Sabah’s first railway station proposed as historical heritage site

KOTA KINABALU: Assistant Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Kamarlin Ombi yesterday proposed that Bukau in Beaufort be made into a historical heritage site since this was where the first railway station in Sabah was established.

Speaking to reporters after launching Railway Gallery at the Sabah State Museum near here yesterday, Kamarlin said although signs of the rail tracks were no longer there, a small gallery could be erected to show this data so that the facts would become known to the future generation.

He added that this would be an asset and would help promote tourism activities at the area.

He also said the Sabah Museum planned to gazette the Melalap Railway Station into a heritage site sometime this year.

Earlier, Kamarlin said the railway services in Sabah was introduced by the British North Borneo Chartered Company.

He said the construction of the railway track in Sabah, which was then known as North Borneo, started in 1896 and was spurred by the production of tobacco and rubber in the 1880s throughout the early 1890s.

The managing director then, William Clarke Cowie, who was responsible for starting the construction, believed that the construction of the railway tracks would encourage the opening of more commercial plantations.

The work began in 1896, with the construction of the tracks from Beaufort to Weston by English engineer Arthur J. West. This track was completed in 1900, and was followed by the construction of the 90-kilometre track from Beaufort to Jesselton which was handled by a British firm, George Pauling and Company.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sabah’s first railway station proposed as historical heritage site

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Beaufort: The green orange, pineapple district in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: While Sarawakians have Bintangor and Sarikei known for their green orange and pineapple, Sabahans have Beaufort, known for the same produce.

Traditionally, the district’s economic activities used to be cultivation of green orange and pineapple as well as fishing. Recently, however, oil palm has taken over to be the major income earner for the district.

The oil palm industry of the district is dominated by the Chinese and the Bugis, and the revenue from the industry has made significant contribution to its prosperity.

Beaufort resident Mohd Tahir Apong said though the production of green orange which the locals call ‘limau manis’ has diminished, the name still stuck with Beaufort.

“When people talk about Beaufort, they will mention about the green orange. It is what represents our district. It used to be the main commodity that brought us income but in recent years, it has declined. Slowly, the land for green orange and that planted with pineapple is giving way to oil palm.

“As for fishing, it has always been our traditional way of earning a living. We are still doing it,” Mohd Tahir, a Bisaya Malay told BAT6.

He said the majority of the Beaufort population is Bisaya Malay and other native groups. There are also Chinese who are mainly found in town area of Beaufort but many have moved to Kota Kinabalu. With Mohd Tahir were Murin Jurih and Wan Mahmud Omar who happened to be a Sarawakian-turned Sabahan.

“My family moved here when I was young. But I constantly go back to Sarawak. To me, Sarawak and Sabah are more or less the same,” said Wan Mahmud Omar.

Beaufort, according to Mohd Tahir, is also known for its railroad which has been there since 1903. The Beaufort Railway Station is part of Sabah State Railway (SSR) which is the only railway system in the Borneo Island. It consists of a single 134km line linking Tanjung Aru (near Kota Kinabalu), Beaufort and Tenom.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Beaufort: The green orange, pineapple district in Sabah

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Beaufort Bagandang Festival - Youths called to preserve local culture

BEAUFORT: Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman has called on youths to continue to preserve tribal and ethnic culture to keep the traditional heritage alive.

He said the very existence and survival of a racial or ethnic group depended upon its willingness, determination and commitment to uphold its cultural heritage.

“Therefore, the state government welcomes such programmes to maintain unity and uphold local cultural heritage,” he said in his opening speech at the Bagandang Festival here, yesterday.

His speech was read by the Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, who is also Beaufort member of Parliament, Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun.

Musa said the Bagandang Festival is not a tourism asset but also serves to further strengthen unity among the various races in Sabah.

Also present were State Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Kamarlin Ombi, Beaufort UMNO head Datuk Isnin Aliasnih and Kuala Penyu State assemblyman Limus Jury.

Musa said that besides helping to translate Malaysia’s excellent multicultural identity, the Bagandang Festival was also an opportunity for the people of Beaufort and its surrounding towns to earn some income.

