Kota Kinabalu (KK for short) was almost completely destroyed during World War II, and the Atkinson Clock Tower built in 1905 was one of only a handful of structures to survive.
They are the only colonial remnants of an almost century-long British control, in the older part of the capital.
KK just received its city status in February, 2000, but its history dates back more than a century.
The British North Borneo Chartered Company discovered it by accident when it was only a small fishing village.
It became a trading for local products such as rubber, rattan, wild honey and wax.
The Co. built a railway line from the interior to the harbor to transport goods.
They did bring about tremendous change for the people by quelling piracy, planting tobacco, developing rubber estates and importing chinese and Indonesian labourers to work.
Some local tribes were displeased with its control and staged a number of upheavals.
KK’s history has been colorful, with the power changing hands from the British to the Japanese, to the British, and finally back to the people of Malaysia.
The city has grown into a reputable financial, economic and tourism centre, and have kept their rich cultural diversity intact.
Our view coming into port. The day was beautiful and the city looked wonderful.
We passed a fishing village coming in, that consists of houses built on wooden stilts and they sit in the water.
They are all joined together by wooden sidewalks. Many of the houses look like they are in pretty advanced stages of decay. Its pretty incredible to see actually.
We were greeted by young women and men as we left our ship and treated to a band and dancers in local costume. Wayne with a big smile as he poses.
We toured the Mari Mari Cultural Village which is located in the jungle. The setting is magnificent with all kinds of trees, flowing streams and wooden bridges.
Five completely different ethnic tribes are represented in a natural environment where their traditions and histories have been well preserved.
Each tribe welcomed us into their homes to give us a glimpse of simple everyday life.
We heard stories of how their ancestors lived; their spiritual beliefs, demonstrations of fire starting using no metal, just bamboo, tattooing, cooking, honey collecting, rice wine, bamboo trampoline, and blow darts.
Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: ProKWorldCruise - Kota Kinabalu (Borneo) Malaysia
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