Interesting Places

March 5, 2016 Comments Off Interesting Places

Kinabatangan River

Kinabatangan River supports one of the world’s wealthiest biological systems. Other than being home to Borneo’s indigenous orang utan and proboscis monkey, the encompassing woods is additionally one of just two known spots on the planet where 10 types of primates are found. All the eight types of hornbill found in Borneo make the region their home.

An outing up the waterway at first light or nightfall is the best chance to see the untamed life. You may even sight an Asian elephant meandering through the trees. Discretionary visits can be organized night safaris also to spot crocodiles, fowls and nighttime creatures.

Numerous real neighborhood visit organizations run lodges in the Sukau territory with bundles that incorporate convenience, transportation, suppers and guided visits. On the other hand, you might need to encounter the homestay program which is accessible at encompassing towns and which gives a decent chance to genuinely encounter the life of the Orang Sungai. Join in their social exercises or even attempt your hand at the nearby method for cultivating!

Getting There

The overland trip from Sandakan to Sukau covers 135km where 42km of the journey is on gravel road through palm oil plantations. A 350km drive from Kota Kinabalu is also possible but will take at least six hours. Transportation can be arranged with local tour operators.

March 5, 2016 Comments Off Interesting Places

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre

Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Center in the Malaysian Sabah District of North Borneo was established in 1964, to restore vagrant orangutans. The site is 43 sq km of secured area at the edge of Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve. Today around 60 to 80 orangutans are sans living in the store.

At the point when Sabah turned into an autonomous state in Malaysia in 1963, a Game Branch was made in the Forest Department for the preservation of wild creatures in the area.

Thus, 43 sq km of secured area at the edge of Kabili Sepilok Forest Reserve was transformed into a recovery site for orangutans, and an inside worked to tend to the gorillas. Today around 25 youthful stranded orangutans are housed in the nurseries, notwithstanding those free in the store.

The office gives medicinal consideration to stranded and seized orangutans and in addition many other natural life species. A percentage of alternate creatures which have been dealt with at the inside incorporate; sun bears, gibbons, Sumatran rhinos and elephants.

As of late restored people have their eating routine supplemented by every day feedings of milk and bananas. The extra nourishment supplied by the middle is deliberately intended to be dull and exhausting in order to urge the gorillas to begin to rummage for themselves.

Sepilok is considered by the Wildlife Department to be a helpful instructive apparatus with which to teach both local people and guests alike, yet they are resolute that the training must not meddle with the recovery process. Guests are limited to walkways and are not permitted to approach or handle the primates.

In the wild orangutan babies stay with their moms for up to six years while they are taught the abilities they have to get by in the woodland, the most essential of which is climbing. At Sepilok an amigo framework is utilized to supplant a mother’s instructing. A more youthful chimp will be combined up with a more seasoned one to offer them to add to the abilities they some assistance with needing.

The formation of store zones minimizes the effect of deforestation on orangutans and far less youthful chimps turn into the casualty of the unlawful pet exchange as an aftereffect of these ‘havens’. Children are regularly discovered amid logging or timberland leeway or caught by poachers who butcher the grown-up gorillas to contact them. The Malaysian Government has cinched down on illicit exchanging, banning all such practice and forcing jail sentences on anybody discovered keeping them as pets.

Adolescents kept in bondage regularly get to be debilitated or endure disregard which now and again reaches out to mercilessness. Whilst a percentage of the orangutans raised as pets can never be come back to the wild, others can be restored; it is a long and costly process, taking up to seven years however one focuses, for example, Sepilok tackle without inquiry.

Getting There

From Sandakan: There are five public buses which come directly to Sepilok (at 9:00am, 10:30am 11:30am, 1:00pm and 2:00pm) and five returning back to Sandakan (at 10:30am, 11:30am, 12:30pm, 2:00pm and 4:00pm). The bus journey takes 45 minutes and costs 4RM per person. Many of the hotels nearby can also arrange a shuttle service and it is very easy to take a taxi too.

From Kota Kinabalu: The journey takes 5 hours by bus stopping at junction ‘Jalan Sepilok’, a 2.5 km walk from the centre. However, there are frequent flights from KK to Sandakan which take approx. 45 minutes with return prices starting from as little £20 GBP.

March 3, 2016 Comments Off Interesting Places

North Borneo Railway

Take a ride on the North Borneo Railway and remember the nostalgic sentiment of British North Borneo. Travelers bounce on a steam prepare straight out of the 1900s, chugging along the tracks from Tanjung Aru, through Kinarut before touching base in the Rice Bowl of Sabah, Papar. Along the path, absorb the green vistas of sprawling paddy fields, conventional town homes on stilts and wild oxen strolling out yonder.

