Delivery of newborn Calf

Today, great news has been spread throughout the whole of Sabah.

Desa Cattle Farm, situated at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, has captured the wonderful moment of the delivery. Pictures are all credited back to Desa Cattle Farm. Well, I couldn't say much here but let the pictures tells the stories.

Note: It may be obscene. You might need to ask your children (if any) to stay away from the laptop/ PC now. Like NOW.

I have warned you.

The legs are coming out!

Need some pulling, just to help her out.

OK. 

Picture shown onwards (below) consist of blood. 

So, please take note before you scroll down.

Mothers are the bravest. 

Don't you think?

Countdown to Hitz.fm Kota Kinabalu Birthday Invasion

Happy Birthday to hitz.fm KK Kota Kinabalu!

Hitz.fm Kota Kinabalu Birthday Invasion is coming soon again.

Time : 1900hrs to LATE

Date : 3 November 2012

Venue: 1Borneo, Gourmet Lane

Yes. I will be going again this time; I will be on duty to cover up this whole birthday party! Again, I will be having McDonald for dinner. That’s the easiest and fastest way to fill up my tummy for a busy schedule.

This time, my good friend GREYSON CHANCE is coming back to KK. He really does love to be here in Kota Kinabalu. I can say that he is in love with Malaysia. This time, I don't think I could take a picture with him though. Busy busy schedule. Anyway, other than Greyson you can get a chance to see performance by Pop Shuvit, One Buck Short, Dang Bandangs, Jakeman & Skeletor. This will be a big party!

And… I will see you there? Let me know by commenting here if you are coming. You might be smiling to the camera!

The Schooner Raja Laut sail to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Took this picture after rain but luckily there is sunset as promised. Once the Raja Laut flees to Kota Kinabalu, I received an invitation to check out the yacht. Thanks to Mr. Nicolas, the captain and thanks to Yohannes too!

Beautifully designed, the Raja Laut gave me a feeling that I wanted to have some adventure. It’s clean and fully furnished. It feels like I’m finally in Pirates of the Carribean! Well, if you can swim, maybe you can just jump, maybe. Don’t forget to take off your shoes, sandals, or whatever you are wearing because you need to be on board barefoot.

Foods are all set and ready once we are on board. Enjoying the welcoming cocktails and snacks until when you can find all of us dancing under the moonlight while Mr. Nicolas was still busy navigating.

Schooner Raja Laut was designed along exquisite classic lines for yacht charters in Asia. The name Raja Laut means "king of the seas" in the Malay language. Effortlessly combining style and grace with modern technology, Raja Laut has enjoyed unforgettable adventures throughout the Asian region, from Thailand, to Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, and the Mergui Archipelago.

As I have a busy schedule, it just hit me when I heard the name “Raja Laut”. What is that? I asked myself and I make sure that I’ll be free and I had a great time discovering from top to bottom, left to right!

Auxiliary Equipment, Tender and Recreational Equipment

Boarding ladder

Fenders

Swim ladder

Comprehensive set of tools

Quantity of spare parts

Full cover awnings

4.8 metre RIB dinghy with 60 HP Yamaha Outboard

Bauer Mariner scuba diving compressor

12 sets of tanks and complete scuba diving gear

20 sets of masks, fins, and snorkels

1 inflatable sea kayak

Waterski and Wakeboard

Now, you must have been wondering why I am including this list of equipment. In fact, they do sail from the East to West or West to East. If you wanted to sail.

When is the best time to sail with Raja Laut?

DECEMBER TO APRIL the prevailing winds are from the NORTH-EAST, and during this time the weather on WEST coast of Thailand and the vicinity is as near to perfect as possible with light winds and hardly a drop of rain. December to March is the best time for a vacation in Langkawi, Phuket, Phang-Nga Bay, Mergui, Andaman.

MAY TO OCTOBER, the prevailing winds are from the SOUTH-WEST and during this is the best time to visit the EAST coast of Thailand and the vicinity (Tioman, Singapore, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo).

In Indonesia the weather is generally good for year-round cruising.

