Zipping with Zip Borneo at Kiulu

One day activities at Kiulu, Tamparuli

Once again, the Sabah Young Tourism Ambassadors and finalists went for a day trip at Kiulu, Tamparuli. There are three activities that we did that Saturday. Now, let’s see what we have been through ;)

Activity One: Zipping with Zip Borneo
Zip Borneo (Asia Ability) offers several activities but the activity that we get to try was the Flying Fox. 

"Whizz across the Kiulu River and back again for a unique double zipline experience! Start by climbing our hair raising 18 meter tower before zipping across to a jungle platform. With the help of our instructors, you will clip into a second cable and woosh your way back to the adventure centre after travelling 320 meters of zipline cable!" - Zip Borneo

It was fun and exciting when we first stepped onto the field. Bear in mind that, "Please stay away from the cables", it's dangerous.

Welcome by Alex, the Expedition Manager whizzed across the Kiulu River and greets us. By the way, it's a nice welcome by showing us how it is like to do flying fox. This is her picture with an incredible pose. I can't do that!

Alex began with the basic safety briefing before we started.One by one, each gadget were clearly explained on how we are going to use it. Alex also demonstrated on how to wear the safety gears and how can we take turns by doing the flying fox. Of course, Alex and the crew helped us to wear the safety gears. 

Now, it’s time. We have to climb the 18 meter tower before zipping across to a jungle platform. With the help of the instructors, they helped us by clipping the safety gears that we are wearingm to a second cable. So we can fly across the river!

Chloe has landed. Safely.

Yep. That is how we did. Pictures left a thousand words. All together, 320 meters of zipline cable of double zipline experience. But please remember not to be too close to the cables while you are doing the flying fox, otherwise, it's all fun and exciting! More pictures on my Facebook.

Zip Borneo provides other activities as well, kindly visit their website for more information.

For enquiries:

ZIP BORNEO

Tel: +60 1380 88075

Email: ask@zipborneo.com

Website: www.zipborneo.com

P/S: Please look for Alex. ;)

Next activity on that day that we have done? Gonna check on Chloe's next pose. ;)

Flying Fox with Zip Borneo (Asia Ability)

The ambassadors/finalists, after arriving in Kiulu.

Saturday, 11th February 2012.

After arriving in Kiulu, we started out our day trip with the Flying Fox activity, which was hosted by Zip Borneo (Asia Ability). Initially, I found the idea of hanging in the air a daunting task, but then again, it's not like its my first time. (wow, I sound so confident)

Or so I thought.

Before Alex, our guide, briefed us, we actually went around the site and had a look at the activity ground. When I saw a really, REALLY tall tower, I knew in my heart I wanted to be the first one to go. Mainly because I was scared, and wanted the adrenaline rush. (all the while having thoughts of how it would be super awesome if I could just fly and stay afloat in the air, childish but yes, it just seems so cool to fly!) ;)

Marissa & I fooling around.

The extremely tall tower I was talking about *cringe*

Then we gathered at point 1, as Alex calls it, where she began the safety procedure briefing. Apparently there was such a thing as size for the safety gear, because earlier on, we were joking with Adrian of District 21 paintball, that the safety gears are a one-size fits all type. It proved to be a wrong theory. There are sizes for those who are slightly bigger than average, as well as for children. So remember, do ask for sizes if you are unsure :)

Can't recall what were laughing about, hmm *thinking*

Alex! :)

Demonstrating how to wear the safety gears, etc

Of course after briefing was done, we geared up and took turns to go on the tower. I was among the first to go, feeling all giddy and nervous while climbing up the flight of stairs. The walk was a mini workout, I got so dizzy by the time we reached the top. Initially I wanted to be  the first one to go, but decided otherwise due to my nervousness. LOL! The view from up top was scenic, unless you're afraid of heights, like me. I remembered saying I will not look down, and James was telling me, "you're already up here, of course you should look at everything, including down". Oh my, so I did, thinking I'd get past the nervousness. How very wrong of me. *cringe*

We were again briefed by the guide at station two (tower), and had our safety gear clipped on to the hanging ropes for safety while waiting for our turns. They're super nice, 'cause they actually let me calm myself and assured me it was 100% safe, etc. (obviously Precious, otherwise you wouldn't have been allowed to go, har har har). James was the first to go, and then myself. 

James: I'm ready!

Ah, you see, that's him. Bet he had a huge smile plastered on his face.

and finally, yours truly. Very poised even though I was dangling in the air.

