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INSIDE: The Sea Bajau of Semporna, Eating Out, Upcoming Events and more!

April 2009 Volume 98April 2009 Volume 98

Contents3 Feature Personality

Suzanne Nielsen & Datuk Nancy Ho, Inner Wheel

4 Happenings & HighlightsPesta Kalimaran16th Regatta LepaTattoo ExhibitionSabah Adventure ChallengeAnzac DayFreedom of EntryUpcoming EventsNews

7 Eating OutOlive’sThe Roof Restaurant

8 Places of InterestTun Mustapha Gallery

9 On the StreetWhat is your favourite Sabah ‘natural treasure?

10 FeatureMari-Mari Cultural Village

12 Through The LensSun, Sea and Sand!

14 CultureThe Sea Bajau

15 Products of the Month at KadaikuSabah Souvenirs & Handicrafts

16 Bahasa Malaysia Section

18 Chinese Section

20 Japanese Section

22 Korean Section

24 Directory Listings

25 Sabah Map & Listings

26 Shopping Centres in Sabah

ADVISOR YBhg. Dato’ Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin / Sitti B. Damsal

EDITOR Melissa Leong

DESIGNER Trevor Thomson Lam C.W.

Charlieking Padasian Faizal Jaini (Kadaiku Section)

PUBLISHER Sabah Tourism Board / Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn. Bhd.51 Gaya Street, 88000 Kota Kinabalu

TRANSLATORS Chin Yen Sang (Chinese) Rie Harada (Japanese) Emzee Lee (Korean) BM EDITOR Puan Hjh. Asmiah Ajamain, Dewan Bahasa Dan Pustaka

DESIGNED & PRINTED BY COVER The Regatta Lepa in Semporna © Sabah Tourism Board

Inna Kinabalu Sdn Bhd(Publisher of The New Sabah Times)Jalan Pusat Pembangunan Masyarakat, Sembulan88100 Kota Kinabalu

Every effor t has been made to ensure that the informat ion is correct at the time of publication. The publisher cannot be held responsible forany inaccuracies, omissions and alterations which may occur as a result of lastminute changes. No part of this magazine may be reproduced without the written permission of the Sabah Tourism Board.

Melissa LeongEditor

Kopivosian and Selamat Datang!

Every time April rolls around, I ‘buckleup’ for an insane ride ahead as thecalendar just keeps getting busier

and busier. The weather has finally pickedup and with clearer skies ahead, thismeans I have more time to be on the roadto bring you more of what Sabah has tooffer!

This month, I will be making my way tothe town of Semporna on the East Coast tojoin the festivities of the Regatta Lepa(p.4). One of the State’s anchor events,the Regatta celebrates the seafaring waysof the Sea Bajau people. And while inTawau, I’m taking full advantage of thegood weather and proximity of the surrounding islands, namely Mabul andMataking. Stay tuned for more tales of theisland-hopping kind. Speaking of which,Sipadan is in the running as a nominee forthe New 7 Wonders of Nature and its suc-cess is just a click away! Be sure to visitwww.sabahtourism.com to find out moreon how to vote for Sipadan online.

On the West Coast, the Murut community- known for their headhuntingwarriors in the olden days and craft-making skills- will be celebrating theKalimaran Festival or Pesta Kalimaran(p.5). Head over to the district of Tenomand while you’re in the area, be sure tovisit the famed Sabah Agriculture Park.From giant lily pads to exotic orchids, it’s abotanists’ paradise.

Our special feature this month is on theMari-Mari Cultural Village experience inInanam (p.10) and what a journey it turnedout to be! Bamboo-cooking, drinking ricewine, learning to start a fire the traditionalway and getting a tattoo are all in a day’swork at Mari-Mari (which literally translatesto ‘Come Come’). Looking for more placesto makan? Our Eating Section brings youtwo great dining choices. GoMediterranean at the classy Olive’s restaurant at Nexus Resort Karambunai orsample local favourites at The Roof atImperial International Hotel (p.7).

If you need assistance in getting aroundSabah, visit the Sabah Tourism website orcome to any of our Tourist InformationCounters at the Sabah Tourism Officealong Jalan Gaya or Sri PelanconganSabah at Sinsuran. It’s great to have youhere!

Message from the Editor

Pesta Eko Daing Sulaman / Sulaman FishSeason Festival3 – 5 April 2009This is a thanksgiving celebration by fisher-men for the bountiful catch during theSulaman fish season (January to June).Traditional sports, fishing, clamming andcrabbing are among the activities organizedfor the event for a wonderful time on the LokNunuk Dantai beach in Tuaran.Organiser:Ariffin Gadait (Organising Chairman)For further info:Ariffin GadaitTel: 088 255972 / 019 8624585Fax: 088 257091Email: Ariffin.Gadait@sabah.gov.my

Tattoo Exhibition5, 12, 19, 26 April 2009Have the opportunity to get your tattoo donetraditionally in an atmosphere simulating howit may have been like to do it during the oldendays, a memorable experience to go alongwith your tattoo.Organiser:Monsopiad Cultural VillageFor further info:Monsopiad Cultural VillageTel: 088 774337, 761336Fax: 088 761680Email: info@monsopiad.com

Sabah International Fishing Tournament 9 – 12 April 2009Sabah waters have some of the best sites forthe challenge and excitement of game fish-ing. The tournament not only promotes thesport, but also hopes to encourage preserva-tion, conservation and protection of richmarine resources from exploitation.Organiser:Sabah Angler’s AssociationFor further info:Albert Yong / Richard Leong

Tel: 013 8586626 / 019 8818015Fax: 088 318051Email: sabahanglers@gmail.com

10th Annual Sabah Adventure Challenge200910 – 12 April 2009The 10th Annual Sabah AdventureChallenge is a 3-day Adventure Race. Thisyear, a maximum of 40 teams of 2 will race tocomplete a racecourse comprising of bam-boo rafting, tyre tubing, mountain biking, trailhiking and roping up and around the famedCrocker Range of North Borneo and throughKadazandusun villages in remote areas.Teams may elect to compete in either anextreme or adventure category.Organiser:Sabah Adventure ChallengeFor further info:Avtar S. SandhuTel: 088 237745H/P: 012 8270757Fax: 088 261070Email: spartan01@sabahadventure.com

