Sunday, 6 October 2013

Mari Mari Cultural Village

Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

The Mari Mari Cultural Village is situated amidst a remote forest setting in Kionsom, Inanam; 25 minutes away from the hustling and bustling city. Its surrounding atmosphere may faintly remind you of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘The Lost World’; in the Sabahan sense. The beauty of untapped nature is guaranteed to capture your eyes and heart as soon as you arrive at the village!

In the village, you will be introduced to various traditional homes of Sabahan ethnic communities—the Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus and Dusun—which are built by descendants of the tribes which they represent. Your friendly excursion guide will also give thorough introductions to the houses, making it a highly educational experience.

Be prepared to teleport back to the times of ancient Borneo through the display of unique ingenious architecture, simulated lives and ritualistic ceremonies. Also, get acquainted with each village tribe as you enter their homes and experience their rich culture.

For a more hands-on experience, check out the little huts in the village where daily routines of traditional Sabahan life come alive. Grab the chance to see blowpipe-making demonstration, fire-starting demonstration using bamboo, tattoo-making demonstration, and get an in-depth look at the mystical symbolisms behind them. Visitors will also get chance to sample Sabahan traditional delicacies from each ethnic group.

A visit to the Mari Mari Cultural Village will be a cultural excursion of a lifetime! See, taste and feel the essence of Sabah presented to you as it was and as it is.

Mari Mari!!

Getting there
To arrange a visit to the Mari Mari Cultural Village, you would have to book a tour package from the company. No individual drop-ins are allowed.

Tariffs
With Return Transfer
Package Rates Malaysian (per pax) Non-Malaysian (per pax)
Adult RM 140.00 RM 160.00
Children (5 - 11 y/o)
Children of 4 years & below is F.O.C
RM 110.00 RM 140.00
Without Transportation (own arrangement)
Package Rates Malaysian & Non-Malaysian (per pax)
Adult RM 80.00
Children RM 70.00

Itinerary for 10am / 2pm / 6pm arrivals
  • Upon arrival, you will be greeted and as preparation for your time-travelling into prehistoric Borneo, briefing on the Village Rules is a must before you enter. Then you may walk through the suspension bridge to enter the village.
  • First, you will visit the Dusun house. Here, you will be briefed on the tools / items used in the olden days and the materials of the house itself. You will witness the Tapai (Rice wine) making. As you exit through the back door, you will enter a hut specialized for bamboo cooking and Montoku (distilled rice wine) processing.
  • Second, we will bring you to the Rungus Longhouse. Here, you will learn how to start a fire without lighters or matches. Later, you will also see how this tribe chew beetle nut  and look into the typical room of the tribe.
  • Third, you will find the Lundayeh House. Inside, be awed by a demonstration on the olden ways of producing ropes, vests, floors, walls and etc. from tree barks.
  • Fourth, visit the Bajau House to watch the locals prepare Jala (local cookies) and Pandan juice.  Inside, you will see a myriad of colourful materials of antique ancestral objects. At one corner, there is a decorative bridal parlor for your photo-taking pleasure. In the kitchen, you will see how coconut grating is done in the olden days.
  • Fifth, belonging to the headhunters’ tribe, the Murut Longhouse, awaits you as your journey reaches the ending. (Just kidding! We hereby guarantee that your head will still be attached to your body after visiting this house). You will be greeted by the Chief and his warriors, and go through a custom Welcome Ceremony. You will witness a demonstration on blowpipe making before going into their house. Inside, there is a built-in Lansaran (traditional trampoline-like floor) which you may dance on after they show you how to jump for your “prize”. At a corner, you will see demonstration on tobacco smoking and have a puff or two. At another corner,  witness the locals as they tattoo their bodies the old method.  You can also get a temporary body tattoo the ancient way if you wish.
  • Finally, you will be led to the stage where our very own staff will entertain you with cultural performances.  After that, proceed to the main dining hall where you visit the Souvenir shop or choose to take photos of your surroundings. Otherwise, you may proceed for sumptuous meal which is prepared for you at the Buffet Counter.
  • Then, it is time to bid farewell to the villagers and depart into the 21st century, as we transfer you to your respective hotels/ drop-off points.
Package includes :  With or without return transfer, English speaking guide, Lunch / High Tea / Dinner, house tour with demo. activities and cultural performance.

