Celebrating 2013!

Like many other UMS students, our new year eve ambiances surrounded by Final's tension and pressure. Studying should be the only right thing to do at this moment. Me and Liyi start off our day with a delicious lunch served by 丽雅 restaurant situated at One Borneo. 

The quality of their food never stop amazed me, i could always discover valuable and irresistible delicacies in this place. This time, the century eggs were served in such special way, that we thought we couldn't finished by looking at the portion, but somehow we finished them, bite by bite, non-stop! They specialized in Sichuan Cuisine, which famous of the excessive peppercorn that produce intense fragrance, and tingly numbing flavor in your mouth. 

Sour-Spicy Noodle/酸辣面 @丽雅 One Borneo

They also offer Spicy Hotpot (麻辣火锅), prior to 2hours advance booking. 

LIYA RESTAURANT

G-918, Ground Floor, 1Borneo Hypermall Autocity,

Jalan Sulaman, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

                                                                    Tel: 088-484125

Century Egg, serve with green pepper chillies and Peanut!

31/12/2012 was one of the most complicated day of mixing feeling of dilemma for me too. My application letter of replacing my final exam to Deputy Vice Chancellor Academic for my trip to Korea with my fellow Student Council members was rejected, with the reason "the exam timetable was developed much earlier, thus no replacement is available prior to your request". The feeling of disappointment and anger tangling within me when i received the letter of disapproval. 

I made my way to Chancellory in order to further my discussion with the D.V. Chancellor, but unfortunately he was in Kuala Lumpur and unavailable at the moment, but i managed to obtain his personal number from his PA. After sending a SMS regarding of further explanation toward the trip, i was rejected for the 2nd time!

Bringing the sad and disappoint feeling walked into Student Affair Office, me and Chin Chee Keong saw the Deputy Vice Chancellor of Student Affair car! I guess this is a chance, a lucky opportunity for us to proceed with the trip. Finally, he told us that if our lecturer agree to allow us sit for the exam prior or after the trip, we can go for the trip to Korea. Thus, after obtaining approval from my beloved lecturer, Mr Charlie Albert, i guess once again, i overcome the obstacles that prohibits me to join the trip, after all, i tried my best and happy ending story i assumed! 

Fez with the "Napkin"

Met with my fellow Couchsurfing friends from KK, and people around the world for dinner at Party Play, Lintas. I had missed many fun moment with this bunch of fun fellows ever since i bend my thumb and wrapped with a thick plaster on my arm. Socializing with them really put myself to forgot the tense of the exam.

Norwegian Salmon @ Party Play, Lintas.

The price of the food here is pretty reasonable, for the portion it served. Me myself ordered a plate of grilled Salmon steak, while Liyi ordered grilled lamb shoulders. Apart of the food, the atmosphere surrounding is very suitable for people to gather and socialize. The environment is comfortable, too.

beautifully lit blackboard at Party Play, Lintas.

Jinny Posing with the sweet blue handbag, eye catching!

GF1 with Lumix 20mm capturing smiles of this sweet lady!

Guest from Zimbawe 

CouchSurfer from Manila, Philippine

Group Photo, without me =(

Jinny + Liyi

They moved to other places to celebrate the coming of 2013, while me and Liyi plan to celebrate it by ourselves. So we decided to split up and meet for the next time! 

Our count down activity situated at Kokol Hill, somewhere near Inanam, and Kasih Sayang resort. Liyi and me bought some Budweiser and drive toward the hill to try our luck for some spectacular firework. About 30minutes drive from the city to the hill, we park our car aside and wait for the time to come, counting down into 2013!

Although there wasn't any fantastic firework played during the emission toward 2013, we still very much enjoying the atmosphere in the city, and even up on the hill, where we can hear Karaoke in the house (There are houses up the hill), party with DJ in the yard, and even photographers mounting their camera on tripod await the showcase of firework in the town!

MERRY 2013!  

HAPPY NEW YEAR ! !    2 0 1 3   =] =) =D 

byUnknown

in Celebration, Couch Surfing, Gathering, Happiness, Landscape Photography, Lumix 20mm, Lumix GF1, Lumix moment, New year, Nikon D7000, Tamron 11-18mm f4.5-5.6

02:21:00

Celebrating 2013!

Like many other UMS students, our new year eve ambiances surrounded by Final's tension and pressure. Studying should be the only right ...

