Bajau Parang Making
Drop by Kampung Siasai in Kota Belud, on the outskirts of Kota Kinabalu to learn more of the ancient traditions of parang making in Sabah. The village is famed for its handmade parangs by the Bajau community.
A parang is a medium-sized tool or weapon, or better known as a long blade or machete has been handmade by the Bajaus in Sabah for generations. It is used for clearing land, cutting meat and also as wall decorations.
Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC)
Place: Marine Ecology Eco Research Centre (MERC)
Location: Gaya Island, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park
Where: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
“This is called the chocolate chip starfish. Look at the brown spots on its skin!”
“Looks very much like chocolate chips!”
Sarah, a volunteer at the Marine Ecology Research Centre (MERC), held the starfish firmly in her hand.
We were at the touch pond at MERC, where a collection of sea creatures are put on display for visitors’ to get up and close on the conservation efforts carried out here.
Kampung Food
There comes a time in every urbanite’s life when you grow sick and tired of the burger and fries, the instantly prepared mee goreng from the mamak, and the quick pizza delivered to your home in less than 30 minutes. There is simply a craving from your taste buds for more, a longing for an elaborately prepared dish, spiced with that personal touch and effort that only a home-cooked meal can offer.
This is why I’ve come to relish Raya holidays and the rare opportunity it provides for me to indulge myself in a myriad of culinary experiences back in my hometown in Sabah. Every Raya holiday, my mother would cook a huge batch of food for the benefit of guests, and this Raya proved no different. My hometown retreat this Raya was stocked from the more typical hallmarked foods such as ketupat and rendang, to the more atypical variety such as the lada putih & kacang panjang, ikan sambal, and other sugary Raya treats like the kuih makmur.
CITY OF DIGITAL LIGHTS
daytime at i-city
i-City is the latest tourist spot in Shah Alam, Selangor. Dubbed the City of Digital Lights, it is reputed to be the first lightscape tourist destination in Malaysia.