingsessions. This unique technique (which is comfort-able and completely painless) is believed toremove toxins from the body and help to alleviateheadaches.

If it’s smooth and flawless skin you desire, trythe hand and foot scrubs which get rid of dead skincells and leave your skin feeling baby smooth.

For a bit of everything, try out the packageswhich combine the above-mentioned sessions tosuit your needs. Just Relax is a cosy, clean andcomfortable establishment, with trained therapiststo cater to your needs. Its strategic location makesit easily accessible to those staying around the cityarea. Pamper yourself at Just Relax!Open from 11:00 pm to 11:00 pm daily. JustRelax is located at Lot 69, 1st Floor, Block H,Asia City, 88000, Kota Kinabalu. For more information, please call tel. 088-246700 or 012-837 7000.

Just Relax

L e i s u r e

Although unheard of to some, there is a Polo Association inSabah that has been around for more than two decades. Thesport dubbed by many as the ‘game of kings’ was first

introduced to the country by the British settlers. The first polo club inMalaysia was formed in Port Swettenham (now Port Klang) in 1902.Although horse-riding was not foreign to Sabah, the sport did not catchon until the early 1980s.

Sabah Polo Association, (SPA) was first established on the 9thAugust 1982 after two good friends and pony lovers, David Wang andVernon Skinner found that there was an interest for the sport in thestate. What started as two riding friends eventually developed into afull-fledged association that now competes in inter-club tournaments,friendly tournaments and test matches, national and international tour-naments besides doing visits to overseas counterparts.

2007 marked their 25th anniversary which was celebrated atMosaic, Hyatt Regency on the 16th December and Had Dato’ SeriTengku Zainal Adlin, Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board as theirguest of honour. A competitive and spirited tournament was held theday before. Mr. Wang, the clubs’ current Chairman, recalled the hum-ble beginnings of SPA and said he looks forward to having polo as ahighly recognized sport in the state. At the end of the night, hequipped, “In Sabah, polo is not the game of kings but the king of allgames.”

The SPA members, who come from all walks of life, convene everySaturday after noon for riding and a few chukkas (games) from 2.00pm– 4.00pm at their club field in Tuaran, 20 minutes from Kota Kinabalu.

The club also offers riding sessions at their Tambalang stable everyMonday to Thursday from 8.00am to 4.00pm. For further information,please contact Simon Chia at 013-8639707 or e-mailsabahpolo@yahoo.com.my

Sabah PoloAssociation

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10 • Feature

Things toDo in SSaabbaahh

Top 10

1. Climb Mt KinabaluThere’s no doubt that this mountain is admired by tourists and locals alike. Standing at 4095metres, the highest peak in Malaysia, you can see it from practically every corner of Sabah, butget a little closer and take pleasure in its splendour or climb it and see much more. Situated inKinabalu Park, 88 kilometres or about one and a half hours from the city of Kota Kinabalu,Mount Kinabalu should be on the top of your list of places to visit while you’re here in Sabah.

2. Explore the junglesWhether you’re a self-confessed tree hugger or know someone who is a nature lover, the words‘jungles of Borneo’ will surely conjure the visions of a thrilling adventure. Sabah is definitely THEplace for jungle trekkers, being home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, saturated witha plethora of flora and fauna with equals found no where else in the world. The celebrities ofSabahan rainforests include the Maliau Basin, Danum Valley and the Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

3. Scuba diveIf you’re already a diver then you will know that Sabah waters are a complete bliss for diversand remains as one of the best scuba-diving venues in the world. Sipadan has the reputationof being one of the top five in the world with hundreds of Green, Hawksbill and Olive Ridley tur-tles, numerous species of sharks and schools of barracuda and jacks inhabit the waters, alongwith innumerable other fantastic sea creatures, swimming above amazing coral reefs. Sabah’sunderwater world is certainly famous for an amazing diving experience and places likeMataking, Mabul, Lankayan and Mantanani are among the favourites for divers.

4. Spot WildlifeWhere there are jungles, there is wildlife to be seen. By simply cruising along the Kinabatangan,you’ll have the chance to spot the pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, various species ofbirds and other exquisite animals that populate nowhere else but Borneo. Visit the Orang UtanSanctuary in the Sepilok Rehabilitation Centre and see how they mingle freely there.

