I Will Hold You Up… 30 Sep 2011

I will hold you up when you can’t stand,

I will wipe away your tears when you cry,

I will fight for you when you give up,

and I will love you forever and always…

We Love Ribena 19 Sep 2011

       

We love Ribena!

Megah D’Aru Hotel 30 Aug – 2 Sep 2011

Megah D’Aru Hotel was booked by Daddy on the internet, before we came to Kota Kinabalu. It is located in the heart of Tanjung Aru Township, is strategically located a mere 5-minutes drive south of Kota Kinabalu City centre and north of the Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

The hotel is built and designed in such a way that the interplay of vibrant colours with soft lights produces an ambience that teases our sense of space at the lobby. Colours and lightings are carefully chosen to create a warmth and harmonious ambience that makes each patron of the hotel felt welcome and at ease. That was the feelings once we entered the hotel.

Our room are with window overlooking vibrant Tanjung Aru commercial centre and communal nearby residents with the deep blue colour of the South China Sea and majestic Mount Kinabalu as backdrops. The first thing the children did once they came in the room were jumping on the bed! I guess this is typical what the children will do, when they go to the hotel room.

Our room are equipped with individual air-conditioning unit with remote control, hot and cold water, satellite channels, 21-inch TV with remote control, IDD/STD telephone, en suite bathroom, toilet amenities, wardrobe with hangers, complimentary coffee & tea making facilities, electric mini kettle, Wi-Fi Internet Connection, safety locks and drinking water.

The soft, pastel colour scheme applied on rooms on each floor is carefully chosen to reflect the colourful lifestyle of friendly and courteous Sabahan.

There is a Conference & Banquet Hall in Megah D’Aru Hotel is ideal for small meeting, seminar or banquet. It is supported by basic facilities such as PA system, white screen, flipchart, and white board. Other seminar aides that are available for rent include LCD projector, TV monitor, VCD/DVD player and laser pointer.

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There is a Cafe & Bar which is located on the lobby level, opens daily. The café open daily from 7.00am till 10.00pm and serves authentic and original recipes ranging from local favourites to western delicacies. With its friendly and courteous service coupled with the warmth and colourful ambience of the café, it is the perfect place for that idle chit-chat with your friends, family or serious business meetings. We also had our daily breakfast here every morning before we went off for our daily adventures. But, I did not snap more photos of the hotel other than our own room.

The reflexology and therapy hub is located on the lobby level of the hotel. It operates daily from 12.00noon till 10.00pm and offers a range of services that will leave you with refreshed body and pampered soul.

Souvenirs at LCCT Kota Kinabalu 2 Sep 2011

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Issac and Annabelle were asking Daddy to buy souvenirs as a remembrance of this trip to Kota Kinabalu. Finally, both also choose turtles as their favourite presents!

Sabah State Museum & Heritage Village 2 Sep 2011

Just off Jalan Penampang and surrounded by lush gardens is the Sabah Museum Complex, comprising the Main Building, the Science and Technology Centre, the Heritage Village, Ethno-Botanical Garden and the Sabah Islamic Civilization Museum.

We did not expect Sabah State Museum compound is so big, once we entered, we had been attracted with the exhibitions of the antique vehicles and the water features at the entrance area.

The Main Building is designed after a traditional Rungus longhouse. There was a huge ‘basket’ displayed outside the building, as it is really a big attractions.

In the main building, inside are the Ethnography, Natural History, Ceramics, Archaeology and History Galleries that showcase the rich and diverse culture and history of Sabah. The Main Building also houses the Marble Hall for temporary exhibitions.

The Science and Technology Centre houses three exhibitions: oil and gas production in Sabah, broadcasting in Sabah and a North Borneo Railway in Sabah. We did not enter and see the exhibitions of these. As we were more interesting and eager want to see the Heritage Village outside the compound area because we had limited time as we need to rush straight to the air port after this to catch our flight.

The Heritage Village is situated within the Ethno Botanical Gardens in the Sabah Museum Complex. The Heritage Village allows guests a chance to view several traditional houses of Sabah within a small area.

Among them are a Bajau House complete with a wedding dais, a Murut longhouse with a lansaran (trampoline), a Chinese farmhouse with earthen floor, a Bamboo House and a House of Skulls.

