DERAWAN ISLAND EAST KALIMANTAN INDONESIA

SWIMMING WITH TURTLES

DERAWAN ISLAND

EAST KALIMANTAN

INDONESIA 

There are very few places in the world where a unique experience of swimming with turtles is possible. Turtles are gentle but big creatures so seeing them while snorkeling and following their path among fish and colorful coral reefs is an experience of a lifetime. 

One of these places is Derawan Island, a well hidden, absolute paradise of natural beauty. Derawan Island is part of the archipelago of Marine Park located in East Kalimantan, Indonesia. 

Derawan Island Archipelago has a treasure of marine life and underwater wealth and offers fabulous snorkeling and diving. One can swim with manta rays of Sangalaki Island and nearby Kakaban Island has a fresh water lagoon with jellyfish. Maratua Island has extensive reefs and a resort. But it is Derawan Island where the locals greet one with smiles, hospitality & friendliness.

This September the Island has hosted Derawan Island Water Festival, a successful event for visitors and locals alike.

Berau, Tanjung Redeb is a starting point welcoming Festival participants with amazing hospitality. It is only a prelude to a  two hour speed boat trip to Derawan allowing to absorb some wilderness scenery.

  

The Derawan Island Water Festival opened a scenic area of East Kalimantan for the lovers of diving and snorkeling. However, it is not just the underwater beauty of marine life that attracts the visitors to come back. 

The hospitality of Indonesian people is incomparable with anywhere else in the world. We will return.

LAHAD DATU & SEMPORNA, SABAH, BORNEO

LAHAD DATU & SEMPORNA


Lahad Datu and Semporna are only some 40 nautical miles apart in one of the most scenic areas of Sabah, Malaysia. Many villages and spectacular islands and reefs separate the towns.

Lahad Datu is an important Malaysian port in the eastern part of North Borneo. It has been known for trade with China from the 9th century, then Spanish and Portuguese also discovered Lahad Datu. The area was divided between the Sultan of Brunei and the Sultan of Sulu since the 15th century. Predominantly Kadazan population has been joined by many nations when British North Borneo Charted Company started to trade in the 1880s. 

It usually is money that starts wars and Lahad Datu is not doing too badly in the trade. So it could have been one of the reasons that the self proclaimed contemporary Sultan of Sulu invaded Sabah in March 2013. The Lahad Datu and nearby Sempurna suffered the loss of 56 lives. Now, 6 months later the area is still fragile as tourism is concerned. Lahad Datu is a stepping point to Danum Valley Forest Reserve which is home of orangutans and rare Sumatran rhinoceros among many bird species and other wildlife. 

Semporna, being mere 40 nautical miles away from Lahad Datu and right on the doorstep to Marine Park of Sipidan and Mabul Islands famous for marine life and fabulous diving, is a great starting point for a diving and snorkeling adventure. Pulau Gaya and Tetigan, are located on Tun Sakaran Marine Park reefs and are both above and underwater marvels of nature.

Today Malaysia celebrates Merdeka Day, Independence Day. It is great to see that the Lahad Datu and Semporna district so recently a battlefield is peaceful and offering its beauty to visitors in safety. Selamat Merdeka Hari Malaysia!

SANDAKAN SABAH, MALAYSIA

SANDAKAN

SABAH, MALAYSIA

Sandakan is a town of contrasts, from fishing villages built on stilts on its waterfront to modern architecture among Chinese and Buddhist Temples and Mosques. It is a port for log and timber exports and a gateway to natural wonders and wilderness of North Borneo. Sandakan is a relatively new town. Although established in the late 1800s, it has been bombed, burned and destroyed in 1945. Sandakan has a rich and diverse history. Rulled by the Sultan of Sulu in the late 1870s became the capital of British North Borneo in 1880s, was occupied by Japanese during WWII.

Once called Elopura meaning The Beautiful City and the capital of Sabah, now it is rebuilt but holds on to the sad memories of its tragic history. Called Sandakan again, it is still a beautiful city.

Access by road can be tiresome. The traffic is slow and plentiful. Palm oil tracks dominate the scene. Overtaking becomes an art. 

The trip is worth it though. Sandakan is not only a scenic port. Its history, most of it sad has been documented by Agnes Keith, whose house is a landmark of Sandakan, in her book The Land Below the Wind.

August the 15^th marks a Memorial Day and has been celebrated for the past 10 years. It is a Remembrance Day for those who died in Sandakan prisoner of war camp and the forced marches.

