Danum Valley wonders charm scientists

The Danum Valley Conservation Area in Sabah has the best of both worlds — nature in a pristine state and world-class research facility. Together, they have placed the 438sq km of primary jungle on the international wildlife map.

LOCATED 25km west of Lahad Datu is one of the world’s most complex ecosystems, the Danum Valley Conservation Area.

Scientists from the world over come here to study wildlife in a primary forest, with many spending three years researching its scientific wonders and soaking up its charm.

Central to the area is the Danum Valley Field Centre (DVFC) set up by the Sabah Foundation, which has been home to researchers, nature students and wildlife lovers for the past 20 years.

It is an anomaly: A fully-equipped centre with laboratory, library and computer centre plumb in the centre of what could be the best example worldwide of undisturbed flora and fauna.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: Danum Valley wonders charm scientists

Further Reading: Danum Valley Tropical Rainforests

Tropical Rainforests of Sabah

The following is a write-up on the wonders of Tropical Rainforests, and why Sabah, in Malaysia Borneo, may be the most convenient place to experience the thriving rainforests:

Tropical rainforests are an ancient but fast depleting natural wonder. The tropical rainforests have often being described as a “natural supermarket” as all of our every day’s basic essentials can be obtained from the forests such as food, drinks, fruits, medicine, etc.

At one time, tropical rainforest extent across the equator like a green belt but today, tropical rainforests cover less than 6% of the Earth's land area. The rainforests can only be found on three of the world's seven continents in the following geographical areas:

• Central America - In the Amazon River basin.
• Africa - Zaire basin, with a small area in West Africa and also in eastern Madagascar.
• Indo-Malaysia - Borneo, Southeast Asia, West Coast of India, Assam, New Guinea and Queensland, Australia.

Continued Reading at: Tropical Rainforests of Sabah

American tourists enjoy trip to Brunei

By Arjuna

Twenty-seven tourists from Hawaii are in the country on a four-day golf incentive trip. They will play two rounds of golf at the Jack Nicklaus designed course at The Empire Golf & Country Club and another two rounds at the RBGCC.

Besides golf activities, they were also brought to visit some of the interesting places in the country and dined at different restaurants.

The group also experienced a soft adventure trip to Ulu Temburong National Park in Temburong. All arrangements have been organised by Golden Touch Holidays-RBA.

"It was a most memorable boat trip to the Ulu Temburong National Park, the surrounding view are magnificent," said one of the tourists.

"All my clients are happy with the arrangements made," said Mieko Shimizu, the incentive trip organiser.

"They really love the country, the food and the people. The toilets are very clean," she added. She also has plans to bring another high-end group to Brunei soon.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Hidden beaches of Labuan

Layang Layangan beach
Paved walkway to the beach

Photos courtesy of and Copyright to Mohammad Abdullah and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.

By Mohammad Abdullah

Labuan's beaches are away from town, hence it is not surprising that they will be missed by visitors from Brunei, who revel at the city centres in search of shopping.

Layang Layangan (a place to fly kites) beach is a popular place on weekends. Its sandy white beaches is tempting and inviting for one to lie down and soak up in the sun and hear the sound of waves lapping at the water's edge. Cycling paths and picnic tables are shaded by leafy trees.

There are many food stalls with live musical bands performing every weekend. Horse riding and cycling are popular leisure activities on this beach.

Extending directly onto the long sandy beach is a beautiful landscaped Peace Park, with its arched bridges over tranquil ponds and shaded gazebos. It was built as a memorial and renunciation of the horrors of the war, when the Japanese occupied Labuan for four years before they surrendered. Near the entrance is a stone slab with a bronze plaque commemorating the Surrender.

Nearby is the Manikar Beach Resort, the island's only beach resort with 15 acres of sandy beach and tropical gardens. It offers fishing and diving trips and a view of the South China sea, and a magnificent pool.

The Layang Layangan Beach, one of the most developed beaches, is on the western coast of Labuan, south of Pancur Hitam.

Pancur Hitam beach is home to Labuan's biggest and most luxurious private house, the "House of Millions of Peace". The roads near this house, Jalan Batu Manikar and Jalan Pancur Hitam, are tastefully designed with well landscaped and decorated pathways

Just in front of the house, rows of local market stalls offer treats including fresh coconut water, chicken wings, popcorn and other mouth-watering local cuisines and knick-knacks. Right on the side of the house is a small natural path that will lead to Bukit Pohon Batu (Pohon Batu Hill), the second highest peak in Labuan, where you can enjoy jungle trekking.

On top of this hill, you will be greeted with beautiful beaches that stretch along the shoreline. From this high vantage you can also have a bird's eye view of the entire Labuan island. On clear days, you can see all the way to the south of Financial Park Complex, the revitalised uptown business district five kilometres from the Labuan airport.

Further south of Pancur Hitam beach, you will find a recreational area,the "Sudut Cabaran" (Challenging Site), an ideal site for recreational activities, picnic and camping.

In the evening, a breathtaking vista awaits with the three peaks of Phin Batu Hill as a dramatic backdrop. The sunset here is not to be missed!

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Sunday

Kota Kinabalu Tadau Kaamatan Carnival May 10-12

Kota Kinabalu: City Hall and the Royal Malaysian Police are jointly organising the City Tadau Kaamatan Carnival at Lintasan Deasoka, here, from May 10 to 12.

In the run-up to the carnival, several programmes have been lined up such as the City-level Unduk Ngadau Kaamatan Carnival 2007.

According to City Hall Public Relations Officer Syron A. Tunggolou, participation is still open, until May 4, for the preliminary rounds to select 15 finalists at Promenade Hotel and not the Community Centre as stated in the entry form.

Continue reading at: Kota Kinabalu Tadau Kaamatan Carnival May 10-12