The Ethno Botanical Gardens are comprising of commercial, medicinal, ritual and food and ornamental plants make up the well-planned gardens of the Sabah Museum.

A Montane Garden also graces the grounds of the Museum.

Well, it was a fun outing too for us on the last day at Kota Kinabalu. After the visit, we drove straight to the LCCT for our flight back to Kuala Lumpur.

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Sabah State Mosque 2 Sep 2011

Initially Sabah Sate Museum was our destination, but during our way to there, we saw the State Mosque, it looks outstanding and unique and we were attracted by its architecture. That is why we stopped our car at the roadside, and have a closer look on it at the side. We did not go in.

Sabah State Mosque, located at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman, Sembulan, Kota Kinabalu, is the state mosque of Sabah. Construction of the mosque began in 1970 and was completed in 1974. Thereafter, interior details such as engravings, mosaic, electrical systems, etc, took 1 year to complete.

The design was inspired by the architectures of other mosques such as Al Aqsa in Palestine, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Jame In New Delhi and Lahore.  The 215 foot minaret was inspired by Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina.  The mosaic gracing its main dome and the 16 smaller domes were imported from Italy and the entire building is covered with marble.

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Occupying 14.5 acres of land and strategically located between Jalan Mat Salleh and Jalan Sembulan of Kota Kinabalu City, the Mosque can accommodate up to 5,000 worshippers at one time. There is also a special balcony exclusively allocated for Muslim women during prayer time, with room for up to 500.

It is a beautiful mosque after all…

Afternoon at Tanjung Aru Beach 1 Sep 2011

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Both Annabelle and Issac were telling Daddy, that they wanted to come to the beach to swim and play water, ever since the first day we were at Kota Kinabalu. After we checked in to the hotel, we felt so excited because our hotel just next to the beach. We can see the sea once we just walk out from our hotel.

Finally, they have their turn to have fun and play water here in the afternoon.

Tanjung Aru Beach is located at the end of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and is approximately 6 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu city. It is the Tanjung Aru Beach which has a special place in the heart of every local.

The Tanjung Aru Beach took its name from the casuarinas or aru tress that surrounds the sandy beach. This is the place for people to get the best seats for viewing the greatest sunset on earth every evening when the sun slowly sets into the horizon. And, we were not so lucky to see that, as the days we were here, the sky started drizzling whenever approaching evening.

We can see a lot of hawker stalls, restaurants and cafes along the Tanjung Aru Beach. The beach is divided into three sections, beach 1, beach 2 and beach 3. There are plenty of places to eat at Tanjung Aru Beach. Foodstalls here serve food and drinks till late at night. From enjoying a simple meal of coconut and sugarcane juice with chicken or beef satay to a full-course dinner at the seafood restaurant can be found here.

There is also a park here which is called the Tanjung Aru Beach Park. It was formerly known as the Prince Philip Park but we did not manage to go as after the water play, it started to rain.

Puh Toh Tze Temple Kota Kinabalu 1 Sep 2011

The Puh Toh Tze temple is a Buddhist temple located off Tuaran Road. It is  located a bit far off from the city. After the Central Market, we were heading to the temple.

Built in 1980, the temple stands out with its traditional Chinese roofing and structure. Ten large statues of deities adorn the temple with the Goddess of Mercy, Kwan Yin, standing tall at the main entrance of the temple to greet us.

The temple itself is really large. We just had a walk inside the temple, passing through the main hall and there were several praying halls. There was a huge grand bell with its stand too at one of the corner of the temple. Some interesting sculptures, statues and figures too.

We understand that it have its own kindergarten in the temple compound for the nearby families children.

Well, it is an relaxing walkabout for us too…

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Kota Kinabalu Central Market 1 Sep 2011

We woke up very early and we went to the Water Front area. We were just curious how is it would look like during in the morning. There were not much, except the fishing boats at the back of the Central Market.

Birds were looking for their food along the sea. Cats and dogs just wondering around the Wet Market areas hoping to find their source of food today. Pigeons were having their morning walk here too ^^.

The Central Market of Kota Kinabalu is popular amongst many tourists. Prior to the development of supermarkets and their chains, the Central Market was and still is an important place as many people buy vegetables, fruits, seafood and other such foods here.

