All information of tourism sabah

11Jun

28-room hostel soon at Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu: Sabah Parks is about to complete the construction of a 28-room hostel at Laban Rata, 11,000ft on Mt Kinabalu. It will be managed by Sabah Parks staff, said State Culture, Tourism and Environment Minister Datuk Sri Panglima Masidi Manjun. "We have intention for more but we'll study it because we don't want to spoil it," Masidi said, during "The Bandalureate Country Branding Award 2013-14" celebration luncheon, Wednesday. Asked if this means increasing the capacity of Kinabalu, Masidi said: "No, it remains at 192 persons. What has been privatised was accommodation and restaurants, we did not privatise the number of people who can go up. It remains within the power of Sabah Parks," he said. On why management of the new hostel would be by Sabah Parks, Masidi said it was to make sure that it is affordable to everyone. "We'll have to look at affordability but the intention is we want our Park to be actively involved in the running of the mountain,"said Masidi. The hostel is viewed as the Government finally responding to persistent clamour from ordinary Sabahans who complained of the loss of easy and cheap access to their own mountain ever since a previous Minister decided to privatise the operations more than a decade ago. Asked whether this could mean the restoration of a hassle-free tradition among Fifth formers to take to the mountain after exams, Masidi said: "Obviously it involves some costs but it would be good if students have sponsors," he said. Asked if the park would consider sparing a week after the SPM exams to enable special access to local students, Masidi said: "I am sure it's (hostel) going to be very cheap year long because what made it expensive last time was because they had to stay for two nights in the park but now you can stay outside the park or homestay and then stay only one night at Laban Rata," Masidi said. "Sutera Sanctuary Lodge charged only RM25 but only for Sabahans in a special package - cheap, economic, and all inclusive - porters, guide fee, for only RM130," Masidi noted. Sabah Parks Director Dr Jamili Nais said local climbers snapped up the bargain SSL offer, indicative of vibrant local interest. Asked if a Sabah Parks-managed new hostel at Laban Rata is putting Kinabalu Parks back to the old days, Dr Jamili said: "What we are looking at like Malaysia Airlines and AirAsia, giving people alternatives. "Those who want high end accommodation can have that, we support that also but those who want no frills, we cater to them because the domestic market has been crying out for affordable climbs. "I am looking into the idea of volunteerism, which means people can volunteer at the park for one week or even three weeks without pay while we take care of their food and accommodation , "Dr Jamili said. Meanwhile, Kinabalu Park, Malaysia's first Heritage Site, was chosen as a recipient of "The Brandlaureate Country Branding Award 2013-2014" for its status as a heritage site as it has a diverse biota and high endemism. The prestigious award was presented to Kinabalu Park during the Brandlaureate Award 2013-2014 presentation on May 30, organised by Asia Pacific Brands Foundation held in Kuala Lumpur. Masidi presented the certificate and the trophy of the award to Kinabalu Park Manager Justinus Guntabid. Asia Pacific Brands Foundation (APBF), which was founded in 2004, is a non-profit organisation dedicated to developing brands in a myriad of business backdrops and led by fourth Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad together with a Board of Governors who are experienced captains of industries and established brand icons. The Brandlaureate Awards recognise world-class achievement in branding amongst individuals and companies. The other recipients of the award were Perbadanan Putrajaya (Floria Putrajaya), Captain James Anthony Tan and Crystal Lee. Masidi said Kinabalu Park deserved the award not merely due to its status as World Heritage Site but also because of the fact that Kinabalu Park had the highest number of plant species per unit area in the world. He said Kinabalu Park had 5,500 plant species in 30kmx40km beside housing 866 species of orchids, ferns (609), okas and chestnuts (63), pitcher plants (14), mosses and liverworts (450), 326 birds (326), 625 butterflies (625), 90 lowland mammals (90), montane mammals (22), snakes (67), frogs and toads (61) and fishes (40). "More interesting, in the single day of climb, you can experience spring, summer, autumn and winter, all together". Source: Daily Express
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11Jun

