Nature

Jeju Island

2008-09-04T20:54:00.000-07:00

Jeju's beauty make visitor feel stay in the archipelago Hawaiian

Exclude stone, famous Jeju among member Korean and Japan, in fact are considered as 'Pulau God' because fulfil rock carving form various volcano.

All sparked creativity revenue Jeju's inhabitants want to build distinctive culture and heritage, other from mainland South Korea. Atifak most famous history is 'ubiquitous harubang' OR 'grandfather stone' carved on block lava stone volcano.

Bony Pulau volcano ridge behind Halla-san that has also distinctive uniqueness until accredited as World korea's heritage site south .

In Pulau Jeju, always warm weather damp with temperate climate make to be there as stay in the archipelago Hawaiian, United States. May be factors that cause Pulau Jeju become choice among newly-wed want enjoy beautiful moment honeymoon.

Historically, Pulau Jeju is located in Selat Korea in the district Jeollanam-do before separates into other district in 1946. It ever also known with various name about Doi, Dongyeongju, Juho, Tammora, Takra, Tamra.

However, before happen power transition to 2006, Jeju starts called by Cheju. In fact, mention right Jeju is 'che ju' but Korea's member found many easy foreign tourist mention Jeju as 'je ju'.

If you want to Pulau Jeju, do not worried with language problem his taxi driver's as the majority skilled English-speaking, Japan and Mandarin. However, not wrong if know one Korea's couple of words supply eluding from cheated.

Custom tour to people post, of course one want planning flow of activity. To them like robust activity as mountain climbing, inilah among location just visited.

Apart from enjoying beauty of the scene mystical in Taman Negara Halla-san, visitor can climb Halla-san, volcanic mountain top as high as 1,950 metre become highest mountain in South Korea.

Period relax also may be filled whether with lie by the seaside while enjoy sunrise sang or setting or one could would have new hobby when to be there, namely record picture.

However, if environment beauty not afford to give rejoicing at heart, what say if you visit to Pulau Jeju when take place him Festival Api Jeongwol Daeboreum.

Festival that hold arrival time each year winter which combustion straw by tradition make purpose to destroy injurious insect. Majority design regard fire flare up boost vomit example lava from Halla-san.

Apart from tourism attractions, also famous Pulau Jeju as the location for feet angle. If opportunity to visit wet markets there, you can buy fresh fish various species, octopus, noisy and variety rare type of marine life found.

Climate tropical make land in Pulau Jeju as green belt with agricultural produce. Pineapple and lemon tangerine and honey derivative from local all kinds of flowers pay environment which are so different. Exclude this also famous with mushrooms Shitake and his cactus's tree.

INFO: Jeju

# Besides witnessing Festival Api Jeju, tourists can climbing mount, riding and soak at waterfall or see ancient rock various forms.

# In Taman Hallim can explore underground cave and looked Taman Bonsai those aged over 150 year.

# Manjanggul's cave by 1 kilometre and as high as 23 metre established from the inflow lava.

# Manjanggul's cave perishing and water cave always drop from the ceiling cave.

# In the food Jeju estimates salty because his tepid temperatures. In also rare Jeju prepared Kimchi when winter because seasonal climate

How thither?

Nearly all towns in Korea have direct flights to Jeju. Terbang Antarabangsa Jeju's field provide 12 domestic flight and six international flights daily. The airport can accommodate presence 7.64 million passenger each year.

To gain further information, contact Organisasi Pelancongan Korea in Kuala Lumpur through line 03-20722515

Resource

Penang Hill

2008-08-27T20:42:00.000-07:00

Penang Hill is a hill resort comprising a group of peaks, the major hill system of Penang, Malaysia. It is located six kilometers from the city centre of George Town. It stands out prominently from the lowlands as a hilly and forested area. Penang Hill is also known by the Malay name Bukit Bendera, which refers to Flagstaff Hill, the most developed peak.

Topography

Penang Hill is mainly hilly granitic mass. The hill system is higher towards the northern part with its highest point at Western Hill, at an elevation of 833 m (2,723 ft) above sea level. Other than Western Hill, there are a number of peaks in the region, such as Bukit Laksamana, Tiger Hill, Flagstaff Hill and Government Hill. Flagstaff Hill is 735 m (2,450 ft) above sea level. A number of small rivers and streams originated from the region. Sungai Pinang is the largest of the rivers, and it starts from a number of tributaries in the area.

Land use

Because Penang Hill has a cooler environment, it has been a popular holiday retreat. A number of bungalows were built around Flagstaff Hill. The northern part of the Hills are not well developed. Government Hill, Bukit Timah and others are designated water catchment areas and no development is permitted.

Some recreational potential exists at the upper reaches of the river where the water is relatively clean. In a number of cases, sudden changes in ground level have resulted in a series of small waterfalls and rapids, where bathing, dipping and picknicking are popular.

The lower terrain of the Hills is used mainly for agricultural and residential purposes.

Accessibility

Penang Hill Railway, shot from Viaduct Station.

Penang Hill Railway passing loop.

The most convenient way up to Penang Hill is by means of the Penang Hill Railway, a funicular railway from Air Itam to the top of Flagstaff Hill. Construction of the railway took place between 1906 to 1923, at a cost of 1.5 million Straits dollars. The railway was opened to the public on October 21, 1923. The 2,007 m (1 mile 435 yard) journey takes about half an hour and the train may stop at intermediate stations upon request.

Alternatively, there is a 5.1 km (3.17 mile) tarred road known popularly as the "jeep track". It is open only to the vehicles of hill residents. The "jeep track" is also used by off-road motorcycle enthusiast to traverse up the steep terrain. It is a popular hiking route. It begins at the quarry at the entrance of the Penang Botanic Gardens and it takes a two or three hour leisurely hike to reach the top. Some of the more famous pit stops at the mountain are 52 and 84. At these pit stops, the view of island is visible to hikers which are able to get some water and tea prepared by locals stationed on the hill. Eighty Four is the last pit stop before the top of Penang Hill -- approximately forty five more minutes from 84.

Jalan Sultan Yahya Petra, more commonly known as Summit Road, leads from the top station to the western part of the hill right towards Western and Tiger Hill.

The eastern face of Penang Hill is well served by a series of roads and paths, for example, Moniot Road, Viaduct Road, and Tunnel Road. Moniot Road is named after a Frenchman, Michael Jules Moniot who surveyed it between 1846 and 1855. Moniot Road has been declared a Heritage Trail in 1995 by the Governor of Penang.

A system of bridle paths forms a picturesque labyrinth of walks connecting the different bungalows. Indian penal servitude prisoners shipped from Bencoolen, Sumatra to Penang during the second half of the 19th century built these by-paths.

