Our Journey started at approximately 9.30 am when we left Kota Kinabalu in the direction of Sapulot. Did a few stops along the way and had lunch in Keningau while we did some light shopping for things we might need during the trip. Arrived at the Drop-Off Point in Labang Village following a boat ride to Pungiton Eco-Camp. It was already about 4pm when we arrived the Camp which had a small drizzle. After settling and setting up our Hammocks, and despite of the long journey and drizzle we could not help ourselves but to at least explore at least one of the Cave Levels to end our day with. Upon returning to the camp, we washed up and had one of the most beautiful dinners prepared by the villagers and shared stories afterwards before calling it a night in one of nature’s most serene surroundings.

We started of very early the next day to complete another level of the Legendary Dragon Cave which has a stream running through it. The sight and experience was truly amazing! Quickly after that, we then proceeded to visit the Legendary Batu Punggul via the river, and upon arriving we immediately started trekking towards the foot of Batu Punggul accompanied but at least 4 other villagers. Upon reaching the foot, Alex was so excited that his journey didnt stop there as his desire to conquer Batu Punggul has led him climbing it to the top with the help of a few the villagers acting as guides.

After Batu Punggul, we then made out way to the Romol Eco-Lodge by road and got ourself entertained by traditional musical performances by the villagers. Together to accompany it was the “Tapai” a traditional rice wine and tapioca wine which we purchased by the villagers after a delicious dinner.

The next day, after a good night’s sleep in the Eco-Lodge, we then proceeded to a nearby Jetty for a Rapid Shooting activity on a “Perahu” a traditional wooden boat, which brought us through many big and exciting big river rapids right down to the border of Kalimantan. Just before reaching the border, we made a stop and trek along one of the small streams which has brought us to a beautiful waterfall. After a small picnic lunch, we also made a stop at one of the villager’s houses just by the river and were received by the 5 families staying at the village house alone. We were showered with so much hospitality and literally each family served us their coffee as refreshments.

We then continued our journey back to the Jetty where we continued on with our journey to a different waterfall in the nearby area which requires stream and jungle trekking. After crossing a river with strong currents on a very tiny wooden boat only fit for 2 persons at a time, and a 1 hour fast trek through the jungles and along streams, we finally arrived the Hidden Waterfall of 7 Levels! We just could not resist the beautiful sight and its surrounding which took over us and immediately took a dip in one of the levels.

As they say, time passes exceptionally fast especially when you are indulging, it was time for us to depart as we had to return to Kota Kinabalu on that day itself.

Though it was really a busy weekend which we raced to complete so much activities within a short time, nevertheless it really was one of the most beautiful long weekends which i havent had in such a long time. Both of us left with a smile on our face reminiscing on the great experience we had but also with a sad heart having to leave OROU-Sapulot in such a rush. But we know, that it wouldnt be long from now that we are returning!

Besides that, OROU Sapulot also endeavors to expose to and educate people from all around the world about the importance of Nature to mankind as well as the importance to conserve it for future generations.

The whole concept of OROU is based on providing our clients a chance to time travel back to Nature Living but with sufficient amenities. Not only is one able to indulge the beauty of Mother Nature to the fullest but also experience the other wonders and activities which are offered within the area.

OROU Sapulot is a joint program with the Villagers in Sapulot of Villagers of Sapulot which is in the interior parts of Sabah and is mainly populated by the MURUT Tribe or better known as the Fearless Head Hunter Warriors of Borneo, dedicated to the building of their economic development. One of main goals for this program is to provide the villagers of Sapulot with an opportunity for income generation which will in turn result for a greater good. Some of the growing problems which this goal would address in Sapulot are;

* To minimize of villagers to be taken advantage of irresponsible businessmen especially loggers which in the long run destroy the village’s surroundings and cause imbalance to the ecosystem.

* Minimize the amount of the young generations to be forced out from the village to find other alternatives for income generation that will in turn result to the loss of the traditional Murut Heritage and Culture.

