February 2008 Volume 84

RM 1.00

The world’s highest

Via Ferrata

INSIDE: Island Hopping, Borneo Beachouse, Eating Out, Listings and more!
UsefulPhrasesInBahasaMalaysia
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?

 Contents
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
3 Feature Personality
TRANSLATORS Chin Yen Sang (Chinese)
Rie Harada (Japanese) Chef Govind of Tanjung Ria Cafe
Emzee Lee (Korean) Cover Pic © Adventure Factors Mountaineering Centre
DESIGNED & PRINTED BY
Inna Kinabalu Sdn Bhd 4 Happenings & Highlights
(Publisher of The New Sabah Times) Chinese New Year
Jalan Pusat Pembangunan Masyarakat, Sembulan
88100 Kota Kinabalu
Ang Pow Festival
City Day Regatta
Ever y ef for t has been made to ensure that the information is Local Fruits and Traditional Food Exhibition
correct at the time of publication. The publisher cannot be held
responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions and alterations which City Day Celebration
may occur as a result of last minute changes. No par t of this
magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the
City Run
Sabah Tourism Board.

7 Eating Out
Northern Indian Food at Hyatt

Editorial At the
Jing Wan Restaurant

8
recent
Where to Stay
Malaysia Borneo Beachouse

9 Places of Interest

H
ello readers! It’s me, Yolanda,
Islang Hopping, Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
your new editor for the Sabah
Malaysian Borneo Bulletin. I’m
honoured to be here. 10 Feature
Experience Mt. Kinabalu in a Whole New Way
When I first heard the words “You’re
– The World’s Highest Via Ferrata
hired” from Sri Pelancongan Sabah
Sdn Bhd, nervousness and excitement
began to swirl within my tummy. I was 12 Through The Lens
nervous mainly because the preced- Celebrating the City
ing editor, Melissa Leong, was excel-
lent at the job and I knew I had a lot Street Parade, the City Day Regatta
of expectations to meet, and a pair of and the City Cultural Extravaganza to 14 Culture
really big shoes to fill. But of course I commemorate the 8th year of Kota The Chinese Community of Sabah
couldn’t help but be excited about Kinabalu’s city status. And then
continuing this task of writing about there’s the colourful Ang Pow
our home, Sabah. Her beauty and Festivals held in various locations like 15 What’s New at Kadaiku
treasures (in this case I’m talking Luyang and Gaya Street to celebrate Sabah Souvenirs & Handicrafts
about Sabah’s, not Melissa’s) are and usher in the year of the Rat.
inexhaustible, and I have been given
I invite you to take a look at 16 Bahasa Malaysia Section
the opportunity to compose words
and pictures that would do her jus- February’s calendar of events, and
tice. And in the producing my first join in the celebrations! Enjoy the rest
18 Chinese Section
issue, I KNOW it’s not as easy as it of the bulletin and have a pleasant
sounds, Sabah’s treasures are many stay here in beautiful Sabah.
and sometimes words aren’t enough. 20 Japanese Section

