Kitten Voyage: Kota Kinabalu. Kundasang. Mesilau

After 4 months in ED posting, I decided to have a weekend trip to Sabah with Tasha.

Mainly to go to the island as I have been to Sabah twice before.

This is my second trip to Kundasang, Ranau. We arrived KK airport around 9a.m.

Muni picked us up and we went to Pacific Sutera to check in.

As we have arrived early, we just checked in and was told to collect our room key later on (which I did not regret as they upgraded ourseaview room to a studio suite).

Parked our bag at the concierge and started our journey to Kundasang.

The road to Kundasang is not really pretty. Mildly bumpy and curvy topsy.

Around 2 hours drive up to base of Mount Kinabalu we finally reached Mount Kinabalu Park.

It was cold up there – like Duh!. Everything was pretty much the same like in 2008.

The park is still untouched – serene and tranquil. Reminds me of my road trip to Wales and the mountain / valley view in Russia.

Felt like building a house on that mountain if I am rich (envying several vacation bungalows we saw on our way there).

I saw many mini landslide on the way. Muni said due to the landslide recently, They have decided to paves a proper so called highway in the middle of Kundasang.

There were stalls selling vegetables and fruits. We did not stop and buy though.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Kitten Voyage: Kota Kinabalu. Kundasang. Mesilau

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Mount Kinabalu to reopen Sept 1

KUNDASANG: After nine weeks of rebuilding extensively damaged trails, repairing wrecked buildings and examining loose rocks and soil, Sabah Parks finally seemed ready to allow climbers on Mount Kinabalu again.

The mountain which has been closed to all visitors for over two months since a 6.0 magnitude quake on June 5 will be reopened soon.

The early morning tremor, which defaced the mountain and left all climbing trails to the peak impassable, killed 14 tourists and four guides after they were caught by huge falling rocks.

A group of reporters accompanied by park rangers were the first to ascend the mountain since its closure.

They were flagged off by Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, in a one-day round trip to Laban Rata, which used to be the last stop for climbers before continuing the remaining 2.8 kilometres to the peak.

The ‘experimental climb’ climb was part of the soft opening of the Summit Trail, one of the two treks leading to the top of Mount Kinabalu.

The other trail, from Mesilau, which was the worst damaged by the quake has yet to be repaired and remains closed.

Speaking to reporters at the event, Masidi said the climb, which also involved officers from Sabah Parks and various other agencies under his ministry, was meant to gather feedback and input on the newly reopened trail.

“We give opportunity, especially to first timers to Mount Kinabalu to assess the trail. Hopefully they can give us useful input on how to make the trail better,” he said.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Mount Kinabalu to reopen Sept 1

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Sabah Adventure Challenge 2013 Race Report

This post was initially completed. It was scheduled for posting. I then read it one last time and and decided to edit some parts. Thinking it was those word processing software, i pressed Ctrl+Z and everything went missing. The Blogger autosave it immediately and I ended up with nothing.

And now, i am starting from scratch, again. Luckily I have elephant memories (as they say, Scorpio seldom forget ;-)) and this post is written  and finished a couple of hours before it will be published. Enjoy.

Introduction to Sabah Adventure Challenge

My first foray into Sabah Adventure Challenge (SAC) was back in 2007 period where a bunch of my friends flew all the way from KL to KK to "race a well known adventure race". Back then I could not afford to do that due to budget and time reasons. I finally got to do it in 2011 with Azly (Bandit) as a team. We finished the course but were unranked and thus, considered as a non-finisher. Yes, it was that tough to be known as a Finisher in this race. They really make you work for it.

SAC 2013 marks the 14th year the race was held. Usually over the Easter weekend so that the race organisers and participants do not need to take excessive leave to get over to Sabah to race. You see, SAC was started by three friends that wanted to know who will be the best when it comes to navigating and adventure in Interior Sabah. No prize money and only bragging rights for the rest of the year until the next race.

The race has evolved over the years. What started off as a 4person team race has evolved to become a team of 3person and as recent as four years ago, a 2person team. In 2011, SAC introduced Ultra Run category as the sports has gained a big following. Later, SAC introduced The Most Beautiful Thing (TMBT) where the event are catered only for Ultra Run. This TMBT is on my bucket list.

