e-tawau | Its all about tawau

Pasar Tanjung Tawau

2008-06-15T21:12:00.003+08:00

the biggest market in Malaysia

The Tawau Tanjung Market costs RM 17 million to complete. It has 6,000 stalls . It is located at the town centre and completed in the year 1999. Tawau Tanjung Market claimed to be the biggest in Malaysia. In 1999 it was a major construction for Tawau since the 80's.

This is the the largest indoor market in Malaysia

Al-Kauthar Mosque

2008-06-15T21:03:00.002+08:00

Sabah's largest mosque
The Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Tuanku Syed Putra Jamalullail, declared opened the RM31.5 million Al-Kauthar Mosque, Sabah largest mosque on 13th August 2004.

The Al-Kauthar mosque, which can accommodate a 17,000-strong congregation at anyone time, was completed in October 2002. It is equipped with a library, a seminar hall and an administrative office.

The King urged Muslims to make full use of the mosque not only to perform their daily prayers but also to seek knowledge, just like during the days of the Prophet.

The King commended Sabah government for building the mosque, which he described as Sabah largest and most beautiful landmark.

Balung Assemblyman Syed Abas Syed Ali is the chairman of the mosque's committee.

Present on 13th August 2004 opening ceremony were Head of State Tun Ahmadshah Abdullah, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Haji Aman, Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin, Minister in the Chief Minister's Department Datuk Nasir Tun Sakaran, Assistant Rural Development Minister Datuk Tawfiq Abu Dakar Titingan, USIA president Tun Sakaran Dandai and MUIS president Datuk Haji Matussin Awang Damit.

This new Tawau Mosque is next to the sea. Near by shops are eateries. The famous seafood stalls are 10 minutes walk from here.

Bandar Sri Indah

2008-06-15T20:45:00.003+08:00

A place to live, work and play!
You deserve better. That's why we bring you Bandar Sri Indah, a 1368 acres of self - contained comprehensive township development. Here, you will find everything you need for a truly modern living whilst being surrounded by the lush forest reserves surrounding the area.

Don't just take our word for it. Visit our sales gallery and show units. See it for yourself.

Features
The largest township development in Sabah
3 times the size of existing Tawau town center
15 minutes from Tawau town and airport (Easy access via Jalan Apas highway)
Green zones with a 1km jogging track, parks, lakes and barbeque area
Surrounded by 2 forest reserves
1 sports center and 1 community center
Business centers, shops and offices
Land allocation for 10 secondary and primary schools
1 proposed college
1 central market and 1 proposed hypermarket

Properties
Sri Indah Biz Centre (SIBC)
Price
Intermediate : RM 338,000 - RM 398,000
Corner : RM 368,000 - RM 478,000

Dimension
35' (W) x 40'(L) - Ground Floor
35' (W) x 45'(L) - First Floor

Gross Built-Up Area
3.015 Sq.Ft. - Intermediate
3,213 Sq.Ft. - Corner

Delia (Double Storey Semi-D House)

Selling Price	:	RM 370,000 - RM 466,200
Land Area	:	3,628sf - 6,665sf
Gross Built-Up Area	:	2,451sf
Dimension	:	24'(W) * 39'4''(I) - Grd & 1st floor.

Azelia (D/S Terrace 'A3' House)

Selling Price	:	RM 250,000 - RM 390,300
Land Area	:	2,125sf - 6,467sf
Gross Built-Up Area	:	1,886sf
Dimension	:	24'(W) * 30'(I) - Grd & 1st floor

Camelia (Double Storey Terrace 'C')

Selling Price	:	RM 218,000 - RM 330,800
Land Area	:	1,949sf- 5,374sf
Gross Built-Up Area	:	1,691sf
Dimension	:	22'(W) * 29'(I) - Grd & 1st floor.

1½ Storey Detached Industrial Building (Bandar Sri Indah Tawau - Phase 4A)

Selling Price	:	RM 1,080,000 - RM 1,180,000
Land Area	:	14,853 - 17,157 sq ft
Gross Built-Up Area	:	6,049 sq ft
Dimension	:	73'(W) x 60'(L) Grd Floor 36.5'(W) x 20'(L) 1st floor
Units	:	8

1½ Storey Semi-Detached Industrial Building (Bandar Sri Indah Tawau - Phase 4A)

Selling Price	:	RM 585,000 - RM 683,000
Land Area	:	1,591 - 9,1696 sq ft
Gross Built-Up Area	:	3,171 sq ft
Dimension	:	30'(W) x 73'(L) Grd Floor 30'(W) x 20'(L) 1st floor
Units	:	32

1½ Storey Terrace Industrial Building Type A (Bandar Sri Indah Tawau - Phase 4A)

