[NEWS] Bon Odori in December

4:31 PM ACTIVITIES, CULTURE, JAPAN, KOTA KINABALU, SABAH, TRAVEL No Comments

Bon Odori festival is commonly celebrated in Japan in summer. According to Wikipedia, the festival of Obon lasts for three days; however its starting date varies within different regions of Japan. When the lunar calendar was changed to the Gregorian calendar at the beginning of the Meiji era, the localities in Japan reacted differently and this resulted in three different times of Obon. "Shichigatsu Bon" (Bon in July) is based on the solar calendar and is celebrated around 15 July in eastern Japan (Kantō region such as Tokyo, Yokohama and the Tohoku region), coinciding with Chūgen. "Hachigatsu Bon" (Bon in August) is based on the lunar calendar, is celebrated around the 15th of August and is the most commonly celebrated time. "Kyu Bon" (Old Bon) is celebrated on the 15th day of the seventh month of the lunar calendar, and so differs each year. "Kyu Bon" is celebrated in areas like the northern part of the Kantō region, Chūgoku region, Shikoku, and the Ryukyu Islands. These three days are not listed as public holidays but it is customary that people are given leave.

Several other countries than Japan have also adopted the spirit of Bon Odori in celebration to the unique Japanese culture and traditions. In Malaysia, annually the festivals are held in Shah Alam, Selangor and in Penang. This year, in celebration of the 30th anniversary of the Look East Policy in the country, University of Malaysia Sabah is proudly bringing the festival to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. Perhaps the most interesting part of this event would be the date itself - 1 December 2012. Just as we start the countdown to mark the conclusion of 2012, the organizer aims bring the public closer to the Japanese cultural attributions.

Further details to the event, you may visit the organizer's facebook event page here. Tickets are sold at RM10 and believe me, this is cheap considering the activities and items prepared for everyone to have fun with. So, anyone who happened to be in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on the said date why not add this to your travel calendar? One thing that I know, I am a big fan of Japan and since I am in town...most definitely I will make my way to the venue.

皆さん、いっしょうに行きましょう。

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Finger food versus sago worms

1:28 AM ACTIVITIES, CULTURE, KOTA KINABALU, PRODUCT AND SERVICE REVIEW, SABAH 3 Comments

One of many things I learned, off my travelling passion, is the idiotic urge to try local delicacies - as much as the ones I could consume. I have been in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah for many years and still I often feel like I am here for vacation - when it comes to food hunting. Sabah and Sarawak are known for the uniqueness due to the hundreds aborigines who have been living for as long as anyone could remember; unlike the West Malaysia (aka Malaysian Peninsular) that sees the majority of Malay, Chinese and Indian residing.

KK is a big city. So, it is natural to easily find known Malaysian and international dishes. Out of all side dishes' outlets I have tried, there is one located in Lintas called "Luk Luk", that I particularly kinda like the ambiance. This small shop sells fried finger food - excellent for night snacks. Every piece sold in the shop is RM1 and you can select as much as your stomach could take, while enjoying the snacks with your friends.

I love trying new dishes or food. Ever since I walked the land of Borneo, I have always wanted to taste the 'sago worms'. I knew all along that the worms are a good source of protein and fairly famous among the aborigines in Sarawak and Sabah. So, for many years I scouted highs and lows and noticed that, unlike Sarawak, it is not easy to find a place who sell dish with sago worms here in Kota Kinabalu. However, the raw and living worms are sold in the fresh market.

My crazy urge of the sago worms has finally caught the attention of my housemate. Her father had bought the sago worms for me yesterday. So, this evening for the first time, I googled for recipe - can't help it because all the worms were pretty much squeamish and full of live in the plastic bag. Using a simple recipe from someone in Sarawak, I cleaned up the worms and tossed them into a frying pan.

The end result - a nicely done dish to be served with rice. Me and my housemate had a unique and fulfilling dinner. She always said to me that when she was small, her grandmother used to cook it for the family. I can understand why the sago worms can be one staple dish for the locals here. It tasted somewhere between chicken and prawn. I will definitely give it another go in the future especially if I can eat the dish the way it is originally made.

Either it is made from the factory or comes directly from the bark of a tree, it is an honour for me to have a piece of the local culture. Now I can proudly say to others, "I have eaten and tasted worms, have you ever tried it?"

*Fun fact: Sago worms are also known as Mulong worms; they lived in the sago trees' bark. 