On board, travelers are dealt with to an uncommon joy: A Tiffin-style breakfast and lunch, containing Asian and Continental food. The train highlights five completely revamped pioneer style traveler train carriages that can oblige a sum of 180 travelers. The North Borneo Railway is assembled and worked to the most noteworthy of universal benchmarks and is completely consistent with present day security principles.

The North Borneo Railway runs two week after week flights (Wednesday and Saturday) and an outing ordinarily keeps running for 4 hours. An early reserving of no less than 1 (one) day before takeoff is required.

Opening Hours

• Boarding Time: 9:30AM at Tanjung Aru Station
• Departure Time: 10AM every Wednesday & Saturday ONLY
• Office opening daily: 10:00am-6:00pm (Monday-Friday), 9:00am to 5:00pm (Saturday)
* Early booking is required prior a day before departure.

Admission Fee

Adult : RM 318.00

Children (3-12years old) : RM159.00

complimentary for children below 3years old

All prices are estimated and subject to change
Rates are inclusive of “Tiffin” style lunch (A blend of Asian and Continental cuisine with signature lemonade.
Rates are not inclusive of ground transfers.

March 3, 2016 Comments Off Interesting Places

Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, Sandakan

In the focal point of the mangrove woodlands of Semawang is the Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary, where you can see Borneo’s indigenous proboscis monkeys. This exclusive haven situated inside of an oil palm home allows you to watch these creatures very close.

The momentous guys wear huge dangling noses, rosy level top haircuts, white tails and markings, and pot midsections. The females then again, are much littler and have up-turned noses.

Take a night visit for an opportunity to see wild hogs, flying squirrels, fireflies and crocodiles. The asylum additionally has a hotel with aircondtioned twin or twofold rooms, family chalet and dormitaries for the individuals who wish to stay overnight.

The haven likewise gives exchanges, daytrips and overnight remains. You can likewise experience a nearby visit administrator.

March 2, 2016 Comments Off Interesting Places

ATV Borneo, Kota Belud

Searching for something somewhat more energizing than shopping and shoreline occasion? A fresh out of the plastic new open air enterprise in the coastal areas of Kota Belud, Sabah which will take you out on “fours” into the Borneo wildernesses, towns, streams, and coastline with choices to visit a quiet island, and go on a waterway voyage to view fireflies and proboscis monkeys. Appears like an entire enormous experience all moved into one!

ATV Borneo, arranged in the heartlands of provincial Sabah, is the brainchild of Dave and Linda Nott. Both have lived in Sabah for over 10 years and now made ‘the area beneath the wind’ their home.

This is a little gathering enterprise as there are just 5 units of ATV at present with more bicycles to come as a business grows. A little gathering program that is high on experience and investigation in a territory couple of sightseers have ever wandered into.

This enterprise puts you on an effective 250CC quad bicycle to experience what numerous portray as the most excellent range of North Borneo, with its moving green slopes, amazing coastlines and interwoven of paddy fields – a picture taker’s heaven and for those looking for things outside of the general traveler destinations.

You will move to bewildering statures on soil streets, pass stilted kampong houses and if fortunate meet, have tea, and talk with some of the local people of Sabah.

Requirements
· All riders are required to read and sign the Liability Waiver Form prior to riding
· Age 16 years and above. Younger participants not allowed. No pillion rider for this activity, therefore, no option for younger participants to ride with parent/guardian. Bikes are 250CC and manual transmissions.
· No alcohol consumption before or during the activity
· Helmet must be worn at all times during activity
· No excessive speeds You will be responsible for damage to the ATV caused by carelessness and recklessness or violations of the rules
· No riding in unapproved areas; there are have designated trails to follow
· The operator reserves the right to withdraw, stop or refuse any rider who does not comply with the rules and regulations. In such circumstances, there shall be no refund

Equipment & Limitations
250cc manual 4 stroke motors, 4-speed gearbox and converse rigging, front and back water is driven circle brakes, wide and low and verging on difficult to tip over. Genuine mean machines!

February 19, 2016 Comments Off Interesting Places

Paragliding in Ranau

Ranau is a town located 108 Kilometres east of Kota Kinabalu and 227 Kilometres west of Sandakan. Its name is gotten from the Dusun dialect “Ranahon” which means paddy fields. It is a cool sloping district with uneven perspectives all around. This makes the ideal setting for the paragliding view.

