Sabah's traditional palm-roof making

Have you ever tried making a roof for your own house? Well, it’s not for my own house but at least I have tried to build one with my bare hands. In fact, most of us are living in this modern world right now; the use of traditional palm roofs is getting lesser yet it is what I call – a waste.

In my opinion, no matter how far we are, we must protect and remember our heritage. Take some time to understand the local native people here in Sabah and to know their lifestyle. It’s another world there, which is really warm and nice. What more if you are born Sabahan?

I was visiting a village in Papar called the Koposizon Homestay. There are several activities that you can participate. Attending a demonstration of Sabah’s traditional palm-roof making or what we called the ‘atap’ is fun. To be honest, it’s my first time trying out. As mentioned, it is handmade from nipah palm leaves. By using the stem as the needle, it connects all leaves together after you fold each of them.

Do you know how these traditional handmade palm roofs amazed me? It can actually last for over 20 years! You just have to visit our cultural villages here in Sabah. Be amazed!

My result? Not bad. ;)

When I met this lady, eventually we clicked to each other. I don’t know why, but maybe it’s in my blood. She did say that its fate that bring us together and I’ll be her one-day daughter; just like how a Homestay programme is. Lovely and it’s a great experience under her guidance. Thank you!

Relaxing Day Trip Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa *New Package* Mama-mia!

I always love island trips regardless if it’s a half day trip or staying overnight. Planning a holiday to the islands is always the best feeling ever. Not only because it can relax your mind and so but don’t you just like the sea? As I always say, "it’s another world down there".

Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa is now offering day trips to visit their beautiful island. Inviting crystal clear sea water, you will be able to spend an hour or two having snorkelling activities as well as kayaking. 

Set right in the sand very close to the water’s edge, Pantai Grill is a laidback oceanfront dining outlet. Lunch will be included in this day trip package that Bunga Raya is offering. Enjoying your lunch while looking at the beach, you will notice the colour of the sea water slowing changing from light bluish to greenish. Now, by looking at the pictures that I have posted is actually what they serves in the menu. 

Well, I have to be frank. This time, I didn’t try out the food. Yes, I know, it’s shocking but I am having a bad sore throat and I barely can talk. I am actually whispering throughout the whole trip but indeed lucky that everyone still understands me. AND, I also have to be frank that I did try the Peppermints Panacotta. As usual, I will give my rating – 5/5 for this dish. It’s wonderful and I didn’t regret trying even though I know I am sick. The Peppermints Panacotta is smooth; down to your throat! The minty taste gives you a cooling feel, especially when you are obviously at the island in this kind of beautiful weather. Pantai Grill is available for lunch and is open until sunset.

It cost RM145 nett for adult and RM95 nett for child. Not bad for a day trip right? To compare the prices of the nearby islands, I can say that it’s almost the same actually. Mostly, these are the things that need to be considerate – Return boat transfers, Sabah Park fees, food, and activities. Normally, this are all charged separated if you travel and arrange on your own at the Jesselton Point.

The good thing about Bunga Raya Island Resort is that everything is included. Mentioned in one of my blog post earlier on, this newly offered day trip includes:

Return boat transfer from Jesselton Point to Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa

Sabah Park Fee

Kayaking & Snorkeling Equipment

One 3 Course Set Lunch with 1 Soft Drink

FOC Meals for Children below 4 years of age

Subject to Jetty Fee

*T&C applies

http://bungarayaresort.com

Tako Japanese Restaurant, Damai, Kota Kinabalu

New Japanese Restaurant opens at Damai! Certainly brighten the whole area. Located right in the middle of the building, it stands between a few Chinese restaurants or if you know Pinnacle Pet Shop, that’s the area. Either you drive from Queen Elizabeth Hospital 2, or from Coffee Bean Damai, you will see a huge red octopus as their signboard.

I tried on their food on a busy day when Aldrich and I spontaneously planned to meet up. Walking in to Tako Japanese Restaurant, I find it familiar and hey I know those people. They were with Japanese DreamFood before. Oh well, I came for the food anyway.

Checking on their menu, it is slightly cheaper than other Japanese restaurants in town. I have ordered my favourite dish, which they do have on the menu, the Chirashi Set which have a bowl of noodle either Soba or Udon, and the Chirashi with rice. Aldrich ordered another one and I actually forgot to try his.

