An Enlightening 20 Days Localized Nature Course

Hey all, Happy New Year.. Its been a hectic year end, physically and mentally tired.. but end the new year with a blast in Ice Bar, 1 Borneo.. wasn't too bad.

Being a born bred Sabahan, i have always take things for granted, always pursuing the skyscraper metropolitan living lifestyle, and trapping in the confined air conditioning room, i attended this course for the purpose of pursuing a license, nothing else in mind, but also to bring my lost intuition to the Sabah Lost World, Meliau Basin.

My first impression when first entered Tawau Hillpark, was nothing to shout about and it is no where to be seen a foreign tourist, all i can see is very localized recreational area with very minimal of entrance fee charges. Since, Tawau Hill is one of the Secondary Jungle under the Sabah park Authority, i am really curious what does this forest can offer to my 20 days course.

My curiosity gone deeper, when i was preparing to checked in with my assigned room mate, the lodge bellboy was actually a bunch of naughty long tail macaque, welcoming us with their mischievous look...

This one actually stalking us ! of all the Course members, he peeped on us !

Yes, this is where we sleep, very basic and damp.. under the basic roof top, and a wide back door facing the deep jungle. Its superb, its refreshing.. My alarm clock is the symphony of cicada as well as the hauling of monkeys species red leaf monkey, macaque and even the gibbon. Occasionally, we even hear The Rhinoceros Hornbill, giving her way through the jungle.

The day of trekking doesnt really thrill me, i was too concern of the leech... they have been waiting for their prey, human like us :).. so the first trekking was more like a trial .. we had fun.. some of us even getting to know leech better.. Especially the "tiger leech"

Leech doesnt suck human's blood, they drink. They produce Hirudin which is a very powerful anticoagulant that enable the blood flow non stop bleeding.

You do not feel at all when they are attached on you skin or body, only slight itchiness and next you will see blood flow pumping out for a period of 2 -3 hours.

. Now we are leech friendly.

The destination of our treks were varies, someday we trek to Sulphur Spring, a hidden Utopia in this Hillpark.. about 3.2km from the park and it is a hidden romantic place for a deep spa.

The first view looks like a drawing right? Now the 2nd pictures shows you this is real, and yes.. you can dip into it and have a spa massage.

Now, the thrilling part here is not just about the destination. Its the journey to the destination, thats where we learnt along the way.. team spirit, jungle norm, leech, dos and dont, as well as helping hand.. some even chemistry bounced ( if you know what i meant ), it happened in a glimps and yes.. we are prepared for the 2nd trail.

2nd trail was very much easier.. it is to the tallest tropical tree in the world. Tallest tropical tree ( Pokok Seraya Kuning Siput) .. its just next to our doorstep, have you ever even thought about how tourist came all the way from other corner of the world just to have a hug on this "mother nature tree"? Yes, we are here.. this tree is about 88.32m height..

This is one of the Dipterocarp tree that is still preserved under the Sabah Park Authority. Despite being one of the logging activist target timber before.. This tree is still serves as a canopy and pillar to most of the lower land or climber vegetation.

No, we did not show off to the world that we have this tallest tropical tree and we want the Guinness book of record to be seen, in fact, this tree is somewhat humbling down, supporting his mates.. such the climber as a pillar, serving as a home to woodpecker birds, as well as a support tool for the Bird Nest Fern.

My experience of trail has created my curiosity towards the team spirit as well as the character of each and everyone in my team. They are ranging from people like me ;).. who has lost her intuition and looking for the direction by meditating towards tranquility; young girls who are taggling along their career for being in the tourism industries, some indigenous people like Org Sungai, Org Brunei, Taroja and even Kadazan Dusun ... I need to share with you about them... i am impressed and speechless...

Till then, will update you more

visiting the Rainforest tallest tree

Dont Under estimate Tawau, a small town hiding at the East Coast Of Sabah, I am amaze with what they can offer to the eco- system. From Flora to fauna, conservation to marking their name in World book Of record, National Geographic and even animal planet channel.