Now let’s talk about what’s

happening! 22 Korean Section

February is already here and this

24 Directory Listings
month, Sabah’s main highlights are
Kota Kinabalu’s City Day celebrations
and Chinese New Year. Numerous Yolanda Graham 25 Sabah Map & Listings
events have been organized to Editor
celebrate these events, like the City
26 Tabin Wildlife Resort
Sea Breeze Fiesta
30 January – 3 February 2008
Kota Kinabalu’s budding artists’ work will be displayed along
the Waterfront from 10am to midnight, in celebration of City
Day. various booths and enjoy the performances lined-up for your
For further info:Joannes Solidau entertainment. A great outing for friends and family in the spir-
Tel: 088 521800 Fax: 088 316137 it of the Chinese New Year.
Email: joannes@dbkk.sabah.gov.my Organiser: Sabah Progressive Party
For further info: Datuk Richard Yong We Kong
City Cultural Extravaganza 2008 Secretary-General
3-5 February 2008 Tel: 088 242107 Fax: 088 249188
Held at UMS’ Chancellor’s Hall, this event features interna- Email: sappkk@streamyx.com
tional dances from 8 countries - Spain, Brazil, Kenya,
Scotland, Ireland, New Zealand, Russia and Poland. Tickets Luyang Angpow Festival
will be sold at the DBKK counter and at various shopping 17 February 2008
malls in the city. Foh Sang, Luyang, a suburban district located some 10-min-
For further info: Joannes Solidau utes from the KK City Centre, will be having their own Angpow
Tel: 088 521800 Fax: 088 316137 festival. Known for its strong Chinese community, come and
Email: joannes@dbkk.sabah.gov.my celebrate the Chinese New Year festivities in Luyang.
Organiser:
Chinese New Year Sabah Progressive Party
7 – 8 February 2008 For further info: Datuk Richard Yong We Kong
The Chinese all over the world celebrate and welcome the Secretary-General
year of the Rat with family reunion dinners and traditional lion, Tel: 088 242107 Fax: 088 249188
Local Fruits and Traditional Food Exhibition dragon and unicorn dances performed from house to house. Email: sappkk@streamyx.com
February 2008 (Every Thursday and Friday) For further info: Sabah Tourism Board
Feast your eyes and your belly on Sabah’s many local fruits Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd Dart International Tournamnet 2008
such as the durian, tarap and rambutan as well as unique Tel: 088 212121, 232121 Fax: 088 212075, 265540 29 February – 3 March 2008
local traditiona delicacies from various ethnic groups. This Email: info@sabahtourism.com An annual event held in conjunction with the City’s 8th
twice-weekly exhibition will be taking place at the Monsopiad anniversary. Participants include local and international dart
Cultural Village, just a 20-minute drive from KK City. This is enthusiasts. Held at the City Hall from 10am to 11pm.
your chance for a gastronomical adventure in KK! Organiser:
Organiser: Monsopiad Cultural Village Kota Kinabalu City Hall
For further info: Monsopiad Cultural Village For further info: Lifred Wong
Tel: 088 774336 Fax: 088 761680 Tel: 088 521800 Fax: 088 219175
Email: info@monsopiad.com Email: lifred@dbkk.sabah.gov.my
8th City Day Celebration Chap Goh Mei
2 February 2008 21 February 2008
Join the city folks as they celebrate KK’s 8th year as a city. The 15th day of Chinese New Year, Chap Goh Mei, is the
The celebration includes a City Street Parade which will Chinese equivalent of Valentine’s Day. This is an occasion
include ethnic music performances, laser shows, float parade where young maidens throw mandarin oranges into rivers to
and a fireworks show. wish for good husbands.
Organiser: Kota Kinabalu City Hall For further info: Sabah Tourism Board
For further info: Joannes Solidau Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd
Tel: 088 521800 Fax: 088 316137 Tel: 088 212121, 232121 Fax: 088 212075, 265540
Email: joannes@dbkk.sabah.gov.my City Run Email: info@sabahtourism.com
10 February 2008
The City Run is held in conjunction with the City’s 8th Kota Kinabalu City Tourism Treasure Hunt 2008
anniversary. Some 10, 000 city folks are expected to partici- 24 February 2008
pate in this year’s run, which offers attractive prizes and a fun An annual event held in conjunction with the City Day cele-
lucky draw. bration. Treasure hunters search the city high and low while
Organiser: Kota Kinabalu City Hall getting to know Kota Kinabalu better. Starts at Nexus
For further info: Joannes Solidau Karambunai Resort at 7am and should last till 6pm.
Tel: 088 521800 Fax: 088 316137 Organiser:
Email: joannes@dbkk.sabah.gov.my Kota Kinabalu City Hall
For further info: Fauziahton Ag. Samad
Kota Kinabalu Angpow Festival Tel: 088 521800 Fax: 088 316137
15 February 2008 Email: fauziahton@dbkk.sabah.gov.my
Come and be part of the fun and excitement at the Kota
Kinabalu Angpow festival held at Kampung Air, featuring a City Day Regatta
variety of cultural performances and entertainment. 23 – 24 February 2008
Organiser: Sabah Progressive Party The City Day Regatta is held over two days, comprising of
For further info: Datuk Richard Yong We Kong several races to determine the champions in various classes
Flag Raising Ceremony Secretary-General of boats. Held at Tanjung Aru Beach from 9am to 6pm. The
2 February 2008 Tel: 088 242107 event is held as part of the KK City Day celebrations.
A symbolic event in which flags are raised to mark Kota Fax: 088 249188 Organiser:
Kinabalu City’s 8th anniversary includes a march-pass event. Email: sappkk@streamyx.com Kinabalu Yacht Club
Begins at 8am and expected to end at 10.30am. For further info: Bridget Yong Stephens
Organiser: Kota Kinabalu City Hall Gaya Street Angpow Festival Honorary Secretary
For further info: Joannes Solidau 16 February 2008 Tel: 088 240070, 243070, 019 8808859 Fax: 088 243007
Tel: 088 521800 Fax: 088 316137 Kota Kinabalu’s favourite street comes alive this month with Email: kyctaru@tm.net.my
Email: joannes@dbkk.sabah.gov.my the merriment of the Gaya Street Angpow festival. Visit the
Feature Personality
Chef Govind, who hails from Uttranchal in India, is
our feature personality this month. He’s been with
Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu since May 2007,
delighting Tanjung Ria Café diners with Northern
Indian cuisine. With the help of an interpreter, we
interviewed him so he could tell us how he’s fared
in Sabah so far.
1. How long have you been a chef and how did
you start?
I’ve been a chef for 9 years. I started because all
my friends were working in the industry. They
said a lot of good things
about it so I decided to
give it a try.
2. Where have you
traveled to as a chef?
So far I’ve been to quite
a few places. For the
past 9 years as a chef,
I’ve traveled to Bombay,
Delhi, Kuwait and now,
Sabah, Malaysia.
3. Have you traveled
around Sabah, and
what have you seen?
I haven’t traveled around
Sabah but I would like to
see more of it very much.
I’ve heard a lot about
Sabahan icons like
Mount Kinabalu, the
Orang Utan Sanctuary
and the islands and hope
to see all of them before I
go. As for the
3
weather, in my country in can get too hot in
the summer or too cold in the winter, and in
the kitchen it can get as hot as 50°C! I love
the weather here for the reason that it’s per-
fect all the time.
4. What have your challenges been as a chef
here in Sabah?
In the beginning it was a bit of a challenge
because of the language barrier, it was very
hard for me to teach or explain to the local
chefs how things need to be done or what
things are about. It’s easier now after
explaining through showing them repeated-
ly instead of just telling them.
5. How do you cook at home? What do you
cook at home that you never cook at the
restaurant?
Oh, my mother cooks at home! I have my
mother’s cooking! My favourite recipe to
cook is the tandoor kalmi kebab, which is
chicken barbecued in a tandoor oven. My
greatest satisfaction is when I get compli-
ments for the food I cook.
6. What about Malaysian food? What do you
like here?
Malaysian food is delicious! I love the chick-
en curry and coconut rice in particular but
the other foods I’ve tasted are good as well.
The spicy Indian food here is similar to the
authentic Southern Indian cuisine which is
spicy. I’ve tasted the food at one of the
restaurants serving Northern Indian food
here and it’s very similar to the food at
home.
Catch Chef Govind in action every Friday at
the Tanjung Ria Café from 6.30pm to
9.30pm. His northern Indian preparations
are available dinner only, buffet style. He will
be at Hyatt Regency until May 2008.
4 Happenings & Highlights
Gaya Street
Ang Pow Festival
16th February
2008
his Festival bears the name of one