Selling Price	:	RM 288,000 - RM 343,000
Land Area	:	1,250 - 2,446 sq ft
Gross Built-Up Area	:	2,023 sq ft
Dimension	:	25'(W) x 50'(L) Grd Floor 25'(W) x 17'(L) 1st floor
Units	:	80

Tawau Airport

2008-06-15T20:27:00.002+08:00

Tawau, Malaysia, Pengurus Lapangan Terbang,
Malaysia Airport Berhad Tawau
Peti Surat 60132, 91011 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia
Tel: +60 (89) 775819 Fax: +60 (89) 764251

Sabah Chinese High School

2008-06-15T20:07:00.003+08:00

SABAH CHINESE HIGH SCHOOL
Peti Surat 489, 91007 Tawau,
Sabah, Malaysia.
Tel: 089-772975 Fax: 089-777658
Email: kimsang@tm.net.my
Website: http://www.schs.edu.my

Student Graduated website: http://www.graduates.com/SchoolMemberList.aspx?si=275977

Sabah Chinese High School is an independent school established in 1964 by the then Borneo Chinese Association, Tawau. On 20th March 1964 , the running of the school was handed over to the Tawau Chinese Chamber of Commerce till today.

The school has progressed tremendously in terms of enrolment, academic performance and physical development. In 1991, 'A' Level courses were introduced. Sabah Chinese High School today is ranked as one of the most prestigious institutions in the State. The school is located off Chong Thien Vun Road, on a twenty-acre site, fifteen of which were donated by two noble brothers, Mr Liang Chu Hui and the late Mr Leong tsu Suan

Institut Perguruan Tawau

2008-06-15T19:47:00.004+08:00

Institut Perguruan Tawau
Km 36 Jalan Balung
Beg Berkunci No. 27
91009 Tawau, Sabah
Tel : 089-951250 Fax : 089-951255
Website: http://www.mptawau.org/

Shan-Shui Golf and Country

2008-06-13T22:00:00.003+08:00

SHAN-SHUI GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB Opened 1998
15 km. from Tawau town, Shan Shui has a 18-hole championship golf course designed by Nelson & Haworth. It is acclaimed to be their finest creation in Asia. US Golf Magazine ranked Hole 15-the Creek, one of the Best 500 holes & Top 250 par 4s in the world!

This magnificent 18-hole championship golf course presents golfers with the ultimate challenge. Set amidst a magnificent undulating terrain, its course dips and careens with an amazing variance. Designed by world–renowned golf architects Nelson & Haworth, Shan Shui Golf Club iis acclaimed to be their finest in Asia and the course allows you to enjoy the natural surroundings while you negotiate the tricky greens. With breathtaking mountains as the backdrop, the course also serves as a natural habitat for wildlife.

On 21st March, 2001, Golf course architect Robin Nelson announced that his international design company -- Nelson & Haworth Golf Course Architects -- received four awards at the inaugural Asian Golf Monthly Awards program for the design of Shan-Shui Golf & Country Club.

The awards program took place during the opening ceremony of the PGA Show of Asia, held 22-25 February 2001 at the Singapore Expo Hall. Asian Golf Monthly is Asia’s leading industry publication.

"When we first saw the site for Shan-Shui we knew we could design a special course there,” said Nelson, Chairman and Director of Nelson & Haworth, which provides international design services, and sole proprietor of his U.S. company, through which Nelson designs courses in North America.

“The site had everything designers look for -- wonderful vegetation, undulating terrain, a superb river meandering through its 365 acres, plus an excellent client with whom to work,” said Nelson & Haworth President Neil Haworth.

A private club owned by a Singapore-Malaysia consortium, Shan-Shui opened in 1997. It features the 7,365-yard, par-72 course, which hosted the Asian PGA Tour’s 1998 Sabah Masters.

The aptly named “Crocodile River” meanders through the site, home to a former rubber estate, and comes into play on nine holes. The banks of this small river are natural rainforest and contain spectacular flaura, including protected “Honey Bear” trees, which stand more than 200 feet high.

The course winds through rubber tree areas, rare “Strangler Fig” trees, and coconut groves. The site’s highest point provides views of the Suluwesi Sea and across Borneo.

“We wanted a natural golf course,” says Dato Kour Nam Ngum, a member of the ownership consortium. “I saw other Nelson & Haworth designs, and I knew they would supply exactly what we were looking for.”

All holes except one play downhill, making for a dramatic and spectacular golf course, as recognized by the two Asian Golf Monthly “best-of-hole” awards.

The par-5 15th hole at Shan-Shui is a classic risk-reward design. A double fairway -- and decision -- awaits golfers from the elevated tee.

