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!

Green Connection Kota Kinabalu 31 Aug 2011

Green Connection was the first destination of us to hunt for this trip. The Green Connection is operated by the conservationist to showcases the remarkable biodiversity of Sabah.

I was never thought that in Sabah would have such a place whereby they turn to a great environmental education experience to the children and adults whom visit the aquarium.

It remind me of the Aquaria KLCC but in a more down to earth place as we can really feel the message that they want to transpire to the visitors.

Operated by conservationists, the Green Connection houses over 500 native species of animals from 9 major habitats.

A friendly staff will guide you for an interpretation walk into different ecology zones: through limestone caves, dense jungle, muddy mangroves, magnificent reefs, coastlines and out into the open ocean.

Cave Zone: A cave-like environment for you to see some creepy cave dwellers such as scorpion and spider in the dark.

The children were so excited during the walk in the creepy cave area.

As the sides of both walls showcases the insects which the background lightings in green glow, just like a creepy ghost cave.

Rainforest Zone: Finally after we came out from the creepy cave zone, immediately there is green lush trees outside the cave waiting for us to explore.

In the Rainforest Zone, it showed information of status and threats of our Borneo jungle. And not forgetting, a few big pythons await to take photo with us.

All the reptiles are displaying in the glass display showcase.

River Zone: Also part of the highlight in the River Zone is the series of freshwater aquariums which are built after the freshwater habitats such as the Kinabatangan River, the Bornean mangrove area, lake and pond.

A variety of fish and other wildlife that live in these areas can be seen. Do expect to see the catfish, terrapins, pig-nosed turtle and blade fish.

Say Hi to reptiles such as monitor lizard, crocodile and snake too ^^.

Coastal Zone: At the Coastal Zone, we can see feeding of turtle and stingray. There is a fish tank with a hollow in middle, where you can “pop” your head in and see yourself surrounded by corals and fishes. It is so fun!

The coral garden tanks show various hard and soft corals, sea anemone and giant clams in close distance, without making you wet. You will see highly venomous marine creatures such as sea snakes, stone fish and scorpion fishes.

Ocean Zone: the aquarium tank with 8-inch thick glass is the highlight as it is the largest in South East Asia. During feeding time, you will see cow tail stingray, black-tipped reef sharks, striped catfishes, guitar shark, blue-spotted ray and bat fishes in a frenzy for food.

There is a Fish Feeding Show daily, that is 11.30am & 4.00pm (Weekdays) and 11.30am, 2.00pm & 4.00pm (Weekends). It was so lucky that we wait for a while, just before the show started.

Learning Zone: If you ask the children what impresses them in the zoo, they might answer that is the parrot that they touch earlier, not the charismatic animals such as lions and giraffe. Kids are more interested in Nemo than clown fishes. Kids see and learn the world differently.

Therefore, that is why I think the Green Connection is more than a tourist attraction. It is a great outdoor classroom that stimulates learning because it encourages kids to see, touch, feel and smell things in fun way.

For example, the Touch Pools allows them to touch starfishes, bamboo sharks and horse-shoe crabs.

This should work very well because Malaysians have very itchy hands and want to touch everything.

The science and discovery centre with creative and interactive hands-on modules which are not only fun but an interesting demonstration of oceanography, biology, chemistry, physics, maths, technology & engineering concepts.

Even adults find them fun. When you can make the children open their mouths to ask WHY and HOW, you know it’s great chance to educate them. My favourite is a 3D frog illusion projected by manipulation of reflection of light. The frog looks so real and solid but you cannot touch it.

Green Connection is quite big. Personally we considered it a must-visit place to family and recommend it to others whoever want to visit Kota Kinabalu. And, we are very impressed in the ways they educated the children and visitors in “Not to Eat Shark Fin” as we have the responsibilities in protect the endangered species. Salute!

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1st Day at Kota Kinabalu 30 Aug 2011

It was an afternoon flight which we took from LCCT to Kota Kinabalu. We flied with Air Asia. The flight had a bit delays thus we boarded the air plane a bit late. It was a 2 1/2 hour flight. We had our lunch at the air port while waiting for the plane.

It was almost evening after we reached LCCT Kota Kinabalu. At the air port, Daddy managed to get a rental car in order for us to move around in the city of Kota Kinabalu. It was a small car Viva. Daddy drove us and check in to our hotel – Megah D’Aru Hotel.

All of us were excited as soon as we reached the hotel, to find out the the hotel is just beside the seaside. We can see the clear blue sky and the sea just right in front of us!

After unloaded our luggage to the room, immediately we drove out again to search for our dinner. There was a Chinese Restaurant nearby, we just went in and had our dinner there.

It was almost 6.00pm after the dinner. Daddy just drove around and along the seaside. We had a walk there, and promised the children that we would come back for the swimming session.

In the night, we visited the night market at the Waterfront area, and back to the beach again to explore the beach. Both Daddy and Issac were looking for some live seashells, and they were so lucky to find a huge clam!

We slept early as we were tired. Tomorrow early in the morning, Daddy would go out for an appointment in the town area, while 3 of us would stay in the hotel, which afterwards, Daddy will be back and fetch us to look for our first adventure in Kota Kinabalu!

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Alvin Birthday 1 Aug 2011

This year Daddy’s birthday we celebrated late due to work. I bought an ice-cream cake from Baskin Robbins.

This time around, I choose a small cake as only 4 of us in the family, and it is a present design with dark brown ribbon. I think it would be more suitable for a man – Daddy!

He blew the candles together with the children. Both Issac and Annabelle were so happy as they can eat the ice-cream cake after that. Kids always love ice-cream and chocolate!