Justifiable Race Fees

SAC race fee is not cheap. It has progressively became more expensive over the years. But that is totally understandable as the race progressed from roughing out in tents to being put in decent accommodations with creature comfort. If you ask me 8 years ago, I would not have the spare cash to do this. But the leap in 2011 in the Adventure Race category pretty much made me realised why me and Bandit paid close to RM1.2K for the race. Again, this time around in 2013, me and wifey paid RM600 each(as Malaysian) and has no regret. For the amount we paid, the whole "package" includes:

• Race fees to race proper;
• Full boarding at Mesilau Nature Resort - a 4star resort, for 4days-3nights with food and drinks all taken cared off;
• Full boarding at Megah D'Aru Hotel Kota Kinabalu - a hotel used by SAC for years as official hotel, for 1 night with breakfast included. This is post-race hotel;
• Event T-shirt made by 2ndSkin;
• Finisher Polo-T (also by 2ndSkin) and Finisher Medal, if you finish the race;
• Transportation from Megah D'Aru to Race Site (Mesilau);
• and back to Megah D'Aru;
• Race transfer for all days at Mesilau;
• Complimentary airport transfer on last day from Megah D'Aru;
• Event support such as medical, photography, water stations; and
• loads of smile from the volunteers and race organisers

The above item are surely worth more that just RM600 (for Malaysian) or RM900 (for non-Malaysian). Don't forget the intangible comfort of having the race Marshall zooming up and down the race trail as much as they can to ensure safety.

More to that, over the years, the race organisers has roll over any profit from the year before to be used and invested in important equipments such as spinal board, defib (AED) and small portable oxygen tank. Other race organiser "loan" these equipments from other, but SAC has them.

In short, all you need to do is get yourself to Kota Kinabalu, stay on your own for the night/s to T-2 day (aka 2 days before the race start) and make sure you got a return ticket back home. You literally don't even need to load your bag onto the transporter at race hotel!

So, if you ask me, this money is possibly the cheapest holiday I ever paid for - no way it will buy the experience and memories I will have for this race with this money!

T-2 To Race Day

The decision to join the race happened almost 8 months back. It was either SAC 2013 or TMBT 2013. Since it will be wifey's first "Ultra", we decided to see if breaking the race down to a few days would be more manageable. From my limited experience, splitting the 75km over multi-day races are tougher on the emotion and mental well-being, apart from having to bear physical pain day after day compared to needing to complete a "75km distance one shot", is technically tougher. We can agree or disagree on this - for me, I would take a straight on full distance in a continuous manner, then once done, go back and sleep. :)

With that in mind, I've been preparing wifey for what may come. With her almost at full recovery from the accident in October, my greatest fear is her back giving up. It was a gamble for her and us - for I do not want to do the race without her.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics and Vids) at: Sabah Adventure Challenge 2013 Race Report

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Desa Dairy Farm, Mesilau - New Zealand in Malaysia?

It is 30 minutes drive from Mt.Kinabalu National Park and the largest farm in Sabah with an area of 199 hectares.

The road into the dairy farmis not paved. The slow drive on the dirt road can be a tad frustrating but not for so long.

I was greeted with a spectacular view of rolling green meadows that stretch as far as to the foothills of the majestic mountain.

Every step I made or every angle I looked at, the view was constantly awe-inspiring. For a while, I though I was in New Zealand instead of Malaysia!

Apart from the magnificent scenery, visitors can also observed the milking process.

Guided tour can be arranged before hand, otherwise visitors can only observed the milking process without any assistance.

The farm is open daily from 8am to 5pm. The best time to visit the farm is around 2:30pm as milking session starts at 3pm daily.

There, you can see all the cows are lining up waiting for milking, without any guide needed as if they knew what to do. Cool! ??

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Desa Dairy Farm, Mesilau - New Zealand in Malaysia?

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The Roof of Borneo - Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia on the island of Borneo in South East Asia is an awesome mountain towering over the surrounding jungles at a height of 4,095m. It sits within the Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and is home to a myriad of botanical and biological species covering a number of distinct eco-regions from the lower semi-tropical jungle up to alpine environment close to the summit. Having climbed some of the Mesilau Trail earlier this year I finally decided it was time to attempt the summit so at the end of October, and luckily coinciding with a full moon, myself and a few others travelled to Kota Kinabalu for the 2 day climb.

To climb Mount Kinabalu there are two trails you can take; either the Timpohon Trail from the main park Head Quarters or the Mesilau Trail which is somewhat longer at 8km. The Timpohon Trail which runs from the Kinabalu Park Head Quarters up to Laban Rata resthouse is 6km long, which doesn't sound long but the gradients are steep (from 1,564m at park HQ to 3,272m at Laban Rata) and the terrain extremely rough and rocky making it a tough climb in around 5 hours or more.

