Kaamatan boosts demand for traditional costumes

KENINGAU: At this time of the year, Mohd Azrul Fildza Abdullah’s boutique, here is a hive of activity as he and his wife race against time to meet the numerous orders for hand-stitched ethnic costumes.

It is now Kaamatan time in the Land Below the Wind and this is when the locals don their traditional garments to participate in the various events that are usually held in conjunction with the festival‘s month-long celebrations.

“This is a busy time for me as I‘ve to complete all the orders I‘ve received for Kaamatan,” Mohd Azrul Fildza, 41, told Bernama recently when met at his small boutique, Azma Trading, which he runs with his 36-year-old wife Fatma Zainal.

Mohd Azrul, a Kadazan, has been receiving orders for the traditional garments since April.

“I‘ve stopped taking new orders because these clothes have to be sewn with great precision. Some ethnic groups” traditional clothes are quite tedious to sew. In fact, it may take me two or three months to complete one set,” he said.

The traditional outfit worn by the Kadazans in Penampang, also known as the sinombiaka, was easier to sew, he said, adding that he and his wife could complete three to five sets of these garments a day.

“For the sinombiaka, we just have to add gold-coloured and red lace trimmings to the clothes. In contrast, the Tindal (a Dusun sub-ethnic group) people who hail from Kota Belud have such intricate costumes which can take us two to three months to complete as they require embroidered motifs,” explained Mohd Azrul.

The Tindal sub-ethnic group“s traditional costumes, he added, were more vibrant to look at as they were adorned with red and yellow sequins and gold-coloured buttons.

Mohd Azrul“s boutique has earned a reputation as one of the best shops in the state to secure ethnic garments for Kaamatan.

He also receives orders for traditional garments from Sabahans residing in Peninsular Malaysia and even overseas.

“Several customers of ours working in countries like Japan and Australia have ordered clothes from us through our Facebook and Instagram (azmatrading) pages,” he said.

Kaamatan, an annual rice harvest festival, is among the major cultural festivals observed by the Kadazandusun - the largest indigenous group in Sabah - Murut and Rungus ethnic groups in Sabah.

The festivities, which usually kick off in the beginning of May and include carnivals and traditional performances, peak on May 30 and 31 which are public holidays in the state.

The climax of the celebrations will take place at the Kadazandusun Cultural Association‘s Hongkod Koisaan hall in Penampang, located on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu.

The people themselves will be the highlight at the closing events as they will all be resplendently decked out in their respective ethnic wear.

Interestingly, Sabah‘s traditional costumes come mainly in hues of black as it is believed that the colour symbolised power that is capable of protecting the wearer against evil spirits.

Some quarters also believed that the colour suited the lifestyle of the ethnic people whose forefathers had lived in a state of nature.

Sabah has over 30 ethnic groups, each with its own rich heritage of traditional costumes and cultural practices that reflect their unique identity.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Kaamatan boosts demand for traditional costumes

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Sabah state govt sets 2018 as 'Visit Keningau Year'

KENINGAU: The Sabah state government has set 2018 as ‘Visit Keningau Year’ with the theme, ‘The Hinterland Gem Of North Borneo’.

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan disclosed this at the launch here on Tuesday of the 1Malaysia Voluntourism Programme under the National Blue Ocean Strategy by Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz.

He said the district has many natural attractions that could be economically developed as excellent tourism products such as the Crocker Range’s scenic highway, Laing Cave, Mandanan waterfall, and Bandukan and Minansut picnic spots.

Continue reading at: Sabah state govt sets 2018 as 'Visit Keningau Year'

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Handicraft woven from bamboo can generate RM20 mln for Keningau

KENINGAU: Kraftangan Malaysia believes that handicraft woven from bamboo can generate up to RM20 million in revenue annually for Keningau with the right marketing and promotions.

Deputy Tourism and Culture Minister Datuk Mas Ermieyati Samsudin said the district’s fine, quality bamboo handicraft, such as bags and containers, had been attracting Asian and European tourists to buying it.