The topic of The Death Marches, with only six survivors to tell the tale and thousands killed, is not a priority in history lessons. The detailed knowledge of the atrocities could effect Toyota sales. Veterans and families of the POW’s attended the Memorial Service on the 15th of August. There were no Japanese among them.

The Memorial Service, held in the Sandakan Memorial Park is a moving and somber experience. It commemorates the sacrifice and suffering of British and Australian prisoners of war in the years from 1942 to 1945. Berhala Island, which now is a holiday island and boasts its dramatic scenery, was in those years a detention center for non-military personnel. 

The survivor, Agnes Keith, best tells the Berhala Island story. Her books paint the picture of Sandakan before the destruction and tell of the years of detention.

Agnes Keith lived in Sandakan for many years, then returned to rebuild her house. Her books ‘Land Below the Wind” and “Three Came Home” tell why. Her love for Sandakan is not alienated. All visitors find a spot in their hearts to love Sandakan and its surrounds. Some return to Sandakan every year to pay tribute to the POWs and their tragedy.

MIRI SARAWAK MALAYSIA

MIRI SARAWAK

MALAYSIA

Miri has been a peaceful fishing village, until early 1900 when oil was discovered in its surrounds. Now it is a thriving city suppressing Kuching, the capital of Sarawak in its richness. The sad part of Miri's history is the World War II period, while Miri was occupied by Japanese who took full advantage of the oil resources here.

Some areas of Miri portray the historical fishing village and many locals live the life of the old.

Predominant residential areas however, show “oil enhanced” architecture. The smell of money is ever present in the suburbs. Miri caters for a number of parks, gardens and recreation ares for its residents.

Miri City Fan is a conglomerate of theme gardens, Chinese, Islamic and botanical. Seahorse statues are omi-present. They represent the emblem of Miri. 

Miri is a multicultural city. There are a number of ethnic groups living here. Thus cuisine is interesting and the choice of restaurants to dine in is enormous. 

The oil production has been moved offshore. The oil rigs crews come to Miri for vacation. Ther is also a fair number of visitors here that use Miri as a starting point to explore the wilderness of Sarawak. Mulu National Park and its caves invite hikers and echo friendly visitors. There is Niah National Park and Lambir National Park, both located a short hop from Miri and both promoting echo tourism. The scenery is astounding and the history goes back to the first population of this area.

Miri and its surrounds is an asset to Sarawak and Borneo.

LABUAN MALAYSIA

LABUAN
MALAYSIA

Labuan is an Island and a major port of the coast of Borneo. Its name derives from “labohan” meaning anchorage, port. Known as a safe anchorage since the 13th century Labuan has often been visited by Arab traders, then Portuguese in the 16th century and British in the 18th century. Labuan officially became a Territory and duty free port in 1956 although Rajah James Brooke has declared it a port of free trade already in 1847. It became famous coal mining district in the 1840s with coal being used to fuel steam ships.

There are remnants of the old era everywhere. The Chimney is an archeological mystery, possibly being a ventilation shaft for the mines, or lighthouse, or bell tower. Its purpose is still being debated. The Sikhs started work in the mines, then settled here for generations and are still living in Labuan. The memorial edifice is one of the prominent buildings here. Many migrant laborers arrived to work on pepper and tobacco plantations. Also Chinese settlers and merchants have seen an opportunity and settled in Labuan. One of the Chinese merchants has built the clock tower. 

There were three years in the history of Labuan that it was called Maida Island in honor of the Japanese general and his forces occupying Labuan. Liberated in 1945 by Allied Forces, Labuan has a landmark – Surrender Point where Japanese have signed their surrender. The quiet war continued though and many POW died after the surrender. The War Memorial is a living memory of those that died in combat or later in The Death March from Sandakan to Ranau. Finally in 1988 Japanese built The Peace Park.

Now, Labuan is a holiday destination for those that work on nearby oilrigs. It has fabulous beaches, restaurants and duty free shopping makes it even more attractive for many.

MANILA TWO FACES OF THE CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

MANILA

TWO FACES OF THE CAPITAL OF THE PHILIPPINES

Manila is a bustling capital of the Philippines developed from a seaport that has its origins back in the 12^th century. There are distinct visitor and commercial districts like Ermita, Makati and Intramuros and vast suburban areas called cities like Pasay City, Quezon City or San Juan City.

