The Tagal system that brought new life to the Moroli River in Ranau

It all started when Jeffrin Majangki, from Kampung Luanti Baru in Ranau decided to preserve and clean up the river in his village that was much neglected and laden with rubbish. He believed that cleaning the river and treating it with respect was important for the village.

At first his idea met with a mixed response from his fellow villagers, some of whom thought that it was just a waste of time and energy. However, Jeffrin persevered and eventually managed to gather a following who shared his thoughts about the river.

In 2002, Moroli River was changed. From what looked like a rubbish dump it became a beautiful river with crystal clear water and a multitude of fishes swimming freely in it.

Then came his effort to persuade his fellow villagers to refrain from overfishing in the river, to increase the fish stock, and allow the fishes to grow larger before harvesting them.

That was the start of the Tagal system in Ranau.

“I wanted to share and send a message that people need to be aware of the importance of preserving the rivers in their villages and at the same time practise the Tagal system,” he said during an exclusive meeting with Insight Sabah reporters at the Moroli River in Ranau.

"Ranau district has the highest number of Tagal Rivers and I am very pleased with the result, as this shows that people do care about the environment especially their rivers,” he said.

Tagal or also known as 'bombon' which means ‘do not’ in Kadazandusun language is a traditional approach to take care of the river naturally. The Tagal system was developed to conserve the fishery resources in the river.

The Fishery Department helps a lot to provide various kinds of assistance to villagers to enable them to establish and maintain their rivers under the tagal system of management, such as covering the starting cost of opening a new Tagal River, erecting the tagal signboards and providing the right type of fishing equipment to enable the villagers to harvest the fishes in the Tagal river without jeopardizing the fish stock.

According to the Sabah Fisheries Department the Tagal system has increased from a mere ten in 2000 to 193 rivers involving 447 villages in 2012.

He said that the Tagal system has helped some villagers to improve their livelihood through tourism, which contributes to the progress of Kampung Luanti Baru. Jeffrin disclosed to Insight Sabah that in a month the revenue that can be attributed to the Tagal system can reach RM10, 000.

He said the Tagal system in Ranau is using the zoning approach. The zoning is divided into three: Red, Yellow and Green, mainly to ensure sustainability of the river. Red Zone is a no-take zone that prohibits fishing, and it is for conservation and agro-tourism purposes.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: The Tagal system that brought new life to the Moroli River in Ranau

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The fish spa of Borneo

We’d heard about the Borneo fish spa.  Apparently the fish like to nibble dead skin and whilst it tickles somewhat, it does actually do you some good.

Duly intrigued, we paid our money, put on our swimming costumes and headed for the river where this ritual takes place.

You can choose between a foot massage - where the fish nibble your toes and ankles - and a full body massage, where you actually lie down in the water.

I thought I should lead by example (no-one else was volunteering) so I gingerly dipped my foot in the water.

The fish - and we are talking 12-18” fish here, not your average tiddler - gathered in a frenzied assault on my submerged foot, rather like piranhas did in the old Tarzan movies.

Tickle?  not exactly.  Scratch? Yes, that’s closer.  Still, having made my choice, and paid for, the full body version, there was no going back now. 

We had bought a couple of tiny packets of special fish food pellets, and were instructed to keep these tightly in our fists.

As I slowly lay down in the river, it was as if the fish instantly sensed the food and immediately called for reinforcements.

Shoals of fish started advancing from the outer reaches of the river.

You could see the rivulets in the water as they approached from all directions.

I was torn (a not entirely inappropriate metaphor) between trying to show Jules and the boys that it was fine, and admitting that it was very scratchy  - OK painful.

I wondered if my skin may have been more sensitive because I’d just been recovering from an allergic reaction to sea lice - (a sort of invisible jellyfish that brought out a mild chicken pox like reaction all over my body).

Still I figured I could put up with it for 15 minutes. 

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: The fish spa of Borneo

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Rumah Terbalik (Upside Down House), Tuaran, Sabah

The family back home was abuzz with news of the latest attraction in Sabah, which was the upside down house. My eyes rolled at the fact that it was just a man-made structure that's not even an original idea.

Little did I know that I would be making a stop here on our journey to Kampung Luanti for the fish massage! It was along the way and seemed a waste not to satisfy our curiosity.

