e-borneo.com - Travel Borneo Blog

Naturalist Wallace’s Sarawak experience retraced

2012-01-25T14:46:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: Most Sarawakians do not realise that in Kuching they are basically following the footsteps of Alfred Russel Wallace.

But who is Wallace?

Wallace is one of the two founders of the theory of evolution by natural selection. The other one being Charles Darwin.

Wallace is best remembered in the Wallace Line, a zoogeographic boundary separating Australia from South-East Asia.

Wallace’s independent discovery and publication of evolutionary theory in 1858 is said to be equal to Darwin’s.

On his travel as a free-lance collector of natural history specimens, Wallace first went to the forests in the Amazon and to the Malay Archipelago (Malaysia and Indonesia), including Sarawak.

An ecologist with the Sarawak Forestry, Rambli Ahmad recently shared his adventure in retracing Wallace’s actual footsteps in Sarawak and United Kingdom, the scientist’s home country.

Rambli’s talk entitled “Following the Footprints of the Great Naturalist, Alfred Russel Wallace in Sarawak (1854-56), was to inspire listeners into appreciating Sarawak’s place in one of the most important events in the science.

Wallace spent 14 months in Sarawak (November 1, 1854 to January 25, 1856), a longer stay than at any other destination during his travels in the Malay Archipelago.

Rambli noted that Wallace’s insect collecting in Sarawak was extremely productive, amounting to some 25,000 specimens.

Continue reading at: Naturalist Wallace’s Sarawak experience retraced

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Malaysia saves endangered pygmy elephant on Borneo

2012-01-24T18:36:00.001+08:00

Malaysian wildlife authorities said they had rescued a pygmy elephant calf on Borneo island and expressed hope a planned sanctuary would provide protection for the endangered animals.

The male calf, which is less than a month old, was pulled out of a deep moat surrounding a palm oil plantation in remote Sabah state on Friday, said Sen Nathan, a senior official with the Sabah Wildlife Department.

It is the fifth calf rescued by wildlife officials since 2009. Three of those previously saved have died but a female has recovered and is now at a wildlife park.

There are fewer than 2,000 Borneo pygmy elephants left in the wild, according to authorities. A sub-species of the Asian elephant, the creatures have a rounded appearance and are smaller than mainland elephants.

The latest rescued calf, which weighed about 50 kilograms (110 pounds), was in a serious condition, Nathan told AFP.

"He suffered severe dehydration and cuts and abrasions, probably while trying to get out of the moat," he said.

The elephant's mother was probably forced to leave it behind after the pair fell into the moat, and the calf likely spent more than a day there before being spotted by plantation workers, he said.

Nathan said a planned elephant sanctuary on 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of land within the 26,000-hectare Kinabatangan wildlife sanctuary in Sabah would help protect the animals.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Malaysia saves endangered pygmy elephant on Borneo

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Where is Borneo?

2012-01-24T18:33:00.000+08:00

Exactly where is Borneo?

I was asked that question repeatedly after visiting there in 2010 and sharing amazing photos of wildlife and outdoor adventures with friends.

Borneo is actually the third-largest island in the world, situated in the center of Southeast Asia just east of Singapore and southwest of the Philippines.

Technically known as Kalimantan, Indonesia owns a lion's share of Borneo. The northern edge, which is also the most visited and developed, is owned by Malaysia. Made up of two states, Sarawak and Sabah, Malaysian Borneo is an outdoor lover's dream.

Tiny Brunei -- an oil-rich, independent country -- separates Sarawak and Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. With a population of just over 400,000, Brunei is famous for being the most Islamic country in Southeast Asia, as well as for the fact that citizens do not pay taxes there. The government is funded by oil and natural gas, which makes up for 90% of the GDP.

Arguably one of the wildest places on Earth, Borneo is unfortunately also one of the most rapidly deforested places on the planet as well. Logging has dwindled down once-pristine rainforests to make way for sprawling palm oil plantations. Palm oil turns up in a wide range of products from chocolate to cosmetics.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Where is Borneo?
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Tourist influx begins in Brunei

2012-01-24T18:29:00.001+08:00

By Fadhil Yunus

Brunei received a significant tourism boost as a chartered flight carrying 284 tourists including a toddler and a six-year-old child touched down at the Brunei International Airport last night.

It is also the largest group of tourists from either Taiwan or China travelling to Brunei during the Chinese New Year 2012 celebrations.

The tourists, who will be separated into eight groups, will be staying at the Radisson Hotel while some will be at The Empire Hotel and Country Club, said one of the tour guides from PJ Majestic Tours.

When asked through an interpreter what the Taiwanese tourists are planning to do or see in Brunei, most of them said that they wanted to meet singer-turned-actor Wu Chun. They also said that he is extremely popular back in Taiwan.

The majority of the tourists also said that this was their first time in Brunei and are excited to learn more about the country.

Upon arrival, they were greeted by representatives from the Tourism Development Department. Eight tour guides from PJ Majestic Tours will be with the tourists for the entire duration of their stay.

More flights are scheduled to arrive in Brunei starting tonight until January 28 bringing in nearly 1,400 tourists.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Extinct Dracula monkey found in Borneo

2012-01-23T18:26:00.000+08:00

The humidity was oppressive and the leeches insufferable as an expedition led by Simon Fraser University PhD student Brent Loken waded into the jungles of the Wehea Forest in eastern Borneo.

Loken sought to document the forest's biodiversity and help the indigenous Dayak people advocate for its legal protection against Indonesian development for palm oil plantations, coal mines, or logging.

With remote cameras set up in the forest near two mineral licks, Loken had hoped to obtain photos of the elusive and littleknown clouded leopard.

What he got was a monkey--the Miller's grizzled langur--so rare that scientists consider it to be teetering on the edge of extinction. Even rarer, the discovery occurred where the monkey, which some say looks like Dracula, had not historically been documented.

"We knew we had something special," Loken, 40, recalled Thursday in an interview. "We knew it was unique because it is a very distinct-looking monkey."

The langur has a dark face, light front, grey back, and long tail. "The only descriptions came from museum specimens from the 1940s and '50s," he said. "Our pictures are some of the only ones we have."

Loken lives in Squamish and is finishing his PhD in resource and environmental management at SFU.

He is a former high school chemistry and physics teacher from Iowa who took an interest in Borneo during a visit in 2006.
Two years later, he co-founded Ethical Expeditions (ethicalexpeditions.ning.com), which integrates conservation, applied research and education with traditional ecological knowledge of indigenous peoples.

The non-profit organization led the almost 10-week expedition last summer involving 20 people, including a photographer, scientists, students, local people, even a tree-climber.

Between June and July, up to 11 of the langurs - a subspecies, under consideration for full species status - were observed in a single day at a single site. "It's one of those monkeys that when you walk through the forest you'll never know that it's there," Loken said.

The langur is at risk from loss and fragmentation of habitat and hunting in Indonesia. However, Loken said a few dozen Dayak people regularly patrol the 38,000-hectare Wehea Forest to help keep hunters out.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Extinct Dracula monkey found in Borneo

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Regatta participants greeted with cultural show at BSB Waterfront

2012-01-22T18:43:00.000+08:00

By Fadhil Yunus

International contingents and participants who will be competing in the Regatta Brunei Darussalam 2012 were entertained to some of Brunei richest cultural performances at the BSB Waterfront last night in a cultural reception.

Present as guest of honour at the event was the Minister of Home Affairs, Pehin Udana Khatib Dato Paduka Seri Setia Ustaz Hj Awg Badaruddin bin Pengarah Dato Paduka Hj Othman. Never short of wise words, the minister encouraged those present last night to show their pride and passion and to strive to be honoured as countrymen and countrywomen.

In a motivational speech that shed light on the minister's own experiences in the old days of the Regatta, Pehin Dato Ustaz Hj Awg Badaruddin said, "We should feel proud and appreciate the identity of our beloved country. The Regatta will truly mark a memorable occasion, bringing back past memories and showing how much Kg Ayer and BSB has evolved since.

"The current generation should make their passions known in that they will be able to witness the experience of the Regatta," the minister added.

Last night's cultural performances received overwhelming response as nearly all of the seats were occupied even before the arrival of the guest of honour.

The international delegates also witnessed some of the country's popular and traditional dances and poetry-inspired music, with performers dressed in full traditional attire. The dances include the "Tarian Alai Asyik", "Brunei Indung Anak Indung Bunga Ku" and "Medley Cabuk-Cabuk Mukun Menyubuh", to name a few.

The cultural performances also showed signs of encouragement in the artistic development and growth of youths who created plenty of excitement among the audience, while at the same time keeping their poise and composure.

Among those present at the cultural event was Pehin Datu Lailaraja Major General (Rtd) Dato Paduka Seri Hj Awg Halbi bin Hj Mohd Yussof, the Deputy Minister of Home Affairs who is also the Chairman of the High-Level Committee Regatta Brunei Darussalam 2012.

Today marks one of the historical dates of the year as the Regatta Brunei Darussalam takes stage for the first time in 20 years.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday
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Rhino romance may be last hope

2012-01-22T18:39:00.000+08:00

Puntung is a Sumatran rhino, one of roughly 200 left in the world.

Captured in a Borneo forest on Christmas Day, she is the latest addition to Malaysia's Borneo Rhino Sanctuary - and possibly one of the last hopes for a species on the brink of extinction.

Veterinarians want to introduce Puntung to Tam, a 20-year-old male Sumatran rhinoceros in the enclosure next door, in the hopes that they will breed - although this cannot take place for a number of months, until Puntung is deemed ready.

Estimated to be 10 to 12 years old, she was airlifted to the sanctuary after her capture and has since been adjusting to her new home, eating more than 60 kilograms of leaves each day.

"She doesn't look stressed, she's eating well . but the stress [of a new environment] is enough to offset her cycle, her normal cycle," said Zainal Zahari Zainuddin, a veterinarian with the Borneo Rhino Alliance.

Captive breeding is now regarded as the only way to boost the population of the two-horned Sumatran rhino, which at 500 to 600 kg and 1.3 metres tall is the world's smallest rhinoceros.

Deforestation and illegal hunting have decimated the population in the wild, and habitat fragmentation has cut the surviving animals off from potential mates. The animals are aging to the point where they are too old to breed.

But even the capture of Puntung, dubbed a "Christmas miracle" by scientists, does not mean success is assured.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Rhino romance may be last hope
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Application for Rainforest World Music Festival Food Mart and Village Mart stalls now open

2012-01-21T18:19:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: Applications are now open to vendors who are interested to set up stalls in the Food Mart and Village Mart for the forthcoming 15th Rainforest World Music Festival to be held from July 13 to 15 at the Sarawak Cultural Village here.

The Food Mart and Village Mart application forms are now available at STB Leisure & Properties Sdn Bhd at 6th Floor, Bangunan Yayasan Sarawak, Jalan Masjid here and the closing date for submission is Feb 24.

The Village Mart will provide vendors with the platform to display and sell their products and exhibits such as souvenirs, handicraft, arts and many others, while vendors at the Food Mart will be able to sell varieties of food.

Both Village Mart and Food Mart will be operational as early as 9am until the festival ends for each day of the festival.

The rental stall size of 10’ X 20’ for the three-day festival at the Village Mart and Food Mart is priced either at RM1,000 or RM1,200 per stall depending on the location.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Application for Rainforest World Music Festival Food Mart and Village Mart stalls now open

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Transformed Sibu Airport surprises crowd

2012-01-21T18:17:00.000+08:00

SIBU: For the past year or so, Sibu Airport has gone through some major physical changes considered by many here as timely.

Many Sibuans arriving here, who have not returned home for a few years, find the renovated building unrecognisable, especially with all the construction work going on.

A student surnamed Ling said she was surprised to see the major transformation of the airport.

“The last time I came back was a few years ago and there was no construction at that time.

“In just a few years, so much had changed and I believed it is for the good of all,” she said.

According to Ling, her sister informed her about the renovation before she returned here.

However, she did not expect to see such a major transformation upon her arrival at the airport.

“It feels like a marketplace. It’s hot and dusty, no doubt about it,” she said.

A teacher surnamed Yii said she was surprised to see the construction going on at the airport.

“I settled in Perak with my husband and three children and I come home for Chinese New Year once every two years.

“The last time I came home, the construction was already on going, but it was not like this,” she said.

Yii said the construction had caused some difficulty and inconvenience but understood it was expected.

“It’s not always I come back to Sibu, so I would normally spend a longer time here and besides, it is school holidays, so the kids can see their grandparents as well,” she pointed out.

Many praised the check-in counters section as beautiful and were proud that the airport had finally improved.

A visitor at the airort commented that he was happy about not having to wait in the heat anymore and that there were no more long queues.

Meanwhile, airport project manager Felix Su said package one was 68.36 per cent completed while package two was 54.25 per cent completed.

“Everything is ahead of schedule, so we are very confident that the people here will see the completed airport before September,” he said.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Transformed Sibu Airport surprises crowd

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Rare Monkey thought to be extinct found in Borneo

2012-01-20T18:06:00.000+08:00

Scientists working in the dense jungles of Indonesia have "rediscovered" a large, gray monkey so rare it was believed by many to be extinct.

They were all the more baffled to find the Miller's Grizzled Langur, its black face framed by a fluffy, Dracula-esque white collar, in an area well outside its previously recorded home range.

The team set up camera traps in the Wehea Forest on the eastern tip of Borneo island in June, hoping to captures images of clouded leopards, orangutans and other wildlife known to congregate at several mineral salt licks.

The pictures that came back caught them all by surprise: groups of monkeys none had ever seen.

With virtually no photographs of the grizzled langurs in existence, it at first was a challenge to confirm their suspicions, said Brent Loken, a Ph.D. student at Simon Fraser University in Canada, and one of the lead researchers.

The only images out there were museum sketches.

"We were all pretty ecstatic, the fact that, wow, this monkey still lives, and also that it's in Wehea," said Loken.

The monkey, which has hooded eyes and a pinkish nose and lips, once roamed the northeastern part of Borneo, as well as the islands of Sumatra and Java and the Thai-Malay peninsula. But concerns were voiced several years ago that they may be extinct.

Forests where the monkeys once lived had been destroyed by fires, human encroachment and conversion of land for agriculture and mining and an extensive field survey in 2005 turned up empty.

"For me the discovery of this monkey is representative of so many species in Indonesia," Loken told The Associated Press by telephone.

"There are so many animals we know so little about and their home ranges are disappearing so quickly," he said. "It feels like a lot of these animals are going to quickly enter extinction."

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Rare Monkey thought to be extinct found in Borneo

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More mammals in Brunei than whole of Borneo

2012-01-19T18:03:00.000+08:00

By Azlan Othman

Brunei Darussalam is known for its pristine environment, rich natural resources and a high percentage of forest cover. A recent study conducted by Universiti Brunei Darussalam 'The Faunal Biodiversity Survey of Sg Ingei Protection Forest' has confirmed that mammals found in the forest are high in number compared to the rest of Borneo. This shows that the wildlife protection in Brunei Darussalam is still comparatively intact.

Minister of Industry and Primary Resources, Pehin Orang Kaya Seri Utama Dato Seri Setia Awg Hj Yahya bin Begawan Mudim Dato Paduka Hj Bakar said this at the National Planning Workshop on Wildlife Management in Brunei Darussalam yesterday.

"I believe that if the wildlife management in Brunei Darussalam is improved, the total number of wildlife could be sustained and our forest can be a safe sanctuary for the wildlife.

"Our management capabilities, as far as natural resources management is concerned, continue to develop at par with our regional and international counterparts. Our long-term development plan, Brunei Vision 2035, clearly provides for continuous efforts to conserve our country's remarkable biodiversity, rainforests and natural habitat.

"Thus, the formulation and development of an effective wildlife strategic framework would consolidate all wildlife management initiatives in the country giving specific focus on policy, institutional, research and development, and socio-economic concerns of wildlife resources management," Pehin Yahya said.

The minister also said, towards that end, His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam has consented to the transfer of wildlife matters to the Ministry of Industry and Primary Resources in order to strengthen wildlife management and law enforcement considering that the natural habitats of this wildlife are already under the purview of the ministry.

"In view of this new development, it is very important to start with the right steps by inviting participation of our wildlife stakeholders in laying down constructive actions and initiatives needed.

"This workshop needs your constructive input, because the expected output of this workshop is expected to provide cross-cutting initiatives and concerns among development sectors of the country. Your technical and institutional knowledge will certainly guide us in the formulation of effective approaches at the national level and complement our own sectoral initiatives in attaining common objectives and admiration.

"Let us ensure that the output of this workshop would provide us more collaboration to further our research and development activities, economic opportunities and at the same time strengthen our wildlife law enforcement in view of the increasing wildlife crime in the region."

The minister also said that this workshop is very important to realise another milestone in the sustainable management of the natural resources of Brunei Darussalam. The Sultanate represents less than one per cent of the whole island of Borneo and yet its forests are among the richest in the world. This smallness at the same time exceptionally exposes us to environmental and ecological changes. Therefore we need careful and considered policy on wildlife.

Also present at the workshop was YAM Pengiran Muda Omar Ali, Curator of Natural History; Hjh Normah Suria Hayati bte Pehin Jawatan Dalam Seri Maharaja Dato Seri Utama (Dr) Hj Awg Mohd Jamil Al-Sufri, Permanent Secretary at the MIPR; Dyg Hjh Hasnah bte Ibrahim, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the MIPR; Hj Saidin Salleh, Director of Forestry; and other senior officials.

At the conclusion of the workshop, the participants are expected to come up with recommendations for an integrated and holistic management approach for the conservation and protection of the country's wildlife resources that address legal and policy concerns, administration and enforcement, research and development, human resource development needs and socio economic opportunities.

The MIPR through the Forestry Department, Agriculture & Agrifood Department, Museums Department under the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports with the support of TRAFFIC Southeast Asia is organising the national planning workshop.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Royal Brunei Airlines standardises Melbourne flight timings

2012-01-19T17:59:00.000+08:00

From Feb 5, Royal Brunei Airlines passengers will have greater ease when making travel arrangements to and from Melbourne with its newly implemented flight timings that have been standardised for passengers' convenience, a press release stated.

With the new timings, the four times weekly flights from Bandar Seri Begawan will depart on Monday, Thursday, Friday and Sunday at 12.20pm and arrive in Melbourne at 10.15pm.

Return flights will depart from Melbourne at 1.25pm and arrive in Bandar Seri Begawan at 5.35pm.

Deputy Chairman of Royal Brunei Airlines, Mr Dermot Mannion, stated, "This is just the first step to improve RBA's connections from Bandar Seri Begawan to Melbourne.

With the enhanced timings, our passengers from Brunei will feel as if it is merely a hop away to travel to the city of Melbourne."

Passengers may visit their travel agent or www.bruneiair.com to book their flights.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin
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Miri's Imperial Grand Suites offer luxurious living

2012-01-19T17:56:00.000+08:00

MIRI: Imperial Grand Suites will be the jewel in the crown for one of Sarawak’s largest Shopping Malls, Boulevard Shopping Mall Kuching.