The Bagandang Festival, a Beaufort district annual event, was in its sixth year with this year’s theme being ‘Upholding Culture Together’. The festival was a five-day event concluding yesterday.

Continue reading at: Beaufort Bagandang Festival - Youths called to preserve local culture

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Watching Proboscis Monkeys in Borneo, Klias Wetlands Park, Beaufort, Sabah, Malaysia

If you’re staying in Sabah in Malaysia on the island of Borneo, it’s highly likely you’ll have heard of proboscis monkeys. They are wild, they live in the jungle and they have long noses. But more importantly they are native to the island of Borneo (Malaysia, Brunei Darussalam and Indonesia).

This is the only place on planet earth that you can see them outside a zoo. It’s worth doing, and naturally it’s a popular touristy thing to do. Hardly off the beaten track I know, but as a traveller I do the popular things too!! (Hence why I mixed hammocks in un-known Suriname with popular sights like Machu Picchu on my South American tour).

How to organise watching Proboscis Monkeys in Borneo

You’ll have guessed that Borneo has lots of jungles and therefore lots of tour companies organising these monkey trips (and Orang Utan ones). To book a trip to watch the proboscis monkeys, you are better to book it through a tour company. If you’re staying in the city of Kota Kinabalu like me, just pop into one of the many tour operators in town and book it.

If you are a really tight budget backpacker then you could realistically hitchhike or hire a car and drive out to Beaufort Town yourself then try to blag onto one of the boats that take you to where the proboscis monkeys are. I really don’t recommend it.

I have met tons of so called “budget backpackers” over the years who insist that booking through tour companies is always dearer – it’s often not and your best way to see the proboscis monkeys is to book it through a company. But make sure they include hostel pick up, food, proboscis monkey boat tour and fireflies boat tour. It’s easy to organise – find a company, agree a price and get your tickets.

How much does watching Proboscis Monkeys in Borneo cost?

If you just want to see the monkeys then you will probably be able to get it for around 60 Ringitts (or less if you have your own transport). However we booked a tour which included other things. Our entire tour cost 150 Ringitts for a 7 hour trip. This cost also included the fireflies, the transport to and from the hostel, the boats, afternoon tea and a full dinner.

We also ate our breakfast at the hostel that day (included in our hostel price) but as it’s all you can eat you can get by without eating anything else that day – the afternoon tea and evening dinner is enough.

How do you get to Klias Wetlands Park for watching Proboscis Monkeys in Borneo?

We were picked up at our hostel at 2pm in Kota Kinabalu, driven to a place called Beaufort Town which houses Klias Wetland Park. Transport was comfortable and efficient and all included in the tour. It was a small mini-bus we got.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics & Videos) at: Watching Proboscis Monkeys in Borneo, Klias Wetlands Park, Beaufort, Sabah, Malaysia

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Kuala Penyu's eco tourism potential to be tapped

Kuala Penyu: Efforts are afoot to attract more investments and tourists here by capitalising on the district's potential to be a top eco-tourism attraction, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman.

He said the district had been fortunate after getting several mega development projects such as the Sitompok Bridge, schools and replacement of old water mains spanning from Limbawang to Kayul that cost RM50 million as well as the RM226 million water treatment plant announced by the Prime Minister during his visit to Beaufort recently.

"These projects will not only benefit the people in Beaufort but also Kuala Penyu. This is what we want, a leader who listens whatever we ask, it will be readily considered for approval.

"But, it does not end here, we must not be easily satisfied, what is important, more will come for Kuala Penyu.

Since it is a very beautiful place our plan is to attract more tourists to come.

"With more tourists coming and investments it will create job opportunities for the local community at the same time creating economic spin-offs that benefit the whole district," he said.

Speaking at the Chinese New Year open house hosted by Upko Beaufort at Dewan Dato Shahbandar Makang here Monday, Musa who is also Finance Minister said it was crucial that the people not be influenced by leaders from the opposition here.

"If we look at these so-called leaders most of them are actually re-cycled leaders," he said.