“Bags, especially those made by craftsmen from Kampung Batu Lunguyan using the Dusun traditional motifs, are durable.

“It is not impossible that the village comes to be known as the ‘Land of Bamboo’ as its handicraft is of the highest quality and can potentially penetrate the international market,” she added.

She told reporters this after officiating the state-level Kraf KampungKu programme in Sook, near Keningau here yesterday.

Also present was the Assistant Minister in the Chief Minister’s Department and Sook State Assemblyman, Datuk Ellron Alfred Angin.

Aside from Kampung Batu Lunguyan, Mas Ermieyati said Kraftangan Malaysia would also be assisting 15 other villages in Keningau, also producers of bamboo handicraft, to market and promote their products to achieve the RM20 million revenue target.

Aside from the Tourism and Culture Ministry, 28 other government and private agencies are also involved in the implementation of the state-level Kraf KampungKu programme.

It includes the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority and the Sabah Economic Development and Investment Authority.

Continue reading at: Handicraft woven from bamboo can generate RM20 mln for Keningau

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Kalimaran Festival to be held in Tenom in July

KENINGAU: The state-level Kalimaran Festival will be held at the Sabah Murut Cultural Centre in Kampung Pulong, Tenom in July.

Sabah Murut Association (PMS) president Datuk Rubin Balang said the festival held over the past ten years will highlight the various customs and culture of the Murut communities in the state.

“The festival aims to unite Muruts so that we can elevate and showcase our customs and culture to the present and future generations,” he said.

Speaking to reporters after officiating the district-level Kalimaran Festival at Kampung Limbawan here on Saturday, he said the customs and culture of the society inherited from their ancestors will continue to be maintained.

Rubin, who is also Kemabong assemblyman, said that PMS had been teaching the Murut language as the mother tongue of the Murut ethnic group in the state over the past few years.

“PMS and Murut communities thank the federal government for giving special provisions to the Murut Language Teaching Bureau headed by Senator Datuk Dr Lucas Umbul who has pioneered the teaching of native language in this community.

“The state government led by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman has also allocated sufficient funds to organize this festival at the state level to be held at Sabah Cultural Murut Center at Kampong Pulong Tenom where the Sabah Cultural Board and PMS are jointly organizing this celebration,” he said.

Rubin said a total of RM300,000 will be allocated for financing the festival at the state level this year.

He said for the past three years from 2015 until this year, PMS had organized this festival at the district level where Murut tribes live in this state.

Continue reading at: Kalimaran Festival to be held in Tenom in July

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Spelunking in Sabah’s heartland

IT ALL started when a friend of mine posted a video of a trip packed with adventure and activities on Facebook. Being a “couch potato”, the video looked a bit extreme to me at first glance, but still, I was intrigued.

After thinking about it, my friends and I decided to take a four-day, three-night trip to Sabah.

We started our journey by travelling from Kota Kinabalu to Keningau, a district about 130km away, by bus. Upon arrival, we were greeted by a group of facilitators of a programme we had signed up for.

They quickly ushered us into a minivan and we then continued our journey to Pungiton Camp by boat.

After a quick tea-time snack, we quickly geared up for a trek to Pungiton Cave.

We had to trek through the jungle for less than 15 minutes before reaching the mouth of the cave.

As we descended into the cave, we were greeted by the cold, underground stream that washed beneath our feet. Venturing on inside the cool and dark cave, we were amazed by the formation of stalactites and stalagmites.

It took us approximately two hours to trek through the cave before we headed back to camp.

After descending from Batu Punggul, we had a picnic lunch by the riverbank, followed by a quick swim. Then we were transported to the modern longhouse where we stayed for the night.

During our stay at the longhouse, we were treated to a traditional Murut tribe dance by the village’s children and even took part in the dance and learnt the moves from the locals.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Spelunking in Sabah’s heartland
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Crocker Range Festival replaces Pesta Koningau

KENINGAU: Crocker Range Festival will become an annual celebration here to replace Koningau Fair.

It aims to introduce the cultures of rural communities as well as help improve the local socio-economy and provide an opportunity for villagers to market their agricultural produce and local products.