Ranau has different greenery ranges from rich tropical marsh and slope rainforest to tropical mountain, sub-snow capped woodland and clean on the higher rises. Aside from its residential area charm, there are other close-by attractions of Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu Nature Park, Kundasang town, Gunner Cleary Memorial, Kundasang War Memorial, Mesilau Nature Park, Sungai Moroli Fish Spa (Kampung Luanti), Poring Hot Springs, and the Sabah Tea Garden. It is also known as the consummation purpose of (World War II) Death March Trail where 3 huge gatherings of Australian POWs strolled to their passings from slippery wilderness conditions, disease or having been slaughtered by their captors.

Ranau was known for having the biggest mining project in Malaysia, the Mamut Copper Mine, before it stopped operations in 1999. Ranau town is justified regardless of a visit and an overnight sit tight. It is fair sized and has numerous restaurants, accommodation stores and numerous lodgings with basic conveniences. There are likewise homestays in the range. You will require your own particular transport to see the attractions in Ranau zone as they are not in range by foot.

Paragliding has already begun in Sabah for a few years. However, just recently it turns into a well-known game.
If you haven’t decided to whether or not paragliding is for you, a tandem flight is a great way to experience free flying first-hand. The pair paraglide is intended for flying with up to 200 Kg of weight. Pair flying includes a pilot flying with a traveller. Both have separate bridles that are joined to one another and the wing. The instructor will fly the paraglide from behind you, giving you a totally panoramic view without obstruction. paragliding harnesses are built for comfort and safety; they feel more like an armchair. Once launched, the passenger just sits back, relaxes and takes the beautiful scenery with camera or video.

From Kota Kinabalu city, you can take a cab or mini bus from Padang Merdeka. Find any transportation that will send you to Ranau Town. It will only take around 2 hours of the journey with village panoramic for guest to enjoy. Once you are in Ranau Town, you need to find another transportation that can send ou to Lohan Village as the paragliding activity is based there.

February 19, 2016 Comments Off Interesting Places

Rumah Terbalik (Upside Down House), Tamparuli

Turn your world upside down by visiting one of the popular tourist and local spots in Sabah; Rumah Terbalik. It is one of the first of its kind house in South East Asia and among the five upside-down structures on the planet (3 are found in Europe and another in Japan).

It was officially opened to the public in February 2012 and has subsequent to be drawing in the guest from the local and outsiders.
The house itself is difficult to miss, having been flipped upside down, with its floor confronting skyward. Everything inside the house, from furniture to family unit machines, float over your head, as the roof is really the floor. Guests will see some recognizing Sabahan stylistic theme and elements showcased in this house. In the carport, an auto is stopped upside down. It may appear to be confusing in the initial few moments, yet the interest of everything assumes control. This engineering wonder has additionally been incorporated into the Malaysia Book of Records for being the first of its kind in the country. Guests can appreciate a feast or evening nibble at the Rumah Terbalik Café or get a trinket at the Gift Shop. Guided visits are accessible.

Below is the ticket fees.

Ticket Fee*	Malaysian Adult	Foreign Adult	Child (4-12 years)**
Upside Down House (Rumah Terbalik)	RM10.60	RM19.10 (≈USD$5.50)	RM5.30 (≈USD$1.50)
3D Wonders Museum	RM24.40	RM35 (≈USD$7)	RM15.90 (≈USD$4.60)
2-in-1 Package (Upside Down House + 3D Wonders)	RM31.80	RM47.70 (≈USD$14)	RM19.10 (≈USD$5.5)

*Free entrance for infant 3 years and below.

February 18, 2016 Comments Off Interesting Places

Nightlife in Kota Kinabalu (Part 2)

This the second part from Nightlife in Kota Kinabalu that we have posted previously. Sabah or North Borneo might be known more for its regular biodiversity and their novel verdure. Be that as it may, its capital city Kota Kinabalu can likewise be abounding with life and fun, particularly with regards to the nightlife.
Here is some a greater amount of the most event bars and bars you might find in Kota Kinabalu

Q Bar
Q Bar in Kota Kinabalu is one of KK’s long-standing gathering venues furthermore happens to be one of its most conspicuous straight-accommodating gay bars.
Popular amongst the gay and lesbian group, Q Bar is truly for any individual who likes to party in an air where you don’t need to rationalize who you are.
Located in Gaya Street a couple parts down from the Tong Hing Supermarket, Q Bar most consistently elements a DJ behind the decks, and each Friday entertainment is given by the Q Bar Girls who put on a fanciful, swarm satisfying supper club appear.
A vast, round (Q shape) bar possesses the focal point of the venue, making it simple to take a seat and see who else is taking a seat. Super friendly staff and loquacious benefactors make Q Bar an extremely social venue.