Surprisingly, the preparation time and serving time is fast! I’m not sure about the next time when you visit them but I enjoyed their fast and caring service that day. The raw salmon and tuna are freshly made. I love it and I’m going back again next time for sure.

Making of Lepa Lepa Boats

I have an hour to kill during the afternoon today so I visited one of our local souvenir shops, KADAIKU that sells many of our local handicrafts.

Located at Sinsuran, it is actually near to the Filipino Market; behind of the Alliance Bank (if you can see from the Filipino Market).

Just today, I was curious that there is a man sitting right in the middle of the shop with some carving tools on the working table. So I asked the person in charge there at the counter, “What is he doing here?” It’s actually part of a monthly event in KADAIKU that they will have the natives to visit the souvenir shop and show the process of making the selected souvenirs. And today, the topic is The Making of Semporna Lepa-Lepa Traditional Boat.

Lepa means Boat in the dialect of east coast Sea Bajau people, the gypsies of the sea. Sea Bajau spends most of their lives on lepa-lepa boat. It is one of the most attractive handicrafts that are made from wood. If you would like to know more about it, visit them tomorrow (last day!) but if you missed this, then you got to come back next month with a different topic – Pandan Handicraft.

Almost to June update

Despite on my busy schedule, I will still think about all my readers here in angels-be-with-you. Can’t believe it’s almost half a year GONE! Time running fast so I hope all of you have played wisely.

Oh well, I know I have been missing lots of updates and write ups, I am suppose to blog about lots of food reviews as I have been invited to A LOT this year. Also, I have been travelling around Sabah just to explore a little bit more. I found this is a BIG change in Kota Kinabalu where there are many events going on throughout the year. Imagine, food reviews? It can happen two to three reviews in a week! But hey, do keep it going because I love sharing my taste with every one of you. And you know my style – I travel, explore, and share my experiences here and there. Anyways, I guess I have to dig out my suppose-to-blog reviews. Please accept my sincere apologies to everyone including business owners and my readers from all over the world.

I have been travelling back and forth to Kundasang and Ranau, to Tenom, Indonesia, and just came back from Mantanani Island (beautiful island, hmmph). Can’t believe that I saw dolphins with my own eyes! Meeting quite a number of new friends, we share the same interests which is travelling and explore places to places and EAT! So, do stay tune!

This picture was taken when I was on the boat departing from Mantanani Island to the Kuala Abai Jetty. Nothing to do but taking pictures was a fun thing to do.

3rd attempt: Big Bus on duty

This will be my first time ever in my life on duty as a Licenced Tourist Guide in a big bus; 32's Coach. Officially.

Walked to the bus stop and meet up with the driver for the first time because it's quite inconvenient for the bus driver to pick me up at the narrow street. Hot weather, feeling kind of cool wearing my batik outfit waiting for the bus at the bus station. Lol.

Alright then, gonna get ready to meet up with the tourists! Ciao
Btw, I think I'm an hour early.

Up to Mesilau Nature Resort

A beautiful Friday.

Another training moment again at THP. Weather is superb today as it was sunny in the morning til afternoon. Then, drizzling after the guests have safely arrived their destination. Lucky them.

The mists started around 4.30 pm. As we drove back now to Kota Kinabalu town, the roads are covered by mist.

Guess is time for me to take a nap. ;)

All geared up for jungle trekking in Lahad Datu

I remember the first time when I did my first jungle trekking was in Tabin Wildlife Reserve. It is located at Lahad Datu as well, just like Danum Valley and Maliau Basin – The Lost World.

First in Tabin Wildlife Reserve back in 2010, I used soccer socks because the leeches there are not that scary. But it's a very good option! At least I managed to cover up til my knees. Second time I went to Tabin Wildlife Reserve this year in 2012, I used the same and still nothing happen to me. Then, when I reached Danum Valley in 2012, OMG I so need to use a leech socks because it’s not just leeches here but it’s Tiger Leeches.

Tiger Leeches in Danum Valley

Whenever people heard there are Tiger Leeches, most of us will freak out. This includes me as well.

I went to Danum Valley for a jungle trekking on the first day I arrived until the last day I stayed in Borneo Rainforest Lodge.

Anyway, Tiger Leeches are not dangerous. It’s just, too freaky to look at because of its colour and the maximum length that they are able to stretch out. Trust me, if you haven’t seen one, the leeches can actually stretch out from 5cm to 10cm. It’s scary, slimy, and, you name it.

