June 2007 Volume 76

RM 1.00

22nd Sabah Dragon

Boat Race

Sandakan Harbour Square

Dama Orchestra

INSIDE: What’s New At KadaiKu, Kapalai Island, Eating Out and many more...
 Contents
ADVISOR YBhg. Dato’ Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin

EDITOR Melissa Leong

DESIGNER Trevor Thomson Lam C.W.

What’s New At Kadaiku design by Charlieking Padasian

PUBLISHER Sabah Tourism Board

51 Gaya Street, 88000 Kota Kinabalu 2 Calendar of Events
TRANSLATORS Chin Yen Sang (Chinese)
Rie Harada (Japanese)
Emzee Lee (Korean) Cover photo by Lim Sheng Haw, © Sabah Tourism Board
3 Feature Personality
DESIGNED & PRINTED BY DH Robinson
Inna Kinabalu Sdn Bhd
(Publisher of The New Sabah Times)
Jalan Pusat Pembangunan Masyarakat, Sembulan 4 Happenings & Highlights
88100 Kota Kinabalu
Dama Orchestra
Ever y ef for t has been made to ensure that the information is 22nd Sabah Dragon Boat Race
correct at the time of publication. The publisher cannot be held
responsible for any inaccuracies, omissions and alterations which
Mataking Reef Day
may occur as a result of last minute changes. No par t of this 3rd MAH Environmental Week
magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of
the Sabah Tourism Board. Vocal Recital With Tan Sim Sim & PIanist Genevieve Wong
Launching of Sandakan Festival
AFC U13 Festival of Football

