Kalimba Workshop with KTO

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We received an invitation for a Kalimba Workshop. I was like….’Kalimba? Apa tuh?’

The kalimba is an African musical instrument with a wooden soundboard and metal keys. The 15-key kalimba that we are making at Juma Instruments is an instrument that originates from African ethnic groups in Southern Africa. In the classification of musical instruments the kalimba is in the category of lamellophones or plucked idiophones (Hornbostel-Sachs system).
Taken from https://kalimbashop.com/what-is-a-kalimba/

We later received the Kalimba for our workshop, and we are to learn a few Korean Song using the Kalimba instrument. Overall it is a good experience and kinda easy too (but if you have chubby fingers like mind, well…. Abit susah lah). The teacher taught us popular/common song from Blackpink and Squid Game to name a few but for me, I like the ‘papa bear’ song. I reminded me of my favourite KDrama – Full House.

The first step in learning this instrument is to understand/memorise the notes which is fairly easy – short, long and longer. Then you play as per the key and note indicated.

It was fun and I have now acquired a new skill!

Palm Beach Resort & Spa Labuan | Beach view hotel

If you get to stay here, you will definitely be amaze with beach view… oh wait! You get to ride a horse too – just as the front desk tau.

Hotel being hotel I shall share with you my experience on the room. I only have ONE word – HUGE (or perhaps super HUGE). You basically can put another queen bed and still, there’s ample space for you to spread your luggage. You will also get a balcony WITH table and chair and all… boleh feeling-feeling breakfast/tea at the balcony facing the sea gitew.

To make life easier, let me share #TravelTips if you plan to stay a day or two here. Let’s go!
 
#TravelTips
1. Request for a beach facing room
2. As the room is super huge, 3 persons can stay in a room just ask for an extra bed
3. You have a huge vanity area in the bathroom as well as outside (takkan rebut-rebut punya lah)
4. On top of that, a working area for business traveler is available as well (different from the vanity area in the room)

5. The bedroom slipper is a flipflop so you can actually wear it to the pool (takyah bawak slipper)

6. Since the beach is a public area, you probably see stray dogs roaming (they won’t kacau you wan)
7. Occasionally you see them dogs roam at the hotel ground (garden), as they are harmless so please please please do not feed them with food. As it encourages them to come closely to human (for food)
8. The food you must try/request is the LAKSA SARAWAK – jangan kata sis tak payung tau
9. Breakfast food is so-so, due to the pandemic the hotel exercises strict SOP hence remember to ask for smaller portion if you plan to sample all the food there. Jangan membazir makanan
10. I did not manage to take a swim there but it look amazing kan kan kan

11. The hotel is located near a few attractions namely; Palm Beach Trail, Labuan Bird Park, Chimney Museum, and Chimney Walking Trail

12. Journey to the airport takes 20-30 mins max from the hotel (pretty convenient huh)
13. Journey to Pasar UTC (highlight recommended) takes about the same as to the airport.

In terms of hospitality they are okay, adhering to the SOP mandated by KKM and very helpful when asked for help.

PS : Labuan is not under/in Sabah, it’s a Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan similar to KL and Putrajaya

Palm Beach Resort & Spa Labuan
700, 87014 Labuan
Labuan Federal Territory
Website : https://www.palmbeachresortspa.com/

Labuan Geopark Media Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Labuan, Malaysia Airlines and all its sponsors.

#CutiCutiMalaysia #MaritahKaLabuan #TourismMalaysiaLabuan #TourismMalaysia #MalaysiaAirlines #MASWings #MASWingsMates

Pasar UTC Labuan | A MUST visit place

I have always been curious with local delicacies, hence it should not come with great surprise that I insisted to try or at least to look for my sayur paha-paha or pepaha (paha-paha vegetable) what some people claim to be unique to Labuan. Click HERE to learn about sayur paha paha as explained by the mak cik pasar. And because of this, I have been pestering Tourism (non-stop mind you) to take is to Pasar UTC Labuan – a so called ‘MUST’ visit place.

Finally, I got to do some local fruit/food hunting in Pasar UTC, and guess what… our guide Kak Kwa was with me the whole time. Not sure whether she is regretting it or not cos I asked plenty of questions as in P.L.E.N.T.Y! Told her she should be glad cos what I am doing is ‘membantu menyumbang pada ekonomi Labuan’ - I bought beras bukit merah, beras hitam, beras brown, beras bukit, ikan bilit mata biru, cumi-cumi, ikan keropok, cili putih and cili pandan. If they were to allow additional 30minutes, I would have bought the herba-herba mandian (this is so cool, will be sharing more). Or perhaps the whole pasar kot. HAHHAHAHHAAA…

I personally feel if you want to know the locals’ daily life/lifestyle, market/pasar or breakfast spot is the best place. All you need to do is sit down and watch or popularly known as people surfing. I will be giggling as I seeing them chit chatting; trying to understand the local dialect, watching them arranging their produce while cleaning the stall is like my personal TV Program. Do you know what I enjoyed best? Talking to them, and most of the time the respond is good and informative.