Good Friday10 April 2009A time when all Christmas commemorate thecruxifixion of Jesus Christ in mass servicesand prayer. Good Friday is a public holiday inSabah.For further info:Sabah Tourism Board or Sri PelanconganSabah Sdn BhdTel: 088 212121 / 232121 Fax: 088212075 / 265540Email: info@sabahtourism.com

Easter Sunday12 April 2009A meaningful celebration across the land asChristians marks the Resurrection of Christ.Easter bunch with family members is a com-mon practice and most major hotels in KotaKinabalu organize various activities such asegg painting and Easter egg hunting.For further info:Sabah Tourism Board or Sri PelanconganSabah Sdn BhdTel: 088 212121 / 232121Fax: 088 212075 / 265540Email: info@sabahtourism.com

16th Regatta Lepa Semporna18 –19 April 2009Semporna comes to life with the Bajau sea-

farers colourful Regatta Lepa where a com-petition of the most beautiful traditional sail-boats is held. Witness telematches such asthe boat tug-of-war, kayak racing and boatracing. The town of Semporna is also hometo fresh seafood and the gateway to theworld’s best dive sites.Organiser:District Office of SempornaFor further info:Abd. Mohamed Ibnu Hj. Abdul Kadir Baba(D.O)Zachary S. Mobijohn (Sri PelanconganSabah Sdn Bhd)Tel: 089 781518 / 088 232121Fax: 089 781472 / 088 265540Email: zachary@sabahtourism.com

Lest We Forget Run24 April 2009The run is held in remembrance of the braveheroes who sacrificed their lives for the free-dom of Sabah. The event is also an effort toinstill awareness in the public on the valiantefforts of our soldiers in defending and pro-tecting our country as we strived towardsindependence.Organiser:Kota Kinabalu City HallFor further info:Elizabeth BorubuiTel: 088 521800Fax: 088316137Email: elizabeth@dbkk.sabah.gov.my

Anzac Day 25 April 2009An annual event to commemorate theAustralian and New Zealand Army service-men who fought during World War II inSabah. Many retired servicemen and familymembers from Australia and New Zealandmake a pilgrimage to Sabah during this timeof the year to remember the soldiers and thecivilians who risked their lives to help others.

Organisers:Office of Australian War Graves, CanberraSandakan Municipal CouncilFor further info:Charlotte Sarossy / Catherin ChuaTel: 089 224026Fax: 089 272112, 274659, 213452Email: Charlotte.Sarossy@dva.gov.au /Catherin.Chua@sabah.gov.my

MP3rio Concert25 April 2009MP3rio (Malaysian Piano Trio) comprisesthree eminent musicians from Malaysia andis one of the foremost proponents of cham-ber music in Malaysia. Formed in 2002,MP3rio consists of violinist Yap Ling, cellistJonathan Oh and pianist Loo Bang Hean.Since the forming of the ensemble, they haveperformed locally and abroad, appearing inPenang, Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, KotaKinabalu, Bintulu, Sibu, Kuching, Miri andHong Kong.Organiser: Prelude MusicVenue: Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS)Recital HallFor further info:Yap Ling (Music Director), Alice (PA)Tel: 088 722230, 016 8333034 (Alice)H/P: 016 8200355, 012 8203733 (Yap Ling)Fax: 088 722230Email: preludemusic@gmail.com

Freedom Of Entry18 April 2009The ‘Freedom of Entry Ceremony’ is an oldNaval Tradition that began during medievaltimes, where the city or town council confersthe right of the ‘navy’ to march with “swordsdrawn, drums beating, band playing, coloursflying and bayonets fixed” through the city.The right to march through is usually con-ferred with a scroll by the Lord Mayor.International navies are expected to partici-pate in this event.Organiser:Kota Kinabalu City HallFor further info:Syron TunggolouTel: 088 521800 Fax: 088 316137Email: syron@dbkk.sabah.gov.my

n 3F e a t u r e P e r s o n a l i t y

Awoman wearsmany hats in herday to day life –

mother, wife, daughter,employer, employee andactivist to name a few,and the members of theprestigious Inner Wheelare no exception.Comprising workingmothers, professionalsand housewives, theInner Wheel is theworld’s largest women’svoluntary organization.Represented in 102countries, it currently

boasts 100,000 members of variousraces, religions and background but withone common goal: to promote friendship,encourage ideals of personal service andfoster understanding.

The current President, SuzanneNielsen, was in Sabah recently in preparation for the upcoming 14thInternational Inner Wheel Conventionwhich will be held on 5–9 May at theMagellan Sutera Harbour. This year'stheme is ‘Realise Your Visions and Make aDifference’. “Every 3 years we hold a convention. In order to determine the venueof the convention, member countries canmake a bid to host the event and this year,Kota Kinabalu, Sabah was selected by the

governing body,” she explains,adding that among the criteria takeninto consideration when making adecision are accessibility, safety andbudget constraints. She was thoroughly impressed during herlast trip to Kota Kinabalu in January2008. “It’s a wonderful place, beautiful nature and the people arefriendly. On top of that, you haveexcellent hotel facilities and it hasbeen a pleasant experience toorganize this event,” she says.

Some 800 participants areexpected to attend the convention, which will be animportant platform to discussvarious issues pertaining towomen’s welfare and rights.“The convention is the avenueto amend the constitution and,on a social level, meet members from around the

world. There will also be business sessionsand seminars on leadership and to discuss‘new generation clubs’, which are an extension of the Inner Wheel,” she says.But it won’t be all work and no play forthese hardworking delegates, as many ofthem have already made plans to see moreof Sabah during the brief visit here througharranged tours.