Things to bring / Wear:
  • Cap / Hat
  • Extra pocket money
  • Comfortable walking shoes / sandals / slippers
  • Casual wear (light clothing)
  • Poncho / umbrella
Optional: Camera
For more information, contact:
Traverse Tours Sdn Bhd (KKKP: 3505)
Lot 227-229,
2nd Floor, Wisma Sabah,
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Tel: +60 88-260501, +60 88-260502
Fax: 088-261503
HOTLINE: 019-8204921 / 016-8321509

Credit Photo: http://kinabalu-home.blogspot.com/2008/12/mari-mari-cultural-village.html

Saturday, 5 October 2013

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

http://fotobesar.blogspot.com/2014/09/anak-anak-di-taman-hidupan-liar-lok-kawi.html

Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park was officially open to the public on the 17th February 2007. It is located along the Penampang-Papar old road and is fully developed by the Sabah Wildlife Department.

The park consists of two components: zoological and botanical. The main objective of the park is to become a family-oriented park and the emphasis is put on the Children’s Zoo.

Among the inhabitants of the zoo (zoological component) are the Borneo Pygmy elephants, Proboscis monkey, Malayan tiger, as well as some different species of deer.

The botanical component, on the other hand; offers visitors the opportunity to go jungle trekking along the botanical trail. The paved trail is about 1.4 kilometers long. However, for leisurely strolls, visitors are only advised to walk halfway along the trail.

TariffsLok Kawi Wildlife Park is open for the public daily from 9.30a.m to 5.30p.m. Entrance fees charged are as follows: adults RM10 (Malaysian) and RM20 (non-Malaysian).

Getting ThereThe journey to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park takes 30 minutes to an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu, the estimated distance is 20 kilometers. For transportation, visitors can either drive or take a taxi from the city centre.

Taxi fare per way is RM25 to RM30. Please arrange with the taxi driver regarding the drop off and/ or return point.

Further Information:For more information, please contact the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park at telephone number 088-765793, or 088-765710. Alternatively, visitors can fax to 088-765762.

Friday, 4 October 2013

Layang-Layang Island

Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)


Layang-Layang, known as "Swallows Reef" is an atoll situated in the South China Sea 300km north-west of Kota Kinabalu. The island is man-made and was constructed for the Malaysian Navy and later developed for the only dive resort, Layang-Layang Island Resort.

The island location offers absolute isolation, luckily there is an airstrip with regular flights from Kota Kinabalu, which is the only mode of transport for guests visiting Layang-Layang. The extreme location of Layang-Layang, the pristine reefs, excellent visibility, steep walls down to 2000km and regular sightings of pelagic has given Layang-Layang a much deserved reputation of being one of the top ten dive locations in the world.
With resident schools of barracuda and big-eye trevally and frequently seen green and hawksbill are plentiful and healthy with sea fans stretching to more than three meters across that filter plankton from the passing currents.

The 20m deep lagoon has some great macro creatures to be found including seahorses, cuttlefish and pipefish but it is the pelagic visiting the outer walls that truly excite divers. Schools of scalloped hammerhead sharks, grey reef sharks, leopard sharks and the occasional threshers and silvertip sharks can all be seen.

Stingrays are also regular visitors including manta rays, pygmy devil rays, marbled rays and eagle rays. Rare sightings such as whale sharks, orcas and melon headed whales have all been seen over the last few years. Spinner and bottlenose dolphins frequently follow the dive boats to each location and divers are sometimes rewarded with snorkeling and diverse fish life and visiting pelagic marine life.
Layang-Layang has rightly gained worldwide recognition.

