Spooks at 1 Borneo

 

I have taken this picture some months back in Sabah's newest shopping mall at 1 Borneo. This evening I suddenly notice a spectral figure in the background. Can somebody enlighten me on this phenomena? Can you all see what I saw...

Sabah Tops Them All

 

I m proud to say when I read the papers this morning that Sabah on top again. Not because She has the highest peak in South East Asia but because She was voted best tourism destination in Malaysia by a panel of 70 foreign Ambassadors. True Sabah has many things to offer as I told before but the best ingredient we have according to the local daily is the warm and friendly people. Kudos to Sabahans for leading the way in living in harmony in diversity to showcase what sharing really means...

Gone up in smoke

 

On 20Aug2008, the unimaginable happened,the once mighty Servay hypermarket in Penampang Sabah burnt to the ground.For me, it is sad because it was one of my favorite places to shop. I can get everything there...toothpicks to missiles...well almost. When one was celebrating this was the place to go,a one stop shop. I do hope they build a bigger mall in future for I missed even just to window shop there.
 

Free ice cream anyone?

May-The cultural month for Sabah

THE KDCA

Omigosh, the month of May is almost ending and I haven't been blogging. Sorry guys who read my bloc expecting something new. Well the month of May is the most exciting month to visit Sabah. At the stroke of midnight of May 1st 2007, the local gongs sound the opening of the festivies of Kamaatan or the Harvest Festival of Sabah. Kaamatan is celebrated everyday in different districts of Sabah for the whole month of May. Watch the sumazau,a local dance being perform or taste the local food like the hinava, a dish must like Japanese sushi or sip the local wine montoku akin to Japanese Sake. Watch local sports events like buffalo racing or knuckle wrestling and many more. The highlight of each celebration is choosing of the Ngunduk Ngadau or the beauty queen chosen in each district to vie for the finals to be held in the Kadazan Dusun Cultural association at end of the month. For those who want to see the finals of the beauty contest, there is still time to come to join in the finale of the celebration with crowning of the Nguduk Ngadau at the KDCA, Penampang, Sabah on the 30th and 31st of May 2007. Have fun..

Month of April- Happenings in Sabah

For visitors to Sabah it is always good to plan their trip along with the main events going around locally. Sabah has a lot of cultural,sporting or historical events which are uniquely Sabahan in nature. For the next few months will be quite eventful and I will keep you updated every now and then. Sabah has at 3 'not to be miss' happenings for the month of April 07. Here goes...

Regatta Lepa Semporna Water Festival 21st to 22nd April07
The Lepa, a traditional wooden single-mast sail boat is used by the Sea Bajau people as a show case of this once in a year event. Events include boat beauty contest, boat racing,boat tug of war. It will be a very colourful event; beautifully array of coloured decorations on boats and beautifully cladded dancing maidens. Besides there s also the fresh seafood Semporna town is famous for. Don't miss it for the world.Read more


Pesta Kalimaran of Tenom 14th to 15th07

This event show cases the traditions and culture of the Murut people.Visitors will be treated by a variety of cultural happenings like native Murut Beauty pageant, Murut cultural dances and games. Adventurous visitors can participate in dances such the lansaran which is kind of trampoline dance or the magunatip(bamboo dance)in which one has to keep the beat in order let bamboo clapping away from ones feet.Go there and have fun.more info


Anzac Day 25th April07

Anzac Day celebrations in Sabah commemorate servicemen and women from Australia and New Zealand who fought in Sabah during world war II, particularly prisoners war who took part in the 'Death March' from Sandakan to Ranau. Family members often make a pilgrimage to pay tribute to their fallen ancestors at this time of year. A solemn event but for those who are historical buffs may want capture the essence of what replayed by the survivors and surviving family members of world war II in Sabah.read more

On the Headlines

Top UK Travel agent names Nexus 'Best Hotel'
KOTA KINABALU 12MAR2007
The Nexus Resort Karambunai has been
named Best Hotel- Far East and Australia 2006 by
Virgin Holidays, one of the travel agents in the
United Kingdom.read more

Hotels in Kota Kinabalu

Budget
Akinabalu Youth Hostel
Rooms are spacious and clean with excellent amenities to ensure your stay is a pleasant one.

Accessibility to all parts of the city is second to none. Gaya Street, where the hostel located is the heart of the City, with a weekly bazaar held to keep all amused.

Ambaga Homestay
Snuggled in Kg. Ganang, a semi-urban village in Kepayan where Kampung houses are juxtaposed with housing estates, is Ambaga Homestay.

The Homestay is a two-storey house which can accommodate up to 12 guests, it's 20 minute drive away from Sabah's capital, Kota Kinabalu, and a 5-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu InternationalBorneo Adventure

Hamin lodge
Kopivosian 'Hamin Lodge' - directly translated from Kadazan it means Welcome to 'House or Home Lodge'. The Kadazans, one of the main ethnic groups in Sabah are well known for their beautiful culture, easy going nature and friendliness.

