tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87972262514406278862024-03-06T04:01:33.383+08:00Exploring the Endangered WondersWong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-84348899234822352662019-08-19T17:22:00.000+08:002019-08-19T17:22:47.236+08:00Millipede or Centipede?<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRnjbVLuVjJR9ZYmLvAkpfuFCy5QEX2XtHo52R0lQEV9ucKQaQ4aInFyNjaOZ6g1Uo9tbwUY8D01AH1QhJQSGGezH_it3LFK87R2LhDF0xip6vZgBVJv2oZmsXdwwb6JBu_w2FHFwPOc/s1600/IMG_1350.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1328" data-original-width="1600" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWRnjbVLuVjJR9ZYmLvAkpfuFCy5QEX2XtHo52R0lQEV9ucKQaQ4aInFyNjaOZ6g1Uo9tbwUY8D01AH1QhJQSGGezH_it3LFK87R2LhDF0xip6vZgBVJv2oZmsXdwwb6JBu_w2FHFwPOc/s400/IMG_1350.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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First, let's look at the difference between a <b>Millipede </b>and a <b>Centipede</b>.<br />
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Both of these are under the same subphyllum Myriapoda, thus sharing a lot of similarities like a long segmented bodies with lots of legs. There are some general characteristics you can find to tell them apart.<br />
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<th>Millipede</th>
<th>Centipede</th>
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<td>Have 2 pairs of legs per segment </td>
<td>Have 1 pair of legs per segment </td>
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<td>Slow moving</td>
<td>Fast moving</td>
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<td>Detritivores <br />
(Feeds on decomposing matters)</td>
<td>Carnivores <br />
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<td>More defensive, rolls up or foul tasting </td>
<td>More aggressive, attacks with a venomous bite </td>
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<td>Body usually more cylindrical</td>
<td>Body usually more flatten</td>
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<td>Shorter segments and legs</td>
<td>Longer segments and legs</td>
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However, several of these are common characteristics but not 100% accurate to distinguish them. Some millipedes may look flattish and have longer legs which makes them look more like a centipede.</div>
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The myriapod in the photo above is another interesting example. It is in fact a centipede despite its slow movement and defensive rolling up behaviour similar to a millipede. I call it the <b>Millipede Centipede</b> for its mimicry towards millipedes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAtVrnVM0VzMktLp3NAWqljlm0r5UI4yiPDa5AB3bzMK8dmWmsUPaF91BkQ0ErQudvpr5CFH2FS1URbbdib9XNCpD6tNtUZezdwQhIueL8SaudcLHsMXQkQmtPl6_aOpx7IyOGrkidNc/s1600/IMG_1357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1296" data-original-width="1600" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOAtVrnVM0VzMktLp3NAWqljlm0r5UI4yiPDa5AB3bzMK8dmWmsUPaF91BkQ0ErQudvpr5CFH2FS1URbbdib9XNCpD6tNtUZezdwQhIueL8SaudcLHsMXQkQmtPl6_aOpx7IyOGrkidNc/s400/IMG_1357.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Scientifically known as Edentistoma sp. These genus of centipedes are really rare and not much are known about them due to the very few observation of them in the wild. To most forest trekkers, this would be easily ignored as it looks like a normal uninteresting millipede. It is not surprising that they hunt millipedes as well.</div>
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I was lucky to find one night on the forest floor in a mixed dipterocarp rainforest in Sabah, Borneo. So far this could be the first recorded on in the state of Sabah (Northern Borneo). The evolution of mimicry is truly wonderful. Hope to find these centipedes soon again.</div>
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Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-48603666383280164432018-04-21T12:27:00.002+08:002018-04-23T08:47:13.136+08:00Suicide Bombers of Borneo<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently, a new species of ant is being viralled in the news, especially in science news. The new species of ant (<i>Colobopsis explodens</i>) from Borneo, is said to be able to 'explode'!</div>
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When encountering a threat, the minor workers will raise their abdomen and bite on the attacking predator. When the larger predator (usually other larger ants) is being held down, these exploding workers will rupture and releases toxic secretions to kill or drive away predators. Other terms for this kind of action are <b>Autothysis </b>and <b>suicidal altruism</b>. These workers die in the process, sacrificing themselves for the greater good - to save their colony. This is similar to bees that dies after stinging.</div>
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The major workers of the colony are larger but they have a different role instead. These majors are tasked to guard the nest entrance, where they have modified heads to block the entrance from predators. Instead of giving them workers and soldiers with powerful mandibles or stings, evolution has decided to give them "suicide bombers" and "blockheads" instead. </div>
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When I read about this news a few days ago, I immediately recognize the red ant portrayed in the photos. I am used to seeing them on wooden railings and on tree trunks in my hometown - Tawau, Sabah (Malaysia). I easily notice them due to their attractive bright red color. I have only seen them in primary forests as they are arboreal and associate with big dipterocarp trees only. Little did I know about their defense mechanism before this.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GKujq2bF3omP-w3nlfJT9JnfguPKaaOfdqAHOYg-FRg7Ot6g3-EcyO3wD4a15q8b1gyH2nvJlilCMAbOC_5lY0n5Mw5VVMY-nW0oEz-Hw2z2NK3ztkhmd2mQO125oVtM3I2tqMQWBCg/s1600/Colobopsis+explodens+borneo+exploding+ant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="904" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2GKujq2bF3omP-w3nlfJT9JnfguPKaaOfdqAHOYg-FRg7Ot6g3-EcyO3wD4a15q8b1gyH2nvJlilCMAbOC_5lY0n5Mw5VVMY-nW0oEz-Hw2z2NK3ztkhmd2mQO125oVtM3I2tqMQWBCg/s1600/Colobopsis+explodens+borneo+exploding+ant.jpg" width="397" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Photographed in Tawau at 2016</span></div>
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There are at least 15 species of exploding ants found in Borneo (from a study in 2017), all were placed under the Colobopsis cylindrica species complex group, and now more specifically in the C. saundersi species complex group. <i>Colobopsis </i>(formerly <i>Camponotus</i>) <i>saundersi </i>is the most popular species of exploding ants, which was discovered back in 1889. <i>Colobopsis explodens</i> are quite abundant and easy to work with, that is why they are being studied in Brunei many years before finally being described as a new species.<br />
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<td><img alt="" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNrRimUEH9AbKOisp-qZy3D3Tcjll25UGIAhODwI4ucIRkPEhZo2RMnl4HQs7x367jyt5Uxb7bvQqI10NSEodq4zO9fpYBupRijyCHYvuus_cSNxjRufcso_-zWNNVk8BD80WvkPROGI/s1600/borneo++Colobopsis+explodens+exploding+ant.jpg" title="Colobopsis explodens Exploding Ants" width="400" /></td>