T of the Chinese New Year’s main

icons, the Ang Pow, a red packet
containing cash, given to the children
and the unmarried during the celebra-
tions. On Gaya Street, a vibrant festival
comes alive with people bustling about
to visit curious booths and to watch per-
formances and lions dances in the spirit
of the Chinese New Year! This year the
Festival is held on the 16th of February,
beginning at 6.30 pm on Gaya Street.
For more information contact Datuk
Richard Yong We Kong (Secretary
General for the organizing SPP), Tel:
088 242107, Fax: 088 249 188, Email:
sappkk@streamyx.com
Chinese New Year.
7th – 8th February 2008 City Day Regatta, 23th-24th February 2008
ook around the city and you’ll find it obvious: it's the

L season for all things red again! Santa Claus and tin-
sel have now been replaced with Chinese New Year
icons and decorations such as colourful paper mache
I
n the first City Day Regatta held in 2000
when Kota Kinabalu was declared a
city, 64 boats took to the water with
sailors from around the region, including
lions, lanterns and vases of pretty blossoms. This year, participants from other states. Ages of
Chinese New Year falls on the 7th February 2007 and participants ranged from 6 to 65 years of
ushers in the Year of the Rat. age.
The annual event is to celebrate the
In Sabah, the Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year importance of the sea and its significant
by visiting their family members, forming a reunion all at role in the lives of Kota Kinabalu resi-
once. Open houses are organized to allow the celebration dents for leisure, sports and the econo-
to be extended to friends, no invitation required! In addi- my. Participants are from all over the
tion to scrumptious food, you are sure given an orange or region. It has a reputation for attracting
two, with the intention of giving you luck, as the word for top sailors from around Borneo. Many
orange has the same sound as the word for ‘wealth’. come from the Peninsular States to com-
pete as it is a benchmark regatta for sail-
When you’re visiting a Chinese house or meet a ing performance standards. For Sabah
Chinese around this time of the year, be sure to say the sailors, it is a very important ranking race.
magic words ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai’. Loosely translated it Make this one of the ways you cele-
means “congratulations and be prosperous” and you’ll be brate the city and join in the excitement
greeted back the same, with a wonderful smile. under KK’s blue skies and by the blue
Don’t forget to check out the annual Chinese New waters! The event goes on for 2 days
Year night market, held this year on the 5th February consisting of a number of races to estab-
lish the champions in a range of classes
2008 in Segama. Chinese New Year goodies are bound
of boats.
to be found in this atmospheric bazaar! For further information contact
Bridget Yong Stephens, Honorary
For more information, contact Sabah Tourism Board / Secretary of the organizing Kinabalu
Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd. Tel: 088 212121 / Yacht Club Tel: 088 240070, 243070,
232121 fax: 088 212075 / 265540 019 8808859 Fax: 088 243007 or Email:
kyctaru@tm.net.my
Happenings & Highlights 5
Local Fruits and Traditional
Food Exhibition, February 2008
abah is a land of adventures and

S the adventures don’t stop in the

jungle. At this exhibition of local
fruits and traditional food, there’s
bound to be something you haven’t
tried before. Some of the fruits in the
exhibition include the notorious durian
and the purple mangosteen; whereas
the local delicacies to be featured
include Tuhau (ginger-flower relish),
Bambangan (pickled wild mango),
Hinava (fresh fish marinated in lime
and ginger), Pinasakan Sada (sim-
mered tuna with wild cherry), Kinotuan
Kampung (local vegetable dish) and
Noonsom (pickled fish). The exhibition
is held twice a week in the month of
February, Thursdays and Fridays at
10am to 4pm. This is the chance for
you to take a bold step in tasting unfa-
miliar flavours! The event will be held
at the Monsopiad Cultural Village, 20
minutes from the city.
For further information, contact the
Monsopiad Cultural Village Tel: 088
774336 Fax: 088 761680 or Email:
info@monsopiad.com

