Just like mom’s place at Dusun Bonda (ni lagi bosa kot)

Hahahhahhaha…. Glamping site in Selangor. And you don’t need to drive all the way to Pahang as the location is in Batang Kali. Near huh, approximately an hour drive from Batu Caves. Hidup Selangor! #eh

I don’t even know where there to start…. For those who have been to a glamping site would probably understand. For me, the only time I experienced this was when I went to Sabah recently, but the site was by the sea. It being in an orchard and by the river is refreshing. Everything was well design and the landscape was very next-door-nature-like, coupled with amenities (listed below)… I have to say, I wouldn’t mind recommending this to friends and family.

Back of the bell tent

Glam 4 Bell Tent

Glam 4 River – 4 pax (2x queen size bed), RM350 p/tent

Glam 4 Hillside – 4 pax (2x queen size bed), RM350 p/tent

Glam 5 Poolside Bell Tent

Glam 5 Bell Tent 

Glam 5 River – 6 pax (3x queen size bed), RM650 p/tent

Glam 5 Hillside – 6 pax (3x queen size bed), RM650 p/tent

Glam 5 Poolside – 6 pax (3x queen size bed), RM650 p/tent

Studio Villa

Villa

Studio Villa – (queen size bunk bed), RM800 p/home

Must have amenities for (and they do HAVE *happy mode*)

• Proper toilet
• Clean and proper toilet
• Shower/bathroom
• Fan   - at least
• Kitchen utensil, cup, plates and etc

• Common dining area
• Common kitchen washing area
• Kids playground – bonus for having this
• Public prayer room

#TravelTips

• You can also do barbecue here (but do check with them first if they can arrange it for you instead)
• Bring insect repellent (kat bandor pun ada nyamuk, kat sini sure lah ado kan)
• Bring titbits/jajan, as the nearest shop is not near at all (jauh giler)
• Since you are at it, bring water too lah kan
• No NETWORK (this is not a tip, it’s a WARNING to kids. Muahhahahhah…. [evil laugh])
• Hence, what must you bring instead….? Board games and cards! (yes, it has survived the course of time)
• There’s a pool… for those that don’t fancy mandi sungai (the river is very shallow)
• Bring your sport shoes as you can also go for a hike to the waterfall

Dusun Bonda

Lot 2121 (2996), Jalan Ulu Tamu

Kampung Orang Asli Gurney

Ulu Tamu, Batang Kali

Selangor

Whatsapp : +6012-6633 667

Web : www.dusunbonda.com

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/dusun_bonda/

Rentak Selangor Fam Trip is in collaboration with UPENS (Unit Perancangan Negeri Selangor), Tourism Selangor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Keroncong Untuk Selangor | A dying art music.

Keroncong is believed to have Portuguese and Indonesian origins. The history indicated that sailors on Portuguese ships played small long-necked guitars and sang songs. Over time, the local Indonesian embraced the music and localize it to what we have today especially in Solo. Keroncong first appeared in 1891 in Surabaya and in 1920s keroncong spread like wildfire all over the island of Java. It was made famous only during the 1935 and 1945 circa ie the Big Band era, it became popular in the hotel ballrooms of the middle classes. It has made its journey to Malaysia and eventually nestled in the strait state as well as Selangor.

Keroncong reached the peak in the 1960s but it fade soon after, now often dubbed as ‘the music of old people’. A great and painful struggle to not only attract the younger generation, but also to nurture and create a pool of apprentices to this beautiful music. One of the ways is to incorporate keroncong-ise modern music to ensure it stays true and forever.

Some said that keroncong is a small ukulele-like instrument in an Indonesian music, and that the word keroncong originated from the krong-krong sound made by strumming the instrument.

Chak 

Double Bass

A 6 piece musician consists of violin, guitar, chak (4 string ukulele-like instrument), chuk (3 string ukulele-like instrument), cello and double bass. The vocalist sings in vibrato style, the chuk emphasizes the on-beat; the chak accentuates the off-beat; the 3 nylon strings cello acts as drum (amazing right), whereas the double bass punctuates the melody; and the guitar plays melody.