Suzanne also mentioned some of thecommendable projects taken up by InnerWheel, such as the UNICEF Girls’Education in Madagascar. “We are veryhappy to be working with UNICEF on this.In this programme, we provide training forthe teachers and supplies for the schools,and we try to get the community involved inbuilding educational facilities,” she tells us.“Our aim is also to try and keep the girls insecondary school because in many casesthey get married as young as 14 years oldor their parents need their help, so theyleave school and never come back. I thinkeducation is the most important thingbecause it is the way to a better life. Andwhen you educate a woman, she will knowher rights and continue to educate her children; this is a cycle we wish to achieve.”

In Sabah, Datuk Nancy Ho is at thehelm of the Inner Wheel chapter, which hasalso been involved in many charitable projects such as building community hallsand schools in various villages in the interior districts. “We are truly honoured tohave Kota Kinabalu, Sabah as the host ofthis year’s International Inner WheelConvention. With Sabah positioned as apremier MICE destination, we were confident that the infrastructure and environment here is conducive for an eventof this scale, so we took the bold step ofbidding to be the host this year.” She alsoexpresses her appreciation for all the support shown by various State agencies,including the Chief Minister’s Department,Ministry of Tourism, Culture andEnvironment, Kota Kinabalu City Hall,Tourism Malaysia Sabah Branch as well asMalaysia Airlines. “They have bent overbackwards to help us make this event asuccess, so we are really blessed,” DatukNancy adds. Suzanne also remarks thatshe hopes that participants will benefit fromthe business sessions and networking. “Butof course, just as important, I hope thateveryone will have a truly enjoyable timewhile here in Sabah!” she concludes.

Suzanne Nielsen & Datuk Nancy Ho

Inner Wheel –

Suzanne Nielsen

Datuk Nancy Ho

4 H a p p e n i n g s & H i g h l i g h t s

16th Regatta Lepa, 18–19 AprilDuring the annual Regatta Lepa held in April, the waterfront of Semporna town is

decked with a colourful line-up of boats, each one more brilliantly decorated. Theseboats, known as lepa, are the proud heritage of the Sea Bajau. For generations, thesenomadic people have lived on these boats. The lepa is sleek and typically made of ubarsuluk (red seraya) wood. Many deem it an artistic masterpiece with its elaborate carv-ings depicting the sea and animistic designs. Other sea-themed motifs include fishes,mermaids, sea horses and waves. These intricate carvings normally cover the stern tothe bow, side to roof and mast. During the Regatta Lepa, the boats are decorated withbrightly coloured sails known as sambulayang and tapis (small triangular flags).

The highlight of the event is the sail-past of the lepa, each one decked with smilingdancers and lively musicians, hoping to be crowned ‘Most Beautiful Lepa’ – the grandprize of this much-anticipated water festival. Don’t miss a variety of interesting events,including the boat-tug-of-war and rowing competition. The annual Regatta Lepa is heldin conjunction with the Malaysian Water Festival.

When in Semporna…When in Semporna, seize the opportunity to visit some of the top diving spots in the

world, including Mabul, Kapalai, Mataking and renowned Sipadan. Mabul is great formacro-diving, while Kapalai’s water bungalows will take your breath away. For a roman-tic excursion, you can’t go wrong with the charms of Mataking. Paradise is just a boatride away from Semporna!For more information, please contact the District Officer of Semporna, AbdulMohamed Ibnu Hj. Abdul Kadir Baba at 089-781518 or Winceslaus G. Autine (SriPelancongan Sabah) at 088-232121 or e-mail wences@sabahtourism.com. Visitwww.sabahtourism.com for more details.

Tattoo ExhibitionEvery Sunday throughout the month of April

The art of tattooing is an integral part of the heritage ofmany tribes and ethnic groups in Borneo, often a mark

of courage, victory or coming of age. The traditionalmethod of tattooing is still practised in Borneo – a procedure called ‘hand tapping’. Witness or experiencethis method at the Monsopiad Cultural Village everySunday. Prefer the modern techniques? Your choice!Watch some of Sabah’s renowned tattoo artists, such asJoe & Jim from Black Ink Industry Custom Tattoo and Pipfrom Jesselton Tattoo and Body Piercing, display theirskills every Sunday. Choose from a variety of tribal,Borneo-inspired or free designs of your choice. The exhibition runs from 10 am to 5 pm. Entrance feefor the exhibition is RM5.00. For more information,please contact Danny or Nadia at 088-774 337 or e-mail info@monsopiad.com.Visit the website at www.monsopiad.com\

AnnouncementSabah Tourism Awards 2009

Open for NominationsThe most prestigious award for the Sabah tourism

industry is back! All relevant tourism players are invit-ed to submit their nominations for this year’s awards,which will be presented at a gala evening thisNovember. Categories include Best Restaurant,Excellence in Hotel Services, Best Spa Experience,Best Tour Guide, Best Tour Operator, Best TourismArticle on Sabah. Nomination forms are available atthe Sabah Tourism Board or Sri Pelancongan SabahSdn. Bhd. tourist information counters and downloadable from www.sabahtourism.com.

5H a p p e n i n g s & H i g h l i g h t s

10th Annual Sabah AdventureChallenge, 10–12 April

Trail-blaze, tyre-tube and bamboo-raft your way through the scenicvalleys, hills and rivers of Sabah in this year’s Sabah Adventure

Challenge! Entering its tenth year, the event is a 3-day adventure racein which teams of two navigate some 150 km of dense rainforest,through villages and over the Crocker Range. This year, a maximum of40 teams will compete to complete a race course that involves bamboo-rafting, mountain-biking, trail-hiking and roping up and around the mountains and hillsides. Teams may choose to compete in either ‘Extreme’ or ‘Adventure’ category. More details onwww.sabahadventure.com. For more information, please contact

the Race Director, Aman Avtar S. Sandhu at 088-237745 or e-mailspartan01@sabahadventure.com

Anzac Day, 25 AprilAnzac Day on 25 April each year commemorates servicemen

from New Zealand and Australia who fought in Sabah duringWorld War II, particularly prisoners of war (POW) who took part inthe ‘Death March’ from Sandakan to Ranau. It has become a normfor retired servicemen and members of their families to make a pilgrimage to Sabah to pay tribute to their fallen ancestors and thecivilians who risked their lives to help others during this difficult time.