The feeling of being in the air was totally different, yes, I had my safety nets (I know, it is gears, but you get what I mean right) and my feet were clutching onto my sandals tight. We were warned about the possibilities of our sandals etc slipping off, so uhm, yeah. 

Closer shot of yours truly. ;)

The 3rd station.

While gliding through the air towards the third station, across the river, there are already 4 staff members ready to catch you upon your arrival. When you get to the third station, you'll stop abruptly while still hanging in the air (we were warned about this earlier, so I wasn't surprised. duh Precious)  before the staffs help you down and transfer you to the other cable to prepare you for the trip back to the fourth and final station. I was still pretty much excited, because I was going for the second glide back to safety. :D

The final station!

The arrival at the final station is pretty much the same as the third one, except that this time we're on ground. Far less intimidating. *huge smile*

Last photo with the team!!! Super nice people!

Thank you Zip Borneo (Asia Ability) for hosting us, I really enjoyed the 15 minutes experience of flying. Hopefully next time we'll get to do more! :)

P/S: Zip Borneo provides other activities as well, kindly visit their website for more information.

For enquiries:

ZIP BORNEO

Tel: +60 1380 88075

Email: ask@zipborneo.com

Website: www.zipborneo.com

District 21, Paintball baby!

So I posted about our trip for rafting awhile back, right? Hope you guys enjoyed that, 'cause now its time for paintball!! ;)

Mmhm, you read that right, paintball. The minute you utter the word "PAINTBALL", the image that first comes to mind is a big field, you in a bodysuit holding your marker, (note: Paintball guns are also called 'Markers'), hiding behind your bunker, getting ready for battle....... so you feel really cool now 'cause you have a gun, with your mask on. "I look so cool, imma snap a photo of me & post this right now"

Then suddenly it hit you that paintball will actually make you bruise, and you're going all, "OMG, I'M GOING TO BRUISE! BIRU LA SA NE KANA TIMBAK! NOOOO!!!", in your head. Yes, this scenario was playing in my head over and over until the day actually presented itself and we were left with no choice but to participate in the game.

Precious, before gearing up. See that big smile?

Well let me tell you now, and clarify this myth about paintball (is it a myth? maybe I'm exaggerating), it will hurt only if you don't play by the rules. By rules, there are a few; do not shoot in a close range, never remove your mask at all times when you're on the field, and always pay attention to the directions during briefing. Kapish? I thought so.


Briefing from Adrian Boon, one half of the twosome that hosted us for Paintball. They even assisted us while gearing up. They're really friendly, so don't be shy :)

All geared up and ready for the battlefield!

After briefing and gearing up, we divided ourselves into two groups, each with 6 members. I was all set and ready to go, even though in my head I knew I'd get blue black (note: I didn't bruise at all). As soon as we stepped onto the field, this was what came to mind; me behind my bunker, shooting and then rolling on the ground killing people (I mean marking them) and ducking for cover after shooting them.... *insert Star Wars battle song here* sounds epic, huh. Well, at least in my head it was. 

Ready? Set. GO!

Bet you couldn't spot me, teehee. Pictures above were of the first round, and I'll be a good sport and say that we lost. Soon as I got behind my bunker, I'd been trying helplessly to kill at the same time hiding myself. I was surprised when I looked behind, I was the only one on my team still alive. LOL. So dramatic. We could only do two rounds as we had to finish on time, to go for rafting. So the second round then commenced, this time, I was in a different team.

I'll admit, I got really excited for the second round. I don't know why exactly, but I was so hyped up and it felt like I was really going into war. Most would think that a game would last more than 30 minutes or so, but no. Sorry to burst your bubbles, as much as we imagine it would be really long like in the movies, in reality, its not. In fact, it can even finish in less than 10 minutes; depending on the players ability to shoot and kill of course. :p

The other team.

Last man standing on, yes, you got it right, the 'other' team :p

this is my team :D

The smell of sweet victory, that's me right there. (can you hear me laugh now?)

The second match was really fast, I didn't even realize it was down to the 3 of us, as we were playing 4x4. It got so exciting that at one point, I kind of forgot to look before I shoot. "How in the world?", but yeah, I did. So I was shooting aimlessly for 10 seconds, and then I saw my target, the one person left on the opposing team. Yes I went all out and did my military-ish moves that I had in mind (sort of), I was moving as fast as I could to the front, trying to hide myself as well. Sweet victory was ours, as yours truly had the opportunity of shooting down the opponent. Hurrah!!!