* To educate the villagers on the importance of preserving their god given nature environment and beautiful culture for a greater good for their future and upcoming generations.

* To minimize on the poverty levels of the villagers that would cause for other relating issues from arising.

Besides all of these, the OROU Sapulot program also aims at giving it’s visitors, guests and tourist and opportunity to experience the real deal by participating themselves entirely in this program rather than having to just watch trained groups of dancers performing cultural dances or acts which are currently claimed to be preserving Sabah’s natural culture heritage when the real tribes are actually losing it as time passes.

Having all this said, your support is immensely valuable to the success of this program. As without it, the vision and mission of this project will just remain as a dream to the depriving villagers who can only mourn in silence.

Strategically situated within of one of North Borneo’s Richest Rainforest with the Sepulot River being it’s frontage, as well as the thick Virgin Forests and Natural Caves surrounding the Camp Areas; this is definitely the closest one can get to experience Mother Nature. The whole concept of Pungiton Eco-Camp was to enable visitors to get as close as possible to Mother Nature but equipped with sufficient amenities such as Toilets, Dining Area, Cooking Facilities and even a BBQ Pitt, to ensure each stay is comfortable thus creating memories to last a lifetime.

With various types’ vegetation ranging from Tropical Fruits to Herbs and Spices being planted in and around the Camp area, one could expect to enjoy delighting themselves to fresh fruits almost all year round and be surrounded by the many friendly animals which visit the camp from time to time.

The types of accommodation which are available for visitors to choose from are the 2 or 4 Men Tent or Hammock Style Accommodation. There will also be Individual Traditional Hut’s called “Langkao” which will also be built by the villagers in the near future and is available for rent by-the-night.

Other than just lazing and kicking back in this pristine truly natural mini resort, one could also participate in the many activities made available, such as; Cave Visitation and Exploration, Jungle Trekking, River Cruising, Fishing, Campfire and many more!

To access Pungiton Eco-Camp, one will have to get transferred to Labang Village in Sepulot and then take a 30 minutes boat ride to the vicinity. As part of the efforts to conserve nature, each visitor/group is encouraged to plant their own tree which will be labeled under the visitor’s/group’s name in order for each visitor to be able to also contribute to mother nature other than the economic development of the villagers of Sepulot.

If something different is what you are looking for, Pungiton Eco-Camp is definitely the destination not to be missed!

With such difficulties, come other problems which might arise from their need for MONEY to survive in today’s world, and it is the Desperation that has Forced Villagers to Mistakes they would Regret a Lifetime. One of the most significant problems which could be seen if one looks close enough is the encouragement not by the loggers, but by the villagers themselves to invite loggers to reap the timber from their lands. And in such desperation, it is only logic that the loggers will take advantage by offering them an ironic small sum as the rental money for their land to be logged down. Being not affluently educated and faced with desperation, these village victims has no choice but allow their land to be “balded” for just a fraction of the price of what they would actually be getting for what the value is.

Regardless to the sum, the primary concern is actually the deterioration of the Forests as well as the contribution to the pollution which has become a very big issue since decades ago. Some of the most talked about effects are of course the green house effect, the extinction of flora and fauna, the imbalance in food cycle and a promoter to natural disasters to name a few.

It is already evident now that the newer generations from more developed countries would have to fly across the globe to see animals which their country once have many living in their forests. If this doesn’t come to a stop, it would really be sad to see that our upcoming generations would even only have to see these animals in preserved forms in museums.

Of course it is every Country Governments responsibility to curb or minimize on poverty issues which is one of the main contributors these issues, but it is also everybody’s responsibility to help generate the economic development especially those belonging to the private sectors in order to put a stop to the excessive logging which is still widely being practiced.