They shall not grow old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them

Laurence Binyon’s ‘For The Fallen’

This event is jointly organised by the Office of Australian WarGraves, Canberra and the Sandakan Municipal Council.

For more information, please contact Catherin Chua at 089-224026, fax 089-272112 or e-mailCatherin.Chua@sabah.gov.my. You can also e-mail Charlotte Sarossy at Charlotte.Sarossy@dba.gov.au

6 H a p p e n i n g s & H i g h l i g h t s

Freedom of Entry, 26 April 2009

Witness this spectacular old naval tradition that began in medieval times. It is a symbolicshow of a city or town council conferring the right of the navy to enter their city with

‘swords drawn, drums beating, band playing, colours flying and bayonets fixed’. The right tomarch through is usually conferred with a scroll from the Lord Mayor. The streets of KotaKinabalu come alive with a march past and parade of participating international navies. Anevent full of pomp and circumstance not to be missed!For more information, please contact Syron Tunggolou of the Kota Kinabalu City Hallat 088-521800 or e-mail syron@dbkk.sabah.gov.my

Upcoming EventsSabah Fest 2009 (2–10 May)

This year, Sabah’s most anticipated cultural extravaganza is back! This May, Sabah Fest kicks

off at the Magellan Grand Ballroom at 7 pm on 2 ande3 May with the theme ‘Mystical Sabah’. Learn moreabout age-old rituals and timeless beliefs of Sabah’smany ethnic groups through a presentation of songand dance. From 4–10 May, the festivities continue atSabah Museum’s Heritage Village. This is the besttime to experience the best of Sabah’s melting pot ofcultures. For more information, call Susan Shahira at088-232121 (Sri Pelancongan Sabah), e-mail shahira@sabahtourism.com or visit the websitehttp://sabahfest.sabahtourism.com/2009/

‘Kalimaran’ refers to the craftsmanship of the Murut people. Most of the crafts producedare for practical use in the daily lives of the Murut. For example, the sumpitan

lembing (speared blowpipe) is used for hunting, the bayoh and barait baskets are used forcarrying goods and the pukat, jala and saluin (bubu) are ideal for catching fish. Some ofthese items are decorated with intricate carvings and designs, as seen on the hilt andscabbard of the parang.

This month, discover the fascinating culture of the Murut people during the 2-day PestaKalimaran or Kalimaran Fest in the district of Tenom, 3 hours' drive south of Kota KinabaluCity.

The Murut – a majority of whom reside in the interior areas of Sabah – were renownedfor their fearless headhunting warriors in the olden days and their incomparable skill incraft-making. The festival is a showcase of their timeless culture and tradition. Witness themagunatip dance where skilful dancers leap precariously between bamboo poles that areclapped together, producing a mesmerizing rhythm. Another highlight is the lansaran – atraditional game in which individuals bounce on a platform to, literally, reach greaterheights! Sample unique Murut fare, sip the local brew and enjoy the merriment of the annual Pesta Kalimaran.

When in Tenom…Check out the Sabah Agriculture Park, a sprawling 600-hectare establishment made up

of numerous gardens, featuring beautiful orchids, giant lily pads and blooming bougainvilleas! The Yit Foh Coffee Powder Factory is the oldest coffee factory in Sabahand is every coffee-lover's paradise. Go for an adrenaline rush and try White Water Raftingalong the Padas River! For a better understanding of the Murut culture, visit the MurutCultural Village, a one-of-a-kind cultural centre incorporating traditional Murut architecture.For more information, please contact Mackey Apison (Sabah Cultural Board) at 088-268812 / 268884 or e-mail Mackey.Apison@sabah.gov.my

Pesta Kalimaran, 4–5 AprilNewsSukau Rainforest Lodge Makes NationalGeographic’s Top 50 Ecolodges 2009 ListSukau Rainforest Lodge, managed by Borneo Eco Tours,was recently featured in National Geographic Adventuresmagazine as one of the Top 50 Ecolodges (Jungle LodgesCategory). The award is in recognition of the lodge’s continuous commitment to responsible tourism, uniquejungle experience and warm hospitality. The lodge islocated at the edge of the Lower Kinabatangan Wildlife

Sanctuary in Sandakan. Visit www.borneoectours.com formore information.

Promenade Hotel Opens in TawauPromenade Hotel opens its new doors in Tawau! The 4-star business hotel is offering special promotion rates as awelcome gesture to all its visitors until the end of April.With an inventory of 180 room and suites, this 16-floorhotel is the tallest hotel in town and adjacent to EasternPlaza – the biggest shopping mall in Tawau. Located lessthan 1.5 km from the town centre, the hotel’s facilitiesinclude meeting rooms, the largest ballroom in Tawau,Café @ se7en and the Zsa Zsa Zsu Fun Pub. Call 089-982 888 or visit http://www.promenade.com.my

E a t i n g O u t • 7

Dine at one of KK city’s ‘highest’ points, the Roof Restaurant at theImperial International Hotel. With a stunning view of the South China

Sea, bustling streets of KK and the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, the Roofoffers a wonderful assortment of local and international dishes. Chooseto dine indoors or savour your meal as you enjoy the refreshing breezeoutside – all areas are shaded, so don’t worry about the sun! Althoughthe restaurant serves a variety of pasta and grilled favourites, the mostnotable items on the menu are the Signature Dishes. At affordable prices,the Nasi Percik Ayam Bersantan (barbecued chicken marinated withspicy coconut gravy, served with white rice, pappadum and pickled vegetables) is a must-try, as well as the zesty Oxtail Assam Pedas.Sample other locally concocted recipes, namely the Kota Belud NasiGoreng and the classic Hainanese Chicken Rice. Just looking a snack?Go for the triple-decker Imperial Tower Club House or the Sabahfavourite, Roti Kahwin (literally. ‘married bread’) – a sandwich filled withmargarine/butter and kaya (a homemade jam made of coconut milk,eggs and sugar). Perfect for afternoon tea.

