THE EURASIANS: The maiden English novel of Borneo

Novels are very subjective. Some love them; others don't. Many however likes to read popular genres like horror, science-fiction, romance or thriller. When I first submitted my manuscript, I thought it was a historical-family saga. However, after editing, my editor told me it was Romance-Thriller. I was delighted because it falls under one of the important genres.

So obsessed with the historical part, I failed to see that the story was in fact romantic affairs of two important characters; Aaron Johnson and William Stewart. Their romance were the one that triggered tensions and eventually conflict. As we move towards the middle chapters, readers will see this novel is a page-turner. What is going to happen next? Why did he do that? How could she?

The character will be memorable. Some of them you will love; some hate. It started with an English gentleman, a Royal Air Force pilot; Aaron Johnson on a mission to North Borneo because of the Indonesian Confrontation in 1964. Aaron had no intention of staying in this wild and undeveloped country. But he fell in love with an Asian girl from Sandakan, married her and he was stuck here establishing a Eurasian family which started a chain of events. Aaron's destiny will cross-part with another young Eurasian, William Stewart, a mild-mannered young lawyer turned lobbyist. Because of love, their lives were turned upside down.

I strongly believe this is the first English romance-thriller novel written by an author (that's me) from North Borneo and its stories most of the time revolving around Borneo. The landscape of the early chapters are historical; Indonesian Confrontation, British and her allies supporting her former colony and also it touches on the Malaysian Agreement 1963 which is a hotly debated topics nowadays in Borneo. Towards the middle chapters, the backdrop are environmental, political and business, an important issue for Borneo starting from the early 1980's. Indeed environment is one of the pillars of this novel.

I also wish to remind readers that few of the passages are colored with controversies. I had no intention of creating a polemic; I only want to make my story flow. Great stories from famous authors have far more controversial issues than mind. That's what made their novels great. However, I wish to apologize in advance, if indeed those controversies offended you.

For those of you who are interested to buy a copy of my book, THE EURASIANS, you can contact me through my email donaldrosli@hotmail.com or call/watsapp me at 012-8214206. I could also be contacted through my twitter @donaldrosli or my Facebook DONALD PETER. The book can also be purchased directly from CLICK HERE

THE ULTIMATE MALAYSIAN BUCKET LISTS by Sil

I once made a joke to my Malaysian friends about the general Malaysians travel attitude towards domestic travel, I blurted, “Malaysians have been to Bangkok more than their own county states!” and I received a lot of answers packaged in one phrase, “Actually, that is true!”

In the Philippines where I am from, people love to travel domestically as it is expensive to travel outside of the country, we have to pay taxes to get out and travel internationally. Imagine that! So when I decided to move to Kuala Lumpur and earn my career here, I made a promise to explore the country during weekends and holidays whenever I can. Here are my top picks:

1. Climb Mount Kinabalu (Kota Kinabalu)

Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in the Malay peninsula and has received the world known UNESCO World Heritage status. Reaching the top may seem impossible, but you will definitely feel proud and accomplished once you get there. It's one of the things you must be able to conquer: Whether it's your fear of heights, or actually reaching the peak itself. Stamina is all you need.

 

2. Bargain at Malacca's Jonker Street Night Market

The night market is home to tons of clothes and trinkets you will be able to bring home as souvenir to your family and friends. Coming at affordable prices, you can still badger and negotiate with the friendly salespeople. Try scoring a deal or two! Although my local friends told me that this place is always packed, I don’t mind, I’m a visitor. Haha!

 

3. Swim with the fish in Sipadan Island

For those who absolutely love the waters, this must be on your bucket list. To swim with marine life and watch how fish live and the beauty of the corals under the clear blue waters... Now that's the life! You'll be able to find the best of waters and marine life of Malaysia in Sipadan Island.