There are few things you can do in this yacht.

1. Do an event. May it be a birthday party, or a wedding. It feels extremely awesome to party out in the sea. Call the catering!

2. Stay for the weekend. Since there are three rooms that you can stay in the yacht, why not? Not to mention that you can sleep on the deck if you want. Then it surely can fit more than 10 people overnight.

3. I don’t know. Lesson how to sail the yacht? Kidding.

What to bring?

1. Flip-flops and a rubber soled sandals or "reef runners" for venturing ashore. You will spend most time on board barefoot.

2. Hat

3. Sunglasses or shades

4. Sunscreens with at least 15SPF are very highly recommended, as well as soothing after sun products.

5. Your toiletry bag should include all the usual items

6. Maybe insect repellent and seasickness pill just in case.

From Cheng Du to Jiu Zhai Huang Loong, China

Departing early in the morning to Jiu Zhai Huang Long (九寨黄龙) , Sichuan Province makes me feel nervous. First, it will be the internal domestic flight. Second, I'm going to visit one of the most beautiful places in the world!

From Cheng Du Airport serves two major scenic places of interest in this area, namely Huanglong (黄龙), 53 kilometres (33 mi) away, and Jiuzhaigou (九寨沟) , 88 km (55 mi) away.

In this post, I’m going to share ONLY the sceneries that you can enjoy while you are up a thousand meters above sea level. Yes, in the flight. You may not want to miss this even though we do sleep in the plane often. 
This is an important note: Stay awake.

Well, I'm gonna let the picture tell the stories. Hope you enjoy all pictures and do leave some comments!

Facts:

1. Jiu Zhai Gou is a nature reserve in the north of Sichuan Province, China
The most prettiest period to visit Jiu Zhai Huang Long is October - November because it's Autumn and it's picture perfect due to its colourful sceneries.

2. You got to wear a good walking shoes. Never mind of being pretty with heels (for girls) because China trip always requires you to WALK.

3. In China, do protect yourself by act to be one of them. I mean, beware of the pushing and rudeness.

4. Shopping wise, beware of 'good' business women.

Escargot from Esmeralda Restaurant, Paris

After a long journey from the hotel to the heart of Paris from morning, we came to this restaurant randomly. This was a great choice for lunch after visiting Notre Dame.

As we walked towards a few restaurants across the street from Notre Dame Cathedral, most of the restaurants and cafes are selling breads. We wouldn’t want to have bread for like every day, so we walked and walked till we met Esmeralda. Yes, very sexy name. Always remember, when you travel, do not be afraid to try their local dishes or cuisine. You may not know when will be your next trip back!

The first important mission for us to have lunch is to try the Escargot. It’s funny when you listen to a Malaysian and a French talk. I tried to blend in for the sack of my tummy and 3 other tummies that are starving.

We have ordered ½ dozen of Escargot. First bite, addicted. Second bite, I WANT MORE! But we can’t you see as we have a budget. Blame on the conversion. Buttery sauce when some herbs, it doesn't smell bad at all.

 After all, friendly and hard working waiter, delicious food, great environment for us to feel "to be a local a day" best combination! 

Esmeralda

15 Rue Lamartine, 75009 Paris, France

01 42 81 58 08

October Halloween in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

As an Asian country, Halloween is not a quite popular festival/ celebration. If you do ask me, I do believe that ghosts or spirits do exist and each of them has different characteristic and personality. Well, as Malaysia is somehow a westernized country, some of us do celebrate the Halloween for fun but you will not see like how people had fun in movies during the Halloween. There will be no one (or lovely kids) knocking your door and say ‘trick or treats’ and you get a full basket of sweets. You will not see real pumpkins craved into jack-o'-lanterns. No.

What citizens of Kota Kinabalu City are having was just creating events like dressed up games or competition; get a chance to get something for free. Not to intense but we do want to have fun too! Now here’s some events that you might interested in when you’re in Kota Kinabalu.