Editorial 7 Eating Out

Imperial Bayview Restaurant

T
ime flies when 1 Delight
you’re having fun,
they say. I must’ve
been having a ball of a 8 Places of Interest
time: I hardly realized Kapalai Island
half a year has gone
by. My days are jam-
packed with things to 9 Places of Interest
do, places to see and Balung Eco Resort
people to meet – looks
like life in Sabah isn’t
as laid-back as many 10 Feature
perceive it to be. Sandakan Harbour Square
However, to me
being busy is a blessing
rather than a chore. In June, our
talents of soprano Tan Soo Suan
12 Through The Lens
events are on a roll, starting with the Wonderfully Wild!
Launch of Sandakan Festival on the and baritone Liau Siau Suan. A
2nd. Sandakan, which was once world-class musical performance that
you simply cannot miss! Football
known as Little Hong Kong, is also
more your thing? Check out young 14 Culture
the gateway to Borneo’s wildlife and The Kulintangan
a city rich with history. I love visiting talents in the Asian Football
the ‘wilderness’ of Sukau and the Confederation (AFC) Under-13
world-famous Sepilok Orang Utan Festival of Football coming your way.
Check out the details in our 15 What’s New at Kadaiku
Rehabilitation Centre never bores me.
I urge anyone to visit the home of Happenings section. Sabah Souvenirs & Handicrafts
writer Agnes Keith (who coined the
term Land Below The Wind) when in This month, why not visit the
Sandakan to discover more about her tamu? This weekly market is a great 16 Bahasa Malaysia Section
time in Borneo. Without a doubt, way to see Sabahan folks go about
Sandakan is a booming township their daily dealings. You might even
and with the establishment of walk home with a great bargain! 18 Chinese Section
Sandakan Harbour Square along the View our list of tamu on page 25.
coast, many anticipate the return of There’s never a dull moment in
‘Little Hong Kong’. Read about this Sabah. Just look in the right places 20 Japanese Section
grand project in this month’s Feature and we promise you an unforgettable
page (p.10). moment waiting to be discovered.
May your days be fun-filled and 22 Korean Section
Other events happening this stress-free. Jumpa lagi!
month are the much-anticipated
Sabah Dragon Boat Race which 24 Directory Listings
enters its 22nd year (p.4) and the
return of Malaysia’s award-winning
Dama Orchestra (p.4). Once again, 25 Sabah Map & Listings
Dama hits the shores of Tawau and Melissa Leong
Sandakan, accompanied by the vocal Editor
26 A Trip To The Tamu
LAUNCHING OF SANDAKAN FESTIVAL
2 JUNE 2007
Known as the ‘Gateway to Borneo’s Wildlife’,
Sandakan will be hosting its own programme of activ-
ities and celebrations in their week-long festival. A
great time to explore Sandakan’s sights namely the
world-renowned Sepilok Orang Utan and the
Kinabatangan River.
Organiser: Sandakan Municipal Council
For furher info: Catherin Chua
Tel: +60 89 229751, 275400 Fax: +60 89 222964
Email: Catherin.Chua@sabah.gov.my
ASIAN FEDERATION OF FOOTBALL (AFC)
UNDER-13 FESTIVAL
4-10 JUNE 2007
Calling football fans! Come and watch young Asian
football talents compete in the Asian Federation of
Football (AFC) Under-13 Festival this June. Held at
the Likas Sports Complex and Universiti Malaysia
Sabah (UMS) grounds in Kota Kinabalu, the event will
see the participation of teams from around Asia.
Malaysia is one of the four regional venues which will
play host to this prestigious event.
Organiser: Asian Federation of Football (AFC)
For further info: Ministry of Youth & Sports Sabah
Tel: +60 88 287 555 / 287566
SENDAIT RIA: 50 HOURS NON-STOP OF
TRADITIONAL SABAH FOLK SONGS
8-10 JUNE 2007
Come and witness a ‘Malaysia Book of Records’
moment in the making! The Sendait Ria will feature
50-hours non-stop of traditional Sabah folk songs
from various ethnic groups including the
Kadazandusun, Lundayeh, Rungus, Bajau, Suluk,
Bisaya and Brunei to name a few. Organised by the
Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Cawangan Sabah
(DBPCS), the event will take place in the district of
Pitas beginning 8 June at 3:30pm and end the follow-
ing day at 5:30pm. More than 100 songs in 20 lan-
guages will be performed so don’t miss this once in a
lifetime event!
Organiser: Dewan Bahasa dan Pustaka Cawangan
Sabah (DBPCS)
For further info: Abdul Nassir Said
Cliff Akid Kamijan Abdullah
Tel: +60 88 439 653
E-mail snassir@dbp.gov.my / akid@dbp.gov.my
Mataking Reef Dive Resort
MATAKING REEF DAY
9 JUNE 2007
The Reef Dive Resort at Mataking Island, a 45-min-
utes boat ride away from Semporna, has dedicated
this time of the year to carry out continuous conser-
vation activities to save the reefs. A marine expert and
specially-trained PADI Dive Masters and Instructors
will assist the divers in all aspects of the event.
Organiser:Mataking Reef Dive Resort
For further info: Sophia Sie (Executive Director)
Tel: +60 89 770022 Fax: +60 89 770023
Email: sales@mataking.com
Sutera Harbour Resort
SUTERA HARBOUR JUNIOR AMATEUR
OPEN 2007
15 – 16 JUNE 2007
Open to boys and girls aged 21 and below (a handi-
cap of 18 below to qualify for A1 Boys Category and
24 below to qualify for Boys Category). The girls are
required to have a handicap of 36 to qualify for the
tournament.
Organiser: Sutera Harbour Golf Club
For further info:
Communications Department
Tel: +60 88 318888
Fax: +60 88 303338
Email:communications@suteraharbour.com.my
3RD MAH ENVIRONMENTAL WEEK 2007
16-23 JUNE 2007
Join in the gotong-royong (clean-up) activities and
other environment-related projects during this week-
long event. On the 23rd of June, test your raft-making
skills during the Raft Building and Rafting
Competition, also organized by MAH (Sabah/Labuan
Chapter).
Organiser: Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH),
Sabah/Labuan Chapter
For further info: Tulip Noorazyze
Tel: +60 88 293852
Email: tulip.noorazyze@shangri-la.com
VOCAL RECITAL BY TAN SIN SIM WITH
PIANIST GENEVIENE WONG
16 JUNE 2007
The Kota Kinabalu Music Society proudly presents a
one-night only vocal recital with Malaysian soprano,
Tan Sin Sim, accompanied by Geneviene Wong on
the piano. The concert will take place at the Yayasan
Sabah Mini Auditorium. Tickets are available at Pang
Pianos (+6088-266670) and Music Mart (+6088-
232629) Don’t miss this musical treat!
Organiser: Kota Kinabalu Music Society
For further info: Helen Tseu
Tel: +60 88-437322
Email: hemiola@streamyx.com
Website: www.geocities.com/kkmusicsociety
22ND SABAH DRAGON BOAT RACE
17 JUNE 2007
A traditional Chinese festival that envolved from
myths and legend, that has grown into one of the
main highlights of the year. This exciting race has
attracted many teams from as far as Australia, Hong
Kong, Japan, China, Brunei and Indonesia.
Organisers: Sabah Tourism Board
Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd
Sabah Chinese Culture Association
For further info: Zachary S. Mobijohn
Tel: +60 88 232121, 260431, 212121
Fax: +60 88 265540
Email: zachary@sabahtourism.com
DAMA ORCHESTRA CONCERTS
21 JUNE 2007 (SANDAKAN), 23 JUNE 2007
(TAWAU)
Come and enjoy a thrilling performance of Malaysia’s
award-winning Dama Orchestra, dubbed as the
‘ambassador of Malaysia’s Chinese Traditional
Music’. An outstanding musical performance that
should not be missed!
Organiser: Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd
For further info: Susan Shahira
Tel: +60 88 232121
Fax: +60 88 265540
Email: shahira@sabahtourism.com
PESTA MENUGAL
30 JUNE 2007
This event is held to foster unity and encourage farm-
ers to cultivate local produce such as hill rice (padi
bukit).
Organiser: Persatuan Petani dan Penternak
Bumiputra Sabah (PETANAH)
For further info: Gaibin Ransoi
Tel: +60 88 499157, 016 8133156
Fax: +60 88 499157
Email: petanah88@yahoo.com
Feature Presonality
.H. Robinson is anything but mild. Born in 1917 in
D Woodford, Essex, Robinson is now 90 but his lust for
travel and adventure has not waned. He tells his stories
best in his books Mild Man in Borneo and the sequel, Mild Man
Goes North (A Tale of Old Sabah). Robinson was recently in
Kota Kinabalu for the launching of Mild Man Goes North, and his
enthusiasm for his publication was infectious. The book tells of
his time in Sabah, where he was engaged in road and
construction works for several years. His stories are sprinkled
with humour and dry wit, told in a nonchalant manner that
makes the reader feel as if Robinson was sitting across the
table relating the story himself. His attention to detail is
commendable, as are his description of the many colourful
characters who crossed his path during his time in Borneo. The
book also features several black and white photos of ‘old’
Sabah, including the famous Gaya Street in Kota Kinabalu and
the Sandakan Fish Market.
Although it has been years since he left Borneo for good,
Robinson always seems to find his way back. “For the last 9
years particularly, I have been coming back to Borneo to avoid
the winter,” says Robinson, who now resides in a cottage in
southwest France. His trips last for approximately 2– 3 weeks at
a time. Sabah holds many memories for him, including the birth
of his twins on 10 September 1962. “It was my children who
3
inspired me to write my stories,” he says, adding that the books
are a way of letting his children know what he’s ‘been up to’. But
writing his memoirs was no easy feat. “The first book (Mild Man
in Borneo) which talks about both Sabah and Sarawak where I
was stationed for several years, took 15 years to complete!” he
confessed. However, the sequel took only 2 years to compile
and complete. Although decades have passed since he lived in
this part of the world, Robinson is in touch with many of his
friends here and is surprised at how many people still
remember this ‘Orang Putih’! “I was in Kuching recently and an
Indian man came up to me. At first, I completely did not
remember him but I was amazed that after 40 years, he could
still recognize me,” he laughs.
So apart from escaping the harsh winters of the northern
hemisphere, what makes Robinson a frequent visitor to
Borneo? “I love the people,” he immediately replies. “The
people of Sabah are so likeable and friendly – It’s hard not to
love them!” Anything else?
“The girls.” he concludes, with a twinkle in his eye, “The
ladies here are so good looking!” Robinson’s books are a great
way to step back in time to explore the charm of old Sabah but
in the heart and mind of D.H. Robinson, his love affair with
Borneo is timeless.
4 Happenings & Highlights
Dama Orchestra Concerts
21 June (Sandakan),
23 June (Tawau)
he Dama Orchestra, Malaysia’s award-winning traditional

