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.

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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.

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Things To Do in Jeju, Naturally.

Jeju was awarded by UNESCO for a few of its nature wonders namely the Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone’s bio-reserve, Mt. Halla Natural Reserve and Geomunoreum Lava Tube System. Jeju’s basaltic lava flowing underneath the earth, its underwater volcanoes are simply out of this world. As I wrote earlier, Jeju also is being recognised by UNESCO for it Haenyeo or women divers under the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Aside for its nature wonder, Jeju has a few attractions that I was not aware earlier (and now I do and impressed of) and would like to share it with those planning a trip here.


Innisfree Jeju House

If you like kdrama or kpop, I am very sure you know or at least heard of Innisfree. It is a naturalism-oriented South Korean cosmetics brand by Amorepacific and is famous for its eco-friendliness using Jeju’s quality ingredients. What makes it even more unique is that the organised activities here such as making natural soap with tangerine peel, green tea, volcanic clay and mask making to suit our own type of skin. Not only that, there is also a café here that serves organic food and beverages ie Jeju Pink Lemonade, Hallabong (Jeju famous tangerine) Blender, Green Tea Roll (I absolutely love this), Citrus Sudashi Cake and many more.

Yeomiji Botanical Garden

I had many photos taken here. ‘Beautiful land’ or ‘Yeomiji’ Botanical Garden consists of roughly 2,000 rare tropical and subtropical plants. It is said to be one of the best botanical garden in Asia that covers both indoor and outdoor plant attractions. The outdoor gardens are being segmented to  Jeju Native Garden, Korean Garden, Japanese, Italian Garden and French Folk Garden whereby one can ride the tram to check out the gardens, the Jungmun Tourist Complex as well as the Cheonjeyeon Falls.

As for the indoor garden, it covers the Cactus and Succulent Garden and also the Flower Garden of which very popular among the ladies. There is also an Observation Platform located in the indoor complex that provides view of the outdoor gardens, Hallasan Mountain, up till the coastal area, even as far as the Marado Island.


O'sulloc Tea Museum

O'sulloc Tea Museum was the first tea museum opened in Jeju Island in 2001 aimed to educate and preserve the age-old Korean tea culture and tradition. Located at Seokwang tea fields - one of Korea’s largest growers of nokcha (green tea) - the museum’s Tea Stone Gallery sets to demonstrate and educate Korea tea culture to its visitors. The Tea Cup Gallery and Tea Cups of the World showcases tea wares and utensils from the Three Kingdoms and the rest of the world, on the history, culture, custom and tradition. It also offers all sorts of green tea-infused desserts and drinks.

 

Jeongbang Falls

It is one of the top 3 waterfalls in Jeju Island, not only that some said that it is one of the few waterfalls in South East Asia to fall directly into the ocean. Oh yah, if you are lucky you might get to see the famous Haenyeos or woman divers doing free dive for seaweeds, sea cucumber and abalone. I also find it interesting that we could sample fresh shellfish seafood snack, eaten with garlic and gochu-jang (red chili paste) while enjoying the view. I saw locals pairing it with a bottle of cold Soju.

Jusangjeolli Cliff

Formed between 250,000 and 140,000 years ago when the lava erupted into the sea of Jungmun. Jusangjeolli Cliff  is also referred as ‘Jisatgae Rocks’  by the locals are basically rock pillars that are shaped like cubes or hexagons that runs along the Daepo coast. It is also a popular spot for sea angling. What makes it special is that the local council has erected a park that connects to the Olle walking trail, this allows visitors to view the cliffs as well do a little bit of brisk walking and enjoy Jeju’s nature wonder.

There are many places that you can visit here, best is to spend a week of so and oh yah, I would highly suggest for you to do a self drive roadtrip in Jeju. It’s more FUN!