The latest entry is designed by award winning architect and developed by reputable Sarawak based Group of companies, Boulevard Enterprise (Kuching) Sdn Bhd.

Once completed and adjoining the mall, it will feature two blocks of contemporary three-room and four-room luxury sky view suites, where each apartment suite features a balcony with unblocked view, furnished with high quality internal specifications a complete kitchenette.

The suites offer unparalleled luxury living with exclusive beautiful landscaped terrace gardens, gymnasium, sauna and a roof top swimming pool as well the multiple-tier security with CCTV and other recreational and leisure facilities- all which redefine urban lifestyle.

A 40,000 square feet area of lifestyle and wellness zone located on the fourth floor where saunas, steam rooms and whirl pool, spa, reflexology, aerobics, yoga equipment and gymnasium will pamper you all the way.

Over 10,000sq ft of function concourse situated on the ground floor enables all kinds of trade exhibitions and fairs to promote trader’s businesses and products, as well caters for stage performances and shows.

With 1.7 millionsq ft of retail extravaganza, the new wing of Boulevard Shopping Mall will prefigure a new shopping kingdom with more exciting retail choices.

Residents are poised to enjoy the best of both worlds, tranquil service suites apartments, 24-hour concierge service, personalised service for housekeeping and dining and thriving shopping mall and hotel with a purpose built bridge linking both worlds.

Doorstep convenience, amenities and entertainments for movie buffs, games and karaoke, ample car parking (underground & multi-storey car parking complex) and hi-speed Wi-Fi broadband will add value to the suite apartments.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Miri's Imperial Grand Suites offer luxurious living

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Safari on a raft

2012-01-18T18:09:00.000+08:00

PADAWAN Bamboo Raft Safari — now, that may sound like Anakin Skywalker taking up a new hobby. But it is a bamboo rafting competition organised by the Padawan Municipal Council at Sungai Sarawak Kiri in Kuching.

It is one of the biggest events in the Padawan region and I am about to undertake the gruelling 3½-hour challenge.

There are over 100 teams — all are up early and stretched out by the river of Kampung Padawan. Everybody looks eager and ready to tackle the river.

Rafts are basically 4.6m long and 1.2m wide, made of tightly bounded bamboo, giving enough room for four team mates to take up arms and power it down the cool waters.

Options in paddling or pushing are given with either a small paddle or a long bamboo pole. I choose the pole, thinking that I have more advantage standing up and using my body weight to push the raft.

At 9am, the whistle to kick off the competition goes off. The excitement is rushing through the fluorescent life-jacket wearing rafters, most of whom smell of sun lotion and tuak (rice wine) from the night before.

At the sound of the whistle, my crew and I start our little expedition. We crash straight into some trees at the first corner!

“Hmmm ... not so bright future ahead,” I’m thinking.

I have to say it’s a lot harder than it sounds. It’s not just pushing this thing down a river.

You have to keep the raft balanced and navigate the rocks and little rapids in the water, all the while being distracted by the beautiful scenery.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Safari on a raft
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MAS should not wait till Feb 18

2012-01-18T18:06:00.000+08:00

Kota Kinabalu: State Industrial Development Minister, Datuk Raymond Tan Shu Kiah, said Malaysia Airlines (MAS) should resume the cancelled Kuala Lumpur-Sandakan flights immediately instead of waiting till Feb 18 in view of the coming Chinese New Year.

"Not only should MAS resume those cancelled flights, the airline should have considered additional flights to cope with the larger number of family members who wish to return to Sandakan for the Chinese New Year family reunions.

"Being a national airline with such a long record of aviation capability, it should have been able to provide more seats for this route for this festive season. MAS should realise this and act accordingly," he said.

Tan said the big question is why should MAS wait for Feb 18 to reestablish these flights when they should be doing so right away.

He was commenting on the fom Prime Minister's Department on Monday that after a meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and senior management officials of MAS, the 11 times weekly direct flights between Sandakan and the main terminal of KL International Airport (KLIA) are expected to be resumed on Feb 18.

"This development goes to show that the Barisan Nasional Government is a responsible government that has the people's interest at heart.

"I am especially happy to see and thankful that the Prime Minister himself has responded so quickly to the plight of the people of Sandakan.

He has personally taken the matter up with MAS directly and produced positive result to correct a wrong action on the part of MAS," he said.

Tan said MAS made the wrong move to cancel the direct flights.

"Those direct air links from Sandakan, the second largest town in Sabah and the main commercial and industrial centre of the east coast of the state, are crucial to the tourism industry and other economic interest of the state.

"The people of Sandakan were rightly unhappy with the cancellation of the MAS direct flights. They had in fact expected those flights to be increased, instead of being cancelled," he said.

Continue reading at: MAS should not wait till Feb 18
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Jesselton Mall to house Kota Kinabalu's exclusive outlets

2012-01-18T18:03:00.000+08:00

Kota Kinabalu: Jesselton Mall is set to be the State Capital's premier exclusive retail outlets once completed in four years' time from now.

Integrated with the on-going Jesselton Residences development, the Jesselton Mall offers 123 retail lots for businesses.

"This development augurs well with the State Government's aspiration of making Sabah as the main shopping tourism destination in the region," said developer, Jesselton Waterfront Holding Sdn Bhd, General Manager, Kevin Thong.

The Jesselton Mall is designed to add greater value to Jesselton Residences, which is a high-end luxury condominium development, making it the city's premier address much like Orchard Road in Singapore.

Speaking to reporters here, Thong said the area where Jesselton Mall and its neighbour, Suria Sabah would be the new KK town.

Besides from walk-in customers and tourists, the business outlets in Jesselton Mall are also assured of customers from the occupants of the 333 condominium lots in Jesselton Residences, he said.

He said the Jesselton Residences project was selected as the only one from Sabah to participate in last year's investment forum in Shanghai, China in view of its high value as well as for the promotion of tourism.

Continue reading at: Jesselton Mall to house Kota Kinabalu's exclusive outlets

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Sabah Air urged to talk to Brunei Airlines on setting up airline

2012-01-17T18:26:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Air Sdn Bhd should consider talking to Royal Brunei Airlines (RBA) about its plans to set up an airline in Borneo.

This is because RBA is an established and successful airline, Sabah Progressive Party (SAPP) president Datuk Seri Panglima Yong Teck Lee said.

Yong pointed out that setting up an airline is not an easy feat to accomplish as it is much more complicated and risky.

There are more rules than land transport to abide by, he said during a press conference after launching SAPP’s “Sabah Economic Plan” here yesterday.

Yong was of the opinion that Sabah Air is not suited to start an airline because an airline has major risks.

“One miscalculation on the fuel prices will kill the company. It is the fuel price that is causing problem to AirAsia today,” he said.

According to Yong, in the past, when AirAsia took over MAS’ domestic route in Sabah with its subsidiary, FAX, there were so many problems at that time prompting him to propose that the State Government consider setting up some form of airline for Borneo.

“Tian Chua seems to have picked that up by having a Borneo Airlines. But we all know that an airline is not a simple thing, it is not a bus company … an airline is much more complicated and risky, there are more rules than land transport.

“So if some form of airline were to emerge in Borneo, I would feel that the first airline to talk to is Royal Brunei Airways (RBA) using Bandar Seri Begawan as a hub. RBA has this plan before, they want passengers coming to Sabah and Sarawak to stop over in Brunei. So it is possible that Brunei can be the hub. This is part of BIMP-EAGA,” he stressed.

Continue reading at: Sabah Air urged to talk to Brunei Airlines on setting up airline
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Gaya Street to hold City Day heritage exhibition

2012-01-17T18:19:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Reminisce and learn more about Gaya Street, known as Bond Street in the past, with ‘Bonding with Gaya Street’ programme will be held at Lintasan Deasoka and Gaya Street on February 11 and 12.

Bonding with Gaya Street is a community heritage exhibition co-organized by City Hall and North Borneo History Enthusiasts (NBHE) in conjunction with Kota Kinabalu City Day celebration.

NBHE is a group on Facebook that was created by Beaufort entrepreneur Justin Sunam Wong on May 7 last year, whereby its members comprise history enthusiasts dedicated to discovering, preserving and sharing the rich heritage of Sabah.

Organizing chairperson of the programme, Datin Fazar Datuk Arif, said it is Gaya Street’s 61st anniversary this year. Many might not know that the first 17 shophouses built along an area called Bond Street are what we know as Gaya Street now.

On the communal level, the organizers will be collaborating with Gaya Street shop owners to host mini exhibits which include stories, photographs and artifacts contributed by the public for Gaya Street’s community heritage and history.

The exhibition will encompass the Gaya Street area, including an ‘A Go Go’ inspired concert called ‘Together Again’ to celebrate our veteran musicians and musical heritage.

“NBHE’s creative team intends to set Gaya Street abuzz from February 2 with the community heritage exhibition.

“The launch of the event and soft launching of a coffee table book will be on February 11, with the ‘Together Again’ music concert charting the popular musical journey of Sabah circa the 50s, and 60s in the evening,” said Fazar.

NBHE encourages members of the public to participate in the event by contributing their personal stories and photographs of Gaya Street. Stories and photographs can be emailed to bergaya2012@gmail.com, with full name and contact details included for accreditation purposes.

A collection dropbox with an on-location photocopier machine will be set up specifically for public contribution purposes at Kedai Kopi Sen Chong Wah on Gaya Street. The dropbox will be open from 11.30am to 6pm, Monday to Sunday.

Continue reading at: Gaya Street to hold City Day heritage exhibition

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Travels in Borneo, the land of the orang-utan

2012-01-16T18:56:00.000+08:00

IT was somewhere between a refreshing beer and just before the drum beats of Canadian band Iskwew that I looked around and realised how at home I was in a remote cultural village in the middle of Borneo.

It was the three-day Rainforest World Music Festival - a tribal Big Day Out - that hooked me on Malaysia.

It only took an hour to drive from the bustling city of Kuching to the Sarawak Cultural Village where the festival was in full swing with music workshops, sizzling food stalls and performers tuning up.

We stayed at the Kuching Hilton, an imposing hotel of 315 guest rooms perched on the Sarawak River.

The city was laid at our feet and we could explore the waterfront, pose with the city’s bizarre giant cat statues and brush up on local history in the Sarawak Museum.

A leisurely 275km journey, with stops at rubber, cocoa and pepper farms and a short boat ride, took us to the Batang Ai Longhouse Resort, managed by Hilton, its only jungle property.

Its 11 accommodation blocks are based on traditional Borneo longhouses.

Tours upstream the Ulu Air river in motorised longboats led us to the start of a humid but memorable trek under the rainforest canopy of the Batang Ai National Park, home to protected wildlife like orang-utans, hornbills and gibbons.

We were on the lookout for the notoriously shy ‘rangas’, but the only sign of them was their droppings in the middle of our track. Still, it was nice to know they were there, high up in the trees, watching us.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Travels in Borneo, the land of the orang-utan

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KLIA-Sandakan Direct Flights To Resume Feb 18

2012-01-16T18:51:00.000+08:00

Direct flights between Sandakan and Kuala Lumpur are expected to resume on Feb 18.

According to a statement from the Prime Minister's Office, the move would bring the frequency of direct flights between KL International Airport (KLIA) main terminal and Sandakan to 11 times weekly.

The statement was issued after a meeting between Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak and Malaysia Airlines senior management to discuss various issues relating to the operations of the national carrier, including moves affecting consumers in Sabah and Sarawak.

"Among the issues discussed was the reintroduction of direct flights between Sandakan and Kuala Lumpur in recognition of existing and growing demand for premium direct full service connectivity between Sandakan and KLIA main terminal," the statement said.

Sandakan, on the east coast of Sabah, is the state's second largest city.

Continue reading at: KLIA-Sandakan Direct Flights To Resume Feb 18
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Rhino breeding facility urgently needed in Borneo

2012-01-15T18:19:00.000+08:00

TABIN: There is now an urgent need to establish the Borneo Rhino Sanctuary (BRS) breeding facility.

The facility, expected to cost around RM8 million is needed badly, and while the government has agreed to its establishment in 2008, it has not been built yet, Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA) Executive Director Datuk Dr Junaidi Payne said this to reporters visiting the interim facility on Thursday.

“I hope the capture of Puntung would prompt the government of Malaysia with renewed interest because we are in need of this proper long term breeding facility,” said Payne.

Puntung is a young Sumatran rhino that was captured on December 18, 2011, within the reserve itself and was moved to the interim facility next to the sole male rhino in captive, Tam, on Dec 25, last year.

“A tentative estimate of her age is 10 to 12 years old. She is feeding well and putting on weight,” he said.

Payne added that the capture of Puntung haD raised their hopes for survival of the species.

“What I can say at this stage is that we have a potentially fertile male, Tam, and a potentially fertile female, Puntung. So we are now presented with a potential that wasn’t there before, several years ago. If nothing else, it gives us something like the confidence element, not only for BORA but also the government, and that is something worth pursuing,” said Payne.

Without the facilities established, mating for Puntung and the sole male captive rhino on site, Tam, would have to take place in a small paddock between the night stall and the forest paddock, which Payne described, as tiny and not ideal.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Rhino breeding facility urgently needed in Borneo

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Sabah Air told to start with chartered flights

2012-01-13T18:59:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Air can start with chartered flights or engage strategic partners prior to running a full-fledged airline due to the complexity involved.

Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun suggested that Sabah Air should begin with chartered flights as it was an easier alternative to get the feel on how to run an airline.

His second suggestion, that is to engage strategic partners, will allow the company to run the airline with people with expertise.

Masidi was commenting on Sabah Air chairman Datuk Yusoff Mohd Kasim’s recent announcement that Sabah Air was looking at serving regional routes such as to Korea, Japan and Australia.

“Although it is a good concept, the process is complicated, starting with buying or leasing an aircraft.

“Buying an aircraft is not easy because there are only a few manufacturers in the world – Airbus and Boeing, and the waiting period is five years,” he said in an interview after officiating at a book launch here yesterday.

In addition, he said most leased aircraft were used ones.

Masidi also cautioned Sabah Air that there were more airlines losing money than making a profit worldwide.

For instance, airlines who do make money include Singapore Airlines while those expanding at a very fast rate are Middle Eastern companies such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad Airways, he said.

The minister meanwhile welcomed Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to have another discussion and find a better solution rather than cutting routes.

“I believe tentatively that they have read all the comments in the paper and they are disturbed with the reaction from Sabahans.

Continue reading at: Sabah Air told to start with chartered flights
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Tourism accreditation scheme will boost industry in Sabah

2012-01-13T18:56:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: The Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry has encouraged owners of business premises especially those related to tourism to participate in the Accreditation Scheme introduced to boost tourism in Sabah.

Sabah Tourism Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said the scheme would evaluate participating tourism players on the quality of their services and products.

“The ministry is very comfortable with the programme which will value-add the services and types of businesses that can be offered to tourists.

“The displayed certificate will draw tourists to the premises as they could expect better service and reasonably-priced items,” he said to reporters at Sinsuran, here yesterday after launching the ‘Fair Trade Tourism Select – An Accredited Outlet’ and ‘Kadaiku’ (‘my shop’ in local dialect) owned by Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd and incidentally the first outlet to be accredited.

Meanwhile, Kota Kinabalu mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir said accredited business premises would be presented with a ‘Fair Trade Tourism Select’ sticker that is valid for one year.

Continue reading at: Tourism accreditation scheme will boost industry in Sabah

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2012 Borneo Jazz Festival: Musicians to come up with local jazz music

2012-01-12T18:46:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: Sarawak can produce its own style of jazz music and present it to the world, says Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg.

He thus challenged all jazz musicians here to compose a unique blend of jazz music by fusing it with the sound of the local multi-indigenous music scene.

“We have the capacity to do so. While it is good to hear foreign bands playing jazz music here we too need to present our own blend of jazz music to the world,” he told a press conference about the upcoming 2012 Borneo Jazz festival to be held at ParkCity Everly Hotel in Miri from May 11-12.

The two-day show is organised by Sarawak Tourism Board Leisure and Properties, a subsidiary of STB and Tourism Ministry.

Abang Johari, who is also Housing Minister, said that for a start, jazz musicians might have to prove their talent before they could be selected to present the state at any level.

“We have personalities such as Bob, Hafiz and many others who have competed in the Akademi Fanstasia and who can contribute to the local music scene,” he added.

On Miri as the venue of the jazz festival, the minister said Miri was an ideal venue in keeping with its status as a resort city and its natural ambience by the sea.

“Also, Miri straddles Sabah and Brunei which have a sizeable number of expatriate populations who love jazz music.”

Meanwhile, STB chief executive officer Datuk Rahsid Khan said the (jazz) festival would be able to create an economic spin off to the tune of RM15 million to the local economy this year..

“It generated an income of RM13 million last year and we hope to record more this year,” he added.

Continue reading at: 2012 Borneo Jazz Festival: Musicians to come up with local jazz music

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Tawau to hold international cultural festival

2012-01-12T18:39:00.000+08:00

TAWAU: The second Tawau International Cultural Festival is expected to attract between 50,000 to 70,000 visitors, and tourist and tourism players are called to play their role and promote the many places of interest in the district.

Tawau Municipal Council (TMC) president Datuk Ismail Mayakob when confirming the festival date on February 11, said this year’s festival would showcase the traditional wedding ceremony of each ethnic group apart from their unique traditional dance that would be performed by the villagers themselves and not by performers.

“There are a lot of changes this year and 25 ethnic groups have already confirmed their participation,” he said at a press conference yesterday.

Ismail said apart from the many ethnic groups in Tawau, Johore Bahru and Sarawak had also confirmed their participation, while Indonesia and Brunei had given a positive response to the invitation,” he said.

He said in the morning, there would be a showcase and sales of traditional food and the highlights would be at night in front of the TMC building.

Continue reading at: Tawau to hold international cultural festival
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Status of Borneo pygmy elephant upgraded

2012-01-11T18:29:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: The status of Sabah’s Bornean pygmy elephant will be upgraded to Part 1 of Schedule 1 of the Totally Protected Animals under the Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997 of the State.

Speaking during the closing ceremony of the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Colloquium 2012 held at the Le Meridien here yesterday, Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said his ministry had decided to upgrade the status of the species which is presently protected under Part 1 Schedule 2 of the same enactment.

The status upgrade was part of the objectives in the Sabah Elephant Action Plan 2012-2016, he said.

Masidi said that with the upgrade, the issue of the ‘no kill for elephant’ will not arise anymore.

“If you kill, you will go to jail. There is a requirement of a jail sentence. The penalty requires a jail sentence of between six months and five years,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sabah Wildlife Department director Dr Laurentius Ambu said that in the species present status, the penalty for killing an elephant is a fine of RM30,000 and/or imprisonment of three years.

He said that they had prosecuted a lot of cases involving the killing of elephants in Sabah.

However, he did not have the figure on hand.

He also said that prosecution was difficult as they needed concrete evidence before they could prosecute someone.

“Very often, they are not (prosecuted) and they get away scot-free. Evidence is hard to find,” he said.

Continue reading at: Status of Borneo pygmy elephant upgraded
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Unique Borneo trip aims to protect little known Sun Bear

2012-01-11T18:27:00.000+08:00

The label reads, "Please look after this bear. Thank you." It worked for Paddington but can it work for the Sun Bear of Borneo?