According to him, the people should look for a leader who has a vision to improve the district and always finding ways as well as means to develop the district and surrounding areas like Mempakul and Menumbok, especially in the tourism area.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Kuala Penyu's eco tourism potential to be tapped

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Bagandang - a Festival in Beaufort to preserve a cultural heritage

The annual Bagandang Festival in Beaufort celebrates some of Sabah's well known traditional musical instruments such as Kulintangan and mini brass gongs played during weddings. This year, the Festival was held between 22nd and 25th  November.

The four-day festival with the theme ‘United in Upholding Culture’ was launched by the Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Aman Hj. Aman on the 24th of November.

Commenting on the festival the Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs, Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun, said that the Bagandang Festival was intended to unite people of different races in Sabah, to promote arts and cultures and to instill better appreciation of local cultures among Sabah's youths.

“The civilization of a nation is embodied in its cultural heritage, which should be maintained to preserve the nation's own identity. We need to have our own identity for the world to recognize us. Therefore, I see this festival as stamping the brand and identity of Beaufort,” Azizah said.

This year, some 5000 visitors came to witness the festival. They came not only from Beaufort district itself, but also from Sarawak, Peninsula Malaysia and Brunei.

The Chief Minister said an important aim of this festival is to showcase local musical instruments and some of the cultures of Sabah, especially those of Beaufort origin. “We have more than 30 races in Sabah, and in Beaufort.

We are all a combination of various cultures and religions and this festival is an occasion  to bring Sabahans together to strengthen relationships and to ponder the message of unity,” Musa added.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Bagandang - a Festival in Beaufort to preserve a cultural heritage

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North Borneo Train: Melalap The Final Station

In some parts of the interior of Sabah, train still serves as the main transport for people to get around. Just to name a few train main stops like Saliwangan Baru, Halogilat, Rayoh, and Pangi along the Beaufort-Tenom route are the places which depend solely on train service. In the old days, the North Borneo Train spanned it service starting from Jesselton to Melalap as its final station.

According to history, the Tenom-Melalap route was opened in 1906. And was closed in 1970.

Back in 1975 to 1976, the station was used as Melalap Police Station. It served as a quarters at the same time. If I am not mistaken a policeman and his family lived there during the period. I was in Primary One then. I remember studying in the same class with the policeman son until Primary Two at a school nearby, SK Melalap.

A row of shophouses building is located nearby. The building is as old as the railway station. Even though it has aged but still home a couple of families who run the sundry shops. The are two shops still operating. One is long closed in the late 1990s.

In the past, there used to be a Tamu (market) on Saturdays. The town folks came out with farm produce to sell in exchange for a packet of sugar and coffee. Fish mongers from Tenom came up with salt water fish. It was the day that everyone waited for.

During that time, RM 1.00 for a Land Rover ride from Melalap to Tenom was considered too much to afford. The Tamu then slowly forgotten as most of the new generation work at the government offices in Tenom. Who would want to buy at the Tamu when they could get supplies from Tenom as they wish for daily? Soon after, Melalap has turned out to be a quiet town.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: North Borneo Train: Melalap The Final Station

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Rail-ly memorable North Borneo train ride to Beaufort

OUR original intention was to board the famous North Borneo Railway and follow the heritage trail from Tanjung Aru to Papar, 38km from Kota Kinabalu.

However, fate had a weird sense of humour because on arrival in the capital of Sabah, fondly called KK (previously known as Jesselton), a call came from the Heritage Train organisers to tell us that the Heritage Train engine had broken down and it’s in the workshop.

With a heavy heart, we had to resort to Plan B. Two days later, we unanimously voted to board the Sabah State Railway and make our way to Papar.

On hindsight, this actually lessens the strain on our purse-strings by more than RM268 per person because the fare to Papar by the regular train is only RM1.85 per person one way.

The fare on the North Borneo Railway, with all its bells and whistles, was RM270 to Papar and back!

CHUGGA-CHUGGA CHOO-CHOO TO PAPAR

There are 15 stops from Sekretariat station to Tenom. Since we boarded at Tanjung Aru, there are only three stops to Papar.

It’s nice to re-acquaint ourselves with the kind of coach which we have not seen for a long time. The Sabah railway looks slightly similar to the KTM but there are fewer coaches because there are simply fewer passengers.

