CNY 2025 Year of Snake Celebrations

 Here are my 2025 CNY Family Celebrations Photos

Sandakan the Ecotourism Gateway

 

Exploring Ecotourism in Sandakan: A Family Adventure

What comes to mind when you think of ecotourism? Perhaps images of wildlife in lush jungles, the vibrant marine life deep in the ocean, or serene rural landscapes far removed from city life. And yes, limited internet access might be part of the picture! From our recent family vacation, we quickly learned that the lack of connectivity isn’t just a perception—it’s often a reality.

Picture this: your phone shows "Full Bars E" or "1 Bar 4G," but neither provides a usable connection. Even the much-anticipated StarLink WiFi on Selingan Island wasn’t a saving grace; once 40+ tourists logged on, the speed was as good as no connection at all! Still, it was better than "Full Bars E."

This trip revealed three key challenges urban travelers often fear when away from home: lack of internet, a dying phone battery, and getting lost. Thankfully, we came well-prepared, with ample power banks and low expectations for connectivity. As a family of eight adults, we embarked on an immersive ecotourism journey to Sandakan, seeking close encounters with wildlife in their natural habitats—safely, responsibly, and without harming any animals.

Our six-day adventure started at a hurried pace but slowed to a relaxed rhythm, giving us time to truly appreciate the experience. Here’s a day-by-day breakdown of our journey:

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Day 1: Arrival in Sandakan

We began our trip with brunch at MyMee and then we checked in at the Sabah Hotel. In the afternoon, we made a visit to The Agnes Keith House and The English Garden, two charming historical sites. The high tea at The English Garden added a touch of indulgence. For dinner, we enjoyed fresh seafood at the Sim-Sim Seafood Restaurant on Bridge #8—a delightful start to our trip.

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Day 2: Selingan Island Turtle Adventure

The highlight of the day was our visit to Selingan Island, renowned for its turtle conservation efforts. After registering at the Sandakan Jetty at 9:30 a.m., we departed at 10:00 a.m. and arrived on the island by 11:00 a.m.

After settling into our rooms and a quick briefing, we had lunch at 12:30 p.m. The afternoon was spent swimming within marked boundaries until high tide approached. At 6:00 p.m., we explored the Exhibition Hall, which shared insights into turtle conservation.

Dinner was served at 7:00 p.m., and we were advised to wait in the dining hall until the first turtle sighting. This could happen anytime between 8:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. We were lucky enough to witness a turtle laying eggs—a truly unforgettable moment!

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Day 3: Orangutans, Sun Bears, and the Kinabatangan River

After a morning departure from Selingan Island, we arrived back at the Sandakan Jetty by 8:00 a.m. A bus took us to the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre and the Sun Bear Conservation Centre, located side by side.

Post-lunch, a two-hour drive brought us to Kampung Bilit, along the Kinabatangan River. A short boat ride from the jetty led us to Bilit Adventure Lodge (BAL), a serene spot deep in the jungle.

The evening river cruise was an awe-inspiring experience, where we spotted wildlife including proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, and crocodiles. The second evening cruise even gifted us a rare sighting of an orangutan!

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Day 4: Jungle Trekking and Wildlife Watching

We spent a leisurely day at BAL, starting with a jungle trek around the lodge. Though mosquitoes were plentiful, the lush rainforest was captivating. Another river cruise at 4:30 p.m. allowed us to observe more wildlife as the sun set over the Kinabatangan River.

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Day 5: Food Hunt in Sandakan

After breakfast, we returned to Sandakan and checked into the Sabah Hotel. A food tour was next on the agenda, featuring delicious stops at:

• San Da Gen Cafe for drinks and desserts
• Good Taste Seafood Bak Kut Teh
• Empire Seafood Restaurant in IJM, Mile 5

Each meal was a feast, showcasing the rich flavors of Sandakan cuisine.

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Day 6: Farewell to Sandakan

On our final day, we packed up and enjoyed a relaxed morning. I managed to squeeze in a visit with a friend to savor Sandakan's famous noodles and stock up on local desserts before heading to the airport.

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Reflections on the Trip

This family trip to Sandakan was an unforgettable ecotourism experience. We gained valuable insights into wildlife conservation and saw how local organizations work tirelessly to protect endangered species. Witnessing four of Borneo’s "Big Five" animals—orangutans, proboscis monkeys, hornbills, and sun bears—was a privilege, even though the elusive elephants remained out of sight.

From island adventures to river cruises and jungle treks, this journey reminded us of the beauty of slowing down, connecting with nature, and appreciating the efforts to conserve it.

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This was a trip that left our hearts full and our minds inspired—ecotourism at its best!

The Tale of the Vibrant Primary Forest

A Memorable Eco-Tourism Experience at Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley

Once upon a chance, Bel accompanied her mother on a work trip to Lahad Datu, where they took the opportunity to experience the wonders of eco-tourism with a one-night stay at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge. This brief yet magical trip reinforced the realization that the untouched jungles of Sabah are thriving with life and vitality.