4. Join the Penang Bridge International Marathon

For the runners seeking a challenge, the Penang Bridge International Marathon is right up your alley. The Penang Bridge is the 5th longest bridge in Southeast Asia. It's not only for serious runners but for those who want to check out the beauty of the sunrise when on the bridge! It is definitely one of the best things you can do in a TRIP TO MALAYSIA

 

5. Stay in a real Malaysian Kampung in Sekinchan

Staying in KL, the city can be quite toxicating. Concrete walls and endless traffic paired with humid air can sure make anyone tired. Luckily, two hours away from the city is Sekinchan, an unassuming town famous for its paddy field. In there you can enjoy activities like seeing fireflies at night and have an authentic Malaysian kampung experience, just care free.

 

6. Become a Kid Again at Legoland in Johor Bahru

Johor Bahru has its own Legoland, filled with beautiful statues made of your favorite childhood toys! It's even got a water park, a resort, and a ton of rides and attractions. Just make sure to ready your wallet, as it doesn't come as affordable as you would think! But with that being said, the visit will definitely be worth it.

 

7. Gobble up Penang street food

Forget everything on the list but never this. It’s simply the one thing you must really try. No one would want to go home or leave without trying the best of Malaysia, and you can do that through checking out their street food in Penang! If you're just there to eat, then Penang should definitely be the place to stay.

 

8. Stay a night in the Sarawak Longhouse

If you have ever wondered how families in Malaysia live, then you can do so through staying at the Sarawak Longhouse, where you can meet families and see how life is. It truly broadens your perspective of cultures and diverse ethnicity tucked in South East Asia.

 

9. Go skydiving in Taiping or Segamat

For the ultimate thrill-seekers out there! BUT, you will need to work on it with the Kuala Lumpur Skydiving Association before you go, though. It's one of the best experiences one should do at least once in their lifetime, and Malaysia is the place to do it.

 

10. Adventure Caving at Gunung Mulu Park

I have not been able to do this yet, but I am planning to do this soon. Gunung Mulu Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site in Sarawak known as the largest natural room or chamber, so huge it can house 40 Boeing 747s, wing to wing with no overlaps. Inside you are able to find rare species of plants and animals only seen in the caves, a real delight for science geeks.

Malaysia is home to tons of activities and places to experience. With the many things you are able to do, not only will you have a new perspective, but you'll also be able to proudly say you accomplished feats and explored the area to the fullest extent as you can.

To be fair, Thailand is cheaper and nearby that’s why Malaysians prefer going there, but honestly speaking Malaysia too is a beauty. You'll find that there are so many things to do, and it isn't just to relax by your hotel room or booze away. It's time to explore and get lost along the way. It's through exploring parts unknown to you because Malaysia is huge man! All this experience and creating new memories with your loved ones. Where in Malaysia should you head on to next? For more information please see our website www.tripovo.com

Author's Bio: Sil is bitten by the travel bug the moment he
finished university, A radical sabbatical, Sil moved to Malaysia in
2013 to to expand his horizon, experience the local culture and
learning Bahasa. At his free time, he enjoys arts and crafts, and
exploring neighborhood gems of Kuala Lumpur.
 

JESSELTON: The City

The city center

What is unique about Jesselton? For one thing; it is strategically connected to one of the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu towards the west and yet with a 20 minutes boat ride we can enjoy the sunny beaches of the islands of Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug east of the city. Imagine, in the morning, you go to one of the islands enjoying yourself snorkeling and sunbathing. Then suddenly, you feel like resting in a temperate environment at night. Well! You can travel back from the island to the city, and straight away shoot up to the Mount Kinabalu national park and spent your night there. It only takes less than two hours to reach the park.

Restaurant with a nice ambient in the city

Jesselton is a melting pot for so many cultures and people. That was why the foods are unique. I was told by a friend that the Hainanese were farmers with no knowledge of business before they left China in the late 1800's. But many of them worked as maids or butlers for the British administrators and planters in the old days. They learned to make continental breakfast. But nowadays, the Hainanese are famous for their Hainanese coffeehouse which serve toasted bread and half boiled eggs. They learned from the British to make jam. But they cannot find strawberry or blackcurrent to make it. Using their ingenuity, they made jam from coconut. Now the jam is called "Kaya" jam! This is one of the many cultural infusions that happened here in Jesselton. They are so many wonderful tasty foods in Jesselton because of the immigrants and expatriates settling here; Java, Indian, Chinese, Bruneien and recently Japanese and Koreans.