Makati is the Embassy and business district while Intramuros is the picture of architecture and history. It dates back to the 1500s and is enclosed “within the walls”, as per the meaning of the word, of a fortress.

The fortress was built by the Spanish and prevented the aspirations of Dutch, Portuguese and Sulu pirates from taking over Intramuros. Now it is an architectural paradise with churches and cathedrals dominating the scene.

However, there is another face of Manila. Sadly poverty is an inseparable part of highly populated cities. The poverty is well visible in the streets of Manila. The numbers of homeless living in the streets of Manila are high. These living areas are accompanied by permanent odor of urine, faint in some streets and overpowering in smaller alleyways.

Thus many visitors restrict their sightseeing to air conditioned taxi trips through the city. Jeepney is however much more enjoyable form of transport. And it is much cheaper. There is also rail transport LRT and MRT. Mixing with the local population is important to realise how friendly and helpful they are and to get the real feel of Manila.

The Filipino are cheerful in spite of the poverty. Smiling faces are common. Children wave their hands and say “hello”.

One of famous attractions is Manila Bay sunset, worth enjoying every evening and different and unique every night.

SAWADEE KA THAILAND

SAWADEE KA THAILAND

Thailand is a land of smiling and friendly people, exquisite and hot cuisine and astonishingly beautiful scenery. It is famous for Hongs, caves and narrow passages between the islands where canoeing is the most attractive pastime. Hongs are rooms inside caves with sandy beaches and crystal clear water. It is necessary to swim through a cave to reach a Hong. Some caves are known to have undiscovered pirate loot still buried inside a Hong.

Most activities can be centred around a beach, swimming in warm Andaman Sea or enjoying a number of cafes and restaurants scattered around beaches that can be entered barefoot. It is also possible to dress up and dine in town enjoying its markets, shops and choice of restaurants.

 

Thai cuisine is spicy and hot but can be quite enjoyable. Hot food is known to make the inside and outside of body temperature equal adding to the comfort in the hot climate of Thailand. In spite of being hot the food is tasty.

The local people offer smiles and although English is not commonly spoken in Thailand, it is easy to communicate. The people are charming and friendly. The scenery is so impressive that it has been used as a backdrop for many films. One island has been named James Bond Island since the famous movie has been filmed there. Now it is a major tourist destination and local boats ferry visitors since early morning hours returning on sunset that is an explosion of color and beauty.

Thailand is a vast country. There is a lot to see and enjoy. A visit to Thailand is delightful and unforgettable.

KUCHING, SARAWAK, BORNEO, MALAYSIA

Kuching    Sarawak

Kuching is the capital of Sarawak, which originally was part of the Sultanate of Brunei. Mid 1800s brought it under the rule of Brookes' Family - the White Rajahs - which lasted until the Japanese occupied Sarawak. The Fort is a reminder of history of Kuching and is located on the Esplanade, a tourist attraction in itself.

History is visible everywhere in Kuching. However, Kuching is The City of Cats,

Kuching meaning cat in Bahasa Malay. It even has a Cat Museum.

Sarawak River and its waterfront are the center of town. Local boats ferry passengers from one bank of Sarawak River to the other. There are bridges across both, Santubong and Sarawak rivers but a ferry trip across is more fun.

Semenggoh Wildlife Center houses Orangutans and is easily accessible from Kuching. It is a rehabilitation Center for for many animals that cannot survive in the wild. Orangutans are well looked after . Once rehabilitated they are released into the wild.


 The jungle is orangutan territory but once a year it becomes the grounds of  Reinforest World Music Festival. The Festival takes place in Sarawak Cultural Village and brings musicians from around the world to Kuching.

Kuching is a delightful place. It has charm that makes the stay in Kuching unforgettable.

KUDAT SABAH The TIP of BORNEO MALAYSIA

KUDAT, SABAH, The Tip of BORNEO

The history of Kudat dates well before 1880s and its original name was Tomborungus. Owned by the Sultans of Brunei and Sulu and inhabited by Rungus Tribe, the settlement became the first capital of Sabah appointed to that status by British North Borneo Company. This is when Kudat acquired its name due to misunderstanding and mispronunciation – Rungus thought the British were enquiring about the grass called Kutad growing in this area and Tomborungus was rather difficult name to pronounce.

Kudat is a conglomerate of races, original inhabitants Rungus, Chinese brought here from Southern China to clear the jungle and establish coconut plantations and Malay.