Chuk

Violin

There are 3 types of Keroncong, namely Keroncong Asli, Stambul and Langgam. Below explanation taken from The Music of Malaysia: The Classical, Folk and Syncretic Traditions ByPatricia Matusky, Tan Sooi Beng

Keroncong has 4 stages of evolution todate.

• Keroncong tempo doeloe or old tempo keroncong (1880-1920),
• Keroncong abadi or evergreen keroncong(1920-1960)
• Keroncong modern or modern keroncong (1960-2000)
• Keroncong Millenium or millenium keroncong (2000-todate)

Cello

No nation can claim that their traditional musics are free from foreign influence. Keroncong music was introduced to Peninsular Malaysia by Javanese immigrants. In the state of Selangor, most of them lived in Kelang, Banting and Hulu Selangor. There were suggestions to make Keroncong as Selangor Traditional Music but no concrete actions taken by Selangor authorities - By Dr. Ariff Ahmad.

If you wish to engage with them, either to know more, learn or get them to perform at an event, feel free to call them directly J

Rentak Selangor Fam Trip is in collaboration with UPENS (Unit Perancangan Negeri Selangor), Tourism Selangor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Catholic High School performed for Rentak Selangor

I was fortunate to be invited to attend Rentak Selangor and what makes it even special was that, one of the participated performancer was my secondary school – Catholic High School (CHS), Petaling Jaya. This time around; themed ‘Dendang Hati, Lagu Jiwa, Irama Kita’ covers the Chinese Rentak, Indian, Malay and Orang Asli Rentak. Showcasing unique and relatively new performances to the participating medias.

CHS performed Chinese Orchestra, Wushu, Taichi, Diablo as well as 24 Seasons Drums, welcoming us with Lion Dance by the Wushu Club. And I shall focus on the Chinese Orchestra as well as the 24 Season Drums.

Chinese Orchestra

Chinese orchestra is based on the structure and principles of a Western symphony orchestra using Chinese instruments. The orchestra is divided into four sections - wind, plucked strings, bow strings, and percussion, and is usually performs modernized traditional music. Some of the instruments used are Erhu (二胡), pipa (琵琶), Dulcimer (yangqin : 扬琴)  and bamboo flute or (dizi : 笛子). The chinese orchestra in CHS emulates the Western orchestra in seating position of its musicians and composition techniques, it also sampled 2 songs from the popular Malay folks song namely Rasa Sayang and the famous Japanese song; Matsuri. The chinese song that they performed was the ever so famous Wong Fei Hung Theme Song - A Man Should Strengthen Himself.

1. Erhu 二胡

• The erhu is one of the most important Chinese instruments, with a history of over 4,000 years.
• Erhu (二胡) is a two-stringed bowed Chinese musical instrument, also known as the Chinese violin or Chinese two-stringed fiddle.
• It can be used in both traditional and contemporary music arrangements; pop, rock and jazz.
• Erhu is played vertically, resting on the musician's lap. It has no fingerboard, hence the player's fingers must hold and vibrate the strings by pressing only against the strings themselves.

2. Pipa 琵琶

• The pipa (琵琶) is a four-stringed Chinese musical instrument, also known as Chinese lute.
• It has been played for almost 2000 years in China and existed as early as the Han dynasty.
• It was once reigned as the “king” of Chinese folk instruments.
• The instrument has a pear-shaped wooden body and the string was once made of silk, however today, it is made of nylon-wrapped steel. Silk strings were played either with a plectrum or with bare fingers, but steel strings are played with finger picks

3. Chinese Drum 大鼓

• The earliest known drums in China date back nearly four thousand years ago, around the time of the Shang Dynasty (c.1600 – c.1100 BCE)
• Northern China prefer larger drums in terms of the size, while Southern China uses various types of small drums.
• The Bass Drum (大鼓) are usually played with wooden drumsticks.
• Back in those days, Chinese troops used drums to motivate troops, to help set a marching pace.