<td><img alt="" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc_nqLoZoiCO-RixCnzXa8AF7T9GGBAk8zSmYQ1ieVanmlshjzDBcP33Cq1-WiKD7G9GJ0YJsiZ7K5EzrsdqwYNuAs_T2nCKImx5VXs80g2Di77IV4iJgbfWrknNXsZQqwfnXf9kJoI-w/s1600/borneo+exploding+ant+Colobopsis+explodens.jpg" title="Colobopsis explodens Exploding Ants" width="300" /></td>
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<span style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Photographed in Tawau at 2016</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">References:<br /><br /><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">National Geographic - 'Exploding Ant' Rips Itself Apart To Protect Its Own<br /><a href="https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/04/animals-ants-borneo-exploding-defense/">https://news.nationalgeographic.com/2018/04/animals-ants-borneo-exploding-defense/</a><br /> <br />Gizmodo - New Species of ‘Exploding Ant’ Discovered in Borneo<br /><a href="https://gizmodo.com/new-species-of-exploding-ant-discovered-in-borneo-1825397505">https://gizmodo.com/new-species-of-exploding-ant-discovered-in-borneo-1825397505</a> <br /><br />ZooKeys - Colobopsis explodens sp. n., model species for studies on “exploding ants” (Hymenoptera, Formicidae), with biological notes and first illustrations of males of the Colobopsis cylindrica group<br /><a href="https://zookeys.pensoft.net/articles.php?id=22661">https://zookeys.pensoft.net/articles.php?id=22661</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-75301586014883289352018-02-12T18:00:00.002+08:002018-02-12T18:18:40.286+08:00The World's Largest Moth ?The <b>Atlas Moth</b> (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attacus_atlas">Attacus atlas</a>) is considered the largest insect in the world, by surface area. Several of the world's largest moths are also from the same family - Saturniidae, such as Actias maenas, and Archaeoattacus staudingeri, which are also found in Borneo.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28WVslwEdqjsmk0Hwu7aQ0Ma5uxB85H07pgOPGHWH-L66269NZOF2lTVkTureho3uNToQgEM_CzNeyl07hvyr8t4LMHwFUNCb9F3PCSmyJCj0GR75WAmGhsYjZLQ4YzLbX0ttvC766aE/s1600/IMG_9982.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1196" data-original-width="1600" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh28WVslwEdqjsmk0Hwu7aQ0Ma5uxB85H07pgOPGHWH-L66269NZOF2lTVkTureho3uNToQgEM_CzNeyl07hvyr8t4LMHwFUNCb9F3PCSmyJCj0GR75WAmGhsYjZLQ4YzLbX0ttvC766aE/s640/IMG_9982.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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However, we will need real worldwide study to determine whether the Atlas Moth is really the largest species in the world? Archaeoattacus staudingeri and Coscinocera hercules are also quite comparable in wing surface area.</div>
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Do visit <a href="https://www.mnn.com/earth-matters/animals/photos/10-of-the-largest-insects-in-the-world/atlas-moth">Mother Nature Network</a> to read some of the largest insects in the world.</div>
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This moth is found by Wayne Tsu during the recent Wildlife Expedition in Tawau Hills Park. The expedition which is organized by 1StopBorneo Wildlife Association and funded by Adventure Alternative Borneo has yield many exciting findings from this area.</div>
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<br />Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-16054200520171762382018-02-11T18:26:00.000+08:002018-02-12T18:32:34.798+08:00Caption This !<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am thinking of starting a new blog post series called <b>Caption This</b>!</div>
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This is where I will share my photos which shows interesting behaviour that amuses us and makes us wonder what is the meaning behind the photo.</div>
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Let us start with this pair of <b>Pacific swallow</b> (<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pacific_swallow">Hirundo tahitica</a>). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2g5ismZ06Vdakjdvg5MIqastmBOTbX7eXjATL1jX_ZKX44ZupAoIsjP5COtlj1lSa0Kop4ltMrxKE2p01DYOoG1AirEvNLr-ppASL6V8MoTXv6oNnDrDtCxYzL3ajR_hwMH5OE3LSIFI/s1600/Kena+Marah.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1284" data-original-width="1600" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2g5ismZ06Vdakjdvg5MIqastmBOTbX7eXjATL1jX_ZKX44ZupAoIsjP5COtlj1lSa0Kop4ltMrxKE2p01DYOoG1AirEvNLr-ppASL6V8MoTXv6oNnDrDtCxYzL3ajR_hwMH5OE3LSIFI/s640/Kena+Marah.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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What is going on with this couple? You can clearly see which one is the husband right? Why is one of them scolding the other?</div>
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Leave your creative captions in the comments below!<br />
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One more thing to share before I forget. National Geographic Yourshot currently has a photo assignment called <a href="http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/assignments/caption/">CAPTION THIS</a> too. If you have interesting photos like this that is suitable for the assignment, do upload it on the <a href="http://yourshot.nationalgeographic.com/assignments/caption/">assignment page</a>. There is one more week before the deadline.</div>
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<br />Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-73810846226000241572018-02-10T18:08:00.001+08:002018-02-19T15:35:38.578+08:00David and Goliath of the Spider World<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
It is quite shocking to see this Jumping Spider (Menemerus sp.) holding on to a (Heteropoda sp.) Huntsman Spider's leg.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncHDk6cBm80-Rut6mD-lpAibBKDeONlXKMRGIMC8MMEydUhSGFOmWet5tD3w6wNIi5aj-BuplCwvdBcdgOG4voJw4_7ee-NtY0qmsNADu4FfDjWbVXSSJvJGr0ecE_ZVkWLDUv_QH-FM/s1600/IMG_7118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1046" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhncHDk6cBm80-Rut6mD-lpAibBKDeONlXKMRGIMC8MMEydUhSGFOmWet5tD3w6wNIi5aj-BuplCwvdBcdgOG4voJw4_7ee-NtY0qmsNADu4FfDjWbVXSSJvJGr0ecE_ZVkWLDUv_QH-FM/s320/IMG_7118.JPG" width="257" /></a></div>
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Could the Jumping Spider really take down the large Huntsman? Penney and Gabriel (2009) has recorded a Holcolaetis jumping spider feeding on a Huntsman spider. This is indeed a great feat. However, the jumping spider found by Penney and Gabriel is feeding on a whole huntsman spider by itself. This Menemerus that I photographed is only feeding on a leg.<br />
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I posted this earlier in the Arachnology page to see what others think about this. Scavenging behaviour is suggested. There is indeed a dead Heteropoda spider body around 30cm away which seems to be where this leg originated from. Scavenging in other spiders has been studied before but it is rare in Jumping Spiders as Jumping Spiders have a very developed eyesight (compared to other spiders) to identify their prey visually. Few studies has been done to show that some Salticids do scavenge, usually in spiderling or when live prey are scarce. Phidippus audax can even survive until adulthood as a scavenger. However, this behaviour is not studied in the tropical countries as preys are abundant. There needs to be more explanation than just scavenging for this Menemerus case as I wonder how did this happen. Did the Menemerus just found a dead huntsman and decided to pluck its leg out? or was the leg already seperated? Another thing that was unusual is the distance (around 30cm) this Menemerus carried the leg from the original body. Unfortunately the lab tests on scavenging behaviour did not measure how far a Salticid can carry its scavenged meal away.<br />