Numerous trekking trails lead from various starting points in the lowlands to Penang Hill. The more popular trails include the Moongate Trail, trail from Air Itam Dam to Tiger Hill, trail from Hye Keat Estate and trail from the Municipal Park (formerly Youth Park). Some of the trails are used by farmers to transport produces to the markets of Balik Pulau and Air Itam.

Climate

The most important feature of Penang Hill is the cooler climate. The core summit area has an average temperature ranging from 20° to 27°C. The mean minimum temperature is consistently below 21°C. The hottest months are between December and April while the coolest months are between June and October.

Flora

The most common forest type found on Penang Hill is the hill dipterocarp forest. Growing at higher altitudes are some of the submontane oak-laurel as well as coniferous trees. The Tree fern which is normally associated with higher elevations are also found growing here.

Penang Hill is scientifically important as a type site of many Malaysian plant species. In the past, botanists came here to collect plants for herbaria around the world. It is an area rich in biodiversity and has a great number of endemic species, some of which are so rare that their existence is endangered.

The rare and endangered species include the parasitic plant Exorhopalia ruficeps, which grows in the shady and damp undergrowth. The Penang slipper orchid is fast becoming over-collected and disappearing. The endangered witch hazel Maingaya malayana was rediscovered years ago and has since been propagated.

Fauna

Large mammals are not found in Penang Hills. Wild boars, small and medium sized mammals such as the squirrels, monkeys and tree shrews can be sighted. A number of species found in these hills are nocturnal. These include the civets, flying lemurs, flying civets and bats.

In the evenings, the characteristic calls of the cicadas and crickets are often heard. If one is discerning enough, the stick insect and leaf mantis may be found well-camoufaged among the vegetation.

Penang Hills have a rich bird fauna. Over 100 species or about 80% of the birds found on Penang Island have been recorded here. They range from the common garden species to rare deep forest inhabitants.

Penang Hill Bukit Bendera
View from the top of Penang Hill.
Elevation	735 metres (2,450 ft)
Location	Peninsular Malaysia

Mount Jerai

2008-08-27T20:37:00.000-07:00

Mount Jerai (Malay: Gunung Jerai;) or formerly Kedah Peak is the highest mountain in the Malaysian state of Kedah with the height of 1,217 metres (3,993 ft). Within Kedah itself, the mountain stands at the border of Kuala Muda and Yan districts. The mountain is a massive limestone outcrop and is a lone feature from the surrounding geography of the area. There is an information board on top of the mountain stating that it used to be an island called Pulai Serai before the sea levels receded letting it form a mountain, but this fact has no research or historical basis.

In ancient times the mountain was considered sacred by the local Malays but this belief died out in the 20th century. The height of the mountain relative to its surrounding allowed traders to use the mountain as a navigational point. Bujang Valley, the richest archaeological site in Malaysia is located on the southern reaches of the mountain.

Mount Jerai
Elevation	1,217 metres (3,993 ft)
Location	Kedah, Malaysia
Range	Titiwangsa Mountains
First ascent	Hindu settlers about 800 AD

Laut Merah

2008-08-26T19:57:00.000-07:00

Laut Merah (Arab بحر الأحمر Bahrul-Ahmar; Ibrani ים סוף Yam Suf; Tigrinya ቀይሕ ባሕሪ QeyH baHri) adalah sebuah teluk di sebelah barat Jazirah Arab yang memisahkan benua Asia dengan Afrika. Jalur ke laut di selatan melewati Babul Mandib dan Teluk Aden sedangkan di utara terdapat Semenanjung Sinai dan Terusan Suez. Laut ini di tempat yang terlebar berjarak 300 km dan panjangnya 1.900 km dengan titik terdalam 2.500 m. Laut Merah juga menjadi habitat bagi berbagai makhluk air dan koral.

PENAMAAN

Walaupun sering dikaitkan dengan berbagai cerita di masa lampau, namun sampai abad ke-20, orang Eropa menyebutnya "Teluk Arab", sedangkan Herodotus dan Ptolemeus menyebutnya "Arabicus Sinus". Air Laut Merah sendiri sebenarnya tidak beda dengan air laut yang lain.

Penjelasan-penjelasan ilmiah menyebutkan bahwa warna merah di permukaan muncul akibat Trichodesmium erythraeum yang berkembang. Ada juga yang menjelaskan bahwa namanya berasal dari gunung kaya mineral di sekitarnya yang berwarna merah.

FISIK
Laut ini muncul karena pemisahan Jazirah Arab dari benua Afrika yang dimulai sekitar 30 juta tahun yang lalu dan masih berlanjut sampai sekarang. Suhu permukaan laut selalu konstan sekitar 21-25°C dengan jarak penglihatan 200 m. Namun, sering terjadi angin kencang dan arus lokal yang membingungkan.

NEGARA YANG BERDEKATAN

Negara yang berbatasan dengan Laut Merah adalah:

Pesisir utara
Pesisir barat
- Sudan
- Mesir
Pesisir timur
- Arab Saudi
- Yaman
Pesisir selatan

Resource

Tioman Island

2008-08-26T19:50:00.000-07:00

About 36 nautical mile off Malaysia's east coast lies Pulau Tioman, or Tioman Island a tear-shape paradise. An enduring and tranquil island, Tioman Island boasts miles and miles of white sandy beaches and swaying palm trees, charming villages and friendly people. Its crystal clear water promise spectacular marine life and colourful coral gardens. The striking profile of the twin peaks of Gunung Nenek Semukut provides a markable landmark to this beautiful island reputed to be one of the most beautiful and idyllic islands in the world.

Places of Interest in Tioman

Tioman Island, the largest in a group of 64 volcanic islands which includes Seri Buat Island, Sembilang Island, Tulai Island, Chebeh Island, Labas Island and Renggis Island, is situated about 80km northwest of Peninsular Malaysia's east coast. Said to be the final resting place of a fabled dragon princess who had turned herself into an island in the South China Sea, Tioman Island is truly one of the most beautiful islands in the region.

Blessed with miles of soft white sand, swaying palms, wild flowers growing in vivid profusion and cool waterfalls cascading down green slopes, Tioman Island is an adventurer's paradise for quiet retreats, trekking, sunbathing and sea sports. Noted for crystal clear water as far down as 33 metres, Tioman Island is a veritable green of colorful marine life, offering underwater sportsmen some of the best dive sites in the world.

There are several villages scattered around the island's coastline, the larger ones being Salang, Tekek,Genting, Paya and Juara. Each village offers a different atmosphere and will be a unique experience to enjoy.

