1997 - KOTA KINABALU, SABAH

BY: HJ ZULHEIMY MAAMOR

4 JUNE 2024

Sabah often referred to "Land below the Wind" (Negeri dibawah Bayu),occupies the eastern part of North Borneo. Covering an area of 74,500 sq km, Sabah is the second largest state in Malaysia after Sarawak, its state capital is Kota Kinabalu. 

Home to 32 different indigenous groups that consist of over 30 ethnic races,Sabah is often described as the people that makes visiting Sabah so special. 

KOTA KINABALU

Formerly known as Jesselton, Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah. Affectionaly nicknamed KK by the locals, it's a coastal city partly surrounded by rainforest. Kota Kinabalu is the gateway to Kinabalu National Park, the home of Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Borneo Island and Malaysia. 

The first time I set foot in KK was around 1981/82 when I served with the Royal Malaysian Navy ship KD Raja Jarom based in Woodlands, Singapore. KD Raja Jarom often moored in Sarawak and Sabah's harbors.

The second time I visited Kota Kinabalu was in 1997 with my family. We were on vacation at our brother's house who was working as a Sime Bank Manager in Kota Kinabalu at the time. He lives with his family in Graceville, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.

Not far from my brother's house, there is a memorial,the Double Six Memorial, a memorial to remember the tragedy of the plane crash on June 6, 1976, known as the Double Six Tragedy, which claimed the lives of Sabah's First Chief Minister, the late Tun Fuad Stephen and 6 of Sabah ministers. 

TOUR IN KOTA KINABALU

On the first day, our brother took us for a walk around the city of Kota Kinabalu. Among those visited are the Sabah Plant Heritage Center, the Sabah Handicraft Center, the Philippine Market, the Sabah Museum, and many more.

TANJUNG ARU BEACH

Among the famous in Kota Kinabalu is Tanjung Aru Beach which is located approximately 2.7 km from Grace Ville.

We took the opportunity to have a picnic on this beach which is very beautiful beach..... My brother said that people prefer to come to this beach during sunset to see and take photos of the sunset on this beach.

KUNDASANG, SABAH

KG NABALU

On June 2, 1997, we left Kota Kinabalu for Kundasang, Sabah, which is a distance of 94.7 km and takes approximately 2 hours and 7 minutes to reach. The journey from kk to kundasang is 101 km and takes 2 hours 37 minutes.

Kundasang is a hill station in the district of Ranau in Sabah, known for its cool climate, breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. 

Before reaching our accommodation at Seri Intan Resort, we made a brief stop at Kg. Nabalu or Pekan Nabalu, a small town that is frequently visited by tourists. This town used to be a rest stop for tourists on their way to Kinabalu Park.

One of the many small villages located along the road from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park, Pekan Nabalu, at roughly 1000m above sea level, has one of the best views of Mount Kinabalu and its surrounding. 

TM RESORT,KUNDASANG

TM Resort located near the Kundasang Mosque, situated on the hills with rooms that offer panoramic view of Mount Kinabalu. Few minutes walks to Pekan Kundasang. 

KUNDASANG WAR MEMORIAL

Kundasang War Memorial, established in 1962, was one of the first memorial to commemorate the brave Australian and British Prisoners of War who died in Sandakan and during the infamous Sandakan Death Marches to Ranau during World War II. The memorial also remembers the people of North Borneo who risked their lives to help the POWs. 

PORING HOT SPRING, RANAU, SABAH
After spending one night at Sri Intan Resort, Kundasang, on the morning of June 3, after breakfast, we left for the Poring Hot Spring Bridge, which is located approximately 35 km from Kundasang. It is located in Ranau district, Sabah. The journey takes about 48 minutes to get there.
Poring is the Kadazan-Dusun name for a type of bamboo that grows in the area. Poring Hot Spring Park is famous for its Hot Spring Pool and Hanging Bridge, which are 157.8 m long and 41 m high above the trees.

PONDOK TIMPOHON, KINABALU PARK, KUNDASANG, SABAH

From the Poring Hot Spring Bridge, we left for Kundasang towards Pondok Timpohon. There are two routes to Kinabalu Park: one through Timpohon Gate and the other through Mesilau.

Pondok Timpohon is the Entrance gate & checkpoint for climbers ascending Mt. Kinabalu, with mini market and viewing deck. 

DINNER AT MENGGATAL, SABAH

From Kundasang, we left for Menggatal for dinner. The journey from Pondok Timpohon to Menggatal is quite far, approximately 78.2 km, and takes 1 hour and 22 minutes.

Menggatal is a small town located in the West Coast district of Sabah. Menggatal is the name of a type of mango tree that, when eaten, can cause itching. The fruit is called Mangga Gatal and eventually becomes Menggatal.

The name Pekan Menggatal has now been changed to Pekan Manggatal due to certain reasons in terms of the meaning of Menggatal in the Malay language.

RETURN TO KUALA LUMPUR

After a few days in Sabah, we finally returned to Kuala Lumpur on 7 June 1997. It is worth it to visit Kota Kinabalu aside from its beautiful city, mountain and islands. Kota Kinabalu is a perfect city to gain insight on Sabah's heritage in the form of cultural villages. Kota Kinabalu is a good place to spend a couple of days before exploring the rest of Sabah in Malaysia. 

GOOD BYE SABAH!!

Hj Zulheimy Maamor

Lembah Keramat, K.L

5 June 2024 > 28 Zulkaedah 1445H: 10.48 p.m