When i say eco-tourism, i really mean the thick tropical rain forests and not just some skanky tourist destinations located just at the fringes of the forests. Submerge yourself and experience the real life of the locals who are still living in the very interiors of Sabah. Learn their cultures and survival lifestyles, discover the many hidden beauties of Mother Nature, be serenaded by the fresh air and natural sounds of the wild animals and insects, and most importantly be previleged to go back to at least a century in time without having to build a time machine.

One of the best places which i would recommend would be in Sepulot which i would rather regard to as the Hidden World of North Borneo. Being surrounded with the thick and natural tropical forest rich in the different flora and faunas, posseses some of the most beautiful hidden creations of Mother Nature such as “The Legendary Batu Punggul”, hidden caves with a natural stream running through it, majestic waterfalls, and not to mention the people of the Murut Ethnic living in and around the area still in their survival lifestyles minus head hunting activities.

Having said all this, what are you waiting for? who ever said that travelling back into time is impossible with todays existing technology? All you need, is just get some time off your busy schedules, plan your trip, pack your bags and fly over to Sabah!

One good way of still being able to go traveling and at the same time minimizing your travel spending is of course to plan for a trip to a third world country or which is less developed then your own. Why? Exchange rate is Cheap! and when this is the case, everything else is cheap, unless you get cheated during your trip that is (touchwood, we wouldn’t want this to happen do we?).

A few other plus points which you will also be able to obtain from diverting your travel plans from developed countries to the less fortunate ones are such as; still being able to witness and be near nature, the rich culture which is still not much exposed to external influences, friendly people (hopefully you dont bump into minority ethnics that still practices head hunting activities that is), experiences to keep and talk about a lifetime and most likely to understand and be in touch with the real world.

Rather than spending too many of your nights in a 5 star city resort just to enjoy the pampering luxuries of Spas, Swimming Pools or even Gyms, go out and try living in the outbacks with the real locals. Experience their life while getting the privelege to travel back into time. Try getting closer to nature for a change.

During these down times, some companies would also take this opportunity to sell you cheap tour packages. What do i think? Cheap Package Tours : Very cramped up itinerary schedules, at least another 20 other strangers traveling with you to the same destinations (yes… i said at least), having to go to places you dont really want to, lousy meals, so many shopping activities for the sake of companies earning commissions for some kind of cheap pricing compensation, and the list goes on and on and on… But what can i say, if you still think that these are the things you’d prefer to go through with (and i mean the whole lousy experience), then of course you shouldn’t complain too much when the tour is over.

Having said all of this, it is always important to remember to plan your trip well. Time wasted is also an addition to your costs. Dragon of Borneo would like to take this opportunity to wish everybody happy travelling.

The Beautiful Hidden Waterfall in Sepulot, Sabah

With its location hidden in the forests of Sepulot and recently discovered, this waterfall will definitely attract anybody who lay eyes upon it. This waterfall might seem like and ant compared to the famous “Niagara Falls”, however just by taking a dip in its natural fresh water freefalling from it’s tip which is approximately 3 storeys high is definitely an experience not to be missed. Surrounded by the thick tropical forests, this experience cannot be explained by words as it brings to you that relaxing feeling as though you are in a different world all together. Not commercialized, rest assured that you wont be expecting pollution coming your way or even it being filled with tourists other than your own group.

Trek along and across the forests and shallow rocky streams to arrive to the Beautiful Hidden Waterfall

Unlike so many commercialized waterfalls around the world, one needs to trek through a trail, across and along friendly rocky streams on foot for approximately 90 minutes from the Big Village House (ECO-Lodge) to get to this “Mother Nature’s Hidden Natural Waterfall Spa”.

The Heavenly "Mother Nature's Natural Waterfall Spa"

Upon arriving to this majestic waterfall, you could instantaneously feel the shrine of relaxation which starts tinggling from your toes right to the tip of every strand hair. The surounding ambiance itself brings you to another world, as if that you have traveled back to the time of primitive living when everything was just so peaceful back then. The echos produced from the sound of the fresh and cooling water that gushes down hitting onto the smooth rocks below from the top of the waterfall only adds to the relaxing surounding melodies to help sooth your body and soul.

