The New Learner !

All About Me

My name is Ahmad Aimi Bin Latahir. 

I’m taking Bachelor of Business Administration.

I’m not the blogger. Know nothing at all about it before. Special thanks to my nice lecturer, Mdm Noor Izzah Binti Yahya .

If it was not because her, I will not ever have the chances to create the blog. And yeah, thanks to her because I’m successfully write my blog’s entries in English. Entries in English are great. It is about confidence. How high your confidence level is to faced critics from others. I mean in your grammar and vocabulary.

Me, Myself and I

I love course STID1103. Especially when it is teaches by Mdm Noor Izzah Binti Yahya. You know, there is no pressuring in her classes. I’m enjoying the course. There are lot of new thing that I’m learning. A lot!

Dear lecturer, my matrix number is 213217. Thank You teaches us. Wish me and the others success in the world and hereafter ya. :)

The Interest of Me !

My Hobby

I love football so much. It's my life.

Magazine Cover

Arsenal is my favourite team. :)

The Paradise of Diving !

Mabul and Kapalai Island, Semporna

The island of Mabul and Kapalai are other places that show people the beauty of Sabah.

Mabul Island is a 20 minute boat ride from Sipadan Island. Closer to the mainland, it houses a military base, large sea gypsy village and a few dive resorts. Uniquely, the underwater setting here is different from that of Sipadan Island.

Mabul Island is recognized as one of the world's best muck-diving sites, with one of the riches seas in exotic small marine life. Here you will see an intriguing array of reefs and more unusual creatures like mimic octopus, mandarin fish, snake eels, juvenile batfish, frog fish and razor fish.

Resort in Mabul Island

Mabul Island is home to the world's best "muck diving". "Muck diving" is an expression that was coined in Papua New Guinea to describe the diving to be had under a live board boat while it is on safe anchor for the night. Usually a protected inlet somewhere, the water underneath the boat is shallow and the bottom is either silt, sand, dead coral or clumps of dirty coral on a silt bottom. The visibility is almost always limited.

Mabul Island is the esteemed spot for macro photographers who came here to take in the bizarre sea life. Mabul is a definite magical macro site ever!

The beauty of mother nature in the sea

A few minutes by boat from the island of Sipadan and Mabul is Kapalai Island. The first place you can see is Kapalai Dive Rseort. Sitting on its sturdy stilts on the shallow sandbanks of the Ligitan Reefs make our soul feel calm. Planned and built in full style as an airy, comfortable, sunny water village with no land in sught, it boasts a mile-long sandbank of powdery white sand where one can suntan at complete leisure while gazing out to the miles of brilliant turquoise stretching into the horizon offering the purest image of natural serenity.

Kapalai Island

Dive spots are extremely close and can be reached in just a few minutes by speedboat and some of them, actually, just by swimming from the dive centre pier. For those who are ready to venture more and aside from the tiny marvels of the macro life of Kapalai can, in just a few minutes, dive in Sipadan (where big fish and turtles abound) or in Mabul (where silky and muddy bottoms offer different and equally pleasant experience and opportunities to the lovers of "muck diving").

If you've never tried macro diving before, then you're in for a treat - what a place to start! Shore diving at Kapalai is FREE OF CHARGE, as is the wonderful snorkeling, where you can watch the spectacularly colourful mating mandarin fish, right under the resort jetty. It's easy to fall in love with macro diving when it's this simple!

Diving

With a combination of sun and water in a unique and serene setting, Kapalai is an ideal destination for diver and non-diver alike seeking a great holiday experience!

Resort in Kapalai Island

p/s: For non-divers, couples and newly-weds, Mabul Island or Kapalai island in Semporna, Sabah can be your one of the top list 'honeymoon destination' in Malaysia. ;)

Sabah, Land Below The Wind !

Sabah, the Malaysian Borneo

Sabah situated on the beautiful island of Borneo and it is the second largest state in Malaysia and shares the island of Borneo with Sarawak, Brunei, and Indonesian Kalimantan. Sabah is richly blessed with nature diversity, unique cultures, fun adventure, beautiful beaches, and fantastic cuisines for the adventurous taste buds.

Rafflesia

Sabah have it all, from the world’s largest flower which is Rafflesia,

one of the highest mountains in South East Asia which is
Mount Kinabalu and to one of the world’s top dive sites which is Sipadan Island.

The people of Sabah are known as Sabahans. Sabah is the third most populous state in Malaysia after Selangor and Johor and it also has one of the highest population growth rates in the country.