T Chinese musical ensemble, will hit Sabah shores this month.

This year, let them serenade you with songs of musical leg-
ends P. Ramlee, Saloma and Teresa Teng. Performing with the
Dama Orchestra is songbird Tan Soo Suan and baritone Liau Siau
Suan, who will mesmerize you with their outstanding vocals com-
plemented by unrivalled dramatic flair in this one-night-only concert
which will take place in Sandakan and Tawau. With sold-out per-
formances in worldwide venues, the Dama Orchestra has carved a
name in the industry as the ‘ambassador of Malaysia’s traditional
Chinese music’. Come and witness Sabah’s most anticipated musi-
cal event of the year.
For ticket inquiries or further details, please contact Susan
Shahira of Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd. at telephone no.
©Sabah Tourism
088-232121 or e-mail shahira@sabahtourism.com

©Sabah Tourism

22nd Sabah Dragon Boat Race, 17 June

t’s back! The annual Sabah Dragon Boat Race enters its 22nd for one common purpose. The Dragon Boat Race is also an

I year, promising an exciting event at Likas Bay, Kota Kinabalu,

where top local and international teams will paddle their way
to the finish line to the beat of the Chinese drum. With six tro-
phies up for grabs, the event has drawn teams from around the
world including Australia, Japan, China, Indonesia and Brunei.
Traditionally held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the
Chinese calendar, the Dragon Boat Race is held in conjunction
with the Duanwu Festival, a time to honour the ‘spirit of the
dragon’, which represents unity and working together as a team
event full of tradition and custom, with the offering of rice
dumplings into the sea before the start of the race and the
‘awakening’ of the dragon boats by marking their eyes with dots
days before the race. Don’t miss this fantastic event!
Closing date for registration is 13 June 2007. For further
details, please contact Zachary Mobijohn of Sri
Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd. at 088-232121, e-mail
zachary@sabahtourism.com or visit the website at
www.sabahtourism.com/dragonboat/
Happenings & Highlights 5
3rd Environmental Week
16–23 June
he Malaysian Association of Hotels

T (MAH) (Sabah Chapter sub-

committee on Safety, Security &
Environment) will be organizing the 3rd
Environmental Week this month. The
highlight of the event is a ‘gotong-
royong’ clean-up at the Tanjung Lipat
beach in Likas from 7:00 am to 12:00
noon on 16 June, involving some 150
participants from MAH member hotels,
schools and the City Hall. On 23 June,
come and join the excitement at Tanjung
Aru Beach during the Fun Raft Race
Challenge. The rafts are made out of
used mineral water bottles with a single
sheet of plywood as the frame. See how
you can play a part in conserving and
Mataking Reef Day, 9 June preserving the environment during the
3rd Environmental Week. This event is
ome and be part of dedicated conservation efforts during the Mataking Reef Day

C this month. The Reef Dive Resort in Mataking, located some 45 minutes by boat
from Semporna, has invited secondary school students from Tawau and their
teachers to visit the island and participate in a clean-up session. Participants will also
supported by major hotels, resorts and
schools in Kota Kinabalu as well as the
Sabah Journalists Association.
be treated to an educational talk on the damage caused by littering. Non-divers and For more information, please contact
children can participate in the beach clean-up, while divers will collect rubbish from the Tulip Noorazyze of Shangri-La’s
reefs underwater. The group who collect the most rubbish will win a prize, and a Tanjung Aru Resort at telephone no.
special award will be given to the strangest item found during the clean-up! This and 088-293852 or e-mail
many other fun activities have been lined-up in conjunction with Mataking Reef Day. tulip.noorazyze@shangri-la.com
Make your way to Mataking this June and do your part for Mother Nature.