Left to Right - Playing Musical Instrument called the "Sompoton", Making Hand Made Knifes and Swords, Bead Crafting, Usherers for Guests in Traditional Costumes

The long awaited Sabah Fest 2009 was held in Magellan Hotel, Sutera Harbour, Kota Kinabalu on the 2nd-3rd May 2009. The fabulous event organized by the Sabah Tourism Board was a hit sending huge crowds both local and international attending it. I even had to park my vehicle approximately 1 kilometres from the venue.

Almost all ethnics were represented by their colorful costumes with the main ethnic group main Bajau, Kadazan Dusun, Murut, and some others even put up booths for displays which ranges from their Traditional Baskets to Musical Instruments. The sight was so amazing as visitors had a chance to witness “Yellow Colored People Being Colorful”.

A Traditional Murut Dance called "Magunatip" performed by Murut Ladies

A cultural extravaganza show was also held daily at 8pm to elaborate more on each ethnic group followed by each of their traditional dance. The Grand Finale of the cultural performance showcased the famous Murut Traditional Dance called “Magunatip” which involves the use of Bamboos.

Though enjoying the whole experience, it was a thwart when it came to my mind that i had to walk another 1km to return to my car.

Usually the first thing that comes to mind when planning a vacation or tour is a memorable time Budget. Most smart dweebs try to get as much as they can by forking out as little as they can from their pockets. What do they usually get? A tour with so many other weird or distracting tourists, too many shopping stops since the tour operator needs to collect commissions to compensate for their low pricings, an unknowledgeable low budget tourist guide, and the Grand Finale “A Hell of a Lousy Time”.

Other than that, somehow rather it has always been a “Follow the Pack” game for many. It’s always “I wanna go to that place where already millions have been so i can join the gang“. But isn’t it a rule of thumb to achieve greater heights than others to obtain success? Isn’t it better to be going to beautiful places which not much of the others have been, to stay exclusive?

The other mistake which so many are also making is to visit as much places as possible within a short period of time and left with only experiencing a mere 10% of what a particular place has to offer. And once you return, your friends and family will be asking “So… i’ve heard you’ve been to so many places when you were in North Borneo… how was it?” and all you can go is like… “Hm.. beautiful beaches.. beautiful forests, and beautiful people… oh yeah.. and beautiful Orang Utans..” What about the feeling of being so close to it all that you feel so connected to the spots where you have been? Or maybe you have accidentally totally forgotten the whole concept of travelling?

My best wishes to all who wishes to travel, please plan your trip wisely before going on it. Best wishes from me, your North Borneo Local Tourist Guide.

Ah~~ and why was this statement made? It was because he had witnessed that cultural differences was never actually a big issue in Sabah compared to elsewhere. I dont know about people from different ethnic groups who comes out and mingle around together in their traditional costumes on normals days except for the upcoming Colorful Harvest Festival which falls at the end of this month (once a year), but the rest about how harmonious the people are in Sabah is very true indeed.

Differences in religions are also almost never brought up and made into an issue by the Sabah population as we realize that we are all indifferent humans but just with beliefs that the main aim for all religions are only meant for best.

It was also my personal experience which at least 2 Malaysians (not Sabahan) who has told me that being a Sabahan is not qualify me to be a Malaysian, and must i say that that statement was rather disturbing. Maybe Sabah has always been looked down upon by other states (or maybe just a minority) for decades, however i guess even our big man Najib has made it clear that we are a part of Malaysia and it is Sabah which represents the government’s fixed deposit.

After reading the article from the newspaper, it really reminded me of the story which i used to read when i was a little boy called “The Ugly Duckling”. Never the less, i would like to congratulate all Sabahans for making this possible!