You may not have heard of the Sun Bear. They are the smallest of all species of bear, they like to live in trees, and yes, they do eat honey. Their existence is being threatened by loss of habitat through deforestation, poaching and uses in Asian medicine.

So, some people in Borneo have said enough is enough. In 2008, the Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre (BSBCC) was born. In August 2012, Kevin Albin who runs a trekking and expedition company, Let Loose with Adventure, will be leading a group to work at the Centre to continue this work.

The Bornean Sun Bear Conservation Centre was created by a group of people who wanted to help the bears including Siew Te Wong who has been studying them for a number of years. The Centre aims to provide care, rehabilitation and release of orphaned and captive sun bears as well as addressing the lack of knowledge and awareness.

They are getting ready to open to the public by building public access into the forest such as walk ways and observation platforms.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Unique Borneo trip aims to protect little known Sun Bear

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Cruise Ships Spur Sarawak's Tourism

2012-01-10T18:36:00.000+08:00

KUCHING -- The MV Orion II (Orion Expedition Cruises) from Australia, which is on its 10-night "Borneo-Rajahs, Riches & Rainforests" cruise, heralded the start of the 2012 season for cruise arrivals to Sarawak.

Maurice Balang, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) regional marketing manager for United Kingdom and Europe, said today that the ship, which sailed from Singapore, brought 100 passengers and 70 crew members to Sarawak, entering the Sim Kheng Hong Port in Pending here on Jan 2, via Bako National Park to Kuching.

"We welcome these cruises and look forward to more of such arrivals this year. This is definitely a very good start to the New Year," he said, adding that MV Orion II would then later sail to Pontianak in Kalimantan, cruising via Gunung Palung up to Tanjung Puting - Camp Leakey, Benoa in Kalimantan.

The passengers -- mostly from Australia, Canada, United Kingdom, Indonesia, New Zealand and United States -- were welcomed on arrival in traditional Sarawak style by 10 members of a cultural troupe courtesy of STB, and took the opportunity to visit the orang utan in Semenggoh Wildlife Centre and tour Kuching city attractions, he said.

Continue reading at: Cruise Ships Spur Sarawak's Tourism
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Sabah losing flagship wildlife species

2012-01-10T18:33:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah is losing her flagship species, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

According to him, there are now less than 11,000 orangutans, 6,000 proboscis monkeys, 2,000 elephants, 500 bantengs and 40 rhinos in Sabah.

On the other hand, the human population in the State is increasing.

“We are 3.2 million today in Sabah. In 2025, it is predicted that we will be 4.2 million, an increase of 30 percent. I don’t want to think that at the same time we will have a decrease of 30 percent in our wild populations: 7,700 orangutans, 4,200 proboscis monkeys, 1,400 elephants, 350 bantengs and 28 rhinos,” he said at the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Colloquium 2012 yesterday.

Masidi also expressed his disgust over the killing of 5,000 kilograms of pangolins that were smuggled out of Sabah last month.

He added that he had instructed his permanent secretary to conduct an immediate probe on the issue and said that poaching was a big problem.

Continue reading at: Sabah losing flagship wildlife species
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Govt opts for foreign airlines to serve Sabah

2012-01-10T18:31:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said with or without Malaysia Airlines (MAS), the state government will continue to talk to other airlines since Sabah will lose several direct flights to international destinations.

He said the state government had several high level talks with MAS, with one involving Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

“MAS have expressed commitment to look into our request but they have also stated that they cannot turn back on their decision… meaning to say we are definitely going to lose these direct flights.

“I think we should look into long-term and not short-term solutions. I am aware of their financial problem and I know they have serious financial problem, but at the same time I believe cutting down the air routes is not the only answer,” he said to reporters after representing Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman at the launching of Suria Sabah shopping mall here yesterday.

Masidi added the airline’s recent decision to suspend the routes servicing the Eastern Hub would only temporarily solve the problem facing MAS, but promoting Osaka, Haneda, Seoul and Perth with direct stop-overs at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) would certainly help the airline even for the medium term.

Continue reading at: Govt opts for foreign airlines to serve Sabah
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Sanctuary for displaced elephants, other wildlife in Sabah soon

2012-01-10T18:29:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD) is in the process of establishing a Borneo Pygmy Elephant Sanctuary at Lot 8, Kinabatangan.

Sabah Wildlife director Dr Laurentius Ambu told press members yesterday after the opening of the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Colloqium 2012 that the 2,000-hectare sanctuary would be used to house displaced elephants and other wildlife.

The sanctuary has received an initial funding of RM5 million from the Malaysian Palm Oil Council (MPOC) and RM1.5 million from a Japanese non-governmental organisation.

He said that the establishment of the sanctuary is crucial as 60 per cent of elephants in Sabah are located outside of protected areas and presently, some 60 to 100 elephants are waiting to be rescued at the Kalabakan and Tingkayu areas.

He added that the sanctuary will begin operation sometime this year.

Continue reading at: Sanctuary for displaced elephants, other wildlife in Sabah soon

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Extra MAS flights for coming CNY exodus welcomed

2012-01-09T18:29:00.000+08:00

SIBU: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will be mounting 14 extra flights for the KL/Sibu route and vice-versa, starting next week to ease the heavy bookings for Lunar New Year season.

According to the managing director of Equitorial Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd Robert Tan, this was a piece of good news for people returning to Sibu for the Chinese New Year (CNY) celebration.

“The load is very heavy in the run up to the Chinese community’s most important celebration. And MAS mounting additional flights will certainly do wonders to ease the heavy bookings and ensure that people reach home in time to spend the celebration with their families,” Tan told The Borneo Post when asked on air ticket bookings for the coming CNY.

However, he lamented that with the increased load triggered by the surging demand, the airfares are coming with a higher price tag.

“Starting next week, the fare for KL/Sibu (one-way) will cost about RM500 and the load is extremely high between Jan 19 and 21. The fare is priced as high as RM700 one-way during the peak period,” said Tan, who has 39 years of experience as a travel agent.

He pointed out that even the airfare for the low cost carrier costs about RM400 one-way.

He figured that the void left by FireFly (FF), which stopped flying the route on Dec 4 last year, was gradually being monopolised by AirAsia.

The drawback, said Tan, is that MAS has only one flight to KL, which is in the morning for now.

He recalled that initially when MAS resumed its service in December last year, they mounted two flights daily.

“But they have since reduced to a flight daily, and this may cause hassle to international bound travellers, who are on connecting flights,” he moaned.

Continue reading at: Extra MAS flights for coming CNY exodus welcomed

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A deer tale in Borneo

2012-01-08T18:16:00.000+08:00

IN recent weeks, I have seen two species of European deer: the artifi cial ones decorating shopping malls in Malaysia, Singapore and the UK with their glittering lights towing Santa’s sleigh, as well as two live deer in the fields beyond my house in South West England.

The Santa sleigh deer – reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) – is native to Northern Eurasia and North America.

Today, the Lapps in North Western Europe and the Tungus and Yakut peoples in Northern Siberia breed reindeer.

A herd has even survived in the Cairngorm Mountains in Scotland for over 40 years.

In the fi elds of a deep valley beyond my house, when taking two Chinese visitors on a ramble with my dog, we saw red deer (Cervus elaphus).

The red deer migrated to Britain from the European continent 11,000 years ago, when the English Channel was covered in ice near the end of the Pleistocene Ice Ages.

Carbon 14 dating has accurately identified the age of their antlers and long past lives in the UK.

The red deer now lives, in herds, in my nearest National Park on Exmoor, in valley woodlands and on the high exposed moors.

I know of one particular valley where I can guarantee my house visitors a view of 10 to 15 deer at almost any time and, during the rutting (mating) season, the sight of a magnificent stag with his huge, branching antlers held proudly aloft.

Photo shoots abound.

Having seen deer in public parks in China, my friends enquired about the species of deer I had observed in Asia.

Apart from the Shika deer – messengers from the gods – of Nara Park at Japan’s first national capital in Western Honshu, where the deer are tame, my encounters with wild deer have always been in East Malaysia.

The Bornean deer are all classified in the Cites lists as vulnerable verging on endangered species.

All deer are ungulates (hoof shaped animals) of the species Cervidae.

Muddy slightly crescent shaped imprints abound on paths and the sides of riverbanks.

Most deer have a facial gland set either in front of their eyes or beneath their chins, which secrete a strongly scented pheromone (a chemical to infl uence another animal’s behaviour) and this it does to excellent effect in the mating season to deter other deer from its territory.

(No wonder my dog has to be bathed at that time of the year when she comes back stinking of strong odours after rolling in a bed of reeds.) Interestingly in many classical paintings of deer, a teardrop seems to emerge from a deer’s eye – a sad-looking deer.

What the painter has not realised is that the deer is in love.

All deer are uni-parental, in that, after birth, it is the mother deer (doe) that cares for the offspring, whilst the stag disappears until he emerges, perhaps amongst other herds, to fi ght with opposing stags over his right to sire.

The Bornean yellow muntjac (Muntiacus atherodes) only occurs here and can be seen in the lowland areas of Gunung Gading, Lundu and near Bintulu as well as in the Mulu and Niah National Parks in Sarawak.

I have also seen them at the Danum Valley Conservation Area, alongside the River Danum in Sabah.

They are often referred to as barking deer, for they communicate with dog-like yelps, and are even considered a relic species of deer.

With antlers only seven centimetres long and a shoulder height of 50 centimetres, they are confi ned to moist forest areas alongside riverbanks and are easy game for poachers as they live essentially on herbs, grasses and seeds.

These are a subspecies of the Bornean red muntjac (Muntiacus muntjak), which is more evident in the Danum Valley.

Both species of deer are diurnal in their habits.

The mouse deer of Borneo is the tiniest of all deer, yet it is the one most mentioned in Malaysian folklore as a shy and timid creature, which always gets the better of bigger and stronger animals (apart from human poachers) through its superb cunning in order to survive.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: A deer tale in Borneo
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Book Review: Colourful guide to Borneo

2012-01-05T17:46:00.000+08:00

PHOTOGRAPHS in Enchanting Borneo, a colourful book by travel writer David Bowden, are beautiful enough to enchant one to plan a trip to the world's biggest island, Borneo.

Though it is not written like a typical travel guide book, it is handy for those making a trip there soon.

The 80-page glossy book is visually-driven and packed with basic information and interesting facts that will guide you on your destination.

The colourful travel photo book also makes a well-informed guide for those who wants to know more about the richness and diversity of Borneo.

The first chapter is an overview of Borneo where Bowden touches on the geography, history, people, the uniqueness of the habitats, plants and animals, as well as the adventures and lifestyle.

Borneo is home to a rich profusion of flora and fauna. With such a wild landscape, it's not surprising that it offers tourist a wealth of thrilling adventures like climbing the world's highest “via ferrata” on Mount Kinabalu, white-water rafting on a raging jungle river and even water skiing around the Borneo coastline.

Borneo is an unrivalled destination for adventurous eco-travellers.

Major parts of the book dissects all four places — Sabah, Sarawak, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesian Kalimantan — in four individual chapters.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Book Review: Colourful guide to Borneo

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Traditions endure in the Sarawak jungle

2012-01-04T18:49:00.000+08:00

In colonial times the tribes of the Sarawak jungle, Malaysia, were known as fierce warriors.

The Iban people in particular were feared headhunters, keeping the heads of those they killed, and a successful warring tribe.

They lived in traditional longhouses; wooden buildings on stilts made up of one long communal room and several smaller rooms.

Each small room was home to one family and it was not unusual for 100 people to live in a single longhouse community. Although today the tribes no longer practise headhunting, many Iban people still live in traditional longhouses deep in the rainforest, their lives steeped in superstition.

These are the people I was about to meet, deep in the Sarawak jungle.

I set off on a journey to one of the most remote tribes by longboat, a wooden canoe holding three or four people with a driver controlling an outboard motor on the back.

The simple boat is the only way to reach the longhouse, which is surrounded by thick jungle and has no road access. The boat winds along the Engkari River and we eventually stop, clamber out and walk up a hill to the main longhouse.

Along the way there are chickens in wooden cages, a man making a fishing net by hand, rubber trees and fruit growing wild along the path.

Our guide Edward, who grew up in a longhouse, briefs us on rules to follow while we are there. There can be no taking photographs of children who are too young to have teeth, no shoes inside and no refusing to taste the local rice wine. He has also warned us beforehand to bring a gift the people here will love - lollies. Lots of lollies in fact.

The Iban people share everything between everybody who lives in the longhouse, so that means bringing enough lollies between us for 30 families. It is 10am and we are welcomed with smiles, friendly faces and shots of homemade whisky. We are invited to sit down and handed a glass of local rice wine to drink. It is thankfully nowhere near as rough as the whisky.

Next, the chief of the tribe appears, wearing a traditional costume with a shield and a sword. He welcomes us to the longhouse, with Edward acting as an interpreter, and performs a surprisingly elegant warrior dance. His slow graceful movements seem to be something from a time gone by. Other people in the longhouse perform music and a woman in traditional dress dances a similar routine.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Traditions endure in the Sarawak jungle
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Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival: Forest gig

2012-01-04T18:46:00.000+08:00

Imagine a music festival where it is easy to buy a drink and there is plenty of space to wander around markets and food stalls. A concert where there are no queues for toilets and a beer costs 8RM ($2.50).

Far from the Australian festival scene, the Rainforest World Music Festival is a three-day event held annually in Sarawak, Malaysia.

I head along to the first night of the festival, at the base of Mt Santubong, a 45-minute drive from the city of Kuching.

Held at the Sarawak Cultural Village, the festival is in the middle of the rainforest.

Although nearly 30,000 people flock to it each year, the festival has a surprisingly chilled-out vibe.

During the day there are musicians' workshops, jam sessions and a craft bazaar, and as the light fades, these give way to the main concert performances.

Many of the festival-goers I meet are content to sit on a grassy hill under trees lit up with beams of coloured light while the artists play.

Some visit market stalls to have intricate patterns cut into their hair while others relax in bars set up away from the main stages and watch all the action on big screens.

It is just the kind of place that makes me feel like getting a henna tattoo.

Despite the laid-back attitude of Rainforest World Music Festival fans, or perhaps because of it, the event has been rated one of the best 25 international festivals by British world music magazine Songlines.

We arrive about 7pm, in time to see a huge Malaysian band perform a show packed with more colour and smiles than a musical at Disneyland.

Next up are a group of Canadian singers, who in my ignorance about world music sound a little too much like wailing.

All night, the heavens threaten to open and turn the event into a giant mud puddle dotted with people in plastic sheets but, thankfully, the downpour holds off.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival: Forest gig

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Sabah Air’s domestic airline proposal timely

2012-01-04T18:43:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Air’s proposal to set up a domestic airline to service the regional and domestic routes is timely to take care of the tourism sector.

Federation of Sabah Manufacturers (FSM) president Datuk Seri Panglima Wong Khen Thau said the state could not rely on other airlines to open up and close a route, as had happened with Malaysia Airline’s suspension of four direct flights in the regional network from Japan, Korea and Perth, Australia.

He pointed out that different provinces in China such as Shenzhen, Hainan and Shanghai have their own airlines.

Sabah, being such a large state, should have an airline to cater and look after our tourism industry, he said.

Wong said the suspended routes to and from Japan and Korea have been established for years, and it was unacceptable to suspend the direct flights.

Continue reading at: Sabah Air’s domestic airline proposal timely
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Sabah Air aims to be alternative airline for Sabahans

2012-01-03T18:36:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Air Aviation Sdn Bhd aims to be the alternative airline for Sabahans to destinations in the region which Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will stop flying to.

According to its chairman, Datuk Yusoff Mohd Kasim, Sabah Air is currently looking at serving regional routes such as to Korea, Japan and Australia.

Yusoff in a statement recently said that in view of the fast developing scenario for Sabah, Sabah Air is confident to serve the State profitably when all relevant landing rights in Seoul, Haneda, Osaka and Perth (to and fro Kota Kinabalu) is given to it, which MAS is currently in the process of giving up.

Sabah Air is prepared to take over these routes and is making the necessary arrangements for the same, to be activated as soon as the ‘go ahead’ is given, he said, adding that the aviation company had been working internally on a comprehensive plan to start a scheduled flight service dedicated to the State and the region over the last three months.

The plan covers regional as well as domestic routes, and is in its final stages of maturity. Once the board gives an “Authority to Proceed”, Sabah Air will be officially applying to the Department of Civil Aviation Malaysia and Ministry of Transport for relevant approvals, Yusoff added.

Sabah Air, he pointed out, has the necessary experience and ability to solve this rapidly developing problem while consolidating its plan and execute the long-term practical solution for the State.

“We are strong in our conviction that all this can be achieved while staying true to the principle of inclusive development for all Sabahans,” he said, adding that the fountainhead of the plan is a three pronged strategy to fill the gap created, especially in the tourism sector in the immediate aftermath of incumbent service providers possibly pulling out of certain sectors.

“This pullout is expected to produce a massive backlash on the State’s economy in the short to medium term. Sabah Air has the necessary solution to address the long-term issues of international connectivity for the continued benefit of the State and its economy, at the same time bring the long isolated rural areas of the State into the mainstream; logistically and economically.

“Sabah Air agrees and is working in tandem with Warisan Harta Sdn Bhd’s current thinking on this matter, to find a practical and profitable solution for the long term,” he said.

According to Yusoff, Sabah Air’s strategy, includes addressing immediate issues faced by passengers who had booked air flights but are facing potential cancellations due to service providers pulling out of these sectors. Sabah Air is already in negotiations with potential aircraft lessors to fill the gap under the company’s Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) – Charter on a Wet Lease Basis.

Wet Lease, he explained, means the company will lease aircraft along with crew, maintenance and insurance.

Sabah Air is also in discussions with relevant authorities in the State tourism sector; government and operators to get an accurate picture of the tourism sector, their travel timelines and other respective details such as local destinations so on so forth, he said, adding that the information would then be put to effective use to solve the problem at the earliest.

“To address the long term needs of the state of Sabah in terms of connectivity to the relevant foreign destinations with a more permanent arrangement, Sabah Air will be effectively moving up the value chain to form a full-fledged airline to serve East Malaysia, and eventually the BIMP-EAGA region and possibly beyond.

“The main focus will be to provide an efficient logistical support for passengers and cargo; and connect this region to the rest of the world. To address the air connectivity issue for rural interiors of Sabah, with a customized and localized cost effective solution, and eventually duplicate the business model to other rural regions of East Malaysia,” he said.

Continue reading at: Sabah Air aims to be alternative airline for Sabahans

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Sabah government backs Sabah Air’s request for routes, landing rights

2012-01-03T18:33:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Air Aviation Sdn Bhd’s request for the routes and landing rights forfeited by Malaysia Airline (MAS) has received the full support of State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

The state government, Masidi said, was ready to negotiate and make arrangements for another airline to take over these routes.

According to Masidi, he had personally written to the Transport Minister in November last year, to give notice to the state government so that it can request these routes and landing rights to be given to it upon cessation of MAS’ flight to these destinations.