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The genus of this jumper may be able to give an important clue. Several species of Menemerus has been recorded snatching foods from ants (Jackson et al., 2008; Cushing, 2012). These spiders will approach ants that are carrying prey or brood and will sneakily snatch the load off the ants' mandibles with great accuracy and speed. I have seen this before and it is indeed one of the funniest behaviour I have ever observed in spiders. After snatching the food from the ant, it will quickly run away to a safe distance to enjoy its meal. This will leave the ants running around confused and agitated finding their load suddenly disappeared. This kleptoparasitism behaviour may explain how the spider got hold of a leg that has been carried away by ants from the Huntsman's body. One problem is that I did not notice any ants trying to dismember the Heteropoda's body.<br />
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There is one final hypotheses I would like to share. I have regularly observed Spider Wasps in this area dragging Heteropoda Spiders after injecting them with a paralyzing venom. While being paralyzed, the weakened struggling movement of the Huntsman's legs may cause this Jumper to misidentified it a caterpillar or a worm. After grabbing hold of the Huntsman's leg, autospasy causes the leg to break off.<br />
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These are the best answers I can think of. The best evidence to understanding this case is still the huntsman body itself. Unfortunately, I did not examine the Huntsman Spider body closely so I am unable to tell the cause of death. So this case will continue to be a mystery.<br />
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Everyone is welcome to add their opinions and explanation to this.<br />
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<b style="font-family: "helvetica neue", arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">Glossary:</b><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Menemerus = Jumper = Salticid = Jumping Spider</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Heteropoda = Huntsman = Huntsman Spider</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Kleptoparasitism = A parasitic behaviour where foods are taken from another animal</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Autospasy = The breaking off / separation of an animal's limb from the weak areas due to being pulled</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "helvetica neue" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"><b style="font-size: small;">References:</b><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Cushing, P. E. 2012. Review Article Spider-Ant Associations: An Updated Review of Myrmecomorphy, Myrmecophily, and Myrmecophagy in Spiders. Psyche: 1-23.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Horner, N. V. and Starks, K. J. 1972. Bionomics of the Jumping Spider Metaphidippus galathea. Annals Of The Entomological Society Of America 65(3): 602-607.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Jackson, R. R., Salm, K., and Pollard, S. D. 2008. Short Communication: Snatching prey from the mandibles of ants, a feeding tactic adopted by East African jumping spiders. The Journal of Arachnology 36: 609-611.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Penney, D. and Gabriel, R. 2009. Short Communication: Feeding behavior of trunk-living jumping spiders (Salticidae) in a coastal primary forest in The Gambia. The Journal of Arachnology 37: 113–115.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Vickers, M. E., Robertson, M. W., Watson, C. R., and Wilcoxen, T. E. 2014. Scavenging throughout the life cycle of the jumping spider, Phidippus audax (Hentz) (Araneae: Salticidae). The Journal of Arachnology 42: 277–283.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wolff, R. J. 1986. Scavenging By Jumping Spiders (Araneae: Salticidae). The Great Lakes Entomologist 19(2): 121-122.</span></span>Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-11161772202592987562015-06-06T18:00:00.000+08:002015-06-25T18:18:11.169+08:00Butterflies & Moths of Malaysia<br />Our "Butterflies & Moths of Malaysia" poster is finally published! Special thanks to Sofwan Badruddin for contributing your butterfly pictures and IDs and Nuwan Chathuranga for the moth identifications. I would also like to express my sincerest appreciation to Dzulhelmi Nasir for being my mentor and making this poster possible.<br /><br />Thank you everyone who have helped out (directly or indirectly) making this poster a success. Below are some honorable mentions:<br /><br />Science Bridge Academy<br />Haleluyah Retreat Centre, Kundasang<br /><a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/">Project Noah</a> community<br />Mr. Jimmy Omar and Yayasan Sabah<br />My dearest family<br />My travel companions<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLNlvgS4y-avsmKbEZ968TVW08DIme49hJlWOHcPkjVGXpQngkpXee4UOoePna9z-teoR80Jilee37mPv0pBv7_xaDa9TZmTm4LrIsZ158GxrPNzR9GT7DkN4RdrC50xun6wr9qo3Wwo/s1600/0B8sQAvJRzPyqVnJBUEJEeHNnVEU.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRLNlvgS4y-avsmKbEZ968TVW08DIme49hJlWOHcPkjVGXpQngkpXee4UOoePna9z-teoR80Jilee37mPv0pBv7_xaDa9TZmTm4LrIsZ158GxrPNzR9GT7DkN4RdrC50xun6wr9qo3Wwo/s400/0B8sQAvJRzPyqVnJBUEJEeHNnVEU.jpeg" width="282" /></a></div>
<br />Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-83255763808466306342014-01-14T06:15:00.002+08:002014-06-20T20:39:11.664+08:00Tawau Hills Park 斗湖山國家公園<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As a nature lover and an amateur macro wildlife photographer,</div>
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I regularly visit Tawau Hills Park which is the best place to look for wildlife in Tawau.</div>
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It is convenient to reach and affordable to visit too.</div>
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There are several webpages about Tawau Hills Park in the Internet</div>
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but none of them is similar to this blog post.</div>
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This is a very long detailed blog post that I have written containing information</div>
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about Tawau Hills National Park based on my experiences in the park</div>
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for all to read especially those who are planning to visit here.</div>
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So ENJOY !</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerc0NqUBd95vbsY8XagyW6kYp0cHV7WGfOu_ZkstZYwbuQardg6fpoYzd09gl63StDPb9uWJih5_5hr1DV6Pw-7ABtKDZRIbXVAXDyrwfjFc-iqjovXU0QPdapCt1MB4ShFguSxKqdG8/s1600/Grass+Hopper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjerc0NqUBd95vbsY8XagyW6kYp0cHV7WGfOu_ZkstZYwbuQardg6fpoYzd09gl63StDPb9uWJih5_5hr1DV6Pw-7ABtKDZRIbXVAXDyrwfjFc-iqjovXU0QPdapCt1MB4ShFguSxKqdG8/s1600/Grass+Hopper.jpg" height="283" width="400" /></a></div>
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Experience Nature in Tawau Hills Park today !</div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Tawau Hills National Park (Taman Bukit Tawau)</b> is a forest reserve protected and opened <br />