For more infoLayang Layang Island Resort (KPL 2992)
Address : Sales & Reservation Office Unit
A-2-4, Block A, 2nd Floor, Megan Avenue II, 12 Jalan Yap Kwan Seng,
50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Phone : +60 3 21702185
Fax : +60 3 27309959
Email : res@avillionlayanglayang.com
Website : www.avillionlayanglayang.com

Thursday, 3 October 2013

Kota Kinabalu Wetlands


Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)
Situated just two kilometers north-east of Kota Kinabalu City in Likas (ten minutes from the heart of the city centre) is Kota Kinabalu Wetlands. Formerly known as Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary, this site covers 24 hectares (60 acres) of mangrove forest, and is used primarily as a model wetland centre for the purpose of conservation, education, recreation, tourism and research. Kota Kinabalu Wetlands is managed by local NGO, Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society.

A 1.5km boardwalk brings you deep into the mangrove - a unique ecosystem where land meets sea. A 45-minute stroll on the boardwalk is a pleasant experience where you can enjoy fresh air and tranquility, while spotting interesting birds, plants and wildlife.

Kota Kinabalu Wetlands, designated as a bird sanctuary in 1996, is an important refuge and feeding ground for many species of resident birds as well as migratory species from Northern Asia. 

Commonly sighted birds include migratory species like the sandpiper, Greenshank, Redshank, egrets and herons as well as canopy birds such as collared kingfisher and stork-billed kingfisher. To date, almost 80 species of birds have been identified at the sanctuary. Other mangrove wildlife that live within Kota Kinabalu Wetlands include monitor lizards, fiddler crabs, mudskippers, weaver ants, butterflies and other insects, jellyfish, water snakes and mud lobsters.

Things to Do

Apart from self-guided walks, there are a range of activities that can be done at Kota Kinabalu Wetlands, including guided walks, Environmental Education programmes, bird-watching sessions, and corporate volunteer programmes. Advance notice is required.

Getting There 

Take the No.1 bus towards Likas from the bus stations in front of City Hall or Wawasan Plaza in the City, to Likas Square. At the traffic lights there, turn right towards Signal Hill until you get to the third junction on the left. Return bus fare is RM2.00.

Opening Hours 

Tuesday to Sunday 8.00am till 6.00pm (Closed on Mondays, except when falls on a Public Holiday); Open on all Public Holidays

Admission Fees
Adult Children (7yrs & above)
My-KadRM5RM3
OthersRM15RM10
Free admission for children 6yrs and below

Tel : 6 088 246955
Fax : 6 088 247955
Email : swcs@sabahwetlands.org
Website:www.sabahwetlands.org

Wednesday, 2 October 2013

Kota Kinabalu Esplanade

Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

The newly opened KK Esplanade invites visitors of all walks of life to come and enjoy it!

Surrounded by famous landmarks such as the Hyatt Regency hotel, Cocoon bar, and Wisma Merdeka shopping complex, this esplanade is a perfect place to chill out and enjoy the atmosphere of KK city. Overlooking the sea, the esplanade also serves as a strategic place to catch a beautiful sunset after a long, hard day.

Located at the heart of the city, this esplanade provides an alluringly unique backdrop for photography enthusiasts to hone their skills. In addition to the benches provided and the wooden platform overlooking the islands, visitors will be amused by the dolphin monument and the smaller statues of fishes decorating the esplanade. 

For more info
Contact Kota Kinabalu City Hall at telephone number: 088-521800, fax: 088-219175, or visit their website at www.dbkk.sabah.gov.my

Tuesday, 1 October 2013

Kipandi Butterfly Park

Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)


The Kipandi Butterfly Park is located at Kampung Kipandi, Moyog - situated approximately 36 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu city via the Penampang - Tambunan road.