The announcement was made by Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman in his speech at the launch of the Keningau Crocker Range Festival 2015 at the school hall of SM Ken Hwa Keningau, on Saturday.

The text of his speech was read by Deputy Chief Minister, Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan who is also Minister of Infra- structure Development.

Musa also welcomed the initiatives and efforts of the organisers to ensure the success of the festival by applying a varied and interesting concept.

“This festival is the best platform to continue to protect and uphold culture, especially for the younger generation and is a positive sign for a better future for the country and the people, especially in the context of further strengthening the spirit of unity and harmony,” he said.

Musa hoped the festival would continue to be a catalyst and contribute significantly to the socio-economic development, while strengthening the spirit of unity and solidarity to guarantee the stability, security and prosperity in Sabah.

Continue reading at: Crocker Range Festival replaces Pesta Koningau

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Ex-Aussie soldier donates historical items to Keningau Museum

KENINGAU: A former lieutenant colonel of the Royal Australian Engineers, Tomasz Ciseniewski, or better known as Tom, and his Sabahan wife, Connie Lupang, visited the Keningau Heritage Museum on Monday afternoon.

What used to be a rest house 50 years ago has been turned into a local museum that houses numerous historical collections dating back to the colonial days ranging from artefacts and old photographs.

The couple’s visit to the museum was to donate old photographs and an Australia Army Slouch hat that would become part of the exhibition here.

Flash back to late 1965, Tomasz was a young second lieutenant of the transport troops, and a member of the 21st Construction Squadron of the Royal Australia Engineers that was building a road network between Keningau and Sapulut during the Indonesian Confrontation.

He was put in charge at the Keningau Base Camp to make sure supplies and equipment were running smoothly between the railhead from Tenom to Pandewan, a forward base camp set up just a few miles off Sapulut.

After Malaysia was formed on September 16, 1963 through the union of Malaya, Singapore, Sarawak and Sabah (then North Borneo), Indonesia then under the leadership of Sukarno, launched an armed insurgency to destabilise the newly formed federation.

In response to the threat, the Australian government sent the Royal Australian Engineers to Sabah as part of its military aid to protect the sovereignty of the State against the aggressors.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Ex-Aussie soldier donates historical items to Keningau Museum

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Taste of Aidilfitri in Interior areas of Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: Aidilfitri has already become synonymous with certain favourites like ‘lemang’, ‘ketupat’ dan ‘rendang’. Hari Raya would not be complete without them on the table, it seems. But in the interior areas of Sabah, traditional food from the forest is the choice.

‘Sambal tepu’, ‘linupit’, ‘sayur bukaruk’, ‘jeruk’ and linompuka are among the popular traditional favourites to fill up the table for guests to enjoy. ‘Lemang’, ‘ketupat’ dan ‘rendang’ will be served too. For the rural folks, traditional food reflects their identity.

For the Muslim members of the community in Alab Lanas, their traditional food is their pride and there are no better days to prepare them for their guests than a festive season like Aidilfitri.

Kg Alab Lanas is a remote village in Sook, Keningau. It is located 80 kilometres from Keningau town and is accessible through a long drive along a gravel road. The village has a small population of 600 and are mostly Catholics. Another village, Kg Kuit Lanas which is about 2 kilometres away, has a majority Muslim population. All the villagers originate from Sungai Lobou.

As always on the eve of Aidilfitri, several Muslim families in Kg Alab Lanas would make all the necessary last minute preparations like decorating the house, making cakes and cooking traditional food. Work is carried out by all members of the family and their relatives, including those do not share the same faith. What is shared is the spirit of togetherness, of lending a hand whenever it is needed.

In the morning of Aidilfitri, the Muslim families would make a 2-kilometre walk to a nearby mosque to perform prayers after which they would start exchanging visits to one another’s house, an age old tradition that is practiced during all festive seasons in the country.

But house visiting here is unique. The Christians from Kg Alab Lanas would walk together in a large group to visit their Muslim neighbours in Kg Kuit Lanas. It is a distinctive display of faith solidarity hardly seen in any other places.