With its wealth of nature, culture and unique surroundings, there are a millionand one things that you could do here in Sabah. We’ve got it narrowed downto the favourite 10 things to do while you’re here in the Land Below the Wind.

© Scubazoo.com

5. Laze on the beachSandy white beaches, surrounding blue waters and the sun in the bluest skies. You don’treally need another excuse to spend a day relaxing on a heavenly beach. All you need isgood weather, some sunscreen and a ticket to one of Sabah’s many beautiful islands yourbeach holiday will be fantastic. The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park’s 5 islands are just min-utes from Kota Kinabalu, but other popular island destinations include Pulau Tiga, MabulIsland and Pulau Selingan.

6. SightseeGet your camera ready for places of worship, markets and historical buildings placed inthe city and towns, or drive through the country roads to enjoy the sights. Some notablelandmarks around Sabah are the Menara Tun Mustapha in Kota Kinabalu, a cylindricalglass structure that also boasts to be the tallest building in Borneo. Get cultural and go tothe Monsopiad Cultural Village in Kampung Kuai Kandazon, Penampang, just 10 minutesfrom the city. If you’re in Sandakan then be sure to drop in the historical Agnes KeithHouse, home to the local author Agnes Keith from 1930 to 1952 which was destroyed inWorld War 2 then restored to what it is now.

7. Visit a tamuA ‘tamu’ is a market held once or twice weekly, found in almost every district of Sabah.Make it a point to make a trip to the Gaya Street Fair held every Sunday, the Penampangtamu held on Thursdays and Fridays or to the Kundasang tamu in Ranau on Fridays.Better yet, mark your calendars for Kota Belud’s spectacular Tamu Besar on the 25th and26th October this year. Fresh farm produce, local handicrafts, fruits, seafood, livestockand an assortment of curious knick-knacks are sold in this vibrant atmosphere, where arich experience of sights, sounds and smells await you.

8. EatWhen you’re in Sabah, decide to live to eat! Have your fill of fresh seafood or tantalizeyour taste buds with the local favourites. Walk along Gaya Street in Kota Kinabalu andventure into popular coffee shops like Kedai Kopi Kinabalu and Kedai Kopi Yee Fung andeat up - try a delicious bowl of ngiu chap (beef noodles in a clear soup) or get addictedto laksa, a mouth watering bowl of noodles in a spicy, curry-like soup with shrimp andshredded chicken. Pick a coffee shop, an outdoor eatery or a fancy restaurant; whetheryou try the superb local cuisine or something that reminds you of home, the food here willmake you hungry for more.

9. Shop for craftsSabah is famed for its many wonderful crafts made of bamboo, woven leaves, wood andother natural materials crafted by the locals. Unique ethnic prints and colourful motifsmake eye-catching souvenirs and decorative items. Drop in the Handicraft Market in KotaKinabalu, visit Kadaiku in Sinsuran for authentic local handicraft or browse through atamu near you to buy a pretty little something to remind you of Sabah.

10. Play golfSabah is a proud owner of numerous designer golf courses located in all corners of thestate. The Shan Shui Golf & Country club’s 18-hole golf course, designed by Nelson &Haworth, is situated on the airport highway 15 km off Tawau. Sutera Harbour’s magnifi-cent 27-hole golf course, designed by Graham Marsh is one of the largest in Malaysia andthe only one on Borneo that offers night golfing. Mount Kinabalu Golf Club in Ranau hasthe highest tee-off point in Sabah with a view of Mount Kinabalu. Located just an houraway from KK city, the Borneo Golf and Country Club designed by Jack Nickalus is bothbeautiful yet challenging. It’s not suprising that some find it hard not to make time for agame of golf on at least one of Sabah’s remarkable golf courses.

For further information, contact the Sabah Tourism Board at 088 212121, SriPelancongan Sabah at 088 232121 or email info@sabahtourism.com. To find outmore about Sabah, visit the Sabah Tourism Board’s website at http://www.sabahtourism.com

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©Scubazoo

T h r o u g h t h e L e n s

© Calvin Ng

C u l t u r e

The gambus is one of the many traditional musical instruments playedby the Malay Bruneians who are known for their artistic talents.History has it that the gambus was brought to this region by Middle

Eastern traders in the 15th century. The sounds and rhythm of the gambus, the kompang, the gulintangan, the gong, the flute and the drumsare never absent from celebrations and festivities of the people of Brunei.Until today gambus music is still prominent, especially on the west coastof Sabah where there are many Bruneian Malays.