The gorgeously scenic park is surrounded by the hills of the Crocker Range. Lying at 700 meters altitude, it is rich in entomofauna. Over 100 species of butterflies have been recorded in this park; among the recorded species are the Troides Brookiana (Raja Brook’s Birding), Troides Amphrysus (Golden Birding), and the Papilio Karna (Peacock’s Swalloe Tails).

The insectariums has over 1,500 butterfly specimens and over 3,000 beetles which include many endemic species that are only found in the Crocker Range, such as the Cyclommatus Chewi. Special enclosures have also been constructed to house some of the rare and endangered species of Sabahan orchids and pitcher plants. This project is a joint collaboration with the Sabah Wildlife Department.

Plants have been saved from trees that were felled in land clearing for agricultural and developmental purposes. To date, there are as many as 500 species of native orchids, 40 species of Hoyas, and 5 species of Lipstick flowers Aeschynanthus, 28 species “carnivorous” pitcher plants (Nepenthes) and medicinal plants.

The park also initiates a free educational guided walk program for school children. This program is aimed at raising the awareness of the younger generations regarding the precious entomofauna of Sabah.

The Kipandi Butterfly Park is open daily from 9am to 4pm, the best time to spot butterflies are between 9am to 11am.

Kipandi Butterfly Park Rates

Foreign:
Adult : RM30.00
Children : RM15.00
Local:
Adult : RM10.00
Children : RM5.00

Getting There
Kipandi Butterfly Park is accessible via the long-distance bus to Tambunan and Keningau, the local bus from Penampang and via taxi.


Further Information
Kipandi Entomofauna Ecotours Sdn Bhd (889574-P) (KPL/LN: 6210)
Unit No. A 1017, 10th Floor Phase 1, Wisma Merdeka
88000 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah.
Tel:
+60 88-232015, 016-8380100, 013-8739092
Fax:
088-235015
Email:
kipandipark@hotmail.com
Website: www.kipandi.com.my

Monday, 30 September 2013

KDCA Cultural Village

Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

Understand the differences between today’s culture and the culture that our ancestors’ lived in years back by visiting Sabah Cultural Village - KDCA. You will get to witness our ancestor’s lifestyle at their homes which is built exactly as it was years ago.

The cultural village is located at Kadazandusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Hongkod Koisaan, Penampang which is about 15 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu City. This cultural village is specially catered for the Kadazandusun tribes in Sabah and there are four (4) major Dusun tribes in Sabah in the village; Dusun Tindal Kota Belud, Dusun Papar, Rungus and Murut.

Itinerary for 1030am/1800pm arrivals:
  • For 1030am arrivals ( you will be greeted with a cultural welcome, and your tour will start with a briefing in KDCA)
  • You will visit, Dusun Tindal House, where you will see a demo on how paddy is processed using the lesung (a traditional mortar). Here you will get to see the making of Parang (Traditional knife) wooden handle,Banana Chips (keropok pisang) food testing.
  • Next you will enter Dusun Papar House where you will see the making of Rice Wine (Lihing) testing, a local favourite. Also you will get to see the Sago or “Pinompoh” making.
  • In the Rungus house, you will see the demo on fire making from bamboo, just like the olden days. You will get to taste Betel Nuts and Tobacco Leaves (Buah pinang and Daun Sireh) as well as you can testing Sweet Corn ( jagung rebus).
  • Lastly you will visit the Murut House where you get to see the making of blow pipe (Traditional hunting weapon or ‘‘Sopuk’’) and the making of rope based on wooden skin. Feast your ears with the sounds of Lansaran (Borneo Trampoline) as you try the traditional cigarettes (Kirai and Sigup). Of course, do not miss the henna tattoo making as you end your visit in the houses of the Dusun tribes in Sabah.
  • You will then be entertained with a cultural performance and end with meals of our very own native dishes.
Tariff
Particular
Non Msian Adult
Non Msian Child
Msian Adult
Msian Child
Full Package Walk-in
RM 100.00
RM 80.00
RM 80.00
RM 50.00
Walk – In (Cultural Houses Own Tour Only)
RM 15.00
RM 10.00
RM 7.00
RM 5.00
Walk – In (House Tour+Demo+Cultural Show)
RM 60.00
RM 40.00
RM 40.00
RM 20.00

Full Package includes:
English Speaking In House Guide, Buffet Lunch/Dinner, and House Tour with Demo, Activities and Cultural Performances.