The Kids’ Menu is perfect for the appetites of your little ones, with theircreatively named dishes such as Captain Hood (spaghetti with tomatosauce) and Thunder Cat’s (fried noodles in soya sauce with vegetables).Be sure to check out the various set lunches at great deals. The indoorair-conditioned area can seat up to 150 diners while the outdoor area cancater up to 300. With its spacious design and excellent food selection,the Roof is also an ideal choice for events such as weddings and corporate dinners. See you at the top!The Roof Restaurant is located at the 10th floor of Imperial InternationalHotel, Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu. To make reservations, please call088-447200. For enquiries, please call Ya’kob Zaini at 012 801 9663or Jess Lai at 012 801 9661. E-mail sales@panjihotelmanage-ment.com or visit the website at www.panjihotelmanagement.com

Touted as one of Malaysia’s best restaurants by high society magazine Malaysian Tatler Olives never fails to satisfy the

discerning diner. And it’s easy to see why. Located at the beautifulNexus Resort Karambunai, the restaurant entices guests with its arrayof Mediterranean cuisine complemented with a wide selection of finewines served in a luxurious setting. Appetizers are abundant, and youcannot go wrong with a serving of Carpaccio of Glazed Salmon withorange butter, green asparagus tips and lettuce in sherry dressing. Alight and lovely way to start the meal! Also worth a try is the WarmPolenta Tart, which gives a surprising explosion of flavours with thecombination of goat brie cheese and dried tomatoes on brunello sabayone. For soup, we recommend the Mediterranean Lobster Soup,simply divine with its butter poached lobster morsels with fennel. But adefinite favourite is the Rack of Lamb in Broccoli Bread Crust, servedwith saffron risotto and smoked vegetable sauce. The very tender lambcuts melt in your mouth and the broccoli bread crust gives a wonderfultwist to the texture. Your taste buds will thank you for it! The menu also features a variety of pasta and risotto and to-die-for desserts. Satisfythat sweet tooth with a scoop of Bavaroise Bianca, a light white wineparfait on strawberry compote garnished with candied fruit. Or, if you likethe classics, opt for the Italian Tiramisu or Crème Brulee.

These gastronomic creations are the brainchild of Executive ChefVolkmar Ertel, who has 29 years of culinary experience while Sous ChefDesmond Chin helms the Olives kitchen staff. In such capable hands,it’s no wonder that Olives continues to be one of the top rated restaurants in the nation. The restaurant seats up to 48 diners comfortably and is ideal for romantic dinners, get togethers with friendsor private functions. For a classy dining experience with unexpecteddelights in each bite, look no further than Olives.Olives is located on the ground floor of Nexus Resort Karambunai.Open daily from 6:30 to 10:30 pm. For enquiries or to make reservations, please call 088-411222 or visit the website atwww.nexusresort.com

Olives Mediterranean Restaurant

The Roof Restaurant

8 • P l a c e s o f I n t e r e s t

The Tun Mustapha Gallery opened its doors on 10 May 2006, payingtribute to one of Sabah’s outstanding personalities. The late Tun

Mustapha was a visionary leader who was instrumental in leading Sabahto independence. He was a freedom fighter during World War II, a nationalistic activist, an inspiring leader and Sabah’s first Head of State,among many other achievements.

The beautiful gallery, located in the premises that housed the SabahState Assembly from 1980 to 1995, chronicles the life and times of TunMustapha. It offers visitors a glimpse into his triumphs and tribulations,with detailed descriptions accompanying the images on display. Thegallery also showcases many of Tun Mustapha's personal belongings,from medals of honour to specially tailored suits, and including a torn golfing hat. According to the inscription, his beloved wife tore his hat andtossed it outside their home during a quarrel. The hat was retrieved bytheir driver who kept the hat all these years and now it finds its home atthe gallery. Tun Mustapha was not only a golf enthusiast but a talentedmusician. His collection of violins can also be seen at the gallery. Anotherstory tells of how the Japanese soldiers spared his life after hearing himplay several Japanese tunes on his violin during World War II. All thesefascinating facts and various memorabilia are immortalized right here atthe Tun Mustapha Gallery, which also operates a souvenir shop that specializes in high quality crafts, inspired by the traditional ethnic motifsof Sabah’s various tribes.

You can visit at your own leisure or opt for the Tun Mustapha GalleryPackage which includes a photo-taking session in front of the TunMustapha Tower (Menara Tun Mustapha), a video show and a tour of theGallery which concludes with refreshments at @mosphere Restaurant,Sabah’s only revolving restaurant located on the 18th floor of the MenaraTun Mustapha.

Package prices:Students – RM6.50 per personMyKad holders – RM19.00 per personNon MyKad holders – RM40.00 per personBookings for packages must be made at least 36 hours prior to visit.The Tun Mustapha Gallery is located at the Podium Level of YayasanSabah. The gallery is open from Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 5 pmand opens on Sunday upon request. For more information, call 088-321153.

Tun Mustapha Gallery – Remembering Sabah’s iconic leader

O n t h e S t r e e t s 9

Melvin Ho, 37,Designer/Photographer“The multi-cultural people! I think it’s great how wehave people of different races and religion livingtogether in harmony. The people are also veryfriendly and always helpful.”

Connie Francess, Assistant Training Manager“I would have to say Kinabalu Park is my all-timefavourite. I love how peaceful it is, surrounded by thelush greenery and of course the majestic mountain inthe background. It’s a wonderful place to just relax,have some peace of mind and to

enjoy the cool air for a change.”