to the public as a recreation park and for eco tourism purposes.<br />
Established in 1979, it has since become the most popular tourist spot in Tawau <br />
where nature-loving tourists come to enjoy the natural environment and the <br />
rich biodiversity while locals come mainly for picnics and recreation.<br />
This lowland dipterocarp rainforest consist an area of 279.72 km² protected forest lands.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwGDNmtcvbgkHlkz7QhF8UzaUglCiFlsF5jmK9eujXB4NM-otT5NNee4L3eALADbDaiV4pRucBU5cwF1V-PE4NHHJnERg46D9Uv0oqGjrdpmNVxx-TIJX3UYlOb1efft7JPzJuRoM6VA/s1600/2THP+(1).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPwGDNmtcvbgkHlkz7QhF8UzaUglCiFlsF5jmK9eujXB4NM-otT5NNee4L3eALADbDaiV4pRucBU5cwF1V-PE4NHHJnERg46D9Uv0oqGjrdpmNVxx-TIJX3UYlOb1efft7JPzJuRoM6VA/s1600/2THP+(1).JPG" height="252" width="320" /></a></div>
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There are a lot of activities you can do in the park.<br />
<span style="color: purple;"><b style="background-color: cyan;"> Recreational Activities </b></span><br />
Camping<br />
Forest trekking<br />
Hiking<br />
Swimming (highly discouraged by the park officers due drowning cases in the past)<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b style="background-color: cyan;"> Nature Activities </b></span><br />
Wildlife photography<br />
Bird watching<br />
Nature study<br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><b style="background-color: cyan;"> Activities Locals Usually Do </b></span><br />
Singing and playing guitars<br />
Picnics<br />
Play waters and somersaults<br />
Children games<br />
BBQ (highly discouraged because it causes air pollution)<br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">--</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">--</span><b> <span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> GETTING THERE</span><span style="color: yellow;">S</span></span></b><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;"> ----------------------</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">----------------</span><br />
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First of all, the most important thing is getting there.<br />
How to get there is not much of a problem if you are a local<br />
but if you a not from around here, finding the way there might be difficult<br />
as there is no proper map available showing directions to the park.<br />
Furthermore,the road to the park is not shown under the GPS system nor Google Maps.<br />
<br />
The park is located 24 kilometers from Tawau town.<br />
It can be accessed with taxi services costing only RM30 from town or RM80 from the airport<br />
directly to the park. Travelling in groups is much cheaper if you get to the park by bus.<br />
Otherwise, most people choose to travel there by using their own cars as the road from<br />
the town all the way to the park is in good condition.<br />
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<b>For simple direction instructions:</b><br />
Drive into Kuhara Road from town and<br />
drive towards Kalabakan, Merotai or Maliau Basin.<br />
Turn right when reached the garbage dump road junction.<br />
There should be<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzrzsYZ9vvExqAAjIWpHcXdlhlBRPASYqySFYyF36uV4FylWUYtODsVRXpoJDDusf9-YaWPV9COhzdsN_qQJwDigj4YIW9vhRDnO8t1cAB-Y6RBR8Lyb1vNkEvlsk5NqvkyZy1iIeB5L0/s1600/THPLO+(124).JPG&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" target="_blank"> this signboard </a>outside the road at the junction.<br />
Just go straight and follow the long hilly road.<br />
There will be another 2 road junction in the end of the road.<br />
The right one leads to a small school while the right one will lead you directly to Tawau Hills Park.<br />
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With Google Satellite Map as a background, I have created a road label from the Airport through the town and towards Tawau Hills Park.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj413vPNv7pqtOhycxKGqp5p5aKbg8AoXWzMNUnsLDE_XQZlu-Vc7ZoSYdonna4wcchovoskwi4jrVnoYVkGgHLgBcXfupA4IoBNHFKFj3PphvsrVvg0S5gn2BQyv0LgKaU9EFvY2hYb9M/s1600/THP+map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj413vPNv7pqtOhycxKGqp5p5aKbg8AoXWzMNUnsLDE_XQZlu-Vc7ZoSYdonna4wcchovoskwi4jrVnoYVkGgHLgBcXfupA4IoBNHFKFj3PphvsrVvg0S5gn2BQyv0LgKaU9EFvY2hYb9M/s1600/THP+map.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj413vPNv7pqtOhycxKGqp5p5aKbg8AoXWzMNUnsLDE_XQZlu-Vc7ZoSYdonna4wcchovoskwi4jrVnoYVkGgHLgBcXfupA4IoBNHFKFj3PphvsrVvg0S5gn2BQyv0LgKaU9EFvY2hYb9M/s1600/THP+map.jpg" target="_blank">Click for larger view</a></div>
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<a href="http://goo.gl/maps/Ngvd2" target="_blank">Go to Google Maps</a></div>
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The park has opened new exploration areas and created many new facilities as the number of foreign tourists are increasing steadily over the years as the tourism industry here is blooming.<br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">--</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">--</span><b> <span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> ENTRANCE PAYMENT</span><span style="color: yellow;">S</span></span></b><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;"> -------------------------</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-------------</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuDOXvgssJ7P0B-unBFxL3P6YTvDSMx1-LWHoICUYte7mR0TrLW8TXCQUfMCIWMIdZ_bA94Opf2pROVPNBAu2BNUhrrz3IUUk5Fnzi5MFDNJj-QA_RsQ9pT9B9dU2A7y13LqNRHGW4vw/s1600/Scan0007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQuDOXvgssJ7P0B-unBFxL3P6YTvDSMx1-LWHoICUYte7mR0TrLW8TXCQUfMCIWMIdZ_bA94Opf2pROVPNBAu2BNUhrrz3IUUk5Fnzi5MFDNJj-QA_RsQ9pT9B9dU2A7y13LqNRHGW4vw/s1600/Scan0007.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
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Upon entering the park, visitors are required to pay for entrance fee (conservation fee)<br />
which is shown in the picture above.<br />
It is a small amount to pay for each park visitor.<br />
The fees are as stated below.<br />
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<tr><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></td><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><b><span style="color: #444444;">Below 18 years</span></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">Malaysian</span></span></td><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">RM 1.00</span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">Non-Malaysian </span></span></td><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">RM 6.00</span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></td><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><b><span style="color: #444444;">Above 18</span></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">Malaysian</span></span></td><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">RM 3.00</span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">Non-Malaysian </span></span></td><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">RM 10.00</span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><br /></td><td><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The entrance ticket is a must for ordinary visitors but full-time researchers and<br />