The interior is spacious and the colour of the seats is similar to the ones we have back home.

A friend from Sabah tells me that the State railway is the chief means of transport for those living in “reduced circumstances”. City people tend to prefer buses, mini-buses and taxis when they travel from town to town.

Locals can easily tell we’re not one of them since we sound very much like people from across the South China Sea, meaning the peninsula.

I draw some curious looks because the locals aren’t quite so sure about my identity since I am wearing a Javanese cap. I eavesdrop on a nearby conversation and hear a passenger remarks “macam orang Jawa”.

The first thing we notice before the train leaves the station is that the ceiling fans in our coach aren’t working. But when the train finally moves, the fans start spinning. Well, at least half of them do.

 The rail route is along the west coast of Sabah and it faces the South China Sea. Without any expectations, we are happy that marshlands soon loom into sight and along several sections of the route, swamps appear right next to the track.

Kampung houses are common but not many. The land is very flat and the atmosphere bespeaks of pastoral surroundings that are dissimilar from those in the peninsula.

After 30 minutes or so, we reach Papar, a town with a population of about 128,000 (2010 statistics). The residents comprise Kadazandusun, Bruneian Malay, Bajau and Hakka Chinese.

I find out later that the name Papar means “flat” or “open land”. The main agricultural crop is rice. Naturally, padi fields are found in abundance but in recent years, orchards have also sprung up.

CHICKEN GEORGE

The passengers who board the train at Putatan, Kinarut and Kawang (between Tanjung Aru and Papar) are mostly villagers and teenagers.

One of them, a young lad, has brought along a “friend” who attracts some curious looks when it begins squawking. It’s actually his chicken which is wrapped in a plastic bag with its head protruding out.

While some of us cast furtive glances at him, the boy who we nickname “Chicken George”, retreats to a secluded corner between two rows of seats with his feathered friend resting on the floor.

Every time the chicken squawks a little, he taps it gently with his foot and it stops. I am hoping that it is his pet and not headed for the pot.

This scene would have been common in pre-war Malaya on local trains. I reckon that if someone had brought along his pet goat, I would have gladly offered my seat to the horned guest. After all, it is the only decent thing to do since I am only a guest in the Land Below The Wind.

L.P. BEAUFORT NAMESAKE

Since Papar is insufficient to satisfy our sense of outdoor adventure, we proceed to Beaufort, 52km from Papar and 90km from Kota Kinabalu.

What we will do in Beaufort is as much a mystery to us as it is to the train conductor when we pay for the extended rail journey to a town in the interior named after L.P. Beaufort, a former British Governor.

Then, 45 minutes later, we glide to a gentle halt at a very quiet provincial town which has a population of 76,000. The townspeople, mainly Chinese Hakkas, are either having their siesta or closing their businesses early.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Rail-ly memorable North Borneo train ride to Beaufort

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RM3m approved to build Bisaya Cultural Centre

Beaufort: The Bisaya community has every reason to smile - the Housing and Local Government Ministry has approved the construction of a RM3 million Bisaya Cultural Centre here.

Deputy Housing and Local Government Minister Datuk Lajim Ukin, who made the announcement, said apart from becoming a culture and art activities centre, it would also be used to place the community's historical documents for posterity.

"The allocation warrant for the Cultural Centre has been prepared.

This proves that the Barisan Nasional (BN) Government under the leadership of Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak is committed to make the 1Malaysia concept a success even though the Bisayas are just a small community in Sabah," he said.

Speaking at the opening of the Eighth Adau Janang Gayuh celebration that was attended by more than 10,000 people here, he hoped the Cultural Centre would become a tourist attraction for the district.

Lajim, who is also President of the Sabah United Bisaya Association, said the centre was also a token of appreciation to the people here and in Kuala Penyu who have shown commitment to develop their areas.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, in his speech delivered by Local Government and Housing Minister Datuk Hajiji Mohd Noor, said the involvement and strong support of the people for the various cultural-related programmes in Sabah was encouraging and further strengthened Sabah as the model of the 1Malaysia spirit.

He said he wanted to use excellence as bait to lure tourists to the State.

