Petagas War Memorial

For those who love to learn a little bit on Sabah's history, Petagas War Memorial is a good place to start with. 

Petagas War Memorial is located in Putatan, just opposite the Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA). 

This historical place was built as a remembrance for those who have perished in war against the Japanese Army.  

The entrance.

It was all started with the Imperial Japanese invasion during the WWII where they have captured British North Borneo (now known as Sabah) in early 1942. The local resistance movement known as Kinabalu Guerrillas, led by Albert Kwok was trying to defense and struggle for freedom of the people. However, due to some incident and unfortunate series, the rebellion has brought to an end and later the Japanese army executed the guerrillas men. 

Rest assured as I'm not going to lecture the whole page about history XD but if you're interested to know more about the event, you can do some research and read some book about the history. 

Well, part of the story is written in the historical monument for public information. 

Right after you enter the garden, you can see a separate pathway that will brought you to the monument construction history.

The monument that tells you the constructional history of this place.

I could feel serenity as I'm entering this place. It looks like garden; with the flower and green scenery. 

This is the monument. 

I wonder if this is where the management put 'their remaining' 

I just love the surroundings.

I can see that the management authority has done a good job maintaining this place. The grass lawn is well-maintained and the flowers/other plant is eye-refreshing. Unfortunately, this place somehow looks isolated and there's not much visitors to this place. 

Thanks for reading. 

Sabandar Leisure Rides

Sabandar Leisure Rides is located in Tuaran, Sabah. It takes less than 1-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu (depend on the traffic). It is my first time visiting this place and I'm embarrassed to tell you that I got the wrong way and ended up in different place hahaha....XD Thanks to Mr. Google, I finally got the correct junction. 

So, for those who wants to visit this place, make sure you do proper Googling or ask someone who had been there for exact location. 

Actually, it's not really difficult to search for this place. From Jalan Sulaman, just go straight until you saw Tuaran landmarks (the big roundabout with horses sculpture) and take the first exit. From there, you should be good to go as there is signboard that will guide you along the way. It is exactly located behind Taman Limbai Ria.

Okey, now here I am, arriving at the infamous Cowboy Town! XD

This is the main building. The exterior design is quiet attractive. Apologies, am not sure about the interior condition and service of the lodge as I don't stay overnight here. 

The entrance. 

The signboard near the entrance.

Pee and Poo washroom. 

The horse stable. They have their own name. This horse is available for ride at an affordable price. 

This is where you ride horses. 

The horse cart is also available for ride.

Other than horse riding, there is mangrove park where you can walk leisurely and enjoy the view at the mangrove area. 

The mangrove. 

Mangrove trees. It's a bit cool here as the sun lights covers by the mangrove canopy

With my niece.

The bamboo restaurant.

There is also handicrafts exhibition. Too bad it was closed during my visit here.

It is exceptionally hot here as there is not much trees planted around the area for shield. But I think it is purposely design like this; in order to make it looks more like cowboy town? hehehe...XD 

One thing I personally think is that perhaps the management can do further improvement in the mangrove park area. Because it kinda looks isolated and weary. 

Well, the site's attraction concept is OK as it has its own uniqueness and will definitely attracts more visitor to this place.

I'm sure gonna visit this place again next time for horse riding :D 

Thanks for reading.

Dataran Bengkoka, Pitas

Dataran Bengkoka is located in Tanjung Senimpul, Pitas. Pitas is one of the furthest north district in Sabah that took around 3-hours drive (by car) from Kota Kinabalu. Personally I think this place is quiet an open space suitable for commercial scale activities.

From what I know is that local authorities have made this place as a center for the Annual Festival called Pesta Bengkoka (Bengkoka Festival). The festival usually takes place May every year in conjunction with the district level Harvest Festival. 

Replica of lobster as a landmark of this place. 

The seaside view.

Do not mind me XD

There are few stalls hut nearby the landmark area but it looks idle, lack of maintenance I guess? I also saw buildings that supposed to be the R&R (Rest & Recreation Center) place but have yet to be operated. I think this place is still in development progress. I hope the relevant management will continue to develop this area as I believe this place has a tourism attraction site potential that might attract more visitors; with more additional facilities that is. 

Thanks for reading.

Sub-Stesen Serinsim, Kota Marudu

For those who is looking for serene places that is far from the city noises, this place is definitely a catch. As you move around this place, the sounds of delightful cicadas will entertain you. 

The Sub-Stesen Serinsim, Kota Marudu is one of the Kinabalu Park management site which is located in Kg. Marak Parak, Kota Marudu. It takes around 30 minutes to reach there from Kota Marudu. 

I welcomed you to this place XD

It was my first time visiting here but trust me, you won't regret. You're gonna love the green scenery that it holds. 

The weather is quiet cloudy that day. The background view was covered by the clouds.

The river where you can do swimming activity. There are facilities for the users i.e. toilet, changing room, water pipe, camping site, etc.

Oh...if you are planning for an overnight trip, there are also chalets and cottages near this place. The camping site looks fine, but you have to provide your own tents as the management is not providing the camping facilities.

And of course you cannot go for fishing here. You'll get penalty if you do. Why? Traditionally speaking, this is one example of "Sungai bombon" or 'Tagal" where there will be a certain time when everyone can go fishing together at this place. 

Yup..Have been playing in the water for a while XD 

 Unfortunately, I do not get the chance to go to the waterfall T.T well maybe next time. 

Thanks for reading.

Your Lie in April

Kousei Arima was once called a prodigy and genius pianist but something terrible happened that traumatized him and makes him stopped playing piano. However, one day a charming blonde-hair violinist girl (named Kaori Miyazono) suddenly appeared and tried making him playing the piano again. She helped him to overcome the trauma but at the end of the series, she "disappeared". 

Kaori and Kousei in Shigatsu wa kimi no uso
Source: Google Image

The above title is actually referring to an anime series "Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso". It is one of my favorite anime that has such a sad ending. However, it taught me something precious:

You should never gave up on a dream that you once held the most....

You are advised to watch the series as I'm not going to spoil the story XD

Recently, I made a Photoshoot for the violinist Kaori Miyazono and I would love to share some of the photos with you guys.

Credit goes to Hanami Photography  <3 

Thanks for reading.

OMG 2017

OMG 2017 is a youth pop culture event that was held on the 1st and 2nd April 2017 at Suria Sabah Shopping Mall, Kota Kinabalu.

It was an event that joints Otaku, Makers and Gamers together which was held to spread the awareness of this youth pop culture in Sabah. There were also several sharing by people who have long been experienced in hosting the ACG (Anime, Comic and Games) Events and talking about the development in this field. 

Source: OMG page

I opined that by attending this event, you can gained knowledge about the development of ACG event. Also, for cosplayers, it was the place to meet others who has similar passion and interests. 

Sharing by cosplayers.

I love it when I get the chance to cosplay with friends and meet up with new people with the same hobby.

Here's a few photos taken during the event.

Group of cosplayers XD

Me and my friends cosplaying K-On!
From left to right: Azunyan (Myra), Ritsu (Becca), Yui (Lydia), Mugi (me) and Mio (Joey)

Yeay! Happy that we have a complete K-On members :D

With other friends.

Sanji and Zoro (One Piece) cosplay

Also Sanji and Zoro cosplay  XD

Sanji, Zoro, Chouji and Goku cosplay

With the fuwa fuwa meido :-*

Peace yo! Me cosplaying Trafalgal Law female version. 

I like to support ACG organizers by attending all local ACG event and continue to spread the positive message to public.

Thanks for reading.