My hometown, Sandakan

      I would like to share about my hometown, Sandakan in Sabah. It is one of those places whose names have a magical ring, promising all kinds of exotic surprises. It is not only has an intriguing past but is the gateway to the rich wildlife of Sabah. Within less than a couple of hours of the town lies an incredible variety, both on land and in the ocean, including a forest reserve where 'Orang Utan' are helped to re-adjust to life in the wild; islands where endangered marine turtles come ashore to lay their eggs; along the Kinabatangan river, which is teeming with wildlife. All of those natural contexts are the differences between West and East Malaysia. Let us find out what is the culture of this beautiful city. 
     There are many attractive places in Sandakan. First, I would like to introduce the most famous Rehabilitation Centre in Sandakan where is Sepilok because this is the highlight of any visit to Sandakan. The Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre is located inside the Sepilok-Kabili Forest Reserve, a magnificient virgin rainforest that ends in mangrove swamps at the edge of Sandakan Bay. Increasingly attracted by the peaceful surroundings of this beautiful location where orchards have long been established. Actually the origin of this Sepilok is the need for a sanctuary to provide a home for Orang Utan whose habitat had been disturbed, and for orphaned Orang Utan to be cared for and trained to return to the wild, was acknowledge as early as 1961. It was not until 1964, however, the Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre became a reality, largely due to the persistence of Barbara Harrisson (wife of the Curator of the Kuching Museum, Tom Harrisson). 

Sepilok Orang Utan Rehabilitation Centre (main entrance) 

The Sepilok Kabili Forest Reserve is the Orang Utan’s activities scope =)

           
           The next stop: English Tea House. It is superbly situated within the grounds of the historic Agnes Keith House Museum and is housed in a meticulously renovated colonial house surrounded by 1.5 acres of perfectly manicured lawns. With enveloping greenery and cool breezes, you can enjoy the spectacular views of the town and Sandakan Bays as you relax with a cocktail in the garden, socialize with friends and family under a gazebo or enjoy a wide selection of beverages at the long bar. It also offering a delicious cakes and pastries and a wide a-la-carte selection of Asian and traditional English Specialties. This famous English Tea House keeps the old English ways and master the skill of the ever popular croquet lawn game organized here. Dating back to the early 1800's, the sport of English Croquet became an extremely popular lawn game suitable for men, women and families alike. Croquet spread quickly and by 1870, it had reached British North Borneo. Now at the English Tea House, you can test your skills on our manicured Croquet lawn and have fun! 

English Tea House (main entrance)

Asian food: Malay Tasting Platter 

Tasty pies~ yum yum~ =D 

The sport of English Croquet

           Besides these, the food in Sandakan are the best! Zzang! I am not exaggerating you but the best point of the restaurant in Sandakan is that open air and overlooking the city as is located above the hill, properly Sandakan highest restaurant on hill where is Trig Hill restaurant. You can just imagine while eating the steamy seafood accompanied with pint of beer compliment with Sandakan harbour view night and feel the cool breeze from sea. If seafood for buffet style, eat as many as you can. Just pick as many as fishes, prawns, crabs, lobsters and other meat dishes, you can eat most of all the Sandakan famous for. And the only pure fish ball that you can find in the world is in Sandakan. Sandakan is famous for its seafood! At Sandakan harbour, you can have a breakfast with fish ball noodles! It is so tasty and yummy! You’ll never know until you tired. Pure Fish ball noodles shall be eaten with wonderful vinegar chili sauce this would be a fantastic meal for early breakfast! Besides, Sandakan has a different form of bah-kut-teh, called 'Seafood bah-kut-teh', they use prawns, fishes and others as the ingredients. So, our food sounds delicious and amazing, isn't it? Actually there are many restaurants are serving for pure seafood and all of them are nearby the sea.

  

Seafood Bah-kut-teh

Delicious crabs! (I want to eat this!!! XD)

We called this pastry as 'UFO' because the shape is like UFO =D

Fish balls soup (The fish balls are very Q and nice! =D)

After introduced some places and food today, there are also other good places and food too but I can’t list out all of them. I think everyone should experience at least one time in your life. Sandakan is the place that should not be missed. So, come and visit Sandakan and have fun! :D