City Day Run, 17th of February 2008

he City Day Run is yet another annual event in conjunction
T with the City Day celebrations. This year, the City Run will start
at the Padang Merdeka, flagging off at 6.00 a.m. There are 3
categories: Students, Adults and Veterans. Every participant who
completes the run is given a ticket for a chance to win attractive
prizes in a lucky draw at the end of the run.
For Further information please contact Mr Mohd Noh at 088
521800 or Mr Poniah at 088 765777
City Day Celebration,
2 February
ultiple events are lined up to celebrate Kota Kinabalu’s 8th
M anniversary as a city and everyone’s invited to make it cheerful!
Join in or witness the events to celebrate the birthday and growth of
KK as a city like the City Run, the KK City tourism Treasure Hunt and the
City Day Regatta. Watch for other events in our Calendar of Events page.
For more information contact Joannes Solidau at tel: 088 521800 or
fax: 088 316137 or email: joannes@dbkk.sabah.gov.my

News:
Wedding at Kapalai K1 Fighters Fan Club Tour
Kahlia Chamberain and Adam Mills 3 K1 fighters and their fans from
recently had the wedding of their Japan arrived in Sabah to enjoy
dreams on the village on stilts of the sights and scenes of Northern
Kapalai. They celebrated their Borneo in January. Mori Akio a.k.a.
union at the stunning venue sur- Musashi, Mori Tomoyuki and
rounded by friends and family Yasuhiro Kazuya as well as over
from all over, spending a week on 30 of their fans enjoyed kayaking,
the Borneon paradise resort swim- banana boating and cruising the
ming, snorkelling and scuba diving. Their wedding is featured in mangroves on their stay here, expressing the interest to come
the Australian Magazine, New Idea. back to visit again and to bring the sport into Sabah.
Eating Out
Jing Wan Restaurant – Canton Delights ucked in a little corner of the
T yellow Block D of the Bundusan
Commercial Centre is a little
gem called Jing Wan Restaurant.
This restaurant has been in operation
for about a year now, and features
delectable Canton cuisine, all pre-
pared by a chef from Canton. Jing
Wan’s highlights are dim sum and
steamboat, but serve other main
dishes, like chicken rice and ‘kon lau’
noodles as well. You can enjoy Jing
Wan’s steamboat in a half-and-half
vessel with 2 different boiling broths
of your choice. Here they have a
choice of 8 broths – sze chuan, tofu
with century egg, plain, rice porridge,
herbal, salted vegetable, chicken and
the super spicy tom yam soup. The
list that they hand you offers a good
variety of ingredients for you to
choose from, including very thinly
sliced imported beef and lamb for
quick cooking. If you want to have
some ostrich meat in your steamboat,
they’ve got that too! Some unique
steamboat ingredients are included in
their list, like the ‘siew lung pao’ which
is chiefly a stuffed Chinese bun;
except when you take a bite into the
bun, a surprising, but delicious shot of
chicken soup fills your mouth! Jing
Northern Indian Cuisine - Tanjung Ria Café, Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu
ith Chef Govind (check out our Feature Personality this A buffet filled with mouth-watering dishes is set upon their
W month) hired straight from the land of northern India,
Hyatt Regency’s Tanjung Ria Café is pleased to enchant
its diners with exotic northern Indian cuisine every Friday night.
buffet table, featuring classic northern Indian dishes such as
briyani, tadoor, kebabs, kormas and curries.
7
Wan prides itself on the home-made
noodles it serves, and rightfully so. If
you can’t get your children to enjoy
vegetables, they come in sheep’s
clothing here – Jing Wan makes and
serves tasty spinach and carrot
noodles they won’t resist. If you’re on
a food hunt for good braised leg of
pork, definitely put Jing Wan on your
list. The tenderest meat served on a
platter falls of the bone only just as
you touch it with your knife. Other
specialties that will please you are
their scrumptious dim sum, lotus leaf
rice and spinach seafood soup. Try
them once and you’ll be planning
your next dinner here. If you want to
be impressed by their gorgeous
roasted suckling pig you’ll want to
order it at least a day in advance.
Jing Wan Restaurant is located in
Block D of the Bundusan
Commercial Centre, at Lots 45 and
46, Jalan Bundusan, Penampang.
Opening hours are 6.30 am to 3 pm
and 6.30 pm to 10pm, Monday to
Sunday. Jing Wan caters for
private functions and weddings.
For more information please
contact the restaurant at
088 710 763.
8 W h e r e
Borneo Beachouse
ith the opening of a backpacker’s lodge just 5 minutes’ walk
W from the beach, travelers traveling on a shoestring have got it
made. The Borneo Beachouse is a friendly, laid-back
accommodation for backpackers, fully equipped with a dining area, a
kitchen, Internet access, satellite TV, hot water, a BBQ area, sun
bathing area, queen bed, twin bed and bunk bed bedrooms. Altogether,
the large Beachouse can comfortably accommodate up to 40
vacationers at a time. The kitchen is there for a practical reason and
suggests a unique experience for its boarders – the lodge encourages
lodgers to cook and share food and ultimately share the different
flavours that different nationalities have to offer.
Besides having the beach within view, the colourfully decorated
Borneo Beachouse is also within walking distance to shops, food
outlets, shopping, entertainment outlets and the Tanjung Aru Resort
Jetty whose boats will take you to the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
Islands.
t o s t a y
The house has an area out front where boarders can hang out and
relax under the shade of the trees and in the breeze of the sea. When
you’re up for a little activity, the Beachouse can help you line up a few
things to do on your stay in Sabah. Options include a day trip to
Simpang Mengayau, the tip of Borneo; a visit to the Monsopiad Cultural
Village; getaways to the famed Survivor Island, Pulau Tiga; diving at
locations of your choice, be it at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park or the
legendary Sipadan and Mabul Islands; white water rafting or scaling
Mount Kinabalu; trekking adventures through he jungles of Borneo.. the
list goes on. All you have to do is ask!
Borneo Beachouse is located at House No. 122, Lorong Ikan Lais,
Tanjung Aru 88100 Kota Kinabalu.
For further information or to make reservations, please call +6088
218 331 or fax +6088 219 331 or email
borneo.beachouse@gmail.com. Bookings can also be made
online at http://www.borneobeachouse.com.
P l a c e s o f I n t e r e s t 9