The main highlight of house visiting is the traditional food offered by the hosts. These include ‘jaruk’ (or also known as ‘sinamu’), traditional cakes made of glutinous rice and tapioca wrapped in banana leaves (linempuka) and boiled or fried tapioca.

Continue reading at: Taste of Aidilfitri in Interior areas of Sabah

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Sabah Handicrafts Centre - One-stop centre for handicraft making and marketing

KENINGAU: Rosiah Kuruak arrived here on Friday evening to fulfil her two missions – to check out the newly launched Sabah Handicrafts Centre and also to see the Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak up-close.

“I came all the way from Kampung Gaya Ratau in Tamparuli to see this building. It is huge and I believe it would benefit the people well,” said the 45-year-old mother of two children.

Rosiah said she would not mind sending her children to undergo the handicraft making courses as she believed it had great potential and would help to increase their income.

As for mission number two, Rosiah said: “I am all excited to see our nation’s premier leader since I have only seen him on television and never met him personally. So being here is such a great opportunity,” she said.

Najib, who was accompanied by his wife Datin Seri Rosmah Mansor, is on a two-day visit here. Also present were Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman and other cabinet ministers.

Meanwhile, best friends Mohd Amin Muhidin and Yuslan Jafri, both 37, were proud when Najib and Rosmah admired their batik works.

“It took us four sleepless nights to finish the batik. We decided to draw the nation’s premier leader and our first lady and added the Sabah concept into the creation,” said Mohd Amin.

Asked on the most challenging part of the project, both pointed at the faces of the two national figures.

“We wanted to make sure that it is perfect,” he said.

Another trainee at the centre, Claire Maidin, said she never regretted signing up for the Hydrostone Course.

“It is a three months course and I have only been here for about two weeks. This is an interesting opportunity for me to learn some skills,” said the 19-year-old lass from Kampung Toboh Baru, here.

As for the senior ones Mursdah Muang, 53, Solumi Mijaa, 39, and Maruajib Ahmad, 54, it is a great opportunity to have a place to showcase their works.

“Besides, I get to improve my existing skills,” said Nursdah from Kuala Penyu, who has been making mats for the past two years.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sabah Handicrafts Centre - One-stop centre for handicraft making and marketing

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National Kaamatan Festival To Draw Sabah's Rural Residents In Keningau

KENINGAU -- The national Kaamatan Festival is being held on Saturday (June 16) for the first time in the rural district of Keningau, allowing thousands of rural residents to participate.

The festival in Keningau will also become the meeting point for local residents and Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, who will be in attendance to launch the festival.

Many residents from surrounding areas, including Tambunan, Nabawan and Tenom, are planning to visit the Tadau Kaamatan Malaysia Open House.

Since 2009 the festival has been held in Padang Merdeka Kota Kinabalu and this is the first time it has been moved to the outskirts.

RURAL DWELLERS ARE EXCITED

Among the excited local residents are Dr Helen Seminggau, a dentist, who has never had the opportunity to attend the national celebration in Kota Kinabalu due to the distance involved and time constraints.

Dr Helen, who comes from the Sook sub-district, noted that she would not miss the opportunity to participate in the festival this year.

"We, the dwellers here, thank the Information Communication and Culture Ministry under the leadership of Datuk Seri Dr Rais Yatim, and the Sabah state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman, for choosing Keningau as the venue for the festival," she told Bernama.

Dr Helen, who operates a dental clinic in Keningau town, said choosing Keningau was a brilliant idea and reflected the government's earnestness in realising the 1Malaysia concept envisioned by the prime minister.

Other than that, the national level Kaamatan celebration is another honour for the Keningau district, since Kadazandusun-Murut College (KDM College) is to be launched on the following day by the prime minister in Tambunan, she said.

HELPING TO DIVERSIFY SABAH'S TOURISM PRODUCTS

The National Level Kaamatan Festival is one of the activities surrounding the Kaamatan festival, celebrated every 30 and 31 May in Sabah, to bolster national unity and the tourism industry.