The glory of Kudat as a capital of Sabah was short lived due to water shortages but nevertheless it continued to grow and develop into one of the prettiest towns in Sabah.  

Kudat is only 20 kilometres away from the Tip of Borneo. A visit to Tanjung Simpang Mengayau, the Tip of Borneo is rewarding, the views are spectacular, cafes and restaurants offer attractive cuisine, the rungus long-houses are worth visiting.

A drive through local villages and jungle is exciting and quite an experience in itself.

Back in Kudat there is a Chinese New Year celebration in progress. There are Lion Dances and music spreading through town.

It is wonderful to see that all inhabitants of Kudat take part and not just the Chinese community. The dances require a fair amount of fitness and can be exhausting, still young boys from all ethnic groups participate eagerly. The performance is enjoyable.

Kudat is an attractive town on its own. It is also a stepping step to the magnificent Tip of Borneo and Rungus culture. Visiting Kudat is an enjoyable experience.

KOTA KINABALU SABAH BORNEO, MALAYSIA

KOTA KINABALU SABAH BORNEO

Kota Kinabalu, a thriving capital of Sabah, grew out of a fishing village at the very end of the 19^th century. Previously, Jesselton named after Sir Jessel, the Vice-Chairman of British North Borneo Chartered Company, it became known as Kota Kinabalu in 1968. The highest mountain in South East Asia, Mt Kinabalu, towering over the city, inspired the new name.

The builders of British Colonial Empire in Borneo suffered from malaria and other tropical diseases. Atkinson Clock Tower has been built in memory of one of the builders, who died in his twenties. History mingles with new constantly expanding architecture. The past is well documented and visible not only in the Sabah Museum. Interesting photos and historical clippings from old papers are displayed in restaurants and coffee shops.

There are many stories from the past. Wah-weh was a lottery in which one needed to guess a number chosen from 36 numbered animals. A Chinese character selected as clue did not often help to win. Original photo of a chief of horsemen Bajau tribe from Kampung Mekabong is featured on a stamp for British North Borneo.   

Tradition is represented in waterfront art markets offering tribal crafts. Population of KK is a mixture of Malaysian, Indian, Chinese and local tribes that contribute to fascinating crafts and delicious cuisine. The harbor is a safe anchorage for squid boats that rest during the day and fish at night with powerful lights attracting squid.  

Historical buildings mingle with numerous Mosques. Signal Hill offers an excellent view of KK, the harbor and surrounding islands. Kota Kinabalu is not just a starting point for Mt Kinabalu climb. The climb to the Peak is one of the major attractions and an exciting event for the fit. A walk in Kinabalu Park however offers close contact with nature represented in amazing flora and fauna, variety of orchids, rhododendrons and elusive Rafflesia flowers.

Tanjung Aru is the most popular place to view sunsets and has many restaurants and resorts along the beach.

KK is a city of thrilling tradition, history, and adventure, not to be missed while visiting Malaysia.                  

EL NIDO, PALAWAN ISLAND, The PHILIPPINES

EL NIDO, PALAWAN ISLAND

El Nido is a fishing village in the north-western part of Palawan Island. It is slowly changing its status to a tourist paradise since it is located in the picturesque Bascuit Bay. There are some scenic islands of amazing rock formations and dense jungle scattered in the bay.

Local boats – bangcas - travel to some astounding snorkelling and diving spots. The town caters for all visitors' needs. El Nido's main beach is lined with cafes, bars and restaurants. Sitting in one of those after a busy day of sightseeing, swimming and snorkelling is the most relaxing afternoon occupation for travellers. It is fun to watch some late arriving bangcas leading their guests through surf, while sipping a cool drink.

A stroll along the beach allows for chatting with local people as well as other visitors and swapping information about “must visit” places. There is no end to the possibilities for nature lovers; Bascuit Bay is one of the most scenic bays the Philippines can be proud of. Picnics on secluded white sand beaches under the shade of palms are part of the deal of bangca trips.

El Nido boasts a selection of gourmont and local restaurants. One can never be bored by choices offered.

There is a Hilltop Restaurant in El Nido. It is worth visiting but requires a fair hike up the hill. The cuisine is delicious and the view rewarding so the effort is well worth it.

A visit to Malampaya Sound or scenic Port Barton requires a longer boat trip and good weather with calm seas. El Nido is a great strating point for trips even further afield, like Culion Island and Coron.

El Nido and north west Palawan Island are full of natural treasures and both offer an unforgetable experience.