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Trip to KK: 2009 Closing (Final Chapter)

11:35 PM ASIA, KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA, SABAH, TRAVEL No Comments

Last chapter - continued from last post

30 December 2009

Three years I was in KK, studying and staying there full-time; but I was not interested at spending my money and time for all the so-called must do activities. That includes the island hopping and snorkeling at any of the beautiful beaches in Sabah.

This time, however, I was determined to go to, at least, one island and experience the clear blue water, swimming with the fish and of course my main idea was to do Para-sailing (hoping to see the view from above). I woke up about 8am (again, no need to rush) and went to his room to wake him up for today's activity. We were not pacing up, but instead took our own sweet time getting ready for the day.

Being sloths, both of us managed to get out from the house at around 10am. When we arrived at Jesselton Point, we went in the building in the search of a good package inclusive of boat transfer, snorkeling gear and para-sailing. I have been here to this jetty a few years ago, and seriously this place has now transformed to provide comfort for the public. We could here loud music from outside, though. Apparently it was from the booths set up for the new year celebration (Stompin Sabah) which was scheduled to be on the following day. 

After paying RM 184 for both of us (price inclusive of all things listed above), we head out to get brunch. The idea was to fill our stomach to last us until our return. 

Restoran Nasi Padang Ibu was the choice. It gave us beautiful view of the sea and half of the city. I guess it was yet lunch time, so the menu was kinda limited of food choice. Nevertheless, once we tasted the food, I am now ready to recommend the place to all. They served basically tasty variety of Indonesian food (mainly Nasi Padang dishes). Me and my friend enjoyed the food (he even asked for nasi tambah). The price is very reasonable. At least we had good food before we head to the island.

Due to time constraint, I decided to only focus on one island. Since I have been to Manukan Island, so we choose a smaller island this time - Mamutik Island. The boat ride took about 10 minutes reaching Manukan Island. After half of the boat emptied and it was another 5 minutes ride to reach Mamutik Island. It was still school holiday and of course since year end also means more tourists in KK, the island also has some share of crowd.

It was almost noon, so the sun was scorching hot. We walked around the island trying to find any shaded area for us to stop and make our pit. Luckily, we found a place just before the trail to the other part of the island. While waiting for the boat guy to ring me confirming the availability of the person+boat to bring me for the water sport activity, I managed to get into the water for a while.

My highlight of the day was the para-sailing experience I had. It was extremely fun, but I must say being alone in the sky was kinda lonely. Anyway, I was planning for it for months and finally when I got the opportunity materialize my plan, there was no hesitation at all (sorry la my friend, like I told you in the boat - there is no regret!). 

After we returned to the beach, I took the chance to gear up and head to the water again. My friend was not keen to go in the water with me. Not sure why, but despite not having a pro-swimmer with me, I managed to swim and snorkel at the same time. The weather was a bit cloudy and the sea was about to get a bit rough. I guess that explains why there was less fish in the water. Nonetheless, I managed to see quite a handful of beautiful small and medium sized of fish. The water was clear enough for me to enjoy the underwater scene. 

Believe it or not, that half an hour underwater experience made me feel extremely elevated and excited. I told me friend to capture my excitement and happiness on his camera lens so I could always cherish this moment whenever I see the picture. I must say that he has the talent when it comes to capturing good moments. Maybe he should consider making photography his profession.

We headed for the ride home at about 3pm since I was about to surprise my friend later for dinner. I could not get any flight arrangement on the new year, which is also his birthday, so I have secretly plan for a birthday dinner date with him later on.

One of the famous restaurant in Kota Kinabalu is located on the 18th floor of the Yayasan Sabah building, the tallest structure and a landmark for the city. Our dinner date was at the restaurant - @mostphere.

My reservation was its birthday package inclusive of 3 course dinner, a bottle of red wine and a birthday cake. Just before we left the house, my friend came to me to show the earing that I gave him for present 4 years ago. Inside, I was worried when he complained that his ear piercing may have closed a bit since he has not worn any earing for almost 2 months. I was about to give him a new pair of earing (I knew he likes to wear it so much - at least that was I thought) this time.

Worried, but it could also be fate. He literally forced the old earing to his ear, since the earing meant so much to him and I (thank you for understanding). Anyway, we had glorious evening to ourselves. We saw the beautiful sun set from the restaurant (18 floors up) and had our dinner (food was fantastic) in a unique setting and feeling. The candle-lit lamp had our picture on it (taken by the staff when we mesmerized by the sun set view). When we finish our dessert, the waiters brought the birthday cake to the table (and of course they sang the birthday song as well). As soon as my friend blew up the candle (I wonder what you wish was?), the background song was tuned to a special birthday song. It was kinda romantic and touching. He was not expecting this kind of dinner (that was repeatedly said by him that evening). 

