The buds of the Rafflesia, one of the largest flower in the world, are as large as the dinner plate while the bloom could be the size of a car tyre. Dr Chua Ee Kiam and his friends brave the arduous trails of Sabah’s forest reserves in search of this magnificient bloom, first discovered by Singapore’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, hence its name. The Rafflesia flower is unique because it is parasitic and therefore has no stem, leaves or roots. This is also why it ...
Sabah History
There are many explanations and theories about the origins and meanings of the word ‘Kadazan’. In this short article, the writer shall try to explore the more popular meanings and origins put forward to explain the word ‘Kadazan’. Some of the more popular explanations put forward to explain the origins and meanings of the word ‘Kadazan’ are: Firstly, it is believed that the word came from ‘kakadazan’, which means ‘towns’. Secondly, it is believed that the word came from ‘kedaian’, derived from the word ‘kedai’ ...
The Sandakan Death Marches are the most infamous incident in series of events which resulted in the deaths of more than 6,000 Indonesian civilian slave labourers and Allied prisoners of war, held by the Empire of Japan during the Pacific campaign of World War II, at prison camps in North Borneo. Of all the prisoners held at the camps at the time of the marches, only about 6 survived the war. In 1942, Indonesian civilians, imported from Java, along with Australian and British POWs, who ...
Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary is the only remains of 24 hectares of mangrove forest that once existed extensively along the coastal region of Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Previously know as Likas Swamp or Likas Mangrove, the sanctuary came foremost out of 20 wetlands selected by the Sabah Wetlands Inventory Committee in 1986. This Bird Sanctuary is an important refuge and feeding ground for many species of resident birds, as well as several migratory bird species from Northern Asia. Besides, it ...
Petagas War Memorial The Petagas War Memorial is a poignant reminder of all those who lost their lives defending Sabah against the Japanese Occupation during World War II, particularly those of the ill fated Kinabalu Guerillas. Led by Albert Kwok, the Kinabalu Guerillas stage a surprise attack on the invaders on the eve of 10 October (Double Tenth) 1943 in Tuaran and Menggatal and marched onto Jesselton before they were finally defeated. Located across the highway from the Kota Kinabalu International Airport, the memorial park ...
In the olden days people from Mindanao usually sailed in search of sea produce for trading purposes. In doing so they also look for new places as well as patrolling the areas which were known to them. One of the Investigating group reached Labuk. They were carried there by the current when the boat did not put up the sail. When they landed at Kuala Beluran they saw a big and strange looking banana tree. They called it “ Sabah”. The people later on returned ...
Until now, Kinabalu’s name is still a mystery. The most popular view derives it from the Kadazan words, Aki Nabalu, meaning ‘the revered place of the dead’. The local Kadazandusuns belief that their spirits dwell on the mountain top. Among the bare rocks of the summit grows a moss which early Kadazandusun guides said provided food for the spirits of their ancestor. Many of the mountain’s early explorers reported that their Kadazandusun guides performed religious ceremonies upon reaching the summit. Sir Hugh Low wrote that ...
Laban Rata Resthouse The Laban Rata Resthouse is where tourists who climb Mount Kinabalu will stop for an overnight stay. Nestled in Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site, the resthouse is equipped with common bathrooms, has heated showers, heated rooms and a restaurant. It is the final pit stop before heading towards the peak of Mount Kinabalu. Staying at Laban Rata is meant to revitalize climbers. Located approximately 3,000 metres above sea level, it is set up in a way that ensures that climbers ...