He said excellence should be reflected in programmes to highlight the potentials and uniqueness of a district or culture of the ethnic groups, especially those listed in the State tourism calendar.

Such an approach is essential to ensure the programmes remain attractive to the various strata of society each year, he noted.

Continue reading at: RM3m approved to build Bisaya Cultural Centre
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Need to upgrade and promote Beaufort's Startevich memorial to tourists

BEAUFORT: Beaufort member of parliament Datuk Seri Lajim Ukin wants the Startevich Memorial here to be upgraded and promoted as a tourism product to attract visitors, especially Australians.

Lajim also called on the Sabah Tourism Promotion Board (STPB) to develop a special package for tourists which will include a guided tour to the memorial site, in addition to other places of interest in Beaufort.

“STPB should come up with a package which allows tourists to stay here and visit the site so that they can learn about the history of this area,” he said to reporters yesterday when met after a service at the memorial site.

Startevich Memorial was erected to remember the gallantry of Australian soldier Private Leslie Thomas “Tom” Starcevich, who in the World War II single-handedly destroyed four enemy machine gun posts near to where the site is now.

Beaufort together with Weston played important roles during the Borneo campaign of 1945.

After the Australian Ninth Division re-captured Brunei and Labuan from the enemies, they turned their attention to mainland Sabah as part of the final phase of their campaign, with the re-capture of Weston and Beaufort amongst the main objectives of their advance.

During the capture of Beaufort, the leading section of Starcevich’s unit came under fire from Japanese machine-gun posts and had suffered casualties.

Starcevich, a Bren-gunner, moved forward and assaulted each post in turn, killing five enemies in the process and causing the rest to retreat.

When the section was held up again, Starcevich adopted a similar tactic and single-handedly captured two more posts disposing off seven enemies.

For his bravery, Starcevich who grew up and later lived at Grass Patch, north of Esperance, Western Australia, served as a private in the 2/43rd Battalion of the Australian Army and was awarded with the Victoria Cross (VC).

The ‘VC’ is the highest decoration for gallantry “in the face of the enemy” awarded to members of the British and Commonwealth armed forces.

Continue reading at: Need to upgrade and promote Beaufort's Startevich memorial to tourists
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Extinct tropical raintree species discovered in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Foresters are excited about the discovery of three tropical raintree species that were thought to be extinct in Sabah.

The rare dipterocarp species, known locally as Keruing Jarang was found in the Siangau Forest Reserve, near the coastal town of Weston, about 100km from here.

The discovery was made during a survey of the area by a research team from the Forestry Department.

In a statement here yesterday, Sabah Forestry director Datuk Sam Mannan said the species Dipterocarpus lamellatus was last recorded at Beaufort Hill in 1955.

The only other record was from Labuan in 1951.

The island today is virtually devoid of any natural dry land forests, said Mannan.

“It is a very exciting development for us,” he added, saying the research team also encountered four other rare dipterocarps in the reserve.

The survey was part of a statewide inventory by the Forestry Department to determine the conservation status of dipterocarps in Sabah, he said.

Forest botanist John Sugau said that of the 267 species of dipterocarps known to exist on Borneo island, 183 were found in Sabah.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Extinct tropical raintree species discovered in Sabah
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Sabah railway service to resume with free rides

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Railway Department is resuming its train service from Tanjung Aru to Beaufort and is celebrating the event by offering free rides to the public for one week.

According to its general manager, Mohd Zain Mohd Said, the service to and from Tanjung Aru to Beaufort will commence on February 21.

“So from February 21 to February 28, commuters from these two areas can take a train ride for free,” Mohd Zain told reporters yesterday.

The train will depart from Tanjung Aru at 7.45am and 1.40pm daily while the return trip will leave Beaufort station at 11am and 4.30pm.

Commuters traveling to and from Tanjung Aru and Beaufort can also request for the return tickets before leaving the respective stations, he said, adding that the coaches can accommodate about 210 passengers one way.

“As of March 1, the fare to and from Tanjung Aru and Beaufort is RM4.80 per adult while children under 12 will be charged 50 per cent off,” he said.