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Journey to Sandakan - Sabah Experience

After bugging in the bus from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan for more than 6hours, i arrived in Hotel Ramai to check myself in before i meet my sister and her friends flew all the way from Kuala Lumpur to Sandakan. This trip is specially made to meet them and show them around this beautiful city of nature, and of course for the awesomely affordable seafood here. 

Sandakan itself have very interesting history. This city was formerly the capital of Britist North Borneo, it lies on the east coast of the island. Sandakan is famous as a gateway for ecotourism destination in Malaysia, such as Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitate Centre, Rainforest Discovery Centre, Gomantong Cave, Turtle Island and Kinabatangan River. The airport was site of Japanese airfield during World War II, built by 6,000 Javanese civilian and Allied prisoners of war. 

All photos below were taken with Lumix GF1 + Lumix 20mm F1.7

Jess Goh feels like she's in another European country

We start off our journey by visiting the oldest granite church in Malaysia, which was built in 1897, Parish of St Michael and all Angels church, one of the survivors of pre-War building, and became world heritage on 2005. We were amazed by the church as it gave us an unique feeling that we doesn't stand on the ground of Malaysia, we felt like we're in one of the European country with piece of green land and stones to relax ourselves!

The Exterior of the Church, with ages bricks

The surrounding of the church itself is schools, St Michael; St Maria; and St Cecilia Convent school. As we visit the place, the place were closed, so we only do sight seeing outside the building but not inside. We noticed numbers of residents play sports around the area, and some even jog outside the church itself. It seems to be a very common place to hang out, but it is still well-maintained. 

This church also look like a library in a historical foreign University.

 Later, we visit the Kim Fung night market situated at Mile 4. This night market is made up with majority of Chinese vendor and minority of Non-Chinese vendors. Various products range from food to phone accessory were sold here. The relationship between races can be seen to be very close in Sandakan IMHO, you can easily find No-Pork-Food easily even in Chinese stalls. It is very convenient and also safe to dine in Chinese restaurant even for Muslims. If we had a voting competition for 1Malaysia state, it will definitely be Sabah, or Sandakan city!

There are something in my eyes, itchy!

Who am i? The Last Fancy Guerrilla.

Making a call referring to "Phonebook" (not the one in your smart phone)

Scenic view of Sandakan Town from the Seafood Restaurant situated at Bukit Bendera

I really enjoy shooting photographs in the streets of Sandakan, it gave me peace of mind to photograph things that interests me. People are very friendly that doesn't mind to be photographed. A smile from you will definitely received the smile from them, which is really sweet. The familiar Hakka language remind me about my dad's Hometown - Ipoh. Sandakan makes me feel like I'm home. 

To be Continue.. ..

Have you been to Sandakan? Tell me how do you feel about this city! Do u have any tips to share when traveling to Sandakan? Or Any suggestion for an unique itinerary? Comment Below!

byUnknown

in Food photography, Happiness, Lumix 20mm, Lumix GF1, Lumix moment, Street Food, Street Photography, Travel, Wong Wan Zhu

23:43:00

Journey to Sandakan - Sabah Experience

After bugging in the bus from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan for more than 6hours, i arrived in Hotel Ramai to check myself in before i meet my ...

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Journey to Kundasang - Sabah Experience

Early in the morning, we start off our journey from Kingfisher, Kota Kinabalu toward Kundasang for a night stay at Kiram Village @ Mesilau. Throughout the journey we will be passing by Tamparuli then to Kundasang. Travelling with family is the most memorable things to do in life, where your mum will prepare food and everything that needed during the journey. You'll only need to bring your clothes and some necessities. First stop @ Tamparuli, very crowded morning market, even on Wednesday morning. Unlike anywhere in Malaysia, the locals were really friendly to everyone, including us. Tamparuli is likely to be one favorite spot for tourists and local to stop by for some snacks and meal because it is located in the route from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan. The town is also a convenient stop en route to the town of Kiulu, a popular whitewater rafting destination for domestic and foreign tourists alike.

                                                    Panasonic Lumix GF1 + Lumix 20mm f1.7 @ f1.7

                                                       Panasonic Lumix GF1 + Lumix 20mm f1.7 @ f1.7

                                                    Panasonic Lumix GF1 + Lumix 20mm f1.7 @ f1.7

                                                       Panasonic Lumix GF1 + Lumix 20mm f1.7 @ f1.7

Kundasang is a village in district of Ranau, Sabah, Borneo. This is where the majesty Mount Kinabalu lies. From here you can have spectacular view of the naked mountain with your eyes, and cool breeze of air. Before you reach the vegetable stalls, there is a place to stop by to take amazing landscape of the mountain even with your handphone. One shouldn't miss this place along their way to Kundasang. I wouldn't say Kundasang is similar to Cameron Highland, both of them have different elements, Cameron are more developed, in term of tourism and resources, and has better facilities than Kundasang. Where you still can sense the freshness and genuine living of a highland people here in Sabah. 