Magic Mountain

Our base for the climb was Magic Mountain, where I had stayed on my previous trip to the area. Run by Peter Achleitner and his wife Lily this guesthouse close to the park HQ, under the east ridge of Mount Kinabalu, offered comfortable rooms and more importantly some great home cooking including home baked bread, cured ham and bacon, salami and locally grown herbs and spices. A great way indeed to prepare for our climb and of course to rejuvenate our bodies post-climb. Peter is a great source of local information and offered us plenty of excellent advice and recommendations for our stay. He also keeps a good collection of wine and some excellent German beer which was greatly appreciated on our return after the 2 days up the mountain.

Park HQ to Laban Rata

We decided to take the shorter Timpohon Trail route (a wise decision in retrospect!) and after arriving at the park HQ, where we registered, were transferred to Timpohon Gate to start our climb at around 9:30 in the morning. As you climb on Day 1 towards the Laban Rata resthouse at 3,272m you pass through varying types of vegetation from large tropical trees at the lowers levels to small shrub-like trees and alpine plants at the higher elevations. In many places you are walking through mist and clouds.

Laban Rata

Laban Rata is the main accommodation hut on Mount Kinabalu at a height of 3,272m and is the usual overnight stop used by climbers prior to doing the final ascent to the Low's Peak summit. There are a number of private rooms but the bulk of the accommodation comprises 6-man dormitory bunk rooms. A restaurant offers breakfast, dinner and supper. Due to cable damage, apparently back in 2009, the dormitory rooms are unheated and there is no hot water but luckily we had clear weather for our climb so arrived at Laban Rata dry. We arrived at around 3pm in the afternoon after the 6km up from the Park HQ in time for an early dinner at 5:30pm, in bed by 7:30pm and then up by 2:00am the next morning to make the final push on the summit.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics & Videos) at: The Roof of Borneo - Mount Kinabalu

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Mount Kinabalu Climbathon's New Route - Pluses and Minuses

The 26th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon in Kundasang last Sunday was historic in a sense. Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak flagged off the race, the first Prime Minister to have done so.

Reputed to be the world’s toughest mountain race, the Climbathon had in the last 25 years, followed a well trodden 21 km trail to the mountain summit from Kinabalu Park headquarters, and back down again to finish at the Kinabalu Park Headquarters.

Unfortunately, the Park management found that they could only allow 250 participants at any one time to ensure safety and proper supervision.

This year, the route was altered to start from the Kinabalu Park entrance, and follow a forest trails to Layang-layang Hut at 2703.3 metres above sea level, and down to Mesilau Nature Resort. The participants then ran for another 10 kilometres on a tarmac road that goes through Kampung Mesilau, Kampung Indah Permai and Kampung Cinta Mata before reaching the end point at the Kundasang village township. The total distance of the race is 23 kilometres long, an extra 2 kilometres.

With the route change, the race organisers were able to allow more runners to compete this year. 663 runners from all over the world took part, which is a 20% increase.

Unexpectedly to many, most of the foreign contestants who were familiar with the old route did not like the new one.

Kilian Jornet from Spain, the winner for Men’s Open category, said that he preferred the summit trail that he took previously. However, the four-time winner conceded that the new route was no less challenging, but was very different from similar mountain runs in Europe. First in the Skyrunner World Series, Jornet completed the race in 2 hours, 11 minutes and 45 seconds to reign supreme yet another time.

Winner of the Women’s Open category, Emelie Forsberg did not think much of the tar-sealed portion of the run.

“I hate roads. I am not a roadrunner. My strength is technical downhill where there are slippery steep rocks,” the 25-year-old extreme athlete from Sweden explained.

“I climbed the Summit last Friday and it was amazing. It was so much more beautiful away from roads. I wish they could bring the summit back, or else I may not want to take part in this race again next year,” she added. Forsberg, who also ranked the first in Skyrunning World’s Series women’s category, said that she started racing this year and that her first race was in April in United Kingdom. She finished the race in 2 hours, 38 minutes and 35 seconds.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Mount Kinabalu Climbathon's New Route - Pluses and Minuses

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The 26th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon - The Adventure Series 2012

“The World's Toughest Mountain Race” is set to take place in Kundasang on the 14th of October. This year the race will follow a new route.

