Dear all, it’s amazing how a modest charitable gesture could make Planet Earth a better place.  Despite this World having billions and trillions of people, there are some bighearted souls willing to travel the World to touch lives of the less fortunate.

We, at Colourful Frontiers Travel Sdn Bhd, would like to share a wonderful article which was posted in http://carehaven.org.my/en/visiting_sabah.  Care Haven is a home for children who are orphans.  One of our directors was there to receive a generous donation from an English family who came to visit Sabah last July.

The husband and wife, Dr Robert Emanuel and Dr Subo Emanuel along with their two daughters, Lauren and Ella paid a visit to the children’s home.  The orphans were in for a surprise when they received a cheque of £1,207 (equivalent to RM5,800) from the two lovely girls.  Lauren and Ella have been joining various talent competitions in England and whatever money they won; they collected and donated to the needy.

It just goes to show you that no matter what country you live in, there are many ways to reach out to people even if it means you have to travel across the sea.

Dr Robert and Dr Subo have contributed in the past, please view their article in the link below:-

http://archive.surgeonsnews.info/docs/issue3-3/pdfs/042.pdf

And here’s a newspaper clipping of them via our Sabah newspaper (Chinese Newspaper):-

What? Who?

The Rainforest World Music Festival is a unique festival that brings together on the same stage renowned world musicians from all continents and indigenous musicians from the interiors of the
mythical island of Borneo.

Its formula of afternoon informative workshops, ethno-musical lectures, jamming sessions and mini concerts, followed by evening performances on the main stage has proven to be a hit with the
audience, who come from near and far.

The festival site also sets up a variety of food and drink stalls, an arts and crafts area as well as a counter for festival memorabilia, Sarawak souvenirs and CDs by the performing artists, all this contributing to a fun filled, wholesome festival experience.  World Music plus a country fair atmosphere in the midst of lush greenery.

The Rainforest World Music Festival, a not-to-be-missed occasion, guarantees a smashing time in the heart of the Borneo Jungle.

Where?

Only 45 minutes away from Kuching, the capital of Sarawak, and a stone’s throw away from the quiet beach resort area of the Santubong Peninsula, the beautiful 17-acre Sarawak Cultural Village presents inhabited replicas of the traditional dwellings found in the interior and coastal areas of Sarawak, thus preserving the architectural traditions of the many different ethnic groups that make up the population of Sarawak.

This culturally rich environment provides the backdrop for the Rainforest World Music Festival. The music workshops and daytime activities are held in the replica longhouses and other traditional houses, informally seated on mats while listening to rhythms from all over the world blend with those from the jungles of Borneo, to the delight of musicians and audiences alike. Nighttime concerts are held on a stage built by the lake, under the open sky and in an informal ambiance, sitting on the grass lawns and dancing to entrancing world beats.

Every year, this event would be mentioned by music enthusiasts, culture-holics, travelers from around the globe and locals as it is an event NOT to be missed.  After all, RWMF only comes once in a year.

Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon, Malaysia.

The Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon has established a reputation as the world’s toughest mountain race. Around 250 local and international athletes climb up then down the 4095-metre peak of Borneo’s highest mountain, covering a total distance of 21km (13 miles).

The race was conceived as a test for potential members of the Sabah Parks rapid rescue squad and there’s a strict time limit, so fancy dress is definitely out.   

The two days of races fall at a different time in the series each year. The first day sees the Women’s Open and Men’s Veteran categories, the second day the main Men’s race.

Interested in joining this event? Book with us today

Recently a book “Spirit of Borneo” co-authored by Daily Express Chief Editor James Sarda & University Malaya Associate Professor Dr. Danny Wong made waves on the Kota Kinabalu literary scene.

http://dailyexpress.com.my/print.cfm?NewsID=68362

This book is made of photos and stills of British North Borneo (now Sabah) from the period 1920 to 1935 by Martin and Osa Johnson. Here is a link to these adventurers:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_and_Osa_Johnson

For those who are interested in knowing more of their work there is an interesting book by them entitled: “Last Adventure; The Martin Johnsons in Borneo” Edited by Pascal J. Imperato, M.D. New York: William Morrow and Company; 1966

The photos on British North Borneo are housed in the Martin and Osa Johnson Safari Museum Chanute, Kansas. Little did we know that a portion of Borneo is in a Kansas museum – check on this link: http://www.safarimuseum.com/

40 km north of Sandakan, Sabah (the former British North Borneo) lies the Turtle Islands, made up of the 3 islands of Pulau Selingaan, Pulau Bakkungan Kecil and Pulau Gulisan, encompassing an area of 1740 hectares.

The main attractions of these islands are the Green Turtles (Chelonia Mydas) and Hawksbill Turtles (Eretmochelys); these comes to nest on the shores of Selingaan and Gulisan. The Hawksbill seems somewhat particularly attracted to Gulisan. Generally both these species lay their eggs all year round but what used to be the “bumper collection period” for collectors and now poachers are the months of July and October.  Don’t forget turtle eggs are a delicacy in these parts of Sandakan and up to 1971 these islands were private property where the inhabitants derive income from the sale of turtle eggs. Subsequently the government acquired the islands and established the Turtle Island Park.

A conservation program is now in place and the cluster of islands comprising the park namely three main nesting islands – Pulau Selingan, Pulau Bakkungan Kechil and Pulau Gulisan, are protected areas for turtles and other marine life inhabiting the area.

The highlight of a visit to the park would be a hands-on look on how the conservation programs are put in place – visitors accompanied by rangers are invited to witness female turtles laying their eggs and as turtles are basically shy creatures these are nocturnal activities. A few standing rules though: the dress code is bare feet on the beach lest you trample a hapless hatchling to death; no cameras or video takes as flash lights aggravates the turtles. No roaming around the beaches after dark without being accompanied by a ranger. Only one turtle is shown to visitors per night…  The visit to the hatchery is a must where the rangers may allow you to hold the little hatchlings and invite you to release them to the open sea.

The Turtle Islands as they are collectively called, are part of a chain of islands and islets the straddle the Malaysian and Philippines waters and with only a mere stretch of water separating the political boundaries. It takes a speed boat ride of 2 hours to get you to the islands from Sandakan. Marine patrols from the two nations frequently patrol the surrounding waters. Do not be perturb, they are there to ensure the safety of visitors in this post 911 world that we live in and in the aftermath of the embarrassing Abu Sayaf kidnapping of tourists from Sipadan Island near the Sabah Kalimantan border. Security since has been pretty tight in the Sabah waters. In times gone by these waters were the trading routes of the Spice Trade in the Nusantara Melayu where the Sultanates of Sulu & Brunei held sway over these parts of Borneo.