Credit cards are accepted.

Tuesday to Thursday it will be open from 9 PM to 1.30 AM
Friday from 9 PM to 3 AM
Saturday from 9 PM to 3.30AM
Monday and Sunday open from 9 PM to 1 AM.

Prices are on the high side.
Tel: +6016 847 3085

Shamrock Irish Bar
Shamrock Irish Bar is located at the Waterfront Kota Kinabalu, right in the middle of the city’s nightlife strip.
Drop in for a bite to eat during the day or dinner in the evening and find an ample supply of draught lager and stout on tap.
Also known for showing Aussie rules and the international Rugby Union games, Shamrock in the KK Waterfront is a popular hangout for locals and expats who enjoy oval-shaped ball sports.

Credit cards are accepted here.
Opening time is Sunday to Thursday 12 PM – 1 AM, and Friday, Saturday 12 PM – 2 AM.
Tel: +608 824 9829

Shenanigan’s Fun Pub – Hyatt Regency
Shenanigan’s Fun Pub is one of the oldest nightspots in Kota Kinabalu.
Beverages’ price will be on the high side and this ought not out of the ordinary as it’s a lodging bar.
Great music and assortment, that keep your feet moving and dancing. Because of its built up and mark power, even the old clocks otherwise known as youthful at hearts affection to keep on coming back to this place.
There is a performance every day except on Sunday.

They accept credit card here.
Opening hours Monday to Thursday (5 PM – 1 PM)
Friday to Saturday (5 PM – 1.30 AM)
Tel: +608 822 1234

Sully’s Bar
This bar is owned by John and Jane. A couple from England that decided to stay in Sabah after they fell in love with this country and its people when they were on holiday here.
What make Sully’s Bar different from the other bars? Well, most of the club and bars here will play the same genre of music. John and Jane open this place so that their customers can enjoy some jazzy music so you will find yourself more ease and grooving while hang out here instead of listening to loud thumping music.
Their Menu consists of a good range of single malt whiskies, fine wines, and cocktails. They also have their own a pool table for you to play and enjoy yourself while listening to their jazz music.

Located at KK Times Square, they will open from Monday to Saturday (5 PM – 1.30 AM), and for Sunday (6 PM – 12.30 AM)
Credit cards accepted here.
Tel: +068 844 7107

Vino Vino
Calling themselves a wine lounge, Vino was said to have the vastest choices of fine wine around the local area. Sounds pretty much right when you consider that the bar is called Vino. Wine bottles line the red block dividers with dull wooden shafts, and the climate is all clunking classed and hushed conversations. Add to that shine of the overhanging precious stone crystal fixture and you have a tasteful freebee. Try not to be intimidated by the tremendous decisions of wine available, for the sommelier is dependably close by to assist. The food is great and their espressos expertly blended as well.
Patrons consists of the corporate group, with a sprinkling of inquisitive visitor and local people.

Opening hours: Monday to Friday (12 PM – 1 AM), Saturday (12 PM – 2 AM), Sunday/Public Holiday (5 PM – 12 AM)
Tel: +608 848 6363

February 17, 2016 Comments Off Interesting Places

Night life in Kota Kinabalu (Part 1)

Kota Kinabalu is best known as a portal to Sabah’s best tourist destination and appealing destinations all through the Borneo Island.

In any case, don’t make that trick you. Kota Kinabalu itself has its very own number attractions.

As a getaway center and the capital city of the Sabah (which used to be known as North Borneo), Malaysia, Kota Kinabalu is a hotbed for live diversion and extraordinary gathering too
And locals here really know how to party and enjoy their nightlife!
In this post, we going to tell you a few main places that are popular among the local and the tourist to enjoy their nightlife.

B.E.D (Best Entertainment Destination)
BED is the most popular nightlife spot in Kota Kinabalu. It is situated in Kota Kinabalu’s Waterfront and it is about as close to the western concept of a club that you can find in KK.
The enormous inside has a huge stage as the primary center and an oval bar that takes up a lot of space right in the focal point of the floor.
High tables and seats speck the bar, with 2 semi-shut off territories on either side of the stage. opposite the stage is a multi-level range from where regulars and individuals reign over the laborers beneath.
BED ordinarily has a few or other band with sparsely clad, revolving individuals making an alright showing of belting out tunes that are present and pop.
DJs do their thing in the middle of band sets.
BED is a decision destination for hedonistic debauchery until the small hours of basically any night in Kota Kinabalu.