It will be flagged off from Kinabalu Park headquarters and, instead of using the trail from Kinabalu Park headquarters to the peak of Mount Kinabalu and back down again, runners will go half way up the Mountain to Layang-layang station which is 2760.3 m above sea level, and head down to Mesilau Nature Resort before running towards the finish line in Kundasang township.

The new 23 km course is 2 km longer than the previous route. It will take the runners through the dense forest, villages and the Mount Kinabalu Golf Course at Masilau before completing the grueling race. The organisers maintain that the new route will allow for a larger number of participants and has the added advantage of showing the beautiful landscape around the Mesilau Nature Resort and the mountain golf course and the temperate vegetable growing villages of Kundasang.

Runners from different parts of the globe will be coming to take on the new challenging route and push their endurance to the limit. In the men’s category, top mountain runner and former Climbathon champion, Kilian Jornet from Spain is returning to do it again.

Jornet holds the number one ranking in the Skyrunning World series which is organized by the International Skyrunning Federation (ISF). Fellow Spaniard and top competitor, Luis Alberto Hernando, who finished 3rd in last year‘s Climbathon, will also be joining Jornet in their pursuit of the grand prize. Hernando is ranked 3rd in the current Skyrunner World Series.

Japanese runner, Miyahara Toru and Nepalese Aite Tamang, current champ of the 100km trail race on Annapurna Mountain, will also be competing. Toru finished 2nd in the 2009 Climbathon race. Malaysian top runner from Ranau, Safrey Sumping, has been training hard in preparation for the Climbathon. He is expected to give the other participants a run for their money.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: The 26th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon - The Adventure Series 2012

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Mount Kinabalu Climbathon is back

KOTA KINABALU: The upcoming 26th Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon – The Adventure Series at the Kinabalu Park, Kundasang – will comprise many firsts.

From a two-day event to a single day race on Oct 14, the new changes are aimed at promoting the surrounding areas of Mount Kinabalu.

One of the most important changes was doing away with the summit section thus creating a new race course covering 23km, which is 2km longer than the traditional route of running up and down the mountain.

“The race will start at Kinabalu Park entrance and go through the forest trails to Layang-Layang Hut (at 2703.3m) and down to Masilau Nature Resort.

“The participants will run for another 10km on tarmac road going through several villages before the end point at Kundasang Town

“The change of race course is aimed to promote the surrounding areas of Mt Kinabalu. Therefore this course is called The Adventure Series,” said Sabah Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Datuk Ellron Angin.

“The race is not as easy as it looks…it will be a very challenging route,” Ellron told The Borneo Post here on Tuesday.

In line with the fresh changes, a new category for Women’s Veteran will be contested along with the Men’s Open, Women’s Open and Men’s Veteran.

And for the first time ever, all four categories will be flagged off on the same morning at a new start and finish points at the Kinabalu Park entrance and in Kundasang Town respectively.

Apart from that, the Climbathon, already the deciding race for the Skyrunning World Series, will also be the final leg of the Asian Mountain Race Circuit.

Despite all the changes, especially the omission of the summit section which received mixed reactions from locals and international runners, it did little to dampen the reputation of the Climbathon as the World Toughest Mountain Race.

Instead, there is an increase in the number of runners this  year where it has attracted a record 658 entries from 28 countries, with Sabah athletes leading the list with 264, international runners (193), West Malaysia (191), Sarawak (10) and Labuan (three).

“Great Britain has the most entry among foreign countries with 32 athletes and we received increased entries from France, Indonesia and USA,” said Ellron, adding they would limit participation once it has reached 700 entries.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Mount Kinabalu Climbathon is back
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Southeast Asia’s highest peak and the world’s biggest flower in Kota Kinabalu

On the northwest coast of Borneo island, Kota Kinabalu has a wide variety of attractions, including Southeast Asia's highest peak. Whether your idea of adventure is exploring the great outdoors or indulging in tasty seafood dishes, you'll be sure to find something in the state of Sabah's capital city.

There are many reasons why Kota Kinabalu should be in your travel list for 2012, according to a press release from South East Asian Airlines (SEAIR), which offers roundtrip flights to the exotic destination from the Clark International Airport.

1. For adrenalin junkies, there’s Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in archipelagic Southeast Asia. Rising 13,435 feet in the middle of a national park, Mount Kinabalu is the first Malaysian UNESCO World Heritage Site. Larger than Singapore, the Kinabalu National Park has around 1,000 species of orchids and over 600 species of ferns, according to the Sabah Tourism Board.