It also highlights the good relations between both the state and the federal government.

In his closing speech at the Pesta Kaamatan celebration on May 31, Kadazandusun Cultural Association President (KDCA) Tan Sri Joseph Pairin Kitingan noted that the Pesta Kaamatan actually served as a unity platform for the various ethnic groups in the state.

The deputy chief minister noted that Keningau, being the host, received support from thousands of Sabahans, especially those from rural areas.

Meanwhile, Melalap (Tenom) State Assemblyman Datuk Radin Malleh described Keningau as a timely choice for this year's celebration.

"This is the best platform to preserve and encourage our local culture, while celebrating our thanks," he said.

Continue reading at: National Kaamatan Festival To Draw Sabah's Rural Residents In Keningau

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Keningau folk gear up for colourful national-level Kaamatan celebration

KENINGAU:  The much-anticipated national-level “Tadau Kaamatan” (Harvest Festival) celebration to be held in Keningau, in the interior of Sabah, on June 16 is set to bring not only a festive mood but also historic memories.

For the first time, Keningau, a sprawling timber and agricultural town, will play host to the national-level celebration which is expected to be graced by none other than Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak.

The prime minister’s presence will definitely add more significance to the celebration, especially among the Kadazan-Dusun-Murut (KDM) community, for whom the special event is a wonderful reminder of their heritage.

The yearly celebration is also meant to foster goodwill and understanding and enhance unity among the various ethnic groups in Sabah.

However, this coming harvest festival will also bring historic memories, partly because Keningau town is where a “batu sumpah” (oath stone) was erected to acknowledge Sabah’s acceptance of joining the federation.

The monument, which was completed on Aug 31, 1964, the first anniversary of Malaysia Day, was unveiled by the then Federal Minister of Labour, the late Tan Sri V. Manickavasagam.

“I really feel excited and am looking forward to it (the Tadau Kaamatan celebration), especially knowing that Datuk Seri Najib is coming to our town.

“Of course, his presence will make this celebration more meaningful, especially in making this event an avenue to foster goodwill and understanding and enhance unity among the various ethnic groups in Sabah,” said Azman Ruslan, who lives in Kampung Bayangan, about 5 km from the Keningau township.

Azman, who is Keningau Umno Youth head, also suggested that the KDM community find a better way of value adding the yearly event and not just see it simply as a ‘merry-making affair’.

“There is no doubt that the celebration has contributed meaningfully in terms of fostering goodwill, understanding and unity but I think we (the KDM community) need to go beyond that, especially in economic achievement,” he said.

Continue reading at: Keningau folk gear up for colourful national-level Kaamatan celebration

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Prehistoric site discovered in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU: A PALAEOLITHIC site believed to be  200,000 years old has been discovered in Keningau, 138km from here.

Archaeologists claimed that the site in Kampung Lipasu in the sub-district of Bingkor could rival the Mansuli site in Lahad Datu, which is 235,000 years old.

Universiti Sains Malaysia archaeology research team head Prof Dr Mokhtar Saidin said researchers, however, had not revealed the exact age of the site said to be a location for making Palaeolithics stone tools.

Excavation began on May 9 and is expected to finish on May 29.

The team, comprising researchers from the USM Global Archeological Research Centre and the Sabah Museum Department, has discovered several artefacts, including an anvil, core stone, hammer stone, chopper and flake tools.

"We believe the Bingkor site could be older than the Mansuli site as there could be more layers beneath the present excavation site," said Mokhtar.

He said this could be an interesting find because the archaeology community initially believed that human population began on the east coast of north Borneo.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Prehistoric site discovered in Sabah

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68 students scaled Gunung Trus Madi in record time

KENINGAU: Climbing to the summit of Gunung Trus Madi by 68 students of SMK Keningau Bingkor earlier this week, will almost certainly be recorded in the Malaysian Book of Records as the quickest climb made in less than 24 hours besides the attainment of having the largest number of climbers at one time. The inspiration for this achievement is a tribute to a long serving and dedicated principal.