Heading to the world tallest tree.

Day 5 of Local Nature Guide Course

My heart is ready for THE LOST WORLD- My Paraphernalia.

Hi all, i have decided to blog one more round before i get into my Local Nature Course. This is because i am not sure if i will have internet access or even sufficient time to blog in the camp.

Despite busy schedule, i have done some research on some do and donts in trespassing this Lost World, Maliau Basin. Well, believe it or not, just bare in mind, this is not a man made jungle, its a concession zone that was once a thick jungle.

"Have a nick name to yourself" - Hi, my name is ....

"Never pick up any colourful, interesting stones or objects"

"Never answer or shout back when someone is calling you; dont ask me why.."

"Leave some food on your plates for OFFERING after your meal"

well, this are some major and common norms that we have to follow, they might be more we are yet to know, i will update you when i am back, but upon all... bring your almighty with you ...:)

Here are my packings... no make up, no stilts, lots of SPF, Insect repellent and PACAT (leech) repellent ! ( can you imagine i actually found it ), but if you couldnt find, using salt, tobacco in tea tree oil or pee will work too ! Here are my BARANG-BARANG ( Paraphernalia )

I have my Backpack, Sleeping bag, headlight with ( extra batteries),Poncho (raincoat), insect repellent,diarrhea pill, charcoal pill, Panadol, ORS, and traditional Tobacco cigis ( Sirkup). Oh yeah, my little Pugs pouch to put my blackberry so i can update you on FB. Just hope that it doesn't drop into the mud .. and wallah, i am done...

My Poncho is pretty cool, it has 3 in 1 functionality. which i think i will only use 1 of it.. Check the description out :-

It says here : 3 in 1 raincoat, size 140 x 230 cm, Suitable for : hiking, camp or even floor mat.

And i found Leech repellent too !

It says here Proven Effective Against Leeches .. so i dont know how much i can trust it.. but at least i don't have to go too far to search for it... it is available at Damai Sunshine Pharmacy for around RM28.00 ...

And of course, testing testing my headlight... remember extra battery for that..

Anything else i forget on Jungle gadget?Please advice....

Good night.

Another leap for Kota Kinabalu Toursim Industry

I am sure everyone knows about the launching of KKIA as first Eastern Hub for MAS Airline. With the arrival of their new aircraft 737-800, an extravaganza launching was done, accompanied by local cultural dancers, tourism board officers,and grace by our Chief Minister,Tourism Minister Datuk Masidi , approximate 160 more passengers together with the chairman of MAS Tan Sri Munir Majid arrived in style and glamor.

This flight will basically fly direct from all eastern region country direct to KKIA mainly through and flo from Haneda, Tokyo, Osaka, Kaosiong ( Taiwan), Taipei (Taiwan) and Perth (Australia) . Wow, that means we will see more Loud Speaking Taiwanese, Big straw hat Um

brellas Japanese and Of course.. More Korean Supermarket will be open he

re soon :)

I have to mention here that one of my long time friend got her free seat to this launching, so before she depart i reminded her to take as many detail picture as possible.

Some pictures for your viewing, but perhaps there are more from the newspaper, facebook and even relevant websites.

So fellow tour guides, travel agencies, restaurant and bars... all tourism spot venue providers, get ready for the next challange, lets make it an economy boost for Sabah, and not being the 2nd poorest state of Malaysia anymore..

Till then.... enjoy you Hari Raya and Holiday.. its really a Bonus to have holiday in the mids of the week.. and tomorrow everyone is already in party mood.