In January this year, 19-year-old Fauziah Suhaili from the small townof Bongawan, Sabah, made waves when she launched Fauziah Gambus,an album featuring traditional sounds of the gambus. Among the songs on

the album are the popular folk songs Adai-Adai, Umang Tin Ting, DayangMengalai, Cencang Rabung and Zapin Brunei – all performed beautifullyby the talented Fauziah.

This is a milestone event for the traditional lute as there are no formallessons for learning the gambus. The skill of playing the gambus is passeddown from generation to generation and the popularity of this music is celebrated in the annual Pesta Gambus (Gambus Fest) held in Sipitangfrom the 25th to the 27th of July this year, organised by the Sabah BruneiCommunity Association.

Fauziah Gambus is available for purchase at local music stores and atKadaiku in Sinsuran, Kota Kinabalu.

Fauziah Suhaili and the Gambus

16 B a h a s a M a l a y s i a

Taman Pertanian Sabah meraikan ulang tahunnya yang ke-7 tahun inidengan pelbagai aktiviti menyeronokkan untuk disertai orang ramai termasuk pertandingan memancing, pertandingan permainan tradisional, pencarian harta karun, pertandingan karaoke dan banyaklagi acara menarik. Peminat kereta pasti ingin datang dan melihatsendiri karnival tahun ini, kerana turut meraikan tahun ke-7 merekaialah Kelab Mini Kota Kinabalu yang akan mengadakan PertunjukanKereta Mini Austin. Ambillah peluang untuk mengunjungi taman di sekitar Taman Pertanian Sabah. Bawa keluarga dan rakan-rakan andauntuk hari yang menyeronokkan pengujung di sana!Untuk maklumat lanjut, hubungi Cik Wan Masalmah Wan Abedin (UnitPromosi Taman Pertanian) di talian/fax: 088-258529 atau email agripark@sabah.net.my

Pameran yang mengetengahkan karya lukisan dari Sarawak danSabah ini akan diadakan pada bulan Mac dan April tahun ini diGaleri Lukisan Sabah (Sabah Art Gallery). Pameran ini mem-

bariskan karya 10 pelukis Sarawak dan 10 pelukis Sabah. Acara ini dian-jurkan bersama oleh Galleria, Kuching dan Galeri Lukisan Sabah, den-gan tujuan mengukuhkan hubungan antara karya dua negeri berjiran inidan menarik peminat-peminat seni lukis untuk datang menyaksikan hasilkerja pelukis berbakat kita.Untuk maklumat lanjut, hubungi Galeri Lukisan Sabah di JalanMuzium, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, tel: 088 -268748/ 268825/ 268875 ataufaks 088-210040.

Taman Pertanian Sabah mungkin berada jauh di Tenom, tetapi per-mata ini boleh memukau sesiapa saja peminat bunga-bungaan dan

tumbuh-tumbuhan. Dengan keluasan 1500 ekar, taman ini mengeten-gahkan pelbagai flora menarik, disusun menarik mengikut bahagian.

Terdapat lebih kurang 1500 spesies orkid yang ditemui di Borneo,dan Pusat Semula jadi Orkid yang terletak di dalamnya mengandungi400 spesies. Bersiar-siarlah di taman ini pasti anda akan terpukau den-gan spesies terancam dan jarang ditemui seperti orkid telinga gajah,orkid ekor tikus dan orkid selipar. Terdapat banyak lagi spesis lain bolehditemui di sini yang tidak akan anda temui di tempat-tempat lain didunia.