Note: Walk-in Guest can ONLY have a tour around the village without a guide or demo. Minimum 2 pax is required for pre-booked package.

Visiting Hours
There are three (3) fixed schedule time for the tour as follows:
  1. Morning Session @1030hrs
    • Cultural Welcome
    • Briefing at Sabah Cultural Village (KDCA)
    • House to house visit with demo, activities
    • Cultural performance
    • Lunch will be served (Local Native Dishes)
  2. Afternoon Session @ 1400hrs
    • Cultural Welcome
    • Briefing at Sabah Cultural Village (KDCA) House to house visit with demo, activities
    • Cultural performance
    • Hi Tea (Local Cakes & Coffee & Tea)
  3. Evening session @ 1815hrs
    • Cultural Welcome
    • Briefing at Sabah Cultural Village (KDCA)
    • House to house visit with Demo, Activities
    • Cultural performance
    • Dinner will be served (Local Native Dishes)
Notes
Advanced reservation is required for the full package tour.
For more information:
Touch Borneo Resort & Tours Sdn. Bhd. (KKKP 3884)
Tel: +6088-715053; +6088-252565; +6088-252567
Mobile: +6019-5819566 (Ms Fay); 6012-8338767 (Mr Fred)
Fax: +6088-718764; +6088-252561
Email: k.culturalvillage@gmail.com; info@touchborneoresort.com; sales@touchborneoresort.com
Website: http://www.touchborneoresort.com

Sunday, 29 September 2013

Jesselton Point Waterfront

Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

Formerly known as the Kota Kinabalu Ferry Terminal, Jesselton Point Waterfront has become one of the main city attractions in Kota Kinabalu ever since its privatization in February 2006.

Situated north of downtown Kota Kinabalu, this quaintly scenic place has an unmistakable historical feel to it—complete with olden days snapshots of Kota Kinabalu city (Jesselton) and vintage red English phone booths. Jesselton Point Waterfront serves as the only ferry terminal for Labuan-bound passengers as well as the main (and cheapest) boat terminal for the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and Gayana Island.

Jesselton Point Waterfront also offers casual dining, leisure and retail experiences with its array of alfresco F&B outlets, handicraft stalls, and a four-court futsal centre. In addition, fishing aficionados are now welcome to spend the evening fishing at the jetty from 6pm to 6am for only RM10 per entry (payable at the Suria Futsal Centre). However, fishing gears are not provided so visitors need to bring their own.

 In the near future, the Jesselton Point Waterfront is going to be expanded to cater more recreational, commercial, residential, and retail facilities. Having been the venue for the KK Jazz Festival 2007, the Jesselton Point Waterfront jetty is also bookable for social functions—be it dinner parties, fundraising concerts or even weddings.

After a long hard day at work, the Jesselton Point Waterfront is an excellent place to wind down and catch the breathtaking sunset! In the evening, bask in the cool Sabahan breeze while chilling out with family and friends. It makes a perfect spot for a romantic outing too.

The Jesselton Point Waterfront is open daily from 6am up until 2am; the ferry and boat terminal operates daily from 6am to 6pm. For more information, please contact 088-240709 (8am - 5pm), 088-231050 (fax) or email to jesseltonpoint@bumiria.com.my.

Tariff
The terminal fee for passangers heading to the Labuan F.T. and Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is RM7.20 (adults) and RM3.60 (children under 12)

When in Jesselton Point Waterfront

Exotic tastebuds rejoice! Try out authentic Indonesian cuisine at the Nasi Padang Ibu restaurant. Thai food lovers can also savour delectable Thai dishes available at one of the food outlets in the evening. Fancy something Arabian? Check out Aladdin Arabian fast food outlet for some mouthwatering kebabs. Last but not least, treat yourself to some scoops of yummy gelatos at Dream Cones—the first of its franchise outlet in Malaysia.