Island Hopping
The Tunku Abdul B
ehold the envy of many, 5
beautiful islands
minutes from the city,
accessible to anyone looking for
that sand, sea and sun holiday.
just

Rahman Park
The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park
was established in 1974,
comprising of 49 sq km of
protected ocean, coral reefs and 5
islands called Pulau Gaya, Pulau
Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, Pulau
Sapi and Pulau Sulug. The
islands’ visitors are never
disappointed after a visit to these
islands. Whether they spend a
whole day on one island or take a
sunset cruise and island hop from
one to another, they will tell you it
is a trip well worth, then reveal to
you what they saw on their trek,
swim, snorkel or dive.
Pulau Gaya is the largest
island of the five with hiking trails
and a resort on it. Then there’s
Manukan, a popular island stop
with chalets, restaurants, a
swimming pool, a tennis court
and a marine exhibition centre.
On Mamutik there is a trekking
trail that will reward you with a
fantastic view of the
surrounding seas and reefs and a
diving operator’s booth where
you can rent diving equipment.
Pulau Sapi is popular as a picnic
and swimming spot, with
barbecue pits and tables. Finally,
Pulau Sulug, the furthest of all 5
islands, small and rocky, a bit
more private than the rest,
offering spectacular coral reefs
for divers to explore.
All of the 5 islands boast white
sandy beaches and crystal clear
waters, so put your swimsuits on
and head out for an island holiday
just minutes from the city!
10 • Feature
Experience
Mt. Kinabalu
in a Whole
New Way
– The World’s Highest Via Ferrata.
ven if you haven’t climbed Mount Kinabalu, you’re sure to
E have heard that the climb is a challenge well worth. And if
you’ve climbed it once or twice and decided that that’s
enough, maybe the launch of Asia’s first via ferrata on Mt
Kinabalu will have you reconsidering.
Via ferrate (plural for via ferrata or ‘iron road’ in Italian) are
found in European countries such as Italy, Germany, France,
Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland and Spain; in the United States
and Canada. They were first built to help the movement of
mountain infantry in the Italian Dolomites in World War One.
Now, with about 300 found around the world, via ferrate is an
adventurer’s favoured pursuit.
A via ferrata is a mountain route on a rock face, consisting
of a trail equipped with rungs, rails and cables, bringing hikers
to areas that are less commonly explored and usually available
only to mountaineers and rock climbers. The trail promises to
present different challenges to climbers, requiring sure footed-
ness and an absence of the fear of heights. This exciting expe-
rience is also rewarding, as you feel your heart soar with spec-
tacular views and a sense of accomplishment which you will
remember forever.
Asia’s first via ferrata was recently launched in December
2007 on Mount Kinabalu. The trail was also awarded the World’s
Highest Via Ferrata by the Malaysian Book of Records, giving
Sabahans another reason to beam with pride over the state’s
wealth of treasures. Starting at 3, 200m and ending at 3, 800m,
Mt Kinabalu’s via ferrata is christened Mountain Torq and
managed by Adventure Factors Mountaineering Factors
Mountaineering Centre Sdn Bhd, South East Asia’s first
mountaineering centre.
Mountain Torq is doable by anyone fit and healthy and the
training centre presents an age range of adventurers between
the ages of 10 and 70. Via ferrata trails vary in difficulty
depending on the climber’s endurance and abilities, and an
activities trainer is assigned to each group to give full safety
briefings and training on how to use safety devices. The trainer
is also there to climb with you, offer hints and tips to negotiate
challenges on the way up as well as to highlight some
spectacular sights along the way.
Judging by the pictures and testimonials of those who have
already scaled Mountain Torq, you may not want to give this via
ferrata a miss!
More information can be found at www.mountaintorq.com;
Email: enquiry@mountaintorq.com; Office: Lot 126, 1st Floor,
Wisma Sabah, Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, 88400 Kota Kinabalu,
Sabah, Malaysia. Tel: +60 88 268 126 Fax +60 88 269 126
 12

