room-4u

Month: January 2016

Sabah

Introduction

Sabah has no less than thirty ethnic tribes. A city rich in cultural dance. During the festive season and, in addition, the Harvest Festival festivities, Sabah Fest is commended in May each year, public can see numerous cultural dances to enliven the festive atmosphere.

Sabah’s population consists of various ethnic groups. Sabah’s largest ethnic group is the Kadazan Dusun, Bajau and Murut. Other tribes are Kedayans, Bisaya, Irranun, Rungus, Kimarang, Kwijau, Lundayeh, Ubian, Binadan, The River, Tatana, Tagaas, Brunei, Sulu and others.
The difference between the various ethnic groups is particularly significant in terms of language, religion, customs and way of life which includes their traditional costumes.

Where did Sabah get its name?

The origins of the name ‘Sabah’ believed to have originated from a type of banana plants known as saba banana which is a type of banana called “SABBAH” or “Sappah” by the Bajau community made a very popular fried bananas. Bananas are widely planted along the west coast of Sabah as a food source. ‘Saba banana’ also known as ‘jaba’ by the Bajau community. Now, ‘saba bananas’ better known as the ‘pisang menurun’.

The name ‘Sabah’ was first used in the 15th century by merchants who traveled between the islands of North Borneo to the Sulu archipelago in the southern Philippines. In conclusion, the name ‘Sabah’ has been in use since before the advent of North Borneo Chartered Company and the British again. In 1604 Portuguese maps Melaka, Kota Kinabalu referred to as the Api-Api.

Mabul Island, Semporna

Mabul is a little island off the south-eastern shoreline of Sabah in Malaysia. The island has been an angling town since the 1970s. At that point in the 1990s, it first got to be prevalent to divers because of its closeness to Sipadan island.

Mabul island is administered by Semporna, Tawau district.

Located 15 km from Sipadan, this 20-hectare piece of land surfaces 2–3 meters above sea level, consists mostly flat grounds and aerial view is oval-shaped. Surrounding it are sandy beaches, perched on the northwest corner of a larger two square kilometre reef.

Mabul is moreover prominent for its staggering display of full-scale life, making it a submerged picture taker’s dream zone to get a segment of the rarest natural species on film. Flamboyant cuttlefish, spike-fin gobies, blue-ringed octopus, moray eels, and frogfish are just a rate of the awesome critters you will encounter underneath the waters of Mabul.

Whether you’re arranging a laid back family occasion, sentimental venture or dive trip, you’ll discover a lot of activities and things to do in Pulau Mabul suitable for all age of groups.

If you come to the island for a vacation and not to dive, you can choose to stay at the resort that can provide you other activities such as swimming in a swimming pool with a sunken bar or you can enjoy the beauty of Mabul in a jacuzzi. A conventional massage is an unquestionable requirement on the off chance that you truly need to unwind, accessible at all the resorts (exception for Seaventures), or you can enjoy a full Spa treatment which available in Mabul Water Lodges.
Those that need to be more dynamic can investigate the island on mountain bicycle or oar around it in a kayak, both for rent at the Sipadan Mabul Resort. There is additionally the alternative of a session of beach volleyball.
**Note that every resort provides a different kind of leisure activities to attract their tourist 🙂

How to get here?
From Kota Kinabalu, take a 55-minute flight to Tawau and enjoy the view of palm oil plantation during an hour drive to Semporna. From here, Mabul is an additional 45 minutes by speedboat. Make sure to pre-arrangement transportation with your tour agent/dive operator.

Pom Pom Island, Semporna

Pom Island is a little coral reef island in the Celebes Sea roughly 30 km North East of Semporna town, Sabah, East Malaysia.

The island is level sand with the best ascent of under 2m over the HT line. The reef level is only 50-75m wide toward the west and a couple of hundred meters wide around a huge part of the island. The island has a white sand coral shoreline and is an imperative settling range site for Green and Hawksbill turtles. The island has no town, irrelevant human impact, no pollution and is one of the pervasive dive destinations in the Semporna district.

Pom Pom island is thickly lush with little trees, particularly from the pandanus gang. There are no screen reptiles or snakes despite the fact that these are found on other islands.