It is still one of the busiest places in Kota Kinabalu and many locals get their foods from here as these are freshly supplied in the market.

We can find dozens of varieties of fruits such as bananas, prickly rambutan, and the ever present (and smelly) durian. There are also grains, rice and a variety of hot sauces, all made locally.

Behind the Central Market is the Fish Market where a variety of fish and other sea foods are available for purchase. At Wet Market, where we saw all manner of creatures from the sea - so fresh, some are still swimming. These include prawns, snappers, bill fish, barracudas, marlins, Ham Keong crabs and groupers.

Continue along the waterfront to discover local crafts at the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market, (formerly known as the Filipino Market).

In front of the market we can watch tailors work on beautiful old pedal-powered sewing machines. Inside is a treasure trove of jewellery, clothing and other local crafts.

It was quite an eye opening morning for us as we can see so many people at here busy buying their daily food here.

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Kampong Air Tanjung Aru Kota Kinabalu 30 Aug 2011

We were driving around Kota Kinabalu town after Tun Mustapha Tower. We had been to 1 Borneo Hyper mall and Centre Point Sabah, but not much to see and I guess all the major shopping malls either at Peninsular and East Malaysia are more or less the same.

While we were on our way back to our hotel, we were seeing some floating wooden houses on the sea. It really look interesting to us, especially at the rays of the sunset.

Wooden houses floating on the surface of the sea, with each sure have a small boat or fishing boat attached to the house. Some of the house can see the ‘Astro’ satellite disc as well. Each house connected by the timber boardwalk or concrete walkway. Tiny kites can be seen from far on the sky.

We just walked to the jetty which was made from the timber, and enjoy the sea breeze and the sunset. Both Issac and Annabelle were so happy sitting on the wooden deck and watching the beautiful scenery. Daddy was busy taking some photos on the beautiful sunset views.

It was really an enjoyable and relaxing evening ^^.

 

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Tun Mustapha Tower Sabah 31 Aug 2011

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After our visit to Kota Kinabalu, we just follow the road and we come to the famous Tun Mustapha Tower. It is the most recognizable man-made structure in Sabah and is the pride of the Sabahan people. This is a must stop place for visitor and tourist for a photo shoot. That is why we make a stop here and took the photos of the building. As we did not go in to the building itself.

It was built in 1977, this 30-storey tower with a height of 400 feet (122 m) is the tallest building in Sabah. This unique cylindrical tower has a 72-sided polygon with a bluish glass facade. It was designed with a central core supported by high-tensile steel rods and brackets to hold each floor, making each floor column-free. Formerly known as Sabah Foundation Building, it was renamed to Tun Mustapha Tower as an honour to Sabah's first governor.

Tun Mustapha Tower serves as the state administrative center and to house government offices. There is also an auditorium, mini-theatres, exhibition foyer, gymnasium, kindergarten and library in the tower. The main attraction of the tower is a revolving restaurant on the 18th floor. This restaurant, which makes a complete rotation every one hour, visitors can view the surrounding area of Kota Kinabalu and Likas Bay.

Another attraction at the tower is the Tun Mustapha Gallery, which is located at the podium level of the tower. The gallery was opened in 2006 to showcase the life of Sabah's first governor, i.e. Tun Mustapha. Here visitors can view his pictures, personal collections and various memorabilia. There is also a souvenir shop selling locally made handicraft from the various Sabah's ethnics.

Kota Kinabalu Wetlands 31 Aug 2011

After the Signal Hill Observatory Platform, we continue our adventure and looking for the Kota Kinabalu Bird Sanctuary as stated in our travelling map. Eventually, after we arrived the destination, it is only made known to us that the name has been changed to Kota Kinabalu Wetlands.

We were never think that Kota Kinabalu would have a bigger wetlands and so different from what we had been back home such as Paya Indah Wetlands and Putrajaya Wetlands.

This 24 hectares patch of mangrove forest was initially the bird sanctuary of Kota Kinabalu in 1996 as it is a vital area of refuge and also feeding ground for various species of resident birds as well as the migratory birds from the Northern Asia.