C CV Chong

©Scubazoo
Through the Lens
14 Culture

TheChinese
Community
he Chinese are the largest non-indigenous group in the state and

T is the second largest group in Sabah. The main group is the

Hakka (Kek), but the Cantonese, Hokkien, Teochiew,
Hanainaneese, Henghwa and other Chinese groups have made the
Land Below the Wind their home for over 1,000 years.
The Chinese arrival to Sabah shores began with trade but mass
migration of the Chinese into the state came about in the 1880s after
the formation of the North Borneo Chartered Company. The migrants
predominantly included farmers, but artisans and miners also came to
stay. Many Chinese have intermarried with the local population,
mainly the Kadazandusun. This has created a unique sub-culture of
Sino Kadazans, who practise both Kadazandusun and Chinese
customs and traditions.
Unsurprisingly their rich culture and influence in the social events
of the state and of Malaysia is significant and distinct. This month for
example, you will see that the Chinese New Year is a major celebration,
and in the months to come, many more vibrant events from this
culture will follow, like the Mooncake Festical and the Dragonboat
Race.
16 Bahasa Malaysia
Rasai Pengalaman di Gunung Perayaan Sambutan Hari
Kinabalu dengan Cara Baharu Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu
- Via Ferrata Tertinggi Dunia 2 Februari

alaupun anda belum pernah mendaki Gunung Kinabalu, anda pasti

W pernah mendengar pendakian itu sememangnya cukup mencabar.

Dan jika anda pernah mendakinya satu atau dua kali dan
memutuskan bahawa itu sudah memadai, mungkin pelancaran via ferrata
pertama Asia di Gunung Kinabalu akan membuatkan anda tukar fikiran.
Via ferrate (perkataan majmuk untuk via ferrata atau ‘jalan besi’ dalam
bahasa Itali) ditemui di negara-negara Eropah seperti Itali, Jerman, Perancis,
Austria, Slovenia, Switzerland dan Sepanyol, di Amerika Syarikat dan Kanada.
Via ferrata pada awalnya dibina untuk membantu pergerakan infantri gunung
di Italian Dolomites semasa Perang Dunia Pertama. Kini, dengan jumlahnya
lebih kurang 300 boleh ditemui di seluruh dunia, via ferrate adalah
pengalaman yang pastinya dicari oleh pengembara.
Via ferrata adalah laluan gunung berhadap batu, yang terdiri daripada
laluan yang dilengkapi tali, landasan dan kabel, untuk membawa pendaki ke
elbagai acara disediakan untuk meraikan hari ulang
kawasan yang jarang diterokai dan biasanya hanya untuk pendaki gunung
dan pendaki batu. Laluan ini menjanjikan cabaran berbeza kepada pendaki,
memerlukan kelasakan dan tidak takut dengan ketinggian. Pengalaman
menarik ini turut menghasilkan ganjarannya. Anda akan teruja menyaksikan
P tahun ke-8 Kota Kinabalu sebagai sebuah bandar
raya dan semua orang dijemput memeriahkannya!
Sertai dan saksikan acara ini untuk meraikan ulang tahun
pemandangan luar biasa dan rasa bangga yang akan anda kenang dan pembangunan Kota Kinabalu sebagai sebuah bandar
selamanya. raya seperti Larian Bandar Raya, Pencarian Harta Karun
Via ferrata pertama Asia ini baru saja dilancarkan pada Disember 2007 di Bandar Raya Kota Kinabalu dan Regatta Hari Bandaraya.
Gunung Kinabalu. Via Ferrata Tertinggi Dunia dianugerahkan oleh Malaysian Saksikan acara lain dalam Kalendar Acara kami.
Book of Records kepada laluan ini. Anugerah ini memberi rakyat Sabah satu Untuk maklumat lanjut hubungi Joannes Solidau
lagi sebab untuk tersenyum bangga. Bermula pada ketinggian 3,200m dan
di talian 088 521800 atau faks 088 316137 atau e-mel:
berakhir pada 3,800m, via ferrata Gunung Kinabalu dinamakan ‘Mountain
Torq’ dan diuruskan oleh Adventure Factors Mountaineering Centre Sdn Bhd, joannes@dbkk.sabah.gov.my
pusat pergunungan pertama Asia Tenggara.
‘Mountain Torq’ boleh didaki oleh sesiapa saja yang cergas dan sihat dan
pusat latihan menetapkan usia pengembara antara umur 10 hingga 70 tahun.
Larian Hari Bandar Raya
Laluan via ferrata berbeza dari segi kesukaran bergantung kepada ketahanan
dan keupayaan pendaki, dan seorang pelatih aktiviti ditugaskan dalam setiap
17 Februari, 2008
arian Hari Bandar Raya adalah satu lagi acara