Sekiranya anda berminat pad ataman tumbuh-tumbuhan,, TamanEvolusi adalah tempat yang sesuai untuk anda. Datanglah ke sini untukmelihat bagaimana tabiat dan evolusi tumbuh-tumbuhan untuk kelang-sungan hidup serta berkembang di persekitaran habitat mereka.Melangkahlah ke Living Crop Museum. Di sana ada 400 spesies tum-buhan ditanam secara sistematik berdasarkan penggunaannya.Tumbuhan rempah ratus, perubatan, minuman, serat, buah dan minyakwangi ditanam di muzium ini, tetapi menjelang musim buah-buahan,pokok-pokok buah menjadi bintang tumpuan dan pelawat dapat mera-sai spesies liar eksotik selain buah-buahan bukan asal tropikal.

Taman Perhiasan adalah gambaran syurga dunia yang menghim-punkan 21 taman yang landskapnya amat menarik. Antara taman didalam taman ini ialah Taman Hoya, Taman kaktus dan TamanKetimuran, yang mempersembahkan pelbagai jenis tumbuhan danbunga yang menakjubkan. Berjalan-jalanlah di antara flora di sini. Andaakan terasa seperti berjalan mengharungi taman kayangan!

Sama ada anda peminat setia atau cuma ingin bersiar-siar ke tem-pat yang cantik, Taman Pertanian Sabah adalah antara tempat diSabah yang perlu anda tuju!Waktu buka ialah Selasa-Ahad 9.00 pagi – 9.00 – 4.30 petang, ditut-up pada Isnin (kecuali cuti umum). Untuk maklumat lanjut, silahubungi Pengurus Taman Pertanian Sabah, tel: 087-737952 ataufaks: 087-737571 atau email: agripark@sabah.net.my atau kunjun-gi laman web mereka di http://www.sabah.net.my

Karnival Ulang Tahun ke-7 TamanPertanian Sabah, 15-16 Mac 2008

Pameran Art Link Sarawak dan Sabah6 Mac hingga 6 April 2008

Taman Pertanian Sabah

17B a h a s a M a l a y s i a

Anda perlu mencuba hidan-gan ringkas tetapi lazat apa-bila anda berada di negeri

ini, dan ia tidak terlalu sukar untukditemui! Pergilah ke kedai-kedaimakan nasi ayam di bandar ini.Ada banyak kedai nasi ayam yangterkenal di sini. Cubalahsemuanya, kerana bukan semuanasi ayam dicipta sama! Setiap kedai yang menjual menu ini akan mem-buatkan anda mengakui sendiri kesedapannya yang berbeza, walaupunramuan utamanya adalah sama. Nasi ayam yang sukar ditolak ini terdiridaripada hidangan nasi yang dimasak dengan rebusan daging ayam,dengan bahagian ayam yang direbus atau dipanggang, dihidangkan diatas pinggan bersama beberapa hirisan timun, sertai sos perasa.Makan begitu saja atau boleh dihidangkan sayur-sayuran bersama-sama hidangan anda. Mintalah beberapa jenis daging yang berbezaseperti itik untuk kepelbagaian. Satu yang pasti, tidak hairanlah hidan-gan ini merupakan antara kegemaran utama di Malaysia. Jadi jika andaingin makan, puaskan selera anda dengan antara makanan nomborsatu Malaysia ini – nasi ayam.Nasi ayam boleh didapati hampir di mana-mana saja. Antara kedaiterkenal yang menyediakan hidangan ini termasuklah RCH diKaramunsing dan Damai, Singapore Chicken Rice di Karamunsing danNasi Ayam 2.80 di Centre Point.

Galeri Tun Mustapha membuka pintunya pada 2006, memberipenghargaan kepada salah seorang personaliti terkemuka Sabahiaitu Allahyarham Tun Mustapha. Beliau adalah seorang

pemimpin berwawasan yang memainkan peranan besar dalam menget-uai Sabah untuk merdeka. Dia merupakan pejuang kebebasan ketikaPerang Dunia II, seorang tokoh yang menjadi grakan kemerdekaan, seo-rang pemimpin dan Yang Dipertua Negeri Sabah yang pertama, meru-pakan antara pencapaiannya yang banyak.