external workers in the park are given different kind of pass.<br />
An entrance ticket only allows a person a day in the park<br />
which is from 8am to 6pm - the park's visiting hours.<br />
However, you could stay much longer in the park if you have paid for<br />
accommodation to stay overnight in the park until the next morning.<br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">--</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">--</span><b> <span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> HIGHLIGHTED AREAS</span><span style="color: yellow;">S</span></span></b><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;"> ----------------------------------</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">---</span><br />
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These are the main<span style="color: yellow;"> <b>tourist spots</b></span> on the Tawau Hills Park map.<br />
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</div>
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<br /></td><td>1) Botanical Garden<br />
2) World Tallest Tropical Tree <br />
3) Canopy Walkway<br />
4) Sulphur Spring<br />
5) Galas Waterfall<br />
6) Mt. Maria<br />
7) Mt. Lucia<br />
8) Mt. Magdalena</td></tr>
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Updated map of 2014</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmOFDT70H7P9PaQcinDSp3LosLstejJuZObPmJ03tGUmvvFM-g8A6JGz22QBqRWkQtI1hUUr1GF7JgdYj1XAHUlq3DthEIJrcHWIFLHwoboh2K9iNfDeJRFteJClY-hIUDp4bQH37x6M/s1600/THPovernight+(241).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqmOFDT70H7P9PaQcinDSp3LosLstejJuZObPmJ03tGUmvvFM-g8A6JGz22QBqRWkQtI1hUUr1GF7JgdYj1XAHUlq3DthEIJrcHWIFLHwoboh2K9iNfDeJRFteJClY-hIUDp4bQH37x6M/s1600/THPovernight+(241).jpg" height="320" width="242" /></a></div>
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<table border="1" bordercolor="0efa0e"><tbody>
<tr><th><b style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: start;"> BOTANICAL GARDEN </b></th></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><b><span style="color: #444444;">Entrance Fee (for Conservation)</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">Despite purchasing entrance ticket, you will still have to pay</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">extra conservation fees </span><span style="color: #444444;">to visit some this Botanical Garden</span></span><br />
<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></td>
<td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><b><span style="color: #444444;">Below 18</span></b></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">Malaysian</span></span></td>
<td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">RM 2.00</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">Non-Malaysian </span></span></td>
<td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">RM 2.50</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></td>
<td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><b><span style="color: #444444;">Above 18</span></b></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">Malaysian</span></span></td>
<td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">RM 4.00</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">Non-Malaysian </span></span></td>
<td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">RM 5.00</span></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><br /></td><td><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
Tawau Hills Botanical Gardens a.k.a. Lowland Gardens,<br />
<div>
is a 5 acres land in the park housing a collection of</div>
<div>
forest plants found in the park which includes orchids, arums and pitcher plants.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The garden was opened to public in 2006 mainly for students and those who are</div>
<div>
interested in the botanical information of the park's fauna.</div>
<div>
The garden is divided into zones, each displaying different types of plants.</div>
<div>
The zones display these plant categories </div>
<div>
- Orchidaceae, Ferns, Araceae, Nepenthes, Hoya, Zingiberaceae,<br />
Arecaceae, Begonia, Ethnobotani, Marantaceae </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWN7LrS8bAEddeurJIiY4jJk0Rha-NPp0bmZhGnRL8taYTZc7DB4J1I5b6KzbLo_Fs9SvMgBVT-NezhC5txfsik8el5MMm5DaaB4UYbzQzY-0kWdtuOtExPPWHvPqtBn-mucDaeVTf28/s1600/Tallesttree+(18).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFWN7LrS8bAEddeurJIiY4jJk0Rha-NPp0bmZhGnRL8taYTZc7DB4J1I5b6KzbLo_Fs9SvMgBVT-NezhC5txfsik8el5MMm5DaaB4UYbzQzY-0kWdtuOtExPPWHvPqtBn-mucDaeVTf28/s1600/Tallesttree+(18).JPG" height="251" width="400" /></a></div>
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There are trails and information boards in the garden for visitors to explore the garden themselves. </div>
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However, visitors can also request to have a guide to tour them around the garden.<br />
There are also several huts built around the garden for visitors to rest as there is<br />
no limit to how long they can spend in the garden.<br />
<br />
If you are looking for a place to see beautiful and exotic flowers,<br />
this is not the perfect place for you.<br />
Rather, this place is suitable for those who are interested in all kinds of tropical plants.<br />
During flowering seasons, you might get a chance to see the rare Elephant Ear Orchid.<br />
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<b>Here are some photographs taken in the garden :</b></div>
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<table border="0">
<tbody>
<tr>
<td><div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjG_WXTf3hv3vzaKUGYAy6i-j2r_ZgeOYVEnjUAcpYVChC8mXYrMaDHK8ud7n8VvZlfuTZPrxQcXOWv6wulrjosZpt6qm97w8avEchrj0bNwbjVQQvBdgQI1WfoTwfNk7spyMNBD7DqOd0/s1600/2THP+(106).JPG" height="320" width="318" /><span style="text-align: center;">Orchids</span></div>
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<td><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYbpetO1l2o_ni3EqTpAIcaIch93YJdWnYmpECpjVexQ6z6-KVgYI9zOYIbqIC327KcYM3-aPo2w9zYGt9b-l9AP9fpZfEwpAWMsJ_9i30pYPV6fg3wNjFFfVeOhAzVt8N6JoALrcGx8/s1600/2THP+(111).JPG" height="280" width="320" /><span style="text-align: center;">Orchids</span></div>
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</tr>
<tr>
<td><div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLT3uMoXHyw4oFtkUqVxMSD4nUXyNeYQh7u8p8OEJ_rmdtFqnVn9ksskdEktXJU2mPoUzUxleiBaTh1rl90-h3HLr4vGJW3LU8RVZkYbJUqygdIwsg0nb-WmMa-voNdybBVGQhFtPhkwg/s1600/HP+(1).jpg" height="227" width="320" /><span style="text-align: center;">Myrmeconauclea strigosa</span></div>
</td>
<td><div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNfyJteZKIqK4NNTtY1NaxyPOBbNAiea1AFtO3RL4Cb1xKi4qpmJ57zP78MFhIM4ySwn8akSWNtklPgZSyU3CntzuDD4je_fPDFaKcxMTuz0pu4x6WDSK51IDU5n1UGeWyK0WHZgyAibU/s1600/Tallesttree+(60).JPG" height="269" width="320" /><span style="text-align: center;">Tiny pink flowers</span></div>
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<td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcJQbk1VE2izSitWbkzDC0Oaw7ykGnx1xvaxt0QxWxBj5s1VKXYhfeO2dM8jVD6wLIaCUogNw-muDcPVxX89-ERnNm_goSSEcfg9RUH1caIxZEZN9V4QMCHdqeCOnzijiAaZwTitCVF4/s1600/2THP+(143).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcJQbk1VE2izSitWbkzDC0Oaw7ykGnx1xvaxt0QxWxBj5s1VKXYhfeO2dM8jVD6wLIaCUogNw-muDcPVxX89-ERnNm_goSSEcfg9RUH1caIxZEZN9V4QMCHdqeCOnzijiAaZwTitCVF4/s1600/2THP+(143).JPG" height="320" width="263" /></a></div>
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Are there any flowers on this one?</div>