A perfectly executed drive to the narrower fairway provides an opportunity to reach the green in two. Miss it, however, and bogey -- at best -- awaits.

The other award-winning hole is the par-4 5th hole, with its teeing area on a ridge adjacent to the Crocodile River. Accuracy off the tee is required on this hole, with a well-aimed shot finding a plateau set in a cocoa plantation. From there, players must find the green nestled below among coconut palms and guarded on the right by a babbling stream.

Address:
Tb 263, Block 27, Fajar Complex
Jalan Mahkamah, P.O. Box 973
Tawau, Sabah 91008
East Malaysia
Tel: 089-916 999
Fax: 089-916 777
Email: townerd@tm.net.my
GM: Mr. David Townend

Open daily
Dress code: Normal golfing attire

How to get there
Fly to Kota Kinabalu (Sabah State Capital) and then catch a connecting flight of 40 minutes to the east coast of Sabah, Tawau. Shan Shui Golf & Country Resort Bhd. is 10 to 15 minutes drive from the airport. If you are playing there in a big group, don't forget to ask for group discount.

Course Details

No. of courses:	1 x 18 holes (Tiragat Nine and Membalua Nine)
Description:	Blue Tee: 6644 metres, Par 72, Rating 74, Slope 143
	White Tee: NA metres, Par 72, Rating NA, Slope NA
	Red Tee: NA metres, Par 72, Rating NA, Slope NA
Opened:	September 21st 1997
Course Designer:	Nelson & Haworth
Type of course:	Buggy course. Buggies can be driven on the fairways except on very wet days
Night golfing:	Night golfing not available
Fairways grass:	Greenlees Park
Greens:	Bermuda Tifdwarf 419
Distance measured in:	Metres to the centre of the green
Distance markers:	100 metres - a post with a round ball on top 150 metres - a post with two round balls on top 200 metres - a post with three round balls on top Distances to the centre of the green also indicated on sprinkler heads.

Green Fees

Walk in Visitors:	Weekdays Weekends & Public Holidays	9 holes RM66 / 18 holes RM108 9 holes RM78 / 18 holes RM126
Members' Guests:	Weekdays Weekends & Public Holidays	9 holes RM35 / 18 holes RM60 9 holes RM45 / 18 holes RM75
Group Discount:	Weekdays Weekends & Public Holidays	9 holes RM35 / 18 holes RM60 9 holes RM45 / 18 holes RM75
Night Golfing Surcharge:	Weekdays Weekends & Public Holidays	No night golfing facilities No night golfing facilities
Note:	Sighting of handicap cards:	No

Others

Caddy Fees:	18 holes - "A" class caddy RM16, "B" Class caddy RM14 & "C" Class caddy RM12
Usual Tips for Caddy:	Not available
Buggy Fees:	9 holes RM15 per person / 18 holes RM25 per person
Turf Rider Fees:	Not available
Trolley hire:	Please check Pro Shop
Golf Clubs Rental:	9 holes RM30 / 18 holes RM30
Golf Shoes Rental:	9 holes RM15 / 18 holes RM15

Other Facilities

Practice facilities:	Driving Range & Putting Green
Other Recreational facilities:	NA
Pro Shop:	NA
F&B outlets:	Tiragat Terrace Restaurant - A-la-carte (Malay, Western & Chinese food)
Accommodation:	Please check with club

Membership Information:

Type of Membership Club:	Private Members Club
Total Golfing Members:	100
Types of Membership & Entrance Fees:	Transferable Golf Individual - RM34,000
Monthly Subscription:	RM120
Transfer Fees:	10% of club's selling price

Reciprocal & Affiliated Clubs:

Shanghai Sun Island International Club.

Sun Island, Shenxiang, Qingpu County
Shanghai 201714

Tel: 02-598 30888
Fax: 02-598 31865

Credit by: etawau.com

Tawau Old Town

2008-06-11T21:30:00.002+08:00

Hotel of Tawau

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帝皇酒店
KINGSTON HOTEL
(Wholly Owned By EAGLE TARGET SDN. BHD.)
TB4581 - 4590, Lot 6-15, Ground Floor,
Jalan Haji Karim, 91000 Tawau, Sabah
Tel: 089-702288, 702388 Fax: 089-70268

Belmont Marco Polo Hotel
Jalan Clinic, Tawau, Malaysia
Phone: +60 (0) 89 777 988

De Choice Hotel
Jalan Masjid, Tawau
Tel: 089-776655, 776761, 776760
Fax: 089-756655

Promenade Hotel (Coming soon still under construction at Kuhara Point)

First (1st) Hotel
TB 208 & 209, Jalan Bunga,
Off Jalan Masjid, P. 0- Box 60055,
91010 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia.
Tel: 089-778989 Fax: 089-761296