The state government would then negotiate and make arrangement with another airline to take over these routes, he said adding, “I totally support Sabah Air’s stand on their request for the routes and landing rights forfeited by MAS to give to the local aviation company.

According to Masidi he had, during the Sabah Tourism Award event on November 19 last year, said that there was a need of another regional airline to serve the specific needs of Sabah and Sarawak.

“Tourism is one of the three major industries in Sabah and the only industry which involves and employs mainly locals. It is the industry that has the biggest potential to spur economic growth in Sabah.

“A Sabah/Sarawak designated regional airline is important to the development of the tourism industry because we are situated on an island and air connectivity is a crucial component of the travel industry.

“In the case of Sabah, over 94 percent of our tourists come to Sabah by air,” Masidi stressed.

He also pointed out that the state government has not been sitting idle with the impending announcement by MAS of the suspension and cancellation of some routes that would affect Sabah’s interests.

The government has had numerous meetings with the management of MAS trying to work out other options other than routes cancellation.

“A senior opposition leader claimed that even Tiger Air pulled out of Sabah as a result of MAS-Air Asia tie-up. Perhaps he needs to refresh his memory as Tiger Air stopped their service to KK (from Singapore) in October 2009, long before the current issue cropped up. Tiger Air made the decision for commercial reason as the BKI/SING route is a very competitive one,” he said.

Continue reading at: Sabah government backs Sabah Air’s request for routes, landing rights

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Pandaw Cruise operator persuaded to continue operation

2012-01-03T18:31:00.000+08:00

SIBU: Second Finance Minister Dato Sri Wong Soon Koh yesterday said the Pandaw Cruise operator would be persuaded to continue operating along the Rajang River.

“I hope it is not their final decision. We will find time to persuade them to see whether or not they will carry on (the operations),” Wong, who is also Minister of Local Government and Community Development, told The Borneo Post.

The Sibu Municipal Council (SMC)’s Culture, Arts, Sports and Tourism Standing Committee was disturbed by the decision by Irrawaddy Flotilla Company to cease Malaysia’s first river cruise.

Its chairman Sempurai Petrus Ngelai reportedly said during SMC’s full council meeting last week that they would bring the matter to Wong’s attention.

He said that during the past two years of its operation, the river cruise had lured tourists to Sibu and boosted its tourism industry.

Wong, when asked later if the cessation of the river cruise would affect the tourism industry in Sibu, said: “Yes, to a certain extent.”

Meanwhile, Irrawaddy Flotilla Company stated in the Pandaw newsletter dated Nov 24 last year that it would stop the river cruise on the 640km Rajang River.

The newsletter cited operational and logistical difficulties as reasons for the cessation.

It was reported in several newspapers that it would sail up Malaysia’s longest river for the last time in March, and that its swan song voyage was already almost fully booked.

Meanwhile, when contacted earlier, Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) said it had been notified, but could not do much.

“It’s a commercial venture. The Pandaw cruise is subject to market forces,” STB director of Corporate Communication Angelina Bateman reportedly said.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Pandaw Cruise operator persuaded to continue operation

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Kapit hive of activities during festive seasons

2012-01-03T18:29:00.000+08:00

KAPIT: The interior town of Kapit literally comes alive twice annually, during Gawai Dayak and weeks before the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

On these occasions, the town would be filled mostly with locals returning for family unions and also for the reopening of the new school term, where parents accompanied their children to school.

Businessmen love these occasions, with some firms reporting a 10 fold spike in their monthly revenue! It is very common to see furniture and electrical appliances stores, telecommunication outlets, textile shops, barber shops, and eateries jammed packed with patrons.

Since the middle of December last year till now, the hotel occupancy rate in Kapit hovered at more than 90 per cent. There are a total of 400 rooms here, and except for a handful of 2-star hotels, the rest are budget class.

When the school holidays started in the middle of November last year, the express boats also enjoyed brisk business. Kapit is, in a way, ‘an island’ because it is only accessible by express boats from Sibu, Belaga or Putai in Baleh.

A trip to Kapit from Sibu takes about three hours, passing through Kanowit, Nanga Dap, Nanga Ngemah and Song.

As for Belaga to Kapit, travelling time depends on the water level, but in general it’s about five hours journey.

From the interior Putai to Kapit, one can expect to remain in the express boats for three hours.

The food and drink vendors too are smiling all the way to the bank. They know that many longhouse folks, especially those who work in the timber industry, would normally take yearend leave and would think nothing of gulping down can after can of beer. To cater to this group of clients, the vendors would normally extend their operating hours. Wet market Gelanggang Terasang, along Jalan Penghulu Gerinang, is also the spot where a huge crowd of shoppers would convene.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Kapit hive of activities during festive seasons

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Sabah tourism industry backs Sabah Air expansion plan

2012-01-02T18:30:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah’s tourism industry is backing the state owned carrier’s plan to operate as a full fledged airline flying within East Malaysia and regional destinations.

Malaysian Association of Tours and Travel Agents Sabah chairman K.L. Tan said there was much potential for Sabah Air Aviation Sdn Bhd to operate profitably as an airline.

He said there were so many successful models that Sabah Air could study.

“Singapore Airlines is an example. In a tough operating environment of soaring fuel costs, it could still post a net profit of RM108mil,” Tan said yesterday.

He said Sabah Air’s airline plan would mean the state being less dependent on Malaysia Airlines to fly tourists here.

Sabah Air chairman Datuk Yusoff Kassim said on Friday that the company for the past three months had been mapping out a comprehensive strategy to begin a scheduled flight service within the state and nearby destinations.

The company would seek the Transport Ministry and Department of Civil Aviation approvals once the Sabah Air board gave its green light.

He said Sabah Air’s move was necessary due to some airlines ceasing flights from here to various regional destinations.

Malaysia Airlines had announced it was suspending flights from Kota Kinabalu to Perth, Haneda, Osaka, Seoul from January as part of the carrier’s rationalisation plan.

Continue reading at: Sabah tourism industry backs Sabah Air expansion plan

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Happy New Year 2012

2012-01-01T21:29:00.003+08:00

Greetings from all of us here at e-borneo.com! We would like to wish all our customers, partners, site visitors & friends a Happy New Year..., with hopes of good health and prosperity for 2012! It was a pleasure serving you in 2011 and we would like to thank you for your continuous support.

In the coming year, e-borneo.com will be online for 13 years, and 10 years in providing travel services.

Once again, our sincere appreciation and thanks for all your support throughout the years, to enable us to show you the Best of Borneo, either physically or virtually.

We will not be here today without you.

2012 still holds the mystery of future endeavours, but we will strive to continue being the travel planner leader in Borneo tourism, and to continue establishing a reputation and brand name for quality service and reliability. We are optimistic that we can serve each and everyone of you more efficient and more effective next year.

To achieve this, your support is greatly appreciated once again for an excellent year ahead! Through your support, feedback and constructive criticism, we can improve our service to serve you even better next year and beyond. So, make a date to visit Sabah and Borneo in 2012 and let us assist you to discover the ultimate nature, wildlife and adventure vacation destination.

Last but not least...,

Peace in your HEART
Health in your BODY
Wealth in your LIFE
Joy in your HOME.

May you always be blessed with these priceless treasures.

Happy New Year 2012!

Warmest Regards,

Management and Staff
E-BORNEO.COM TOURS & TRAVEL SDN BHD (862652-M)

Lot No. 7, 2nd Floor, Block C
Lintas Jaya Uptownship
88200 Penampang
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Malaysia
Tel/Fax: +6-088-722606
URL: http://www.e-borneo.com/

P.S. Do take note that our office will be closed on Monday, 02 January 2012. For travel and related requests, do note that all your e-mails enquiries may be replied during this holiday period (depending on priority and/or importance) but earliest confirmation can only be processed on Tuesday, 03 January 2012.

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Bakun offers huge tourism potential

2012-01-01T18:46:00.001+08:00

THE Sungai Asap resettlement scheme in Belaga where the Bakun Hydroelectric Dam is located, can be transformed into one of the best tourist destinations in Sarawak.

It has yet to be fully explored and promoted but most of the tourism-related industry players believe once the facilities are in place, it will become one of the world’s ‘must-go’ tourist destinations.

The Sungai Asap resettlement scheme was set up in 1998 to accommodate some 15,000 people from 15 longhouses who had to be relocated from their original villages in Balui River to make way for the Bakun Hydro project.

Principal Assistant Secretary to the Tourism Ministry Mary Wan Mering said travel agents needed to come up with exciting packages.

“I am happy that the longhouse folks are trying to start homestay programmes to improve their living standard. The ministry is hopeful their initiative will ensure the success of homestay programmes in Sungai Asap,” she said at the recent launching of the Uma Belor Leo Dian Belaga homestay programme.

“Homestay operators in Uma Belor must learn from successful operators through educational visits to Peninsular Malaysia. This will be one of the ministry’s plans.”

Mary hoped the locals would take advantage on what Bakun could offer, especially in ecotourism.

“The potential is there to be tapped. The people must seize the opportunity to benefit from this unique tourism asset,” she said.

Meanwhile, Samuel Chung, managing director of Straits Central Travel & Tour Agencies disclosed at the launching of Uma Belor Sungai Asap home-stay that six travel agents participated in the Bakun familiarisation trip.

“We have been to few longhouses. They are among the best products that can be commercialised locally and internationally,” he said.

Air connection

He suggested travel agents work with the local airline to promote Uma Belor as a transit point.

“With the help of the Tourism Ministry, we have talked to the airline to give us a special fare. I hope this will materialise soon. I have spoken to general manager of MasWing and he has agreed to hold further discussions on the matter.

“We want to concentrate on eco-tourism — the people come here for Nature. We also want to help train local tour guides to protect the interests of the local people. We are fully committed to this,” he added.

Chung also suggested a tourism task group be formed to educate the homestay operators on the tourism industry.

Earlier, during an interview, he described Bakun as a very interesting new product.

“Of course, we have the Batang Ai Dam which is beautiful as well but Bakun dam is something else – it’s one of the biggest in the world. So it’s the job for the tourism people to develop the area as a tourism product.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Bakun offers huge tourism potential
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Sabah ‘no’ to flights slash

2011-12-30T16:46:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah, as a minority shareholder in Malaysia Airlines, is objecting to the carrier's move to slash flights from the state capital to various international destinations.

State-owned Warisan Harta Sabah Sdn Bhd said besides affecting investment and tourist arrivals, MAS' move would discourage other airlines from flying out of Kota Kinabalu International Airport.

Warisan Harta, the state government's investment arm, represents the state as the minority shareholder in the airline.

Its chairman Datuk Ramlee Marahaban said MAS should focus on fulfilling its social obligations instead of merely thinking about its commercial ambitions.

Ramlee said there were concerns that the recent share swap deal between Khazanah Nasional the Federal Government's investment arm and Tune Air Sdn Bhd would result in both MAS and AirAsia merely protecting their commercial interests.

He said the Sabah government's views as a minority stakeholder in MAS were not sought before the share swap deal was worked out.

MAS will suspend its twice weekly Kota Kinabalu-Osaka service from Jan 6 and thrice weekly Kota Kinabalu-Perth flights from Jan 31.

Continue reading at: Sabah ‘no’ to flights slash
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8 things you should know about the Borneo Sumatran rhino

2011-12-29T18:46:00.001+08:00

The smallest of all

The Borneo Sumatran rhino (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harrison) is a sub-species of the Sumatran rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis). It is the smallest of five living species, standing at about 145cm (4 feet 9 inches) and measuring 3m and 17cm (10 feet 5 inches) in length. It weighs between 500kg and 1,000kg. It can live up to about 30 years.

Unique to Borneo

The Sumatran rhinos are found in Indonesia's Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, southern Thailand and on Borneo island. But the Borneon sub-species lives only on Borneo island. It is one of three species with two horns and is the only one in Asia. Two other Asian rhino species, the Indian and the Javan, have one horn. The White and Black African rhinos have two horns. The Sumatran rhino and its Borneon cousin have a front horn of between 25cm and 79cm long and a smaller one which is shorter than 10cm.

They have reddish brown hair which gives them the nickname of "hairy rhino".

Facing extinction

Nobody knows how many of them are left in the rainforest that straddles the east Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak and Indonesia's Kalimantan province on Borneo island, the world's third largest. The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) estimates that there are between 30 and 70 of them. A 2005 survey found evidence of only 13 rhinos in Sabah.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: 8 things you should know about the Borneo Sumatran rhino

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Discounts for in-bound tourists to Sabah holding holiday privilege card

2011-12-28T18:39:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: In-bound tourists travelling under the brand, ‘Perfect Holidays’, can now enjoy discounts and value-added privileges from participating vendors and merchants with the launch of Perfect Holidays Tourists’ Privilege Card.

Launched by Perfect Vacation Sdn Bhd, the privilege card covers more than 20 merchants that offer services such as dining, shopping, water sports activities, excursions, scuba diving and more. The card also entitles tourists to discounts on drinks at selected night entertainment outlets.

Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun, who attended the launching ceremony, said Chinese tourist arrivals to Sabah had increased by 37 per cent in the first 10 months of this year.

He added that work would be done to ensure that tourists arrival to the state would not be dampened with the suspension of four direct flights in the regional network by Malaysia Airlines (MAS).

“I believe Sabah has a bright future in the tourism industry and we will work hard to make sure Sabah is the best tourism destination in Malaysia,” he said.

On the other hand, the Perfect Holidays Tourists’ Privilege Card would also benefit retailers and service providers as participating vendors receive free exposure via the vendors’ listing on the card’s website.

Priority is also given to vendors to offer their services to in-bound tourists travelling with “Perfect Holidays”. Vendor registration is free and there are no annual fees.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Discounts for in-bound tourists to Sabah holding holiday privilege card

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Sabah Air urged to fill air access vacuum

2011-12-27T15:59:00.000+08:00

The Government should heed the call of air travellers in Sabah and Sarawak to review the recently concluded collaboration between MAS and AirAsia because it had effectively ended any competition in the airline industry to the disadvantage of the rakyat.

"The two airlines now being partners in business seem now more interested in profits than in carrying out its corporate social responsibility role with emphasis on international routes," said Labuan Consumer Council (LCC) Chairman Fauziah Datuk Din.

She said when the alliance was developed through a share swap between the two airlines, concerns had been expressed by many that East Malaysian travellers would suffer but the Transport Ministry assured this would not be the case.

She said it turned out that the Government doesn't know best as not only flights between KL, Kuching, Labuan and Kota Kinabalu been reduced but the costs have also soared with KL-KK flights fetching up to RM700.

"And even this depends on availability of seats."

"I was told flights between Sandakan and Penang on AirAsia can go up to RM1,000 and this also is fully booked."

She said Firefly was becoming the public's favourite but was stopped altogether following the MAS-AirAsia collaboration.

"Adding to this, it was reported that four MAS direct international flights to Kota Kinabalu would be suspended from next year," she said.

"If nothing can be done, the other options are to either bring back Firefly or for Sabah Air to consider applying to serve the KK-Kuching-Labuan-KK route by leasing aircraft," she said.

She said air connections were important to Sarawak, Labuan and Sabah and the Transport Ministry should not lose its focus since its has been tasked to improve public transportation under the National Key Results Area.

"The subsidies given to MAS should now be questioned since the rakyat are not benefitting."

Continue reading at: Sabah Air urged to fill air access vacuum
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Pandaw cruise boat cruising into the sunset

2011-12-27T15:56:00.000+08:00

RV Orient Pandaw the cruise boat that brings tourists into the heart of Borneo along the mighty Rajang is sailing into the sunset as it will cease operation next year.

It will sail up the longest river in Malaysia for the last time in March and its swansong voyage is already almost fully booked with just a few tickets left available.

The Pandaw newsletter recently announced the cessation of its Rajang cruise explaining that “…logistical and operational difficulties of working are so tough an environment that the project has been commercially unsuccessful”.

Pandaw the largest luxury river cruise operator in South East Asia runs river expedition cruises in four countries in the region – Burma on the Irrawaddy and Chindwin Rivers, Cambodia and Vietnam on Mekong River and Malaysia on Rajang River.

The Sarawak Tourism Board had been notified but there is nothing it could do because as a commercial venture the Pandaw Rajang cruise is subjected to market forces.

Direc tor of Corporation Communication of Angelina Bateman when contacted recently said; “Our role so far has been to help facilitate it by promoting the tour. Other than that we cannot get involved, except in helping them to promote since it is a commercial operation.”

Bateman expressed regret that the cruise failed to succeed as a commercial venture as it had helped to promote tourism in the state internationally.

When it was launched on July 1, 2009 it was hailed as a catalyst for the growth of the tourism industry in the central region of the state but it was also drew flaks from local tour operators who were left out of its travel itinerary.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Pandaw cruise boat cruising into the sunset

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Capture of rare Sumatran rhino gives hope for species

2011-12-26T18:56:00.000+08:00

Malaysian wildlife authorities said Monday the capture of a young female Borneo Sumatran rhino had given them a last chance to save the highly endangered species from extinction.

The female rhino, aged between 10 and 12 years old, was caught on December 18 and is being kept in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Sabah on the Malaysian area of Borneo island where it is hoped it will breed with a lone captive male.

"All of us in Sabah are relieved that we have been able to capture this rhino after almost a year-and-a-half," Borneo Rhino Alliance director Junaidi Payne told AFP.

The female rhino, which has been named Puntung, was caught in a joint operation by the Borneo Rhino Alliance and the Sabah Wildlife Department.

"This is now the very last chance to save this species, one of the most ancient forms of mammal," Laurentius Ambu, director of the Sabah Wildlife Department, said in a statement.

Puntung had been specifically targeted since early 2010 as the mate for a 20-year-old, lone male rhino named Tam, who was rescued from an oil palm plantation in August 2008.

"It is an ideal age for breeding. Puntung and Tam are being kept in adjacent paddocks. They can see each other and there is some communication," Payne said.

Previous attempts in the 1980s and 1990s to breed Borneo Sumatran rhinos failed but Payne said he was "cautiously optimistic" the latest captive breeding programme would succeed.

The critically endangered Sumatran rhino is a mostly solitary animal except for courtship and rearing young.

Payne said the main threat to the survival of species "is there are so few and they do not mate in the wild."

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Capture of rare Sumatran rhino gives hope for species

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Tough year ahead for Sabah hotels

2011-12-26T18:52:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Room occupancy rate expected to drop below 60 per cent next year.

The hotel industry in Kota Kinabalu is performing well this year as three-star hotels and above are experiencing an occupancy rate of 64 per cent as of November, an increase of four per cent compared to the same period last year.

However, Malaysian Association of Hotels (MAH) Sabah and Labuan president Alex Cham predicted that the occupancy rate might drop below 60 per cent next year as Malaysia Airlines (MAS) recently announced the suspension of four routes on the regional network starting early 2012.

The suspended routes include the twice-weekly Kota Kinabalu-Osaka (starting January 6), the thrice-weekly Kota Kinabalu-Perth (January 31), the four-weekly Kota Kinabalu-Haneda (February 1) and the four-weekly Kota Kinabalu-Seoul return B737 route (February 21).