Marine Diversity
The marine biodiversity of Pom Island is astounding with numerous uncommon and remarkable species. The district is a piece of the coral triangle which has 500 or more coral species

Giant Frogfish can be seen everywhere - giant, painted and clown frogfish are routinely seen alongside just about the entire scorpion fish family

Giant Frogfish can be seen everywhere – giant, painted and clown frogfish are routinely seen alongside just about the entire scorpion fish family

Pom Pom island is a vital settling and nourishing site for Green and Hawksbill turtles.
The Green turtle settles lasting through the year yet crest settling is May to September. The Hawksbill homes in little numbers. Both turtles are available on the reef during the time with a normal of 7 green turtles seen every hour on a dive or snorkelling. The hawksbill is both not so much basic but rather more regional with the same people being routinely seen at Lobster divider, the North tip and Magic rocks.

Activities
The reef is on the edge of the mainland rack and the seabed encompassing the reef inclines out to 100 to 130 m deep.There are profound – close vertical – dividers beginning at 27-30m profound situated at the Northern tip, Eastern plateau and lobster wall. Depends upon tide the flow at these areas can be solid giving amazing float plunges with numerous sea fans and pelagic fish.

There are two dive resorts that available in Pom Pom Island
→ Pom Pom Island Resort & Spa
→ Welcome to Celebes Beach Resort

You can choose either 2 of the resort for you to enjoy your day there on the island.
A lot of activities that you can do while you are there,

For ocean lovers, there are;
→ Diving
→ Snorkeling and swimming, either from the shoreline or the wharf
→ Kayak Rental (It takes around 1 hour to kayak around the island, the best times are either at an early in the morning or after 4 pm at night to keep away from the warmth of the day and appreciate cool ocean breezes)

For wearing devotees, you can;
→ Play beach volleyball
→ Appreciate a session of football with the local people
→ Bicycling/Running (Appreciate bicycling or circling running/bicycle track where you can see the vegetable gardens and organic product trees or you can watch the dusk and appreciate sentimental strolls on the beach.)

Kapalai Island, Semporna

Kapalai Island

Kapalai Island

 

Kapalai island – The insignificant name summons the picture of completely clear waters and a skimming heaven like no other. From the little port town of Semporna, it is around 45 minutes by velocity watercraft to the lovely Kapalai Island Resort. Semporna can be reached to from Tawau air terminal in 80 minutes drive by minibus.
Kapalai Resort is an extremely delightful resort found specifically on a sandbank. The cabins are based on stilts over the water and are associated with walkways additionally based on stilts. Watching tropical fish swimming underneath your water home is genuinely an uncommon and extraordinary experience. Amid low tide, you can get to the sandbank and appreciate the little shoreline.

The 40 chalets depend on high wooden stilts in the midst of the ocean. Visitors can value the sights of marine life, all things considered, as they stroll along the promenade, an extreme improvement that partners the diverse portions of the floating resort. All chalets are outfitted with fundamental civilities, including tea and coffee making workplaces.

The sundeck, a common top pick, is a staggering spot to take advantage of your novel, wear down a tan or appreciate a night break. The Dive Center gives hopping, snorkeling and kayaking gear for rent. Can’t dive yet would love to? Try not to sweat it! Within offers a collection of PADI courses, including Tremendous Water and Preamble to Night Bouncing. In the wake of capitalizing on your submerged paradise, explore diverse workplaces offered by the resort including the blessing shop, entertainments room, and broadband access.

DIVE PACKAGES with Kapalai Dive Centre

6 days / 5 nights double/twin room 1273.03 USD
6 days / 5 nights single room 1654.94 USD
7 days / 6 nights double/twin room 1517.08
7 days / 6 nights single room 1972.14

INCLUDED:
✔ Convenience as determined
✔ All suppers, water, tea, espresso
✔ Return exchanges Tawau-Semporna-Kapalai
✔ Up to 3 boat dive every day (with the exception of on landing and takeoff days)
✔ 1 day ensured diving at Sipadan (up to 3 dives)
✔ Boundless house reef plunges, night makes the plunge front of Kapalai Dive Center (Only for advance divers), tanks, weights, air fills
✔ Malaysia Government charge

**Additional items payable locally (as of January 2016)

Section License to Sipadan Island (per plunge day) 40.00MYR
Semporna Jetty charge

Pulau Sipadan

Pulau Sipadan has won various grants and diving tourism and the island is known as an environment for more than 3000 types of fish and corals that live in the biological community surrounding. Divers can likewise meander limestone hollow situated under the water of the island known as the Turtle Tomb, which holds the bones of turtles.