“We will be using Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) 6601 and 6602 as well as a locomotive with open deck carriages for cargo,” he disclosed.

The trains are expected to travel at a maximum speed of 80kph which is 30kph faster than the previous engines.

“This means that the traveling time between Tanjung Aru and Beaufort now is about two hours and 15 minutes,” he said.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sabah railway service to resume with free rides
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Kota Kinabalu-Beaufort rail service resumes Feb 21

Kota Kinabalu: The rail service between here and Beaufort which has been disrupted for quite sometime for improvement works on the tracks will fully resume on Feb. 21.

State Railways General Manager, Hj Mohd Zain Hj Mohd Said, said to commemorate the resumption of service, the rides would be free until Feb.

27. However, commuters will still have to take the free tickets from the counters being boarding the train. "From Feb 28, there will be promotional rates until the officiating ceremony end of March," he stated.

He added there will be six services between Tanjung Aru and Beaufort as follows:

l 6.10am - Papar-Secretariat (Sembulan) l 5.10 pm - Secretariat-Papar l 7.45 am - Tg Aru-Beaufort l 11.01am - Beaufort-Tg Aru l 1.40 pm - Tg Aru-Beaufort l 4.30 pm - Beaufort-Tg Aru

From Beaufort, commuters can continue their journey onto Tenom.

The entire Tg Aru-Tenom trip will take 2 hours and 15 minutes and the coaches will run at a speed of 80km per hour compared to 50km previously.

There will be a total of 14 stations between Sembulan and Tenom, namely: Secretariat-Tg Aru-Putatan-Kinarut-Kawang-Papar-Kimanis-Bongawan-Membakut-Beaufort-Saliwangan Baru-Halogilat-Rayoh-Pangi-Tenom.

Meanwhile, Hj Zain said the railway service was introduced in Sabah (then North Borneo) by the then British North Borneo Chartered Company Limited.

"The first railway track, a distance of 32 km, was laid in 1896 and completed in 1990 , linking Weston and Beaufort.

Continue reading at: Kota Kinabalu-Beaufort rail service resumes Feb 21
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"Last Train of Borneo" disappointment

The train ride from Beaufort to Pangi (near Tenom) - a distance of 129km - is the last leg of the train journey which originates daily from Kota Kinabalu.

Brochures describe the Beaufort-Pangi ride as the "Last Train of Borneo".

The slogan holds out promise of wholesome old-fashioned adventure offering breathtaking views of the Padas river rapids as water gushes through the Padas gorge.

The views definitely give hints of the thrills and spills in store for the white water rafter from Pangi back to the Rayoh station, a distance of 8km.

Rayoh is between Pangi and Beaufort.

Twenty members of the Persatuan Pengembara Labuan (Labuan Backpackers' Association planned to experience the rafting adventure on Christmas Day. But when they arrived in Beaufort from Labuan on Dec 24, they suffered their first disappointment.

The train would not have a morning service because the engine was "rosak" (broken down).

Pangi is the starting point for Padas river rafting.

The backpackers, however, managed to board the afternoon journey at 1.30pm.

The journey truncated at the Halogilat station which was a half-way point to Pangi.

Here a second disappointment was in store as the train would not proceed to Pangi because the tracks were being repaired.

Requests that the train take the backpackers a further 8km to Rayoh station which would be nearer to Pangi was also not entertained.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: "Last Train of Borneo" disappointment
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Sabah Tourism: Pesta Bagandang, Beaufort

Date: 5 - 6 November 2010

If you're looking for a dose of music education, make a stopover at the Beaufort district for the annual Bagandang Festival. Learn about the colourful cultures of the Bisaya, Lundayeh, Murut and Brunei people while enjoying traditional and modern musical performances featuring instruments such as the kulintangan and mini brass gongs nornamlly played during weddings.

Source: Sabah Tourism

NOTE: Photo Copyright to Sabah Tourism
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Homestay at Kota Klias next year

Beaufort: Kg Kota Klias will become a hive of activity next year when enterprising residents start a homestay service in the village.

It was the Minister of Community Development and Consumer Affairs, Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun, who motivated the people to venture into the tourism industry.