GETTING THERE
a) By Air : Berjaya Air operates daily direct flights to Tioman from the Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah Airport in Kuala Lumpur and Seletar Airport in Singapore.

b) By Sea : The island is accessible by boat from the jetties in Tanjung Gemok and Mersing. The ride takes about one hour and thirty minutes, depending on sea conditions. Tioman is also accessible from the Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal in Singapore. Journey time is four hours and thirty minutes.

c) By Road : Tanjung Gemok in Pahang and Mersing in Johor, are two take-off points to Tioman. Tanjung Gemok is a three-and-half-hour drive via the North-South Expressway. Visitors can exit at the Senawang Interchange, and proceed to Muadzam Shah and Rompin before arriving at Tanjung Gemok. To get to Mersing from Kuala Lumpur , exit at Kluang in Johor on the North-South Expressway.

Cucumber tree treat high blood

2008-08-24T23:31:00.000-07:00

Not long once when opportunity to visit a village in Hulu Langat, my Selangor quite surprised.

can reputed each inhabitants in the village more comfortable use herbaceous plant.

In treat what also disease, they smoother use herbaceous plant unless the disease true benat need modern medical.

Alternative medical use as the distance travelled from the village with town nearest is far and for kesana it need high cost.

In the village, herbaceous plant use variously.

there are those make juice , compounds in certain cooking or make as vegetable vegetable.

About is cucumber tree. Buahnya like fruit mengkudu, but its colour more to light green and his size relatively minor.

Resource Centre Chief Plant Genetic, Biosains's Institute, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Dr.Mohd Said Saad introduces herbal plant tesebut.

He explained, cucumber tree tree is type of tree make choice as crop dihalaman house.

This tree is easy grow and guess shady. It suitable for shading tree at house.

"Base practitioner confession traditional medical, them say this tree is suitable to high blood and treat high fever," he said.

Drug to high blood acquired from the fruit deep plant his scientific language call Averrhoa bilimbii this.

"It way is take several fresh cucumber tree and kemudianya grind stated fruit until fine.

Tapiskan to obtain airnya. Little Campukan seasoning because sense it somewhat bitter. Please drink in the morning or afternoon," said Dr. Mohd Said.

To treat high fever also, take few leaves it fresh.

Massage the foliage with sedikait water until quite fine and and put him above a piece of cloth.

poultice above head . Doing until lesser feeling of warmth.

Effective prickly lantana for wound

2008-08-24T23:23:00.000-07:00

Lantana produce flower beautiful and its colour either yellow or bright orange certainly appealing suitable anymore to make ornamental plant in house compound.

Perhaps because his smell no seharum rose, melor, champaca and others, lantana no so adored a number of people.

However, stated smell factor no also caused many among the community today disregard him as an ornamental plant, because this tree actually have in nutrition high medically herb and traditional.

Willing Ketua Pusat Sumber Genetik Tumbuhan Bio UPM's Science, Serdang, Selangor, Dr. Mohd Said Saad, this tree is effective to treat wounds to limb.

"Basically this plant have nutrition good to medical angle herb because it own character antiseptic that suitable to treat wounds to person," he said in a meeting in his office.

Follow him more, plant antiseptic nature in whose scientific it name as Lantana camara this, contain to mucus that comes out his leaves fresh when squeezed.

"If instil leaves diaramaskan that to wound we experience, it afford avoid infection, halt blood away and quick wounds recovered," he said.

In fact, base confession several medical practitioner local traditional, tree leaves this prickly lantana is also appropriate to treat swollen or sprain to member that particular.

"his way is by massage few leaves it and his nurture at the place swollen or tenseliuh. It Balutlah with a piece of cloth and ignore until feel the swelling lost," he remarked more.

Gunung Ledang

2008-08-22T09:47:00.000-07:00

Height	:	1276 meters (Highest in Johor State)
Location	:	Sagil, Johor State
Water Point	:	1 hour before summit
Summit Temperature	:	10 - 20 degree celcius
Highlights	:	Some Johor town view, Straits of Melaka (in clear weather). Full star sky view at night, Sunrise.


		Gunung Ledang, Malaysia most legendary mountain which is locate at Johor State, tell about a legend of "Puteri Gunung Ledang". Gunung Ledang is the most visited mountain in Malaysia especially the Sagil waterfall base is a local favourite picnic area. There have two ways of reaching the summit. One is from Sagil, Johor, the other is through Asahan, Melaka. Even the Asahan route is shorter most of the mountaineers will go for the Sagil trek because this trek more challenging. From the bottom to the summit it needs to take about 6 hour, and got 4 difference type of trek way (staircase, slope muddy trek, rock and normal rainforest trek), pass by a 50 meters waterfall, a small lake, 3 small river, a cave (Gua Kambing) and atleast 5 camp site. This is a nice mountain for those local and Singapore mountaineers who favourite in search of excitement and adventure specially for beginer who want to feel what mountain in Malaysia are really like.
Puteri Ledang Waterfall

The expert trail from Botak Hill.

Cameron Highlands

2008-08-22T09:37:00.000-07:00

Cameron Highlands is Malaysia's leading holiday and tourist retreat. Tucked away among a nest of serene mountains on the magnificent Main Range, the Cameron Highlands offer visitors cooling weather and respite from the tropical heat as well as a chance to enjoy the spectacular beauties of nature. Each year, this place attracts tourists and visitors from all over the world who come to appreciate the picteresque scenery, amazing landscape, cooling climate and myriad shopping opportunities.

Information
Information on travel in Cameron Highlands can be obtained here. Learn about the culture and history of this charming holiday retreat while browing a list of hotels and apartments to find the right accommodation when staying there. Also, check out the handy tourist guide which gives you tips on weather, among other things while other sections detail getting there, an explanation of the various towns and a map to chart your way around.

Where to Go
Tourists and visitors to Cameron Highlands have a wide range of places to go and explore that will provide strangely satisfying memories. For local visitors, the attractions lie in the opportunity to experience continental living in the places they visit, while for international tourists, the charm of Cameron Highlands may come more from the nature heritage and serene enviroment as well as the rustic living in a highland town much unlike a cosmopolitan city.

What to Do
This section provides convenient and useful information to help you plan, organise and execute a retreat to Cameron Highlands . Find useful information on where to visit; learn about the different types of popular food in the highlands; gather tips on tackling nature-based attractions and know the best places to shop! This section will be updated from time-to-time with the latest information to help you plan your trip.

Tours
Tours of Kuala Lumpur that provide a comprehensive experience of this delightful city can be booked through us. Tourists and visitors can expect to see exciting landmarks and cultural highlights of KL through the help of an English-speaking guide along with comfortable transportation and your welfare attended to with the utmost care. Choose from a wide range of packages to explore the city or customise your own, including those to places beyond Kuala Lumpur.