We hang out at the lounge after dinner. End to end, we were at the restaurant for more than 4 hours. He was touched and happy (and also stunned by the small fated incident earlier) to get his new earing. We had a good chat and laughs. Not sure how many times the restaurant floor revolved by the time we left the place. I hope by now he knows how much he meant to me. Of course, I wish him all the best in life and career. 

The day ended beautifully for me. I will always remember the moment and cherish them dearly to my heart.

31 December 2009

My flight was scheduled later the evening. In fact it will be the last flight. I had no major plan for the day. The idea was to just drive around town and do some souvenir shopping. We went out the house around 10am and drove to Signal Hill Observatory Tower. On the way to the tower, we passed by my friend's old resident, Bayshore Condominium. It was there when I was welcomed as a guest for almost a year by his family. I must say that most sweet memories of me staying with his family was from that resident compound.

I was ill during my second year in university and he was always there when I needed him. Often waiting for me downstairs whenever he came to pick me up from college residency, which could be long enough for him to read a book, while I slowly dragged myself from the forth floor to his car. It was when I realized that no one actually could help me full-time at college, when I asked him if I could move in to his house. Since then, I could never re-pay his family and his kindness to house me and take care of me while I continue my study with my fragile health.

It was there also where he helped me to regain my health and motivation to keep on moving. We had fun making fool of myself playing tennis, ping pong, gym and swimming. Thanks to his determination for dragging me, without fail, to join him to get more physical - I lost the most weight in my whole life. When I came back to KL after I finished my study, no one literally recognized me (I was transformed!)

Anyway, Signall Hill Observatory Tower gave us the view of Kota Kinabalu city. After the tower we went to another favourite restaurant of mine, located at Baverlly - Restoran Kak Nong. I had the famous Nasi Ayam Kak Nong and Rasa Ria for dessert. We were later joined by his family for this last lunch. 

After lunch, we headed to town and make a stop (just before it rained) at the Philippines market. My mom had given me her old bracelets (I bought for her during my study years) to get fixed. This place will be THE place for souvenir shopping. Of course, I also had list of items that I need to buy for friends and family. After the market, we walked to the main wet market, where I bought udang kering (small dried shrimps) for home. Here, the price is much cheaper compared to Kuala Lumpur, and of course Sabah made udang kering has better taste to be used in cooking.

I managed to meet up with another friend of ours from university. We have not met for the same amount of time as I have not been to Kota Kinabalu. She is now working with a bank in KK and said would be coming to KL in January. We met up at Little Italy, another hang out place I used to visit before.

By the time we reached back home, it was time for me to do my packing. I was surprised that his mother had prepared big dinner for my farewell. Thank you, auntie for the bihun goreng, butter prawn and lamb chop. I missed the bihun goreng so much, and finally terubat juga rindu. 

Just before I went in for boarding, I managed to give him a hug (which I never do) bidding goodbye to my friend. Thank you, my dear for sharing this enjoyable journey of mine these 4 days. Hope to see you again, soon. It didn't bother me at all to celebrate 1 January 2010 on the air - I had the best holiday ever, in my 10 years history.

It was definitely a great way to end 2009. When I woke up yesterday, it was speechless and indescribable. Despite all the challenges and achievements made for the past year, I am now more determined to work harder for higher achievements, and of course to loosen up more so I could enjoy life more than I used to.

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Trip to KK: 2009 Closing (Chapter II)

11:22 PM ASIA, KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA, SABAH, TRAVEL No Comments

Continuing from the last post...

29 December 2009

The day started a bit late than planned. However, I was determined not to be bothered by delays or non-compliance to plan. That was my strategy for this trip. Though I was still wearing my watch to keep track of the time, I realized that I could still tolerate with myself and loosen up, when I want to (at least it works this time).

Before I went to sleep the night before (exhausted but still managed to do some homework), I have set the Garmin in my phone for the first location of the day. It's time for me to see if my investment is going to benefit me or not. 

It was about 25 minutes drive from Kolombong (from where I stayed) to the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. 'He' was a bit a confused to hear the GPS (on my phone) driving instruction with his own instruction. There was a point when he said to me that he was about to follow his 'road' so when my phone rang, I answered. The funny thing was, he immediately asked me the GPS last instruction of the road direction. (By the way - 'He' in this piece is still referring to my dear friend, Mr B, who was with me on this trip).