My heart is ready for THE LOST WORLD

My dreams, are like tree branches... my to do list.. are not enough to be marked on my ten fingers. Nonetheless, i am materializing them one by one.. Just being an ordinary nature of a Sabahan, i love to spread the beauty of where i came from.. This time... in line with Ministry of Tourism's effort in assisting locals to achieve their tour guide license; finally my duty is on call... attending Local Nature Guide Course - under the Zone of Tawau ( South-West North Borneo), territory include Lahad Datu (lembah Danum (DVCA), Tabin, Sahabat ),Kalabakan

( Maliau Basin, Lembah Imbak ), Mt Andrasi and Semporna Irian Park.

In this tour guide course, we are not only learning the beauty of nature, but also deep down to History,Culture,Geography,Natural heritage, soil, herbs and plants as well as leading industry in that particular zone of Sabah. For the matter of fact, in this article, i want to emphasize a very interesting Destination- MALIAU BASIN- THE LOST WORLD.

Malius Basin (approx 39,000 hectar ), was originally part of 1 million hectar of timber concession belonging to Yayasan Sabah. In 1981, Yayasan Sabah has voluntarily designed Maliau Basin as one of the conservation Area mainly for research and education, training as well as forestry development. Actually "BASIN" in local language means a wide deep pail which accommodates water, so i suppose this is the reason why this waterfall is given such name as it is the mainstream for 7 other tier-falls to the heart of Maliau Basin.

Now, since i am yet to discover this place myself, i am not legitimate to express in detail on the journey experience about this place. However, picture speaks a thousands words, so here is the spectacular Maliau Basin Waterfall curtusy by one of the Sabahan Blogger, Jeffrey.

The spectacular view of Maliau Basin

Crystallize water molecule of negative ionizer

The pitcher Plant, a carnivorious plant growing at their wilderness.

Only at Maliau Basin.

I am engross with the wild nature, and yet i am nervous to step into the swamp that causes blood sucking leeches. I am nervous about the legendary story, myths but i am curious and excited as well.. I may be the oldest student mingling around with the local nature guide to be.

This is the phase 1 of my story.Perhaps there will be phase II and III. Or aint no updates anymore :). I am not sure if i have any networking or communication mode. We were told to bring many important necessity. I hope i can update you more... till then ...

My 1Malaysia Story

When I read about an article of a wonderful comment about "1Malaysia really exist in Sabah".Me too has got some impressive experience that gave the best example for the humankind.

http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2010/9/28/focus/7111786&sec=focus,

My grandfather past away on the 14^th May 2009. After few years of struggling with his sickness,God finally accepted him and thus he pass away peacefully at the age of 88. The funeral was held in a Chinese traditional procedure at the funeral parlor in Kota Kinabalu ( Fook Luk Siew, Jalan Tuaran ). 7 days of mourning, family, relatives and friends came and paid their last respect to our late grandpa.

As we are an originally mix family, our relatives mostly speaks in Bahasa.Nontheless, some of them, the older generation even still with their Sarung and red Plum on their lips. They are the natives (Bajau, Dusun or Kadazan).Out of my surprise, they even walk in to the parlour, near to the coffin of my late grandpa and give him a precious respect. They were no barrier, even they have to lit up the joystick, give a traditionally 3 respectful bow, they did it with all their heart. My tears drop as I never see such touching scene in my life before, there is no boundary in any culture nor religion when LOVE is the main element in an individual.

Few days later, My cousin in law Charmaine and her mom, came visit Late grandpa. As I saw her putting on her veil (with tudung) , I actually give a gesture that she doesn’t need to enter if she don’t feel comfortable. And again out of my expectation, they walk in, give him a 3 last respectful bow and never feel even awkward at all.. Wow.. this is amazing and touching.. and this is what I called 1 Malaysia! Does cultural, religion, or even race count? No. totally not, and I am proud of my 1Malaysia family…

"Charmaine Che Che & her Mom and Aunty, chilling after the last respect "

Please share with me more sabahan story of 1 malaysia. I bet we can outshine others J

Sabah rocks !

When The Going Gets Tough; The Tough Gets Going..

Life can be tough, it can be easy; can be sad or fun, it’s like a roller coaster, vary in every chapter, it always about choices you have, the decision you have made and the life path you choose.