“This success is for our principal, Tuan Hj. Sahumin Hj. Mohd Daud who will be going on compulsory retirement, said program coordinator, Saidil Mazlan Abdul Razak.

Sahumin will be going on compulsory retirement in 2011 after years of selfless dedicated service to the nation.

“We created this challenging situation as an expression of our commitment to pay tribute to a caring and dedicated person,” said Saidil.

Gunung Trus Madi, the second highest mountain in Malaysia, is 2,642 meters or 8,668 feet above sea level – the group of students of SMK Keningau Bingkor became the first in the country to reach the peak en masse and in less than 24 hours. The Management of Sabah Forestry Department has confirmed that it is the first climb of its kind in Malaysia.

“The climb by the group of students are very significant enough to be recorded in The Malaysian Book of Records,” said Saidil.

Saidil said, 7 buses and 4 four-wheel drive vehicles were used to transport the students, starting from SMK Bingkor to Kg. Kaingaran, Tambunan. The students were then divided into 16 groups and taken by four-wheel drive vehicles from Kg. Kaingaran to the Base Camp.

Continue reading at: 68 students scaled Gunung Trus Madi in record time

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More efforts needed to improve quality of Sabah local handicrafts

SANDAKAN: The handicraft industry in Sabah has been steadily growing with sales up from RM1.106 million in 2007 to RM1.6 million last year. The state also has the largest number of handicraft entrepreneurs in the country, numbering at 2,182 from a total of 6,617.

Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman therefore wants more efforts to improve the quality of the products and to intensify promotion and marketing in both the domestic and international markets.

“I am confident that once the Sabah Handicraft Centre in Keningau is completed, it can help to increase sales and act as a centre for processing and collecting craft using the latest technology,” he said when launching the state-level celebration of the Handicraft Month at the Sri Libaran Hall here yesterday.

The event was also held to launch the book on ‘Desa Cemerlang dan Berinovasi’ (Excellent and Innovative Village).

The centre will also provide better facilities to entrepreneurs, suppliers and retailers as well as tourists and importers of local handicraft.

Although Sabah has the highest number of handicraft entrepreneurs in the country, Musa pointed out that the state still lacked people in the batik and woven textiles sector.

Meanwhile, Yayasan Sabah director, Tan Sri Datu Khalil Datu Haji Jamalul, said Sandakan was an appropriate location to hold the Handicraft Month celebration because it had great potential for handicraft making particularly for products made from beads, crystal, seashells, wood, bamboo, rotan and other metals.

He said the Sabah Handicraft Centre in Keningau will be ready in September and Yayasan Sabah Group had been appointed as co-ordinator and implementer of the project.

A 10-acre plot near the district hospital was allocated for the centre built at a cost of RM30 million.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: More efforts needed to improve quality of Sabah local handicrafts

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Sabah Tourism: KFWDC Jamboree 2011

Date: 11 - 13 March 2011

Kinabalu Four Wheel Drive Club (KFWDC) Jamboree 2011 at Ulu Membakut (80 km south Kota Kinabalu), Sabah

4 x 4 KFWDC Jamboree is an event organize by the club to foster family 4 X 4 off road outing activity among club members. These activity includes novice 4 x 4 challenge is for members that never compete in any club competition before. For the other family's members there is also children drawing competition, hash (jungle trekking) and camp fire tug of war.

This year 4 X 4 Jamboree is the 5th edition of the annual activity event for the Club and this year event will be held at Ulu Membakut Crocker Range sub-station, belong to Sabah Park. It about 80 km south of Kota Kinabalu with at least 30 km off Kota Kinabalu Sindumin highway and 15 km semi hard core road. The duration will be a 3 days 2 nights camping and it is anticipated that more than 150 vehicle and 350 participants are going to take part.

A minimum vehicle specification to enter the site must have at least 33 inches radial ground clearance Mud Terrain and have to be equipped with Four Wheel Drive. All members of Kinabalu Four Wheel Drive is invited to join however there will be also a membership drive on that day to those who are interested to join the club.