Roland Barawi, 30, Event Coordinator“No doubt, Sipadan! One of the best treasures wehave and it’s the pride of Sabah. Diving there is anamazing experience and I would recommend it onevery diver’s must-dive list.”

Carmencita L. Pilcher, 39, MarineResearch Assistant“I think we have the most beautiful beaches andislands but my favourite would be Sapi island. It’sonly about 20 minutes away from KK by boat andI like that it’s small and cozy. You can wanderaround the island to look for a quiet spot and Ifeel it’s not as overcrowded as the biggerislands.”

Jaswinder Kaur, 35, Journalist“There is just something magical about theKinabatangan floodplain at sunrise, the mistyorange-hue air, the distant sound of wildlife andbirds, fishermen checking on their catch at the riverbank. Orang utan, elephants and other wildlife findshelter in what is left of its forests. The floodplain istruly a gem in my eyes.”

Feature10

Last month, I inadvertently became the ‘bride’ ofa Murut longhouse village chief. It all began witha trip to the Mari-Mari Cultural Village, reached

after 25 minutes of swerving along the scenic route to Inanam from Kota Kinabalu city.Things kicked off with a briefing by our guide, thelovely Lydia, who advised us on the do’s and don’tsduring our short visit. Everything seemed pretty basicuntil we were asked to elect a ‘group leader’ to headour visit to the Murut longhouse. A move that wouldexplain itself later, it seemed…

Mari-Mari Cultural Village is made up of several traditional homes representing Sabah's main ethnicgroups. As we walked along the path to our first‘home’, the Dusun House, we momentarily ‘oohed’and ‘aahed’ at the spectacular view of the flowingriver from the suspension bridge. Outside the DusunHouse, we were treated to a montoku (rice wine)making demonstration and attempted to put JamieOliver to shame with our bamboo-cooking skills.Leaving our masterpieces to cook over the pit, wewould be back to taste them for lunch.

Next was a trip to the Rungus Longhouse. We werecompletely amazed at how each house was an exactreplica of the traditional houses found in villagesaround Sabah, built using organic materials and age-old techniques. Here, we were shown how to start afire using a stick and dry grass. With a lot of patienceand skilful twists and turns, behold! ‘Tis fire. With askip and hop, we were off to visit the friendlyLundayeh neighbours. The Lundayeh TraditionalHouse is built of timber and is uniquely constructedwith pig pens just outside the main door and a chicken coop right beneath it. According to Lydia, thepigs and chickens act as a ‘security system’ to alertthe residents of trespassers. I was also fascinated bythe separate bedroom for unmarried girls – a woodenplatform built several feet off the main room. Awooden ladder is used to climb up and down.However, every night, the parents would remove theladder so that their ‘young maidens’ would not run offinto the night or, worse, be kidnapped. Suddenly hav-ing your phone privileges stripped for a night doesn’tsound so bad… Outside the Lundayeh Home is ahuge crocodile-shaped hedge. Lydia explains that thisindicates that in this home resides a headhunting warrior – the pride of the Lundayeh people.

Also in Mari-Mari is the spacious Bajau house.Unlike the other homes, we noticed that there arealmost no partitions in this home because the Bajaupeople were known for hosting large weddings andgatherings and they enjoyed having plenty of room fortheir merry-making. The Bajau culture is marked by

their colourful decorations and handicraftswhich adorn the walls and floors. We weretreated to delicious Bajau delicacies such asthe kuih jala and invigorating pandan juice.

Our final stop was the Murut Longhouse.We were told to walk in a single file, handsin front and to observe silence. Lydia told uswe were about to enter the Murut villagewhere the village chief would greet our‘group leader’ by putting his right hand onhis right shoulder and, in return, the groupleader would place his left hand on thechief’s left shoulder. It was to show a sign ofsolidarity. Once this was done, we waited inuneasy silence as the warriors walked up tous one by one, ‘inspecting’ our presence.Several old ladies covered in a black shroudchanted as they sprinkled water on us aspart of the cleansing ritual. One of the warriors presented me with a flower and, infear that my head would be chopped offshould I refuse, I accepted with a meeksmile. Much to everyone’s amusement, Ilater found out that this was to symbolizethat I had been ‘married off’ to the villagechief! Some of my colleagues were invited to

try their hand at the blowpipe while theenergetic bunch could not resist thelansaran – a traditional trampoline supported by bamboo poles. We were alsotreated to henna tattoos, using beautifulMurut patterns. The day concluded with atraditional dance performance and ascrumptious lunch buffet that offered plentyof local delicacies, including our very ownbamboo-cooked meal!

As I bid farewell to the friendly staff of MariMari Cultural Village, I was still not quiteconvinced that I had been officially marriedto a Murut village chief, but to my advantage, I realized no one would dare tomess with a headhunter’s wife…Prior arrangements must be made to visitMari-Mari Cultural Village. Tour times areat 10:00am, 3:00pm and 7:00pm (programmes vary depending on time).Mari- Mari Cultural Village is managed byTraverse Tours Sdn. Bhd. For enquiriesor to make bookings, please call 088-260501/260502 or 019 820 4291 / 016 8321509. E-mail sales@traversetours.com orvisit www.traversetours.com

Mari Mari Cultural Village

text by Melissa Leong / all photos ©Sabah Tourism

Sun, Sea and Sand!Sabah

©D.Kirkland/Sabah Tourism

Banana boat rideat Manukan Island

Mamutik Island

T h r o u g h t h e L e n s

©CV Chong ©Mewot/Sabah Tourism

©Sara Elisya/Sabah Tourism

©Sabah Tourism

©Sabah Tourism

Pulau Tiga

Pom Pom Island

Dalit Beach, Shangri-La’sRasa-Ria Resort

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The Sea Bajau (Bajau Laut) of Sabah belong to a group of seapeoples who, before international boundaries crisscrossed the

Sulu Sea, spent their entire lives on their traditional wooden sailingboats (lepa) in the area now bounded by the southern Philippinesand the eastern coasts of Sabah and Kalimantan. Given their surroundings, the Sea Bajau were fishermen, often drying theircatch to preserve it until reaching a market. Occasional brief landings allowed them to trade their catch for other essential foodstuffs and to collect firewood and fresh water. They also buriedtheir dead on land.