Saturday, 28 September 2013

Handicraft Market

Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)
 
Located along Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, the Handicraft Market is a favoured shopping haunt for locals and tourists alike. Souvenirs galore await you and rest assured there is something for everyone. 

Start with the cheap trinkets, which make excellent gifts for friends and family. These include keychains, beaded bracelets and necklaces and bookmarks. You will be spoilt for choice with miles and miles of beautiful sarongs and pareos, an ideal reminder of your tropical holiday in Sabah! 

Be sure to check out the glistening and gorgeous pearl jewellery and handicrafts. You can purchase loose pearls or stunning brooches, necklaces and earrings, available at almost every stall you visit in this vast market.

For those with an eye for ornate wooden carvings, you have come to the right place. The market has an endless variety of carved crafts, including exotic wooden masks, picture frames and even stunning wall panels. Not be missed are the assortment of rattan baskets in all shapes and sizes.

The best thing about the Handicraft Market is that you never know what piece of treasure you might unravel during your visit. Some have returned home with an authentic sompoton (a traditional wind instrument), a Murut headhunter's blowpipe, a coconut-shaped handbag and a wooden-frog that ‘sings' when you stroke its back with a wooden stick.
The most important tip when visiting the market is to bargain, bargain, bargain! Pick up some local lingo to improve your bargaining skills and you might even walk away a steal.

Getting there
The Handicraft Market is located along the same stretch as the Waterfront in Kota Kinabalu City. It is a 5 to 10 minute walk from the city centre.

Opening hours
07.30am to 07.30pm daily.

Thursday, 26 September 2013

Double Six Monument



Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

The Double Six Monument is located in Sembulan, marking a significant tragedy in the history of Sabah. On June 6th, 1976, an airplane carrying Sabah’s fifth Chief Minister, Tun Mohd. Fuad Stephens and six other State ministers crashed, killing all on board. The Double Six monument was erected on the exact spot of the fatal crash.

Getting There

The monument is a 10-minute drive from Kota Kinabalu city. A taxi ride from the city centre will cost approximately RM15.00 (one way). Take Bus no. 17B (marked ‘Putatan’) from the bus station in front of Wawasan Plaza for RM1.50 per person (one way). Buses run from 6:30am to 8:00pm.

Admission is free

Wednesday, 25 September 2013

City Mosque, Kota Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

Built on a 2.47 acres site at the Likas bay, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is exemplary of the Islamic contemporary architecture. Situated near the sea, this majestic white mosque boasts similar features to the Nabawi Mosque in Medina. 

This floating mosque has a prayer hall which houses three madrasahs and accommodates from 9, 000 to 12, 000 people at a time.

By far the largest mosque in Kota Kinabalu, the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is even possibly the most beautiful one in Malaysia – the man-made lagoon which surrounds it gives a serenely gorgeous and dramatic look to the mosque on a full moon night.

The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is open for public visits daily except Fridays from 8am to 5pm. There are no fees charged on visitors.

Getting there

The Kota Kinabalu City Mosque is located about 3 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu City (10 - 15 minutes drive away).

Means of transportation and tariffs are explained in the table below:
Transportation
Fare (one way)
Departure point Return Point Remarks
Bus (No.5A, direction to UMS) RM 1.50 per person Bus station in front of Wawasan Plaza Communicate with the bus driver or conductor for the drop off point From bus drop off point 6:30am-8:00pm
Taxi RM 12 -15 per taxi Any Taxi


Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa

Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

Torn between luxurious beaches and lush jungles, what’s a traveller to do? Two words: Bunga Raya. 