Galeri cantik ini yang terletak di premis yang pernah menjadi DewanNegeri Sabah dari 1980 sehingga 1995, mempamerkan sejarah kehidu-pan Tun Mustapha. Ia menawarkan imbasan kejayaan dan kesen-gsaraannya kepada pengunjung, dengan penjelasan yang mengiringigambar-gambar yang dipamerkan di sini. Galeri ini juga mempamerkantinggalan peribadi Tun Mustapha, daripada pingat kebesaran sehing-galah baju yang dijahit khas. Beberapa topi golf turut menghiasi galeriini. Menurut inskripsinya, isteri beliau telah mengoyakkan topinya danmencampakkannya ke luar rumah mereka dalam satu pertengkaran.

Topi tersebut dibaiki semula oleh pemandu mereka yang menyimpannyasekian lama dan hari ini ditempatkan di galeri tersebut. Tun Mustaphabukan saja seorang peminat golf tetapi juga seorang ahli muzikberbakat. Himpunan biolanya boleh dilihat di galeri ini. Di galeri ini ter-catat juga cerita mengisahkan perihal tentera Jepun yang tidak mem-bunuhnya selepas mendengar dia bermain beberapa lagu Jepun denganmenggunakan biolanya ketika Perang Dunia II. Semua fakta menarikdan barangan kenangan ini diabadikan di Galeri Mustapha ini. Galeri initurut menyediakan sebuah kedai cenderamata yang menjual kraftanganbermutu tinggi, diilhamkan daripada motif etnik tradisional pelbagaikaum di Sabah.

Galeri Tun Mustapha terletak di Podium Yayasan Sabah. Galeri inidibuka dari Selasa sehingga Ahad, 9 pagi hingga 6 petang (ditutuppada Isnin – kecuali ketika cuti sekolah dan cuti umum). Untuk mak-lumat lanjut, hubungi 088-326683, faks 088-438026.

Nasi Ayam– Hidangan

Malaysia

GaleriTun Mustapha

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C h i n e s e 1 9

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Sabah Art Gallery on Jalan Muzium, 88300 Kota Kinabalu, tel: 088-268748/ 268825/ 268875 or fax 088-210040.

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Ambulance/Police -999

Police HotlineHQ SABAH – 088-253555 KK – 088-221191

Airport - 088-238555

Queen Elizabeth Hospital088-218166

Damai Specialist Centre088-222922

Information Services 088-280600/ 280631/ 280641

Us

efu

l N

um

be

rs

Yayasan Sabah Ambulance088-326655

International Telephone Directory Assistance -108Sabah Medical Centre

088-211333

Fire Department - 994SANDAKAN (089)

!Hospital 212111

!Airport 660405

!Immigrations 668308

TAWAU (089)

!Hospital 773533

!Airport 950013

!Immigrations 773343

LABUAN (087)

!Hospital 413333

!Airport 415015

!Immigrations 412298

Sabah Tourism Board No.51, Jalan Gaya, 88000, Kota KinabaluTel: 088-212121 Fax: 088-212075Email: info@sabahtourism.comWebsite: www.sabahtourism.comOpen: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Mon-Fri)

9:00am to 4:00pm (Weekend & PH)

Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn BhdLot 4, Ground Floor, Block L, Sinsuran Complex,88000, Kota KinabaluTel: 088-232121 Fax: 088-265540Email: info@sabahtourism.comWebsite: www.sabahtourism.comOpen: 8:00amto 5:00pm (Mon-Fri)

8:00am-4:00pm (Weekend & PH)

Tourism Malaysia (Sabah)Lot 1-0-7, Ground Floor, Block 1, Lorong Api-Api1, Api Api Centre, 88000, Kota KinabaluTel:088-248698/ 211732E-mail: enquiries@tourism.gov.myWebsite: www.tourism.gov.myOpen: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Mon-Fri)

Closed on weekends

Kota KinabaluGaya Street Fair - SundayKampung Air - Sunday

Penampang DonggongonThursday & Friday

PaparLok Kawi Sabindo - Saturday

SandakanSandakan Town - SundayGua Mantong Jaya - Sunday

TawauBandar Tawau - Sunday

Ranau Pekan Kundasang - Friday

KudatMatunggong Lama - SaturdayMatunggong Baru - Thursday

Kota MaruduPekan Kota Marudu -Saturday & Sunday

TuaranBingkor - Thursday

TambunanPekan Tuaran - SundayKiulu - Tuesday

Kota BeludPekan Kota Belud - Sunday

SipitangSindumin - Saturday

* most tamus operate as early as 6am and close by 2pm.KOTA KINABALUSabah State MuseumMon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pmJln. Bukit Istana Lama, Kota KinabaluTel: 088-253199/263551