Rumah Terbalik (meaning Upside Down House) as it has been named, has no significant cultural bearings nor is it a natural phenomenon like the famed Rafflesia.

I would have put its existence down to an inauthentic tourist attraction had I not known that it was built with an important message against the exploit of natural resources.

According to legend..I mean, mom..it was constructed as a grim reminder that our world could turn upside down with the continuation of such abuses.

The tickets are a bit pricey but I consoled myself that, "It's for a good cause". Really!

We were only allowed to take photos at designated areas outside the house. The interior was off limits. A guide led us through with a brief explanation. Inside, the ceiling was the floor and vice versa.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Rumah Terbalik (Upside Down House), Tuaran, Sabah

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Sabah - Fish Spa at 'Tagal' Sungai Moroli, Kampung Luanti

It's always nice returning to Sabah for a holiday. Although I was born and bred in a little island nearby, there is still so much I haven't seen of the mainland.

The fish spa at Kampung Luanti remains one of my favourite experiences. It is a long winding three-hour drive out of Kota Kinabalu city, but the ride was kept pleasant by the several stops we made to do some souvenir shopping, take in the majestic view of Mount Kinabalu and explore the odd structure of "Rumah Terbalik" (Upside down house).

The entrance fee is RM5 for 15minutes in the river. There's an additional RM3 charge if you bring a camera in. You'll find that they aren't very strict about it. We were not charged for our camera, not did they restrict our time. I guess it's because it wasn't peak season.

Fish food costs RM0.20 per packet. Buy it because feeding is a fun activity.

The fish spa in Kampung Luanti is nothing like the ones we find in malls. The fishes are larger sized, active and very effectively remove dead skin cells by sucking it off. By golly, my submerged feet were squeaky clean! I am not proud of it. I do wash my feet everyday!

The beautiful thing about it is that I got to experience all this in the natural cool waters of "Tagal" Sungai Moroli river. Tagal, meaning "No fishing" in the local dialect. There were no confining man-made pool or four walls to restrain my visual senses. The scenery is breathtaking.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Sabah - Fish Spa at 'Tagal' Sungai Moroli, Kampung Luanti

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Tourism complements conservation in Ranau ‘fish spa’ village

SUSTAINABLE environmental management and tourism complement each other at Kampung Luanti Baru, a village in Ranau.

The Fish Spa Experience, promoted as a tourism product through the Tagal system, ensures that while the environment and marine life are kept intact, the villagers are benefiting from promoting the environment through tourism.

Sited 130km — about two and half hours’ drive — from Kota Kinabalu, this village is tranquil, peaceful and rather sleepy just like any other hamlets in Sabah with a river winding through it.

The 300-strong inhabitants of Kadazandusun descent are, however, awakening to the presence of the international community which  promotes a fish spa at their river that is teeming with fish.

A spokesperson for the setup, Jeffrin Majangki, said the fish spa was mooted several years ago when Tagal system was started.

The fish then began to multiply due to the system which actually means no fishing and is aimed at conserving the environment and ecosystem to benefit future generations.

Due to regulated fishing and use of the resources in the river and along its banks, the Ikan Pelian grew in size and bred, populating the water.

As the villagers use the river for bathing, they found that the fish actually nibbled at their legs for dead skin.

Thus came fish spa, and the Moroli River of Kampung Luanti, now widely known for its Fish Spa experience.

“We receive about 1,000 to 1,200 visitors a month. They all want to experience the fish spa or look at our fish,” Jeffrin said.

These friendly docile masseurs are actually the main reason for the tourist arrivals in the village. The tourists only want to enjoy the River Fish Spa Experience — so it seems they complement each other.

As soon as visitors dip their feet in the water, the fish rush forward and frolic with them fearlessly and in the process, they start their massage by sucking off dead skins and scabs from their customers’ exposed limbs.

It is believed the fish massage helps suffering from psoriasis as they are only attracted to dead and unhealthy skin.

“Of course, the fish spa is our star attraction but we also have various other sights and sites to offer to our tourists,” Jeffrin said, adding that a river trek is always recommended to those wishing to enjoy Nature along the meandering river.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Tourism complements conservation in Ranau ‘fish spa’ village

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Challenging year for Sabah tourism

Sabah’s tourism industry is set to have a challenging year following Malaysia Airlines’ (MAS)’ decision to cancel direct flights to Osaka, Perth, Haneda and Incheon this year.