Combining the two elements Sabah is mostly famous for—rainforest and island—Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa serves as the best destination for those wanting the best of both natural worlds. This resort’s rustic spirit makes the experience a lot like a visit to some epic fantasy kampong.
                               
Bask in some sun-fun on the beach and have a warm dip in the sparkling azure water. The excellent water visibility also makes it perfect for snorkelling. In the evening, play a game of beach volleyball with other guests or simply lie on your beach towel with a good book. Those seeking for more challenging adventures will have a swell time kayaking, scuba diving and jet skiing.

Had enough of soaking in brine? Chill out by lounging at the sun deck or do a few laps in the gorgeous infinity pool. Alternatively, spice up your escapade by doing some jungle trekking to explore the verdant beauty beyond the beach.

For some TLC and personal pampering, hike up to Solace Spa and enjoy some serious decompression. If you think a massage on a tropical beach is passé, get novelty-stoked by having your treatment at this jungle-themed spa—the first of its kind in Sabah. Otherwise, you can still request for a soothing massage on the beach or at the pavilion overlooking the sea
.
A fabulous place is nothing without fabulous food—and Bunga Raya has it too. The Koi Restaurant is apt for a romantic dinner for two as well as other formal events. Should you prefer a more laid-back and casual dining experience, head to Pantai Grill by the beach and order a plate of finger food with chilled fruit punch or soda. Ultimate bliss!

Getting there: 

Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa is situated in Police Bay of Gaya Island—approximately 30 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu by speedboat. Transfers can be arranged at the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal counter.

 For more information:

Contact Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa at telephone number: 088-380390; fax number: 088-381390, or email: info@bungarayaresort.com. Visit their website at http://www.gayana-eco-resort.com/bungaraya_site/.

Atkinson Clock Tower

Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

One of the most enduring landmarks in Kota Kinabalu, it stands prominently on a bluff along Signal Hill Road adjacent to the old Police Station. Built in 1903, this all-wood, no-nails structure was built in memory of Francis George Atkinson - the popular first District Officer of Jesselton during the British North Borneo Chartered Company Administration, who had succumbed to a tropical disease at the young age of 28.

This Clock Tower has the distinction of being the oldest standing structure in the whole of Sabah that survived the destruction of Jesselton town during World War II. Till today, it still serves to keep the city's time.

The Atkinson Clock Tower is managed by the Sabah Museum under its Antiquity and History section.

Getting There
You can stroll there or take any taxi. From the bottom of Signal Hill Road at Padang Merdeka, turn left to get to the clock site. Or view it from the city

Aquarium & Marine Museum, Universiti Malaysia Sabah

Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)


The state-of-the-art marine museum is yet another addition to the Universiti Malaysia Sabah campus.

Established in 1995, the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) is aimed to promote education, research and training in conservation and sustainable development of marine resources, and a rational deployment of biotechnology.

Situated within the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI) Complex adjunction to the Sepanggar Bay area, this aquarium and marine museum boasts one of the best aquarium facilities on the Borneo Island.

Among its facilities are the free standing exhibition tanks, live open water reef exhibition centre, live shallow reef exhibition centre, mangrove walk, contemporary Marine and Maritime Museum, Multimedia Interactive Information Kiosk, and Sipadan deep dive diorama.

Visiting hours:
Day
Morning
Afternoon
Monday, Tuesday & Thursday
9:30am - 12:30pm
2:00pm - 4:30pm
Friday
9:30am - 11:30am
Saturday & Sunday
9:30am - 12:30pm
Wednesday and Public Holiday
Closed


Entrance Fee
Categories
Malaysian
Non-Malaysian
Child 4 - 6 years
RM2.00
RM4.00
Student 7 - 18 years
RM3.00
RM6.00
Adult above 18 years
RM5.00
RM10.00

Camera Pass
Malaysian
Non-Malaysian
RM5.00
RM10.00
* All prices are estimated and subject to change


Getting there

UMS is located about 3 kilometers away from the heart of the city (approximately 10 – 15 minutes drive away). Information regarding available public transportations is as follows:

