Farm Visitor Number 1 Is Back

Visitor number 1 came back for a short visit and this time he came with his son and another friend. Day one, we had a short city tour in Kota Kinabalu in a rented Proton Saga. Place visited are Signal Hill, Atkinson Clock Tower, Jesselton Wharf and etc.




Day 2 was spent at the farm, to see our progress. A year ago, we were planting aimlessly. Now we already have a planting plan and in the process of understanding and developing further experience on selected plants. Had a walking tour across our little farm. Exchanging ideas, discussion and deliberating on plants and methods. Time just flies by.

Day 3, morning, went visiting to our local weekly market. Lots of stuffs sold by the locals where available. Our friend brought a big root of Tongkat Ali for just $25.00 He seems to be sure about the root and it's usage. We continued to Mahua Waterfall. This is hidden inside the Crocker Range. Spent some time having a mini picnic. We then proceed to Poring Hot Spring. A walk across the Rainforest Canopy Walk, followed by a hot dip at the hot pool. It was getting dark and have to leave.




Day 4 we went around to Kinabalu Park, making lots of stops for for fruits shopping. Spent some time at Kundasang, a high land town with lots of farming. Visited the War Memorial. Spend the rest of the day at Kinabalu park itself.
Had a seafood feast at Kudat, as the seafood there is so fresh.

Day 5, we made a visit to the Tip Of Borneo. The wind was particularly strong today. We can't even stand properly. The waves were constantly hitting at the rocks. This area is having lots of development, chalets, shops, restaurants and others.

We made a stop at the Runggus Long House.

Day 6, we went on an eating trip, tasting the local fare. After filling up to the top, we went for a walk at Gaya Street, the weekly Sunday Market. As my friends' flight is close to midnight, I have to excuse myself and make my way back to Keningau. After saying our good byes, made my way to take the 1.00 pm. Kimanis Express bus to Keningau.

Keningau, Sabah, Setting up farm.

Keningau is an interior town in Sabah, East Malaysia, named after a Javaness cinnamon tree. It used to be a timber town, but is now transferring to an agriculture town. It is a valley surronded by the croocker range to the west and the Trus Madi Range to the east and south side. The Trus Madi is the second highest peak in Malaysia, after the famous Mount Kinabalu.
Main reason that I've decided to set up farm here is due mainly to the land cost is much cheaper than in the cities. Second reason is that I have relatives and friends here that offer me tremendous help.
Access is also quite easy. With cheap airfare from Airasia offering from $16 one way and recently an additional Firefly offering from $28 one way, getting here from KL is cheap. Once in Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, getting to Keningau is simple, you have a choice of taxi, express bus, self drive or train ( long way). By road there is the old road via Tambunan or the new bypass via Kimanis, both offer scenic views. In fect getting to Keningau is already an adventure by itself.

Tamu of Keningau. Tamu is like a Sunday market. It's held twice weekly, Thursday and Sunday. It's interestin to see lots of people bringing up their produce for sale.

Looking forward to my next trip to Keningau, 10th March 2011.