All posts filed under: Travel

A visit to Mengalum

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After an hour of bumpy boat ride, I finally reached Mengalum Island. Two weeks ago, a friend from a Chinese newspaper company texted me about a planned media trip to Mengalum and whether I wanted in. I said yes and told my boss I needed two days off on May 4 and 5. I couldn’t say no to Mengalum because I needed to go there, because I had not been there. And because I needed to get away from the busy city and life. ### The island was beautiful. I had a dive, a swim, a walk in the bushes, great food, and drinks. I went on an island safari ride and saw the sun set and many more. So much stories to tell but for the time being, this is just a short update. I am now back to reality.

A souvenir kind of day

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I was feeling a little unproductive this morning. Maybe because I had to attend a boring assignment – Goods and Services Tax briefing by Sabah Customs Department … … And no, I am not going to talk about GST. So, I arrived office at 12.15pm, bringing in only one news. As I settled back in my seat, my colleague approached me. Olivia was holding a box of some things. As I looked closely, there were five or six fridge magnets, and five or six thin boards with pictures on them. There could be more than five and more than six too. My eyes were fixed on one of the thin boards. It was the one with two tiny holes and a rope attached to one of the holes. There was a red building painted on the board with caption written Office of the President, Republic of China (Taiwan). I was not sure what to do with it but I took it because it was unique. “How long were you in Taiwan?” I asked. I knew Olivia was on leave for the past few days. I just didn’t …

Planning Indonesia

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I have been to Indonesia thrice. Next month will be my fourth and this time, I will be exploring the country with my mom. The thing about this daughter-mother trip is I don’t know where to begin. I have the starting point and I know where it will end. I do not have the in between. I definitely want to revisit Jogja and Borobudur. When we should do it, I do not know. The other day, mom asked whether I had everything planned. I was flipping through the LP guide book and shrugged. “Nah, read this.” It has been two weeks now. I am still waiting for my mom to tell me about places she wants to visit.

Rungus women keep tradition alive

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Away from urbanisation, the Rungus community in Kampung Bavanggazo, near Tinangol in the Kudat district, lead a simple lifestyle where the women rely on handicraft as a source of income. These women, mostly aged above 40, are known as the makers of inavol, which is a dying tradition. Monuraging Monzipal, 60, said inavol is a traditional woven sash with geometric motifs worn crosswise across the chest. It is also famous as a gift for tourists. She said it was normally worn by the Rungus men together with their traditional costume during rituals. “However, inavol-making is slowly dying out because the younger generation is not keen on learning the skill.