There are currently 32 officially recognized ethnic groups in Sabah with the largest non-indigenous ethnic group being the Chinese and the largest indigenous group being the Kadazan-Dusun people. Two other larger ethnic groups in Sabah are the Bajau and Murut, compared to other states in the country; Sabah has relatively very small population of Indians and South Asians.

Sabah’s economy was traditionally lumber dependent. However, with the increasing depletion of natural forests as well as ecological efforts to conserve the rainforest; palm oil has proven to be a more sustainable resource.

Other than that, Sabah’s economy is highly dependent on agricultural products such rubber and cocoa. Sabah also exports other produces such as vegetables and seafood. Tourism, particularly eco-tourism, is presently the second largest contributor to the economy.

The city of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu and it's located at the western part of Sabah.

Jesselton Point

There are lots of awesome places in Sabah and you have not to worried if you're coming there because all people in Sabah is friendly and very helpful.

Map

So, what are you waiting for? Come and discover The Wonders of Sabah Borneo!  You're most welcome to Sabah, Land Below The Wind. :)

Summit Of Borneo !

Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu is a prominent mountain on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is located in the East Malaysian state of Sabah and is protected as Kinabalu National Park, a World Heritage Site. Kinabalu is the highest peak in Borneo's Crocker Range and is the highest mountain in the Malay Archipelago. Mount Kinabalu is also the 20th most prominent mountain in the world by topographic prominence.

Mt. Kinabalu

In 1997,  a re-survey using satellite technology established its summit (known as Low's Peak) height at 4,095 metres (13,435 ft) above sea level, which is some 6 metres (20 ft) less than the previously thought and hitherto published figure of 4,101 metres (13,455 ft).

Mount Kinabalu includes the Kinabalu montane alpine meadows eco region in the montage grasslands and shrub lands biome.

Nature of Mt. Kinabalu

The mountain and its surroundings are among the most important biological sites in the world, with between 5000 and 6000 species of plants, 326 species of birds, and more than 100 mammalian species identified.

Among this rich collection of wildlife are famous species such as the gigantic Rafflesia plants and the orangutan. Mount Kinabalu has been accorded UNESCO World Heritage status.

Low's Peak, name for the summit of Mt. Kinabalu can be climbed quite easily by a person in good physical condition and there is no need for mountaineering equipment at any point on the main route. Other peaks along the massif, however, require rock climbing skills.

You can go for climbing to Mount Kinabalu by your own or by grouping.

Climbing Mt Kinabalu can be done in 2 days but a more comfortable climb in 3-days are recommended to acclimatise to the altitude and fully enjoy the rich biological diversity - the exotic rare plants, orchids, birds and many more.

Low's Peak

While it does not require skills to do the climb, climbers must at least have a basic fitness level. Park regulations require climbers have to engage the services of a registered mountain guide.

The numbers of guides depend on the number of climbers. Porters services are available and recommended. Book and pay for your mountain guide and porter at the Kinabalu Park.

There are two trails lead to the top, the Summit Trail and Mesilau Route. The trails meet at Layang-Layang at 2,740m (or Km 4 from Timpohon Gate). Usually, people always prefer for the Summit Trail also known as Timpohon Trail because it is quite easy compared to the Mesilau Route.

Trails to Summit of Mt. Kinabalu

The Heart of Marine Habitat !

Sipadan Island, Semporna

The internationally famous island of Sipadan lies five degrees north of the equator in the Sulawesi Sea (Celebes Sea). Lying 35km south of Semporna, on Sabah’s mainland, like many tropical islands it is thickly forested and surrounded by sandy beaches. Sipadan is an oceanic island and was formed by living corals growing on top of an extinct undersea volcano, which rises 600m from the seabed.

The Paradise of Seabed's Habitat

The geographic position of Sipadan puts it in the centre of the richest marine habitat in the world, the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin. More than 3000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this richest of ecosystems. Sipadan is well known for its unusually large numbers of green and hawksbill turtles which gather there to mate and nest and it is not unusual for a diver to see more than 20 turtles on each dive. Another unique feature to divers visiting Sipadan is the turtle tomb, an underwater limestone cave with a labyrinth of tunnels and chambers that contain many skeletal remains of turtles that became disoriented and then drowned.

Turtle

The residential schooling barracuda and big-eye trevally, which often gather in thousands forming spectacular tornado-like formations, are one of the highlights of every diver’s wish-list. With the possibility of seeing pelagic species such as mantas, eagle rays, scalloped hammerhead sharks and whale sharks, each dive at Sipadan is a highly anticipated event.