I chose to live life simple, omit the fame and famous, brand and figure and started running a day care centre that I have always dreamed of. As the ball started rolling, it has no turning back, launching of shops, human resources, outsourcing, training and development, public relations, in prompt tu service, accounting and even quality control. Everything about this centre is my priority. As time past, I have work through night and day and made it along the way, expanding my market share in this small town. Now is time for sustaining this enterprise, by generally committing and trying as best i can, to honor this success.

And now I am here, in this island of Spirit, giving up my creation and NO PROBLEM daily routine life; while blending into my new family and at times floating in the tranquility period; I have discovered that there is so much to learn in divining a culture. PASSION is the key word and determination on all obstacles comes along. I have learned that - The good life is not a problem free life, for the matter of fact, enthusiasm and drive can certainly compensate for experience, and the process of overcoming challenges and adversity often produces some of the most rewarding experience we ever had. I lost my day care centre but I have had a handful of experiences. My name may no longer be the Word of Mouth of the small town, my good business ethics stays.

So, never give up on what you are passionate about, always remember, passion comes with challenges, as the old man says

“When the Going gets Tough; The Tough Gets going”….

Kuta Beach at its Peak

Restructuring or so call "Revamp"?

Its been a while ... i never have the inspiration to blog whats in me..sometimes i do commercial blog but at times it leads to my personal senses and feelings... its good... its revealing but at times blogging stop because of emotional fluctuate.. not the "hot flush" in woman .. but its just cross road of life...

I'm back with a better version of myself and perspective of life, My new inspiration location is Bali. The religious town and humble community, the world class hotel with humble offering to god, the art, culture and nature offerings... this is the place of inspiration and wisdom.. thanks to my partner.. who has venture himself way before me here..

I enjoyed the luxuries of nature and networking here..Loving the stylish yet sporting ladies and man with regardless of age, love the sunbathe, loves the travel and most of all loves the handmade craft nature products that came the same root as my state, Sabah! Love the Prayers.. and love the wisdom and internal beauty of every Balinese that makes Bali a beautiful island ....



So, no no the big house.. yeah.. the small one on the left.. this picture i took about 1km away from my neighbourhood.. in between was a wet swamp.. that overflow by rain and cause flood all the time..

Stolkhom(Sweden) ~ The Vikings...

Every journey was an experience, discovery and of course meeting interesting people.. Our second destination was Sweden.. which is an amazing country with beauties and culture anthem.

visitng the vassa ship was nothing surprise us.. but the legendary story brought down by our tour guide was absolutely fantastic.. the vassa ship sinked even before the war started... but the viking carries down..

After a few historical story, finally we came to a juicy part of the city... hustle and bustle.. bit of window shopping ... and checking out the youngster lifestyle...

Coincidently, the Princess of Sweden were on her way to get married... she is going to marry her gym instructors that has been shaping her over only 6 months.. so pictures above were rehearsal s went on and on... just to ensure security are tight during the parade..

Love the cold breeze and weather.. and the walk about on an icecream with family... great experience that been missing ...

Netherland~City of sin

After a 14hours of excitement, stiff neck, swollen eyes and of course... stinky shirt.. we arrived Amsterdam in anticlimax mood ...

Since we arrived 8 am in the morning, we were drag to visit a few agriculture farm and of course... Wooden shoes.. that wasn't the peak though... Netherland .. a city of prostitution, Soft Drugs ( Cannabies) and of course beautiful architectural of ancient buildings....

Feelings of cold win into our nerves and bone... and yes... its 8 degree for a morning sunshine.Cycling is the mode of major transport for most of they citizens however, canal cruising is also one of the mode for us to get from one point to the other...

Well, pictures speak a thousand words.... enjoy our beautiful pictures... ( i mean the scene.. not the tired panda eyes of me and sis ) ...

Some photos at the cheese farm.. check http://www.henriwillig.com/ for more details of the Dutch Cheese Farm.