4. Bamboo flute 笛子

• The dizi (笛子) is a Chinese transverse flute or Chinese bamboo flute.
• Traditionally and most of the dizi is made by using (a single piece of) bamboo.
• It is played using circular breathing "advanced" techniques.
• The dizi is a key Chinese musical instrument, and is used in Chinese folk music, opera, and modern Chinese orchestra.

24 Seasons Drums

The 24 Seasons Drums, more known among the Chinese community in Malaysia as Ershisi Jieling Gu (二十四节令鼓) was invented in 1988 by a music teacher, Tan Hooi Song and a poet Tan Chai Puan, at Foon Yew High School in Johor. It consists of 24 large drum is called Shigu (獅鼓) that represents the agricultural seasons in the Chinese calendar. The original performance styles depict movements of farmers and activities on a farm. The name of each season is usually written in Chinese calligraphy on the drum.

The drum is played using two wooden sticks, striking its surface, sides or hitting the two sticks together. Each colour on the drum has a special meaning; the red symbolizes auspiciousness and passion, and the black represents perseverance, where else the yellow signifies the Chinese culture and tradition.

It was a very enlightening experience where we not only get to see but also to try our hand at the instruments (mainly drum lor, ehhehheee…).

Rentak Selangor Fam Trip is in collaboration with UPENS (Unit Perancangan Negeri Selangor), Tourism Selangor and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel as media coordinator.

Camping at Sunset Beach with Tembara Cruise Tuaran, Sabah

The sunset is nice huh!

There are 2 things that I underestimated Tembara, one was that I thought it will be JUST a another sunset (boy, was I wrong). Second, it is gonna be JUST another cruise (yeah yeah…. I was wrong. AGAIN).

Here is my story... It’ll be short. I promise. Swear (eyes rolling). We took the cruise, nothing fancy shmancy… Eh! Wait, let me back track abit.

First, we reach the Tembara Cruise jetty with the expectation that it is gonna be easy (I mean, susah sangat ke naik cruise. Duh….. ) but noooo…. We were required to experience cycling and kayaking. I was game on the cycling part, we were taken to the end point ie by the river (looks like a tiny beach to me), I saw a BBQ pit there… I remembered telling myself that it is a great spot to lepak and have picnic (BBQ would be better of course). It is also a great spot for Instagram. Swimming, nahhh…. I won’t remember as it is a huge river, there are currents kan.

After all the picture taking stuff, we cycled back to Tembara. Then we bumped into dogs in a verge of a fight, and guess what, one of my friend provoked it and they came running towards them. Since I was the last cyclist I decided to stop and not proceed, fearing the dog my turn around a chase me instead… my quick badass mind told me to turn right and into this huge compound and remain calm, and I did just that. Rupa-rupanya I turned into a cemetery, hemmm…. It is senja mind you. At that point of time, kena gigit anjing would probably be better than stuck in a cemetery at senja. Hahhahahaa….

I saw few folks waving at me (orang betul ke nih? Yup, that thought did cross my mind). They told me to come over as there were 3-5 dogs ‘running-amok’ (overdramatizing the whole situation, the dogs menyalak-nyalak ajer [acah gangster ler tew]). Anyway, the guide came to ‘escort’ me back to the Tembara. They then ask us to do a swap, those the cyclists are to experience the kayak and vice versa. I did not do the kayak so nothing to write lah kan *meh*.

The highlight

We were taken for a sunset cruise and my expectation was that we will be on the boat looking over the yonder kinda thingy. But to my surprise, we went to this island (if not, a peninsular of some sort) to catch the sunset and Sabah being Sabah, the hues were breathtaking. I was speechless.