The Danum Valley Conservation Area, nestled within the Ulu Segama Forest Reserve, is a haven of biodiversity. The Borneo Rainforest Lodge is renowned for its long-standing collaboration with Japanese researchers studying the orangutans inhabiting this area. These researchers have documented around 75 orangutans within the vicinity, meticulously recording their behavior and movements almost around the clock.

Arrival in Lahad Datu

Our journey began with a flight via MasWings, capturing breathtaking views of Sabah's vast greenery from the airplane window as we landed on 15 November 2024.

Lahad Datu, from the airplane on 15 Nov 2024 

The Danum Valley is located in the Ulu Segama Forest Reserve

A New Life in the Jungle

A highlight of our trip was the privilege of witnessing a moment of new life. On 14 November 2024, an orangutan named Sumi gave birth to a baby. The next morning, during a trail walk, we were fortunate to catch a glimpse of the mother and her newborn—a heartwarming and unforgettable sight. This experience was a testament to the jungle's vitality and renewal. The baby's name was suggested to be either Donny or Donna, and we’re eagerly awaiting updates on this.

The Japanese researcher who observed Sumi’s birth, Mr. Eddy, guided us to their location. He shared fascinating insights about orangutan behavior, noting that these primates construct fresh nests twice daily. After sleeping and conducting their activities, they abandon the previous nest and build a new one, a habit that ensures their hygiene and safety.

Currently, there are about 109,000 Oranghutan living on the Borneo Island. 

The Borneo Rainforest Lodge has a long research with Japan group 

on the Orang Hutan living in the area.

This is Sumi, the new mother.

The Japanese researcher who saw the birth process and was there to show us where the mother and baby was Mr Eddy. He told us he would be there early in the morning like 5am and then only leave after the Orang Hutan has built its nest to rest for the evening. 

Night Safari Adventures

As night fell, we embarked on an exhilarating Night Safari, encountering at least four types of animals unique to this thriving ecosystem. One standout moment was spotting a rare and elusive bird species, native only to Sabah. While we still need to identify the name of this bird, its appearance added a touch of wonder to our adventure.

Night Safari 

There is this special bird that we saw during the night safari, it very rare and only found in Sabah.

Another remarkable encounter was with the Wallace’s Flying Frog, a unique amphibian known for its ability to glide between trees. These sightings underscored the biodiversity that makes Danum Valley so extraordinary.

Wallace the Flying Frog

A Jungle Thriving with Life

The Danum Valley experience left us in awe of the vibrant ecosystem that continues to flourish despite modern encroachments. Every moment in the rainforest, from the serene trail walks to the adventurous night safaris, was a reminder of nature's resilience and beauty.

Since we do not have winter, the rings on the tree trunk are not clear and difficult to determine how many years are these years. Most of the trees we saw are 65-70 years old. 

Great Experience at the Borneo Rainforest Lodge, Danum Valley ! 

Final Thoughts

Our short trip to the Borneo Rainforest Lodge was nothing short of magical. It was a chance to witness firsthand the thriving ecosystem and to learn about the intricate lives of its inhabitants. The jungle, alive and full of stories, left an indelible mark on our hearts. Truly, Danum Valley is a sanctuary where life thrives in harmony.

We hope to return someday and perhaps hear about the adventures of little Donny or Donna, the newest addition to this remarkable rainforest.

Malaysian Young Diva in Golf - Ashley Lau

 

When your children's acquaintance played in Olympic, it is an awesome feelings. In Malay language, we call this "tumpang gembira" which means we ride on the joy felt by the family. 

Ashley Lau is the niece of  my dear friend, Annie Lau, she holds so much resemblance of the Lau family. Her Olympic news was reported in Malaysian media.  

怎樣減少病痛,過得健康愉快？

 

Copied from Social Media, an inspirational testimony from a retired principal, he retired at 55 and after 40 years, he was celebrating his 94 birthday. This was his sharing on how to have healthy and happy life. 

輔大校長楊敦和所寫的這篇好文，值得珍藏及一讀再讀文20230710

《怎樣減少病痛,過得健康愉快？》

我從55歲退休到今年94歲,已快40年了。這些年來我身體一直很好。是怎樣做到的呢？

1、知識就是健康最好的保障，醫生就是自己。

人的健康由三個方面的因素形成:

第一遺傳佔三分之一，

第二是鍛鍊和養生，

第三是生活習慣。

例如:抽煙喝酒熬夜都會損害健康。

人到70歲以後,才正是老年。老人一定要注意學習吸收醫學保健知識。

此外,要全面瞭解自己身體狀況！綜合分析自己的問題是什麼？摸索其中的規律。思考解決問題的辦法與措施。

有些老人沒有自己的健康主張,動不動就看醫生,亂吃藥。其實醫生也是聽你陳述、下藥。再說,各科醫生也只能(頭痛醫頭腳痛醫腳)無法對症下藥、掌握你的全面情況。所以要靠自己,而不要盲目依靠醫生。