Leeches are tricky. They can climb to your legs or body silently without you notices it. I found on at the side of my bra strips and it’s kind of weird and makes me wonder how the hell did it managed to be in my bra strips.

Anyway, this happened to me probably because I felt down on the muddy area in Danum Valley Field Centre and it managed to climb on my body. Lucky enough, I found it when I was in the car when I was on my way out from Danum Valley. Well, of course it ‘successfully’ sucked my blood. Let me tell you, after a leech sucked your blood, you will feel itchy. *scratch scratch* and eventually, there will be a mark, like a dot. That's how I found it and I was shocked, clarify with the handsome driver... it is a leech!

So, that my experience, and my story to you. What’s yours? Let us know. ;)

Those two crabs have helped him.

Oh well, it seems cheeky when you see my title. This is taken during the sunset and I am amazed of how this picture has been taken. I love the background where you can see the sunset in Kota Kinabalu, the two crabs that basically in love, and of course the sand and the sea.

There’s a story behind this picture actually. It’s not just a funny moment that we saw these crabs.

When I was just a kid, I love to go to the beach and try to catch the crabs – but I failed, always. So I take this chance to make a joke, asked if someone could catch a crab for me and I will marry him.

There you go.

Espresso with Vanilla Ice Cream

As I said, I always believe the ladies will fall in love with desserts. All kinds of desserts actually.

Now, I have a little secret to tell.

Find the best coffee in Kolombong, where it is the most busy and lots of factories there in that area (Yes, I am telling the truth). Traffic jams are crazy there! But anyway, it’s worth to visit Santola Bar Café IF ONLY YOU LOVE COFFEE. Otherwise, don’t waste your time driving all the way from the town.

Santola Bar Café is operated by Kopi Cap Kuda. It is a factory and they provide coffee making classes. So, get ready your hands and mind to learn something new there.

I have ordered this when I was with my friends hanging out at the café.

Delicious or not?

Of course it is. Imagine hot espresso and look how the fluid flows from the top of the vanilla ice cream to the bottom of the tall glass. It’s espresso by the way.

Look at how it is done by visiting their Facebook page.

Another Sunset View in Kota Kinabalu

Sabah, North Borneo, Malaysia is always famous for the nature. We have the rainforest here that protects us from time to time.

The sunset has always been Sabahan’s favourite time out in the evening. Look how amazing it is. The colour blended perfectly which create a new colour – “There’s hope for tomorrow”.

I love the sunsets since I was a little girl and I definitely love the sand too. What about you? Let me know and let’s have some juices at the stalls nearby. ;)

Mango & Durian Pancake

Different people in the world have different taste of cuisine. How about desserts? I do believe most of the ladies out there loves desserts and eventually fall in love with the ones that they have tasted (which suits their taste).

Mango Pancake from Lucy’s Kitchen is refreshing and the Durian Pancake is smooth and creamy. Well, for those who don’t really like durian (of course I won’t mention about Mango because everybody loves Mango for sure); you can try this Durian Pancake as it is less ‘smelly’. The skin of the pancake is unique. It is thin and fragile.

How to go Lucy’s Kitchen?
It is located at The 88 Market Place, Kepayan.

Here’s their number - 088-259 866 Good luck.

Personally, I love Durian and of course I will go for the Durian Pancake. What about you?

Wasabi - New Japanese Restaurant in Hiltop

Well... It is time for some foodie post!

I first dine in this restaurant was... I think last few months. Make it this year then. It’s still a new restaurant though, not a lot of people notice still. During the openings are great of course but then the second time when I go during lunch time, I realized its quite expensive compared to other normal Japanese restaurants (please don’t compare to Nagisa or Nishiki in town).

I am a sushi lover that is why I always hunt for the best + good in value. *hehe*

So, there you go. Here is what I have ordered.

Chirashi set is delicious and the ingredients are fresh. But... the portion is not enough for a raw fish lover.

Overall for this restaurant: 3/5

I will be back!

My Article on Rumah Terbalik

I have written an article about Rumah Terbalik, the Upside Down House of Borneo, months ago. Well, it’s actually last month. It was in Breeze Magazine February Issue. On the same month, I have been featured on the front cover of Breeze Magazine as the Sabah Young Tourism Ambassador. Will show you guys soon for that, slowly.

Here, I would love to share my articles about the Rumah Terbalik, located at Tamparuli. Well, you can always view it from my Facebook.