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<td><div style="text-align: center;">
<img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigceOZyzdDg-oojVkvs1vINBPaYDS80aXQN5H7uSoIBnbT9mJJ9LzJF8jupeQPSyYj-TVZe5cQ_mDQO4ESLvFO0CKkIkBIvjpvFtk2pijMaEU6sjJIAITMVHLkm_Z4X2SmhLC3pSrLXJ4/s1600/2THP+(147).JPG" height="320" width="317" /><span style="text-align: center;">Look closely</span></div>
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<table border="1" bordercolor="0efa0e"><tbody>
<tr><th><b style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: start;"> TALLEST TROPICAL TREE </b></th></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rm7ClIjIP1ooT_zVUUC4hZAHi7sQZMhIXpHA7YBZL_UYXsx98FVAaEzvzXRjCvR4dLTgbKcw5uW7tUP2W8J3B-RVfuhot-NTAqvhl7XGwJsida70djAPHpxLzHQlNR1fSs9m3gsPonE/s1600/TallestTree05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1rm7ClIjIP1ooT_zVUUC4hZAHi7sQZMhIXpHA7YBZL_UYXsx98FVAaEzvzXRjCvR4dLTgbKcw5uW7tUP2W8J3B-RVfuhot-NTAqvhl7XGwJsida70djAPHpxLzHQlNR1fSs9m3gsPonE/s1600/TallestTree05.jpg" height="400" width="195" /></a></div>
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Standing at 88.32 meters tall, the world's tallest documented tropical tree and<br />
also the tallest tree in Malaysia is found in Tawau Hills Park.<br />
Though not as tall as the tallest redwood giants, this Shorea faguetiana still managed<br />
to get itself a world record and Tawau Hills Park is proud to be it's home.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ027zFNXCDhn6eFH2IYm6S8kho_pwhpu_vk3GsQ95OBJW1vbLLnRF4ofUYWTVQVpuSfSrojbjBCOa03qgCaDDpX9s1AiP6EMaEqaO1dOsJignOyBrWWcLshvw2TYc92kmD-JJnevhCco/s1600/Tallesttree+(137).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ027zFNXCDhn6eFH2IYm6S8kho_pwhpu_vk3GsQ95OBJW1vbLLnRF4ofUYWTVQVpuSfSrojbjBCOa03qgCaDDpX9s1AiP6EMaEqaO1dOsJignOyBrWWcLshvw2TYc92kmD-JJnevhCco/s1600/Tallesttree+(137).JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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The area is much more difficult to access than the botanical park.<br />
The tree is located 900 m away from the park headquarters.<br />
Visitors who plan on visiting the site will have to travel on muddy trails<br />
infested with thorny vines and leeches.<br />
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Once you have successfully reached the area,<br />
you will be rewarded with the site of this majestic tree<br />
which will make the largest adults appear tiny in comparison.<br />
You will know that you have reached the right tree when you see this sign.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXfaxIQ4j2zcPUPGJeshCrc7WshFS8AtAdgOuf0CK8wzad4O3I7WBTzAShyRUtF6F9tkM8vfWs5355YKtgizBiJOoD79W1O6FYLkGj1plODMk6VI9gEfvVECglRcGDrfYidkyDyMKaTU/s1600/Tawau+Hills+Park+(104).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNXfaxIQ4j2zcPUPGJeshCrc7WshFS8AtAdgOuf0CK8wzad4O3I7WBTzAShyRUtF6F9tkM8vfWs5355YKtgizBiJOoD79W1O6FYLkGj1plODMk6VI9gEfvVECglRcGDrfYidkyDyMKaTU/s1600/Tawau+Hills+Park+(104).jpg" height="220" width="320" /></a></div>
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Furthermore, there is also a row of wooden fences surrounding the tree.</div>
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A wooden seating area is also recently constructed for visitors to rest.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV5oJ-6UPQYnSzAqYDDDZoYFltihYfw0bn92G8rEOcuXUyNrS2FDBlnT6I18Kyb4nen3K2nqZN0-qyNsAk74ksyWd2zhvVTwUXj42nwU_UF5bULTlsv4sSnJ4tuh6_NEFvQ_mn1WuK9U/s1600/Tallesttree+(108).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVV5oJ-6UPQYnSzAqYDDDZoYFltihYfw0bn92G8rEOcuXUyNrS2FDBlnT6I18Kyb4nen3K2nqZN0-qyNsAk74ksyWd2zhvVTwUXj42nwU_UF5bULTlsv4sSnJ4tuh6_NEFvQ_mn1WuK9U/s1600/Tallesttree+(108).JPG" height="230" width="320" /></a></div>
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It blends in perfectly with the foliage.</div>
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<table border="1" bordercolor="0efa0e"><tbody>
<tr><th><b style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: start;"> CANOPY WALKWAY </b></th></tr>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDsgQ33aKw2pknWGKC5SfrTvqeRgkv8DHUg9XGbrPIYRe9CGl7nxtxNUeUCL4vJuXU7SR-3oqNs9cvjtVgFmWD2Dq3gptfYvTVALUAU6z9yvBEsjE0_jVoRRZl4JDjatJqkSyUNnBqWQ/s1600/THPLO+(36).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYDsgQ33aKw2pknWGKC5SfrTvqeRgkv8DHUg9XGbrPIYRe9CGl7nxtxNUeUCL4vJuXU7SR-3oqNs9cvjtVgFmWD2Dq3gptfYvTVALUAU6z9yvBEsjE0_jVoRRZl4JDjatJqkSyUNnBqWQ/s1600/THPLO+(36).JPG" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
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The canopy bridge is just a series of narrow suspension bridges<br />
in the forest canopy layer suspending up to 40 meters above the forest floor.<br />
This site is one of the newest landmarks opened to the public<br />
so a lot of people are still unaware that this place exist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDijxPsGOkDPYQk6mwAK0eo9TntCbC5nfPXgwRuHXG3u1QbLA3JjairsrMcOl-LqAQBg8D5Mqrl-mIu0uMPmtqqjpA7onEC9-epfkdjpakj6TJO4gg8U_Odc1eo8N2tSkrq-4S7k9aSo8/s1600/CanopyWalkway_07b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDijxPsGOkDPYQk6mwAK0eo9TntCbC5nfPXgwRuHXG3u1QbLA3JjairsrMcOl-LqAQBg8D5Mqrl-mIu0uMPmtqqjpA7onEC9-epfkdjpakj6TJO4gg8U_Odc1eo8N2tSkrq-4S7k9aSo8/s1600/CanopyWalkway_07b.jpg" height="306" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span><br />
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</td><td><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6e55GN8WFVNWoAg6x_O2pSh0BIDpT-4k0KSsRaXQU8vdaxlJMHIm6-IddtLFLH9e1wTSMVWV64e-LRTaZL3iGMmP783fCtiy7LUIDHLpHWHonoyxBwBfJyYh5m0q7JplbCh93-QdrvBQ/s1600/CanopyWalkway_21b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6e55GN8WFVNWoAg6x_O2pSh0BIDpT-4k0KSsRaXQU8vdaxlJMHIm6-IddtLFLH9e1wTSMVWV64e-LRTaZL3iGMmP783fCtiy7LUIDHLpHWHonoyxBwBfJyYh5m0q7JplbCh93-QdrvBQ/s1600/CanopyWalkway_21b.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a></div>
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The gate to the canopy bridge is always locked for security reasons<br />
and will only be unlocked every morning by the ranger on duty there.<br />
Many visitors spent half an hour to reach the destination but became<br />
disappointed upon arriving when they realized the gate is still locked.<br />
To prevent unnecessary misery, please inquire from the ticket counter or from the rangers<br />
about the condition of the gate whether it has been unlocked or still remain locked.<br />
Or you can just wait at the wooden seats below the first tower for the gate to be unlocked.<br />
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There are a lot of wildlife you can find endemic only to the forest canopy.<br />