Heritage Hotel
TB210, JALAN BUNGA, FAJAR COMPLEX
91000 TAWAU, SABAH.
Tel: 089-766222 Fax: 089-767222
E-mail: info@heritagehotel.com.my

Holiday Hotel Tawau
Tel : 089-751100 Fax 089-752228
TB 273 First Floor, Block 28, Fajar Complex, Jalan Haji Karim, 91000 Tawau, Sabah

HOTEL EMAS
TB 2103. North Road,
91000 Tawau. Sabah. Malaysia.
Tel: (60)89-762000 Fax: (60)89-763569, 774626
E-mail: emas@teckguan.com

KING PARK HOTEL
Tb30, Jalan Haji Karim,
91000 Tawau, Sabah.
Tel: 089-767700 Fax: 089-767709
E-Mail: kingpark@streamyx.com

Kuhara Court Apartment Suite
TB4550, Mile 1, Jalan Kuhara, Block C, Ground Floor,
91000 Tawau, Sabah
Tel: 089-768778, 759778
Fax: 089-752778

MAY BLOSSOM HOTEL
(MB HOTEL)
TB339, Jalan Masjid, 91000 Tawau, Sabah, Malaysia.
Tel: +60 89 701333, 749888 Fax: +60 89 748103
(wholly owned by May Blossom Development Sdn. Bhd. 432537-P)
E-Mail: hotelmayblossom@yahoo.com

MONACO HOTEL
TB 214, Jalan Haji Karim. Fajar Complex.
91000 Tawau Sabah. Malaysia.
Tel: 089-769911, 769912, 769913

ISTANA MONACO HOTEL
228-229 Jalan Bunga, Fajar Complex, Tawau
Tel: 089-775776 Fax: 089-757222

MONACO DYNASTY HOTEL
TB 230, Jalan Bunga,
91000 Tawau Sabah. Malaysia.
Tel: 089-755557, 766557 Fax: 089: 779557

DUNLOP HOTEL TAWAU
Jalan Dunlop, Tawau
P.O.Box 529, 91008 Tawau
Tel : 089-770733, 089-770295, 089-770535
Fax : 089-765963

LOONG HOTEL
Tawau
Tel : 089-765308

TAWAU HOTEL SABAH
72 - 73, Jalan Chester,
91000 Tawau, Sabah.
Tel: (6089) 771100
Fax: (6089) 763406
eMail - tawauhtl@tm.net.my

Tidong of Sabah

2008-06-11T10:55:00.001+08:00

The Tidong live on the eastern coast of Bulungan Regency, in the province of East Kalimantan, to the northeast of Putoh. They are more open to outsiders than many other groups, because they live in a coastal region. This openness and exposure to the modern world has lead them to be influenced by the outsiders? cultures. This has been heightened by the fact that most of their living areas have become transmigration areas. The Tidong speak their own language, Bahasa Tidong (Tidong language).

The Tidong make their living mainly as farmers. They grow sweet potatoes, cassava, lentils, fruits and vegetables. The Tidong practice migratory agriculture (shifting from one field to another), mainly because they cannot maintain the soil?s fertility. New farm land is opened by cutting down trees and burning the underbrush. This farming method is often accused of being the main cause of forest fires in Kalimantan. However, even though this process does cause some damage, it is not comparable to the destruction done by businessmen who hold "Forest Enterprise Rights" from the government.

Some of the Tidong are ocean fishermen. The Tidong harvest rice, coconuts, and wood from their land. Petroleum is also produced on Bunyu and Tarakan islands.

Some of the Tidong young people choose their own marriage partner. However, some of them marry partners chosen for them by their parents.

The birth of a child is gladly welcomed and celebrated by a kenduri (ritual feast), which is a party led by a religious leader. Neighbors are invited to come to the feast in which the child is given a name (tasmiah). Usually, the celebration is held after the child is one or two weeks old. At the party, there is a naik ayun (swing riding) ritual. In this ritual, the child?s parents put the child in a swing and cut the child?s hair and cover him/her with flour.

Generally, the Tidong are Muslims. They perform religious ceremonies in Islamic ways. Islam was brought to the Tidong by merchants from Sulawesi. Their division of inheritance is based on Islamic laws.""Despite their Muslim religion, some of the Tidong also practice animism, which is the belief that spirits are in all places and influence mankind. Thus, their traditional ceremonies are focused upon seeking protection through magic, by either appeasing or controlling both good and bad spirits. A spiritual leader called a dukun (shaman/healer/occultist) plays an important role in their society, and is often asked to heal sicknesses with spells.

