Malaysian Airlines had recently introduced a direct Sydney-Kuching flight. The inaugural Sydney-Kuching flight touched down at 2.55 am at the Kuching International Airport on 3 Novermber 2004. It is hoped that the new direct flight will boost more Australian tourist arrivals to the State especially given the historical link Sarawak has with Australia courtesy of World War Two as well as the Borneo Confrontation Year. There is even a a war memorial built in Kuching although it is needed to have a facelift to make it more fitting to the sacrifice and contributions made by the soldiers.
Refer to more information on Sarawak below.
Info: http://www.e-borneo.com/infoborneo/sar-brief.html
Tours: http://www.e-borneo.com/travel/tours/sarawak.html
The Good Holiday Guides Are Those Who've Lived The Experience.
The Best Holiday Guides Are Those Who Are Living The Experience.
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Thursday, November 04, 2004
NEWS: Sabah hopes for more overseas direct flights to boost golf
Date: 4 November 2004
KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Environment welcomes more scheduled direct flights to Sabah by airlines from the Asia Pacific region, particularly to promote the State as a golfing haven.
“We hope airlines that have already secured direct flights to Sabah would consider increasing the number of flights,” said its minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat.
“Sabah can be considered as one of the best golfing haven in Asia. And with more direct flights coming in – especially from other Asian countries – the number of avid golfing tourist arrivals would certainly improve,” said the minister, who is also a Deputy Chief Minister.
“With concerted efforts and aggressive overseas marketing, we expect the number of Asian golfing enthusiasts as well as tourists to increase by 1.5 million to 1.7 million people within the next two to three years,” he said at a dinner here to welcome about 90 South Korean golfers.
The South Koreans have signed up the Destination Golf Members Club, which is being marketed by the Sabah Tourism Board to lure Asian golfers to utilise existing direct flights to the State.
The club, which was launched by Chong in October last year, has so far seen more than 1,500 avid South Korean golfers and their family members signing up.
“Apart from the South Koreans, we are also targeting golfers in Japan and China next year,” said Chong.
During the function, senior advisor to the Destination Golf Members Tournament Lee Young Ho presented a US$5,000 donation to the Bukit Harapan Home.
Chong then gave away prizes to the winners of the tournament, which was played over golf courses at Sutera Harbour Resort, Karambunai Resort and Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club.
Source: New Sabah Times
KOTA KINABALU: The Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Environment welcomes more scheduled direct flights to Sabah by airlines from the Asia Pacific region, particularly to promote the State as a golfing haven.
“We hope airlines that have already secured direct flights to Sabah would consider increasing the number of flights,” said its minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat.
“Sabah can be considered as one of the best golfing haven in Asia. And with more direct flights coming in – especially from other Asian countries – the number of avid golfing tourist arrivals would certainly improve,” said the minister, who is also a Deputy Chief Minister.
“With concerted efforts and aggressive overseas marketing, we expect the number of Asian golfing enthusiasts as well as tourists to increase by 1.5 million to 1.7 million people within the next two to three years,” he said at a dinner here to welcome about 90 South Korean golfers.
The South Koreans have signed up the Destination Golf Members Club, which is being marketed by the Sabah Tourism Board to lure Asian golfers to utilise existing direct flights to the State.
The club, which was launched by Chong in October last year, has so far seen more than 1,500 avid South Korean golfers and their family members signing up.
“Apart from the South Koreans, we are also targeting golfers in Japan and China next year,” said Chong.
During the function, senior advisor to the Destination Golf Members Tournament Lee Young Ho presented a US$5,000 donation to the Bukit Harapan Home.
Chong then gave away prizes to the winners of the tournament, which was played over golf courses at Sutera Harbour Resort, Karambunai Resort and Dalit Bay Golf & Country Club.
Source: New Sabah Times
Wednesday, November 03, 2004
Sarawak Cultural Village
The Sarawak Cultural Village is a MUST visit destination for anyone who is visiting Sarawak. Located about 35km from Kuching city and built on a 17-acre site, next to a scenic man-made lake, the village boasts seven ethnic houses representative of the Malay, the Chinese, the Penan and the longhouses of the Bidayuh, Iban, Orang Ulu and the Melanau.
Take a stroll around the village and observe the inhabitants of the various houses displaying their skills in making traditional handicrafts such as beading, wood-carving, bamboo-carving, pua-weaving, etc. You can also view traditional methods of making sago, and crushing sugar cane. One of the highlight is to take a look at how the Penans make blowpipes and other hunting instruments, and try out your blowpiping skill..., aimed normally at a balloon from a distance.
Another highlight is the 2-hour live cultural dance show at the theatre (check time of peformance on arrival - few shows a day). You can also have your lunch at the village and don't forget to taste the rice wine of Sarawak, called 'tuak'.
For more info, refer to the URL below:
http://www.e-borneo.com/travel/tours/eb-kch03.html
The Good Holiday Guides Are Those Who've Lived The Experience.
The Best Holiday Guides Are Those Who Are Living The Experience.
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Copyright © 2004 e-borneo.com
Take a stroll around the village and observe the inhabitants of the various houses displaying their skills in making traditional handicrafts such as beading, wood-carving, bamboo-carving, pua-weaving, etc. You can also view traditional methods of making sago, and crushing sugar cane. One of the highlight is to take a look at how the Penans make blowpipes and other hunting instruments, and try out your blowpiping skill..., aimed normally at a balloon from a distance.