Halloween or Hallowe'en (a contraction of its original title "All Hallows' Evening"), also known as All Hallows' Eve, is a yearly holiday observed around the world on October 31, the eve before the Western Christian feast of All Hallows. According to some scholars, All Hallows' Eve initially incorporated traditions from pagan harvest festivals and festivals honoring the dead, particularly theCeltic Samhain; other scholars maintain that the feast originated entirely independently of Samhain. Typical festive Halloween activities include trick-or-treating (also known as "guising"), attending costume parties, carving pumpkins into jack-o'-lanterns, lighting bonfires, apple bobbing, visiting haunted attractions, playing pranks, telling scary stories, and watching horror films. - Wikipedia

ONE: The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (Damai) is giving out “Bloody Berry”!

In this month, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf had made a great success in their “Don’t get choked. Go chocolate this October”. It’s a buy 1 free 1 promotion by choosing between Ice Blended - Pure Double Chocolate, Double Chocolate, Chocolate Banana and White Chocolate Dream. This coming end of October, The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf (Damai) is giving out “Bloody Berry”! For the First 100 customers who dressed up in COSTUME, from 8pm to 10pm on 31st October 2012 are entitled to get this free unique drink.

 TWO: Dressed up to watch Silent Hill Revelation 3D and get free ACER Iconia Tab

The ticket you need to get is the 09:15 PM 25th October (this Thursday) show at GSC Suria Sabah. Remember to show up 1 hour before showtime at our Breeze counter with your ticket and Halloween costume to receive your free GSC movie pass and lucky draw slip to win an ACER Iconia Tab A200.

Rules: Show up in FULL Halloween costume

There will be a picture taking session for the public with your favourite Silent Hill characters.

THREE: The Devil's Night Out at Chocolate Factory, KK Times Square

Details will be out soon.

FOUR: Get your Kawaii on at Shenanigan's, Hyatt Regency Kinabalu

This Thursday's (25th October 2012) Ladies Night at Shenanigan's is Harajuku Halloween!

*Ladies in a group of 5 get a bottle of sparkling wine.
*A Harajuku-Halloween party scene

*Fantastic prizes including bottles, room and food and beverage vouchers for best dressed party-goers
*Lucky draws when you buy promotion bottles
*Party with resident band DIGNITY
*Other fantastic drink promotions

and others? More to come.

Here's some idea for you for the dress up game.

This WEEK: The Sabah Food, Hospitality and Tourism Exhibition 2012

The Sabah Food, Hospitality and Tourism Exhibition 2012 will bring together an exciting array of Malaysian and multinational F&B, Hospitality and Tourism products and services.


People love food. People love quality service.

This Exhibition will be a showcase to attract buyers from every major market in the region featuring exciting products for virtually every category. Reach out to an array of opportunities — from supermarkets to restaurants, hospitality and tourism service companies to specialty shops and more. Whether it’s beverages, frozen foods, canned foods, halal foods, meats or snack foods, whether it’s the latest in using IT systems to cut costs and grow profits or the latest concepts in design from complete refurbishment to furniture, lighting and artwork, buyers will feed on it all at the Exhibition. 

Mark your Calendar!

Date   :     19^thto 21^st October 2012

Time  :     1000hrs to 1800hrs (Daily/ Three Days Event)

Venue :     Sabah Trade Centre, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Sabah is a rich agricultural state blessed with being strategically located in the heart of South East Asia, accessible to the region by the second busiest international airport in Malaysia. This Exhibition takes advantage of this by bringing together major players in the food, hospitality and tourism industry to showcase their products and services.

Below are some of the exciting lineups of programmes at a glance:

1. Cooking Demonstration, Ice and Fruit Carving
2. Seminar on Green Innovations and the Sustainable Food Industry
3. Cake Decorating Competition
4. Career Talks
5. Showcase of 130ft "Nasi Himpit"
6. Showcase of Sabah Art

So, I will see you there? 