Vocal Recital
by Tan Sin Sim
with Pianist
Genevieve
Wong
16 June,
Yayasan
Sabah Mini
Auditorium
he Kota Kinabalu Music Society proudly presents a

T one-night only vocal recital by Malaysian soprano, Tan Sin

Sim, accompanied by Genevieve Wong on the piano. Tan
Sin Sim began vocal training at the age of 9 and went on to win
various singing competitions including the prestigious Malaysia
National Classical Singing Competition in 1999, 2000 and
2001.She has also performed with Malaysian Philharmonic
Orchestra (MPO) production Organ & Voices. Genevieve is a
graduate of the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama,
Scotland and is an accomplished performer. Together, Tan and
Wong promise a night of great music right here in Kota Kinabalu.
For more information, please contact Helen Tseu at
088-437322 or e-mail hemiola@streamyx.com For tickets,
contact Pang Pianos at 088-266670 or Music Mart at 088-
232629. Visit the KK Music Society website for updates at
www.geocities.com/kkmusicsociety.
6 Happenings & Highlights
Launching of Sandakan Festival Asian Federation of
2 June Football (AFC)
Under-13 Festival
4–10 June
oin the excitement as Sabah hosts the

J Asian Federation of Football (AFC)

Under-13 Festival this June. Held at the
Likas Sports Complex and Universiti
Malaysia Sabah (UMS) campus in Kota
Kinabalu, the event will see the participation
of teams from around Asia
including Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia,
Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand,
Vietnam, Laos, Timor Leste, Myanmar,
Australia and Malaysia. The objective of the
festival is to create a positive approach to the
Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre game, develop sporting behaviour,
andakan celebrates as they launch the much-awaited Sandakan Festival networking and to provide a fun environment

S on 2 June. A variety of activities and celebration have been planned in

conjunction with the week-long festival. Be sure to take the opportunity to
visit Sandakan’s many places of interest, including the renowned Sepilok Orang
for all participants in the sport of football.
Malaysia is one of the four regional venues
which will play host to this prestigious event.
Bring your football-loving family and friends to
Utan Rehabilitation Centre and the Kinabatangan river, home to many of Sabah’s
diverse flora and fauna. Sandakan is also rich in history and the best way to learn cheer on your favourite teams. You might
more about its past is by taking a stroll along the Sandakan Heritage Trail. even discover a Beckham or Ronaldo in the
For more information, please contact Catherin Chua of the Sandakan making!
Municipal Council at telephone no. 089-229751 or 275400. E-mail For more information, please contact the
Catherin.Chua@sabah.gov.my Ministry of Youth & Sports, Sabah at
telephone no. 088 287 555 / 287566.

News
TM Named Title Sponsor Again for Upcoming
Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon
Telekom Malaysia (TM)
has generously donated
RM400,000.000 for the
prestigious Mt. Kinabalu
International Climbathon.
This year, they are once
again the title sponsor for
the event. A mock cheque
presentation was held on 11
May 2007 at the Pacific
Sutera Hotel, Sutera
Harbour Resort. TM and Sabah Tourism also signed a
memorandum of understanding (MoU), witnessed by the
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, Datuk
Masidi Manjun.

Launching of ‘Mild
Man Goes North’
British author D.H.
Robinson was in Kota
Kinabalu recently to launch
his book Mild Man Goes
North (A Tale of Old
Sabah). The event, at Bella
Italia restaurant, was
attended by literary enthu-
siasts, friends and mem-
bers of the media. The book is an account of Robinson's time
in Borneo in the late 1950s and early 1960s, when he was
engaged in road and construction works for several years.
The book is a sequel to his earlier publication, Mild Man in
Borneo.
Eating Out
Bayview
Imperial Restaurant
andakan is famous for its great dining experiences,
S offering fresh seafood and home to some of the best kopi-
tiam (coffee shop) fare. On a grander scale, the Imperial
Bayview Restaurant brings you delicious Chinese-style cuisine,
which can be enjoyed as you take in the sweeping view of
Sandakan bay. The seafood is a must-try, served in various
styles. Enjoy your lobster baked with cheese or sautéed with
butter. If fresh fish is your thing, you cannot go wrong with
steamed fish with black bean sauce. Be adventurous and try
their specialties. The stewed assorted mushrooms wrapped in
egg white are not only delicious but so beautifully presented, it
seems almost a pity to take a bite! Simply mouthwatering are the
clams steamed with garlic and served with vermicelli. The
aromatic flavour of garlic coupled with the unmistakable taste of
clams is a pleasure to the palate. Complement your meal with
steamed white rice or, for a change, fried rice with seaweed. In
the mornings, many flock to the restaurant for a hearty dim sum
7
meal. Choose from a wide variety of dim sum favourites such as
the beef brisket with radish, lotus buns and prawn dumplings.
For dessert, the coconut cake or mango pudding will definitely
satisfy your sweet tooth. Dim sum are also served for lunch. The
restaurant also has a bar corner, a great place to enjoy your
favourite cocktail and desserts as you enjoy a fantastic view of
the sea. For something different, order Imperial Bayview’s
special concoction, the ‘Crystal Jade’. With friendly service,
quality food and a breathtaking view, Imperial Bayview
Restaurant does not disappoint.
The restaurant is located at The Rotunda, 1st floor,
Sandakan Central Market, Sandakan Harbour Square. Business
hours are from 9:30 am (8:00 am on Saturdays; 7:00 am on
Sundays and public holidays) to 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm to 10:00
pm (dinner).
For more information or reservations, please call
089-246888.
1 Delight
tep into 1 Delight, a great place for Malaysian delicacies and
S Sabah favourites. This cosy restaurant opened its doors in
February this year and has quickly become a favourite among
diners. Tucked away in the Taman Landbreeze shophouses along
Kepayan Ridge, 1 Delight serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. The
menu lists several can’t-go-wrong favourites including Hainan Chicken
Rice, Tom Yam Prawn mee, mee goreng (fried noodles), nasi lemak
and fried rice Yong Chow style. To complement these dishes are a
variety of vegetables stir fried with a choice of garlic, oyster sauce or
sambal. You can also order your selection of chicken, beef, fish or
prawns cooked in your preferred style, be it sweet and sour or with
delicious butter sauce. Dishes can be ordered a la carte or served in a
bigger portion for groups of two or more. However, the true ‘stars’ of 1
Delight are their signature Oxtail Asam Pedas and Fish Head Asam
Pedas –mouthwatering dishes, famous for their tangy and slightly spicy
sauces. 1 Delight is also unique as they serve an interesting array of
truly Sabah side dishes, including hinava (fish marinated in lime, ginger
and onions), tuhau and marinated jelly fish. At night, crowds gather
here to enjoy a scrumptious BBQ Steamboat dinner, where diners can
‘dip’ their food into a steaming pot of soup or grill their food on a hot
plate. Interactive dining at its best! The restaurant also has a function
room on the 1st floor which can hold up to 100 guests at a time. For
great prices, ample parking space and a proudly Sabah dining
experience, dine at 1 Delight!
Catering services are also available. The restaurant does not serve
pork. 1 Delight is located at Lot 69, Taman Land Breeze Shophouse,
Lorong Bunga Kertas, Kota Kinabalu. Business hours are 7:00 am to
11:00 pm (closed on Mondays).
For more information or to make reservations, please call 088-
216699 / 215 699.
8 P l a c e s o f I n t e r e s t