Resource

Among top 25 Most Beautiful Castles in the World

2008-08-19T18:34:00.000-07:00

A'Famosa Resort. The name conjures up images of a bygone era, when the bustling port city of Malacca was not only the commercial hub of Asia but an exotic melting pot of cultures, ideas and architecture as well. The A'Famosa is in fact named after the famous 16th century Portuguese monument, which is all that remains today of the Portuguese fort which once formed an imposing circle of stone around the entire city. The logo of the resort also incorporates a stylized silhouette of the gateway in the background.

That romantic era may be long-gone but it can be re-lived at A'Famosa Resort, rated by many as the region's foremost leisure and holiday resort. Situated on a 1300-acre site in Alor Gajah, surrounded by rolling hills and a lush countryside, A'Famosa is a dream getaway which will entice your senses, calm your nerves and leave you totally refreshed and rejuvenated.

One of the best things about A'Famosa is its strategic location off the North-South Highway- just half an hour's drive from historic Malacca city, 45 minutes from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport and about an hour from Kuala Lumpur. The resort is also extremely a popular with Singaporeans as it only takes two hours by road to go there from the Lion City. An alternative mode of travel is via rail, alighting at the Tampin Railway Station which is just a 10-minute taxi ride away.

Rightly touted as a one-stop destination for business and pleasure, A'Famosa offers an international championship 27-hole golf course, the highly-acclaimed Animal World Safari,Water World Theme Park, Resort Hotel, Villas, Condotel, excellent conference/banquet facilities and much more. It's one of the few resorts in this region that can truthfully claim to have 'something for everyone' regardless of age, whether you're an avid golfer, animal lover, water sports enthusiast, or just someone who enjoys a blissful, worry-free escape from the hustle and bustle of modern city living.

Water World
A'Famosa Water World which occupies a land area of 20 acres is the only water theme park of its kind in the southern region of this country and comprises of slides and pools of every kind.

The park has lots of interesting and unique features such as choices of water slides - all designed to suit even the most sophisticated water enthusiasts.

Kids will find the Arabian Village and Kid's Adventure Pool an exciting adventure. For those looking for excitement, take up the challenge by trying out our Seven Storey High Speed Slide.

Feel the adrenaline rush through your head as you slide down. Less daring souls can try out the Wave Pool, Family Raft Ride and the longest Lazy River in the world.

As every facility in the park meets safety levels of international standards, visitors can enjoy the fun with a peace of mind.

Animal World
Located on 150 acres of pristine surroundings, the A'Famosa Animal World Safari is an amazing wildlife Safari that houses over 150 of the finest species from the animal kingdom.

Watch in amazement as you encounter majestic Tigers, Lions, Giraffes, Camels, Zebras, Elephants and other creatures roaming freely in the Safari.
Explore the magic of wildlife habitats and environment in our safari trucks.
Experience the animals up close; feed and pet the Rabbits, Ponies, Camels and other friendly animals as you stroll leisurely in the Walk-Through Area.
Visit the Chicken Farm to get to know the world's rarest species of chicken.
Cruise to the Monkey Island on a raft.
Enjoy the Show

Sources

Dragon City

2008-08-19T18:28:00.000-07:00

IT IS not without reason that Shanxi’s 2,500-year-old municipality of Taiyuan is called Dragon City. Not only was it home to several emperors, the most famous of whom are the Tang dynasty’s great Li Shimin and China’s only woman emperor Wu Zetian, but its location smack in the middle of Shanxi makes it a natural choice as provincial capital. Taiyuan is also a centre of the province’s all-important coal and steel industries.

Interestingly, the very name of Li Shimin’s dynasty originated in Taiyuan. In the remote past, a state called Tang was located here and when Li’s father became emperor, he named his dynasty Tang in honour of his home district.

Jinci houses some of the finest temple sculptures in China.

Perhaps less well-known is the fact that Taiyuan is deemed the ancestral source of the Wang clan.

Wang (Ong, Wong) is a common enough surname amongst people of Chinese ancestry all over the world. But last April, Xinhua News Agency reported that Wang, meaning “king”, has overtaken Li to become the most common in China, accounting for 7.25% of the population, or a staggering 95 million people. A subsequent report says in Beijing alone, more than 10% of the residents carry this name.

There are several sources of this ancient name whose origins date back 2,600 years. With few exceptions (such as minorities who adopted the name), the roots of the Wang clan can be traced to the royal family of the Zhou dynasty.

The most prolific branch appears to originate from Zi Qiao, the Crown Prince Jin of eastern Zhou. The story goes that this outspoken prince offended his father the king who demoted him to commoner and banished him. Prince Jin eventually settled in Taiyuan. After he died his son adopted Wang as the family name as he was already commonly addressed as such due to his royal lineage.

Over time the Wang clan spread to other parts of China. In Fujian a military commissioner named Wang Shenzhi even set up a short-lived kingdom called Min with the capital at Fuzhou after the collapse of the Tang dynasty.

In the 1990s the Shanxi government refurbished the 500-year-old mansion of a high ranking Ming dynasty official surnamed Wang and converted it into a memorial hall for Zi Qiao, so that his descendants from all over the world can have a place to gather to pay respects to their root ancestor.

Called the Jinxi Academy, the hall is situated on the grounds of Jinci, a memorial temple complex 25km from Taiyuan.

Jinci’s beginnings are so ancient nobody knows when it was first built but it is believed to have its origins in a 3,000-year-old memorial temple to Shuyu, the first duke of Tang in the western Zhou dynasty who was noted for his wisdom and good governance. After he died, his son re-named the territory Jin to honour the river that flowed through it, hence the memorial temple to his father is called Jinci. After 30 centuries this legacy is still alive in Shanxi whose short name “Jin” recalls the ancient state.

Behind Jinci’s imperial vermilion walls the extensive temple grounds seem like a palace garden in a Chinese landscape painting. A stream winds around “flying” bridges of white stone, grassy lawns and graceful pavilions, terraces and halls amidst tall willows and ancient cypresses. The oldest, a cypress called Zhoubo with leathery, weather-beaten bark, was planted 30 centuries ago and so tired it is almost reclining horizontally.

The oldest and most important edifice in Jinci is the imposing 1,000-year-old, 19m high Shengmudian or Saint Mother Hall which commemorates the mother of Shuyu. Topped with a double-layered roof of finest blue and yellow glazed tiles, Shengmudian is said to represent Song dynasty architecture at its finest.

A stream winds around Jinci Temple’s lovely gardens.

Inside the stark, bare hall, 45 gorgeously moulded clay sculptures of Song palace ladies and court eunuchs stand against the walls waiting to serve the Saint Mother. The subtle expressions on their milk-white, refined faces reveal each individual’s mood, feelings and personality. A happy, confident beauty; a resigned dowager fallen from favour; a sad serving maid deep in reflection. Each lady has a unique hairdo and gesture and their flowing court garments, shawls and ribbons fall softly and naturally around their figures. Even after a thousand years, their original predominantly red, teal and midnight blue colouring is still evident.