With no more direct flights from Sabah to Japan and Western Australia, the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry has to look at alternative plans to ensure a positive growth in the tourist arrivals to the state.

The ministry will focus on main markets that have the flight capacity and at the same time continue to work together as well as support aviation companies so that they will consider increasing their flights to Sabah or maybe consider providing charter flights to the state, its assistant minister, Datuk Bolkiah Ismail, said.

Bolkiah added that Tourism Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun went on a working visit to South Korea in October last year to meet with travel agents and aviation companies there with the aim to improve the frequency of the Seoul-Kota Kinabalu route.

“Two airlines based in South Korea have indicated their interest to start a charter flight schedule to Sabah and it all goes well, they are expected to start servicing the route in April and July respectively,” he said.

Bolkiah also said that South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR) would be flying from Clark, Philippines to Kota Kinabalu on May 1 this year with three flights a week.

The Philippines market had high potential in areas like MICE, shopping, leisure and education, he said, adding that the ministry had also identified five regional airports to play the role as ‘feeder’ for Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA).

These airports are on Kuala Lumpur, Brunei, Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea.

Continue reading at: Challenging year for Sabah tourism

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MAS Global sales offer great deals for all travelers

The Malaysia Airlines Global Sales is back with great offers to domestic and international destinations from Nov 8 to 15.

Promising to offer something for everyone, the sale will kick off with a pre-sale for Enrich members on Nov 7. Pre-sale tickets are only available at Malaysia Airlines tickets offices and call centre.

In a statement today, Malaysia Airlines Executive Vice President Datuk Bernard Francis said the Global Sale this time round covered all travel segments ranging from business to economy passengers.

“For the first time, the sale also includes destinations some of our code share partners fly to. This is an excellent opportunity for travelers to take advantage of our vast network connections to travel around the world.

“At the same time, we are rewarding our Enrich members with an exclusive preview a day earlier than the general public,” he said.

Business class passengers can enjoy fares from RM799 to Bangkok, Hanoi and Manila, RM999 to Taipei and Xiamen, RM3, 999 to Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane and RM2,199 to both Dubai and Jeddah.

Travel to London and Paris on business class from RM5, 999 and RM7,999 to Los Angeles and Buenos Aires.

“If you are looking for a getaway closer to home, look out for business class offers from RM299 to Penang and Langkawi, RM519 to Kuching and RM639 to Kota Kinabalu,” Malaysia Airlines said.

Those travelling on Economy class can fly to Asian destinations such as Jakarta and Bandung from only RM199 and RM339 to Bali, while fares from RM349 to Hong Kong, RM599 to Maldives and RM889 to Tokyo.

Continue reading at: MAS Global sales offer great deals for all travelers
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Firefly to start Sabah flights?

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) is keen on wholly-owned FlyFirefly Sdn Bhd start operating its B737-400 aircraft to Sabah.

Firefly is said to have been in talks with Sabah tourism authorities, and is likely to proceed with the move by the year-end.

MAS has been reported to have 36 B737-400 aircraft, which are due to exit from service by 2014.

Firefly currently operates the ATR 72-500 turbopropeller servicing routes in Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia from its two hubs at the Penang and Subang airports.

Sources said both Firefly and MAS will operate the Sabah routes, with Firefly flying out of the KL International Airport in Sepang.

On August 9, MAS said Kota Kinabalu would be its eastern hub and gateway to promote travels to and from China, Taiwan, North Asia, Indonesia and Australia.

The hub will be developed over three stages from November 15 this year to June 3 next year.

MAS said it was targeting 150 flights and a cabin crew of 250 for the Kota Kinabalu hub by next June.

Six aircraft, two of which would be the B737-800 and four B737-400, would be based in Kota Kinabalu.

Continue reading at: Firefly to start Sabah flights?
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More MAS Flights From Sabah To Japan By Year End

Malaysia Airlines (MAS) will operate more flights to Japan from Sabah, including a new destination from Kota Kinabalu to Haneda Airport, south of Tokyo, from Nov 15.

MAS will also increase its current six weekly flights to Kansai International Airport, 50km from Osaka city, to eight weekly from Jan 15 next year, comprising six weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur and twice weekly from Kota Kinabalu.