©Sabah Tourism

My, My Kapalai!
– A floating fascination
apalai island – The mere name conjures the image of

K crystal clear waters and a floating paradise like no

other. A 45-minute trip from Semporna by speedboat,
Kapalai island is one of the many beautiful diving havens in
this part of the world. However, Kapalai is truly unique
because it is not quite an ‘island’. The 40 chalets are built on
high wooden stilts in the middle of the ocean. Visitors can
enjoy the sights of marine life in action as they stroll along
the boardwalk, a sturdy construction that connects the
various sections of the floating resort.

The resort has 40 chalets, equipped with basic amenities,

including tea and coffee making facilities. You will never
have to gripe about having a less than desirable view: you
have a breathtaking view of the Celebes Sea no matter where
you turn! The restaurant is a wooden deck, where diners can
eat indoors or al fresco. There’s even a viewing area in the
middle of the restaurant which allows you to see the myriad
of marine life passing below. The sundeck, a popular
favourite, is a great place to enjoy your novel, work on a tan
or indulge in an afternoon siesta.

The Dive Centre provides diving, snorkelling and

kayaking gear for rent. Can’t dive but would love to? No
problem! The centre offers a variety of PADI courses,
including Open Water and Introduction to Night Diving. After
enjoying your underwater paradise, explore other facilities
offered by the resort including the souvenir shop, games
room and broadband access.

Need your Kapalai fix? Contact Pulau Sipadan Resort at

089-765200 or visit http://www.sipadan-kapalai.com/
P l a c e s o f I n t e r e s t 9
hether organizing a family trip or the next annual

W company conference, consider the Balung River

Eco Resort in Tawau for a completely different
experience. Instead of opting for the usual beachside or
countryside accommodation, why not take the unique
opportunity to experience plantation life in the comfortable
ambience of this eco resort?
Set admist the Balung River Estate’s 3,500 acres with
the pristine tropical rainforest of Tawau Hills Park as the
backdrop, Balung River Eco Resort is a perfect getaway for
holidaymakers and an increasingly popular venue for group
meetings or corporate outings. According to the Manager,
Mr. Aru, they are receiving more and more bookings from
corporate groups not only from Sabah but around Malaysia
as well. “I think the appeal of the resort is that you are
surrounded by nature and there is a very relaxing ambience

Balung River
here. There is also so much to do, not only for the
participants, but for their family members as well,” he says.
Visitors can indulge themselves with a myriad of
activities during their stay. Learn more about agriculture and
the methods involved in processing the various crops found
here. Join the interesting guided tours and briefings on the
numerous plantation crops such as oil palm, cocoa, pepper
and coffee to name a few. It also prides itself on being a
developer of large-scale teakwood and arenga pinnata

Eco Resort
(sugar palm) plantation. See how the sugar palm is
cultivated and processed into edible sugar. A very
interesting experience! Also found here are an abundance of
fruits, from the local favourites (bananas) to more exotic
species, such as the dragon fruit and abiu.
The chalets are built with river stones and local timber,
giving it a rustic feel. Tastefully furnished and air-
conditioned, the rooms are comfortable and clean, ensuring
you have a pleasant stay. If you feel like having a dip, you
can drop by the swimming pool, located a short distance
from the chalets, or you can venture to the cataracts of
Balung River. Some ends of the river are quite deep so
inexperience swimmers need to take caution. Freshwater
fishing is also a popular leisure activity at a man-made pond.
The fishes reeled in can be cooked to your liking by the
resort chefs. Even your dining experience will prove to be a
unique one at the resort’s restaurant as the vegetable
dishes and fruit desserts are prepared from freshly
harvested garden produce.
The eco resort also has a golf putting green, mountain
biking trail, camping site and provides a city tour of Tawau
Town. At the end of the day, make your way to the Tower
Deck to get a panoramic view of the surrounding plantation
or go bird watching. Whether you wish to relax or explore
and experience plantation life, Balung River Eco Resort
promises an unforgettable experience.
For reservations and enquiries, please contact the
resort at 089-761 339 or the Head Office at 088-233499.
E-mail seavent@po.jaring.my or visit the website at
©Sabah Tourism http://www.seaventuresdives.com
10
andakan – the gateway to Sabah’s

S
wildlife and a city still rich with tales of
yesterday. Undoubtedly, Sandakan is one
of the must-visits during your holiday in
the Land below the Wind. This
charming city brings you yet another
attraction: Sandakan Harbour Square. Located along
the shoreline of Sandakan, the grand project is set to
bring the city an exciting new look and lifestyle.