I started with buying my ikan bilis mata biru, I remembered one of my media friend told me to look for a stall with lesser tourist and when I asked why, he said ‘berbahagi rezeki’. I did just that here disregarding my friends asking me to purchase from the other stall, I said ‘takpe lah, berbahagi rezeki’. I felt proud. Ahaks.

After borong-ing ikan bilit mata biru, cumi-cumi and ikan keropok, Kwa the guide found me and told me she found THE paha-paha vegetable (vegetable = sayur in Malay language). I believe the right word to use is I ‘RAN’ to the stall… I asked the makcik how do the locals usually cook sayur paha-paha? And you know how a typical makcik will respond tight? She basically gave me the whole recipe, you can watch the REEL HERE… by the way, this vege is seasonal tau.

Next is the white and pandan birds eye chili. According to the makcik the taste is verydifferent from the usual red and green birds eye chili - click HERE to listen to mak cik. The spiciness kicks-in after. Apa lagi, beli lah kan… Not so sure KL ada tak. Video kat sini.

Then there bambangan jeruk that can be eaten with nasi panas-panas, sedap giler. A MUST MUST BUY tau!

From my observation, the market here is superbly CLEAN. And they pack everything beautifully, I even joked saying I don’t mind cooking everyday if the market is this clean in KL. Seriously (Eh! Korang percaya ke?). Click HERE for video.

Akar langir is used to mandikan mayat (to clean the corpse) as well as mandi pengantin (for wedded couple showering ritual) … This is sooooo interesting as this is the first time me hearing this. Apparently it is being practice by Kedayan tribe in Sarawak also, hence it is not unique to Labuan. I was made to understand by the makcik that you need to peel the langir root skin and boil it, sud will form and act like a soup thus camouflage the smell of the corpse. It is a custom that is not being practice as it used to. To view the video, click HERE.

And then there’s Kayu Patawali or Tinospora Crispa (Miers). It is good for high blood pressure and diabetes patients, the makcik said but I did not buy lah - see the mak cik HERE. My luggage is too full hahhahah…

And you must check out (to view the video, click HERE) the show herb - to buang angin, buang panas, lepas bersalin and etc.

Mind you, this is only a trip to the market. Next time, we go on food hunting trip pulak kay!

Labuan Geopark Media Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Labuan, Malaysia Airlines and all its sponsors.

#CutiCutiMalaysia #MaritahKaLabuan #TourismMalaysiaLabuan #TourismMalaysia #MalaysiaAirlines #MASWings #MASWingsMates

Staycation at Desa Tunas Hijau (Desaland), Labuan

So much has changed since I last came here, and the changes they did were amazing.

This is what I personally feel, the owner’s vision and mission supersedes everything. Dato’ Sri Mohd Alias Bin Abdul Rahman, the founder of Desa Tunas Hijau in Labuan took advantage of the pandemic to upgraded, revamped and improved this great place thus making it one of the most sought after place for outdoor and family recreation place.

Previously was equipped with activities such as ATV, kayak, a banquet hall and many more but now, the stage is beautifully decorated that it suits a wedding event (a rugged/outdoorish wedding theme would be perfect here). The pond not only caters for kayaking, but it also has paddle boats, water roller balloon and many more. What caught me by surprise is that Desa Tunas Hijau or Desaland has accommodation for guest to overnight, this was the highlight for me. You can use the accommodation for wedding prep or family to stay, ourdoor activities R&R place, staycation, picnic and many more. How great is this!!!! 

Let me share some of the places they have here, I bet you gonna get as excited.


Twin Rooms x 3 units

Suitable for family as it comes with 2 rooms

#TravelTips : Bring own sleeping bag or TOTO - fit more people
Weekend : RM320
Weekday : RM300 


Studio Room x 2 units

Suitable for couple or honeymooner

Weekend : RM300
Weekday : RM250 


Pine Cabin x 4 units 

#TravelTips : Connected and covered to the banquet, no problem come rain or shine

Weekend RM250
Weekday RM220 


Treehouse x 1unit (fan)

#TravelTips : Bathroom and toilet is located on the ground (common area)

Weekend RM180
Weekday RM150 


Campsite Rent

Suitable for youngster, scouts camping trip and gathering sesh, BBQ pit is available
#TravelTips : A great Family Day venue.
Daily RM10 per/head per/day (sewa tapak)
Tent Rent
Type 1. Cabin Tent - RM100.00
Type 2. Highlands Lodge Tent - RM100.00
Type 3. Cypress Grove Tent - RM120.00
Type 4. Timber Lodge Tent - RM100.00
Type 5. Wilderness Cabin Tent - RM100.00

There are also a few new ones that is still under construction, lodge facing the pond as well as igloo type tent. Can’t wait for this one.