kumpulan untuk memberikan taklimat penuh mengenai keselamatan dan
latihan dan menggunakan alat keselamatan. Pelatih juga turut serta mendaki
bersama-sama anda, menawarkan tips dan cara untuk mengatasi cabaran
dalam perjalanan, selain menunjukkan pemandangan menarik yang pelbagai
ketika dalam perjalanan.
Berdasarkan gambar dan bukti daripada mereka yang telah menaiki
‘Mountain Torq’, anda mungkin tidak mahu melepaskan via ferrata ini!
Maklumat lanjut boleh diperoleh di www.mountaintorq.com; E-mel:
enquiry@mountaintorq.com; Pejabat: Lot 126, 1st Floor, Wisma Sabah,
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen, 88400 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia. Tel: +60
88 268 126 Faks: +60 88 269 126
L
tahunan bersempena dengan perayaan Hari Bandar
Raya tahun ini, Larian Bandar Raya ini akan bermula
di Padang Merdeka, berlepas pada pukul 6.00 pagi.
Terdapat tiga kategori pada acara ini. Satu kategori
pelajar, satu kategori dewasa dan satu lagi kategori
veteran. Setiap peserta yang menamatkan larian diberikan
satu tiket untuk peluang memenangi hadiah-hadiah
menarik dalam cabutan bertuah pada akhir larian.
Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Encik Mohd Noh
di talian 088 521800 atau Encik Poniah di 088 765777.
Bahasa Malaysia
Jom Makan
Northern Indian Cuisine -
Tanjung Ria Café, Hyatt
Regency Kota Kinabalu
engan Chef (rujuk rencana Personality kami bulan
D ini) didatangkan dari India utara, Tanjung Ria Café di
Hyatt Ragency gembira menyenangkan hati pelang-
gannya dengan jamuan eksotik India utara setiap malam
Jumaat. Bufet dipenuhi dengan hidangan menyelerakan
yang disediakan di atas meja bufet mereka, mengeten-
gahkan makanan klasik India utara seperti beriani, tadoor,
kebab, korma dan kari.
Tempat menarik
Pesona Terapung
erjalanan selama 45 minit dari
P Semporna menaiki bot laju
membawa anda ke sebuah
pelabuhan terapung di laut biru dipanggil
Kapalai yang terkenal sebagai antara
tempat menyelam yang cantik di
bahagian ini di dunia. Kapalai
sememangnya unik kerana ia
sebenarnya bukan sebuah ‘pulau’. 40
chalet dibina di atas tiang kayu yang
tinggi di tengah-tengah laut. Laluan kayu
yang kukuh menghubungkan pelbagai
bahagian di pusat peranginan terapung
ini dan berjalan di laluan kayu ini
memberikan peluang untuk anda
menikmati keindahan pemandangan
hidupan laut yang berenang di
bawahnya.
Pusat peranginan ini memiliki 40
chalet, dilengkapi dengan keperluan
asas, termasuklah kemudahan membuat
teh dan kopi. Anda pasti akan puas hati
dengan pemandangannya: Anda akan
menyaksikan pemandangan memukau
Laut Celebes walau ke mana-mana arah
pun anda berpaling! Restorannya adalah
daripada geladak kayu. Pelanggan boleh
17
makan di luar atau al fresco. Terdapat
juga sebuah anjung tinjau pemancangan
di tengah-tengah restoran itu yang
membolehkan anda melihat pelbagai
hidupan laut melintas di bawah. Geladak
matahari, tempat kegemaran ramai,
adalah kawasan hebat untuk bersantai
sambil menikmati tiupan angin laut yang
dingin.
Pusat Penyelaman membekalkan
peralatan menyelam, snorkel dan
berkayak untuk disewa. Tidak tahu
menyelam tetapi teringin hendak
melakukannya? Tiada masalah! Pusat ini
menawarkan pelbagai kursus PADI,
termasuk Laut Terbuka dan
memperkenalkan Selaman Malam.
Selepas menikmati syurga bawah air,
jelajahilah kemudahan lain yang
ditawarkan pusat peranginan itu
termasuklah kedai cenderamata, bilik
permainan dan perkhidmatan capaian
jalur lebar (broadband).
Ingin tahu lebih lanjut? Hubungi
Pulau Sipadan Resort di talian 087-
765200 atau lawati
http://www.sipadan-kapalai.com/
1 8 C h i n e s e
C h i n e s e 1 9
20 Japanese
Japanese 21
22 Korean
Korean 23
 © Sabah Travel Guide

TAMU MARKETS MUSEUMS & MEMORIALS

KOTA KINABALU SANDAKAN Bukit Tengkorak Archaelogical
* most tamus operate as early as 6am and close by 2pm. Sabah State Museum Agnes Keith House, Sandakan Site Museum, Semporna
Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm Mon - Sun: 9.00am - 5.00pm Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Kota Kinabalu Kudat Jln. Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu
Tel: 088-253199/263551
Tel: 089-222679 Tel: 088-253199