As mentioned earlier, we started the day quite late. So by the time we reached the park it was almost lunch time. JBorneo Cafe was nearby (just in front of the compound). We decided to have our lunch before going to see all the animals in the wildlife park. It was a simple and satisfactory food. Except for the owner who wanted to entertain us, but somehow keep on saying, "Please wait, I don't know this. I will ask my staff..." Me and him laughed each time we heard the answer. 

It was when we were eating lunch when I realized that there was motorcycle rental services here. Kinda cute, but my intention to rent the bike for both of us was turned-off when I immediately realized that I would be in front riding it, instead of him (you know what I mean, right?). The sun heat was intense since it was already 12.30pm when we started walking to the park.

Amazingly, our walking journey (and sweating) around the park was extremely fun. We saw quite a number of 'famous' animals in the zoo. Of course, if I were to compare this zoo with other zoos that I have visited, there are less animals here, but the land area is spacious, I must say, for the animals to roam around. To be honest, I insisted to come to this zoo so I could see the Orang Utan, originally from Sabah (alternate plan since I cannot go to Sepilok in Sandakan). There are two highlights here worth telling;   

1) We were entertained by an elephant's dance, and

** This jumbo came to us, and keep on dancing (at least that was on our mind). After more than 5 minutes snapping pictures and recording video, we decided to leave for another animal, but the baby elephant continues with his/her entertaining dancing moves.

2)We saw a handicap Orang Utan. 

** It amazes me when I saw how full spirit and skillful an Orang Utan without one arm. Seeing this makes me feel somehow angry with a people (with similar condition) who refuses to do anything, blaming to their disabilities for not being productive.

We hurried at leaving (around 3pm) the zoo to head for the Monsopiad Cultural Village. The next journey will always be our laughing memory - an hour driving for a journey which was supposed to be a 10-minutes drive. The map that we had was not that comprehensive, which caused us to lost our way in the search of the traditional Kadazan village. We ended up almost reaching to Papar (way off the road) and had to make a turn back, only to realize that we were still off track. LOL..!!!

Anyway, when we reached the Monsopiad Cultural Village, I supposed the luck was still on our side. We managed to catch the last cultural performance and was given the honour to have the last guided tour of the day. The Monsopiad Cultural Village, was named after the notorious Kadazan's head hunter (in fact all the skulls of the slaughtered enemy were still preserved at the village). It was nice to learn about a native's history and culture, but more important in this visit was to see how 'he' was curious about wanting to know more of his ancestries (FYI, my friend is sino-kadazan, partly Kadazan). 

Some interesting pictures taken from the tour at the cultural village:-

By 5.20pm we are already on the way to Tanjung Aru, hoping to be able to capture the beautiful sun set on camera. I used to visit Tg Aru for whenever I need to distress myself during my university years. Obviously the beach has been cleared up and beautify for the comfort of public and tourists visiting. It was a magical moment to be able to sit down with him, casually chatting and of course share the moment - seeing the horizon, sea and sun. What else can I ask more?

Our last stop for the day was our dinner at Salut Restaurant. It was a feast to us - seafood all the way. I heard that Kota Kinabalu was shown on TV in a Hong Kong and Taiwan drama, the city has been swarmed by tourist ever since, so as the demand for seafood. We drove about 20 minutes to reach Salut only to find that many of our favourite shell fishes are still waiting to be delivered. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed our selection of prawns, crabs, mussels and another shell fish. I supposed we were tired enough and excited, all 5 plates of dishes were 'cleaned' in about 2 hours.  

Determined to wake up early the next day for our Island Hopping agenda, we head home straight after dinner. It was time to do more catching up at home, so we talked and talked and talked (heart to heart about so many things) - only to realized that it was already pass mid night by the time I rush up to my room for my beauty sleep.

To be continued...

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Trip to KK: 2009 Closing (Chapter I)

5:22 PM KOTA KINABALU, MALAY ENTRIES, SABAH, TRAVEL No Comments

My apology for not keeping my promise - to write a piece, at least, per day until 2009 closes itself. However, I had a valid reason for not writing for the past week - I was having the most exciting time ever, in my 10 years lifetime history.

This time, it will be officially recorded on this blog about how my first decade of millennium ended. First of all, my full gratitude goes to a very dear and close friend of mine, whom have been there for me from the moment I landed to the land full of treasured experiences and memories. You know who you are my dear B.

28 December 2009 

My day started very early as I left for the airport to catch my flight, which was scheduled at 10.20am. To my dear K, thanks for sponsoring the ticket. It was damn expensive since it is the high season - year end. Nevertheless, since you know this trip mean so much to me - your effort was not gone wasted. 