Now, most Sea Bajau have settled in the district of Semporna andTawau, primarily in water villages along the shore of the mainlandand the nearby islands and also on offshore reefs. Many Sea Bajauare still dependent on the sea for their livelihood, while others areengaged in the cultivation of seaweed. Their traditional dances arecalled the Igal Igal – a graceful dance with gentle hand movements– and the upbeat Daling Daling. Another significant symbol of theSea Bajau is the lepa. This traditional boat provides both home andtransport and is usually made of hardwoods such as gagis, ubarsuluk or seraya. Every April during the Regatta Lepa, the town ofSemporna comes alive as they commemorate beautiful lepa and itsimportance in the lives of the Sea Bajau over generations.

Reference: 'The Sea Bajau' by Henry Coleman, Borneo Magazine,Vol.2, No.5, 1996

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‘Kalimaran’ merujuk kepada kemahiran kraf tangan dalammasyarakat Murut. Kebanyakan kraf yang dihasilkan adalah untuk

kegunaan praktikal dalam kehidupan seharian orang-orang Murut..Misalnya, sumpitan lembing digunakan untuk berburu, bakul bayoh danbarait digunakan untuk membawa barang, selain pukat, jala dan saluin(bubu) sesuai untuk menangkap ikan. Ada antara barangan ini dihiasidengan ukiran dan rekaan menarik, seperti yang terdapat pada hulu dansarung parang.

Pada bulan ini, saksikanlah kebudayaan menarik masyarakat Murutdalam Pesta Kalimaran yang diadakan selama dua hari di daerahTenom. Daerah ini terletak lebih kurang 3 jam perjalanan dari BandarayaKota Kinabalu.

Dengan kebanyakan daripada mereka tinggal menetap di kawasanpedalaman Sabah, orang Murut terkenal sebagai pahlawan pemburukepala yang berani pada masa lampau dan kemahiran mereka dalammembuat kraf tangan yang tiada tolok bandingnya. Pesta ini mengetengahkan kebudayaan dan tradisi mereka yang tak lapuk dekzaman. Saksikan tarian Magunatip dengan penari-penari yangberkemahiran melompat dengan tepat antara batang buluh yang diketukbersama-sama yang menghasilkan rentak yang memukau. Lansaranjuga merupakan tumpuan dalam acara ini. Lansaran ialah satu permainan tradisional yang dalam permainan ini peserta melompat diatas pelantaran untuk mencapai aras lebih tinggi! Nikmati jamuan unikMurut, hiruplah minuman tempatan dan nikmati kemeriahan pesta tahunan ini.

Apabila di Tenom….Datanglah ke Taman Pertanian Sabah, iaitu kawasan seluas 1,500 ekar

yang menempatkan taman yang pelbagai, mengetengahkan orkid yangcantik, bunga lili gergasi dan bougainvilla yang mekar berkembang!Kilang Kopi Yit Foh merupakan kilang kopi tertua di Sabah dan menjadisyurga pencinta kopi. Cubalah aktiviti lasak dan mendebarkan denganberakit (white water rafting) di Sungai Padas! Untuk lebih memahamikebudayaan Murut, singgahlah di Perkampungan Budaya Murut, pusatkebudayaan tersendiri yang menampilkan seni bina tradisional Murut.Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Mackey Apison (LembagaKebudayaan Sabah) di talian 088-268812/268884 atau e-mel:Mackey.Apison@sabah.gov.my

Hari Anzac diadakan setiap 25 April bagi memperingati tentera dari New Zealand dan Australia yang berjuang

ketika Perang Dunia Kedua di Sabah, terutama sekalitahanan perang yang terlibat dalam “Perarakan Maut” dariSandakan ke Ranau. Sudah menjadi perkara biasa untuk tentera yang telah bersara dan anggota keluarga merekadatang ke Sabah bagi memberi penghormatan kepada nenekmoyang mereka dan orang awam yang menggadai nyawasendiri untuk membantu yang lain pada saat sukar itu.

‘Mereka tidak akan tua, kita yang tinggal menjadi tua:Usia tidak memakan mereka, mahupun tahun-tahun yangberlalu.Pada ketika matahari terbenam dan bersinar ketika pagiKita akan mengingati mereka - ‘For The Fallen’, terjemahan karya Laurence Binyon

Acara ini dianjurkan bersama oleh Office of Australian WarGraves, Canberra dan Majlis Perbandaran Sandakan. Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Catherin Chua ditalian 089-224026, no. faks 089-272112 atau e-melCatherin.Chua@sabah.gov.my atau Charlotte Sarossy diCharlotte.Sarossy@dba.gov.au

Pesta Kalimaran, 4-5 April

Hari Anzac, 25 April

Pergilah bersiar-siar….Di dasarlaut! Persiaran laut

membolehkan anda menikmatikeindahan bawah air tanpa perlumenggunakan peralatan yangcanggih. Sesuai buat mereka yangtidak mahir menyelam, persiaranlaut merupakan aktiviti yang bolehdinikmati oleh semua yang berusialapan tahun ke atas. Datanglah kePulau Sapi untuk pengalaman yang menakjubkan anda ini. Sesi bermula dengan taklimat mengenai apa yang boleh dan tidak bolehdilakukan ketika persiaran laut. Satu helmet besar dialiri dengan oksigendiletakkan di bahu anda dengan anda turun perlahan-lahan ke laut.Pengalaman yang cukup selesa, dengan beberapa kali ‘gangguan telinga’ untuk menyamai tekanan ketika anda turun lebih dalam ke dasarair. Nikmatilah pemandangan menarik hidupan marin yang berenang-renang mengelilingi anda sambil pemandu anda membawa anda bersiar-siar. Pastikan anda berada pada laluan setiap masa. Bayangkananda lakukan semua ini tanpa seutas pun rambut anda yang basah!Pada akhir pengembaraan persiaran laut, setiap peserta diberikan gambar digital dan sijil. Jumpa anda di dasar laut!Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Francis Liew di talian 088-249115, 016 813 8688 atau Kevin Thien di talian 016-848 3182. E-mel franliew@tm.net.my atau layari www.borneoseawalking.com