Gaya Street Fair - Sunday Matunggong Lama - Saturday Sandakan Memorial Park OTHER DISTRICTS
Kampung Air - Sunday Matunggong Baru - Thursday Sabah Islamic Mon - Sun: 9am-5pm Murut Museum (Sabah Murut
Civilisation Museum Sibuga Forest Reserve Cultural Centre , Tenom)
Mon – Sun: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Penampang Kota Marudu Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Jalan Menteri, off Jalan Tunku Abdul
Mile 7, Jalan Labuk, Sandakan
Tel: 016 8221616 (Doris) Lembaga Kebudayaan Negeri Sabah
Donggongon Pekan Kota Marudu - Rahman, (Tenom Branch) W.D.T 72, 89909
Thursday & Friday Saturday & Sunday Kota Kinabalu Sandakan Heritage Museum Tenom.
Tel: 088-538227/538228 Mon - Sun: 9am-5pm Tel: 087-734506
Wisma Warisan, Sandakan
Papar Tuaran Sabah Ethnobotanical Tel: 089-222679 Mat Salleh Memorial, Tambunan
Lok Kawi Sabindo - Saturday Bingkor - Thursday Heritage Museum Open Daily
Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm Batu Tulug Archaeological Site Kg. Tibabar, Tambunan
Tel :088-253199/ 263551
Sandakan Tambunan Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu
Tel: 088-253199/263551
Museum, Kinabatangan
Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Sandakan Town - Sunday Pekan Tuaran - Sunday Tel: 088-253199 Kundasang War Memorial,
Gua Mantong Jaya - Sunday Kiulu - Tuesday Second World War Open daily including Public Holidays
Memorial Petagas TAWAU Tel: 019 899 2041 (Mr. Sevee
Open daily Teck Guan Cocoa Museum Charuruks)
Tawau Kota Belud Tel:088-253199 Mon-Fri: 8am -11:30am
Bandar Tawau - Sunday Pekan Kota Belud - Sunday 1:30pm-4:30pm Quailey Hill
Kinarut Mansion Ruins Museum Sat: 8am-12pm Sun: Closed Open daily including Public Holidays
8.00am to 5.00pm
Ranau Sipitang Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Tel: 088-253199/263551
Mile 2, Tanjung Batu Laut, Teck Guan
Factory, Tawau Sabah Tea Garden, KM 17 Jalan
Pekan Kundasang - Friday Sindumin - Saturday Tel:089-775566 ext 2601 Ranau-Sandakan, Kg Nalapak, Ranau.

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES

Sabah Tourism Board Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd Tourism Malaysia (Sabah)
No.51, Jalan Gaya, 88000, Kota Kinabalu Lot 4, Ground Floor, Block L, Sinsuran Complex, Lot 1-0-7, Ground Floor, Block 1, Lorong Api-Api
Tel: 088-212121 Fax: 088-212075 88000, Kota Kinabalu 1, Api Api Centre, 88000, Kota Kinabalu
Email: info@sabahtourism.com Tel: 088-232121 Fax: 088-265540 Tel:088-248698/ 211732
Website: www.sabahtourism.com Email: info@sabahtourism.com E-mail: enquiries@tourism.gov.my
Open: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Mon-Fri) Website: www.sabahtourism.com Website: www.tourism.gov.my
9:00am to 4:00pm (Weekend & PH) Open: 8:00amto 5:00pm (Mon-Fri) Open: 8:00am to 5:00pm (Mon-Fri)
8:00am-4:00pm (Weekend & PH) Closed on weekends

SANDAKAN (089)
Fire Department - 994 Yayasan Sabah Ambulance
Useful Numbers

088-326655 !Hospital 212111 LABUAN (087)

Ambulance
/Police -999 !Airport 660405 !Hospital 413333
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Information Services !Immigrations 668308 !Airport 415015
088-218166 088-280600/ 280631/ 280641
Police Hotline !Immigrations 412298
HQ SABAH – 088-253555 TAWAU (089)
KK – 088-221191 Damai Specialist Centre
International
088-222922 !Hospital 773533
Telephone Directory
Airport - 088-238555 Sabah Medical Centre Assistance -108 !Airport 950013
088-211333 !Immigrations 773343
Tabin
Wildlife
Reserve
he Tabin Wildlife Reserve needs little

T introduction. Located 50 km northeast of Lahad

Datu on the Dent Peninsula, the reserve attracts
visitors from far and near each year. As the name
suggests, Tabin is home to a myriad of wildlife and is
most famous for sightings of the Asian elephant, the
elusive Sumatran rhinoceros and tembadau (Banteng
wild buffalo, Bos javanicus). Tabin is a tropical haven
for wildlife and conveniently located beside it are vast
plantations which serve as feeding grounds. The
highlight of any visit to Tabin is the Night Safari.
However, don’t confuse this with a trip to the zoo!
There is no guaranteed sighting of the elusive crea-
tures during your night safari but if you are lucky, you
might come across civets, buffy owls, bearded pigs,
pythons and, for the extremely fortunate, an elephant
or two. In the evenings, go for a dip in the refreshing
Lipad River (it gets quite deep in some parts, so
exercise caution) or for a natural beauty remedy, why
not wallow in the Lipad Mud Volcano? Many people
swear by its rejuvenating properties and even bring
back bottles of mud as a gift for friends! If trekking is
your thing, Tabin offers interesting walks through its
jungles. A good tip is to bring leech socks – the
rainforest is teeming with these friendly creatures.
Want to get in touch with nature? There’s no place like
Tabin.

Getting There
The flight from Kota Kinabalu to Lahad Datu takes
approximately 55 minutes. From Lahad Datu, travel for
one hour by road to Tabin Wildlife Reserve.

Contact Intra Travel Services Sdn. Bhd. at tel. no 088-

261558 or e-mail enquiry@tabinwildlife.com.my. Visit
the website at www.tabinwildlife.com.my