More details on:

http://www.sabahfoodandhospitality.com/index.php/programme

Front Row (from left) : Chef Len, Chef Gerald, Chef Norman, Chef Maurizio 

Back Row (from left) : Chef Vincent, Chef Shawn, Chef Fredille, Chef Djohan, Chef  Shaifful, Chef Adrian, Chef Ale

Here are all the awesome chefs that gives you Cooking Demonstration, Ice and Fruit Carving. All of them from different backgrounds and different organizations. Well, some of them I do know where are they from but I'm not going to type that in here. Let's be mysterious. 

Day Trip to Mamutik Island

Mamutik Island it’s like 10 minutes away from Kota Kinabalu City, Sabah. Super lucky citizens of Kota Kinabalu are able to go for a short trip! Under the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, a cluster of islands comprising Pulau Gaya, Pulau Manukan, Pulau Mamutik, and Pulau Sulug. By the way, the word “Pulau” means island in Malay language.

I always return to Pulau Mamutik due to its traffic. Not a lot of people crave to go Pulau Mamutik but the others. Also, for its beautiful corals and fishes. Or maybe because I took my PADI diving license here at this island and that is why it makes me feels like home. Anyway.

To go Mamutik Island from Kota Kinabalu City, there is two ways actually which is through Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal or Sutera Marina Jetty. Want to know more about these two places? Check out the links.

Things you can do here in this island are basically straight forward. When you go to an island, you swim, you dive, you eat, you have fun and you relax.

Yes, you can dive in Mamutik Island - Once you reached the island, walk to your right and you will find Borneo Divers Training Institute. You can ask someone to assist you from there. Prices might be in a range of RM250 to RM300. Of course according to how many divers and boat dives you requests. If you do dive, don’t forget to bring along your underwater camera. You don’t want to miss a memory underwater.

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. There are some local companies there at the island selling packages like Sea Walking, Snorkeling, and etc but do get the ones with license, to prevent anything bad happened. 

Foods and drinks at the island?

I guess you got to catch some fish for your lunch! Nah, there is a small café and you can ask for anything a-la carte. Or, there is a convenient shop beside it. But seriously, nothing fancy.

The toilet is an orange building on the left side of the island. Be prepared to wait for your turn! There is no hot water for shower, no tissue being prepared. So remember to bring your own toiletries.

Facts:
If you want to bring any alcohol (eg. Beer) to the island, get it in Kota Kinabalu town before depart to Mamutik Island. It’s cheaper. Locals like me done this.

If you saw someone or some group of friends who brought foods, they are friendly local people.

Rising of Malindo Airways

Collaboration between National Aerospace and Defence Industries Sdn Bhd (Nadi) and Indonesia's PT Lion Group, Malindo Airways would begin operations on 1 May 2013 with a fleet of 12 Boeing737-900ER aircraft. Malindo Airways will be based in KLIA 2. Apart from KLIA2, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah might be its secondary hub.

The newest airline Malindo Airways is set to change the low-cost carrier scene with plans to create routes to Asean, China, Hong Kong, India and Japan as well as further afield to Australia and Europe. - Star

The airline will offer a "hybrid product" using aircraft with a two-class configuration – 12 in business and 168 in economy.

To compete as a newcomer, the new airline will offer ticket prices lower or at least on par with that of Malaysian low-cost carrier AirAsia. "We can collaborate with Malindo Airways. I am not here to make enemies. I will meet Rusdi over dinner soon. -  Tan Sri Tony Fernandes 

So, what to do now people? Let’s wait for some good awesome airfare!

Nature Trail in Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley

Once we have checked into our room and had a short rest, Nature Trail is next. 

Nature Trail is like an introduction to the forest, just to let all guests to have an idea when, what, how, and etc that this virgin jungle was found.

It takes about 40 minutes until the adventure of Nature Trail ends. Well, in 40 minutes you can learn a lot of nature species that we have in Danum Valley. From different kind of insects, to different kind and usage of plants.

Bear in mind, its a little bit slippery on the platform. So be careful while you are walking, especially when it comes to raining or after rains. Everybody ought to walk on this platform when ongoing the Nature Trail. Our Nature Guide is awesome when is comes to the explanation of each plants and creatures during the Nature Trail. You can see their passion towards the virgin jungle.