Also found in the park are two species of Rafflesia, the world's largest flower. They can grow up to three feet in diameter and are "usually reddish-brown and stink of rotting flesh," according to the Biological Sciences Department of Western Michigan University.

Encountering such a flower will surely make your trip memorable, especially if it's your first time climbing a mountain. Even couch potatoes can experience Mount Kinabalu, as there are easy trails for beginners.

For something more serious, there's the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon, which will be held this year on October 14. Now on its 26th year, the grueling climb features a 23-km race course, or two kilometers longer than last year's track. Originally, the race followed the mountain summit trail from the park headquarters to the peak and back, but it will now pass through Mesilau Nature Resort and end at Kundasang town.

2. Nature lovers can also explore the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, which was developed by the Sabah Wildlife and Forestry Department. It harbors many of the endangered animals of Borneo, and aims to educate the public on the importance of wildlife rehabilitation and conservation.

Borneo Pygmy elephants, Sumatran rhinoceros, and the Malayan tiger are some of the inhabitants of the family-oriented park. The 70-hectare park also has a “primate zone” which features orangutans and proboscis monkeys, so named for their prominent bulbous noses. The park also has an aviary which houses a variety of endemic bird species, the tourism board said.

For birdwatchers, the 24-hectare Kota Kinabalu Wetlands, located just a mile from the city center, has recorded sightings of more than 80 species of birds. Managed by the local NGO Sabah Wetlands Conservation Society, there is a 1.5-km boardwalk that brings nature lovers into a mangrove, where resident birds as well as migratory species have been spotted.

3. Beach lovers can explore the reefs at the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, a popular spot for snorkeling and diving. With shallow waters and little current, even novice divers can explore the reefs. Among the marine life spotted in the area are the scorpionfish, blue-spotted rays, cuttlefish, mantis shrimps, green and hawksbill turtles, and even the exotic harlequin ghost pipefish and mandarin fish.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Southeast Asia’s highest peak and the world’s biggest flower in Kota Kinabalu

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Mount Kinabalu climbathon set to be more challenging

KOTA KINABALU: Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon is set to be even more challenging next year.

The new 23km route will require runners to race from Kinabalu Park up the mountain until Layang-Layang Hut. They will then go down the Mesilau trail before descending to Kundasang town at the foothill of the mountain.

Billed as the world's toughest mountain race, it is aimed at testing the endurance of competitors by running up and down Mount Kinabalu.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said next year's competition would be known as Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon: Adventure Series.

Come Oct 22 to 23, the 25th edition of the climbathon will be the final time that participants run the traditional 21km route up and down the 4,095m mountain.

The present route requires participants to run from Timpohon Gate the entry point to the summit trail to the peak and back.

Explaining the new route, Masidi said it was time for an overhaul of the race.

The new route will be thrilling and challenging for the runners.

He said the state wanted the competition to be a sports tourism event instead of just a sporting activity.

Continue reading at: Mount Kinabalu climbathon set to be more challenging

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Kinabalu Park - Chilling out in a tropical destination

Kinabalu National Park in Sabah (Malaysia Borneo) – a UNESCO “world heritage site” with over 4,500 types of flora and fauna, 326 birds and 100 mammalian species – also boasts Mount Kota Kinabalu, which at 4,095 meters above sea level, is Borneo Island’s highest mountain.

Both attractions are located a four-hour drive from Sabah’s capital city Kota Kinabalu and it’s where we truly enjoyed some much needed respite from the city hustle and bustle.

The main highlight, however, was visiting Masilau Nature Park, situated at 2,000 meters above sea level at the southwest corner of Kinabalu National Park. At the nature park, we’d experienced thick foggy weather condition and temperature that dropped to below 10 degrees Celsius.

Indeed, Masilau Nature Park – which is often exposed to erratic weather conditions – is known as the coldest part in the national park.

Before heading to the nature park, we had the opportunity to check out Kundasang Village, located six kilometres from Kinabalu Park.

The village’s close proximity to Mount Kinabalu also proffers panoramic views of the majestic peaks, valleys and quaint village settlements situated on mountain slopes. The picturesque village is ideal for taking lots of snapshots!

Also an “agricultural” hub, Kundasang has a thriving vegetable market which is open daily. With most of the vegetable stalls managed by locals, comprising mainly native Dusun and the minority Chinese community, look out for local specialities such as fresh cabbage, mushrooms (such as shitake and black mushroom varieties) and baby kai lan.