Here are some shots taken during a canopy exploration on this canopy walkway.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQujFAeYc8tw-Dd_xJWPLrgRJUntN-JS4nKA53-HbXGseCP16tj9pW2k4sNe_CMVx9Cpzvg9-fVE6fCp77VJPjqQvkPUyvn2WbNEDoYmPxRyT63kUC9NsmvXshnhG_WaJ0MDVASGCs7k/s1600/NewTHP+(31).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">What lives on tree barks?</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQujFAeYc8tw-Dd_xJWPLrgRJUntN-JS4nKA53-HbXGseCP16tj9pW2k4sNe_CMVx9Cpzvg9-fVE6fCp77VJPjqQvkPUyvn2WbNEDoYmPxRyT63kUC9NsmvXshnhG_WaJ0MDVASGCs7k/s1600/NewTHP+(31).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBQujFAeYc8tw-Dd_xJWPLrgRJUntN-JS4nKA53-HbXGseCP16tj9pW2k4sNe_CMVx9Cpzvg9-fVE6fCp77VJPjqQvkPUyvn2WbNEDoYmPxRyT63kUC9NsmvXshnhG_WaJ0MDVASGCs7k/s1600/NewTHP+(31).JPG" height="320" width="256" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A swarm of termites.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RBlqTIP6ur860UpJlL2e2T7iJx2GmAUzq9tnyCmHKrdTDN7I2p5xqS-deYd7XCVyi7hcSnr6aXc7VTesPpn7eEYJbUxV6bI1DOHOxUywH5KIe-Pd5oLdzQzCw6S5uo9y4LJqhtjeReA/s1600/THPLO+(45).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2RBlqTIP6ur860UpJlL2e2T7iJx2GmAUzq9tnyCmHKrdTDN7I2p5xqS-deYd7XCVyi7hcSnr6aXc7VTesPpn7eEYJbUxV6bI1DOHOxUywH5KIe-Pd5oLdzQzCw6S5uo9y4LJqhtjeReA/s1600/THPLO+(45).JPG" height="270" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td><div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A tree-trunk spider.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvAg4C4PZPubDqmYZaFgeVhlbHeVEKjLOhQTwth8LAXDTIKGyR_1Ei75Fi2iJE4DlQvf0RrPIDm_yBHgujV4f2kFN9JFwqq4gyASbtY7xBELCoxANu3f4139RRdWQOxWUOA5wf8xY6c4/s1600/THPLO+(51).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijvAg4C4PZPubDqmYZaFgeVhlbHeVEKjLOhQTwth8LAXDTIKGyR_1Ei75Fi2iJE4DlQvf0RrPIDm_yBHgujV4f2kFN9JFwqq4gyASbtY7xBELCoxANu3f4139RRdWQOxWUOA5wf8xY6c4/s1600/THPLO+(51).JPG" height="246" width="320" /></a></div>
</td><td><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can even encounter small bats resting under the ceilings on the way up the stairs.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBdY_Kys09YIv7bUKQtzNwYFaXSqF0Efq6Xjy4vtDEfCRPIZEY7DZH_-PtZ7t8gbYz9RkOSNfbBfoZ-d0hq3D1IowYuMo9zV0j0FvcHrC-G5JNq-zTHX-PBWJCkCm5pj_hP1bkoObfQc/s1600/NewTHP+(101).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBdY_Kys09YIv7bUKQtzNwYFaXSqF0Efq6Xjy4vtDEfCRPIZEY7DZH_-PtZ7t8gbYz9RkOSNfbBfoZ-d0hq3D1IowYuMo9zV0j0FvcHrC-G5JNq-zTHX-PBWJCkCm5pj_hP1bkoObfQc/s1600/NewTHP+(101).JPG" height="276" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table border="1" bordercolor="0efa0e"><tbody>
<tr><th><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> SULFUR HOTSPRING </span></b></th></tr>
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</div>
<div>
The Sulphur Spring is one of the most amazing places in Tawau Hills Park.</div>
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It is also my personal favorite as the site has a wonderful and magical atmosphere.</div>
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This sulphurous spring is only a 3.2 km journey away from the park headquarter.<br />
You might need a guide or a map because one can easily miss the trails to the spring.<br />
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One of the magical things you can experience here are the colorful ponds.<br />
The ponds can appear in different colors though found in the same area.<br />
The colors are due to the natural chemicals found in the waters.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="text-align: center;">Some ponds are pearl white</span></div>
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Some are sky blue in color</div>
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Some ponds even appear rusty red</div>
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They may seem colorful but please do keep in mind that these are sulfur springs so<br />
be careful of their high temperature and poisonous chemicals.<br />
There is also a strong odour emitted from the sulfur waters so bringing a face mask<br />
is advisable for those who cannot stand the smell of rotten eggs.<br />
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<div>
The heated waters ooze out from several geothermal vents around the river here.<br />
As much as 11 hot springs are identified in this area.<br />
Boiling eggs in hotsprings are discouraged as the temperature is far below boiling point.<br />
Furthermore, the frequent heavy rains regularly dilute the spring waters.<br />
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The wildlife there has evolved in unique ways to adapt in this unusual habitat.<br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YzaWYRv4AgXdTJtcr7HZkBe5gg1gj4TE6slyd2xNBLhVqqdiKMpQbLAGGACXk9xfJcop6B9OrbN99Gc7kq3TwAtZVT9KProjY2tlqbru64o94Ww0m0U3LUV5IIJvxTxMEytyIwipmnY/s1600/THPspring+(257).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-YzaWYRv4AgXdTJtcr7HZkBe5gg1gj4TE6slyd2xNBLhVqqdiKMpQbLAGGACXk9xfJcop6B9OrbN99Gc7kq3TwAtZVT9KProjY2tlqbru64o94Ww0m0U3LUV5IIJvxTxMEytyIwipmnY/s320/THPspring+(257).JPG" height="226" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a><br />
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Bloodworms feeding on sulphur "mud"</div>
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Insect larvae thriving underwater</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Brilliantly-colored damselflies sparkle under the sunlight </div>
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Special type of flies feed on sulfur foams</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4sbJrdTxjKg3MISUsSX7i19VWumR6eB0RLwUCkQ3kn-qiEYiNLcx9uv1Z0f-2wuHoMRFWS2UFdWHlM1_9iDtbfjoyRa8igKA99LqAdCAt1eJGv-UJ2M-UcDXMH4DFXgGBhjf7MxAzPM/s1600/THPspring+(417).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb4sbJrdTxjKg3MISUsSX7i19VWumR6eB0RLwUCkQ3kn-qiEYiNLcx9uv1Z0f-2wuHoMRFWS2UFdWHlM1_9iDtbfjoyRa8igKA99LqAdCAt1eJGv-UJ2M-UcDXMH4DFXgGBhjf7MxAzPM/s320/THPspring+(417).JPG" height="320" width="309" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
while many larger species of butterflies visit the hotsprings for the mineral-rich spring waters.</div>
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The majestic <a href="http://www.etawau.com/PlacesInterest/TawauHillsPark/HotSpring/HotSpring_Fauna.htm" target="_blank">Rajah Brooke's Birdwing Butterfl</a><a href="http://www.etawau.com/PlacesInterest/TawauHillsPark/HotSpring/HotSpring_Fauna.htm" target="_blank">y</a> is one of them, making the place </div>
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perfect for butterfly enthusiast.</div>
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The forest around the spring area has an ancient appearance that of<br />
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during the prehistoric carboniferous era where ferns thrive.</div>
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A wooden hut was recently built for visitors to rest while enjoying the scenery.</div>
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<tr><th><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> GALAS WATERFALL </span></b></th></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Also known locally as Air Terjun Bukit Gelas, the area is a<br />
waterfall located 2.4 kilometers away from the headquarter.<br />
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<tr><td> </td><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQz_zop7n4rJsR8LpegUV1gIVDjJ4pHl2B2kSls17ESA2s5sHrS5e5qJIPBfOaOXHHcDkifFPZl7jKHAukXOs7PW3PAbG5EILd65rCQsb0O8c3KMQfpl2lz_E4Ft_1VepGTOJUYJ6nzM/s1600/National+Day+002+b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaQz_zop7n4rJsR8LpegUV1gIVDjJ4pHl2B2kSls17ESA2s5sHrS5e5qJIPBfOaOXHHcDkifFPZl7jKHAukXOs7PW3PAbG5EILd65rCQsb0O8c3KMQfpl2lz_E4Ft_1VepGTOJUYJ6nzM/s320/National+Day+002+b.jpg" height="320" width="233" /></a></td>
<td>Perfect place for family outing<br />
and a peaceful family picnic</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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To get there, you will have to get wet crossing streams<br />
and also get dirty climbing muddy slopes.<br />
The waterfall area is small with a single hut enough to shelter a small group.<br />
Since the place is deserted most of the time, you can enjoy peace and tranquility.<br />