Since the Tidong are nomadic, most of them do not have opportunities for a formal education from public schools. Typically, only those who are settled are educated formally. The Tidong are open to advances of the modern era. Their openness can be used as an asset to improve and develop their human resources. They also need assistance to be more productive and creative in managing plantations as well as farms and fisheries.

Tagahas of Sabah

2008-06-11T10:53:00.002+08:00

The Tagahas is a particular group of the Kadazan people inTambunan. They were very barbarous and strong, and their basic occupation was hunting. They came to Tambunan long ago in search of suitable hunting grounds.

There was another Kadazandusun tribe, called the Tambunan (hence the name of the district today), who were believed to be the first settlers in this area. These two tribes were always challenging each other into fights as they possessed the supernatural powers, which was their main weapon. Montuk, the leader of the Tagahas mastered most of the magical powers and was also a very volatile character. He was feared by his subjects but sometimes there were daring characters who tried to be superior and challenged him. However, many perished trying to fight the invincible Montak.

The Tagahas' most exciting games were war dancing and head hunting. Men were not able to marry if they could not hunt human heads. Before the Tagahas set out on their head hunting sprees, they would have a long period of dancing, accompanied by the beating of gongs and drums. As the Tambunan people were able to hear that terrible sound, it was also a signal that warned them that danger was on its way to their village. The Tagahas would overrun every village, burning houses and killing defenders. After a night of pillaging and head hunting, they would celebrate the victory. They drank alcoholic drinks from the fermented tapioca root and ate all the hunted meat. The heads they had acquired were put into a huge jar and placed in the centre of the celebrating people.

The Tambunan people, who suffered constant defeats decided to leave their village and resettled on the opposite side of the Kapagalan river. They built several longhouses that could be occupied by ten families in order to stay closely together as a defensive measure. They also put sentries all over the surrounding village as well as relentlessly upgrading their fighting skills. They also defeated the Tagahas when they tried to ambush their village. This is because one of the Tagahas betrayed his own tribe and told the Tambunan that Montuk was preparing his men to attack them. But the betrayer was captured and sentenced to death.

Today, head hunting is a thing of the past for the peaceful Tagahas people of Tambunan. Regardless of tribes, the Kadazandusun people live in harmony as one in Tambunan and celebrate various festivities together.

Murut Of Sabah

2008-06-11T10:48:00.002+08:00

Murut Cultural Centre was opened in 1991. Located 10 km from Tenom Town at Kampung Pulong.

The centre has an area of 33 acres beside the Pegalan River. The impressive buildings cover an area of 20 acres.

An interesting gallery displays many artefacts of the Murut people of Sabah.

The buildings are mainly constructed of local timber. Giant pillars feature elements of local Murut architecture. Wood carvings on the pillars and pannels inside the building give visitors a real feel of Murut traditions, which is enhanced in the museum gallery in the upper floor with its many artefacts, such as jars, gongs, traditional designs and general information on the Murut.

Murut are the third largest indigenous group in Sabah, after the Kadazandusun and the Bajau.

There are sub-groups called Baukan, Gana, Timugon, Tahol, Serundung, Selungai, Paluan, Okolod, Murut Beaufort and Keningau.

Many of the Murut, especially those in the far interior, still live in their traditional longhouses, and practise agriculture. Others have taken up skilled and remunerated work in town

Tapai is a Murut traditional rice wine

The Kalimaran Festival - An annual festival held in Tenom Murut Cultural Centre that celebrates and honours the Murut traditions.

TIMUGON MURUT (TIMUGON, TIMOGUN, TIMIGAN, TIMIGUN, TIMOGON, TUMUGUN, TEMOGUN, TENOM MURUT) [TIH] 7,200 to 8,700 (1982 SIL), including 1,200 to 1,700 in Beaufort Murut (1982 SIL). Tenom District along the Padas River from Melalap to Batu, and Beaufort District along the Bukau and lower Padas rivers. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Borneo, Northwest, North Sarawakan, Dayic, Murutic, Murut. Dialects: KAPAGALAN, POROS, BEAUFORT MURUT (BINTA'), TIMUGON, SANDIWAR (SANDEWAR), DABUGUS, LOWER MURUT, MURUT PADAASS, BUKAU (BUKOW). Bahasa Malaysia is widely understood. Muslim. Bible portions 1986-1990. Work in progress.

KENINGAU MURUT (CENTRAL MURUT) [KXI] 4,000 to 5,200 (1982 SIL), including 1,000 to 1,200 Dusun Murut (1985 SIL); 34,282 in all countries all Murut in Sabah (1980 census). Keningau District within a 10-mile radius to the north of Keningau town along the Pegalan River. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Borneo, Northwest, North Sarawakan, Dayic, Murutic, Murut. Dialects: NABAY (NABAI, NEBEE, DABAY, DABAI, RABAY, RABAI), AMBUAL, DUSUN MURUT. Closely related to Baukan and Timugon. No one under 20 uses Nabay as first language. Survey needed.