In terms of average room rate, there was a slight drop from RM256 last year to RM250 this year, which Cham attributed to the more competitive environment with more new hotels coming up.

Room rates aside, the tourism industry is actually picking up with more tourist arrivals this year with the announcement to make Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) the Eastern hub and the addition of more direct flights from Kota Kinabalu to Korea, Japan and Perth in Australia.

Cham told The Borneo Post in an interview the hotel industry was starting to enjoy a rebound from the financial crisis in 2008 and lower occupancy rate in 2009, but the suspension of direct flights would hit tourism arrivals to Sabah.

In addition, Cham said Japanese or Korean tourists preferred direct flights, instead of stopovers and connecting from Kuala Lumpur and finally to Kota Kinabalu, which was time consuming.

When the earthquake and tsunami hit Japan in March, Sabah actually saw an increase in Japanese tourists arrival, he said, due to the availability of direct flights.

Cham continued to say that there used to be a direct flight from Japan several years ago, and when the flight was taken off the route, the industry immediately noticed a drop in tourist arrival from Japan.

Furthermore, Cham said Royal Brunei had cancelled its flight from Kota Kinabalu to Perth when MAS launched the route, and now he was not sure if Royal Brunei would resume the route again.

“The decision by MAS (suspending four routes in the regional network) is not a good thing for tourism.

“Sabah tourism is a major income source after the oil palm plantations,” he said.

He pointed out that MAS should find a solution to cut their losses instead of suspending direct flights as it would impact on the tourism industry here, and probably reducing national income.

MAH Sabah and Labuan Chapter has 47 members, the majority of them three-star and above.

“If MAS cut down on direct flights, the occupancy rate could decline below 60 per cent next year.

“Because as more hotels come up, the cake is not large enough to share,” Cham stressed.

Meanwhile, Sabah Hotel Association (SHA) president Christopher Chan said larger hotels (three-star and above) had achieved an overall 70 to 80 per cent occupancy rate this year while budget hotels (two-star and below) reported a drop of around 10 per cent in their occupancy rate.

Continue reading at: Tough year ahead for Sabah hotels
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From the Heart of Borneo

2011-12-25T18:39:00.000+08:00

AS we go into the holiday season, perhaps we should reflect on the gifts of Mother Nature.

Think back to Nov 12, 2011, when the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) started a campaign to increase familiarity and appreciation of Pade Adan (commonly known as Bario rice), as part of the three nation — Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia — transnational Heart of Borneo initiative.

The Heart of Borneo, first visualised in the early part of the 21st century, is a vision of the kaleidoscope of all the factors that make the mountainous spine running down the island of Borneo important. The total value of the components — land, water, air, biodiversity of living creatures, including man, is much greater than the individual — so much so that if one is lost, then all are likely to be dramatically negatively affected. This mountainous region acts as the heart and lungs of the island.

The fine-flavoured Pade Adan is the result of man, the farmers in the Krayan-Kelabit Highlands from Bario, Ba Kelalan, Long Semado, Long Pasiah and their counterparts in the Krayan valley of Kalimantan, understanding the natural resources of the highland plateaus and sustainably using them while working with the forces of nature.

The promotion of this indigenous product, in my view, symbolises the vision that WWF and its partners had with the inception of the Heart of Borneo initiative.

The Heart of Borneo aims to develop partnerships at all levels, from the grassroots to government administration, to ensure that effective management of the protected and productive forests and other land uses can be sustained.

This initiative is not about excluding man, but recognises that we are part of the environment. The development and promotion of ‘Green and Fair Products’ originating in the spine of Borneo can provide much needed economic input into the area through sustainable use of resources.

Pade Adan, of which there are three varieties, Adan Merah (red), Adan Putih (white) and Adan Hitam (black), is an example of a traditional product that can be grown through the sustainable use of resources. This high-value crop is recognised within Sarawak and consumers are willing to purchase it at a premium.

Penghulu George Sigar from Ba Kelalan, during the opening ceremony to promote Pade Adan, described the steps in producing this fine quality rice.

Traditional wet rice cultivation practices are largely organic as artificial fertilisers and pesticides are not normally used. The fields are made in the wide river valleys in the plateaus. The choice of location depends on the topography (the flatter the more desirable) and the availability of water.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: From the Heart of Borneo
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Christmas miracle – healthy female rhino found in Tabin

2011-12-25T18:36:00.000+08:00

LAHAD DATU: There was Christmas joy in the jungle yesterday as a healthy young female Sumatran Rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis harrissoni) was safely translocated within the Tabin Wildlife Reserve (TWR).

The Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), Borneo Rhino Alliance (BORA) and the SWD’s special Wildlife Rescue Unit (WRU) captured the rhino, named Puntung, in a joint operation.

“This is a fantastic gift for our uphill battle in ensuring the survival of this truly unique species and wonderful timing with Christmas, a time to give thanks for our blessings,” said an elated Dr Laurentius Ambu, the director of SWD.

Capturing and translocating Puntung was done after months of observation and careful logistical planning to ensure her safety by the dedicated field staff of SWD, BORA and WRU.

“We have monitored her since 2007, and there is no sign that any other rhino has entered into her range in the past five years. This is a stark indication that so few rhinos remain that they are simply not meeting for reproduction,” elaborated Datuk Dr Junaidi Payne, executive director of BORA.

Puntung had been specifically targeted since early 2010 as the mate for a middle-aged, lone male rhino named Tam, who was rescued from an oil palm plantation in August 2008 and cared for since then in the Borneo Rhino Sanctuary (BRS).

“We know all too well that Sumatran rhinoceros is on the brink of extinction with only definite signs of breeding in the wild over the past decade in Sabah and on the Indonesian island of Sumatra. However, this rate is still far too low to ensure its survival which is why we have initiated this captive breeding programme,” said Payne.

A key component of the State Action Plan to ensure the continued existence of the Sumatran rhino in Sabah includes captive breeding of the rhinos within a large enclosed area covering 20 hectares of natural forest located within TWR. This area is now known as the Borneo Rhino Sanctuary (BRS) and is managed by the State Government.

The BRS Programme is also in touch with a similar programme underway in Sumatra, Indonesia. While all possible efforts are being made to ensure that natural breeding is prioritised, advanced reproductive technologies, some yet to be developed, will be needed to boost the number of Sumatran rhinos being born as well.

Continue reading at: Christmas miracle – healthy female rhino found in Tabin

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Merry Tropical Christmas 2011

2011-12-25T14:36:00.000+08:00

A Blessed Christmas greeting from all staff at e-borneo.com and our travel company, E-BORNEO.COM TOURS & TRAVEL SDN BHD to all our clients, travel partners and web visitors who are celebrating Christmas.

Please take note that our office will be closed on Monday, 26 December 2011.

For travel and related requests, do note that all your e-mails enquiries may be replied during this holiday period (depending on priority and/or importance) but earliest confirmation can only be processed on Tuesday, 27 December 2011.

Christmas is not a time nor a season,
But a state of mind.
To cherish peace and goodwill,
To be plenteous in mercy,
Is to have the real spirit of Christmas.

May the good times and treasures of the present
become the golden memories of tomorrow.
May the joy and peace of Christmas be with you all through 2012.

Merry Tropical Christmas to Everyone from sunny Sabah Malaysian Borneo!

Best regards,

Management and Staff

E-BORNEO.COM TOURS & TRAVEL SDN BHD (862652-M ; KPL/LN 6169)
[ Travel Company of e-borneo.com ]

Lot No. 7, 2nd Floor, Block C
Lintas Jaya Uptownship 88200 Penampang
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Malaysia
Tel: +6-088-722606
Fax: +6-088-727606
URL: http://www.e-borneo.com/
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Flights cut to hit Sabah tourism

2011-12-24T18:46:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: The latest decision by Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to suspend four routes involving Sabah regional network early next year will have a short-term negative impact on tourist arrivals in Sabah, said Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun.

He said the state tourism industry will take some time to realign its marketing strategy and priority.

Masidi, who revealed his Ministry was aware of MAS’ impending move to suspend these routes as they have had a series of high level meetings with MAS management to discuss the issue and to appeal to them not to proceed with this drastic move, said they are nevertheless “not going to cry over spilled milk”.

“We are moving on. We have in fact started strategising our next moves to overcome this latest challenge and believe that this MAS episode would be a temporary setback,” he said.

MAS announced on Thursday that the suspension of the four routes is in addition to its rationalisation exercise involving eight routes of its international network announced last week.

The four routes and dates the suspensions take effect are twice-weekly Kota Kinabalu-Osaka return B737 route (January 6, 2012); thrice-weekly Kota Kinabalu-Perth return B737 route (January 31, 2012); four times weekly Kota Kinabalu-Haneda (Tokyo) return B737 route (February 1, 2012) and four times weekly Kota Kinabalu-Seoul return B737 route (February 21, 2012).

MAS Group chief executive officer Ahmad Jauhari Yahya said: “This suspension is until further notice and is part of our regional network consolidation involving single-aisle aircraft operations.

“We will be reviewing this situation in about three months time from the date of the first route suspension and will be deciding further by early April 2012″

“During the suspension, we will take advantage of our existing code-share operations with Korean Air to provide direct connectivity between Sabah and South Korea using the Korean carrier’s Seoul-Kota Kinabalu return direct flights.

“We will also continue offering direct international connectivity to Kota Kinabalu through our existing daily B737 flights from Hong Kong and Taipei.

“In addition we will also use our existing 86 weekly flights between Sabah and KL International Airport (KLIA) to provide immediate connections for passengers who prefer full service flights between Sabah and the cities of Perth, Tokyo, and Osaka,” he added.

Continue reading at: Flights cut to hit Sabah tourism
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A boost for Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre

2011-12-23T18:26:00.000+08:00

6.5m ringgit expansion opens door to better understanding of Sabah forests

Last year 40,000 people visited the Rainforest Discovery Centre at the Sepilok forest reserve in Sandakan since it opened in 2007.

Covering 200 hectares, it has long and winding trails that allow visitors to discover some of the rare species of gigantic tropical trees that may be about 1,300 years old, birds such as the hornbills, the endangered orang-utans and other wildlife.

It is indeed an educational and tourist attraction. And this year the centre has won Sabah’s best nature tourism award.

Sam Mannan, the director of Sabah Forestry Department, has announced a 6.5m-ringgit ($2m) expansion that he says will boost its “standing as a top environment education facility.” There will be a car park, an outdoor stage and the 300m canopy walk will be extended by 80 metres by November next year.

A 120-seat theatre was added to the centre early this year. And the Borneo bird festival was held there in October.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: A boost for Sandakan Rainforest Discovery Centre

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Giant Clam Culture in Semporna To Help Conserve Marine Heritage

2011-12-23T18:19:00.001+08:00

SEMPORNA -- The Giant Clam Culture Centre on Buhey Dulang Island plays a vital role in conserving the marine ecosystem at the Tun Sakaran Marine Park off the coast of Semporna, Sabah.

The centre, the first of its kind under Sabah Parks, conducts research and cultures giant clams with seeds supplied to the local community to help them reduce their over-reliance on natural marine resources.

The centre, established in 2006 under the Semporna Islands Darwin Project, is the result of cooperation between Sabah Parks and the Marine Conservation Society-United Kingdom.

Sabah Parks' Marine Research Officer Nasrulhakim Maidin noted that the culture centre serves as an attraction where outsiders can learn more about the clams.

"Giant clam culture is important because their numbers have depleted from over-harvesting around the waters of Semporna," he told Bernama during a visit to Buhey Dulang Island of the coast of Semporna.

The giant clam is a mollusc in the Bivalvia class that thrives in Indo-Pacific waters.

There are seven species of giant clams in Malaysian Waters, and some can grow up to 60cm in length.

According to Nasrul, giant clams not only thrive on plankton but also produce their own nutrients through photosynthesis, with the help of the algae.

"The giant clam plays an important role in the marine ecosystem as it filters the water," he said.

SEEDING THE CLAMS

So how to culture the giant clams? First, the giant clam brood stock is selected and its size is recorded for future reference.

Then the clam shell is cleaned with a nylon brush and numbered for future reference. The seeding is done by injecting diluted serotonin, a hormone, to stimulate spawning.

Within minutes, the giant clam stock reacts and produces eggs and sperm that are collected in big plastic bags to fertilize in a few days.

Six months after hatching, the seed is released into the sea within the reef area, initially in cages to protect them from predators.

The seeds that hatch at the centre are mostly relocated near Ribbon Reef, an area within the national park allocated for education on marine life.

Continue reading at: Giant Clam Culture in Semporna To Help Conserve Marine Heritage

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Win a week's holiday in Borneo, Malaysia

2011-12-22T18:59:00.000+08:00

You could win a 7 day/6 night holiday for you and a friend to Sarawak, Borneo courtesy of Malaysia Tourism and the Telegraph Adventure Travel Show.

On this amazing trip to Malaysia you will discover a wealth of surprises, eclectic cultures and natural wonders.

Start your journey at the incredibly city of Kuching - the capital city of Sarawak. A modern city with all the creature comforts of a growing metropolis, yet one that still retains its old charms with a picturesque waterfront, sidewalk cafes, colonial historical buildings, museums, markets, and pockets of gardens and parks.

As this fantastic Malaysian trip moves on, you will get to visit such places as the wonderful Semenggoh Wildlife Centre which works to rehabilitate Orangutans, and you will experience the Iban Longhouse and meet the headhunters! The Iban tribe is the largest ethnic group in Sarawak.

They will welcome you to their home, the longhouse, and experience their communal lifestyle. There are opportunities to learn how to dance their traditional dance “Ngajat”, play their musical instruments, fish using fish nets, follow them to the farm, join a hunting trip, see traditional tattooing, and discover their culture and beliefs - if you have the time that is!

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Win a week's holiday in Borneo, Malaysia

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MAS To Suspend Four More Routes Via Sabah Regional Network

2011-12-22T18:56:00.000+08:00

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will be suspending four more routes involving Sabah regional network early next year.

This is in addition to the rationalisation exercise involving eight routes of its international network announced last week.

The suspension covers the twice-weekly Kota Kinabalu-Osaka service from Jan 6, thrice-weekly Kota Kinabalu-Perth from Jan 31, four times weekly Kota Kinabalu-Haneda from Feb 1, and four times weekly Kota Kinabalu-Seoul from Feb 21.

"This suspension is until further notice and is part of our regional network consolidation involving single-aisle aircraft operations," its group chief executive officer, Ahmad Jauhari Yahya, said in a statement Thursday.

"We will be reviewing this situation in about three months time from the date of the first route suspension and will be deciding further by early April 2012," he said.

During the suspension, Ahmad Jauhari said MAS would take advantage of its existing code-share operations with Korean Air to provide direct connectivity between Sabah and South Korea using the Korean carrier's Seoul-Kota Kinabalu return direct flights.

"We will also continue offering direct international connectivity to Kota Kinabalu through our existing daily B737 flights from Hong Kong and Taipei."

In addition, he said, MAS would also use its existing 86 weekly flights between Sabah and Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to provide immediate connections for passengers who prefer full service flights between Sabah and the cities of Perth, Tokyo, and Osaka.

Continue reading at: MAS To Suspend Four More Routes Via Sabah Regional Network

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Kuching city to organise 2012 ‘Regatta Bandarayaku’

2011-12-21T17:16:00.001+08:00

KUCHING: Kuching North City Commission (DBKU) will be organising a regatta known as ‘Regatta Bandarayaku’ to kickstart riverine activities at Sarawak River for the New Year, 2012.

According to DBKU principal deputy director Kartina Zamhari, the event from Jan 28 to 29 is a platform to enhance the relationship between DBKU and the community.

“The event offers opportunity to statutory bodies, Ipta, governmental agencies, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and the private sector to get together to improve knowledge and experience in implementing their duties or responsibilities.

“It will also make DBKU area known as a water sports tourism area. The more the merrier,” she said at a press conference yesterday.

Participation is open to all, with attractive prize money to be won.

Besides the regatta, there will be other interesting side activities such as car boot sale, expo exhibition, karaoke competition, power boat, pump ski, auto shows and more.

Continue reading at: Kuching city to organise 2012 ‘Regatta Bandarayaku’

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Could orangutans help scientists understand human obesity?

2011-12-20T18:16:00.000+08:00

Indonesian orangutans may help scientists understand the underlying reasons for eating disorders and obesity in humans, according to new research from an evolutionary anthropologist at Rutgers University.

Erin Vogel, who recently published the results of her five-year study in the journal Biology Letters, looked at how orangutans survived during times of extreme food scarcity. The extensive research is the first time a scientist has explored the relationship between the apes and their protein deprivation, according to a news release from Rutgers.

“There is such a large obesity epidemic today and yet we don’t really understand the basis of the obesity condition or how these high-protein or low-protein diets work,” Vogel said. “I think studying the diets of some of our closest living relatives, the great apes, may help us understand issues with our own modern-day diets.”

In her field studies, Vogel observed that the orangutans added extra pounds only during periods of high caloric and protein intake. “The orangutans put on fat when caloric intake is greatest, and this also coincides with a period of high protein in the diet,” Vogel wrote in an e-mail to New Jersey Newsroom. “What (our) study does is demonstrate that when caloric intake is high, orangutans are able to store fat due to excess calories in their diet.”

When the calorie levels dropped, the apes started burning their stored fat and breaking down muscle tissue. “For orangutans, it is caloric intake, not necessarily the amount of carbohydrates or protein or fat, that seems to be most important for weight gain or weight loss,” she continued.

Vogel, an assistant professor of anthropology at the School of Arts and Sciences, gathered the data for her study by examining urinary metabolites and nitrogen stable isotopes.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Could orangutans help scientists understand human obesity?

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MASwings soars BIMP-EAGA way this coming Feb 1

2011-12-20T18:09:00.000+08:00

MIRI: MASwings will spread it wings into Brunei, Pontianak, and Tarakan effective February 1 next year.

Its chief executive officer Datuk Capt Mohd Nawawi Awang said these new routes formed the initial phase of its expansion plans to penetrate the BIMP-EAGA region.

The Kota Kinabalu-Brunei and Kuching-Brunei sector will commence on February 1, to be followed by Kuching-Pontianak on February 6, and Kota Kinabalu-Tawau-Tarakan on February 16.

Speaking at the close of Golf Escapade Final Round at the Eastwood Valley Golf and Country Club (EVGCC) here on Sunday, Nawawi believed that the availability of these flights would increase the mobility of people in Brunei, West and East Kalimantan, Sabah, and Sarawak.

“I believe there is a considerably big number of golfers in Brunei and Kalimantan who will travel to Sabah and Sarawak once we introduce the flights.

“Similarly, I am confident that some Sabahan and Sarawakians golfers will take the opportunity to travel to Brunei and Kalimantan to discover what they could offer to us.”

In view of that, he said MASwings planned to capitalise on the increasing popularity of golf in the region, especially in Sabah and Sarawak.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: MASwings soars BIMP-EAGA way this coming Feb 1

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Sarawak’s air connectivity must provide for high, medium and low-budget travellers to capture more tourists

2011-12-19T21:29:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: Uncertainities concerning air connectivity to Sarawak are making it difficult for the Tourism Ministry to set a target for next year’s tourist arrivals.

Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg said the volume of tourist arrivals to the state relied heavily on air connectivity and the lack of it certainly hampered further growth.

It was therefore pivotal to ensure there were sufficient airlines to serve the high, medium and low budget travellers, Johari reasoned.

“Not every tourist will want to travel using low-cost carrier and we need to find a solution that caters to all,” he told reporters after launching the Cuti Cuti 1Malaysia Dance Carnival at the state hockey stadium here yesterday.

According to him, as of last October Sarawak recorded about three million tourist arrivals.

“Next year maybe we will get between three million and 3.5 million,” he said, adding, however, that too depended on how much the state had done to improve air connectivity.

On efforts to make MASwing, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), a regional airline, Joha-ri said talks were still at formative stage, therefore, he “cannot divulge any details for the time being”.

He said if the federal Tourism Ministry wanted to achieve an average of three million tourist arrivals nationwide by 2020, better air connectivity to Sarawak and Sarawak was essential.

Both states had the products to lure more visitors but present air connectivity woes, following the MAS and AirAsia share swap, was hampering tourism development, Johari argued.

As far as Sarawak was concerned, the state would go for a holistic approach to ensure a healthy number in tourist arrivals next year and beyond, he said.

“We’ll have to go beyond eco-tourism. We need to promote Sarawak as a destination for adventure, culture, nature, history and romanticism. The model that we use will be based on Venice in Italy,” he said.

For instance, Johari said the ministry hoped to tap emerging markets among the middle class in China and India who normally went overseas for their annual holiday trips.

He said the state also hoped to get more adventure seekers and nature as well as culture lovers to the state.

“Our tourism tagline will continue to be ‘Where Adventure Lives’ next year,” he said, adding that his ministry hoped that MICE participants would extend their stay to visit nearby destinations like Bako National Park and Semenggok Wildlife Centre.

Continue reading at: Sarawak’s air connectivity must provide for high, medium and low-budget travellers to capture more tourists

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Homestay in rustic Bario

2011-12-18T18:16:00.000+08:00

HOME away from home aptly describes Leminan Lodge, a Sarawak homestay in Bario.

It offers guests the comfort and privacy of home in the midst of the rustic Kelabit highlands.

Perfect for guests who are less adventurous, the Lodge provides them the feel of home – at the same time, adventure at its doorstep. It also gives them the feel of space and privacy as it does not have the ‘commonness’ of a longhouse-styled homestay.

The interior of the Lodge is styled after that of a mountain cabin; the warm hue of the wooden panelling on the wall exudes coziness that provides guests a comforting respite from the nippy highland temperature at night.

During the day when the sun is high and the temperature turns warmer, the huge sliding windows allow the cool highland breeze to waft through creating a prefect environment for a midday snooze.

The three-storey homestay is modelled after the Dutch architecture with an attic converted into a bedroom typical of that of a Swiss loft. The cozy loft is for sale, according to Shep Bala, owner of the homestay, but only upon request.

The first floor consists of a living room, kitchen and dining room while the second floor has bedrooms, a sitting room with a panoramic view of the highlands, a village centre and a wash and bath room.

Two bedrooms have the luxury of a veranda that overlooks to the rustic backdrop of Bario while all the rooms have splendid view of Nature.

Only a stone’s throw from the village centre, the Lodge has the best of both worlds – it’s within minutes from the hustle and bustle of civilisation, at the same time, far enough to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of the highlands. It’s less than 10 minutes from the airport.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Homestay in rustic Bario
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Discovering the rainforest at Sandakan's Rainforest Discovery Centre

2011-12-17T18:49:00.000+08:00

MOST visitors to Sandakan and Sepilok go to see the orang-utans, but for those who have time to stay a bit longer, the Rainforest Discovery Centre at Sepilok is well worth a visit and should be included in every tour.

This year it won the award for the Best Nature Tourist Attraction which it well deserves.

But it is not just for tourists.

Its educational programs have reached over 27,000 Sabah students since 1997, when the programme first started as well as youth groups from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong and the UK, and it plays a valuable role in helping many young people discover the rainforest for themselves.

Centered around an old reservoir that is now a beautiful lake, on the edge of the Kabili - Sepilok Forest Reserve (where the orang-utans are), the Discovery Centre covers 200 hectares with trails winding through an arboretum of about 20 hectares of pristine dipterocarp forest as well as experimental trials of plantation trees.

It is possible to see the main attractions of the Rainforest Discovery Centre in a day, but to enjoy it fully and to walk some of the trails it is best to stay overnight, which is what we did.

In the early morning after watching hornbills breakfasting in a fig tree near our lodge, we followed one of the forest trails to Sepilok's "Giant", a large dipterocarp (Shorea acutissima), that is called 'giant' not so much for its height, (there are several taller trees), as for its girth.

The tree is about a half hour walk from the Visitor Centre, on top of a ridge from where it overlooks the surrounding forest, supported by massive buttress roots. Measurements taken by the Forestry Department give it a girth of 7m (22 feet), a giant indeed and big enough to give you some idea of what Borneo's dipterocarp forests must have been like, long ago.

On our way back to breakfast, another trail led us past a tree that may be Sepilok's oldest, an ancient 'belian' or Borneo Ironwood (Eusideroxylon zwageri).

This was much closer to the Visitor Centre, only about ten minutes walk, and with a diameter of around 120 cms it is certainly the largest 'belian' I have ever seen. Cut stumps of 'belian' trees in the Kubah National Park in Sarawak, measuring between 90 and 120 cms in diameter were estimated by carbon-dating to be more than 1000 years old!

So how old is the Sepilok 'belian' tree? No-one knows, but undoubtedly it has seen thousands of orang-utans come and go in the surrounding forests, and was there long before Borneo's colonial days.

Perhaps it was a seedling when the first trading junks of the Chinese Tang Dynasty sailed up the Kinabatangan river in search of bird's nests, 'gaharu' wood, and hornbill ivory.

After breakfast we explored the Visitor Centre, a mine of fascinating information on the history of Sepilok as well as the plants and animals that make up Borneo's forests.

This was followed by a visit to the Discovery Garden, which really is a "garden of discovery".

Continue reading at: Discovering the rainforest at Sandakan's Rainforest Discovery Centre

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Sabah tourism industry urged to learn tourists’ languages

2011-12-17T18:46:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Operators in the tourism industry in Sabah have been urged to master foreign languages for them to go far.

Minster of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Masidi Manjun said during the 2011/2012 Sabah Young Tourism Ambassador programme organised by the Sabah Tourist Association (STA) yesterday that they cannot sell the industry if they only knew the local dialects.

“I am proud of my language, but if I were to use the Dusun language to sell to foreign tourists, I won’t go far,” he cited, as an example.

He urged those in the industry to perfect their command of the English language and not be shy to learn and use it.

“Our problem is our shyness. But if we look at the foreigners, they are not shy to speak in our language when they are learning it. They don’t care if it is imperfect. So why are we scared to learn English?” he said.

He added that in China, 300 million people are learning the language.

Similarly important is the Mandarin language, he said.

“We are experiencing an increase by 38 percent of Chinese tourists. And we’re expecting more tourists to come by the end of this year,” he said.

The other language that should be given importance is Korean, he said.

In his speech, Masidi also urged those in the industry to be passionate about their career.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sabah tourism industry urged to learn tourists’ languages

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MAS celebrates the spirit of 1Malaysia with 30 pct discount on fares to Europe

2011-12-17T18:43:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: Malaysians have an excellent opportunity to start 2012 with a bang by enjoying 30 per cent airfare discounts for travel on Malaysia Airlines Systems Bhd (MAS) from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) to its five destinations in Europe namely London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris and Istanbul.

All they need to do is plan and travel together in groups of three, six or nine friends and they must be from at least three different Malaysian ethnic or cultural backgrounds to enjoy a fantastic European holiday, 1Malaysia style.

The national carrier is offering this discount on business and economy class fares for this promotion covering air travel from January 1 to March 31, 2012.

To enjoy these offers, Malaysians have to produce valid Malaysian passports and Mykads of the ‘muhibbah’ group members at MAS’ ticket offices to purchase their air tickets.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: MAS celebrates the spirit of 1Malaysia with 30 pct discount on fares to Europe

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Borneo-China 4×4 Autumn Expedition

2011-12-16T17:26:00.001+08:00

MIRI: Extreme expenditure lovers are invited to join the third series of Borneo-China 4×4 Autumn Expedition organised by Borneo Automotive Leisure Tour Agency to be held in Oct next year.

According to the organising chairman, Dr Ling Tung King, registration has been launched and members of the public are invited to register fast to avoid disappointment.

“The fee will only be informed later as we have not worked out the full details yet.

“You can either join us as passengers or drivers of your own vehicle. I can assure that this journey will be very special because we will be going various places in China,” he said.

He added that some places which they would visit might not appear in travel agents’ list making the journey worthwhile.

The co-organising chairperson, Irene Xie, of China City Zone Tour is in Miri to work out the details of the journey with Dr Ling.

To promote the event, Miri Photography Society will be holding a day photo exhibition on the first and second series of the expedition at Pustaka Miri today.

There will also be similar exhibition to be held on the third floor of Bintang Megamall from Dec 16 to 26, which would be officiated at by Mayor Lawrence Lai at 7pm today.

Dr Ling revealed this after his meeting with Lai at the latter’s office to discuss the matter yesterday. Also present were Xie and other members of the organising committee.

Among objectives of the expedition is to promote Miri to tourists in China and to allow the participants to enjoy China on a bigger scale by paying less.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Borneo-China 4×4 Autumn Expedition
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How Borneo orangutans avoid starvation in lean times

2011-12-15T21:19:00.000+08:00

They use body fat and muscles as energy until bounty of food is available, study shows

Orangutans in Borneo can survive potential starvation by using their body fat and muscles as energy until a bounty of food is available, researchers find, adding that the results may someday shed light on the eating habits of our earliest ancestors.

The findings may also speak to various low-carb, high-protein diets, because essentially weight comes down to caloric intake for these orangutans as it does us, the researchers say.

In Borneo, an island in Southeast Asia, forests go through periods of high fruit yield, where around 80 percent or more of the plants will produce fruit all at once. Following these "masting" periods, the forests endure stretches of sparse fruit availability that can last anywhere from two to eight years. To survive in this unpredictable environment, orangutans put on fat by gorging on fruits when they're available, and then live off of these reserves until the next masting year.

Researchers have now learned that the orangutans start to metabolize their own muscles for protein after these fat reserves are gone.

"In this stage there is evidence of tissue wasting, the same kind that you would observe in anorexic patients," said Erin Vogel, an evolutionary anthropologist at Rutgers University and lead author of the new study.

Vogel and her colleagues also learned that the primates avoid extreme protein deficiency by eating tough foods, such as leaves and bark, using highly adapted molars, not unlike those found in modern humans and our hominin ancestors. By comparing the physical properties of orangutans' teeth and food with those of other primates, scientists may someday be able to tease out the diets of our ancestors, Vogel said.

The importance of protein

Protein is important for the growth and reproduction of all animals, but few studies have investigated how wild animals maintain protein balance, the researchers said. This question is especially interesting for species in Borneo because of the island's seemingly inhospitable fruit-crop cycles.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: How Borneo orangutans avoid starvation in lean times

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Borneo: Small wonders at every step

2011-12-15T19:19:00.000+08:00

It's the little things that really matter in Borneo's lush, exotic and life-giving rainforests

When naturalist Mark Watson pursed his lips and pretended to kiss a beautiful - but carnivorous - pitcher plant, I could almost understand how he felt.

Pitcher plants, which lure insects with the promise of sweet nectar and then devour them, are certainly ... intriguing ... and the elegant red plant he was puckering up to was a particularly attractive one.

But perhaps more importantly, they're typical of the rich diversity of plant, fungus and insect life which makes a walk through the Borneo jungle such a fascinating experience.

The animals may be the stars of the show - the woop woops of gibbons from the treetops or signs of rooting by bearded pigs in the forest floor are always exciting - but, unless you're lucky, you probably won't see them.

What you will see, if you look carefully, are massive strangler figs looking poised to walk on their roots like Ents from The Lord of the Rings, or prettily patterned fungi creating works of art amid the leaf mould, or delicate orchids blooming colourfully in the gloom created by the thick canopy of leaves, or great armies of ants on the march along fallen branches.

During a cruise around Borneo on the expedition ship Orion II, we had the chance to explore several jungle national parks, all different and all fascinating.

At Tanjung Datu National Park, for instance, four of us wandered slowly along the Pasir Antu Laut Trail, managing to make its 2.7km last about 3.5 hours, pausing every few metres to admire some ornamental bracket fungus, a particularly twisty liana, a tall, thin tree supported by a massive set of buttress roots, or a butterfly with elegant black and white patterns on its wings.

There were certainly animals around. From time to time we heard monkey calls and the birdsong was superb. At one point I heard the beating of heavy wings overhead and caught a glimpse of the massive black shape of a hornbill. On another occasion I spied a small, dark brown squirrel poised unmoving on a branch above the path.

There were plenty of signs of pigs rooting and a group on another trail actually saw "a particularly ugly" Borneo bearded pig.

Down on the beach, which served as our return pathway, three sets of tracks showed where green turtles had come ashore to lay eggs during the night (the park staff dig the eggs up and rebury them in safe enclosures). In a cave at one end of the bay, dozens of tomb bats swooped around us while we explored its recesses.

But it was just as interesting to watch a route march of thousands of large, brown, ant-like creatures carrying white eggs - our guides later had an argument about whether they were termites or ants - a bright orange fungus glowing in the gloom, a magnificent yellow and black butterfly floating just under the leaf canopy, or one remaining flower from the night-blooming putat tree, whose glorious pink and white blossom produces a poison used to kill fish.

On the island of Pulau Tiga, we found the same incredible biodiversity ... plus mud. That was partly because of the heavy rain that fell as we landed from our zodiac, making the jungle track a bit slushy. But it was also because the island was formed by a volcanic eruption as recently as 1897 and there's still a sort of mud volcano in the jungle where crazy people like me can have a soak.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Borneo: Small wonders at every step
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Call for Labuan Marine Park to be tourism centre

2011-12-15T19:16:00.000+08:00

LABUAN: The director general of Marine Park, Dr Sukarno Wagiman, disclosed that the marine park here needs to be turned into a tourism hotspot to boost the local economy.

In his speech during ‘Majlis Ramah Mesra’ programme with heads of government departments and agencies here, he said the marine parks in the peninsular were now successful as tourism products.

“The marine parks in the peninsular are becoming significant tourism centres.

For example, at Payar Island, Kedah, the island is receiving around 200,000 tourists annually.

“The biggest tourist arrivals to the island are from the Middle East countries, China, Korea and Japan. The island does not have any dwellers but they still go there. “My target is to turn the marine park here into an important tourism product just like Payar Island and at other marine parks,” he said.

“Before, the turtles here were not that well known and only after the initiative undertaken by the department with direct funds from Petronas Carigali Sdn Bhd for the turtles’ hatcheries, scientific study and others, then the turtles are now getting well known. “About a thousand turtles had been set free to the open sea this year,” he said.

Sukarno commented that Malaysia had joined the biodiversity agreement with the other countries whereby each country must have a marine park for ten percent from their respective waters.

“We are now collaborating with Sabah Parks and agencies in Sarawak in our effort to achieve the ten percent as we are only having one percent of the marine park from our waters in this country.

“The marine park is a sanctuary or breeding spot for various types of marine lives either for commercial or non-commercial purpose,” he said.

The marine park in Labuan comprises Kuraman, Rusukan Besar and Rusukan Kecil islands. Sukarno explained the importance of the coral reefs in correlation with the forests which absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen into the air.

“When the sanctuary (coral reefs) are protected, the fish will breed a lot and finally they will move from the reefs to outside the marine park area.

Continue reading at: Call for Labuan Marine Park to be tourism centre

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Bakun islands to be Sarawak tourism draw

2011-12-15T19:13:00.001+08:00

KUCHING: More than 20 islands created as a result of Bakun dam impoundment.

More than 10 major islands will become permanent features of the Bakun hydroelectric dam area covering an area almost the size of Singapore.

Sarawak Hidro managing director Zulkifle Osman said that more than 20 islands had been created as a result of the impoundment of the dam since Oct 13 last year.

He, however, said that when the dam had reached its maximum requirement of 228 metres, many islands would be submerged. Currently, the water level is at the 219 metre mark.

“Of course these islands have great potential to be tapped as tourism products,” Zulkifle said when contacted yesterday.

Chairman of Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) who is also Assistant Minster of Tourism, Datuk Talip Zulpilip, had said that they would build a resort in Bakun dam area soon.

Minister of Tourism and Minister of Housing Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg had also said on many occasions that the state would explore the possibility of providing air linkages via amphibious planes to the Bakun dam area.

On another issue, Zulkifle said the people of Kapit were now able to travel up to Belaga by express boats, after the water level had risen to an almost normal level, after water from the dam was released through the spillway recently.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Bakun islands to be Sarawak tourism draw

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MASwings can benefit from ‘link-ups’ with private sector

2011-12-14T18:19:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: MASwings Sdn Bhd (MASwings) should explore ‘link-up’ opportunities with the private sector in the Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-the Philippines East Asean Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA) region.

Industry sources observed that the recent annoucements that MASWings was gearing itself to venture into the BIMP-EAGA routes as early as February 2012 would be far more successful if the rural service airline paid attention to further ‘tie-ups’ with third parties.

They explained that for long-term sustainability, a common package among the destinations in the regions should be established, and that required the involvement of the private sector in all fields such as travel agencies, hotel associations and so on.

“When common packages are in place, only then can joint promotion and marketing strategies be explored between the region. In order to retain viable routes, study as well as research should be done within the private sector too,” BIMP-EAGA Tourism Council Malaysia chairman Datuk Wee Hong Seng told The Borneo Post.

He further pointed out that tourism is a private sector driven initiative. “The private sector plays a vital role in contributing to the country’s economy and also helps to maintain the sustainability of the airline industry.”

“Within the BIMP-EAGA region, there is a massive population base of more than 60 million, covering an area of 1.56 million square kilometres. Considering the vast tracks of unexplored routes, it augurs well for the region to ?et cracking?and connect the dots,” he stressed.

Within the region, there existed a memorandum of understanding on ‘Expansion of Air Linkages’ between the governments of BIMP-EAGA, which was signed back in January 2007. It granted the Fifth Freedom Traffic Right (FFTR) airports in the EAGA countries to cater for EAGA carriers.

The FFTR arrangements allowed an air carrier of one EAGA member country to pick up traffic in the territory of the other EAGA member country and carry it to a third EAGA member country as part of the service to/from the home country of the operating carrier.

“Technically the MoU should propel BIMP-EAGA air services into a whole new scenario – an ‘open sky’ era, however that has not yet materialised. With the support given from the region, MASwings should be able to create a niche in the hotly contested air routes competition provided it takes into account other private sector participation startegies,” said Wee.