Jesselton in 1911

In the 15th century, Jesselton was part of the Brunei Empire. The British started to develop Jesselton when they moved the capital from Pulau Gaya to the mainland nearby. At that time, the British North Borneo Company was in charge of developing Jesselton. They moved to the new location because the town in Pulau Gaya was razed by fire in 1897. Jesselton used to be called Api-Api probably because of the fire in Pulau Gaya. Api means fire in Malay. Later on the town was renamed Jesselton after Sir Charles Jessel, the Vice Chairman of British North Borneo Company. Between 1942 to 1945, Jesselton was under the Japanese occupation. After that, the town was back under British rule until 1963. In 1967, the name Jesselton was replaced with Kota Kinabalu. In 2000 Jesselton became a city. 

 

JESSELTON: The Friendly Egret

This is the Great Egret (Ardea Alba) or Common Egret. Sometime it is known as the Great White Heron. It is found in Asia, Africa and Australia. But this one; the only one found in the Likas Sports Complex jogging track is unusual. It is tame and isn't afraid of people. When joggers and visitors starts to congregate near the lake to feed the fish, this bird will fly down and display itself catching small fish. It doesn't look hungry. It just want to show off! When the crowd thin out, it will fly back to the tree. It will also display itself gliding at the surface of the lake and finished off its flight to stand near people, especially children as if to tell the onlookers, "hey! I am great, am I?"

Look how close I got to this bird to take a shot of this magnificent creater. It didn't fly away! But what is saddening is to see visitors who had never seen a bird so tame, started throwing stones at it. They just cannot appreciate a wild animal could be so friendly. I am worried, eventually we will not be able to see this again in future. The bird might die of injury, or the bird might decided to trust its instinct and fly away; never to trust men again! How sad indeed.

The Likas Sport Complex jogging track is a ten minute drive from the Jesselton (Kota Kinabalu) city center. Since most of the trees had grown so tall, it can be considered a park. At least three times a week, I will walk around this park to exercise my ageing body. I couldn't jog anymore, so walking will do. The main attraction of this jogging track is the abundance of fish and other freshwater creatures on this huge lake. It is a good thing that the management of this complex forbade fishing. There are also a lot of dragons (monitor lizard) in the lake. On few occasions, joggers claimed they had seen crocodile swimming in the lake. They insisted it was indeed a crocodile; not monitor lizard.

The towering trees by the side of the jogging track are Khaya Grandisfiola. Khaya is believed to be a Mahogany tree, which is good for making furniture. But here, at the park, it just give good shade. As you walk along, you will appreciate the tree for protection against the sun. 

SAPI ISLAND: Longest in the World! (Part 2)

One of the major attraction at Sapi Island is its longest Zip Line in the world! It is also called Coral Flyer or Sky Fox. It is 235 meter long with its starting point at the bigger neighboring island, Gaya. It cut across the sea in between and takes about 20 seconds to glide from one point to the other. It is scary but safe. My grand-daughter age 8 tried it and she enjoyed the ride.  By the way, the Gaya, Sapi, Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug islands are all gazetted under the North Borneo (Sabah) National Park.

Another attraction when arriving at the island is watching the coral fish waiting for visitors to feed them bread or chicken feeds. Thousands will swarm around you if you bring them snacks.I have seen even clown fish abandoned the safety of their dwelling within the poisonous anemone to join up waiting for food. I think the park rangers on this island did discourage tourists from feeding the fish, but since it is part of the attraction, they just let it be.

The water around the island is crystal clear and is an excellent site for scuba diving. Some parts of the island, we can still see the living corals, but many others are already dead and dying. The menace are pollution from Jesselton (Kota Kinabalu) and worst of all fish bombing activities from the refugees settlement nearby. The hill on this small island is also a wonderful place to hike. It is covered with small size tropical jungle and there are a lot of wild creatures especially monitor lizard.