Sabah Park Crocker Range coverage is 430 km square and about 40 km square is under Ulu Membakut Sub Station which is 150m m.s.l.. It was open in 2002 however started operating only 2 years ago. The Sub Station headquarter main attraction is the white water river of Ulu Membakut fron the interior of Tenom and Keningau district. Other activity in the pipe line is a trekking trial to Melalap, Tenom which is about 8 - 10 km. There will be a joint expedition between Sabah Park and University Sabah Malaysia to open up this trial this year.

Wildlife in this area is mostly wild boar, wild deer, barking deer, monkey, and mouse deer. Hunting and fishing is highly prohibited including the felling or extraction of a highly valued GAHARU tree. Most part of the park is still a first class Forest reserve accept for some part which was destroyed by the big forest fire in 1997.

Further Information

Organiser : Kinabalu Four Wheel Drive Club (KFWDC)
Contact Person : Edward Lingkapo / Thomson Teo
Telephone : +016 8312997 / +016 833 8077
Email Contact : edward.lingkapo@sabah.gov.my / thomson@tcisabah.com.my

Source: Sabah Tourism

NOTE: Photo Copyright to Sabah Tourism
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Interior attractions to be added to Sabah tourism calendars

Keningau: Tourism products in the Interior will be upgraded and added into the State and national tourism calendars, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.

"This is so that more tourists will visit the Interior, particularly Keningau as the centre of tourism in the Interior," he said when opening the Pusat Restoran Pelancongan Pedalaman (Interior Tourism Restaurant Centre), Wednesday.

Also present were District Officer Amat Mohd Yusof, Liawan UPKR Rosdi Padiman and Pensiangan Umno deputy chief, Ahuar Rasam.

On other developments, Masidi said the Government would upgrade the World War II Memorial to attract more Chinese, British and American visitors to the Interior.

According to him, the number of Taiwanese visitors to Keningau in the last six months increased by 50 per cent compared to the same period last year.

He urged Chinese leaders here to look for ways to attract more counterparts from Taiwan and China to visit Keningau.

At the same time, Masidi said, the Government would be studying the potentials of the Crocker Range, Bandukan Park and Laing Cave in Bingkor.

He said the Government would consider the proposal by District Officer Amat Mohd Yusof for the Government to privatise the three tourism products.

Also to be considered, he said, is tour packages to the Interior, which would ensure tourists stay in the Interior for between two and three days instead of only one day.

"The Government will restructure the packages so that the tourists would have more time to spend in the Interior and visit the tourist products and subsequently benefit operators of hotels, taxis, buses, rest houses, handicraft and also fruit sellers," he said.

Continue reading at: Interior attractions to be added to Sabah tourism calendars
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Native music ushers in Kaamatan

KENINGAU: The strains of a seldom heard traditional musical instrument captivated the crowds who turned up for Sabah’s month-long Kaamatan or Harvest Festival.

They listened transfixed as 130 secondary students played the bungkau or a bamboo jaw harp producing sounds similar to the indigenous Australians’ didgeridoo.

These students of SMK Gunsanad II played the instrument for an hour during yesterday’s launch of the festival.

They are hoping their musical feat will make it into the Malaysia Book of Records.

Spectators at the Keningau community centre where the festivities were held were also treated to the beatings of the tanggungak, a bamboo musical instrument that produces sounds similar to gongs.

The performers were 130 members of the Murut community, who played their “Angkukui” song.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Native music ushers in Kaamatan
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Haunting ride to Keningau

By Mohammad Abdullah

A town the size of Bangar Town in Temburong lies hidden in Sabah. Keningau, about 130km from Kota Kinabalu and about 300km from Temburong, is a town where not many venture to.

Reaching the town of Keningau, one has to take a turn at a junction near Sipitang. From there, the long and winding road takes travellers high above the hills of Sabah where spectacular views of the forest below can be seen.

The town itself is accessible via two roads, one from Kota Kinabalu via Bukit Emas and the other through the junction prior to reaching the town of Sipitang. It takes about four to five hours to reach Keningau from Temburong, depending on the traffic in Lawas.