Currently, MASwings owns 10 ATR 72-500s and four DHC-6 Twin Otters. It was required to acquire at least four jetliners in order to fulfill the requirement of being a regional airline. Speculations were rife that MASwings may be acquiring the 737-800s aircraft from one of its sister companies Firefly under MAS.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: MASwings can benefit from ‘link-ups’ with private sector

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Sarawak to seek air connectivity with Australia

2011-12-13T18:56:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: The state will be looking at air connectivity with Australia, as it is an important factor for closer economical and cultural ties with South Australia.

According to Housing and Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, air connectivity between the state and Australia is an important factor proven previously when the state had direct flights to Perth and from Sydney.

The flights, which were provided by Malaysian Airlines (MAS), were withdrawn during the financial crisis.

Abang Johari said this during a dinner held to welcome Australia’s Multicultural Affairs, Police, Correctional, Emergency and Road Safety Minister Jennifer Rankine on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Rankine in her speech invited Abang Johari and in particular his ministry to visit Adelaide to promote Sarawak, its unique culture as well as its indigenous arts and craft during the AusAsia Festival to be held in 2013.

The AusAsia Festival 2013 will have a theme and country focus on Malaysia.

Rankine, who was in the state for a visit organised by the Australian Business Centre, was accompanied by the Lieutenant Governor of South Australia and chairman of South Australia Multicultural and Ethnic Affairs Commission Hieu Van Le and her staff chief Blair Boyer.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sarawak to seek air connectivity with Australia

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Tourists can be attracted to celebrate Xmas in Sabah

2011-12-13T18:46:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Christmas has the potential to be used as a drawcard to attract tourists, especially Europeans, to Sabah to spend their yuletide holidays here, says Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman.

“Christmas is universal and synonymous with holidays, so the potential of having this event as a drawcard is tremendous.

“Europeans, especially, fleeing the cold over Christmas, could be attracted to come over to Sabah to spend their yuletide holidays if they are aware that Christmas is also widely celebrated,” he said in his speech at the Gaya Christmas celebration at Lintasan Deasoka here last night.

Musa, who was represented by Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan, urged organizers of the event, namely the Sabah Council of Churches and Kota Kinabalu City Hall, to discuss with the relevant authorities, including the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment and the Sabah Tourism Board, on how best to further promote the annual event.

“With proper planning and marketing, as well as indepth preparations made, Gaya Street and the vicinity can be transformed into a vibrant and colourful Christmas fairy land.

“This is the challenge that I pose to the organizers, and next year, I hope to see an even bigger, better and brighter Gaya Christmas Carnival,” he said.

On the other hand, Musa said the Gaya Christmas celebration communicates an important message that the harmony and wellbeing among the communities in Sabah is still intact, particularly in Kota Kinabalu.

“It is a pleasure to note that events such as the Christmas celebration helps promote social harmony, caring and goodwill among the various ethnic and religious communities in Sabah.”

Continue reading at: Tourists can be attracted to celebrate Xmas in Sabah

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Heroes Memorial Monument latest tourist destination for Limbang

2011-12-13T18:43:00.001+08:00

LIMBANG: Heroes Memorial Monument located in front of Limbang Police Station is listed as a new tourist destination under the Ministry of Tourism to promote the acts of the warriors, who died in 1962, in conjunction with the town’s 49th anniversary.

Limbang Resident Maria Hasman said the monument had to be promoted because it has its own history as a tribute to the warriors who were killed fighting against British colonialism.

According to him, the Resident’s Office will list the tasks to the Information Department for the purpose of promoting, upgrading and beautifying the monument from time to time.

“The Heroes Memorial Monument has been listed as a tourist attraction in Limbang. Therefore, various efforts will be made to upgrade and beautify the monument to attract both domestic and international visitors,” he said, yesterday.

Also present were District Police Chief Mohd Bukhori Saffai and Limbang Chinese Chamber chairman Lim Chwee Ching.

Continue reading at: Heroes Memorial Monument latest tourist destination for Limbang

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Sabah tourism board confident of 2.63 million tourist target

2011-12-12T19:09:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tourism Board (STB) chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Dr Zainal Adlin is confident that the 2.63 million tourist arrival target this year would be achieved as the arrivals to the state had shot up by 15 per cent from January to September.

He said about RM4 billion income had been contributed by the tourism industry where most of the tourists were domestic tourists.

“China and Hong Kong tourist arrivals had increased 38 per cent, but at the same time we are encouraging domestic tourists.

“Apart from China and Hong Kong, Japan and Australia had also shown very positive increases,” he said at a press conference after the Karnival Pelancongan Tarian Cuti-Cuti Malaysia at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) Sports Complex.

He said tourist arrivals in the state had always been good where 50 per cent of them were repeat tourists.

During the event yesterday, about 1,300 students, homestay operators and civil servants around the state participated in the carnival where they performed traditional dances such as the Joget, Sumazau and many others.

The programme was in collaboration with the tourism ministry aimed to foster closer relationship among Malaysians who are living in a multiracial community.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sabah tourism board confident of 2.63 million tourist target

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Bako National Park: Eco-tourism hotspot lures Nature lovers

2011-12-11T18:09:00.000+08:00

THE Bako National Park has become the latest eco-tourism hotspot with visitor arrivals increasing manifolds over the years even though the tropical getaway is accessible only by boats.

Its general manager Siali Aban revealed the park received a total of 38,810 visitors last year, exceeding the number as of October this year.

“There were 28,793 foreign and 10,017 local visitors last year. We have not totalled up the number of arrivals this year as we are just about to do our year end report,” he told reporters on a visit the park recently.

“However, our records show the figure (38,810) has exceeded the total number of visitors as of October this year.”

Siali also presented interesting statistics on visitors from 1980 to the present.

According to him, in the whole of the 80’s, the park recorded 127,336 visitors, of whom 93 per cent were locals.

“There was a sudden surge in local visitors after Kuching-Bako road was completed in 1985 – from 5,579 in 1984 to 29,247 a year later,” he said.

In the 90’s, however, overseas visitors increased greatly, forming 48 per cent of the total 161,559 visitor arrivals.

“There was an increase in foreign visitors in 1994-5 because of Visit Malaysia Year – from 3,634 in 1993 to 8,675 in 1994 and 9,795 in 1995,” Siali added.

Statistics on local visitors to the park show a steady trend while overseas visitor arrivals escalate annually.

“From the millennium to 2010, we have recorded a total of 286,203 visitor arrivals, of whom 74 per cent were foreigners,” he said.

A comparison between decades, the overall statistics show a distinct rise in foreign visitor arrivals from just seven per cent in the 80’s to 48 per cent in the 90’s and 74 per cent today.

As for local visitors, the graph reveals a strong turnout with 93 per cent in the 80’s followed by a sudden 52 per cent drop in the 90s to a small 26 per cent today.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Bako National Park: Eco-tourism hotspot lures Nature lovers

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Gaya Christmas celebration has something for all

2011-12-11T18:06:00.000+08:00

Kota Kinabalu: This year's Gaya Christmas celebration has been thoughtfully prepared to give visitors to the four-day event the chance to share in the unity among the various communities.

Organising Chairman Neil Mah of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Kota Kinabalu said a host of activities is being put up during the entire four-night carnival and "there will be something for everyone to take part and enjoy."

The carnival this Monday will open at 6.30pm.

All are welcome for the official opening ceremony at Lintasan Deasoka commencing at 7.30pm, which will end at about 10.30pm with a fireworks display.

Events on the other three nights also begin at 6.30pm.

Apart from various stage performances - solo and group singing, bands, choirs, dances and nativity skits, hawkers' stalls will be set up through the entire Block A to Block C of Gaya Street.

It's a mixture of stalls set up by members of the various Christian denominations as well as the regular street hawkers.

They will be selling all types of food and drinks, Christmas cakes and cookies, decorations, gifts, household items and a host of other necessities.

The Gaya Christmas celebration started in 2005 when then SIB Pastor Jerry Dusing, now President of the SIB Church, was asked to organise that year's "Christmas by Candlelight" and event that used to be held at Merdeka Padang.

"I felt that a more meaningful event, one that would send out the true message of what Christmas is all about, would be more meaningful than just singing Christmas carols," said Jerry.

"The objective was to show the message of the birth of Christ.

It was to be a celebration of peace and goodwill and to build a bridge between the Christians and the other communities."

Jerry and his Pastor friends had a tough time convincing the Sabah Council of Churches (SCC) as to why a better Christmas event, without over-commercialising it, was necessary. The green light was given.

A plan was put in place but there was a need to convince the authorities, i n particular, the Mayor and Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK).

"(The then) Mayor, Datuk Iliyas Ibrahim, must be given credit for giving the green light, even agreeing to allow City Hall to co-organise the carnival," added Jerry.

"It gave us the chance to show others that the Churches can work together, and, that Gaya Street Carnival was not a venue to preach, but more to share with the other communities."

Continue reading at: Gaya Christmas celebration has something for all
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46,000 divers visit Sabah annually

2011-12-10T21:31:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin said there are about 46,000 divers from across the globe visiting Sabah annually as the state has an astounding array of islands off its coastlines on both its eastern and western boards.

“An income of about RM200 million has been derived by the State from diving activities every year and this serves as a positive indicator respecting tourist arrivals in Sabah,” he said.

According to Tengku Zainal Adlin, the Miss Scuba international pageant which is held in the State will contribute to more divers visiting the islands in Sabah.

“We hope this pageant will send a clear message to the world and create an awareness that Sabah has the most amazing diving destinations,” he said at a press conference after launching the mini dive exhibition in conjunction with the pageant at 1Borneo Hypermall yesterday.

Tengku Zainal Adlin said there are many certified agencies in the State like Padi and Naui which provide diving lessons and promote safe diving practices.

According to Robert Lo, the chairman and founder of Miss Scuba International, the pageant’s contestants underwent a scuba diving course at Mabul Island from Nov 24 to Dec 6.

The 15 contestants representing China, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand also attended a catwalk choreography course and marine conservation workshops organised by the Marine Research Foundation and WWF.

“They also participated in two underwater and beach clean-ups, one at Mabul and the other at the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park here,” Lo said at a press conference.

The contestant who is crowned Miss Scuba International 2011, will proceed to become the marine ambassador to promote diving worldwide at diving events, exhibitions and shows.

Continue reading at: 46,000 divers visit Sabah annually
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Waiting anxiously for Singapore-Sibu direct flights

2011-12-10T21:29:00.001+08:00

SIBU: The recent announcement on the proposed Sibu/Singapore direct flight augurs well for local travel agents who are also calling for cheaper landing facilities to attract more low-cost carriers.

Managing director of Equitorial Tours and Travel Sdn Bhd Robert Tan for one said the much awaited route would do wonders for the tourism industry here as more Singaporeans would be motivated to come to Sibu.

“The announcement is certainly timely for Sibu people who have been waiting for the route for as long as I can remember.

“Among other merits, the Sibu/Singapore route would also benefit the Sibu/Johor Baharu sector. This will certainly excite the tourism market here,” Tan told The Borneo Post when asked to respond to Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri’s comment that the much awaited Sibu/Singapore direct flight may become a reality soon as Silk Airlines is believed to be eyeing the route.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Abdul Rahim said airlines would come based on the study of demand and being private operators they needed to see if the route was economically viable.

He added that airlines were now more cost-conscious as the cost of fuel had rocketed to US$130 per barrel.

To this, Tan added: “There are so many low cost airlines looking for new routes such as Sibu to expand their network and business. But for this to happen, we need to offer them cheap landing facilities to entice them here.”

Continue reading at: Waiting anxiously for Singapore-Sibu direct flights

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Sarawak Government eyes medical tourism as good income earner

2011-12-09T18:26:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: The state government is serious in tapping revenue from medical tourism as there is a demand for our healthcare services from neighbouring Kalimantan Indonesia.

In saying this, Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg also disclosed that he had just came back from Kalimantan with representatives from two well-established private hospitals in Kuching to promote their services.

He said the response they received was very good and encouraging for Kuching to be promoted as a medical tourism destination.

“With the low cost flight by Kalstar and Batavia Air and now MASwings, a lot of people from the city of Potianak can come here to Kuching for medical treatment,” he told reporters on Wednesday night after feting officials from Sabah Ministry of Tourism to dinner on a river cruise.

However, its success would depend very much on flight connectivity, he added, while agreeing that it could be a major contributor to the country’s overall tourism revenue.

Continue reading at: Sarawak Government eyes medical tourism as good income earner

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Rest In Peace, Jenna O'Grady Donley

2011-12-08T23:26:00.001+08:00

On behalf of E-BORNEO.COM, we wish to convey our deepest condolence to Jenna's family and friends.

You have our heartfelt sympathy, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

May Jenna rest in peace.

"You shall live in the hearts of those who loved you
and will thus never die or be forgotten."

Management and Staff

E-BORNEO.COM TOURS & TRAVEL SDN BHD (862652-M ; KPL/LN 6169)
[ Travel Company of e-borneo.com ]

Lot No. 7, 2nd Floor, Block C
Lintas Jaya Uptownship 88200 Penampang
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Malaysia
Tel: +6-088-722606
Fax: +6-088-727606
URL: http://www.e-borneo.com/
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Sabah Government Extends Condolences Over Elephant Attack

2011-12-08T23:19:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah government today extended its condolences to the family of an Australian tourist who was gored to death by an elephant in Lahad Datu yesterday, and advised all quarters against pointing fingers over the incident.

"It is an unfortunate incident resulting in the loss of a young life. On behalf of the Sabah government, I would like to convey my heartfelt condolences to the parents and family of Jenna Donley," said Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

Veterinarian Jenna O'Grady Donley, 26, was gored to death by a bull pygmy elephant at the Tabin Wildlife Sanctuary at about 8.30 am as she was taking photographs of the lone animal.

"I have just been informed by the management of the Tabin Wildlife Resort where Jenna was staying that they are doing everything they can to assist the family, and the Australian High Commission is making arrangements to fly Jenna's body for burial in her hometown," Masidi said

Continue reading at: Sabah Government Extends Condolences Over Elephant Attack

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Family says Sydney woman killed by elephant in Borneo was 'gifted'

2011-12-08T23:16:00.001+08:00

AN Australian woman who died after being gored by an elephant in Malaysia was a gifted veterinarian with a keen interest in wild animals, her mother says.

Sydney-based vet Jenna O'Grady Donley was attacked by a pygmy elephant in a remote wildlife park on the Malaysian part of the island of Borneo yesterday.

The 25-year-old was trekking with a friend and a local guide in the Tabin Wildlife Reserve in Sabah state when the elephant turned on them.

Her mother Liz Donley said the sanctuary said it was a very unusual occurrence.

She said Jenna and her friend were very respectful of animals' environments but believed the group had startled the bull elephant.

"Bull elephants are fast, they can move with unpredictability, and they're aggressive and they're protective,'' Ms Donley told ABC radio today.

"This was an animal by itself and they startled it.

"This is an accident that's happened, a very tragic accident.''

Her daughter had a keen interest in large animals and had volunteered in Africa to help injured animals at a wildlife sanctuary.

She had recently completed a thesis on renal failure in big cats, which her mother said would hopefully assist in finding a cure.

"Jenna was a very gifted child in the veterinary science field,'' Ms Donley said.

"Like a lot of the students that attend veterinary science they have to have a mixture of passion, intelligence and a complete devotion to the health of animals.''

Ms Donley said losing her only child at the age of 25 was difficult but she hoped Jenna's work would leave a lasting legacy.

"It has happened and from that we have to move on with a positive note - that from Jenna's work and from the type of person that she was, we know that she had many friends, good family - and someone else now will take on that research and continue it.''

One of young vet's university internship supervisors, Edla Arzey, said she had great potential.

"She was a very talented student, she was full of life, full of adventure, and this is what got her into trouble,'' Ms Arzey told AAP.

"She was doing something she really wanted to do, she was certainly enjoying everything here, interested in absolutely everything

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Family says Sydney woman killed by elephant in Borneo was 'gifted'

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Welcome to the jungle

2011-12-08T23:03:00.000+08:00

The trees sounded, leaves clapping together like applause to announce the orangutans' arrival.

We had been waiting with more than 100 spectators at the Sepilok Rehabilitation Center, about 40 minutes drive from Sandakan town, which is next to a nature reserve in Malaysian Borneo.

We could hear, but couldn't see, them. Suddenly, one blasted across the tree canopy.

"An orangutan and a baby!"

Everyone cheered as an orangutan mother clutching a tiny tike landed on the feeding platform.

More came. The playful orangutans weren't shy. They showed off, jumping around and performing aerobics on a rope.

Others at the feeding platform turned their backs to the crowd for a little privacy.

The twice-a-day feeding sessions are part of the rehabilitation program to help the animals make a smooth transition from captivity to the wild.

Semi-independent orangutans on the forest's outskirts come to the feeding platform until they discover full confidence in finding their own food in the jungle's interior.

We journeyed further into the forest to search for more wild animals. We discovered a solitary orangutan in a tree nearby.

The largest arboreal, or tree-dwelling mammal, makes fresh sleeping nests from branches and foliage in the crowns of trees every night. They make simpler nests for daytime naps.

"Orangutan" comes from the Malay words for "man" (orang) and "of the forest" (utan).

"Man" is an apt word choice. Orangutans share 96.4 percent of human genes.

The orangutan population has shrunk over the past 40 years because of disruptive human activities, such as excessive logging and clearing land for plantations.

We had a little adventure on our way out of the forest.

We saw two, then three, long-tailed macaques marching toward us along the boardwalk rails. Then there were four, and five and, suddenly, a long line of long-tailed and pigtailed macaques and their babies hopping toward us single file.

I immediately recalled what our guide, Johnny, had told us about macaques.

"Macaques are social animals, who live and move in big groups. If you come across them, don't make direct eye contact and don't show your teeth if you smile. Macaques see these as intimidating and may attack."

As the procession of macaques captivated our attention, a huge long-tailed male appeared out of nowhere, screeching at us.

Johnny advised us to calmly and quickly move away from this frightening male.

We fled the forest and returned to town.

The town has two main roads and few traffic lights but many roundabouts. Sandakan's low-rises and old markets are reminiscent of 1960s' Hong Kong, when Hong Kong investors and immigrants flew in and turned it into what's colloquially known as "Little Hong Kong".

Sandakan's rich history, nature and wildlife have since made it a post-cruise destination in Sabah.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Welcome to the jungle
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Cleaning of Mamutik Island: Miss Scuba International pageant joins Project Aware Foundation

2011-12-08T22:59:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Almost 200 ‘cleaners’ comprising divers and individuals from various professions wanted to make a difference to the environment yesterday.

They exchanged their office to diving gears and got themselves dirty to clean up the Mamutik Island.

The 193 voluntary cleaners joined the programme organized by Project Aware Foundation, Borneo Divers, Sabah Tourism Board and Sabah Environmental Protection Association (SEPA).

Out of the group, 73 are divers who picked up marine debris within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park waters including Manukan, Mamutik, Sulug and Sapi islands with international participants including Raleigh International and participants of the Miss Scuba International pageant.

The programme is part of Project Aware Foundation’s continuous effort to conserve marine life after the foundation changed their focus more towards marine debris and saving sharks in recent years.