She said this is a good opportunity for the village folks to raise their families' income.

"After all, Kota Klias is famous for its proboscis monkey and fireflies.

With homestay facilities, more tourists will be drawn to this village to live here and enjoy our local products such as food and traditional instruments.

"You need to think outside the box if you wish to succeed in life. Trying out homestay business is a chance to get out of the shackles of poverty," she told the community when officiating at the People-Friendly Programme here, recently.

On the same day, Azizah, who is Klias Assemblywoman, also launched the People-Friendly Programme and Family Well-being Education Class (PKK) at Kg Pintas Kubu.

The people were urged to revive their agricultural activity, especially orange cultivation.

Continue reading at: Homestay at Kota Klias next year
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Districts in Sabah urged to explore unique tourism potentials

BEAUFORT: All districts in the State are urged to explore tourism potentials particularly in culture and local craft-making.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Hj Aman, when making this call yesterday, said that this is in line with the government’s intention to boost the tourism industry as highlighted in the State Budget 2010.

But to accomplish this he said the industry must be prepared to go as far as to market their products and services abroad other than adding value to them.

He said this when launching the Bagandang Festival and Beaufort Trade Expo at the tamu ground here yesterday.

Continue reading at: Districts in Sabah urged to explore unique tourism potentials
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Sabah Tourism Upcoming Event: Bagandang Fest

Date: 11 - 13 December 2009

Come away to Beaufort this December to witness the Bagandang Fest and Buy Malaysian Products Trade Expo 2009.

This three-day event will take place on 11th to the 13th of December, 2009 at the Tamu Ground and Beaufort District Field. Among the event highlights not to be missed are the Domestic Trade Expo, which will be held on 11th - 12th December from 8.30am to 10.30pm; as well as the Traditional Wedding Ceremony of the native Bisaya, Lundayeh, Murut and Brunei people on 13th December from 2pm to 5pm.

Other interesting activities to check out are the Bagandang performance, children colouring contest, native sports, kebaya fashion show, and the Bintang Bagandang singing competition. Visitor will also be entertained with performances by local artistes such as Stacy and Lotter of Akademi Fantasia fame. See you there!

For the full itinerary, call Mr. Mohd Sidik Hj. Abd Jubar at +6087 201208 , e-mail bfi.kplb@sabah.gov.my or visit here.

Source: Sabah Tourism

NOTE: Photo Copyright to Sabah Tourism
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Beaufort wants to be a Sabah tourism hub

KOTA KINABALU: Beaufort hopes to become one of the State’s tourism hubs.

Community Development and Consumer Affairs minister, Datuk Azizah Mohd Dun said to reporters yesterday that Beaufort is already known as a destination for adventurers thirsting to try out Sabah’s white water rafting (Padas River) as well as the centre for visitors to watch proboscis monkeys in the wild.

Tourists keen on sighting the monkeys could do so during river cruise at the Klias or Garama Rivers, both of which are in the district.

“Sometimes, you can see just a few groups, but other times, you may see hundreds of them at the sides of the river,” she said.

The proboscis monkey population in Beaufort is said to exceed those anywhere else in Sabah, including the Kinabatangan.

However, Azizah also said that they would try to regulate boat operators using the river so that they do not scare off the monkeys.

“Boats with high horsepower are often noisy and this scare off the monkeys,” she said.

Continue reading at: Beaufort wants to be a Sabah tourism hub
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Dinner at Beaufort Restaurant, Penampang

From KK Food Reviews blog:

Whenever I pass by Beaufort Restaurant, I would always see it FILLED with customers every single time.

But I've been told before that the food served there are quite expensive. So that explained why WC and I never got around to dining there before.

Nevertheless, I was always curious as to how 'expensive' the food there might be, and lucky for me, this week, my question was answered, as we had another family dinner there.

Beaufort Restaurant is located right near to the Lido traffic light (that leads into KK High School). You can't miss it; it's visible from the main Penampang Road. It's a corner lot with a big signboard that says Restaurant Beaufort on it!

Continue reading (incl. pics) at: Dinner at Beaufort Restaurant, Penampang