Kota Kinabalu Wetland Centre is an important wetland center for the purpose of mangrove conservation, education, recreation, tourism and research and to increase the understanding and awareness of the locals on the importance and significance of wetlands to the eco-systems. Now Kota Kinabalu Wetlands is managed by Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society.

After we bought the tickets at the counter, we were directed to the boardwalk. By walking on a 1.5 kilometer boardwalk, directed us deeper into the mangrove forest. Here, it is an extraordinary ecosystem where land meets sea. At the side of the boardwalk, we can see some information of some inhabitants in this beautiful place, such as birds, crabs, fish, etc.

We were able to see some crabs as I think that was during low tide when we visited. They come out from their burrows when the tide recedes. Other that that were butterflies, weaver ants, mudskippers, jellyfish, water snakes and mud lobsters, and some seashells like mussels and oysters too.

There were 10 huts along the way for us to take a short rest. And, we did come across to a high Tower Hide to see the mangrove canopy better. Unfortunately, we felt that it was too dangerous for us to climb up as the timber structure is too shabby for us.

We did come to the gravel path of the road which was quite muddy and stony for us to walk, but it gave us an experience closer to the ground and its inhabitants. We were almost afraid that, it might be some hidden alligators or big lizards or snakes in the bushed besides the pathway.

This 45-minute walk on the boardwalk will grant you the chance of enjoying the pleasant atmosphere of fresh air, while watching various kinds of birds, plants and wildlife.

The more commonly seen birds at the wetlands are the Greenshank, Redshank, egrets, herons, collared kingfisher, stork-billed kingfisher and the sandpiper. As of today, as many as 80 species of birds have been sighted and identified at the sanctuary. There are also many other creatures that live in the wetlands.

At almost end of the boardwalk, we came to a large area, it is the Rotary Nature Activity Center which is an outdoor classroom which are cater for environmental games and other activities.

Other than this self-guided walk, there are other activities that can be done here at the wetlands. There are also the Environmental Education programs, corporate programs and bird-watching session. There is an education center which educates and bring the awareness to the public on the preservation, functionality and importance of the wetlands to the ecosystem.

Kota Kinabalu Wetlands Center

Off Jalan Bukit Bendera Upper
88400 Likas, Kota Kinabalu
Sabah, Malaysia.

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Signal Hill Observatory Platform 31 Aug 2011

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After the Atkinson Clock Tower, we continue to walk up until we come to the Signal Hill Observatory Platform.

Signal Hill Observation Platform is a lookout point above the city that offers a prime view of Kota Kinabalu. It was quiet at the time we were there, just another family as well were there too. We were thinking lucky that we did not drive up as the parking is a problem as none are provided as such and visitors have to park on the side of the narrow road, which bares quite a bit of rush-hour traffic.

We feel that this place can improve a bit more as the stainless steel bench was spoilt, and the rubbish and debris were on the floor. The sights are marvellous as we can see the visible landmarks and even, we can see Air Asia flight too ^^

Both Annabelle and Issac were so happy, running up and down on the pathway, side of the road. I was so afraid that both of them would slip and fell down and get themselves hurt.

Atkinson Clock Tower Kota Kinabalu 31st Aug 2011

In the morning, on our way to the Green Connection, we did pass through this eye catching clock tower. We decided to come back and have a check at this clock tower after our visit to the Green Connection. First impression to us were this must be a very old time tower by looking at its appearance. We parked our rental car at the car parking area located at the bottom of the hill. We walked up through a steeply staircase.

Eventually , after we reach at the top, it turns out to be 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 1905, 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 died at the age of 28 from “Borneo Fever”, which I believe is the malaria.

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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. Built with public donations and of merbau timber, the tower has been replaced several times by the city council. It was refurbished in 1959 to celebrate the city’s diamond jubilee. It is said that the original clock, a double-face clock that was a gift from his mother to Atkinson, was replaced in 1964. Over the years, through repairs and extensive renovations, the original facade has altered significantly. The tower once served as a lighthouse to guide sailors, when it was nearer the coast. Till today, it still serves to keep the city's time.

The Atkinson Clock Tower was designated a heritage site in 1998 and it is managed by the Sabah Museum under its Antiquity and History section currently.

Daddy took a few shots of the clock tower. We unable to enter to the clock tower, as it was gated and not permitted to go in.  But, any how, it was a great experience indeed!