Sabah Islamic Civilisation MuseumMon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pmJalan Menteri, off Jalan Tunku AbdulRahman, Kota KinabaluTel: 088-538227/538228

Sabah Ethnobotanical Heritage MuseumMon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pmBukit Istana Lama, Kota KinabaluTel: 088-253199/263551

Second World War Memorial PetagasOpen dailyTel:088-253199

Kinarut Mansion Ruins MuseumMon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pmTel: 088-253199/263551

SANDAKANAgnes Keith House, SandakanMon - Sun: 9.00am - 5.00pmTel: 089-222679

Sandakan Memorial ParkMon - Sun: 9am-5pmSibuga Forest ReserveMile 7, Jalan Labuk, SandakanTel: 016 8221616 (Doris)

Sandakan Heritage MuseumMon - Sun: 9am-5pmWisma Warisan, SandakanTel: 089-222679

Batu Tulug Archaeological Site Museum, KinabatanganMon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pmTel: 088-253199

TAWAUTeck Guan Cocoa Museum Mon-Fri: 8am -11:30am

1:30pm-4:30pmSat: 8am-12pm Sun: ClosedMile 2, Tanjung Batu Laut, Teck Guan Factory, TawauTel:089-775566 ext 2601

Bukit Tengkorak ArchaelogicalSite Museum, SempornaMon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pmTel: 088-253199

OTHER DISTRICTSMurut Museum (Sabah Murut Cultural Centre , Tenom)Mon – Sun: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm Lembaga Kebudayaan Negeri Sabah (Tenom Branch) W.D.T 72, 89909Tenom.Tel: 087-734506

Mat Salleh Memorial, TambunanOpen DailyKg. Tibabar, TambunanTel :088-253199/ 263551

Kundasang War Memorial, Open daily including Public HolidaysTel: 019 899 2041 (Mr. SeveeCharuruks)

Quailey HillOpen daily including Public Holidays8.00am to 5.00pmSabah Tea Garden, KM 17 JalanRanau-Sandakan, Kg Nalapak, Ranau.

MUSEUMS & MEMORIALS

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

TAMU MARKETS

© Sabah Travel Guide

PITAS

The Sabah Agricultural Park may be allthe way down in Tenom, but this botanic jewel can enchant even the

mildest fan of flowers and plants. Spanningover 500 acres, the park features an impressive variety of flora, laid out in variousfascinating sections.

There are about 1500 orchid speciesfound in Borneo and their 2-acre NativeOrchid Centre located within the premiseshouses 400 of them. Take a stroll and beawed by the sight of some rare and endangered species like the Elephant EarOrchid, the Rat Tail Orchid and the SlipperOrchid, but there are many other speciesfound within the 30 horticultural parks that youwon’t see any where else in the world.

If you’re an enthusiast looking for interesting facts, then perhaps you shouldpay a visit to the Evolution Garden. Comehere to see and learn about how plantsbehave and evolve to survive and thrive in theshifting surroundings of their habitats. Stepinto the Living Crop Museum, where 400 plantspecies are planted systematically based ontheir use. Spices and condiments, medicinal,

beverage, fibre, fruit and perfume plants areall in museum, but come fruiting season, thefruit trees become the stars of the show andvisitors get to try exotic wild species as wellas non-native tropical fruits.

The Ornamental Gardens are a vision ofparadise, a collection of 21 gardens landscaped into picture perfection! Amongthese gardens are the Hoya Garden, theCactus Garden and the Oriental Garden,which display an amazing array of plants andflowers.

Whether you’re a green-fingered fan oryou just want a leisurely walk somewherebeautiful, you will find the Sabah AgriculturePark truly a botanical wonderland.

Opening hours are Tuesday–Sunday 9.00am – 4:30 pm, closed on Mondays(except public holidays). For further information, please contact Pn. WanMasalmah at 088-258529 or The ParkManager at tel: 087-737952 or fax: 087-737571 or email:agripark@sabah.net.my. Alternatively visittheir website at http://www.sabah.net.my

The SabahAgriculture Park