With a big smile (though its not visible, 'cause I had the mask on), arms in the air, I was really waving it like I didn't care. All the while, this song was playing in my head, "This is how we do it".

To the winning team, good job I say. District 21 really had us all excited like little kids getting a new toy. I had wished we had more time to play, but alas, we had a schedule to follow. The next time you feel like destressing yourself, I suggest paintball with friends. It really helps release all your emotions (for me it did), worked wonders. :)

Last photo before we went off.

Andrew Koh, the other half of District 21's duo, standing beside James on the far left.

Once again, huge thanks to District 21 for hosting our paintball session. It was a good one, I will definitely come back. That's for sure. :)

Oh before I forget, I know most would think that when playing paintball, if the paint got onto your clothes, its not washable. Well.. think again. IT IS! District 21 uses "Field Protected paintball designed with field friendly properties that breaks on target and suited for most weather conditions. Environmentally friendly EcoFill^TM combined with a paintball formulated for rugged play, foliage penetration, and rental markers these paintball certainly lend themselves to a great day of play at the paintball park." 

So no worries, if you got paint all over you, its washable and best of all.. its environmentally friendly! Cheers! :)

For enquiries:

Pusat Pelancongan,

Kampung Pukak, Kiulu, Tamparuli

Hotline: +60 016-8202316

Fax:+6 088-231316

Email: info.district21@gmail.com, adrian.district21@gmail.com

or

Andrew Koh

Operation - Managing Director

Mobile: +6 014-3539102

Adrian Boon

Finance - Managing Director

Mobile: +6 019-8118790

Rafting! with Fastream Rafting :)

On the 11th of February 2012, SYTA ambassadors and finalists went on a little adventure! We headed all the way to Kiulu for some crazy fun activities, which included rafting, flying fox and paintball. However, I'll be sharing with you more about the rafting activity we did. Our rafting was sponsored by Fastream Rafting, thank you Fastream!!!! :)

So the usual drill, journey began early around 7.30am as we depart from our pick-up points. After we got everyone, we left at 8am and arrived in Kiulu around 9. Rafting was the last activity for the day, it started at 12. As we got all geared up, everyone was excited seeing as the water currents on that day looked pretty great especially for a Level 1 and 2 rafting site.

Briefing before the expedition began :D

One last group photo before we begin!

Shortly after briefing, we began the road to teaching Precious how to swim! *blows trumpet*

Fact about Precious: she does not know how to swim... AT ALL. Even with a LIFE JACKET ON! Dead serious about that, hehe. I  reckon I'd be the last reliable person to help anyone when it comes to being in the sea, etc. Regardless, our journey started off being bumpy and soon enough as expected, the weather changed and it began drizzling.

The gang! Marissa, Grolina, Chloe and myself. :)

Chloe still managed a big smile, after we got stuck on a rock. Lost track of how many times it happened though. hehe

Ladylike pose with Grolina, trying to look cool eventhough we were getting  really exhausted. 

Despite the exhaustion, we weren't slowing down. In fact, our guide made us row even faster! The rain started pouring heavily by then, making it all the more fun, quoting our guide, "Lagi kuat tu hujan, lagi siok ne!". Which in English, literally means, the heavier the rain, all the more fun we'll have rafting. hahaha

We reached the resting point, where our rafters, (there were two boats used that day), stopped and parked us on the side. Here we had a little bit of fun, and got in the water. It was freezing cold, but nice at the same time. We were even asked if we wanted to do body rafting, which we didn't do at first but did so at the end of our journey. More on that later.

body rafting on the side.

Queenie and Nicholas, clearly Nicholas is happy.

Nicholas and James already soaking themselves up before finishing the trip.

The journey towards the end was superb, I can't count how many times we almost slipped in the boat... all in the name of good fun! We had an awesome guide for our boat, friendly and easy to get along with. You would not regret going with Fastream Rafting. Funny guys, and both teams were competitive, splashing each other while racing to the ending point. A very memorable day I must say, I don't regret swimming (or rather walking? trying to walk?) in the water. :)

Grolina and Josia, the crazy duo who got me into the water! Loved it girls! ;D

Happy faces after completing an hour plus of fun in the rivers of Kiulu!

Marissa, Nicholas, James, Queenie, Jesseca.

Among the earliest to land. Great experience!

Once again, thank you Fastream Rafting! :)

photos courtesy of Marissa Wong

Fastream Rafting

Lot F-2 Block F, 2nd Floor, Tg. Aru Plaza, Jalan Mat Salleh,
88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
Tel: 012-826 1506