Jinci’s extant halls, offerings pavilion, opera terrace, archways and other structures were constructed over a 1,000-year-period spanning four major dynasties. Regrettably, aside from the roofs, many of the buildings and sculptures need refurbishment.

Still, poets like the Tang dynasty’s Libai have sung its praises and even Emperor Li Shimin eulogised the architecture and scenery of the place in a tablet. Jinci is indisputably one of the most beautiful imperial temple complexes I have seen in China.

Artificial reef

2008-08-19T18:23:00.000-07:00

KUANTAN: Since more 30 last year purpose does variety of research increase productivity biology and national fishery resource until sparked him implementation and development country first artificial reef to 1975.

Since various method made included through the use tire tukun, PVC's tukun, boat tukun, ceramic tukun until renewal more workable artificial reef namely concrete tukun.

Continuous efforts on the development artificial reef were implemented by the old period perpetrated on basis of awareness on the importance fisheries sector and helps it on the aspects national economy.

First artificial reef site his inaugural launched in the waters near Pulau Telur Yan, Kedah to 1975 and it widen further to East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia namely in Pulau Ekor Tebu, in the waters a Sarawak (June 1979), Pulau Satang (December 1982) And Pulau Style, Sabah ' (October 1982).

Fisheries department Director-General, Datuk Junaidi Che Ayub says go through 9th Rancangan Malaysia (RMK9), government allocated as many as RM9.4 million to implement artificial reef development project as conservation act and adding national fishery resource.

Concrete Tukun

The allocation is consistent with the aspiration realize national fish production target to two million tonnes metric per annum include

Am being followed contribution of aquaculture as many as 600,000 tonne and maintain marine fishery helps beach as many as 900,000 tonne.

Various efforts have been made government side with anchor artificial reef different kind in various rekabentuk in the country ' waters.

Artificial reef from the use as old tire, PVC's tukun, boat tukun, ceramic tukun and now move to tukun a more practical namely concrete tukun also being designed deep suitable various forms as tetrapod (tripod) and cuboid (four footed), said Junaidi.

Artificial reef design put stated is different depend to surface condition seabed in satusatu area.

He explained that concrete artificial reef advantage is it not only encouraged breeding fish even suitable to make life place various coral.

Tourism industry hoist

After three-month lengthen, tukun has potential to become a location tradition fisherman fishing, fish hook octopus and as the destination dive for scuba diver.

"In fact fisherman also could pursue sport fishery activity by the way rent their boat to bring recreation angler.

"Indeed could not be denied artificial reef environment show abundance and species diversity high fish his value base observation which does through diving activity scuba," said Junaidi.

Fish of the type 'demersal' visible search of food in the environment tukun and part it have fixed province to particular part artificial reef.

Fish children from visible various species revolve in space that there were to artificial reef and this indicates that artificial reef structure also function habitats as supply fry various species.

Inhibit invasion

From the aspect food web, artificial reef will provide the foundation attachment for food web to primary production from algae photosynthesis and microorganism another.

This primary product would be used again by primary consumer as fry further become contributor to secondary increase of activity another.

Stated method, said Junaidi, not only help increase breeding fish in fact can inhibit invasion botbot trawl fisherman often occurs lately.

Trawl use identified as the main cause beach destruction of ecosystem beach including catching child not yet just in time commercial fish breed.

Habitat destruction natural namely coral area of rock to be the venue breeding, seedling and find large part food marine life because trawling boat encroachment.

Unbalanced and very active fishery activity that breeding with the process and species expansion certain fish can bring to the deterioration national fishery resource.

Department side, he said, take about 1,000 especially case relating invasion activity trawl fishing boat all over the country to each year.

"Within same happens invasion by boat foreign fisherman trawl within first six months this year with 30 case reported.

"Actually got two main purpose this artificial reef project implemented that is to improve fishery resources in the country ' waters and prevent trawling boat encroachment.

"This artificial reef development as harpoon two chief bill in efforts reduce trawling boat encroachment case in coastal areas beach that often occurred to rainy season," he said.

In connection with that, the artificial reef development sighting not only will help increase productivity biology and fishery resources beach coast in fact hoped that can reduce trawling boat encroachment activity.

Programme artificial reef

Yet, 40 country cover six continent have been practicing artificial reef technology for various fishing industry use, conservation and resource management, release anakanak fish and recreational area angler.

Programme artificial reef launches at Pahang is the result from innovation Jabatan Perikanan Malaysia as those ready to inform seabed in east coast region his large part comprise from sandy area.

Almost all lost or damaged tukun found to have been caused by from submerged or ruined following wave activity or trawl boat.

Tukun put before this become fisherman prime destination by beginnings especially tradition his launching in the waters Cherating since two years ago while tukun one step recreation were implemented in the waters Rompin with total allocation RM500,000.

For this year Fisheries Department allocated RM400,000 to implement artificial reef tetrapod in the waters Kuantan and Pekan.

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Santuari Gajah Sungai Ketiar Tasik Kenyir's new attraction

2008-08-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

HULU TERENGGANU: Kenyir's lake which is located about 70 kilometre from city Kuala Terengganu become among lake miraculous man made in the world.

Natural affinity strength she owned make Tasik Kenyir have area of about 380,000 hectare, as heaven to lover nature, angler, golfer and those who like recreational activity.

Among his main attraction is water jump, cave, rich river with fish freshwater, mountain to be climbed, track to cross forest and not lag lake suitably for sport activity water-like jet ski, kayaking, berkenu and boat race.

Yet, visitor can now enjoy difference when visiting Tasik Kenyir with Santuari Gajah Sungai Ketiar (SGSK) just opened up on 29th of January past.

Is located limit with National Park and Hutan Simpan Hulu Besut and nearby with Santuari Kelah in Sungai Petang, SGSK which covered area of about 15,000 hectare, make visitor new attraction to that lake.

Visiting hours

SGSK's manager, Zulkifli Ayob, said santuari that start to open to the public on 30th of January past, operate from o'clock 9 morning to 6 afternoon daily.

He says so far, SGSK had accepted visit 8,800 visitor and 69 from it is foreign tourist.

"SGSK receives visit most lot of visitors to Hari past employees namely as many as 578 people. Largely is local people through this area to to Tasik Kenyir and Cameron Highlands," he said.

He advise those people through that area not to panic when run into with elephant stray there especially from o'clock 4.30 morning to 6.30 morning.