Big Fish

It is not only the big fish that amaze divers coming to Sipadan, the macro life is equally mesmerizing. Garden eels, leaf scorpion fish, mantis shrimps, fire gobies, and various pipefish are guaranteed at various dive sites.The diversity and abundance of marine found at Sipadan gives it its reputation of being one of the ten best dive locations in the world.

Sipadan is unique as the only oceanic island in Malaysia. Its geographical position in the heart of the Indo-Pacific basin, places Sipadan in the centre of the richest marine habitat in the world.

Beauty of Sipadan

More than 3,000 species of fish and hundreds of coral species have been classified in this rich ecosystem. Trigger fish, moray eels and anemone fish mingle copiously. Sipadan was internationally recognized as a native reserved in 1919. In 1933 it was pronounced as a bird sanctuary. Large flights of Imperial pigeons, swallows and sea eagles often crowds the sky in spectacular swirls.

Seabed

This ravishing island is protected by regulations imposed on islanders and visitors alike, in an effort to preserve its natural life. No one is allowed to collect turtle eggs here, even the natives. This island is also renowned for its spectacular large population of the ever graceful green and hawksbill turtle, which gather to mate and nest.

Another unique find is the turtle tomb where many skeletal remains of turtles are found.
Rising 600 meters from the seabed, this island provides fantastic wall dives and features hundreds of underwater gardens. Unusually large schools of barracuda and big-eye trevally invade the water, placing themselves in whirlpool-like formations. Mantas, eagle-rays and whale sharks are aplenty. The creatures of the sea here incredibly varied.

Sipadan Water Village Resort

Come and explore our mother nature in Sipadan Island. :)

The World of Zoological & Botanical !

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park

The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park also the one must visited in Sabah. It was officially open to the public on the 17th February 2007. It is located along the Penampang-Papar old road and is fully developed by the Sabah Wildlife Department.

Main entrance

The park consists of two components: which are zoological and botanical. The main objective of the park is to become a family-oriented park and the emphasis is put on the Children’s Zoo. 

Among the inhabitants of the zoo (zoological component) are the Borneo Pygmy elephants, Proboscis monkey, Malayan tiger, as well as some different species of deer.

Tiger

Borneo Pygmy Elephant

The botanical component, visitors are offers the opportunity to go jungle trekking along the botanical trail. The paved trail is about 1.4 kilometers long. However, for leisurely strolls, visitors are only advised to walk halfway along the trail.

Botanical Garden

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is open for the public daily from 9.30a.m to 5.30p.m. Entrance fees charge for adults RM10 which is for Malaysian and RM20 for non-Malaysia.

The journey to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park takes 30 minutes to an hour’s drive from Kota Kinabalu, the estimated distance is 20 kilometers. For transportation, visitors can either drive or take a taxi from the city centre.

The Sabah's Premier Water World !

Water World Theme Park

Kota Kinabalu

What better way to cool down under the brilliant Sabah sun than to enjoy a day at the Water World Theme Park! It is situated at Taman Tun Fuad Stephens, Bukit Padang. The park is a great place to bring the family for a splashing good time. Thrill-seekers will love the Torpedo Speed Slide and Double Loop Slide. There are several swimming pools to cater to adults as well as children.

Sabah's Premier Water Theme Park

Enjoy a round of Water Basketball or have a go at the Water Cannons. Other facilities include a cafeteria, an air-conditioned lounge with equipped with Astro, lazy chairs and a souvenir shop. The Park can also help organize special events, such as children's birthday parties, making it a memorable event for your little one. Visitors can contact the Park for their Special Packages.

Mushroom-alike

Theme park

Taman Tun Fuad Stephens is only 15 minutes from the city centre.

Water World Theme Park is open only monday, thursday and friday which is from 12:00pm to 7:00pm. While, saturday, sunday and during public holidays, it is open from 9:00am to 8:00pm.

The Fabulous Nature Walk !

Mesilau Nature Resort

Mesilau derived its moniker from the small stream of yellow waterfall which the locals there claimed to have been originally yellow in colour (silou is Dusun for yellow). Located 2, 000 meters east of Kinabalu Park.It is home to amazing nature growing pitcher plants such as Nephenthes rajah. Mesilau Nature Park is situated just further up from Kundasang Dairy Farm and Kinabalu Golf Resort.

Main entrance

Mesilau is practically the highest point accessible to automobiles. It is surrounded by hills and is very close to the foot of Mount Kinabalu. The chilly climate engulfing Mesilau results in sparse population of trees, verdant ferns, as well as other medium-height vegetations.

Mesilau Nature Resort

Room

The Mesilau Nature Park also serves as the entry point to the Mesilau Trail which is an alternative to the Summit Trail. Summit Trail starts from the Kinabalu Park headquarter to conquer Mount Kinabalu. For the Summit Trail, only the fit and sturdy need to apply.