The Harbour Square spans approximately 5

hectares and is divided into two phases. The first
phase includes the construction of the Central Market,
61 three-storey shoplots, a 1.5-kilometre Esplanade
stretch, a 1-hectare square and a boutique hotel. The
second phase will entail the building of a four-storey
shopping complex, an integrated 7-storey car park
with more than 1000 parking bays, a five-star hotel run
by an international chain complemented by a
convention centre.

The project, with a total development value of

RM240 million, spearheads the return of ‘Little Hong

Sandakan
Kong’, as Sandakan was fondly referred to in earlier
times. This was due to the thriving businesses and
timber boom. Apart from creating exciting investment
opportunities, Sandakan Harbour Square brings a new
breath of life to residents as well as visitors. The
Esplanade, which was officially launched in June
2006, is fast becoming a popular hangout for the
young and trendy. With its al fresco dining style, many
like to come here for a drink while enjoying the
refreshing sea breeze. In the morning, tourists are
fascinated by the sight of fishermen docking with their
early catch. This fresh supply of seafood is then
carted off to the Central Market, where a busy day of
trading begins. The Central Market is now home to
stall-owners who have relocated from the former
market. In the evening, why not sample the seafood of
your choice at the Imperial Bayview Restaurant at The
Rotunda? Dine on the finest while you enjoy a view of
the Sulu Sea.

The Pedestrian Mall concept is also geared to give

visitors a pleasant shopping experience. With its
spacious walkways and myriad of shopping outlets as
well as dining choice, this aspect of Sandakan Harbour
Square will be comparable to that of Kuala Lumpur’s
famous Bintang Walk. Sandakan will also be able to
play host to large-scale conventions, conferences and
other exciting events with the construction of
Sandakan Harbour Square’s Convention Hall. Apart
from the five-star hotel which will be built as part of
Phase 2 of the project, the Harbour Square is only a
stone’s throw from other hotels in the Sandakan city,
making the location ideal for meetings and
conferences.

With its prime location, exciting line-up of retail and

dining outlets and stylish design, Sandakan Harbour
Square is geared to be one of the city’s top attractions.
Enjoy the freshest seafood, treat yourself to a dose of
retail therapy, mingle with the trendy crowd or simply
bask in the sunset as you stroll along the Esplanade –
the experiences are endless at Sandakan Harbour
Square.
 Feature • 11

Harbour Square
12
Through the Lens

©Scubazoo
14 Culture
The
Kulintangan
he Brunei people first introduced the kulintangan into Sabah, but it is

T also traditionally used by the Bajaus. It is played mostly on festive

occasions such as weddings and religious ceremonies, when it is
played usually together with other traditional Kadazan gongs.
The instrument consists of a set of about seven small brass gongs,
©Sabah Tourism
which have different notes when they are struck. The gongs are placed
loosely on a wooden stand, next to each other in a row. The player sits on
the floor in front of the row of gongs and beats them with two small
wooden mallets.
The music of the kulintangan is very melodious, because there are both
very high and low notes in it. It is pleasant to hear, but very difficult to play
well.
During wedding ceremonies, the kulintangan is played together with
another instrument called the ‘rabana’. The rabana is played when the
people lead the bride and bridegroom to the place of the wedding, while
the kulintangan is only played in the house. The rabana is almost the same
type of instrument as the kulintangan, except that the notes are different
and that the base of the instrument is covered with the skin of animals. The
rabana has only five notes, and its gongs are not placed together like the
©Sabah Tourism kulintangan.

Courtesy of Sabah State Archive Library.

Konsert Orkestra Dama

©Sabah Tourism
21 Jun (Sandakan), 23 Jun (Tawau)
rkestra Dama, iaitu kumpulan muzikal tradisional Cina dari dengan bakat dramatik tak terbanding pada konsert semalam ini

O Malaysia yang pernah memenangi anugerah akan muncul

di Sabah bulan ini. Tahun ini, mereka akan menghiburkan
anda dengan lagu-lagu muzikal legenda P. Ramlee, Saloma dan
Teresa Teng. Persembahan akan dijayakan bersama penyanyi
terkemuka Tan Soo Suan dan baritone Liau Siau Suan yang
akan memukau anda dengan kemantapan vokal dilengkapkan
Perlumbaan Perahu Naga
Sabah ke-22, 17 Jun
yang akan diadakan di Sandakan dan Tawau. Dengan persem-
bahan hebat di seluruh dunia, Orkestra Dama telah mengukir
nama dalam industri ini sebagai ‘duta muzik tradisional Cina
Malaysia’. Datang dan saksikan acara muzik paling dinantikan di
Sabah tahun ini.
Untuk pertanyaan tiket atau maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi
Susan Shahira di Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd di talian
088-232121 atau e-mel shahira@sabahtourism.com

©Sabah Tourism

a Kembali Lagi! Perlumbaan Perahu Naga Sabah memasuki

I tahun yang ke-22, menjanjikan perlumbaan yang menarik.