How to go here?
The guests can go to sipadan island with through Kota Kinabalu or Tawau. Where the guests who touch base in Kota Kinabalu to be going to tawau which takes 8 hours if the transport ride and 45 minutes to the utilization of air ship. Upon landing in tawau, guests ought to make a beeline for the town semporna which is around 1 hour drive back drive four-wheel for a watercraft ride to the island sipadan which just takes around 45 minutes relying upon the velocity vessels conveying guests.

 

Accomodation

For settlement as well, given the Sipadan Island has been proclaimed a secured zone close to the property is situated in the contiguous islands such as Mabul and Kapalai, which took around 25 min pontoon ride from Sipadan Island.

Taman Tun Abdul Razak

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park consists of five islands, namely Pulau Gaya, Manukan, Sapi, Sulug and Mamutik. Due to the proximity of these islands which are closer and a short boat ride from Kota Kinabalu make it a preferred destination for tourists who only visit daily to enjoy the activities available on the island’s marine park. However, there are also a number of resorts and chalet to stay, so tourists can stay for a few days there.

 

Equipment

It depends on your plan on that day,

let’s say that say that you want to some snorkelling. You need to have a snorkel mask and fins. But if you come there just to enjoy the view you probably need to rent beach mat from Jesselton Point. You won’t face any trouble to find the place to rent those things from the shop nearby.

Don’t worry about the life jacket as you can ask from the agent where you get your ticket.

Below are the rental price for each equipment.

 

Snorkel Mask - RM10

Snorkel Mask – RM10

Fins - RM10

Fins – RM10

Life Jacket

Life Jacket

 

*Reminder

Prepare a budget for some activities then you may be interested in carrying when traveling on the islands.

Activities Banana Boat, Flyfish, parasailing and jet ski are on all islands. Whereas, Diving & Sea Walking only in Sapi Island and Scuba Doo just in Pulau Manukan

 

Time to go on a day there is only available 3 times that is 12 noon, 2 pm and 4 pm on the last boat. Can contact them, see the table above. When buying a ticket, then just 6:15 am.

 

Another activity that can be attempted is Coral Flyer – Island to Island Zipline between Pulau Gaya and Sapi. RM64 ticket which can be purchased at the information booth or Padang Sapi Island Point in Pulau Gaya. Refer to the following website for more information: coralflyer.com

Conservation fees: RM3 per person

Tanjung Lipat Beach

Aside from Tanjung Aru, Tanjung Lipat is likewise a central hub for guests to come and appreciate the sunset.
Kota Kinabalu local people likewise come here for recreational activities, for example, running, picnics and others.

 

Jogging Track

Tanjung Lipat track was formally open not long ago 2014. It is furnished with various stations for body weight workout, bike stops and road light. The best prescribed time to keep running on this track would be sunset since you could appreciate the nightfall and the ocean breeze in the same time. The tracks are principally level with shaded tarred street. This is unquestionably one of the best places to run, aside from specific segments of congested breeze strolling individuals and cyclist zooming through sporadically. You will be finding stalls along the way and bringing small cash would be nice to reward yourself after a good jog. Of course, do be cautious and preferably run in sets or gathering to stay away from any undesirable occurrence.

Amenities that are available:

Public toilet + shower (Monday – Friday 9 AM – 6 PM, Saturday & Sunday 9 AM – 7 PM)

Limited parking space.

 

Anjung Selera

At Anjung Senja, you can sit indoor or outside.
In the event that you want to make up for lost time with the news or show being played on the TV, you should sit indoor.
But, if you adores to feel the breeze all over or sit close to the musical sprinkling wave’s sound you should sit outdoor.

There are more than 15 food stalls at Anjung taste and visitors have a wide choice of food.

Sanur

What To Do In Sanur

Sanur is the quintessential site that will provide you a lot of leisure. So if you have a plan to visit this lovely village and think “what I am gonna do there?Just relax?” the answer is plenty. 7 days will not be enough to do all completely fun things in Sanur. So if you have limited time; 5 days or so; in Sanur think again how you will spend the holiday. If there is any suggestion, here the things should be on your top priority.

Relax? Yes.
The reason you go to Bali is escape from the tiring routine which is always full of stress. So, spend a day to do nothing. Just lay on the sun bed while soaking up the warm sun. It helps you to get relax. Although above it is said there are so many activities you can do but spend a day to do nothing is worth.