According to Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, Datuk Bolkiah Ismail, after Project Aware Foundation was introduced in Sabah in 2001, the foundation never failed to hold similar programmes for Sabah’s waters.

“This programme is in line with the aspirations of our ministry to ensure that our environment is always protected. We have several agencies such as SEPA, Raleigh International as well as Sabah Parks to participate to show the public that everyone has responsibilities to conserve the environment.

“We also have divers here collecting the garbage in the waters in this annual project which is supported by the Ministry through Sabah Parks and Sabah Tourism Board. This programme will continue to be supported by us,” he said.

Meanwhile, the No Rubbish Campaign, which is being handled by City Hall and the Ministry, is one of the efforts the government has taken to address this matter.

“The rubbish we see being collected through these programmes all came from us. So we must tackle this problem from its source. Not only do we get to keep the city clean, but ultimately also conserve marine life,” he said.

Continue reading at: Cleaning of Mamutik Island: Miss Scuba International pageant joins Project Aware Foundation

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MAS makes turnabout decision on using Boeing for KK-Sandakan route

2011-12-07T21:56:00.000+08:00

SANDAKAN: Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will continue using its Boeing aircraft to service the Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan route.

Speaking to reporters at his office here yesterday, Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Edward Khoo said he had obtained confirmation from MAS officials on the matter.

“I was informed of MAS’ turnabout decision by travel agents on Tuesday and subsequently contacted MAS for confirmation,” Khoo, who is also Sabah MCA Liasion chief, said.

Khoo had on Sunday disclosed that MAS would be withdrawing its two Boeing flights from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan and vice-versa from December 8.

“These flights may be operated by MASwings which uses smaller aircraft which may not be suitable as there are many tourists as well as businesspeople flying in and out of Sandakan,” he said.

Khoo said he was relieved that MAS had decided against stopping using its Boeing aircraft for the Kota Kinabalu-Sandakan and vice-versa routes as it would save air travellers unnecessary disruptions.

He also expressed his gratitude to the federal government and Transport Minister Datuk Seri Kong Cho Ha for the good news for Sabahans, especially for the people in Sandakan.

“The remaining issue now however is the direct flight from Sandakan to Kuala Lumpur and return which has been stopped by MAS,” Khoo said before stressing that he would continue to pursue to have the MAS direct flight reinstated.

“I am of the opinion that in order to be fair to air travellers, the Sandakan-KL route should not be monopolized by one airline. We also have to take into account that many passengers taking the Sandakan-Kuala Lumpur flights have connecting flights to international destinations. This will create great inconvenience to them as it will require them to rush from one airport to another to catch their flights,” he said.

Continue reading at: MAS makes turnabout decision on using Boeing for KK-Sandakan route

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Proboscis monkey declining

2011-12-06T18:49:00.000+08:00

KINABATANGAN: Sabah’s proboscis monkey (Nasalis larvatus) population is declining due to habitat loss as riparian forests are continually destroyed to plant oil palm and mangrove areas reclaimed for development.

“The proboscis monkey or Monyet Belanda in Malay as they are more commonly known, is declining in numbers because we have oil palm plantations planting all the way down to the river edge and in areas closer to towns we have seen their habitat lost as the mangrove areas they occupy are reclaimed and built upon,” stated a very concerned director of the Sabah Wildlife Department (SWD), Dr Laurentius Ambu, in a press statement yesterday.

To make matters worse, only an estimated 15 percent are living within protected areas, which means preventing the conversion of non-protected areas is crucial.

“The oil palm industry does not have to plant all the way down to the river edge. They should leave the riparian forest with a buffer of preferably one kilometer for wildlife and also as a measure to protect our waterways as the water is also ultimately used for human consumption,” said the director.

Sabah, noted Laurentius, has given much for oil palm production and now it is time for the industry to give back by replanting riparian areas in particular.

“The State Government is committed to reforestation and we are working closely with community groups, NGOs and even private companies but the oil palm industry on the whole has been very slow to replant riparian areas although they talk a lot of it,” said Laurentius.

The director also vented his frustration at seeing areas that are unsuitable for oil palm plantation due to semi annual flooding being planted with the crop then destroyed by floods.

“These marginalised lands which you see in the Lower Kinabatangan, particularly those close or adjacent to Lots 3 and 6 of the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary, should be replanted by the oil palm companies with native species of trees that survive this flooding instead of just being abandoned and the soil washing out into the river during flooding,” he said.

The SWD estimates that there are only 6,000 proboscis monkeys left, with five viable populations in Sabah.

“We have one population in the West Coast, one in the South and three in the East Coast, including the Lower Kinabatangan where oil palm has had a dramatic effect on a variety of Sabah wildlife, including this large nosed monkey,” shared Laurentius.

Monitoring carried out by a non-governmental organisation, HUTAN – Kinabatangan Orang-utan Conservation Programme (KOCP) from 2008 to 2010 along a 15-kilometer stretch within the Lower Kinabatangan, has found that the area was losing 10 percent of the proboscis monkey population every year. A similar declining pattern has been observed in the vicinity of SWD’s Danau Girang Field Centre (DGFC).

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Proboscis monkey declining
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Sibu-Singapore route a possibility

2011-12-06T18:48:00.000+08:00

SIBU: The much-awaited Sibu/Singapore direct flight may become a reality soon as Silk Airlines is believed to be eyeing the route, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim yesterday.

“There is a possibility of Sibu/Singapore flight, not only by our airlines but I believe Silk Airlines is also eyeing it. But then again, this is very much dependent on demand.

“Airlines will come based on demand and being private operators they need to see if the route is economically viable,” Abdul Rahim told a press conference.

He added that airlines were now more cost-conscious as the price of fuel had rocketed to US$130 per barrel.

“As far as the national carrier is concerned, I think our commitment is always there. You can be sure there will be more airlines from the region in time to come,” he said.

On a related matter, he revealed that MAS was gradually taking over FireFly (FF) routes.

“Some of the routes are handled by FF but due to certain decisions recently, it is not continuing jet operations and has concentrated on its original core business that is propeller aircraft operations within the Peninsula and neighbouring Indonesia pending outcome of discussion and mapping out of strategies,” he noted.

He said that under the new collaborative framework between MAS and AirAsia (although no details are available yet as a high level discussion is on-going), rationalisation of FF was already taking place.

He noted that a series of jet operations conducted by FF would be withdrawn and most of the aircrafts would be returned to MAS.

“But people need not worry as the air connectivity and services will not in anyway be affected,” assured Abdul Rahim.

He also said as far as air connectivity within East Malaysia was concerned, there was no cause for alarm as MASwings was flying the routes.

Continue reading at: Sibu-Singapore route a possibility
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Turtle conservation awareness campaign in Sabah ends on a high note

2011-12-06T18:46:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: The organizers of the Turtle Conservations Campaign 2011 are hopeful that awareness would be created among the public on the importance of keeping the endangered sea creatures safe.

According to Sabah Parks Board of Trustees Deputy Chairman, Patrick Jilan, many efforts have been taken to both conserve Sabah’s turtles as well as to create awareness about it. This includes the campaign he officially closed yesterday.

“I am glad to know that some 4,066 people came and visit this campaign and its exhibitions besides participating in the many activities we have organized throughout the three days.

“We did not expect to see this many people to show up and on behalf of Sabah Parks, I would like to express my pleasure to learn of this and thank the organizing committee for doing a good job in executing the campaign,” he said in his closing speech.

He said that the great turnout during the campaign illustrates how much the people of Sabah cares about the environment and specifically to our beloved turtles and that the conservation process is on the right track.

“We have held many activities which catered to people of all ages. For the children, we held a special drawing and coloring competition and saw 87 children happily participating.

Continue reading at: Turtle conservation awareness campaign in Sabah ends on a high note

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Sibu Airport upgrade ahead of schedule

2011-12-06T18:43:00.000+08:00

SIBU: The RM136.888 million upgrading and redevelopment of Sibu Airport is ahead of schedule, and expected to be completed by Sept 12, 2012, said Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim yesterday.

According to Abdul Rahim, the progress for package 1 is 58.75 per cent and 44.5 per cent for package 2.

“Package 1 is ahead of time by 2.25 per cent while package 2 by 2 per cent. The overall achievement is 53.29 per cent against the scheduled time of 51.14 per cent.

“So, we are ahead of time by 2.15 per cent and upon completion, the capacity of the terminal will increase to about two million. The traffic handled by this airport is about one million passengers,” he told a press conference at the airport.

He revealed that upgrading work comprised extension of the terminal to the east and west wings that will increase the space to about 50,000 sq metres.

There will be parking bays and four aero bridges as well as three open bays.

He disclosed that there would also be extension to the apron to accommodate more aircrafts.

“The redevelopment of Sibu Airport will certainly bring lots of benefits to the town and surrounding areas. Sibu is the gateway to the central region.

“This will bring more comfort and convenience to air passengers as it is more spacious, and add value to the airport. On top of that, it will bring revenue to Malaysia Airport Bhd,” Abdul Rahim said.

He noted that the growth of air passengers each year is in the region of two to three per cent, with the open sky policy of Asean to be implemented in 2015 bringing economic impact in travel and tourism industries.

He added that this was already taking shape, visible with more chartered flights from neighbouring countries, especially China.

Continue reading at: Sibu Airport upgrade ahead of schedule
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Sabah And Sarawak Will Have Domestic Flights

2011-12-05T18:39:00.000+08:00

SIBU -- Deputy Transport Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the people of Sabah and Sarawak had no cause to worry as they would still have domestic flight services despite Firefly's termination, at the beginning of this month.

He said MasWing, a subsidiary of Malaysia Airline System (MAS) would take over the service.

"The government will not allow the people to face unnecessary inconvenience and there will be no reduction in the frequency of flights.

I believe MAS will eventually take over from Firefly," he said during a press conference after a briefing on the progress of the Sibu Airport redevelopment project.

He said MAS and AirAsia were still in the midst of a high level discussion to come up with a comprehensive framework in order to solve the matter.

"MAS has to do a study as to whether there will be significant demand for flights between the two states and to Kuala Lumpur. It will rise to the occasion as MAS is there for business," he said.

Rahim said FireFly Flight Sdn Bhd discontinued its services due to escalating operation costs.

Meanwhile, commenting on the Sibu Airport redevelopment work costing RM136.888 million, he said it was ahead of schedule to meet the September 12, 2012 completion date.

Continue reading at: Sabah And Sarawak Will Have Domestic Flights
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MASwings to begin flying within BIMP-EAGA in February 2012

2011-12-05T18:36:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: MASwings has been given the green light to fly within the BIMP-EAGA region early next year.

Transport Deputy Minister Datuk Abdul Rahim Bakri said the Cabinet had approved MASwings’ application to expand its service to Brunei, Pontianak in Kalimantan, Indonesia and Davao in Southern Philippines.

“The flights will start in February. I was told that they are planning to fly from Kuching to Pontianak, Kuching to Brunei, and Kuching to Kota Kinabalu, Tawau and Davao,” he told a press conference at Kuching International Airport yesterday.

Following the latest greenlight, MASwings, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Malaysia Airlines (MAS), is expected to fly the Bandar Seri Begawan-Davao City-Tarakan-Balikpapan (both in Kalimantan) sector from Kota Kinabalu and Kuching.

Abdul Rahim believed MASwings’ flights within BIMP-EAGA region would enhance commerce, trade and tourism for Sabah and Sarawak.

“MASwings ATR 72-500, which can accommodate about 70 passengers, are more suitable and efficient to serve this (BIMP-EAGA) region than if the sector is operated by bigger aircraft,” he added.

He said the Federal Government was fully committed to Sabah and Sarawak, especially in providing air connectivity.

He noted that the Government was paying RM150mil to MASwings in subsidy for the airline to operate the rural air services in Sabah and Sarawak.

“We subsidise MASwings’ flights to remote areas even if there is no passenger,” he said.

The recent share swap between MAS and AirAsia had created a lot uncertainty and anxiety among the state’s tourism players.

Continue reading at: MASwings to begin flying within BIMP-EAGA in February 2012

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Move to stop flights will hurt Sabah tourism

2011-12-05T18:33:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Malaysia Airlines' decision to stop direct flights between Sandakan and Kuala Lumpur will not augur well for Sabah's tourism and will lead to a monopoly of the route.

Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister's Department Datuk Edward Khoo said the decision by MAS, through its subsidiary Firefly, to stop the direct flights would hamper the state government's efforts to promote the east coast district as a tourism spot and an educational hub.

“This will also put a damper on our efforts to attract investors to the palm oil industrial cluster in Sandakan,” said Khoo, who is Sabah MCA chairman.

Speaking to reporters before leaving for Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Khoo alleged that the move smacked of a monopoly.

“MAS used to have daily return direct flights between Sandakan and Kuala Lumpur. When Firefly came in to service this route, MAS stopped.

Continue reading at: Move to stop flights will hurt Sabah tourism
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Sabah rehabilitates degraded forests to conserve orang utan

2011-12-04T18:16:00.001+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: The forestry department is stepping up efforts to rehabilitate degraded forests in Sabah's east coast Ulu-Segama Malua Forest reserve in efforts to conserve the orang utan.

Sabah Forestry Department has awarded reforestation contracts to four contractors to rehabilitate some 800ha of degraded forest in north Ulu Segama.

The area would be replanted with indigenous tree species and wild fruit trees within the next 12 months, Sabah Forestry director Datuk Sam Mannan said Sunday.

He said the area was part of the 2,400 hectares to be restored jointly by WWF-Malaysia and Sabah Forestry Department.

The northern Ulu Segama area was discovered in 2007 to have a large population of orang utan, which were surrounded by palm oil plantation to the north and the Segama River to the south.

He said the orang utan population was entrapped in a poor secondary logged forest environment, with limited source of food and shelter.

Mannan said the objective of the programme was to improve the forest condition through replanting of indigenous tree and wild fruit tree seedlings.

He said this would ensure, in years to come, that the forest will regenerate rapidly to provide fruits and nesting sites for the orang utan population and ensure their survival in such a small and isolated forest area.

Continue reading at: Sabah rehabilitates degraded forests to conserve orang utan

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Sarawak tourism players should join effort to promote local crafts

2011-12-03T21:28:00.001+08:00

MIRI: Tourism players here should consolidate their efforts in promoting Miri city as well as its Sarawak handicrafts both to the locals and tourists.

Mayor of Miri City Council (MCC), Lawrence Lai in stating this regretted that there was still much to be done especially in promoting the handicrafts here.

“The council is only the facilitator to promote tourism, the stake holders like the hoteliers, travel agents, STB (Sarawak Tourism Board) and you as the handicraft sellers should enhance your cooperation in promoting the crafts,” said Lai when launching the arts and craft bazaar jointly organised by MCC and Miri Handicraft Centre here yesterday.

Among those present were Telang Usan assemblyman Dennis Ngau and the organising chairlady Councillor Kijan Toynbee.

Lai, however, is optimistic that the bazaar will become an important platform to promote especially the local handicrafts, which will indirectly promote the rich heritage of its people and Miri as a whole.

A total of 20 manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers selling various arts and handicrafts as well as food and drinks are taking part in the bazaar which is open until tomorrow from 9am to 10pm daily.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sarawak tourism players should join effort to promote local crafts

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Ten-day Ducati Borneo convoy the next big automotive tourism attraction

2011-12-02T18:26:00.000+08:00

KOTA KINABALU: Ducati Multistrada Borneo Experience is on its way to become a staple event in the Ducati Worldwide Events Calendar and the next big automotive tourism attraction in this region.

According to the NAZA Group of Companies Group Chief Operating Officer, Datuk SM Zulkifli SM Amin, the 10-day convoy which covers the entire Malaysian Borneo will be submitted to Ducati Worldwide to become one of the Italian superbike manufacturers’ recognised events.

“Ducati Worldwide has been encouraging all their dealers to start participating in their events such as Multistrada Pikes Peak in America as well as a similar event in Australia. So when they invited us and our Multistrada team to join, we thought why not do it here in Malaysia.

“So we planned out this spectacular 10-day trip across Malaysian Borneo with the Ducati Multistrada team,” he said yesterday.

He was speaking during a welcome ceremony in Kimanis, near here, which was hosted by Tourism Malaysia and Sabah Tourism Board.

Zulkifli said that Ducati Multistrada Borneo Experience is about introducing Borneo to the Multistrada which is Ducati’s multi-purpose bike, as well as to promote the places that they visit as the convoy also includes members of the media from India, Philippines as well as the local press corp.

Continue reading at: Ten-day Ducati Borneo convoy the next big automotive tourism attraction

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Tourism industry a big boost to Sarawak's economy

2011-11-30T18:09:00.000+08:00

MIRI: The tourism industry has been identified as one of seven industries capable of boosting Sarawak’s Economic Transformation Programme.

Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Datuk Jacob Dungau Sagan said on implementation of eight initiatives under the tourism sector, Sarawak would be able to generate RM68.3 million and up to 1,500 jobs by 2020.

The eight initiatives are health tourism, education tourism, eco-tourism, homestay, sports tourism, cultural and environmental tourism, and property and infrastructure tourism.

The tourism industry has broad-based products to offer in Sarawak including her natural environment, forests, rivers, culture, diverse ethnicity and handicraft.

The Ducati Multistrada Borneo Experience 2011, which arrived here Monday, comes under the sport tourism sector.

Sagan had the honour of welcoming the riders (of Ducati Multistrada 1200 Borneo Experience 2011) prior to having dinner with them at Mega Hotel here.

Fifty-two riders in 20 Ducati motorcycles were here Monday enroute to Brunei and then to Sabah. Among them are riders from United States, Italy, New Zealand, Uzbekistan, India, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei and Thailand.

The Ducati Borneo experience hopes to promote the huge tourism potential in Sarawak and create rapport among the riders and members of the public at their every stop. The expedition will be shown through 13 episodes on television, targeting local and overseas audiences.

Naza Ducati Malaysia is the main organiser of the event in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, Sarawak Tourism Board, Sabah Tourism Board, Brunei Tourism Board, MITI, Chevrolets, Eftra, Shell, SMF.net.my and Royal Bandits.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Tourism industry a big boost to Sarawak's economy

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Direct flight from Korea to Kuching a possibility

2011-11-30T18:06:00.000+08:00

KUCHING: There is a possibility that the state will have a direct flight from Korea through the local tourism industry network with the country.

According to an officer from the Korea Institute of Tourism and Culture, Dr Kim Dock Key, the possibility would be given serious consideration to further enhance existing bilateral relationships between Sarawak and Korea.

“Korea now has a direct flight to Kota Kinabalu and we will consider having a direct flight to Sarawak to further promote tourism here.

“Besides that we also intend to enhance cooperation among the industry players in both Sarawak and Korea,” Kim said during a visit to Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg here yesterday.

Kim, who led a delegation to meet Abang Johari added that the group was attracted to the tourism products in the state.

He mentioned Bako National Park, which he described as a natural tourism product with beautiful tropical forest and scenic views.

A group of 16 delegates from the Korea Institute of Tourism and Culture joined in the visit; they will also be visiting Sarawak Cultural Village.

Continue reading at: Direct flight from Korea to Kuching a possibility

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