Acara ini berlangsung di Pantai Likas, Kota Kinabalu. Di sana
pasukan utama tempatan dan antarabangsa akan berentap ke
garisan penamat dengan iringan paluan gendang Cina.
Dengan enam piala menjadi rebutan, acara ini menarik
pasukan-pasukan dari seluruh dunia termasuk Australia,
Jepun, China, Indonesia dan Brunei. Tradisinya diadakan pada
hari kelima bulan kelima kalendar Cina, perlumbaan Perahu
Naga pertama diadakan bersempena dengan Pesta Duanwu,
masa untuk menghormati ‘semangat naga’, yang melam-
bangkan perpaduan dan kerjasama sebagai satu pasukan ke
arah satu tujuan yang sama. Perlumbaan Perahu Naga juga
merupakan satu acara penuh adat dan tradisi, dengan
menaburkan beras pulut ke laut sebelum bermulanya perlum-
baan dan ‘kebangkitan perahu naga dengan menandakan
mata mereka dengan titik merah beberapa hari sebelum per-
lumbaan. Jangan lepaskan peluang untuk menyaksikan acara
menarik ini!
Tarikh tutup pendaftaran adalah pada 13 Jun 2007.
Untuk maklumat lanjut, hubungi Zachary Mobijohn di Sri
Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd. di talian 088-232121, e-mel
zachary@sabahtourism.com atau kunjungi laman web di
www.sabahtourism.com/dragonboat/
Bahasa Malaysia 17
Festival Persekutuan Bola Sepak
Kunjungi... Asia (AFC) Bawah-13, 4-10 Jun
ertai keseronokan ini kerana Sabah menjadu tuan rumah

S dalam Festival Persekutuan Bolasepak Asia (AFC)

Bawah-13 Jun ini. Diadakan di Kompleks Sukan likas dan

©Sabah Tourism
padang Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) di Kota Kinabalu,
acara ini akan menyaksikan penyertaan pasukan dari sekitar
Asia termasuklah Brunei, Kemboja, Indonesia, Singapura,
Filipina, Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Timor Leste, Myanmar,

Jesselton Point
engan jarak yang amat dekat dengan pusat bandaraya
Australia dan Malaysia. Objektif festival ini adalah
untuk mewujudkan pendekatan positif dalam sukan ini,
mengembangkan sikap kesukanan, rangkaian kerja dan

D Kota Kinabalu, disanalah terletaknya Jesselton Point yang

cantik dan bersejarah yang sebelum ini dikenali sebagai
Terminal Feri Kota Kinabalu. Kawasan dermaga itu
membekalkan suasana seronok untuk semua peserta dalam
sukan bola sepak. Malaysia merupakan salah sebuah dari empat
tempat di rantau ini yang akan menjadi tuan rumah untuk
kejohanan berprestij ini. Bawalah keluarga anda dan
menampilkan wajah baru dengan penerapan nostalgia zaman
rakan-rakan yang meminati bola sepak agar turut serta
penjajah. Ia bermula sebagai kawasan kapal berlabuh dan
menyokong pasukan yang anda minati. Anda mungkin menemui
persinggahan peniaga selama bertahun-tahun. Ia juga menjadi
bakal menjadi Beckham atau Ronaldo!
terminal untuk perkhidmatan laluan kereta api. Laluannya masih
Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Kementerian Belia dan
boleh dilihat apabila anda bersiar-siar di sepanjang jalan
Sukan Sabah di talian 088-287555/287556.
konkritnya.
!
Mari Makan
Hari ini, Jesselton Point sedang menuju menjadi bandar
depan laut bertaraf dunia, dengan menonjolkan pelbagai
kemudahan untuk keperluan perniagaan, tempat tinggal,
hiburan, jualan dan perhimpunan. Projek 15 tahun ini dijangka
siap dalam tiga peringkat, yang meliputi kawasan seluas 23
ekar: Satu kawasan nakal menjadi pusat hiburan, makanan dan
kedai jualan. Ketika ini, ia juga bertindak sebagai terminal utama
buat feri dan bot penumpang yang ingin belayar ke Wilayah
Persekutuan Labuan atau menikmati kehidupan sehari di pulau
di Taman Laut Tunku Abdul Rahman.

1 Delight ©Sabah Tourism

elangkahlah ke 1 Delight: Tempat hebat yang

M menghidangkan makanan Malaysia yang menjadi

kegemaran orang Sabah. Restoran yang menyelesakan
ini membuka pintunya pada Februari tahun ini dan segera
menjadi pilihan dalam kalangan orang ramai. Terletak di rumah
kedai Taman Landbreeze di Kepayan Ridge, 1 Delight
menghidangkan sarapan, makan tengah hari dan makan malam.
Menunya menyenaraikan makanan kegemaran termasuklah
Nasi Ayam Hainan, Mi Udang Tom Yam, mi goreng, nasi lemak
dan nasi ayam ala Yong Chow. Sebagai pelengkap hidangan ini
ialah pelbagai jenis sayuran yang digoreng dengan pilihan
bawang putih, sos tiram atau sambal. Anda juga boleh memesan
pilihan ayam, daging lembu atau udang dimasak ala cara
kegemaran anda, sama ada masam manis atau sos keju yang
enak. Hidangan boleh juga dipesan secara a la carte atau
hidangan besar untuk sekumpulan dua atau lebih.
Bagaimanapun ‘bintang’ sebenar 1 Delight ialah asam pedas
ekor lembu atau asam pedas kepala ikan - hidangan
menyelerakan, terkenal dengan kuahnya yang sedikit pedas. 1
Delight juga unik kerana mereka menghidangkan pelbagai
hidangan Sabah, termasuklah hinava (ikan yang dijeruk
bersama-sama limau nipis, halia dan bawang), tuhau dan jeruk
obor-obor. Restoran ini juga memiliki sebuah bilik majlis di
tingkat satu yang boleh mengumpulkan 100 tetamu dalam satu
masa. Untuk harga yang berpatutan, ruang letak kenderaan
mencukupi dan pengalaman makan malam ala Sabah, makanlah
di 1 Delight!
Khidmat katering juga ada. Restoran ini tidak menghidangkan
makanan haram. 1 Delight terletak di Lot 69, Taman Land Breeze
Shophouse, Lorong Bunga Kertas, Kota Kinabalu. Waktu
perniagaan adalah dari pukul 7:00 pagi hingga 11:00 malam
(ditutup pada hari Isnin).
Untuk maklumat lanjut atau tempahan awal, sila hubungi
088-216699/215699.
1 8 C h i n e s e