Credit Card is accepted here and it will open daily from 6 PM to late night.
Tel: +608 825 1901

Cock & Bull
Cock & Bull is a great place to chill out and enjoy the nice cool breeze while sipping cocktails or drinking draught beer.
The first Cock & Bull branch opened in December 2004 and from there, they offered their customers more intimate environment to the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront. The first thing that will catch your eyes when you step into this bar will be the island bar, with over 50 types of liquors.
You can catch a football match in action with their two huge screens. This joint has been a mainstay and one of top attraction since the Waterfront opened. Nestled below the large projector screens is where their live band sings every night starting from 9:00 pm.
Besides Waterfront, they also open their branch in another few locations around the city.
Besides that, they also provide service for their guest to make any event from intimate gatherings to large affairs. They can customize their menu and planning to your personal event. How cool is that?

Credit card accepted. Open daily from 3 PM to late night.Tel: +608 823 9848
Tel: +608 823 9848

Cowboy Bar
Tucked away in Asia City, the heart of the KK city center, just a stone throw away from Cititel Express and The Hilton KK, this spot is nothing but entertaining.
With an almost everything there is you can find in a bar, this one’s got it and more… The live 9pc band, DJ, tournament pool table, dart, lots of variety of drinks. Friendly local staff in uniforms greet and welcome.
With a variety of whiskeys, wines, beers, and cocktails that are available at reasonable prices(atleast it is lower than most of the bars in town) you have to come here and check it out!

Credit card is accepted.
Tel: +6016 825 1427/+6019 893 5499

Hunter Terrace
Situated on the porch of Best Western Kinabalu Daya Hotel, Hunter Terrace is a decent place to simply unwind while drinking an icy lager or some espresso amidst the night and watch people cruising by. Take note that scuba divers can pick uncommon benefits here.
The pool table is simply nearby in case that you crave playing billiard or snooker. What’s noteworthy about this place, the Happy Hours run an amazing ten hours from 11 AM to 9 PM!

Hunter Terrace is open every day, Monday to Friday 7 AM – 1 AM, and Saturday, Sunday from 6 PM – 12.30 AM.

Tel: +608 824 0000

Jarrod & Rawlins
Jarrod and Rawlins is a prominent chain from Kuala Lumpur which has now advanced toward Kota Kinabalu. They use the same idea here comparable such as the one in KL, for example, superb pork knuckles and hotdogs, great decision wine and brew, and an exuberant air. Costs can be somewhat high contrast with others, yet at the same time unquestionably justified regardless of the cash.
The spot is child-friendly, and they even provide a menu for children! Credit cards are accepted with the exception of Amex.

Open on Monday to Friday from 10 AM to 1 AM, and Saturday, Sunday from 10 AM to 2 AM.
Tel: +608 823 1890

February 16, 2016 Comments Off Interesting Places

Bukit Kokol, Menggatal

About Bukit Kokol
Bukit Kokol is one of the most popular places to visit in Sabah either for the local or tourist. Located among the hills of Sabah’s Crocker range, it is 2000 feet above sea level, with a beautiful view of Kota Kinabalu city and far beyond 5 Islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman Parks to the North, and the beauty of the majestic Mount Kinabalu to the South, temperature can be meddling to around 20 degrees, and just 30 minutes drive if you are from Kota Kinabalu City, it is a perfect place for those who wants a quick fix.
And Bukit Kokol is listed as one of the best place for you to watch the sunset in Sabah.

How to get to Bukit Kokol?
Getting there is easy as 1,2,3. From the three way junction, which is between Indah Permai (One Borneo/ Menggatal), Inanam and Tebobon, head to Inanam and keep left. After a few minutes, you will see a signboard that says ‘Kasih Sayang Health Resort‘. Turn in to Jln. Kokol @ Poring and just drive uphill. You are on the right track if you keep seeing ‘Kasih Sayang Health Resort’ every ten minutes.
There are no public buses going up the hill, so we suggest you to rent a car (it is better if you drive a 4WD)
Enjoy yourself with your friends and family for a night or two in one of the resort there.
As there are a few resort that are available ad the price can be as low as RM100 per night during weekdays and RM200 and above during the weekends(price is different depends on which resort that you choose to stay)
The view when you’re driving uphill will immaculate every few minutws with the amazing sights catch panorama. You will feel it like a feast to the eyes and soul.

**note to those who plans to drive to Rasa Sayang Resort, park uphill, if possible so that your vehicle won’t have to struggle climbing up the next hill on your way back.

PJ8 Service Suite

Millennium Square

Where to eat

Where to stay

Category: Interesting Places