Many stories abound about the road to Keningau, which locals swear is haunted. They'd warn travellers never to stop for anything, not even to help motorists who are stranded.

There are lights on the road but because the road cuts through the virgin forest, it is a bit imposing, and could be terrifying in stormy weather. On our first trip to Keningau, we've experienced it all. We travelled at night during a storm and experienced a car break down.

What the locals say is true.

No one would stop to help out a stranger on that road, and because of the steep inclines and declines, the wet weather makes the road very slippery and becomes a tad dangerous. We didn't experience any 'x-files' though.

The irony is that the road to Keningau is almost perfect. The road is smooth and beautifully made. The winding road with the steep inclines and declines poses a little challenge for drivers and a haven for bikers, in particular those who wish to test their tenacity and skills.

Keningau was once said to be a cowboy town, where travellers hardly stay for long. The city of Kota Kinabalu pulls a stronger attraction than Keningau. However the town does have its own merits. Because of its relatively small size, practically everyone knows everyone, and news travel fast about a group of travellers staying in one of the only hotels in town, especially when they roll on two wheels accompanied by the sound of thunder.

People even cheered as the parade of bikers negotiates by the narrow high streets. What grabs is the number of natives who walk the streets, from the inner tribes of Sabah, who commute to Keningau to sell their goods.

The town is growing, but at snail pace, with pockets of rural living. This can be seen on the roads itself, as we approach the town herds of cattle walks leisurely across the road ignoring the traffic they hold up.

For adventure seekers, Keningau is worth a visit, a small town with great appeal as it is set on a backdrop of lush, virgin forests, to wake up to the muted sound of traffic and hustle and bustle of town life.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

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Support for Sabah District Festivals

KENINGAU: The state government will always support festivals organised by district administration by promoting the products, identity and uniqueness of the respective districts.

This was stated by Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, at the official opening of the “Pesta Kayu Koningau” or Cinnamon Fest here yesterday. The Chief Minister’s speech was delivered by the Minister of Tourism, Culture & Environment Datuk Masidi Manjun who represented him.

Musa said such festivals not only strengthened the agricultural sector as a driver of economic growth in the state but more importantly served as a catalyst for the realisation of the objectives of the Halatuju and Sabah Development Corridor with a strong agricultural base.

He said the government treated the agricultural sector as a growth area with potential for more development and high returns.

Continue reading at: Support for Sabah District Festivals

Sabah Tourism Upcoming Event: Keningau Cinnamon Festival 2008

Date : 07 - 09 November 2008

The Cinnamon Festival 2008 will be held from the 7th to the 9th November at the Arked Hall, Keningau. It is to be officiated by YAB Datuk Seri Panglima Musa Haji Aman, the Chief Minister of Sabah.

Among the interesting activities awaiting visitors are the agricultural product competition, Bintang Koningau 2008 competition, Cinnamon Teh Tarik competition, Cinnamon Beauty Queen competition, fishing competition, and Body Builder competition.

Apart from that, visitors may look forward to visiting the exhibition stalls which are open for viewing from 8.00am to 5.30pm. There will also be exciting performances by local artistes as well as beautiful fireworks display.

Swing by for an excellent spicy time!

Further Information

Contact Person : Tuan Haji Zulkifli Nasir, Pegawai Daerah Keningau
Telephone : +6087 301507 (D.O) / 331519 / 301509
Fax : +087 331535

Source: Sabah Tourism

ED NOTE: The name Keningau derives from the word ‘Koningau' which means cinnamon, hence the Cinnamon festival. Cinnamon tress were once found in abundance in Keningau and the district used to be the main producer of the crop. The history of cinnamon, also known as "Kayu Manis", goes back a long way to the Ming Dynasty which established a trade relations with the Brunei sultanate which ruled most of Sabah before the British East India Company came over in 1881. Koningau is a popular term among the Hokkien community, of course derived from the cinnamon tree. The cinnamon is said to be a popular ingredient for food items, as well as traditional Chinese medicine in China and the Asia Pacific region. But sadly, the trees are now endermic in the district.