Then, you can find your way to the Desa Cow Farm. This is a farm that breed cow and produce fresh milk everyday and distribute to the retailers in Sabah (Not available in West Malaysia due to the perishability of the product). I was happy enough to see Liyi get along well with my Mum and my niece.

Information*
Dairy products (cow and goat milk) and souvenirs
Farm Milk Price:
-1Litre plain milk= RM 4.50
-1Litre chocolate milk= RM5.00
-1/2Litre plain milk= RM2.80
-1/2Litre choc milk= RM3.00
-250ml goat milk= RM 4.70

Entrance fees: RM3/adult & RM2/children
Photography Location Charge: RM100/couple

Milk Processing: every Tuesday, Thusday and Sunday at 10am-2pm
Milking Process: everyday at 3pm-5pm

Address: P.O.Box 71, 89308 Kundasang, Ranau, Sabah.
Contact Number: +6088-889562
Open daily from 8am-5pm
*Sources from https://www.facebook.com/desacattlefarm/info

This is a really good place to take pre- wedding photograph, with as little as RM100 per couple, you can take as many photos as you like! *Oh well, you need to have a good weather too!

I'm keen to start my venture and portfolio into Pre-Wedding photography. Im on my way looking for coolest and best spot for photography around Sabah, so far i would say Sabah would be a very good spot to shoot photo, as well as Honey Moon destination.

If you are interested to know more, or have any enquiry about package i can offer, do not hesitate to send me question at Basnojj12@gmail.com. Or call me @ 0166510595

A short drive from Desa farm, we arrived in our Chalet, "Kiram's Village". It is a beautiful place with many kind of flowers around all the chalets. Every single chalet have their own vegetable nickname. The one we stayed is call Cabbage house. It can accommodate up to 5person, with 3 single bed in ground floor, and one queen size bed on 1st floor. Of course, now you can cook because they provide kitchen facilities in the chalet! It is pretty affordable, RM200 for a chalet of 5person, RM40/Person/Night.

To book the Chalet, is very simple. 

1. Browse through their website http://kirams-village.com/

2. Decide which room you want to get.

3. Call the number provided in their website.

4. Transfer/ Bank in the money to them.

5. Receive Confirmation and you're done!

If you want to have a relaxing time, to escape from urban pace, this is a place for you. Bring some simple cooking ingredient, and show your cooking skills!

And this is the time i used my Nikon D7000 and Nikon 35mm f1.8G intensively, from Kudat to Kota Kinabalu, and now in Kundasang! The color produced was a little flat, but the contrast was astonishing! Most of the photographs below were taken by this combination, except for the landscape, taken by Tamron 11-18mm f4.5-5.6. A very affordable wide angle lens for budget hobbyist like me, focusing was a little bit slow, but the image quality and sharpness is superb!

Sweet Bokeh!

There will always be rainbow after the rain, supposingly.

Throughout 2Years of study in University Malaysia Sabah, i did not bother to visit beautiful places around Sabah, not even staying in Kundasang for a night! With my mum's visit, i get the chance to explore Sabah with curiosity and passionate, *because i have to make the planning. Ever since their visit, i told myself not to miss any opportunity again to explore it before i leave this "Land Below The Wind".

byUnknown

in Casual, Desa Cow Farm, Happiness, Kiram Village, Kundasang, Liyi, Lumix 20mm, Lumix moment, Mum, Nikon 35mm f1.8G, Perodua Alza, Qi En, Sabah, Tamron 11-18mm f4.5-5.6, Travel

05:16:00

Journey to Kundasang - Sabah Experience

Early in the morning, we start off our journey from Kingfisher, Kota Kinabalu toward Kundasang for a night stay at Kiram Village @ Mesilau....

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Kudat - Sabah Experience

Kudat is a town in Sabah, East Malaysia, on the northern tip of Borneo island. Approximately 190KM from Kota Kinabalu. The ethic composition is mainly Rungus, that is why you can find rungus long house home stay commonly here in Kudat. Our journey begin at Kota Kinabalu, heading north toward Kudat, crossing Kota Belud. First destination is Kampung Sumangkap Gong Factory, there is no need to worry about the location of tourist destination because the routes are easily spotted. You can find the way to Kampung Sumangkap Gong Factory, Gombizau Honey Bee Farm, Kampung Bavanggazo (Rungus Long House) from the main road. 