SELUNGAI MURUT [SLG] 300 in Sabah (1990 SIL); 800 in all countries (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Pensiangan District, 1 village, along the Sapulut River from the confluence with the Pensiangan River south to the Indonesian border. Also along the upper reaches of the Sembakung River in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Borneo, Northwest, North Sarawakan, Dayic, Murutic, Murut.

SEMBAKUNG MURUT (SIMBAKONG, SEMBAKOENG, SEMBAKONG, TIDONG, TIDOENG, TIDUNG, TINGGALAN, TINGGALUM, TINGALUN) [SMA] 5,000 in all countries (?) (1981 Wurm and Hattori). Along the Sembakung River in northern Kalimantan, Indonesia, from the mouth upstream possibly as far as Sabah. Mainly Indonesia. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Borneo, Northwest, North Sarawakan, Dayic, Murutic, Tidong.

SERUDUNG MURUT (SERUDONG, TAWAU MURUT, TIDUNG) [SRK] 1,000 (1989 SIL). Tawau District along the Serudung River and one village 12 miles from Tawau town. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Borneo, Northwest, North Sarawakan, Dayic, Murutic, Tidong.

TAGAL MURUT [MVV] 28,000 to 48,000 in Sabah, Malaysia (1987 SIL); 2,000 Alumbis in Kalimantan (1987 SIL); 30,000 to 50,000 in all countries (1991 SIL). Pensiangan, Keningau, Tenom, Sipitang districts over the whole southwestern portion of Sabah, south into Kalimantan, Indonesia. Austronesian, Malayo-Polynesian, Western Malayo-Polynesian, Borneo, Northwest, North Sarawakan, Dayic, Murutic, Murut. Dialects: RUNDUM (ARUNDUM), TAGAL (TAGGAL, TAGUL, TAGOL, NORTH BORNEO MURUT, SABAH MURUT), SUMAMBU (SEMEMBU, SEMAMBU, SUMAMBUQ), TOLOKOSON (TELEKOSON), SAPULOT MURUT (SAPULUT MURUT), PENSIANGAN MURUT (PENTJANGAN, LAGUNAN MURUT), SALALIR (SADALIR, SEDÁLIR, SARALIR), ALUMBIS (LUMBIS, LOEMBIS), TAWAN, TOMANI (TUMANIQ), MALIGAN (MAULIGAN, MELIGAN, BOL MURUT, BOLE MURUT). Those who have been to school can use Sabah Malay for routine topics. Closest to Paluan. 20% literate in Bahasa Malaysia. Christian, traditional religion. NT 1984-1991. Bible portions 1965-1990.

Iban of Sabah

2008-06-11T10:44:00.002+08:00

The Ibans are a branch of the Dayak peoples of Borneo. They were formerly known during the colonial period by the British as Sea Dayaks. Ibans were renowned for practising headhunting and tribal/territorial expansion. A long time ago, being a very strong and successful warring tribe, the Ibans were a very feared tribe in Borneo. They speak the Iban language.

Today, the days of headhunting and piracy are long gone and in has come the modern era of globalization and technology for the Ibans. The Iban population is concentrated in Sarawak, Brunei, in the West Kalimantan region of Indonesia. They live in longhouses called rumah panjai or rumah panjang [1]. Most of the Iban longhouses are equipped with modern facilities such as electricity and water supply and other facilities such as (tar sealed) roads, telephone lines and the internet. Younger Ibans are mostly found in urban areas and visit their hometowns during the holidays. The Ibans today are becoming increasingly urbanised while (surprisingly) retaining most of their traditional heritage and culture.

Bajau of Sabah

2008-06-11T10:39:00.003+08:00

The Bajau people came from 2 tribes : 1) Bajau tribes of Kota Belud and 2) Bajau Laut tribes of Semporna

The Bajau tribes of Kota Belud are known for horse-riding while the Bajau Laut tribes of Semporna are known for their seafaring skills.

Bajau Laut tribes are known as the sea gypsy people like other island people of the Pacific Ocean in southern Philippines and other small islands.

For many years Bajau Laut lived in the ocean on make-shift house boats. Only in recent years they made settlements on coastal area with houses built on stilts. The ocean is still their main source of living - fishing, collecting clams and mussels, and pearl farming in Bodgaya Island and Boheydulang Island.

Cocos of Sabah

2008-06-11T10:35:00.003+08:00

The Orang Cocos are originally from the Cocos (Keeling) Islands who settled this area in the 1950s. Along with them they brought their unique blend of scottish and malay desent.

