RUNGUS LONGHOUSE - KAMPUNG BAVANGGAZO

Last weekend, we visited a few places of interest along the 129 kilometers Kota Kinabalu-Kudat road. One of them is the traditional Rungus Longhouse. We passed through this smaller version of the longhouse on the slope of a corn field before arriving at the one we planned to visit.This Longhouse is situated at the 98th kilometers point. From the main road, it took us about 5 minutes on gravel road.Traditionally, the "Rungus" live in longhouses built on stilts. The sight such longhouses are getting rare as many of the Rungus tribe have shifted to modern-day living. Visitors can still experience this fascinating communal lifestyle in Kg. Bavanggazo.

Road leading to the Longhouse The structures are of bamboo and wood

A section of the longhouse What do you think of the bed room? Traditional musical equipment - "Gong"
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The Rungus are one of the ethnic groups of Sabah, residing primarily in northern Borneo in the surrounding area of Kudat. They have a distinctive language, dress, architecture, customs, and oral literature. One of their traditional skill is weaving textiles and string beads. The older generation are mostly farmers living on cash crops. Many young Rungus have abandoned the communal life of the longhouses and work in the city adapting to the modern lifestyle.

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As we entered the longhouse, we were welcomed by 2 Rungus women who showed us their traditional unique bead works. She was demonstrating the art of weaving textiles and stringing beads. The Rungus' unique bead works on display and for sale in the longhouse

For visitors who wish to stay in the longhouse and experience the cultural and lifestyle of the Rungus, they need to make pre-arrangement with a tour operator. They will be entertained with the cultural performance, food and the day to day activities.

DREAM WORLD RESORT - KUNDASANG

Not far from the Desa Dairy farm is the Dream World Resort, a new accommodation which opened for business in May this year. Visitors can enjoy the cool and fresh mountain air with the scenic view of the Kundasang and the majestic Mt.Kinabalu. This Resort offers a total of 42 modern rooms in 23 chalets. The rooms are furnished with either King or Twin bed, LCD TV, a shower or a private jacuzzi.

The shower. Jacuzzi

Overlooking the Kundasang valley from the Resort.

Their restaurant is an excellent place to wine and dine, caters a wide range of International and Malaysian cuisines.

The Dream World Resort is not cheap. Their pricing is equivalent to a five star hotel from RM256++ per room per night during the low seasons or from RM320++ during peak seasons(Weekend, Public holidays and school holidays). Their suite per night ranges from RM520++ to RM650++.

DESA DAIRY FARM KUNDASANG

Desa Dairy Farm - the largest in Sabah with an area of 199 hectares, is located at the Mesilau Plateau, Kundasang about 30 minutes drive from Mt.Kinabalu National Park. The green meadows stretching all over the area was so refreshing at 2100 meters above sea level. We arrived just in time for the milking process. Hundreds of cows were rounded up for milking.

Each of these Friesian cattle could produce at least 14 litres of milk a day. It was amazing that to see cows lining up or rather queueing up to the milking station without being guided. They knew exactly what to do!

Inside the "Milking Parlour"

This processing plant is fully automated from mechanical milking, pasteurising, homogenising, packaging and distribution. My friend bought a few packages of these milk for home.

The view of Mt.Kinabalu is usually fantastic from the farm. However it was hidden in clouds during our visit.

RAFFLESIA DISCOVERY

From Moroli river, we moved on to a kampung near Poring Hot Spring. It was our lucky day when we stopped for some fruits at this road side stall. The owner of this small fruit garden invited us to see a Rafflesia in bloom just a few minutes walk from the stall. The rare and spectacular Rafflesia flower is rarely seen as it needs the perfect condition of right humidity and warmth for it to bloom. The Rafflesia flower would bloom for only 4 to 5 days. This was my second time to see a Rafflesia flower. My last experience was 3 years ago in the Tambunan Rafflesia Reserve Center. Next to the flower was a cabbage like bud of the Rafflesia - ready to bloom in about a week's time. For Rafflesia to grow from bud to flower, it will take at least seven or nine months. The local believe that the bud can be used as a traditional medicine. We ventured further into the garden where some of the tropical fruits were in season.

"Langsat" a local favourite. The "Mata Kuching" (Local longan) ready to be harvested. The Rambutan

We had our lunch at one of the food stalls near the entrance of Poring Hot Spring.
We had "Kampung fried rice". I do not recommend this dish to any foreign visitor as it was a very spicy dish with red hot chilli and dried shrimp paste.

FISH THERAPY - MOROLI RIVER RANAU

We dropped by at Kampung Luanti (Luanti village) which is situated about a minute drive after Sabah Tea Garden. Our main purpose was to experience the "Fish therapy" in Moroli river which has been the talk of the tourism industry. Situated just on the side of the main road with huge sign boards and replica fish mounted at the entrance of the village.

Moroli is a rocky river originating from the jungle area in the foot of Mount Kinabalu. The water is normally cool and clear. Walking down the stairs to the river, I could see some fish movements in the water. I was told that there were about 10 different species of fish in this section. The fish that could perform the therapy are "Garap" and "Lontong". (Local fish names) These fish were not shy to human, they swarmed towards anybody taking a dip in the water. The village's guide showing us how tame the fish were. However, we were advised not to catch the fish as they were very sensitive and could be scare off. My friend from Ranau, Albert and our driver Mansur enjoying the massage.

Danny busy trying out his new camera. For me, it was a total relaxation - leaving my feet to the fish.

They came charging as soon as I put my feet into the water - sucking and nibbling. I felt very uneasy in the beginning but after a while, I felt good and comfortable These were the bigger fish - about 30-35 cm long with an estimated weight more than 800 grams.

We spent about 30 minutes enjoying the massage. It was a wonderful and a unique experience. Apart from massaging the feet and legs, visitors could opt for a body massage - swim with the fish and enjoy the body therapy.