Signboard of trail

The Mesilau Nature Resort is a fabulous place for a guided nature walks. To enjoy your visit here to the fullest, visitors are strongly recommended to bring along comfortable walking/tracking shoes, sun lotion and raincoats just in case it rains. Nature will have its share of creepy crawlies and therefore, insect repellent is essential.

People are coming to Mesilau Nature Resort can take a refreshing stroll along the misty routes of Mesilau Nature Park, and later warm themselves up with a nice hot cup of freshly brewed Sabah tea.

Sabah Tea

A truly vacation at its best!

The Virgin Jungle Reserve !

Madai Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre

Another treasure of the Sabah’s East Coast is the Madai Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre.
This 3,436.5 hectares large area is located about 50 kilometers from Lahad Datu, 15 kilometers from Kunak.

Madai is basically a bird cave where the popular birds nest delicacy originates, while the Baturong cave is riddled with several caverns which contain ancient coffins.

The Madai Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre has been classified as a Class 1 forest reserve and is an excellent place for a day of cave exploration trip. Outdoor lovers will delight at the opportunity to familiarize with various aspects of tree species, caves, and the endemic flora and fauna in the area.

In addition to its canopy walkway, visitors of this forest reserve should not miss the chance to take a dip in the cool crystal clear stream of its scenic waterfalls.

Madai-Baturong Forest Reserve Nature Centre

This Virgin Jungle Reserve (VJR) is divided into 2 blocks, which are described as Block I stand for Madai and Block II stand for Baturong. Block I is located along the Lahad Datu-Tawau main road, between the bridge over Sg. Tingkayu and the junction to Kunak. It is about 16 km from Kunak town and about 98 km from Tawau while Block II is located further inland, about 10 km west of Block I.

Waterfall

The Madai-Baturong Forest Recreation Centre is located in the northwestern portion of Block I, where the Lahad Datu-Tawau main road traverses the VJR.

Usually, the Madai-Baturong Forest Recreation Centre is mainly visited by travelers as a rest-stop.

On weekends, visitors come to swim in the river next to the waterfall.

They are mainly from Kunak, Lahad Datu and even Tawau.

The centre is also a popular choice for nearby schools to hold nature camps.



The collection of bird's nests from the limestone outcrops is managed by the Wildlife Department.

There are 23 and 38 caves in Madai and Baturong outcrops respectively.
It comprises of a visitor centre, a surau, a canteen, changing rooms and toilets, a canopy walkway and a forest trail system.

There are also staff quarters near the centre. The centre was built near a 40 m waterfall, which is the main attraction.

Canteen

Surau

There is a fee for entrance to canopy walkway which is only RM1.00 per pax and the visiting hour is pre-arrange with the Kunak Regional Forestry office. While for the Madai Water Fall entrances fee for foreigner adult is RM5, foreigner child (<18) is RM2, Malaysian adult is RM2 and Malaysian child is RM1.

Canopy Walkway

The Block I topography mainly occurs on very high hills, slopes are generally between 15° and 25°, but many are steeper. The limestone outcrop is steep with sheer cliffs. Block II is mainly occurs on terraces of old alluvium at heights over 450 m. The terraces are, in general, flat to slightly undulating with short steep slopes in dissected parts.

For sure, you will be impressed with the nature. :)

The Warrior of North Borneo !

Kundasang War Memorial Park

A must-visit in Sabah is the Kundasang War Memorial. It is established in 1962, this was one of the first memorials to commemorate the brave Australian and British Prisoners of War who died in Sandakan and during the infamous death marches to Ranau during World War II. The memorial also remembers the people of North Borneo who risked their lives to help the Prisoners of War (POW).

Main entrance

View in Kundasang War Memorial Park

The Memorial is made up of four beautiful gardens - the Australian Garden, the English Garden, the Borneo Garden and the Contemplation Garden and Pool - to represent the different nationalities. With its towering pine trees and blooming roses, a walk in the gardens is reminiscent to that of a stroll in a quaint English garden. The scent of roses lingers in the air and the serene atmosphere makes the Kundasang War Memorial an ideal place to contemplate and remember the heroes of the war. Visitors can also view a brief video on the history of the Sandakan Death March.

History

Kundasang is located 90km, which is about 2 hrs driving from Kota Kinabalu and only 10 minutes driving from Kinabalu Park. Visitors can take a bus from the Jalan Padang Bus Terminal to Kundasang or Ranau for approximately RM17.00 per person. This Kundasang War Memorial Park is open daily from 8:30am to 5:30pm