Henriwillig produces variety of cheeses from goatmilk, ghoose cheese to dutch of course.. some even with wasabi, pepper, salami, garlic .... yummy ! we couldnt manage to buy too many but cant help it got 2 plastics of cheeses already carry along with us...

Canal cruises along the city...

De tour at red light city.... and of course visiting the Hemp museum.. ( cannabis manufacturing) ..which is also Ravi & Tracy ( our good friend in Bali's House) on top of it..

Next checking in to cruise...

PASSIONATE drives the way...

Life can be tough, it can be sweet, it can be fun and it can be sad.. its like a roller coaster ... Its the choice, the decision you made and choose for yourself..

I choose to live life simple, omit the fame and famous, brand and figure... and started running a pet shop that gives me the way i wanted it.. and i ve made it... but then again, i miss the heels, the pretty chic look, the fair and lovely... as well as the aircond office table with my gadget all over.. then i told myself.. its ok.. passionate came with sacrifices... so i sacrificed my budget on indulgence.. instead, i created the best for puppy central team... it was my baby.. there are my creation.

And now, i m leaving this up ... and again its a decision that i have to made between choices... so lets play the game.. move a step further for better.

I always remember the slogan

" When the Going gets tough; the Tough gets going"

Thanks everyone, for making Puppy Central a happening place.. once upon a time...

Love understand all languages

I live my life based on LOVE. I love my parents, family, relatives, friends,my partner,my job and not least my pets...

If I speak in tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a resounding gong; If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing.

If I give up all I possess and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient; love is kind; it does not envy; it does not boast; it is not proud. It is not rude; it is not self-seeking; it is not easily angered; it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will pass away; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge it will pass away. For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when perfection comes, the imperfect disappears.

When I was a child, I talked like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a woman, I put childish ways behind me. Now we see but a poor reflection, then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.

And now these three remain: faith, hope and love, but the greatest of these is love.

- I Corinthians, chapter 13

My Blueberry Night

There is no reason for someone to give up on you.. Today he/she choose cheese, tomorrow he/she choose Chocolate... he/she just doesnt love blueberry... just because of the flavor.. nothing else...

"How did you say goodbye to someone you cant live without?; i didnt say goodbye, I didnt say anything, I didnt choose to leave either,i just walk away, at the end of that night, i decided to walk the longest path home"

~Nora Jones~

"My Blueberry Night"

I ve always hate to say Goodbye~

You would not believe your eyes,
if ten million fireflies,
lit up the world as i fell asleep;

cause they fill the open air,
and leave teardrops everywhere,
You'd think me rude,
but i would just stand and stare...

i'd like to make myself believe that planet earth turns slowly
its hard to say that i'd rather stay awake when i m asleep,
Cause everything is never as it seems...

Cause i'd ll get a thousand hugs
From ten thousand lightning bugs,
As they try to teach me how to dance,

A foxtrot above my head
A Sock hop beneath my bed
A disco ball is just hanging by the thread

I would like to make myself believe that planet earth turn slowly,
Its hard to say that i would rather stay awake when i am asleep,
cause everything is never as it seems,
When i fall asleep .......

I m Proud to Be a SINO-CHINESE

My family... comprises of a very big group of mix cultural community... My ancestor was Bajau, not because they are Bajau.. but because during the war time, when my grandparents was young, the ran flee to village to hide from World War II, and they were taken care by Bajau Nenek.. so they practise Bajau.. they practise the lifestyle of a Bajau community.. and live life Bajau.. so then hence.. my mom carried a Bajau blood.. but muka cina...

As for my dad.... His mom is a Dusun.. Aruah Moing Tutong Loijin.. and my grandpa is Chinese from Mainland China.. as usual... then the Kadazan Blood was brought down in us.. what more with my cousins the Mobijohn family are the Kakadazan... So i called myself.. a ROJAK... sometimes i answered i m chinese... sometimes i answered i m native.. sometimes i even answered i m Sino chinese.. whatever i am.. i m glad... i have a mix of everything.. that clone me a better person... in this new century.