One of our tour guides had said that some of the varieties of greens are sold at the lowest prices available in Sabah!

For those who’d prefer to buy local handicrafts such as batik, among others, check out the many souvenir stores in the village.

Old-world kopitiams (coffee shops) also dot the village – and where you can enjoy an aromatic cuppa while immersing in the surrounding’s languid pace, before taking a 30-minute drive to the Masilau Nature Park where high-adrenaline activities, among others, are available.

At the foot of Mount Kinabalu, the Masilau Nature Park is where “mountainous” vegetation thrives, such as verdant ferns and other sorts of medium-height flora and fauna.

Before embarking on your trekking experience at the nature park, you must register and pay a fee at the park’s headquarters nearby the upscale Masilau Nature Resort, where chalet-type accommodations are available.

The “Masilau” moniker is derived from the small waterfall which locals claim was originally yellow in color (‘silou’ is yellow).

Having gone where most amateur trekkers have surely threaded in the past, the rather easy-to-trek Masilau Trail is equipped with proper plank walks and specially built wooden staircases along some sharp bends and steep slopes – all passing rocky terrain and other parts with lush greenery.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Kinabalu Park - Chilling out in a tropical destination

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Conquering Mount Kinabalu via the Mesilau trail

THE thought of hiking up Mount Kinabalu in Sabah has never came to mind until Vincent, my brother in-law proposed a trip earlier this year.

His plan was simple, take a climbing package and attempt to summit Low’s Peak.

I hesitated at first and had wanted to stay at the Kinabalu Park to photograph bugs.

But after Michelle, my wife agreed to be a part of the summit team, I jumped on the bandwagon.

Our journey to the foothills began with a two-hour van ride from Kota Kinabalu.

As we checked-in, our booking hit a snag.

We were supposed to ascend via the Timpohon trail which is said to be a shorter route to the mountain base camp in Laban Rata.

This route is expected to take about six hours. Instead, we were given the Mesilau trail which is longer.

Having spent nearly half the day at the park headquarters, we were given an hour’s taxi ride to the Mesilau Nature Resort.

To my surprise, I found the resort was well-managed and our team was given a steamboat dinner before departing for Laban Rata.

On the Mesilau trail, we took more than 11 hours to reach our destination.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Conquering Mount Kinabalu via the Mesilau trail
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Sabah to attempt first paragliding flight from Mt Kinabalu to tip of Borneo

TAMPARULI: Come next year, plans are underway to notch up a record for the first paragliding flight from the vicinity of the summit of Mount Kinabalu to the Tip of Borneo, in the northern-most district of Kudat.

Local paragliding company Borneo Air Sport Ozone Adventures is now working with the Sabah Tourism Board to see the attempt by a local in either March or April. The company’s instructor, Bruce Patrick Soimil, said the idea came about after a German had hang-glided from Laban Rata at Mount Kinabalu to Mesilau in 1985. Only this time, Soimil wants to take it a step further and set a record for a local instead.

In an interview with Bernama yesterday, he said the company had identified a person for the record attempt and that the board’s response to the idea was “most welcoming”.

Meanwhile, the Sabah Malaysian Borneo XC (Cross Country) 2010, the first world-class paragliding event held at Tamparuli, ended yesterday. During the event, weather and wind conditions proved challenging to the participants since last Friday.

Borneo Air Sport Ozone Adventures, together with the Tuaran District Office and Tamparuli Sub-district office, have jointly organised the three-day event at Ruhiang Hill, Tamparuli. It is aimed at boosting the tourism industry there, while promoting paragliding as a sport.

Continue reading at: Sabah to attempt first paragliding flight from Mt Kinabalu to tip of Borneo
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New Tourism Products Identified in Ranau and Beluran

KOTA KINABALU: Several new tourism products have been identified for Beluran and Ranau under the Tourism Area Concept Action Plan which completed its studies in June 2009.

The new products in Ranau are a secondary entrance hub to Kinabalu Park, nature walk and confidence course in Poring Hot Springs, an Alpine Rhododendron Garden in Mesilau, an alternative health centre with accommodation in Kundasang, guided trekking tours in Bundu Tuhan, the Ranau Heritage Centre Exhibition and an extreme sports centre in Mamut.

The centre in Mamut includes trail bike trails, a motor cross course, four wheel drive circuits, rally course and an extreme sports training school.