Its senior general manager (Commercial Strategy) Amin Khan said there would be three weekly flights from Kota Kinabalu to Haneda Airport -- at 4.35pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, which would complement the airline's existing 11 weekly flights from Kuala Lumpur to Narita International Airport.

We are confident that these services will be well received as the new flights into Haneda Airport will provide customers with easier and speedier access into the city of Tokyo," he said in a statement issued here Sunday.

Continue reading at: More MAS Flights From Sabah To Japan By Year End
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Another good spot for leisure, fish spa in Kimanis

KIMANIS: A Tagal system at Kg Kinolosodon here has huge potential to be another tourist destination for leisure and fish spa activities, said Bongawan Assemblyman Datuk Karim Bujang.

He said the Tagal spot has a suitable natural surrounding for visitors to enjoy fish-massage like the one at Kg Luanti, Ranau as well as for picnicking.

"I was made to understand by a senior officer of the Sabah Fisheries Department that the natural surrounding at the Tagal system of Kg Kinolosodon is more interesting and attractive compared to those in Kg Luanti.

"The river has big boulders and deep waters which make the area very suitable to be turned into a recreational spot for locals and tourists.

"In fact, the river water looks clear, serene and unpolluted, which can attract people to swim and enjoy the green scenery," he said.

Karim said this to Daily Express when attending the first harvest of the Tagal system at Kg Kinolosodon situated along the Kimanis-Keningau route, near here, Saturday.

About 12 villages situated near the Kimanis River are benefiting from the harvest. Among the fish they harvested were Pelian, Serawi and Lomi.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Another good spot for leisure, fish spa in Kimanis
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RM15,000 MAS boost for Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre

SANDAKAN: Orang utan conservation and rehabilitation efforts received a boost when Malaysia Airlines (MAS) contributed RM15,000 to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre.

“As the national carrier, we are proud to be associated with this labour of love, which preserves and protects not just the famous wild man of Borneo, but also local wildlife including sun bears, gibbons and sumatran rhinoceros,” MAS area manager for Sabah Morris Ong said in a statement yesterday.

The contribution is part of proceeds from the sale of air tickets from its inaugural direct flight from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan, which commenced yesterday.

Continue reading (incl. pic) at: RM15,000 MAS boost for Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre
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Places of Interest in Sabah: Fish Massage at Kampung Luanti, Ranau

The main entrance to Kg. Luanti with the fish icon visible from the roadside

A poster at the reception area showing visitors how the massage is done

The unique signboard near the river

The picturesque river view where the fish massage will be "performed"

The "Pelian" fish or more commonly known in Sabah as "Kelah" fish

Mr. Jeffrin (foreground) showing how a full body massage is done

Yes, you read right! A Fish Massage sounds odd but it's a unique experience you might not be curious enough to try.

Fancy something more unique than your average spa? Then head on to Kampung Luanti, Ranau for a fish massaging session at Moroli river in the village!

Located in Kampung Luanti, Ranau, 131 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu (2 hours and 40 minutes drive away); this fish massage ‘spa’ is managed by the Kampung Luanti JKK and lead by Mr. Jeffrin Majangki.

In the Local KadazanDusun dialect, ‘tagal’ means ‘no fishing’, and the main purpose of the ‘tagal’ is to preserve the environment as well as the ecosystem to benefit the future generation. ‘Ikan Pelian’ or Malaysian Masheer comes from the family of Cyprinidae. These fishes are specifically trained by the villagers to perform the healing massage activities.

The fish massage is deemed to have a curative effect on those who suffers from psoriasis. Come to Kampung Luanti for regular fish massages and you will enjoy smoother and suppler skin - just like a baby’s bottom.

If the idea of fishes nibbling off your dead skin doesn’t thrill you, try other activities such as jungle trekking and camping. Should you intend to stay longer, Kampung Luanti is also equipped with a homestay programme to make visitors feel at home every time.

Further Information

Contact Mr. Jeffrin Majangki

Tel. No: 088- 878044

HP: 016-806 6598

Source: Sabah Tourism

ED NOTE: Kampung Luanti is by the main KK-Ranau-Kundasang road just after the junction to Sabah Tea Garden. The trick to the fishes coming to "massage" you lies in the "fishmeal" that you need to hold close to you body underneath the water. You can also rent some shorts or clothings for the dip at the river if you forgot to bring your own swim wear. The only minus at Kampung Luanti is a lack of good bathing facility (one has to shower in the open at present).