The Orang Cocos of Sabah are mostly living in Lahad Datu, Kunak, Sandakan and in Tawau.

Orang Cocos now has a population of 4,000 in Sabah. (About 10 times larger than the population remaining in the Cocos Islands themselves) and with a home village of Kampung Cocos near Lahad Datu in Tawau Division in Sabah.

Their ancestors in Cocos Island worked in coconut plantations owned by the English. These early Cocoa Malay families shown a remarkable flair for adaptation. Elements of the English-Scottish traditions were absorbed into Cocos Malay cultural practices. Certain foods, dances and musical influences have a western flavour.

Bugis of Sabah

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Bugis of Sabah, are a Bugis tribe residing in Sabah, mainly on the east coast and particularly around the districts of Tawau, Semporna, Kunak and Lahad Datu

The expansion of the Bugis influence to Sabah began in the 16th century when members of the tribe migrated from Sulawesi to Java, Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia and Borneo. However, only in 1840 did some move to Tawau, where they settled at Ranggu, which was founded by the chief village K.K. Salim's grandmother of Sungai Imam village, Bombalai. The settlers were traders, and later others came as workers on plantations established by the British. Later, Petta Senong, who was a member of the Bone royalty, resided in the same village. He was sent by the Sulu government to stop the piracy around the Sulu Sea. The Bugis continued to explore new places to develop Tawau town; among the Bugis settlers were Puang Ado, Daeng Mappata, Wak Neke, Wak Gempe and Haji Osman.

Looking at this tribe's social aspects, because of their close connection with royalty they place strong emphasis on an individual's status as well as family relationships. The Bugis prefer to marry close relatives and they are strongly against divorce because they believe it can destroy family relationships and it is not really encouraged by their religion, Islam.

The Bugis people use their own dialect known as Basa Ugi as well as their own script, called aksara Ugi, which has existed since the 12th century, during the expansion of the Hinduism in the Indonesian islands.

Tawau

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In early 1890s, Tawau's population was about 200 comprising mainly immigrants from Bulungan and Tawi-Tawi who had fled from the Dutch rule in Kalimantan, Borneo. This small village maintained trade with the Dutch. In 9 February 1893, the vessel S.S.'Normanhurst' sailed into Tawau (or Tawao as it was then known) for the first time with a full cargo of dammar, gutta percha, Indian rubber, tortoise shell, and ivory to barter for rattan, raisins, Birds' nests and rubber.

It was in 1898 that a settlement was established and Chinese immigrants began to settle in Tawau. At that time, conditions in China were chaotic. Massive unemployment and starvation was pervasive as a result of the Opium war. The Chinese especially in southern part of China migrated to the British and Dutch colonies particularly in South East Asia.
Location of Tawau district and town within Tawau Division in Sabah.
Location of Tawau district and town within Tawau Division in Sabah.

Steps were taken to establish the rudiment of local government by the British North Borneo (Chartered) Company. (North Borneo Annual Volume 1966-1965 recorded that Tawau was founded in 1898). Land leases were alienated by the Administration. Since Tawau is situated close to the boundary with Indonesia, it is noteworthy to mention here that the Sebatik boundary is to latitude 4°10'N which was delimited in 1912 by a Boundary Commission comprising of officials from United Kingdom and Netherlands. A joint report was prepared together with a map and duly signed by their respective commissioners in Tawau on 17/2/1913. By a protocol between the UK and the Netherlands signed in London on 28/9/1915, the two governments confirmed the joint report and the map.

In 1930s, Tawau prospered rapidly due largely to its agricultural potential. The inhabitant population rose to 1800 in 1931. The Kuhara Rubber and Manila Hemp Estates and the Kubota Coconut Estates were the two largest plantations of the time. The First World War (1914-1918) did not directly affect Tawau, which had, however, suffered its share of the world slump. Sandakan was the permanent seat of Government and centre of commerce; Tawau was a small but prosperous town.

By the end of 1930s, there were about 60 shophouses, all timber-built, lining the two main streets of Tawau, Dunlop Street (named after A.R. Dunlop who was a district officer) and Man Cheong Street (now part of Dunlop Street). Man Cheong was a popular coffee shop. It still operates at Dunlop Street. Dunlop Street was so close to the shore that the shops on one side backed out over the high water mark. Most shops were owned by Chinese and sold the foodstuffs and equipment needed in households and on smallholdings. There were some coffee shops and lodging houses.