Persiaran Laut(Seawalking) di Pulau Sapi

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Dalam acara tahunan Regatta Lepa yang jatuh pada bulan April, pesisirpantai pekan Semporna dipenuhi barisan perahu berwarna-warni,

setiap satu dihias berbeza-beza dengan yang lain. Perahu-perahu yangdikenali sebagai Lepa ini merupakan warisan yang kebanggaanmasyarakat Bajau Laut. Sejak beberapa generasi, Bajau laut yangmemang terkenal gemar berpindah randah itu hidup di atas perahu ini.Permukaan Lepa ini licin dan biasanya dibuat daripada kayu Ubar Suluk(seraya merah). Banyak menganggapnya sebagai hasil seni terbaik yangdihiasi ukiran yang berilhamkan laut dan reka bentuk animistik. Motifbertemakan laut yang lain sering digunakan termasuklah ikan, duyung,kuda laut dan ombak. Ukiran-ukiran hiasan ini biasanya meliputi bahagian dari depan ke belakang, tepi ke atap dan tiang. Ketika RegattaLepa, perahu-perahu ini dihias dengan layar berwarna cerah, dikenalisebagai sambulayang dan tapi (bendera tiga segi yang kecil).

Kemuncak acara ini ialah lepa lalu. Setiap sebuah satu membawa

penari-penari dan ahli muzik, berharap untuk ditabalkan sebagai “LepaTercantik” – iaitu hadiah utama untuk Pesta Air yang sememangnyadinantikan ini. Jangan lepaskan peluang menyertai acara menarik lain,termasuk tarik tali perahu dan pertandingan berdayung. Regatta Lepadiadakan bersempena dengan Pesta Air Malaysia.

Apabila di Semporna…Apabila berada di Semporna, ambil kesempatan untuk mengunjungibeberapa tempat selaman terkemuka di dunia, termasuk Mabul, Kapalai,Mataking dan Sipadan yang cukup terkenal. Mabul memang sesuai untukselaman-makro manakala kejernihan air di Kapalai pasti akan memukauanda. Untuk percutian romantik, anda pasti tidak membuat kesilapandengan keindahan Mataking. Untuk sampai ke syurga dunia ini, andahanya perlu menaiki bot dari Semporna.

Untuk maklumat lanjut, sila hubungi Pegawai Daerah Semporna,Abdul Mohamed Ibnu Hj. Abdul Kadir Baba di talian 089-781518 atauWinceslaus G. Autine (Sri Pelancongan Sabah) di talian 088-232121 atau e-mel wences@sabahtourism.com. Layariwww.sabahtourism.com.

Regatta Lepa ke-16 SempenaPesta Air, 18-19 April

B a h a s a M a l a y s i a

Cubalah menjamu selera dipoin‘tertinggi’ Bandaraya KK,

Restoran The Roof di HotelImperial International. Denganpemandangan Laut China Selatanyang memegunkan pengunjung,kesibukan jalan di KK dan TamanTunku Abdul Rahman, The Roof menawarkan gabunganmenarik hidangan tempatan danantarabangsa yang beranekajenis. Pilihlah untuk makan malamdi dalam restoran atau nikmatijuadah anda sambil menikmati tiupan angin yang segar di ruangmakan di bahagian luar – semuakawasan terlindung jadi tidakperlu bimbang tentang matahari!Walaupun restoran ini menghidangkan pelbagai jenispasta dan makanan panggangyang digemari ramai, hidanganutama dalam menu tidak lainadalah daripada Signature Dishes mereka. Pada harga yang berpatutan nasi percik ayam bersantan mesti dicuba (ayam panggangyang di perap dengan santan berempah, dihidang bersama-sama naiputih, papadum dan sayur jeruk) selain Asam Pedas Ekor Lembu yanglazat. Nikmati juga resepi tempatan lain seperti Nasi Goreng Kota Beluddan Nasi Ayam Hainan yang klasik. Mahukan kudapan? Cubalah sandwic Imperial Tower Club House tiga lapis atau makanan kegemaranrakyat Sabah, Roti Kahwin. Roti Kahwin ialah sandwic yang disapu dengan marjerin/keju dan kaya – jem buatan sendiri yang dibuat daripada kelapa dan telur – sesuai untuk minum petang.

Menu unuk kanak-kanak adalah sesuai dengan selera si kecil anda dengan hidangan diberi nama kreatif seperti Captain Hood (spagetidengan sos tomato) dan Thunder Cat (mi goreng dengan kicap soya dansayur). Periksa sendiri pelbagai set makan tengah hari dengan hargaberpatutan. Kawasan tertutup dengan penyaman udara boleh menampung hingga 150 orang pelanggan, manakala kawasan di luarboleh menempatkan 300 orang dalam satu masa. Dengan rekaanmenarik dan pilihan makanan yang hebat, The Roof juga merupakan pilihan sesuai untuk acara seperti perkahwinan atau makan malam korporat. Jumpa anda di puncak!Restoran The Roof terletak di tingkat 10 Hotel ImperialInternational, Warisan Square, Kota Kinabalu. Untuk membuattempahan, sila hubungi 088-447200. Untuk pertanyaan, sila hubungi Ya’kob Zaini di talian 012-8019663 atau Jess Lai 012-8019661. E-mel sales@panjihotelmanagement.com atau layari www.panjihotelmanagement.com

Mari Makan

Restoran The Roof

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20 J a p a n e s e

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