Best Of Pulau Banggi – Rustic Island Life In Malaysia
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www.nst.com The scorching afternoon gave little hint of what awaited us out in the clear blue waters of the South China Sea. In the twinkle of an eye, storm clouds, like billowing smoke in a raging fire, waged war on a coastal village in Pulau Banggi.On board a fishermen’s boat which had seen better days, were 12 adults and three children. The journey to the nearest town of Karakit would take 1 ½ hours. Fear and anxiety were written on the faces of the tourists. In the midst of the storm, could there be calm assurance? It was comforting to watch the two sturdy fishermen with weather-beaten faces expertly steer the boat to shore through the choppy waters and pelting rain. They were like seasoned ship captains. There were sighs of relief all around. At least, there was no danger of being marooned. Robinson Crusoe would have been proud.Welcome to Pulau Banggi. The island may not be familiar to most Malaysians, but it is our largest island, surrounded by the South China Sea on the west and the Sulu Sea on the east. Situated at the northernmost tip of Sabah, the island is slightly bigger than Singapore and is home to about 20,000 people of various indigenous backgrounds. Home Of The Bonggi
There are few roads on the island and sea travel is the main means of transport. Most of the palm-fringed villages along the coast are not easily accessible. Drivers in trusty old pick-up trucks offer their services in ferrying visitors from Karakit across off-road tracks to interior towns like Limbuak Darat, Kampung Padang and Kampung Singgah Mata. Thick rainforest forms a canopy over almost 70 per cent of the island, which has stretches of beautiful white sandy beaches. But the lack of water and electricity may be the main reason why many shy away from the island. Banggi is home to the indigenous Bonggi people. Numbering about 6,000, their main occupation is fishing and hunting for wild boar and jungle produce. Tapioca is their staple diet. Banggi is one of Sabah’s poorest islands, but its fortunes are soon to be reversed. The recent launch of a mega RM167m agropolitan project by the Federal Government and Felcra Bhd, is expected to raise the living standards of the inhabitants.Electricity supply via the solar hybrid system is also planned in the main town of Karakit and several interior towns. Seafood DelightsIf you want to dine on some of the freshest and tastiest seafood, Karakit is the place. Waterfront stalls run by the locals — mainly the Bajau Laut, Suluk and Bonggi — offer delicious seafood dishes. You can also have your pick of fresh and cheap seafood from trawlers that bring in the day’s catch, berthing at the jetty point several times a day. It is therefore not surprising to find out that the island’s main export is fish, which is sold to wholesalers in Kudat. Where To StayYou can stay at the Bonggi Resort, located next to the waterfront in Karakit. The rooms are spartan but comfortable, with water and electricity. Rates start from RM60 per night. You have a choice of fan or air-conditioned rooms or you may try the Banggi-style wooden huts. The most interesting option, however, is the tree house with a nice view and the sea breeze. For reservations, call Bonggi Resort at tel: 019-587 8078 (Encik Gapur) and 088-671 572 (after 6pm).
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World Islamic Tourism Mart / Malaysia
WITM 2012 InCoMTHU Conference will feature quality and world renown speakers not only from Malaysia but from around the globe. In its 6th Year, the WITM InCoMTHU Conference 2012 will have speakers fro (16/05/2012)
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