Just to share my experience on that day.

I really drove myself and my friends there just to write about this piece of art. I did write my experience of how I drove there all the way from town. It was fun and exciting, because this is the first Rumah Terbalik / Upside Down House in Borneo. I love the extraordinary idea of creating this attraction as we are creating more in promoting tourism in our country.

Anyway, I can’t believe the owner of the Rumah Terbalik told everyone that my article actually helps him to launch Rumah Terbalik. It’s a blessed that I am able to help. I’m honoured.

"This was the first article ever on Rumah Terbalik and it single handedly launched RT and told the rest of Sabah that an upside down house existed. Thank you very much ;)"

I will update some of their pictures soon on my next post about Rumah Terbalik / Upside Down House in Borneo! Don't forget to follow me on my Facebook for more info on Sabah destinations and attractions ;)

New Track in town

Healthy Lifestyle starts from the beginning.

Most of the people would prefer to go to the gym; some people still prefer the old ways. For me, I love outdoor exercises. This is a really nice jogging track at Perdana Park, Tanjung Aru. You guys should check this place out. Their night view is wonderful, IF only there is full moon, it will be perfect. Check out the picture on my Facebook that I took the other day when its full moon. I will update more on the location soon! :)

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

Taken from my travel blog: Sunnies on the Road as I am leaving it and continue to blog about travel here.

“We bring you closer to nature” – Protect our Wildlife

The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is about 25km from the capital, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

It is easily accessible by either Old Penampang-Papar Road via Donggongon Town or Putatan-Papar Road.
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These are all the animals that you can witness in Lok Kawi Wildlife Park.

Birds, Civets, Clouded Leopard, Chittal, Deer, Elephants, Serval, Nilgai, Cassowary, Ostrich, Reptile, Sun Bear, Malayan Tiger, Orang Utans, other Primates, Bear Cat, Proboscis Monkey, Squirrel Monkey, Ring Tailed Lemur, Miniature Horse, Ankole, Banteng, Barking Deer, Emu & Rhea, Gibbon, and Otter.

Other than visiting all kinds of animals, there will be an Animal Show in the Amphitheatre. Visitors get to seat down and chill a little while. If the weather is too hot for you and you are all sweating, yes you can bring some soft drinks to the Amphitheatre but you will be responsible for it (throw to the rubbish bin lah). 

In the Animal Show, please try to participate in the games that will be offered by the handsome speaker because there will be a gift or award from the management of Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. What more to say here? I think I just let you guys to discover the excitement yourself. Here are some of the pictures during the show.

© Sunnies on the Road

How I go to the destination?

In this case, I drove my way up to The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park from the Old Penampang- Papar Road via Donggongon Town since I am a local Sabahan. Well, driving there is really easy for me, even by driving a small car because there is not much of turnings and so. Anyway, if you are not from Sabah and not sure how to go to the destination (trust me, you will get confuse for the name of the places because it is the Native Language), you can always take a tour packages from here. Or, just email me if there is anything.

What do you need to bring along?

Definitely your camera (you don’t want to miss by snapping everything), a cap would be nice, shades or sun glasses, maybe sun block for the ladies because you might get a little sunburn (oh yeah).

These are some information that you might need to know...
Elephant Ride at the Children’s Zoo

Weekends, School Holidays & Public Holiday

1000hrs – 1100hrs & 1400hrs – 1500hrs

RM5.00 per head

Purchase your ticket at the Ticketing Counter

Animal Show in the Amphitheatre

Every day except Friday

1100hrs & 1515hrs

Animal Feeding Sessions

1020hrs – Bornean Elephant

1400hrs – Malayan Sun Bear

1405hrs – Malayan Tiger

1415hrs – Orang Utan

1425hrs – Gibbon & Otter

1435hrs – Proboscis Monkey

Tram

Every day starting at Visitor Centre

1000hrs, 1115hrs, 1400hrs & 1515hrs

RM2.00 per person

Purchase your ticket at the Ticketing Counter

Entrance Fees

Visitors 18 years old and above

Malaysian Citizen: RM10.00

Non- Malaysian Citizen: RM20.00

Visitors 3 until 17 years old

Malaysian Citizen: RM5.00

Non- Malaysian Citizen: RM10.00

Senior citizens (60 years old and above)

Malaysian Citizen Only

Free

Handicapped

Free