What’s Up Doc? & Jambatan Tamparuli 28 Call of the Wild

What’s Up Doc?

The Upside Down House

There are many attractions that are synonymous with Sabah, and even though The Upside Down House is one of the better known locales (and therefore a tad old) – after having cemented its place in the hearts of local residents and visitors alike from across Borneo after its launch in 2012 – we still had to pay it a visit nonetheless. Consider it an act of humorous tribute, arriving on site with your eyes level and then departing with a slight crick in your neck, after spending a good 40 minutes on average constantly adjusting your line of sight to stare upwards at an angle while walking around the property.

Earning the honour of being the first structure of its kind in Southeast Asia, as well as being 1 of the first 5 upside-down structures in the world (another can be found in Japan, and the remaining 3 are in Europe), the property consists of the house itself, and a 3D-gallery that rings its perimeter. The gallery comprises smaller open-air rooms such as a bathroom, a garden shed, and a warehouse-pantry filled with rattan baskets, hats, and perishables – all upside-down of course. These little features are designed specifically for people to pose for funny group photos or selfies, alongside the inverted car in the garage, which cannot help but command the attention of those passing by. This is a clever addition aimed at appeasing the masses in this day and age, where everyone insists on pulling out their phones to snap images of everything, because once you are inside the house itself you are forbidden from taking pictures.

Inside the home there are a couple of rooms connecting to the central space, a simple colour coded floor to ensure you stick to a path, and so many details to look at. It was fun trying to spy all the items from ceiling fans on the floor, to cables, cloth, a sewing machine, and more. Ten years after its launch and on the day of our visit, there were quite a few people roaming the property, proof of this attraction’s appeal being as strong as ever. Located just 40 minutes outside of KK, its accessibility to people staying in the capital is a big plus. •• Mile 21, 89250 Tamparuli Tuaran, Sabah, Malaysia Tel: 6088-260263 IG: @rumahterbalik FB: Rumah Terbalik, Tamparuli Sabah

The Bridge that Inspired a Song

Located 30 minutes outside KK, the Tamparuli Suspension Bridge over the Kiulu River is the most well-known of its kind in the state, with a dramatic back-story that inspired a folk song in the Kadazan-Dusun language known as ‘Jambatan Tamparuli’, by Justin Lusah in 1977.

Jambatan Tamparuli

KADAZAN-DUSUN

Pak pak kang ku doh Sumunsui doh Jambatan Jambatan doh Tamparuli Bakasut tinggi oku Sumunsui doh Jambatan Jambatan doh Tamparuli Pak pak kang ku doh Bakasut tinggi oku Silaka nodi kasutku Naratu lo Jambatan Tinggal poh doh sutakin Nowid ku di numuli

Ontok di hari 3 Tamu lo Tamparuli Mingusuk poh hilo kadai Mogihum doh kasut tinggi

ENGLISH

I make a ‘pak pak’ sound As I walk along the bridge The Tamparuli Bridge In my high-heeled shoes As I walk along the bridge The Tamparuli Bridge I make a ‘pak pak’ sound In my high-heeled shoes But my damned shoes Fell of the bridge All that’s left are socks Which I take home with me

Now it’s Wednesday At the Tamparuli Market Walking through all the shops looking for a pair of high heeled shoes

CALL OF THE WILD

With the exception of the busy capital itself, the majority of Sabah is pristine wilderness that plays host to a slower and more relaxed mode of life. It is here, nearby the white sandy beaches, serene sea, and river rapids, to the biodiversity-rich jungle, and the majestic mountains of Mount Kinabalu, and Mount Nungkok (affectionately referred to as Anak Kinabalu, or Child of Kinabalu), where numerous accommodation providers can be found, taking advantage of what Mother Nature has to offer. Here are just a few of the locales I had the opportunity to check out.

Polumpung Campsite

(1 hour 45 minutes from KK)

It is a strange feeling knowing you are so close to the equator and yet experience a noticeable drop in the heat. That is the case at this lovely valley-based homestay overlooking this camp site. With ample space for setting up a tent, nearby the rapids of a clear, cold and fresh river that flows direct from rocky Mount Kinabalu, and his treecovered child, Mount Nungkok, even I found this locale very appealing. A perfect base of operations to set up at prior to scaling the majestic mountain. •• Kg Melangkap Baru, 89158 Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia Tel: 6011-36244723 FB: Polumpung Melangkap View Camp Site

Usukan Cove Lodge

(90 minutes from KK)

Popular with larger groups and families, this lodge has 16 rooms divided into 3 categories designed for parents, young adults and teenagers, as well as younger children. Adjoining the Pandan Cafeteria dining hall, it is the spacious lawn that transitions toward the beach that you are likely to be found spending most of your time. This tranquil locale is a gateway for leisurely snorkelling and diving activities nearby Pandan Pandan Island, as well as the Mantanani Islands, courtesy of the property’s jetty. •• Jalan Kg Kuala Abai, Teluk Usukan Jetty, 89158 Kota Belud, Sabah, Malaysia Tel: 6016-8320369 6016-8372000 6016-8321418 IG: @sabah.holidays FB: USUKAN COVE LODGE www.sabahholidays.com Tommy's Place

(3 hours from KK)

A very popular seaside lodge that is a mere 3 minutes away from the Tip of Borneo itself, Tommy’s Place consistently rates highly with visitors. From kite surfing, and stand-up paddling, to stargazing with incredible views of our Milky Way Galaxy, to watching sea turtle hatchings followed by their sprint into the sea, I cannot stress enough how beautiful this area is. The rooms are well prepared and comfortable too. Note: The Tip of Borneo is closed due to renovation and upgrading works, and ETA for completion is June 2023. •• Simpang Menggayau, Tip of Borneo, Kudat, 89050 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia Tel: 6013-8238148 IG: @tommysplacetip FB: Tommy’s Place