俗話說:「久病成良醫」，我的體會是,身體是自己的,最好的保健醫生其實是自己。冷暖痛癢自己最清楚,運動健身只有靠自己堅持,心理健康也靠自己調整。

1、任何企圖依靠他人養老的夢想都會落空！再好的醫生、再負責任的保姆或再孝順的子女,都靠不得。

2、要有毅力,做自己應該做的,而不是只做自己喜歡做的。

我堅持生活自理,至今自己買菜、做飯、洗碗、散步、自己洗貼身衣物。

當然也累,也不方便,其實我可以讓保姆做。但只要一開始不做,以後就再也做不了!我非到萬不得已就不開這個頭。這樣一直堅持至今依然如此。

3、精神上要有境界,文化生活要豐富。

現代老年人太寂寞,盼望兒女回家看望。國家都有「常回家看看」的法律規定,但我不需要。

我關心時事,對文學、哲學、天文地理、戲劇體育都有興趣。我建立了自己的學習計劃和生活規律,每天都很忙碌,但心裡平靜充實。

你喜歡做什麼？就去做！盡量把自己時間安排緊一點,每天都有事做,有做不完的工作。這樣就不會感到寂寞了！此外我還有個辦法！就是家裡不要太寂靜。要經常開著電視或收音機,好像有人與你說話、對你唱歌,就不會感到孤獨。

我有三個孩子每週都回來看我。我兒子離我挺遠,我不要他每週都來,就對我女兒說：跟你哥說一下！不用每週回來,打個電話就行了！他後來兩週回來一次。我平時過得很充實、愉快,不希望別人來干擾我。老年人要熱愛生活,關心時事,心胸開闊,心情舒暢。遇到疾病就能頂住了！

個人的目標在爭取在人生的最後階段「走得快一點」,既減少自己的痛苦,也盡量避免給他人造成的負擔。人人都希望晚年走得快一些,但死生有命、可以事在人為嗎？

我認為,要想「走的快一點」首先要做好「走」的思想準備,該走的時候乾脆、無牽掛、無遺憾。告訴你我的體會：

1、不怕死

我前年尿血,在醫院檢查發現左腎上有個腫瘤,疑似癌症,醫生和家屬都主張手術切除。我不同意。我說:我已92歲了！將來走、不一定是因這個腫瘤。

即便是這個原因,動手術後 又出現其他病。那何必呢？兩年來沒有任何感覺。

現在我乾脆就不去檢查了!不管它變大或小了！該怎樣就怎樣。已經兩年了我一直與癌症「和平共處」。

現在既沒有什麼感覺,也沒有精神負擔,每天生活得很充實,很有質量。

任何事情只要想得開,就會戰勝它。當然 如果將來真是癌症發作的話,後期會很疼,我就留一筆錢打止痛針。

我對女兒說:將來我昏迷了就不用打了!沒有知覺了還打它幹嘛」走人 就完了嘛！

人的壽數到了,就要順其自然,犯了病還搶救他幹嘛？身體功能衰竭了!無疾而終,順其自然,這是福氣呀！你說不是嗎？

老來不怕死,就活得輕鬆,生活質量就高。我就是懷著這種心態一天一天活過來的。

事實證明越是不怕死,就越是死不了！我現在已經94歲了！中國人的平均壽命才72歲，台灣人的平均壽命是82歲。哈哈，我都超過了！感覺自己已經賺的太多了！

2、不愛錢

許多老人越是到了晚年,越是錙銖必較,把錢摳的緊緊的。他們真是沒想明白呀！我現在每個月只花幾千元，退休金根本花不完！所以孩子們來看我、我都自掏腰包請他們吃飯。兒女過六十歲生日,我每人送上一萬元。

自己也就這幾十萬元的存款,等我死了兒女們繼承,他們認為是理所當然的,也不會感激我。

不如現在就拿出來給大家共享！皆大歡喜,何樂而不為呢？哈哈！

3、放下自我

現在很多老人想問題只從自己出發,總覺得別人對不住自己。或是政府對不起自己！或同事或兒女對自己照顧不周,特別是兒媳婦又如何虧欠了自己。

內心總是不愉快,何必呢？要想得開,就一定要放下自我,換位思維。

不要認為把兒女撫養大,兒女就應該回報你！兒女有兒女的事情，哪有那麼多時間陪著你？回想一下！自己的父母在世時,你曾去陪伴了多久？照顧了多少？我從不要求兒女來陪我。

我生活很有規律,說真的,他們來了、我還嫌打亂了生活計劃。所以一個人的生活常態,兒女來看你、是驚喜！如此才不會心懷不滿，而感到落寞了！

至於孫子輩、哈哈,不用說,早就想也不想了！這是人類新陳代謝的自然規律嘛！

總之只有放下自我,才能戰勝死亡,充分享受餘生期。至於身後之事,兒孫自有兒孫福,不是我們應該費心去想的。

Flavouring Kombucha

The Complete Guide to Flavoring and Carbonating Kombucha

I decided to the following flavouring 

1) Ginger, pineapple, brown sugar, candied ginger with orange Juice

2) Grape Juice, Brown Sugar