16 days of fireworks for Malaysia Day

Kota Kinabalu: Spectacular displays of colourful and musically-synchronised fireworks by eight nations will fill the sky over Kota Kinabalu as the State marks the founding date of Malaysia this September. Professional teams from nations including France, United Kingdom, Australia and China, among others, will be doing so over two weeks with every second of their showdown viewable along seven kilometres of the Sabah coast. They are competing to be the best in the inaugural Sabah International Fireworks Competition (SIFC) 2014 to be held over 16 days at the Likas Bay Public Park beginning Sept 1, with two display nights and four competition nights. The event will conclude with a big bang on Malaysia Day, bringing the momentous occasion to a colourful close. The musically-synchronised displays of light, colour and sound will be followed by live performances from a host of international and local artistes. Along with the fireworks and music, people can also look forward to the SIFC Bazaar, which will offer a variety of authentic Sabahan and Malaysian handicraft as well as local and international delicacies. Sabah Tourism Board (STB) Chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who represented State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun at the launch of the SIFC 2014, Monday, said the privately-funded SIFC 2014 will further catapult the events industry in the State. He said the involvement of eight countries as competitors can further promote Sabah and its natural attractions, adding the State is an ideal destination for events as it is regionally very accessible. Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA) is the busiest airport after Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) with 17 direct international flights, he said, adding as of April this year the overall arrivals achieved double digit growth to 1.101 million visitors, by 13.6 per cent compared to the same period last year. International visitors totalled up to 378,002, and domestic, 723,341. "The positive growth is mainly contributed by the domestic and North Asian arrivals which consist of 85.4 per cent of the total arrivals into Sabah," he said. He said it is also good to note that for the first three months of this year 145 chartered flights had flown in bringing 21,422 visitors compared to only 88 chartered flights the same time last year. "These chartered flights come from China, South Korea and Japan," he said. Commending the organiser iMaginators and partners Bernas Impresif Sdn Bhd and 4Thirteen Media, Bangkuai was also confident the event would be well received by all Malaysians and those from neighbouring countries. iMaginators Group Director Jeevan Kuppusamy, who is SIFC2014 Appointed Director, meanwhile, said the event will showcase Sabah as a destination and a platform for international competitions and events. "Sabah is a combination of pristine and lush rainforests teeming with exotic wildlife, a tropical paradise of soft and crystal-clear waters together with world-class resorts and facilities which offer a rich and exotic experience for business and pleasure. It not only has world class resorts but also amazing facilities for world class events," he said. On the SIFC2014, he said the competition will not only paint the Sabah sky with brilliant bursts of vivid colours, but will also be the venue to showcase the emerging artistry and evolving sophistication of the world's fireworks technology. Kota Kinabalu will be playing host to an estimated 200,000 spectators along Tanjung Lipat during each competition evening. He said each competition day will see two countries contending in a pyromelodic battle of 25 minutes each, adding the winner will be awarded a commemorative trophy and cash prize. All participating countries will each receive a participation certificate and a token of appreciation. Maginators will also host the two-week long bazaar, along with the display zone, featuring local and international vendors. City Hall Deputy Director-General (Operations) Joannes Solidau, who represented Mayor Datuk Abidin Madingkir, and iMaginators Executive Director Leben Siddarth, among others, were also present. Source: Daily Express
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08Jun

Sabah International Folklore Festival 2014

Sabah International Folklore Festival 2014 YB Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun telah menghadiri Majlis Makan Malam Festival Cerita Rakyat Antarabangsa Sabah 2014 bertempat di Hotel Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu pada 8 Jun 2014. Kelihatan dalam gambar, Datuk Masidi Manjun mengambil peluang untuk bergambar kenang-kenangan bersama dengan delegasi dari Negara Ghana. Turut kelihatan dalam gambar adalah YB Datuk Kamarlin Ombi, Pembantu Menteri di Kementerian Pelancongan, Kebudayaan dan Alam Sekitar Sabah.
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04Jun

Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival 2014

KK Jazz Festival   YB Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun received a visit from the 2014 Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival organising committee on the 4th of June 2014 at the minister's office. The event will be held on the 13th and 14th of June 2014 at the Covered Tennis Court, Sutera Harbour Resort. For more information, please visit the official website www.kkjazzfest.com. YB Datuk Seri Panglima Masidi Manjun menerima kunjungan daripada jawatankuasa pengelola Festival Jazz Kota Kinabalu 2014 pada 4 Jun 2014 bertempat di pejabatnya. Acara ini akan dijalankan pada 13 dan 14 Jun 2014 bertempat di Gelanggang Tertutup Tenis, Sutera Harbour Resort. Untuk maklumat lebih lanjut, silalah melayari laman web rasmi acara ini iaitu di  www.kkjazzfest.com. 
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02Jun

First ever wingsuit flight at Mt Kinabalu

KOTA KINABALU: The region’s first ever flyby using a wingsuit will take place as part of the fourth annual Expedition Mt Kinabalu to be held August 15-17. The annual event raises awareness about Duchenne muscular dystrophy, the most common fatal childhood genetic disease. It has become a showcase of both Sabah’s natural treasures and community kindness, and is organized by Sabahan Catherine Jayasuriya, the founder and executive director of international charity Coalition Duchenne. The expedition featured in her 2013 award winning documentary Dusty’s Trail: Summit of Borneo. Capturing the essence of the event, Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the Guinness World Record Greatest Living Explorer said, “Boys with Duchenne have challenges even I cannot imagine and this climb is a great way to celebrate their spirit”. The expedition has grown each year to become a significant part of Sabah’s international event calendar. It shows that Sabah can be a focus for international media attention and serve to make a difference on global issues. Tourism, Culture and the Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun recognized that importance when he met Jayasuriya’s son Dusty Brandom, who is now 21, at the inaugural event in 2011. “I told Catherine when she interviewed me for her film that we welcome her and Dusty back home. This is the place of their ancestors. Dusty is the epitome of courage and he puts a face on disability. A child in the kampung who faces obstacles like Dusty can find hope in what he has achieved. Here in Sabah, we respond to global themes and causes. Catherine is a mother, a filmmaker, a philanthropist, and a Sabahan who is making a difference in the world. We are very happy that she has come home and shared this event,” said Masidi. This year, over 100 international climbers will take part in Expedition Mt  Kinabalu. A historic wingsuit flyby by two professional wingsuit pilots adds to the excitement. Wingsuit flying is the sport of “flying” while wearing a special suit with air filled wings. Coalition Duchenne has worked in collaboration with Squirrel, a manufacturer of wingsuits, to develop a bright red Coalition Duchenne wingsuit, which has been worn by wingsuit pilots around the world to promote awareness for Duchenne. Wingsuit pilots participate in a challenging, dangerous sport and can relate to the losses experienced by the Duchenne community. Source: Borneo Post
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