The first English romance-thriller from Borneo
AVAILABLE AT AMAZON OR BARNES & NOBLE
Search also THE EURASIANS by Don Peter ebook
 

SAPI ISLAND: Island Paradise of Borneo (Part 1)

Sandy part of the island

Sapi means "cow". The reason why this island is called Sapi Island is because from far the island really looked like a cow head! But this island, among the other chain of islands, is indeed beautiful. It is only 15 minutes boat ride from Jesselton Point or Sutera Harbor Resort. Jesselton (Kota Kinabalu) is the capital of North Borneo (Sabah). Half of the island is covered with white sandy beach, while the other half is rocky.

And rocky part of the island

The size of Sapi Island is only 25 acres (roughly 10 hectares). Approaching the island, from the distant, the island looked small. Before disembarking on the island, visitors are tempted to think that we can walk around the whole island in 10 minutes or less. Far from it! I think it takes 2 hours or more to cover the entire island on foot. So there is much to see on this island, even though it is small.

From Pulau Sapi, we can see the biggest island off the Jesselton coast, that is Gaya Island. It is roughly towards the north of Sapi. In the south, like the picture above, we can see Manukan and Mamutik. What we can't see from Sapi is Sulug Island and the Sepanggar Island.

But before going for the islands hopping, we would have to start from here; Jesselton Point. I like this place because it gives a historical perspective what was Jesselton all about. Here is where visitors can buy their tickets for the island trips.

The first romance-thriller from Borneo
AVAILABLE AT AMAZON OR BARNES & NOBLE
Search also THE EURASIANS by Don Peter ebook

TIP OF BORNEO: The Bee Farm

The Gombizau Bee Farm fascinate me. The farm is located at Matunggong, a sub-district and 43 kilometer from Kudat. Visitors had the opportunity to see how a community of locals managed their bee farm. They used to allow visitors to taste raw honeys straight from the honeycombs but nowadays they won't allow that. They told me, it will disturb the bee's production cycle thus causing it to collapse or swarming (bees leaving their hives). If we have opportunity to taste the honey from the hive, it would have been a wonderful experience because of it's freshness.

The farm reared the Asiatic honeybee call Apis cerana. These bees from a distant look exactly like a common housefly. It is found all over Asia including some parts of the Pacific islands. It seems docile, and if disturbed, it does give a mild sting. But no matter how mild the sting are, it will become painful if they attack in huge numbers. The farm here also harvest the honey from wild giant honey bees call Apis dorsata. These bees, also found all over Asia, are aggressive and cannot be tamed. It live in forest canopies deep inside the jungle. The farmers here told me the bees have ample flowers from the acacia magnum, rubber, coconut, palm oil and mangrove trees to feed on. But the rate of trees been chopped off going around this place, I am not sure what will the bees feed on in future.

Bees are insect related to the wasps and ants. They do have a very important role in our ecological system because they pollinate plants which are essential to human survival. The nectar and pollen they feed on are rich in energy and protein. That is why honey is an important food source. Many believe it contains healing properties. Collecting honey from the wild started 15,000 years ago, while domestication of bees began in Egypt 4500 years ago.

The world is also facing a big problem about the Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). The problem is this; foraging bees cannot get back to their hive because of navigational failure. Thus the colony disappeared leaving only the queen and a few nurse bees to look after the hive. The worst affected area is Europe. In some part of China, fruit farmers now have to use paintbrush to pollinate the flowers of the fruit trees because of the disappearance of bees. Scientists around the globe are concerned that the CCD will caused food supply to be reduced all over the world. Many theories are forwarded what causes the CCD, but none is conclusive. Among them are Varroa (bee mites), pesticides, lost of habitats and global warming.

At Gombizau, I asked the farmers, did they ever experienced CCD. Not knowing what I meant, I explained to them the meaning. They told me that they experienced sudden reduction in bee colonies in 2011, but nowadays, it seems the bees are back in numbers. That was why they forbade consuming honey from the honeycomb. It was a good experience coming here. Since we cannot taste the fresh honey, buying the bottled one will do.