©Sabah Tourism

©Sabah Tourism
C h i n e s e 1 9

©Sabah Tourism
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 Ranau Jln. Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu
Tel: 088-253199/263551
Tel: 089-222679 Tel: 088-253199

Gaya Street Fair - Sunday Pekan Kundasang - Friday Sandakan Memorial Park OTHER DISTRICTS
Kampung Air - Sunday Sabah Islamic Mon - Sun: 9am-5pm Murut Museum (Sabah Murut
Kudat Civilisation Museum Sibuga Forest Reserve Cultural Centre , Tenom)
Mon – Sun: 9.00 am – 5.00 pm
Penampang Pekan Tomburungus 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
Inobong Tuesday & Wednesday Rahman, (Tenom Branch) W.D.T 72, 89909
Sunday Kota Kinabalu Sandakan Heritage Museum Tenom.
Papar Tel: 088-538227/538228 Mon - Sun: 9am-5pm
Wisma Warisan, Sandakan
Tel: 087-734506

Tuaran Lok Kawi Sabindo - Saturday Sabah Ethnobotanical Tel: 089-222679 Mat Salleh Memorial, Tambunan
Pekan Tuaran - Sunday Heritage Museum Open Daily
Kiulu - Tuesday Sipitang Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm Batu Tulug Archaeological Site Kg. Tibabar, Tambunan
Tel :088-253199/ 263551
Bukit Istana Lama, Kota Kinabalu Museum, Kinabatangan
Sindumin - Saturday Tel: 088-253199/263551 Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm
Sandakan Tel: 088-253199 Kundasang War Memorial,
Sandakan Town - Sunday Kuala Penyu Second World War Open daily including Public Holidays
Gua Mantong Jaya - Sunday Menumbok - Sunday Memorial Petagas TAWAU Tel: 019 899 2041 (Mr. Sevee
Open daily Teck Guan Cocoa Museum Charuruks)
Tel:088-253199 Mon-Fri: 8am -11:30am
Kuala Penyu Semporna 1:30pm-4:30pm
Menumbok - Sunday Pekan Semporna - Sunday Kinarut Mansion Ruins Museum Sat: 8am-12pm Sun: Closed
Mon – Sun: 9.00am – 5.00pm Mile 2, Tanjung Batu Laut, Teck Guan
Tel: 088-253199/263551 Factory, Tawau
Tel:089-775566 ext 2601

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
Website: www.sabahtourism.com Website: www.tourism.gov.my
Useful Numbers

SANDAKAN (089) LABUAN (087)

Fire Department - 994 Yayasan Sabah Ambulance
088-326655 !Hospital 212111 !Hospital 413333
Ambulance
/Police -999 !Airport 660405 !Airport 415015
Queen Elizabeth Hospital Information Services !Immigrations 668308 !Immigrations 412298
Police Hotline 088-218166 088-280600/ 280631/ 280641
HQ SABAH – 088-253555
TAWAU (089)
KK – 088-221191 Damai Specialist Centre
International !Hospital 773533
088-222922
Telephone Directory
Airport - 088-238555 !Airport 950013
Sabah Medical Centre Assistance -108
088-211333 !Immigrations 773343
A Trip to The

Tamu
T
he tamu, the local lingo for open-air market, is an integral
part of Sabah’s community. In the olden days, the tamu
was more than a place of trade. Every district holds a
weekly (sometimes twice or thrice weekly) tamu. Traditionally,
the tamu is not only a place to gather and trade, but for people
to fraternize. The origin of the tamu dates back to the late 19th
and early 20th centuries. The British North Borneo Company
introduced the tamu as a neutral meeting ground to foster ties
among the vastly divergent ethnic groups and growing
numbers of immigrants to the state of North Borneo (Sabah, as
we now know it). Each ethnic group specialized in certain
produce. For example, the Dusun of the interior valleys and
hills produced beeswax and herbs, while the coastal Irranun
people traded salted fish. The Rungus tribe had hill rice,
vegetables and livestock.

Today the tamu is still a vital part of the local community. Be it

in villages or in a city like Kota Kinabalu, the tamu is a great
place for good bargains and to experience a variety of sights,
sounds and smells! The weekly Gaya Street Fair in Kota
Kinabalu is one of the most popular markets. Every Sunday,
the side streets along Gaya Street are closed and traders set
up their stalls for a busy day of bargains. Here you can find a
myriad of things from delicious local cakes (perfect for
breakfast) to exotic orchids. The Gaya Street Fair is also
unique with its talented street musicians and various charity
drives. There’s even a corner where you can enjoy a foot
massage by blind masseuses, in aid of the Sabah Society for
the Blind. But if it’s some true-blue Sabahan oddities you want,
visit the tamu on the outskirts of KK city, such as Donggongon
or Kota Belud. These are great places to buy local delicacies
such as bambangan (a mango-like fruit often preserved and
enjoyed with other dishes) and noonsom (fermented fish –
definitely an acquired taste!). You can also look for rice wine
(lihing) here.

The mother of all tamu is, without a doubt, the annual Tamu
Besar (literally translated as Big Market) held in Kota Belud.
Not only does the tamu come alive with its lively traders, but
also with a variety of song, dance and even a beauty pageant
for the local girls. In a nearby field, tourists and locals flock to
see the ‘Cowboys of the East’ parade their beautifully adorned
horses. Another highlight is the bare-back water-buffalo race.
This year, the Tamu Besar will be held on 27–28 October. Time
to hit the tamu!