Transportation
Fare
(one way)
Departure point
Return Point
Remarks
Bus No. 5A
RM1.50 per person
Bus station in front of Wawasan Plaza

From bus drop off point
6:30am - 8:00pm
Taxi
RM18.00 per taxi
From city centre
Arrange with the taxi driver

* All prices are estimated and subject to change
 
Extra information
 
Contact:
Universiti Malaysia Sabah
Borneo Marine Research Institute
Jalan UMS, 88400 Kota Kinabalu
Sabah, Malaysia
Tel: +6088 320121
Fax: +6088 320261
Email: bmru@ums.edu.my
Web: www.ums.edu.my/ipmb

Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

Kota Kinabalu (Capital City)

The marine park is a cluster of islands comprising Pulau Gaya, Pulau Sapi, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik and Pulau Sulug, all only 10 - 20 minute speedboat ride from the city of Kota Kinabalu. The five islands of the Marine Park are characterized by shallow waters, sumptuous coral gardens and all boast splendid white sandy beaches.

The reefs lie in shallow waters with little current making it an ideal location for novice divers, however, the diverse and sometimes rare marine creatures also make it an interesting dive location for experienced divers and underwater photographers.

To dive in the marine park you must contact one of the local dive centers based in Kota Kinabalu who also offer a full variety of PADI courses ranging from Discover Scuba to Instructor.

Among the sandy seabed a good variety of marine life can be found such as Scorpion fish, Blue-spotted rays, cuttlefish, mantis shrimps and the occasional green or hawksbill turtle. At some locations, rare creatures such as the harlequin ghost pipefish and mandarin fish can be found especially with the help from local dive guides.

During the cooler months from November to February, plankton blooms attract krill which in turn attract whale sharks, the world's largest fish. At times, the density of the krill can be so thick in these murky conditions underwater encounters with these colossal animals can be exciting as they suddenly appear out of the gloom.
Non-diving visitors can still have as much fun in the islands with other optional activities such as snorkeling in Pulau Sapi and Manukan and seawalking in Pulau Sapi. If water sport is your cup of tea, you may contact any local tour companies for more information regarding the water sport activities that are available.
The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park is open daily from 8.30am to 5pm.

Getting there
The Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is accessible via 15 – 20 minutes speedboat ride from Kota Kinabalu. The departure and arrival point for the boat transfers is at the Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal, situated next to the Malaysia Royal Custom Department. Boat transfers to the islands are available daily from 7.30am to 5pm.

Boat transfer fares to the Islands are listed as follows:
Island
*Fare per pax/boat
Adult (return)
Children (return)
Manukan Island
RM23
RM18
Mamutik Island
RM23
RM18
Sapi Island
RM23
RM18
Sulug Island
RM25
RM18
Two island hops
RM33
RM28
Three island hops
RM43
RM38
Four island hops
RM53
RM48
Boat charter for one island
RM204
Boat charter for Malahom Bay
RM204
Boat charter for Police beach
RM204
* A levy of RM50 per boat will be charged for special pick up times or overnight stays
The following rates are not inclusive of charged terminal fee (RM7.20 for adults, and RM3.60 for children under 12); each entrance fee is valid for 5 islands per day.

Tariffs

Other fees and additional charges are listed as follows:
Particulars
Malaysian
Non-Malaysian
Entrance fee
·         Adults
·        Children below 18 years of age

RM3 per pax
RM1 per pax

RM10 per pax
RM6 per pax

For further info
Sabah Parks
Lot 45 & 46, 1st - 5th Floor,
Block H, Signature Office
KK Times Square
Coastal Highway
88100 Kota Kinabalu

Telephone: +6088 523500 (General Lines)Fax: +6088 486434 (Operations) +6088 486435 (Administration) +6088 486436 (Director's Office)
Email: sabahparks@sabah.gov.my / sabahparks@gmail.com
Website: http://www.sabahparks.org.my