Welcome to 'homestay without package' in sabah

The Beautiful view of Mt. Kinabalu at sunrise
Natural undisturb beach

Nowdays the 'homestay' programme is getting popular in Malaysia's local tourism industry including that in Sabah which is also known as 'Land Below The Wind'. Among the districts in Sabah that offers this programme is Kota Marudu where some 1,000 people from 12 ethnic groups are taking part in the homestay programme that began in 2008. Sabah National Unity and Integration Department (JPNIN) officer Jessica Basat said the homestay programme in Kota Marudu can be seen as a positive move to enhance relations between the guests and hosts. The guests who are Malaysians from the peninsula can also exchange cultures and traditions with their Sabah hosts. "This programme is on demand by the local community and it is unique as the programme is devoid of any packages as the activities are decided by the hosts and visitors. "We encourage the villagers to be involved in the homestay programme as Kota Marudu has the potential to be developed as a key tourist destination," she said. HOMESTAY WITHOUT PACKAGE The 'without package' homestay programme refers to activities that have no limits and the hosts as well as guests take part in drawing up the activities during the stay. These activities are suited to the guests needs and requests. What is important is the understanding and experience on the culture and socio-economy of the local community which is made up from people of various ethnic groups. This helps to preserve unity among the population. Via the integration visits organised by JPNIN, the homestay programme can act as the platform to enhance relations between the people of Sabah and those from nationwide. The homestay programme also creates positive impact by improving the economy of the rural community in Sabah. HOLIDAY PACKAGE IN SABAH Meanwhile, Sabah is well known for its rich natural treasures right from the state's mountains and down to its valleys. As well as the expanse of land between its lush forests to its off-shore attractions. Its life forms include insects as small as ants right until mammals as big as the Orang Utan and pygmy elephants. Apart from the homestay packages in Kota Marudu, visitors can also go to Kudat, located some 190 km from Kota Kinabalu. They can visit Tanjung Simpang Mengayau in Kudat which is known as the Tip of Borneo, the tip of land at the most extreme north in Sabah's map. It is located some 200 km from Kota Kinabalu and 30 minutes drive from Kota Marudu. Tanjung Simpang Mengayau is formed by a 'chain' of hills that headed towards Laut Sulu. It offers breathtaking scenes during dawn and dusk. In the language of the Rungus in Kudat, Tanjung Simpang Mengayau is called 'Tanjung Sampang Mangazo'. 'Tanjung' means cape, 'Sampang' means junction and 'Mangazo' means war. The three-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu to Tanjung Simpang Mengayau is definitely not boring as visitors can enjoy the enchanting and panoramic view of the coast at Pantai Kelambu and Pantai Kalampunian. Another interesting feature of Tanjong Simpang Mengayau is that this is the meeting point between South China Sea and Laut Sulu which at one time ago, was the key route for traders from China to reach this area onboard junks. It was learnt that many of these trading junks sank into the ocean and later became reefs that serve as the habitat and breeding ground for marine life. Indeed standing on the 'Tip of Borneo' is a lifetime's experience. SHOPPING HAVEN AT FILIPINO MARKET If one is in Sabah, then it would be a waste without visiting the handicraft market or more popularly dubbed as the Filipino Bazaar by locals and visitors alike. This bazaar is located at Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen adjacent to the Sinsuran Complex. It is a well known spot here and sells various handicrafts. It is also the best place if shoppers are looking for crystals, pearls and gemstones. The pearls came from the Philippines. Many of the traders at this market are from that country. Local handicraft items such keychains, T-shirts and wood carvings as well as items from other Asian countries are available at this bazaar. Also on offer are sarung batik, rattan mats, caligraphic creations and brooches. However pearls are the main items sought by tourists. According to a trader who wished to identified as Suzy, all the pearls on offer at the market are authentic. But the price depends on quality and type of pearls. "Freshwater pearls are sold at cheaper prices as they are cultured in freshwater in contrast to the salt water pearls who grow in the wild", said Suzy who sells various pearls sourced locally and also from Indonesia. According to traders, the market receives tourists from worldwide.