Tourism, Environment & Culture Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun said this in reply to a query from Kundasang Assemblyman Dr Joachim Gunsalam at the State Assembly Sitting yesterday.

He said Sabah Parks had conducted studies on the viability of implementing the alternative route to Mount Kinabalu from Kg Melangkap Kappa, Kota Belud to King George’s Peak as well as carry out a scientific expedition to Mount Tambuyukon from Oct 2-16 for future development.

Continue reading at: New Tourism Products Identified in Ranau and Beluran
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75-year-old Bruneian scales Mt Kinabalu

Awg Haji Johar showing the route he and his group took to the summit

Awg Hj Johar and his team pose after scaling the Low's Peak

Photos courtesy of and Copyright to Achong Tanjong and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd

By Achong Tanjong

Climbing Mount Kinabalu is no ordinary feat. And for a 75-year-old Bruneian to do it is simply phenomenal - not once but twice in two years.

Awg Haji Johar bin Hj Abd Rashid, 75, has successfully scaled the 4095.2-metre Low's Peak, the summit of Mount Kinabalu, recently with other young local climbers.

This was his second achievement following his first successful attempt in 2006.

"Age is not an obstacle to success. If there is a will there is a way," he told the Bulletin.

Proudly showing off his certificate to the Bulletin, Haji Johar said, his group comprised Haji Norariffiinhazalin Haji Abdullah, Hjh Siti Jamilah Hj Lamit (Group Leader), Hjh Rosinah Hj Lamit, Md Zafri Hj Lamit, and Norshima bte Md Jali.

When asked about his preparation and fitness before going to Sabah, he said, "I used to do my normal jogging in the morning at Shahbandar Recreation Park in Jerudong two times a week."

He said this year the conditions were quite tough for him compared to 2006 because he lacked sufficient physical fitness due to the fasting month. After celebrating Hari Raya, the group went for the climb.

"I felt pain for two days after the climb but I'm alright now," he said adding that one needs to be fit before starting such an expedition.

He said this year they started climbing via the Mesilau Summit Trail and took 10 hours to reach Laban Rata from Mesilau, which others may take about five hours. They climbed for four hours in rainy conditions until Laban Rata (Guest Chalet), he added.

Haji Johar thanked the group for believing in him to reach the Mt Kinabalu summit. All the expenses for the expedition were borne by Awg Haji Johar. He is now looking forward to join any group to scale any mountain provided his fitness and health condition allow him to do so.

He advised the younger generation that nothing is impossible in the world if they have the self-confidence, which is the key to success.

Kinabalu Park is Malaysia's First World Heritage site and conserves one of the richest assemblages of biological diversity and spectacular natural landscapes in tropical Southeast Asia.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin

Tran-Mesilau

By Anna Vivienne

The winding road meandered through hillocks and hamlets towards the Blue Mountains, like a silvery passageway in the evening sun. The hills on each side of the road, gently sloping in some places and steep at some, were dotted by vegetable patches.

The green patches remind one of patched quilt; only they were predominantly green. All hues of green.

As the road went higher and higher into the mountains, the air became crispy and fresher. There vegetations were denser and pine trees grew lushly. The little farms were no longer visible; instead the natural environment dominated the scenery.

Then the road meandered through a golf course; interesting.

The golf course was cleverly infused into the environment that one almost believed that it had always existed. Perhaps the ‘little people’ tended that green … but then again there were the tracks.. so.

A couple of miles afterwards, I saw a bridge over a poster-pretty stream that flowed from higher up the mountain.

And there as I looked up is the Mount Kinabalu Ridge... I was 2000 kilometres above sea level right on the East Ridge of Mount Kinabalu, I was at Mesilau Nature Resort. Wow!

I felt euphoric for a while.

I was with a couple from the Peninsula Malaysia and they were as awed as I was. In fact they seemed more awed because it was their first time. I would not be surprised if they make a return visit. In fact I am sure they will.

Personally, I can never get enough of Mesilau. I have visited this resort a number of times, and I am still awed by the natural environment there; the broody mountain ridge, the forests, the cascading streams and the cool air, among many others.

This place is where you want to be , if possible forever.

The cool temperate climate, the serene surrounding and beautiful lodges available here make it a haven for honeymooners and those who wish to get away from the hubbub of city life. It is also a good place for naturalists because the flora and fauna available there.

For those who wish to climb Mount Kinabalu from a different route, Mesilau Trail is an alternative trail to climb.