"Those who through this area, please do not to sound car horn or light towards wild elephants this. This action will cause these animals

Solar And Chalil

SGSK now operates with two elephant code-named "Chalil" AND "Solar", respectively years old eight year.

Chalil is male elephant those caught in the area Lembaga Kemajuan Kelantan Selatan (Kesedar), Gua Musang, Kelantan To 2003 While Solar (cow) caught in the city Permaisuri, Setiu to 2005.

Zulkifli says before being sent to SGSK, keduadua stated elephant has been given training in Pusat Konservasi Gajah Kebangsaan Kuala Gandah in Temerloh, Pahang.

"After being given training, kedua-dua elephant that were evacuated to here (Ketiar's River) a day before SGSK operates," he said, who also as caretaker both stated animal.

SGSK's four workers also accepted basic training a month during stated central to study elephant behavior by control wild elephant behaviour.

Solar and Chalil had been trained with use language Myanmar for word sit, Thailand (respect) and Malay (food) to facilitate communication between employee and that elephant.

Cost and daily food

Zulkifli says food cost to Suria and Chalil total RM12,000 one month and it support by the state government Terengganu through State Economic Planning Unit (UPEN).

"Solar and Chalil respectively as heavy as 1.5 tan and 1.3 tan, need of food about 100 kg a day. Bread to breakfast, for food sugar cane afternoon and fruits like watermelon, papaya, sweet potatoes and corn afternoon for food," he said.

According to him, Suria and Chalil will be discharged to nearby forest each four day once.

"Activity as such enable this animals accommodate with wild nature when it is already large and help lead and accompanying wild elephants stay in stated forest area," he said.

Future planning

Meanwhile, Dan's Director Of The Widlife Protection Department National Park (Perhilitan) Terengganu, Rozidan Md Yasin says SGSK is santuari maiden elephant established at Terengganu and it make cooperation project among his side and state government.

"Perhilitan as pemantau and this as the project executive while state government to prepare financial resource to finance all stated project cost.

"Because this programme still at an early stage, no payment am being imposed to on visitor who come to SGSK. However, to future time, us may will charge," he said.

Education and awareness

Rozidan says, SGSK's establishment is as a channel to provide education and awareness to the young generation so that love wild animals, become their fugitive who lives an irresponsible.

"Falls victim wild animal person against whom irresponsible desire to get higher profit with sell animal body member stated," he said.

He says, cooperation of all parties would be vital and hope santuari that could give realisation to the young generation so that protect wildlife.

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Bird migrate and tarantula dying out in Bukit Fraser

2008-08-19T18:10:00.000-07:00

Bukit Fraser's peace, with fresh cold air and his green leaf's bush, make resort hill this among destination lover choice nature.

Is located long 105 km from Kuala Lumpur and to height 1,524 metre from sea level, Bukit Fraser also actually turned out various destination of choice bird species migrate especially from Siberia, before heading to New Zealand and Australia to Mac until June each year.

Small wonder, each June each year, many outside the country and deep tourist, especially bird fan, visit Bukit Fraser.

To 21 to 22nd of June past, many come to see and approach more 250 bird species as Helang Berjambul, Rimba Murai Bukit, Kelicap Gunung and Burung Matahari Gunung, through competition Mengenal Burung Antarabangsa those organised Tourism Pahang collaboration with Perbadanan Kemajuan Bukit Fraser (PKBF).

Spot bird

Event those organised since 1987 that also successfully trigger interest bird-watching this as one activity to tourists besides promoting Bukit Fraser as a tourism product.

Competition spot bird this also hold to document new species discovery bird apart from enrich participant experience over bird world.

A participant from Japan, Kozue Yamaguchi first time follow competition such that said him very impressed with uniqueness of the various bird species she seen in Bukit Fraser.

"I can see many bird species who had never I meet previously in Japan," he said.

He says the competition can credit to Malaysia in eyes of the world as a tourism destination unique especially keindahaan flora and faunanya.

Over tourist many

Meanwhile, Chairman PKBF Datuk Maznah Mazlan says Bukit Fraser now recording greater tourist arrival at the rate 30 percent each year.

Fraser's hill currently stay in 23rd ladder in the competition world spot bird and considered as best location for the competition in Asia after China, Thailand and Indonesia, he said.

Maznah who also Natural Resources and Environment Minister Deputy, said especially increase of participation in students show the event a good investment towards promote public awareness for necessary conserve environment integrity.

"School student participation were new investments because when design honey and interest on the bird, would also devise honey to habitat bird and instilling feeling love nature," he said after opening the competition recently.

He says international participant participation also picked up and those who ever participate the competition in the past, comply back to Bukit Fraser.

Rival

However the competition now getting violent rival from a neighbouring country Thailand also organised same event.

"Thailand have 1,500 type of bird over Malaysia which has only 745 bird species and this make bird fan move to that country," he said.

Maznah says Malaysia also deemed to be naive from the aspect experience, deep skill and knowledge study bird species and local bird driver have experience and knowledge limited because too reliant to the book and available indication to make guide.

He said FHDC was looking bird driver those experienced including those ever serve in Wildlife Protection Department and National Park (Perhilitan) or related departments dengann nature as driver more knowledgeable bird.

Apart from that, he said, his team will also attempt protect nature beauty Bukit Fraser to make sure bird presence will remain in the future.

Tarantula

Slightly different with bird migrate, Fraser Hill also is as the home spider large, tarantula from the family tropical spider, Theraphosidae.

Although become one than the attraction tourist, tarantula make species rise endangered and future lost from the highland lack of attention result and human cruel nature.

Currently hole become nest to tarantula ruined greed result too selfish human where have try to take these animals to rear and sold to fan the species.

Spider tarantula have dangerous sting that can growing up to 15 sm.

However, habitat this difficult to be found because it remain just on hilly areas and can live until 60 year if this not suffer any threat will cause extinction.

Tourist guide and also PKBF's science officer, involved KS Durai in this area since 23 year, said tarantula that there were in Bukit Fraser currently mostly aged more 40 year.

Durai regard many as encyclopedia move flora and fauna Bukit Fraser, said life span tarantula female any longer over male, who will die when achieve mature level sexual namely five year environment.

However tarantula female afford stay lifetime in the jungle and will be multiplied once a year after rainy season, he said.

Among the uniqueness habitat this was it have feet above bewarna golden and under feet coloured

This species also currently experience extinction because there are people capitalize sell to it external market. In Japan for example each tarantula valuable RM228 a to make pets.

Tarantula entails difficult care because it suitable at temperatures among 16 to 22 degree celcius to live, he said.

To protect animal increased further extinct this, Wildlife Protection Act 1972 not allow whosoever protect or keep these animals and if was found guilty fine RM50,000 will be imposed.