I started my trip alone from LCCT, Kuala Lumpur. I was not about to have a late breakfast on the air, so I browse around to see the newly refurbished terminal for a nice place to eat. My call for that morning is Taste of Asia and it was all worth it. The ambiance and food were just nice to fuel me until I reach my destination.

It was a two and half hour flight. Knowing that I may feel bored on air (since I am taking Air Asia), I grabbed a book "Life's Like That' by Lydia Teh, from a book store at the airport. I giggled and laughed throughout the flight reading (half of the book - another half reserved for the return flight) it. It was certainly interesting to read about being local (Malaysian) and those normal things we encounter in life. Anyone who wants to know about how we Malaysian live our not-so-average daily life, you should grab one yourself.

The moment I switched on my hand phone, came a message from a 'him' asking if I have already landed. As I stepped down on the ground of Sabah, I feel the rush and excitement fueling up inside me (do you need to guess why?). The airport terminal is fairly new - I supposed the renovation is finally completed now.

I will never forget the look on his face seeing him seating while waiting for me outside the terminal. A man with few words, I called him first to acknowledge him of my arrival. It was already 1.15pm and of course both of us were already hungry. So our first pit stop of the day is one of our favourite eating places, Kedai Kopi Wan Wan.  

There is one thing special about KK when it comes to my favourite eating places list. I can never find a decent place to eat 'safe' chinese noodles anywhere in KL. I never thought that I'd fall in love with its fish me (I cannot even know what is the name of the food in Chinese, and maybe never will). It was so nice that he still remembers the food that I always ate here when we used to frequent this kedai kopi back in those years. It was my first visit here for lunch with him when we saw Phua Chu Kang (Gurmit Singh) eating at the same place back in 2006. 

After lunch, we headed to a very special place to both of us. It was there we both got to know each other. It was there our friendship started and grew. It was there he first saw me cried and it was there marked our journey towards adulthood. It was University Malaysia Sabah (UMS). It felt odd when we drove pass the entrance of UMS, not as a student. Nothing much has changed but the trees (they all have grown up..LOL!!!). I was a bit surprised to see not many students around the compound, although it was the first day of the new semester. We wanted to go to our school but before that we made a stop at another building, hoping to see our lovely Japanese Language Teachers. 

This is the first time after graduation to come back to UMS. So, it was not easy to find our lecturers' rooms. Both of us climbed stairs and walk passed every single doors in the building, hoping to see familiar names. After about 20 minutes, we finally saw Oike-sensei name on one of the doors. Unfortunately, no one was inside. So, we walk a few steps ahead and the moment we saw Yamamoto-sensei name (together with giggling sound from inside), we knew that luck is still on our side.

Her first reaction to see both of us, "You guys haven't changed. Still looks the same." Both of us laughed, of course. After three years, to see the same couple (in the same style, almost), perhaps that is the best reaction anyone can give. Eventually, Oike-sensei did show up and we enjoyed catching up briefly over each other's latest updates. Mata aimashou ne, sensei.

Next stop was School of Business and Economics (SPE). Though there was not many people there, but we managed to see Mr Jaratin. Earlier, we took a funny picture of the IB (International Business) board downstairs. Those who knows the whole story, I am sure you know what I mean. 

Before we left, we stopped at our famous UMS beach. There is so many memories shared between me and him. It was fun to see the sea again, for both of us. 

We left UMS around 5.30pm and since the 1Borneo are now opened, he took me there to see the much hyped hypermall, first in Borneo - so it is said to be.

After 1Borneo, I finally went to his home, where I will be staying for the next 3 days. Seeing familiar faces, whom I used to spend time with (FYI, I used to stay at his home for a year), gives so much comfort.

The exciting part of the day was when we headed to a special place; where it is so special, not only to me and him, but to many other fellow IB students (the clan, I shall say). OMG, the moment we walked to the restaurant, we were served by the same waiter (and amazingly he stills recognized us).

Aesha Corner and its Nasi Goreng Aesha Special : it just made my day worth more than words to say. 

On this same day (or shall I say evening), my very good friend (used to be our lecturer) joined us at the end of dinner. My day was sealed off with a 'special' achievement influenced (and helped) by her and him. We sat down at Cock & Bull bar, listening to the stunning voice of the main singer of the band...when I told them that "This is the last sinful thing I have yet to do", and thanks to both of them - my mission is now sort of completed. Guys, you know which part of the evening I am referring to. Just when we are about to leave the bar, the song he has requested started playing. Of course, we stayed until the song end before we actually make our move home - light headedly..LOL!!!

I will continue to write about this trip on my next entry (very soon). There is only 1 word to describe my experience so far (first day) - AWESOME!

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