Another highlight is the 2-hour live cultural dance show at the theatre (check time of peformance on arrival - few shows a day). You can also have your lunch at the village and don't forget to taste the rice wine of Sarawak, called 'tuak'.
For more info, refer to the URL below:
http://www.e-borneo.com/travel/tours/eb-kch03.html
The Good Holiday Guides Are Those Who've Lived The Experience.
The Best Holiday Guides Are Those Who Are Living The Experience.
http://www.e-borneo.com/
Copyright © 2004 e-borneo.com
Tuesday, November 02, 2004
Climbing Mt. Kinabalu
The standard Climb up the mystical Mt. Kinabalu is via Kinabalu National Park, about 2 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu city. The first ascent is from the starting point at Timpohon Gate, about 30 mins drive from the Kinabalu National Park Headquarter. If you want to start the ascent on Day 1, it is advisable to arrive at the Park late morning the latest or else, depending on te weather condition, the Park may not allow you to do the first ascent due to dangerous condition (the fog will get too thick late evening). Most climbers prefer to stay overnight at Kinabalu National Park to not only aclimatize to the altitude but also to enjoy the magnificent flora and fauna at the Park before the assault on the next day/morning.
The first ascent is to climb (trek really) up to the 11,000ft area resthouse (Laban Rata) from Timpohon Gate where it is a must to stay overnight and recharge your energy. Should take a normal fit person an average 5 hours although some did it in 3. Participants at the annual Mt. Kinabalu Climbathon competition went all the way up to 13,400ft (4092.5m above sea level) and back in 2 hours. But its not really about how many hours. Its about the experience of trekking pass different vegetation zones from Oak and Chestnut to mossy and eventually to alpine type of vegetations, and observing the rare and exotic flora and fauna up there.
Early morning about 2 am or 3 am, the start of the second and more grueling stage - all the way to the summit. Should take a few hours. Some info can be found at the URL below:
One tip before the second ascent is not to eat any "red meat" for breakfast or else you will not likely to last the distance. Take some noodle and eggs, eat plenty of chocolates and take Glucose drinks. The sweeter the better for energy.
One important tip is to make reservation early. Given the popularity of the Climb nowadays, it is advisable to book at least 3-4 months in advance (or even much earlier during the peak season usually around mid-year) or else, you will be disappointed. This is mainly due to the limited accommodation at the Laban Rata mid-summit. In the event that there is no accommodation at the mid-summit, the Climb will not be possible (and won't be approved by the Park's HQ). Additionally, a mountain guide is compulsory.
The Good Holiday Guides Are Those Who've Lived The Experience.
The Best Holiday Guides Are Those Who Are Living The Experience.
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Copyright © 2004 e-borneo.com
Monday, November 01, 2004
White Water Rafting Adventure
Sabah is possibly the only destination in Borneo that offers the best and well packaged White Water Rafting experience. There are two excellent locations at Padas (Grade 3-4) and Kiulu (Grade 1-3).
Padas, near a town called Beaufort, is about 3-4 hours drive and train ride from Kota Kinabalu city. Enjoy the exhilarating ride down the Padas River rapids and get to know the various points like Head Hunter Point, Scooby Doo Point, Cobra Point, Lambada Point till the ending point. More for the adventurous type and not recommended for small children. Although graded 3-4, the grade is a point lower during dry spell (not predictable anymore nowadays but normally mid-year).
Kiulu is located in the Tamparuli district about 1 to 1.5 hour drive from KK city. Enjoy the exhilarating ride down the White rapids and get to know the various points like Body Rafting, The Wall Rapid, Holy Smoke Rapid till the ending point. It is more suitable for a family white water adventure vacation, but during long dry spell, the Kiulu river may not be deep enough for this thrill seeker experience. However, in the event that the Kiulu river is not deep enough, there is always the alternative of checking Padas river, which should usually be suitable for a family outing. But always check with your guides first on the condition of the rivers.
For more info, refer to the links below:
* Padas - http://www.e-borneo.com/travel/tours/eb-kk08.html
* Kiulu - http://www.e-borneo.com/travel/tours/eb-kk09.html
The Good Holiday Guides Are Those Who've Lived The Experience.
The Best Holiday Guides Are Those Who Are Living The Experience.
http://www.e-borneo.com/
Padas, near a town called Beaufort, is about 3-4 hours drive and train ride from Kota Kinabalu city. Enjoy the exhilarating ride down the Padas River rapids and get to know the various points like Head Hunter Point, Scooby Doo Point, Cobra Point, Lambada Point till the ending point. More for the adventurous type and not recommended for small children. Although graded 3-4, the grade is a point lower during dry spell (not predictable anymore nowadays but normally mid-year).
Kiulu is located in the Tamparuli district about 1 to 1.5 hour drive from KK city. Enjoy the exhilarating ride down the White rapids and get to know the various points like Body Rafting, The Wall Rapid, Holy Smoke Rapid till the ending point. It is more suitable for a family white water adventure vacation, but during long dry spell, the Kiulu river may not be deep enough for this thrill seeker experience. However, in the event that the Kiulu river is not deep enough, there is always the alternative of checking Padas river, which should usually be suitable for a family outing. But always check with your guides first on the condition of the rivers.
For more info, refer to the links below:
* Padas - http://www.e-borneo.com/travel/tours/eb-kk08.html
* Kiulu - http://www.e-borneo.com/travel/tours/eb-kk09.html
The Good Holiday Guides Are Those Who've Lived The Experience.
The Best Holiday Guides Are Those Who Are Living The Experience.
http://www.e-borneo.com/
Copyright © 2004 e-borneo.com
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