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Chereh's dam artificial lake keep clean water country ' biggest

2008-08-19T18:02:00.000-07:00

Chereh's dam which is located 64km from Kuantan, designate create a lake man made supply stock fund clean water largest in Malaysia.

Door closing water officially by Menteri Besar Pahang Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob on 29th of July past indicate beginning of the process moment water stagnation in pool area Empangan Chereh as wide as 16.2 sq km can accommodate 260 cubic metres water.

The dam will first sump water inherently go through flow water and rain, eventually will form lake, which covered 1,620 hectare or third from extent of region Persekutuan Putrajaya.

Director Of The Water Supply Department (JBA) Pahang, Datuk Ismail Mat Noor when found recently said, Empangan Chereh starts built on 1st of March 2002 with the cost original RM69 million.

"Following span outside some expenses, his cost has shot up to RM76 million and fully completed July 2008," he said to Bernama recently.

Need three rainy season

Duration needed to all the dam sump water is during two or three rainy season or between two to three years.

All pool area and dam that also is located in water catchment Chereh's forest reserve as wide as 15,200 hectare.

"When the dam sump water fully wait, it will form a lake category as man made water storage clean biggest in the country. Apart from that will exist 10 island, and largest island as wide as 100 hectare," said Ismail.

Ismail says Empangan Chereh's project that soon afford accommodate demand clean water supply by the year Kuantan district 2050.

"At the present demand to use domestic and industry in Kuantan district hit 300 million litres a day, namely maximum turnover Sungai Kuantan.

Afford supply about 2 cubic metres water a day

"Number of those expected to grow more trebles to 1,000 million litres a day in the year 2025," he said.

He says it it following area's rapid growth housing, commercial centre and industry, especially Perindustrian Gebeng's area which was hub petrochemical industry supply Wilayah Economics East Coast (ECER).

"However to meet the demands long-term water that not easy because his resource from one river namely Sungai Kuantan.

"If production water this stream make exceed natural ability, then there will foment especially to dry season," he said.

He says Empangan Chereh's construction is far-sighted one project to enrich resource water Sungai Kuantan for meet the needs water future.

"Dam construction major objective this was to control level water Sungai Kuantan so can be managed supply enhance the capability plants process water in by that river from 300 million litres a day (MLD) or 300,000 cubic metres a day to 1,934 MLD or 1.934 cubic metres one day," he said.

Local expert

Meanwhile, Adnan when opening door closing water the dam said construction project Empangan Chereh also noted history because it am being operated fully by contractor and local expert go through joint venture strategic two company experienced construction more 20 year.

That company MMM Bina Sdn Bhd specialist deep field of civil engineering and structure and AAY Construction Sdn Bhd specialist deep earth works field.

Adnan says, project construction cost Persekutuan's Government that namely RM76 million, also seen among lowest-cost in constructing one large dam.

"This would can accommodate needs water supply domestic and industry use to complete by the year Kuantan district 2050 where inhabitants can enjoy six times double water supply compared before this," said Adnan.

Largest man-made lake in Malaysia is Tasik Kenyir but in it category to use hydroelectric generator.

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Pulau Perhentian : Name as great as lagend

2008-08-19T17:35:00.000-07:00

EXCLUDE STOP: Pulau Perhentian, popular not only to the local population even tourists from throughout the world regard him interrow island's name famous in the world, now become deep big name generate country ' tourism industry.

His islander, now reaching almost 2,000 people and his large part is fisherman comply get blessing from spillover tourists whose never ebb that.

Because tourist arrival from internally and outside the country, further increased, villager comply grab the opportunity that there with provide for tourists need as build a lodging house and boat to travel from mainland to the island or to exercise as fishing and snorkeling.

Government itself continue to ensure infrastructure in the island continued to be raised as school construction, clinic and a police booth to provide convenience to the public.

Dragon In Pulau Perhentian

Yet lie behind greatness Pulau Perhentian surrounded by more 20 islet that other, existence history the island also so interesting to share.

Willing history a researcher Yusof Awang Su in his book "History Of Space In Terengganu" produced in Berita Darul Iman to 1995, Pulau Perhentian to past age exist a dragon huge, call inhabitants at that time Naga Pulau Berjuang.

The dragon reputed live in one place who are now known with Tanjung Basi which is located in Pulau Perhentian Besar.

At one time stated dragon has gone down to the sea because fight opposed other a dragon try savage and drown Pulau Perhentian and the dragon impact fall visible on one of the hill in the island.

Path of those pass through the dragon also now known as Jalan Naga and attractive one thing in Pulau Perhentian is of snake that there on this island which is said not exist even one poisonous snake species.

No poisonous snake in Pulau Perhentian

Willing village folk tales, in Pulau Perhentian not exist even one poisonous snake species unless python species.

This is because willing them on this island exist him yam lekir and effective that white Chinese root as antidote snake venom felled at worried snake.

Because be the antidote, all poisonous snake species reputed "dare not stay" in the island because the animal poison will become antidote.

The white Chinese root get name because it comply utilised by sailors Chinese-made merchant ship then to make anchor chain and ship rope because stated root resilience.

Pulau's Perhentian History

Willing a resident in Pulau Perhentian Kecil, Awang Husin, 67, Pulau Perhentian began to be occupied to 18th end of the century and place that first open and am being inhabited inhabitants is in Teluk Dalam namely located around a watercourse brackish that shallow which is known as Chinese Alur.

He said, earliest person staying the island known as Batin Mina and his family which are descended from Kepulauan Riau.

Mina's inner self and his family coming to Pulau Perhentian with to lodge commercial vessels China whose commute Chinese-made to southeast Asia.

Follow story, Batin Mina had fled from Dutch fugitive because has acted against by the way colonial rob and blackmail the western commercial vessels.

Awang says, exclude this by early it no have names that particular and at first it make lounge supply kapalkapal business commute Chinese-made to southeast Asia like Singapore, Jawa and several venues in Peninsula of Malaya.

As lounge salt ship

On this island also be made into ships' transit point salt from Singgora (Southern Thai) to send salt to Kuala Terengganu.

Because this island often make lounge for ships in the voyage, it it has been named as Pulau Perhentian base ships place that drop in or stop a moment before continue the voyage.

Pulau Perhentian in the past governed by a master which is known with call inner self, necessarily is famous a warrior, also top-notch a medicine man and responsible and high mysticism have the knowledge on the welfare and safety of the people under his control.

Then spearhead his administration is located in Teluk Dalam which is located in Pulau Perhentian Besar.

After Batin Mina's death, spearhead island state taken over also by his younger sister namely Batin Jamal and one time the island already nervous because there is interruption of spiritual creature while crop destroyed by wild monkey.

Estuary Besut once it is known as Negeri Sanyanya

Jamal's inner self later took the decision to move to Kuala Besut who then known as Negeri Sanyanya and open settlement there.