 Nikon D7000 + 35mm f1.8G @ f2

Walking down the street of Kampung Sumangkap, every family runs Gong making business. Here you can see the process of how the local make the Gong, from beginning until finishing. There are many sizes of Gong, even the Gong with "1Malaysia" logo. Probably it was monday, there were not much visitors here, except a car of us. When we were here, there is no instruction or guidance to explain what is this place all about, we walked our own way around the village. This really sadden me because they have beautiful heritage, but they don't have a strong management team to supervise all these. The Gong making tradition is vanishing because the youngster might not wanted to live the life like their ancestors do.

                                                      Panasonic Lumix GF1 + Lumix 20mm f1.7 @ f5.6

                                                       Nikon D7000 + 35mm f1.8G @ f2.2

                                                     Nikon D7000 + 35mm f1.8G @ f2.2

Next, we stopped by Gombizau Honey Bee Farm, there is vendor selling pure honey at the entrance, honey from wild bees as well as from their farm can be found here. It is more like a shop than a tourist attraction, there wasn't much to see in their farm. Only a few boxes of honey comb at the side of the road. Along the way we saw the children having a lot of fun with their mate on the tar road. Some of them can even understand mandarin!

          Nikon D7000 + 35mm f1.8G @ f2.2

          Nikon D7000 + 35mm f1.8G @ f2.2

Then we come to the Kampung Bavanggazo, the Rungus Long House. It is like a home stay, you can stay here for nights with prior booking. The house itself look classic, the floors are made with bamboo, real strong bamboo. In the long house it has showcase regarding the traditional clothes of Rungus people, their equipment for agriculture, and etc. The Hong Kong drama (富贵门) took some of the scene from this Long House. If you watched it, you will notice it too. 

          Nikon D7000 + 35mm f1.8G @ f2.2

                                                      Panasonic Lumix GF1 + Lumix 20mm f1.7 @ f5.6

Somehow, our final destination is the Tip of Borneo, (Tanjung Simpang Mengayau). It is situated 30minutes from Kudat town, and by the time we drive there, the road condition is bad, really bad. *Another negative feedback to Sabah Tourism. The landscape is amazing, before we reach to the tip, we overlook the beach lies below the cliff, surprisingly clean, with white sand too. After short distance of walk from car park, we reached the globe stating "Tip of Borneo", and there is a stair way lead to bottom of the cliff, very steep but worth the effort to come down for a picture or two. 

            Nikon D7000 + Tamron 11-18mm  @ 18mm f6.3

           Nikon D7000 + Tamron 11-18mm  @ 18mm f16

           Nikon D7000 + Tamron 11-18mm  @ 18mm f5.6

            Nikon D7000 + Tamron 11-18mm  @ 18mm f5.6

            Nikon D7000 + Tamron 11-18mm  @ 11mm f4.5

             Nikon D7000 + Tamron 11-18mm  @ 18mm f5.6

              Nikon D7000 + Tamron 11-18mm  @ 12mm f22

             Nikon D7000 + Tamron 11-18mm  @ 12mm f22

             Nikon D7000 + Tamron 11-18mm  @ 18mm f5.6

We finished our journey after the sun had Set. After a beautiful group photo, we depart directly from the Tip of Borneo to Kota Kinabalu, stop by few station to buy some vegetables and fruit. Along the way we encountered really bad road condition, especially the exit from Tip of Borneo toward Kudat and Kota Kinabalu. Someone really have to fix it before it create any bad effect that chase tourists ($$) away. In summary, Kudat is a town famous for the Tip of Borneo, other than that i wouldn't recommend my friends to visit there. You have to pay entrance fee to enter Honey Bee Farm, Gong Factory, and Long House, i don't think it worth the money, unless you go there during carnival or festive season. It can be very tiring to do day trip, staying in Rungus House can be a adventurous experience too.

byUnknown

in Casual, Happiness, Liyi, Lumix 20mm, Lumix GF1, Lumix moment, Mum, Perodua Alza, Potrait, Qi En, Street Photography, Travel

02:24:00

Kudat - Sabah Experience

Kudat is a town in Sabah, East Malaysia, on the northern tip of Borneo island. Approximately 190KM from Kota Kinabalu. The ethic compositio...

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