This would be a cool thing to do

Camping (2 Days 1 Night Camping by the Sunset Beach)

Adult     : RM150 p/pax

Kids       : RM105 p/pax (4 to 12years old)

2 Days 1 Night Camping At The Beach

Day 1 - 3.30pm

In-house guide to conduct a safety briefing on kayaking (Depending on the currents, it’ll take approximately 30 - 60 minutes to the lagoon & Sunset Beach)

Put your tent up & make a bonfire before night fall. Once done, you'll then be transferred back to the jetty by boat for dinner and to freshen up.

Take the boat to watch fireflies making their appearance amidst mangrove.

Head back to your camp to enjoy the rest of the day.

Day 2 - 7.00am

Packed breakfast ready.

Depart back to the jetty by 7 o'clock.

Cost includes sunset kayak, life jacket, rescuer, guide, camping tent, campfire, dinner, fireflies sighting, packed breakfast, security guard and drinking water.

FAQ

Yes, ala-crate package is allowed

Only Tembara’s guest are allowed to go to the Sunset Beach (private beach)

Camping will be at the Sunset Beach *smile, wink, kiss*

Tembara respond time on their social media platform is 48-72hrs.

Tembara River Cruise

Kg. Benakal, Serusup

Tuaran, Sabah

Malaysia

Call: +60 16 838 3525

WhatsApp: +60 16 479 5319

Web : https://www.tembararivercruise.com/

The KUDATang Blogger & Social Media Influencer Fam Trip is in collaboration with Sabah Tourism Board and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Cabana Retreat at Kudat, Sabah

I saw Diana Teo posted about this place few months back and guess what, I get to visit this very same place during this trip. And I knew I will fall in love with Cabana Retreat, true enough I did.

Photo heavy post. You have been warned. Hehhehhee….

You see, I have been exposed to the glamping seen for a while now and we are aware of glamping site all over Malaysia (the famous one that is) but I have to be honest, I have not seen one by the beach with a very Instagrammable spot (despite I don’t do selfies and stuff, I am still at awe tau).

They have activities such as banana boat, ATV, paddle boat, cycling, volleyball and many more. And worry not as their service is pretty much like proper hotel, and the amenities is great too – breakfast, pool, free wifi, housekeeping, in-room dining service, toiletries, open cinema and barbecue.

Travel Tips
Travel Tips 1 : Kota Belud to Cabana Retreat id 1.5hrs

Travel Tips 2 : It is running full house on weekends, so book early

Travel Tips 3 : Many Instagrammable spots, so pack baju lawa2 tau

Travel Tips 4 : Nearest town is far hence buy your titbits to bring it over

Travel Tips 5 : You can bring your own food and BBQ here (BBQ pit is FOC)

Travel Tips 6 : They cater for romantic dinner by the beach kinda thingy too

Travel Tips 7 : Shower and toilet are located outside tau (sejak bila dalam tent ada toilet kan kan. Hahhahahaa….)

Tent Type

Classic Tent (1 queen) x 5 units
Deluxe Queen Tent (2 queen) x 6 units
Deluxe Single Tent (2 single) x 5 units
Quad tent (4 single) x 2 units

Verdict

You have to come lar, at least try it once. It is really a super duper cool experience. My recommendations are to stay a night here and another night probably camp at Tegudon for stargazing experience. Alternatively, is to camp at Tembara to enjoy another beautiful sunset. Ish… banyak pulak option, macam nil ah… make sure you stay at least 5 days in Kota Kinabalu (outskirt included). Supaya tidak menyesal kemudian hari.

Cabana RetreatKampung Rampayan Laut
Jalan Kudat
Kota Belud
Sabah

Web : https://www.cabanaretreat.com/

The #KUDATang Blogger & Social Media Influencer Fam Trip is in collaboration with Sabah Tourism Board and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Tegudon Tourism Village in Kota Belud, Sabah

Hear ye, hear ye

thee campers and stargazers

Tegudon Tourism Village is situated 15km from Kota Belud. Famous for its camping and stargazing sites, this rural lanscape comes with a scenic view of paddy fields, Wariou River flowing over the tiny waterfall with Mt. Kinabalu guarding its tranquility.