After recovered state, Batin Jamal and villager back to Pulau Perhentian and then open settlement in one place in Pasir Hantu namely in Pulau Perhentian Kecil.

Yet not all of those that back that stay in Pasir Hantu and there are those live in Pulau Perhentian Besar namely in Seberang Air Keruh, Seberang Mat Daham, Batu Jong and Teluk Pauh.

However, since English rule Malaya, all inhabitants have been grouped in a village namely in Pasir Hantu.

Last inner self in dynasty Pulau Perhentian's state is Batin Sidek who died in the early years 1990 and after his death nothing more mysticism heritage become people head Pulau Perhentian and have been replaced with a headman.

People once it to farm

Follow history, said Awang, in the early Pulau Perhentian's population placement design work as farmer and fisherman apart from to farm as rice and tapioca to needs the family.

Apart from planting paddy, design also planted tapioca pending paddy produce the result him and as source of protein, people at that time also fish with board small boats which made from bars wood am being punched.

Caused at that time food supply like rice are not enough to accommodate total population growing at that time, Batin Mina had donned condition to commercial vessels China whose anchor in the waters compulsory Pulau Perhentian pay in the form tax food and clothes.

Pulau Current Stop Japan

During the Japanese violate deep Malaya second world war namely in the vicinity 1941 to the year 1945, Pulau Perhentian not lag from consider his heat when make lounge port while Japanese army to attack other in local Malaya and Southeast Asia.

Ships Japanese army anchor and entrench temporary in Pulau Perhentian.

Japanese army already acted cruel with seize food and livestock from villager and prey on was a young group try am being seized to make train labour on the death Burmese.

Supply eluding from caught, design flee to on the hill and enter forest Pulau Perhentian. Misery to Japanese period also being felt inhabitants Pulau Perhentian sepertimana feel by the people Tanah Besar Semenanjung.

All livestock and food that does not just in time hide seized by the Japanese military and those who are try fight shall be tortured and killed by them.

After the Japanese conceded at 1945 new villager back amandan Pulau Perhentian on develop quickly until now.

There were more 20 resort

Currently there were more 20 resort whether those occur at Pulau Perhentian Kecil and Pulau Perhentian Besar and among those famous Perhentian Island Resort, Coral View Island Resort, Tropical Reef, Paradise Island Resort and Arwana Perhentian Eco Resort

Pulau Perhentian can only visited during six months a year only while other months so dangerous to visitor caused powerful waves when North-East Monsun.

Arwana's Manager Eco's Stop Resort and chalet, second surif say that it only opened for the tourist from March until August every year.

"Pulau Perhentian accept crowded visit outside tourist is on may until July namely season exchange in their country and schooling leave," he said.

Second said, tourist can choose package accommodation provided including eat, fishing, scuba, jungle tracking, snorkeling and visit island.

Interestingly, Saat uses workforce which comprise plenty widower, widow, never married and Indonesian woman trained to work in resortnya.

Saying there said, do not know then not love and if one ever to Pulau Perhentian, indeed your love already adhere in the island.

Orang Utans au naturel At Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre

2008-08-19T17:12:00.000-07:00

Have you ever seen an orang utan in its natural habitat? The initial encounter may scare some but the amusing and sometimes comical antics of the orang utans are bound to tickle the funny bone in you.

Recently a group of journalist who were accompanying Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said on a visit to the Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre in Sepilok, Sabah, had the opportunity to get a closer look at the orang utan au naturel.

Opened in 1964, Sipilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre is a primary jungle covering 4,294 hectares, where more than 300 orang utans are rehabilitated with a view of eventually returning them to the wild.

According to our guide, Mark Louis Benedict, studies conducted by the Sabah Wildlife Department in 2004, with the assistance of several non-govermental organisations, revealed that there were about 13,000 orang utans in Sabah then.

REHABILITATION CENTRE

Since its natural habitat is increasingly being threatened by logging activities, the existence of the centre is crucial in ensuring the survival of this ape species. For here, both the orang utan and its natural habitat are rigorously protected.

Sabah Wildlife Department's Director Laurentius Ambu explained that the centre also rehabilitates orang utans, which were confiscated from owners who kept them as pets, and prepare the animals for their eventual return to the wild.

The centre also rescue and nurture orphaned or abandoned baby orang utans, to be eventually released to the wild when they are ready, he added.

Located at the fringe of the Kabili-Sepilok forest reserve, about 25km from Sandakan, visitors to the centre enjoy a rejuvenating view of the verdant rainforest with its multitude of flowering plants, dipterocarp trees and wild fruits.

The surrounding jungle is also home to some 217-bird species, 70 species of mammals and not less than 400 different kinds of trees.

If they are lucky, visitors can catch a glimpse of protected animals like bats, monkeys, bears, wild cats and crocodiles that live peacefully in the forest reserve.

KINABATANGAN WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

The entourage then proceeded to the nearby Sungai Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary to observe the orang utan in the wild.

Cruising along the 560km long Sungai Kinabatangan, they enjoyed the panoramic view of the jungle bordering the second longest river in Malaysia. Sungai Kinabatangan is a major tourist attraction in itself. Eco-adventure and ecotourism tours conducted along the river generate additional income for the local community here.

The novel experience and attractions at the sanctuary is like a magnet that draws both local and foreign tourists in droves here, Mark added.

On the average between 80 and 100 tourists come to the sanctuary daily just to see the orang utans here. They all want to catch a closer look at the orang utan that is endemic to Borneo, apart from getting a glimpse of the rich wildlife at the sanctuary.

CONSERVING NATURAL HERITAGE

Other than the orang utans, the 27,000 hectares forest reserve is also home to nine species of primates including the slow loris, gibbon and long-tailed macaque.

Opened in 1984, the sanctuary hosts some 106 bird species, 40 mammal species and four reptile species.

The orang utans move in groups and can easily be spotted as they prefer to swing from high branches bordering the river banks.

Visitors can count their blessings if they come across the rare pygmy elephants.

There are five tour operators who provide chalets along the Sungai Kinabatangan, including the award winning Sukau Rainforest Lodge and the Kinabatangan Riverside Lodge.

Visitors can either choose to travel by boat or trek through the jungle.

A CAPTIVATING PANORAMA

The sight of orang utans frolicking in the wild plus the beautiful scenery of the jungle surrounding the river will captivate visitors.

Kampung Sukau, about a two-hour drive from Sandakan, serves as the gateway to the Kinabatangan Wildlife Sanctuary. From here, it is about a five-minute walk to the sanctuary, said Mark.

Coming from Kota Kinabalu, visitors can either catch a 40-minute flight or go on a five-hour drive to Sandakan।

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