Visit Le Mayeur Museum
This museum gate is not attractive. No wonder many visitors simply pass it and decide to flock the roasted corn vendors. But actually, this museum keeps the unmatched treasure of paintings that have been captivated people many years ago. Le Mayeur, a Belgian artist was a great painter and internationally-acclaimed painter on 1950s. The museum is divided into several chambers exhibiting the paintings from year to year. His best work is the painting made when he was living in Italy. A coffee table with an Italian-styled building as the background is so elegant. So, one time if you are there just don’t pass Museum Le Mayeur and find gems inside.

Early Wake Up for Sunrise
It is worth! On a clear day, do effort to wake up a bit earlier to watch the majestic sunrise at Sanur Beach. You will not alone but there will not be so many people on that time. You will meet some locals or foreigners who want to do exercise and be the witnesses when the sun breaks the horizon. If you are hard to find this lovely moment at your country, then this definitely has to do in Sanur.

Visiting Some Attractions
Sanur is the perfect location which is considered close to reach Gianyar or Kuta. From Sanur, the attractive Bali Orchid Garden is a mere 10 minutes drive. Here you can see various types of orchids from all over the world. For the fans of this flower they will be so excited; for others the tropical garden could be attracting. You can also visit Bali Safari Marine Park or Bali Zoo Park.

Water Sport
Snorkeling and Surfing are popular water sports in Sanur. Sanur indeed is not the best site for diving but the reef offers many varieties of fish so you can go for snorkeling. When you crave to dive, there are many boats in Sanur to drop you at Lembongan which is good site for diving. Meanwhile the best spot to surf is the beach in front of Ina Bali Grand Bali Beach named Sanur Reef and the beach in front of Hyatt named Hyat Reef.

 

Badung Market

Pasar Badung: Bali traditional market place

Denpasar’s Chinese style shop-houses and small selection of departments store are not as interesting as the traditional markets in the city. In Denpasar, the epicenter of shopping is the riverside Badung Market. It’s a sweaty, multi-storey concrete complex of stores and stalls selling everything from fresh fish, fruit and vegetables to Balinese and Javanese crafts and textiles.

Badung Market is the largest market in Bali and acts as a sort of clearing house for many island goods. Sarong vendors in Padangbai may buy their wares at Badung Market. Fruit and vegetable producers from around Bali may bring their goods to market at Badung Market, so the market is humming with activity 24/7.

It is located in a massive four storey building on the banks of the Badung river in the center of downtown, close to Jl. Gajah Mada. Organized chaos reigns outside, with cars and motorbikes trying to find a place to park, people carrying bushels of produce of every kind imaginable. Come in the morning and check out the food vendors.

Around the ground floor areas of Badung Market, especially outside the stairwells, one can observe older Balinese ladies preparing and selling traditional Balinese snack foods, complete with ground chili’s, vegetables and and array of other items. You may not know exactly what you’re eating but it could be a wonderful experience and one that will not break the bank.

Inside the first floor is reserved for meat, fish, fruit and veg. The upper floors for spices and traditional Balinese and Muslim attire, Denpasar has a decent sized Muslim population, and they sell in the market too, along with Chinese traders. Also sold are Balinese ceremonial equipment such as sarongs, umbrellas and baskets. You might see the odd westerner here, but by no means is this a tourist destination.

Badung Market has plenty of parking area, however the entrance at Jl. Sulawesi may seem a little hectic. Parking is also found along the streets leading away from the market. Some people have reported that local women offer their services as ‘guides’ but this does not seem to be the rule. You do not need a guide to explore Badung market and wandering around by yourself is truly an education in Balinese culture and commerce.

To get to Badung Market from Kuta, drive on Jl. Imam Bonjol towards Denpasar. You keep going straight until you are forced to make a left or right turn at Jl. Gajah Mada. Turn right and its just around the corner. You know its the market when you see the huge building with all the activity around it. The best time to visit the market is one fine day when it’s not raining, between 8am-12 noon. From Kuta it may takes about 15-20 minutes to get there, depending on traffic. On the opposite bank of the river, the Kumbasari Complex houses many small traders peddling cheap batik clothing, jewelery, silverware and dubious ‘antiques’.

Nusa Lembongan

Nusa Lembongan is a small island off the southeast coast of the main island of Bali. Fast becoming one of Bali’s most popular attractions, this island paradise is a world away from the hassle and hectic pace of South Bali. Neither hawkers nor traffic mar the magnificent scenery; this is a fine place to just put your feet up and relax. Main activities include surfing, diving and snorkeling. The water is some of the clearest you will find anywhere, and a vivid aqua blue in colour.

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