Photo credit to TTV Facebook Page

Photo credit to TTV Facebook Page

This place is just so serene and beautiful and you have the time, do stay a night here to enjoy the scenery, hike to Minorit Hill, Ponohuan Waterfall and Mt. Tambuyukon, try the tubing and stuff. Having said that, do choose your traveling month carefully, avoid raining season. And make sure to pick during the time when the paddy field is at its greenest most. As for stargazing activities, ask them the perfect month or perhaps stay during meteor shower. I bet it’ll be spectacular.

Photo credit to TTV Facebook Page and Cip @Ekahardiwito / Ekahardiwito Bin Subagio Purwito

Activities

Camping, stargazing, trekking to Minorit Hill + Ponohuan Waterfall + Mt. Tambuyukon, ‍bamboo rafting, fish feeding and picnic.

Others

Entrance fee : RM3

Camping fee : RM7

Tent : RM40 (4-6 pax tent)

Hut : RM15 per night

Tegudon Tourism Village

Jalan Nahaba

KotaBelud, Sabah

Web : https://www.facebook.com/tegudontourismvillage/

Photo credit to : Tegudon Tourism Village Facebook and Cip @Ekahardiwito / Ekahardiwito Bin Subagio Purwito

The KUDATang Blogger & Social Media Influencer Fam Trip is in collaboration with Sabah Tourism Board and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.

Sabah | Bavanggazo Rungus Longhouse

I am gonna tell you an interesting fact that I just learnt on Rungus Longhouse. I was so intrigued when I heard this.

Momogun Rungus is an ethnic group in Sabah (more in the northern part of Sabah) especially in Kudat. They are the sub-group of the Kadazan-Dusun, and have a distinctive language, dress, architecture, customs and oral literature. They are known for holding strongly to their culture and custom, and are thought to be the most traditional ethnic groups in Sabah. It comes as no surprise that many Rungus older generation folks still living in longhouses.

Rungus is famous for the beadwork known as Pinakol; a shoulder bands that is worn diagonally over each shoulder, crossing the chest and back like a sash. It usual contains 5 motifs/design/pattern ie Tiningulun representing a warrior, Tinompuling, a spear. Then there’s a gecko called Tinugarang, a wild flower named Vinusak and lastly Tinutub, a motif to complete the design.

We know that the Rungus longhouse is built using bamboo and all (well, I just got to know during this trip actually). Its interior is being divided into 2 areas – a long hall way where family can lepak, do kenduri works and etc, and partitions of room on the other side (per room consist of one family regardless the size of the family tau). Here's the thing...

#Funfact 1 : One longhouse can consist of one village. Like seriously hokkay.

#Funfact 2 : The room will be added as the family grew or get married. So, imagine lah how long this longhouse can be.

#Funfact 3 : Each room has its own kitchen (the room is pretty small, and please be reminded that per room consist of ONE family).

#Funfact 4 : There is a common kitchen qt the end of the long hall way. Yup! Proper kitchen with washing area and all. Tapi lupa nak ambek gambo pulak dah

#Funfact 5 : This is the INTERESTING part. When a family member passed away, they will make a 'hole' or 'a space' infront of the room hall way enough for the body to be carried down/out. The body WILL NOT be carried put thru the main entrance via the hall way.

Kg. Bavanggazo where the Rungus Longhouse is, is located near Tinangol in the Kudat district. It is about 41km from Kudat 100km from KK. You can stay here a night to experience Rungus delicacy, learnt their craft and enjoy their culture performances. There are also a few hiking tracks that can be arranged for you.

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Rungus Longhouse

Jalan Bavanggazo

Matunggong, Kudat

Sabah

The KUDATang Blogger & Social Media Influencer Fam Trip is in collaboration with Sabah Tourism Board and all its sponsors with #GayaTravel Magazine as media coordinator.