Hamin Lodge, a Boutique Lodge located right in the middle of Kota Kinabalu City is within walking distance to the major shopping and eating areas.

The homely ambience of the lodge decorated in Borneo style will ensure that all guests will feel at home and relaxed. It is a lodge for the discerning travellers who desire the luxury of a Boutique Lodge at a very affordable price. All rooms are air-conditioned to provide our guests with maximum comfort.

Trekkers lodge
Limited rooms at RM10 per person! Look up our special column! (special not applicable for group booking of more than 8 persons and not applicable to travel agents)

ALL rates quoted are for fan room/dorm. For a/c accomodation, simply add RM3 per person per night for dorm and RM3 per room per night for room.

Since opening its doors in 1997,Trekkers lodge have been the preferred base for most travellers visiting Sabah. They are centrally located and we are open 24 hours!

Hotel Holiday

Located in the heart of Kota Kinabalu, a city of colour and vibrancy, Hotel Holiday offers you an experience of pampered comfort and luxury. Because we are dedicated to service and hospitality.
Step-in Lodge
Painted in a zany combination of purple and bright green, this is a cosy little hostel in the middle of the city, with very friendly staff. Toilets and shower stalls are immaculate. Rates start from RM25 per person for a dorm, aircon double RM80, including a simple continental breakfast.

Mid-range
Splurge

Berjaya Palace Hotel
The hotel blends old architecture with modern facilities. Hilltop location, 15 minutes drive from the airport.

Jesselton Hotel
Jesselton was the initial name for Kota Kinabalu during the British colony. And this boutique hotel should not be missed. Built in the early 1920s, it has been one of the longest remaining quality hotels in Kota Kinabalu. Set right in the middle of Gaya Street, a street thriving with local shops and cafes, and walking distance to the local cinemas - sets off the charms of the local atmosphere. The Pasar Malam ('night market') and Sundays on Gaya Streets are a must-see. Many hawkers will set up shops along Gaya Street to sell their wares - food, toys or pets. Lots of vibrant colors and scrumptious smells along the strip. This hotel is within the city centre district. Hotel has their own limousine, which is a British cab imported from the UK.

Hyatt Kinabalu Hotel
Right in the heart of the city centre, a perfect choice for business men who just want to eat, sleep and work. This hotel boasts an impressive choice of restaurants, from their coffeeshop serving Malaysian food, a Chinese restaurant with 'dimsum' or 'yum cha', a Japanese restaurant with Teppanyaki and a fresh bakery. Close to shopping centres, fast food outlets, and cafes.

Pan Pacific Sutera Hotel
This hotel is part of Sutera Harbour, which also has a golf course, another hotel and a marina. About a 15 ringgit taxi ride to town, or a 20 minute walk. The facilities are top notch with either a sea view or golf course/ Mount Kinabalu view. You can easily book trips to the islands, starting at 45 ringgit. The hotel has a free shuttle bus going to town every hour until 21:00. There is also the more 'upmarket' Magellan Hotel right at the end of the Sutera Harbour Boulevard.

Shangri-La Tanjung Aru Resort
This is one of the oldest, grandest but possibly the most comfortable hotels in Kota Kinabalu. A 5 star hotel, the rooms in the old wing are confined inside the building and looks out to the golf course. A tiny jungle is built in the middle of the corridor leading towards the hotel rooms of the old wing. Although as old as it may sound, the rooms are impressively larger than the new wing. The new wing, on the other hand, overlooks the sea or the swimming pool and is a bit more secluded for those who enjoy lazing out in the sun. A taxi ride from the airport is just about $10, but to the city centre may slightly be more costly. Shuttle from the airport to the hotel is available upon request.

Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu
306 sun-filled guest rooms boast breathtaking views of the South China Sea. On the 11th and 12th floors, enjoy the Le Royal Club lounge and 31 suites with bedrooms and living and dining areas. The health center, which includes a fitness facility and a beautiful outdoor pool, features panoramic views of the shimmering sea.

Nexus Resort Karambunai
Nexus Resort Karambunai nestles upon the sandy fringes of the spectacular Karambunai peninsula, 30kms Northeast of Kota Kinabalu city, the state's capital, and 40kms away from the International Airport.

The 3,335 acres of natural and landscaped surroundings create a perfect background for all 485 well-appointed guestrooms, suites and luxury villas, eight restaurants and bars and an almost endless array of leisure and recreational activities.

The award-winning 18-hole championship golf course and an exclusive Borneo Spa complement the superb facilities of this magnificent resort.

The Nexus Resort Karambunai ... Some say it's Heaven
Kota Kinabalu Hotel Search