As for the ATV ride, here’s the #TravelTip :
1. Check the tide, go during low tide.
2. If its during low tide, beg them to let you ride by the beach. It is MORE fun.
3. If you ride within the Desa Tunas Hijau compound, make sure you take care of your shoes as the ride takes you thru muddy pothole (saja jer kan supaya thrilling sikit).
4. You get to ride for 30 mins at the rate of RM60.00, don't worry 30 mins is sufficient. Having said that, You can also do a 1hr ride which cost RM100. Janji enjoy.
5. It is very easy and driving license is not required. Hahhahhah…
6. Helmet will be given to each rider.
7. Briefing will be given and the marshal will take you around, follow him (so jangan dok pandai-pandai).
8. Remember to take loadsa photos. Paling penting ni, hahahahhaha….

My suggestions are :
1. Local Labuan : Do your staycation here, after all they have BBQ pit as well
2. Travelers : Instead of booking your stay in a hotel, come here instead.
 
 
Desa Tunas Hijau
Jalan Sg Pagar, Kg Sg Miri
87008, WP Labuan
Website : https://www.desaland.com.my/

Operating Hours
Monday – Friday : 9:00AM–5:00PM
Saturday – Sunday : 9:00AM–5:00PM

Labuan Geopark Media Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Labuan, Malaysia Airlines and all its sponsors.

#CutiCutiMalaysia #MaritahKaLabuan #TourismMalaysiaLabuan #TourismMalaysia #MalaysiaAirlines #MASWings #MASWingsMates

Labuan’s G1 Geopark - Tanjung Kubong Chimney Walking Trail

This marks my second time on the Chimney Walking Trail. The first trip I started from the Chimney Museum (or Punil known to local) itself which feasted my eyes with totally different experience and view, this time around we started from the entrance next to the museum which eventually lead to the same final destination – the cliff (what I like to call this spectacular place). I have to say, this time around felt easier or perhaps because I already know what to expect. As suspected, around the Gedung Ubat or Ammunitions Storage is a popular place for photo taking. Everytime.

The area somehow gave a savannah vibe (perhaps due to dried grasses and leafless trees) with a touch of greenery enveloping it, over time and due to the natural process of erosion it is amazing to find soft powdery white sand on the cliff yet none seen on the beach below. I guess the sea level was higher thousands of years ago.

It was said that this Chimney Walking Trail loop is approximately 3-4km or so; depending on your starting and ending point. And easy/moderate trail I would say, having said that if you have an injured knee (like moi), do be careful as you descent to the beach, the boulders and rocks tend to get slippery especially after the rain. Other than that, it is fairly doable and suitable for a morning or evening walk, it takes less than half an hour to reach the beach unless you terhegeh ambek banyak gambar like us lah.

Along the trail you’ll get to see :
- British graveyard – 5 tombstones dating back to 1866 believed (I did not bump into this, thank goodness for that!)
- Gedung Ubat or Ammunitions Storage
- Coal formations and sea cave
- And of course the cliff (it is said that on a good day, you can even see Gunung Kinabalu and also the best place to view sunrise)

The Tanjung Kubong Chimney Walking Trail lead to the beach where you can see the rock formation that is estimated to be 15 million years old of sandstone lithology of the Belait formation. The Belait Formation consist of crossbedded sandstone, interbedded sandstone, siltstone, coal and shale that overlies the Setap Shale in Klias Peninsula. It is an extension from the Klias Peninsula that is located at the south-western part of Sabah.

During the walk we could find coal pebbles by the beach. Further reading shows that during 19th century, Labuan major export was coal and the main source is situated in Tanjung Kubong. Based on my desktop research, the said coal mined in Labuan is claimed to be of the highest quality ie. with little sooty residue.

In fact if you visit the Chimney Museum you will find history of the New Central Borneo company; the lessee for the coal mine constructed an 11 mile Labuan Coal Line to transport coal from Tanjung Kubong to the town; previously known as Victoria Port. The Labuan Coal Line was built under the leadership of a British civil engineer, Arthur Joseph West.

It was indeed a very educational and informative walk, we later ended our evening walk at Wak Kiman Point for the yummiest chocolate cake I ever tasted (either that or I am extremely tired and hungry).

Chimney Museum/Chimney Walking Trail
Kg Lubok Temiang
Jalan Tanjung Kubong
Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan

Labuan Geopark Media Trip is in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia, Tourism Labuan, Malaysia Airlines and all its sponsors.

#CutiCutiMalaysia #MaritahKaLabuan #TourismMalaysiaLabuan #TourismMalaysia #MalaysiaAirlines #MASWings #MASWingsMates