Tawau's center was the field, with the sea on one side and whitewashed timber buildings on the other three - the District Office, police quarters, the government resthouse, none more than two storeys high. A tower (which still stands at the Town Field) was erected by the Japanese after World War I and hours are rung at intervals by the police guard. The scene was tranquil and beautiful. Traffic was scarce - a handful of private cars, lorries and vehicles belonging to the estates. From the field, Dunlop Street branched into Apas Road, which branched off to the Kuhara rubber estates and Sin On. It was a very inhibited area and small and well defined. Its people knew intuitively that they had to live and work together. Despite the many races, ethnic groups and religions, the town was very peaceful. There was no serious crime; doors and windows of dwelling houses were normally left unlocked.
Sabindo Seafood tawau center
Sabindo Seafood tawau center

There were neither electricity supply nor main drainage. The water supply to the town was by means of tubs set on trolleys which ran along the narrow gauge trolley line from Tawau River. The tubs were hauled by hand. A telephone line linked the District Office with the District Officer's house, the light house and Kuhara estate. The Government's wireless station communicated daily with Sandakan, whence messages were transmitted to Hong Kong and Singapore. There was no bank, but money could be remitted through the post office, and the Treasury accepted and repaid deposits on behalf of the State Bank.

There were 300 Japanese working on the estates and 100 on Si-Amil Island. They owned the biggest estates (Kuhara Estate) (and a golf course). There was an estate hospital and representative office of a Japanese Bank set up for the benefit of the Japanese inhabitants. Their commercial fishing (mainly tuna) was unique. Their company, Borneo Fishing Company, whose office and factory was situated at Si-Amil Island (east of Mabul and Sipadan Islands). Apparently, all workers there were Japanese. Japanese men crewed the fishing boats, while canning factory was worked mainly by Japanese women. The workers and suppliers arrived in Tawau in Japanese ships, and all were disembarked into launches and lighters and taken direct to Si-Amil. Despite their commercial activities, they left no impact on Tawau in terms of local affairs, social or cultural life.

The S.S. Kinabalu of the Sabah Steamship Company(subsidiary of Chartered Company) linked Tawau with Sandakan, Lahad Datu, Semporna and Tungku. The ship was wrecked off Semporna and later replaced by S.S. Baynain by the Bakau Company (also a subsidiary of the Chartered Company). The government cruiser, "Petrel", was based in Tawau. But it was often used on duty elsewhere. Apart from that, there very few sailing crafts. There was no airfield in Tawau (or anywhere in Sabah). There was a small public hospital close to the shore but it had no medical officer. A medical doctor by the name of Ernst Sternfeld was sent from Sandakan to station in Tawau in 1939-1940, but lasted only a few months.
Shan Sui Golf and Country Club
Shan Sui Golf and Country Club

The Chinese community maintained schools. The Roman Catholic Church was later established in 1922 and provided the only English primary school. Mosques were unobstentatious. The District Office was headed by expatriate district officer and assisted by a chief clerk and court interpreter, Mr. Lim Ong Tun. OKK Abu Bakar was another highly respected figure in the community. The Chinese "Kapitan" was Mr. Stephen Tan (who was later killed by Japanese invaders).

A letter from Tawau to Sandakan could take more than 9 days to arrive and nineteen days was the average time for a letter to get to Singapore. Since it took many days for the locals to receive mails and newspapers, they tended to rely on radio to keep themselves informed of world news - for the wars in Europe, China etc. Even then, few people could afford a radio set.

In January 1942, North Borneo was invaded by Japanese naval and military forces. As the Japanese forces advanced around the coast of Borneo, from the old field of Kuching, then to Jesselton - while Tawau carried on normally. On 19 Jan 1942, the Sandakan wireless station went off the air. On 24 Jan 1942, the Japanese invaders were sighted off Batu Tinagat. The District Officer (Cole Adam) and his Assistant met the invaders at the wharf and were arrested immediately. Mr. Cole Adam, after forty-four months in the Japanese prison camps, died in September 1945 on the very day of his release by the Allied forces.

For 3 1/2 years Tawau and the rest of the country remained under the Japanese occupation until being finally liberated by units of North Australian Division, who landed in Labuan on 10 June 1945. The British Military Administration of North Borneofound the Colony in a state of devastation. Like all other major towns in the Color, Tawau was destroyed or damaged by bombing and fire.

During the Japanese occupation, many of the inhabitants were massacred, among them, large number of government servants. The British Military Administration continued until 15 July 1946, when Borneo became a Red Color and civil government was resumed. A lot of pre-war records has been destroyed. The emphasis in the immediate post war period had been concerned with rehabilitation and reconstruction. A reconstruction and development plan for the years 1945-1955 was adopted in 1948 for the Color. There had been many programmes in the field of social services. The Tawau Town Board was constituted in 1955 with control over its own finances and local authorities.
Source: Wikipedia.org