Celebrating weddings in various way, various style and yet meaningful ...

I enjoyed the occasions traditional way... it brings a lot of fun and interesting culture that i m not even aware...

Above: My beautiful cousins...

Below: Even the modern traditional way...

I just hope my kids will enjoy what i am going through now... its not the race that matter.. is the heart and soul that runs in our blood.. makes us a better person in life... I thank my parents.. without you...i wont be here today to enjoy all the wonderful LIFE OF A BORNEON GIRL...

Happy Lunar New Year !

If i made Your Night a Wonderful Moment...

I just want to express my heartfelt gratitude to all my cousins... for giving me the chance to host one of your most precious moment in life... I may not be the best emcee... but i hope i ve made you feel wonderful That night .....

Novia & James Wedding- Night dinner & Tea Ceremony

Cousin- Sett & Jeneve... Mix culture & Police Force Style ( Serious Moment)

Above : Then the Cheerful moment.....

Below : Gordon & SiewNing.. Mix culture Wedding.. Toasting for both

A bit the 80s~ to match the crowd....

My dear wonderful Cousins...I wish you all longevity & Wonderful life ahead.. Your Journey Of Love has just begun....

This Old Woman I met~

She is old but strong, she is sweet but tough, she is blur but precise... she is The Italian Mama, who runs the factory opposite my shop...

From the first day we met, we get along very well.. we share lots of laughter and problems, sorrow and jokes and even share the complains of man and their weird attitude from Mars...

As days goes by, we even share morning coffee together.. if i dont come for her, she will shout from the opposite factory and call upon my name " MELI... HOT WATER READY!" ... Sometimes when both of us are busy.. she will give a loud and sweet "CIAO" to us... she is just the mama that everyone loves..

As i am going through hell of a depressing moment now, she never even let me down... she just comfort me with her broken English " FUNCULO THE MAN!" She is ROCK, i tell you..

Today, she almost made me cry... she impressed me with her humble attitude and most of all.. heart touching friendship i hade with her shows very clearly... I was driving an old junk car... since its wednesday and we are going to have our weekly shopping routine.. i came pick her up at her house.. and i was rushing to change a better car so she can have more comfortable seat.. She saw and she stopped me from far... she refuse me to change and she kept saying :"i am not hadicapped you know, whatever car you drive, i will still sit in your car till the one i cant fit in.. " I laughed over it and she really try very hard to sit in this super low old junk car that i m having... she is just a touch down wonder woman... she is the pillar for all the good recipes in ONe of the famous Italian restaurant in KK, she is a wonderful leader and yet.. she is just being herself all the time... For a woman whom at this age to work her ass off.... who never complain a word.. I salute her.... She is MAMA...

Tu Grande Mama!

The 10 Little things that made my day ~

1) An early morning coffee - with the right concosion

2) A morning greeting from the Italian mama with the loudest " CIAO" from the opposite site of the shop

3) Receiving the morning mail from him just to say hello

4) Learning a new word a day

5) A marvellous and healthy lunch before my training

6) Kilkenny /stout.. anyone..? Chilling, sun ..sea and beach...

7) A good life band for my favorite shout out.

8) A good night kiss

9) A glance on her big rolling eyes-my pug Baby

10) A sweet dream- through the night..

~ What a boring life ~

Julio Iglesias is in Town...

I adore his music since young..i have all his album and his album been following me from my little private room to my uni hostel in KL.. his music and voice give me peace and calm me down. Sometimes even triggered my dancing mode..

And now his son Enrique Iglesias is just as good... however i m a classic person.. i like both but i love his father more :) ...

For more details of his 66th golden asia tuor http://www.dailychilli.com/happenings/1736-julio-iglesias-live-in-kl

Really wish i can go :)