The train starts from the Resort, to Layang-Layang on the Summit Trail. The climb takes longer than the route taken from the Timpohon Gate, at Kinabalu Parks.

Anyway, more information can be acquired from the Kinabalu parks for any climbs.

The Mesilau Nature Resort is a beautiful place to stay in and can be an ideal avenue for activities such as seminars, gatherings, meetings, motivational meetings and even just to get in “contact with your inner self.”

The Resort, managed by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges located at Wisma Sabah, has fantastic accommodations that will suit just about everybody.

The accommodations available are the Bishop’s Head Hostel which offers 96 Beds and 12 units of Crocker Range Lodge, while the Witti Range Lodge boasts four units.

There is one unit called King Edward’s Peak Lodge, two unites of Donkey’s Ear Peak Lodge, one unit called Ugly Sister’s Peak Lodge and one unit called St. John’s Peak Lodge while one unit of Low’s Peak Lodge.


These lodges have beautifully furnished rooms, with ample closets, good bathrooms and a nice living room. Each room is furnished with a room heater; so if you can’t stand the cold, switch that on and be warm.

Food is not a problem in Mesilau. Even though you cannot cook in the lodges, the restaurant there called kadamaian Restaurant will look into your every need. Just ask them. The resort manager Shazril Ahmad Shah stresses that their guests’ comfort is very important and that his staff will accord them information and assistance where necessary.

If you like playing golf, you can ask the reception for information on how to use the 18-hole golf course they have there. The people there are quite friendly and will be happy to assist you in any way.

So if you want a complete rest, except to meander within nature’s bower, Mesilau should be top on your ‘must go’ list.

Enjoy!

Courtesy of: New Sabah Times 'In' Sites - Sabah Travel and Leisure Guide

National Park Vacation: Mesilau Nature Park

For a unique National Park Vacation in Borneo, you must make sure that you drop by at Mesilau Nature Park near Kundasang town, about 108 km or about 2.5-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, Malaysia Borneo.

Mesilau Nature Park is located within the Kinabalu National Park area on the Pinosok Plateau near Kundasang town. It is about 30 minutes by road away from Kinabalu National Park (about 108km from Kota Kinabalu). The stretch of the road from Kundasang to Mesilau Nature Park, which is about 2,000 metres above sea level, is extremely steep and some parts of it are in bad condition (at this point of writing).

On the way, you will surely be captivated by the spectacular views of the Kundasang valley with terraced hill slopes planted with highlands vegetables, and parts of the scenic beauty of the Kundasang Mt. Kinabalu Golf Course, a challenging 18-hole golf course for avid golfers, undeniably, the highest golf course in South East Asia.

But once you get to Mesilau Nature Park, you will notice that the place is more natural and "virgin" than the now "commercialized" Kinabalu National Park. As the Park lies at the base of Mount Kinabalu, the mountain will look even more spectacular with a sheer wall of granite towering a few thousand meters from the virgin forest floor and ending in jagged peaks. This is the so-called breathtaking Mesilau Pinnacles.

Mesilau Nature Park is the starting point for the alternative and more challenging route up Mount Kinabalu. Trek the route up to a kilometres or two even if you are not planning to climb Mount Kinabalu. Since the Mesilau Summit Trail is relatively newer and less crowded than the old summit trail, your chance of encountering (tamed) wildlife is also brighter. One prominent feature of the route is the seemingly abundance of orchids (Rhododendrons) and pitcher plants.

But to experience the best of what Mesilau can offer, you will need to spend a night or two at the eco-friendly Mesilau Nature Resort, which is nestled amongst the trees at the foot of the mountain within the Park. The Resort itself is amazing since it was carefully planned and built to blend into its natural surrounding. The chalets are on slopes surrounded by trees with the full view of the Mesilau River flowing below. And for food, the Kedamaian Restaurant is famous for its piping hot steamboat, and barbecue dinners if you are staying overnight.

Mesilau will enchant you with its cool temperate climate (temperatures vary around 17-21 degree Celcius during the day and 10-15 degree Celcius at night) and serene surroundings as a truly amazing nature’s paradise. The world’s largest pitcher plant, the “Nepenthes Rajah”, is recorded to grow in abundance here. A guided nature walk around the Park is recommended and will leave you with lasting "natural" memories.

Mesilau Nature Park and its Resort is an ideal venue for relaxation or retreat. The bio-diversity of the flora and fauna found here makes Mesilau a haven for naturalists. It is one of the best location for a memorable National Park Vacation.

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