The river there contains shy animals that spend most of their time away from humans<br />
such as this<br />
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River Terrapin<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RIicmSk3MtTPtOaQNp9JMLYGZL_Hy7Ry7avnW8KKypTJTduHURHnaakG5kyXUSif6XrNtpoLeXJ1iv7FgoCNWiiiS58bCgUGo_7WhK0ZSd1kduobl4E5e-Ld_ruXajKjGgiLldUstYI/s1600/Gelas+(173).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4RIicmSk3MtTPtOaQNp9JMLYGZL_Hy7Ry7avnW8KKypTJTduHURHnaakG5kyXUSif6XrNtpoLeXJ1iv7FgoCNWiiiS58bCgUGo_7WhK0ZSd1kduobl4E5e-Ld_ruXajKjGgiLldUstYI/s320/Gelas+(173).JPG" height="294" width="320" /></a><br />
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Giant Water Skater<br />
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Green Damselfly Nymph<br />
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<tr><td> <a href="http://www.etawau.com/PlacesInterest/TawauHillsPark/BukitGelasWaterfall/BukitGelasWaterfall.htm" target="_blank">For more information on</a> <br />
<div>
<a href="http://www.etawau.com/PlacesInterest/TawauHillsPark/BukitGelasWaterfall/BukitGelasWaterfall.htm" target="_blank">Galas Waterfall</a><br />
<a href="http://www.etawau.com/PlacesInterest/TawauHillsPark/BukitGelasWaterfall/BukitGelasWaterfall.htm" target="_blank">(Bukit Gelas Waterfall)</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etawau.com/PlacesInterest/TawauHillsPark/BukitGelasWaterfall/BukitGelasWaterfall.htm" target="_blank">Please visit</a></div>
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<a href="http://www.etawau.com/PlacesInterest/TawauHillsPark/BukitGelasWaterfall/BukitGelasWaterfall.htm" target="_blank">www.etawau.com</a><br />
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</td><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVcu7H3XHZfMIpMwvw_oLnNMBYskGvOZu4uboBSWQhA4jqLAwtvMs1P-FNhLHeW2OI3X61Cw-uwfxTX76-zNu1qDqX_hYu0JZ-q7dfrn-lxwYX_1tR6tVKGuTzxrGBhcGAGiu6EiDWjU/s1600/Gelas+(136).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkVcu7H3XHZfMIpMwvw_oLnNMBYskGvOZu4uboBSWQhA4jqLAwtvMs1P-FNhLHeW2OI3X61Cw-uwfxTX76-zNu1qDqX_hYu0JZ-q7dfrn-lxwYX_1tR6tVKGuTzxrGBhcGAGiu6EiDWjU/s320/Gelas+(136).JPG" height="320" width="247" /></a></td></tr>
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<tr><th><b style="text-align: start;"><span style="color: lime; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"> MOUNTAINS </span></b></th></tr>
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For real adventures who are not contented with these places<br />
and are seeking much more challenges and nature,<br />
you can apply for permits to hike the 3 large mountains of Tawau Hills Park<br />
- Mount Maria (1020 meters high)<br />
- Mount Lucia (1240 meters)<br />
- Mount Magdalena (1280 m)<br />
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These mountains are formed from extinct volcanoes.<br />
They are off limits to the public so they are seldom ventured.<br />
Those who are interested in exploring these areas can contact the<br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b style="background-color: #f9cb9c;">park headquarters</b> </span><span style="background-color: #f9cb9c;"> <span style="color: #444444;">089-918827</span> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"><b><span style="background-color: #ea9999;">main office (KK) </span> </b><span style="background-color: #ea9999;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: #ea9999;"><span style="color: #444444;">088-486430</span> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #ea9999;"> <span style="color: #444444;">088-486432</span> </span> <br />
<span style="background-color: #ea9999;"> <span style="color: #444444;">088-486436</span></span><span style="background-color: #ea9999; color: #444444;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #444444;"> <span style="background-color: #ea9999;"> sabahparks@sabah.gov.my </span></span><br />
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Here are some necessary payments needed for hiking the mountains.<br />
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<span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">Hiking Permit</span></span><br />
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<tr><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></td><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><b><span style="color: #444444;">Below 18</span></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">Malaysian</span></span></td><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">RM 5.00</span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">Non-Malaysian </span></span></td><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">RM 10.00</span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;"><br /></span></span></td><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><b><span style="color: #444444;">Above 18</span></b></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">Malaysian</span></span></td><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">RM 10.00</span></span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">Non-Malaysian </span></span></td><td><span style="background-color: #ffd966;"><span style="color: #444444;">RM 30.00</span></span></td></tr>
<tr></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table border="0"><tbody>
<tr><td><br /></td>
<td colspan="2"><b><span style="background-color: #0b5394; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">MT. LUCIA 13.25KM</span></b></td>
<td> <span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b style="background-color: #0b5394;"> MT. MAGDALENA 17KM</b></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">GUIDE </span></b></td>
<td colspan="2"><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">RM 40.00</span> ONE WAY </span></span></td>
<td> <span style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #444444;"><span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">RM 60.00</span> per day </span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><b><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #444444; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">PORTER</span></b></td>
<td><b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="color: #444444;">HOSTEL </span></b></td>
<td><b style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="color: #444444;">PEAK </span></b></td>
<td> <span style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #444444;"><b>CAMP SITE </b>14.35KM </span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="color: #444444;">1KG</span></span></td>
<td><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">RM 4.00 </span></td>
<td><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">RM 5.00 </span></td>
<td> <span style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">RM 6.00 </span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc;"><span style="color: #444444;">1-10KG</span></span></td>
<td><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">RM 40.00</span></td>
<td><span style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">RM 50.00</span></td>
<td> <span style="background-color: #6fa8dc; color: #444444; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">RM 60.00</span></td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<span style="background-color: #93c47d; color: #444444;">Hiking Certificate </span> <span style="background-color: #93c47d;"> <span style="color: #444444; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">RM 10.00 </span></span><br />
<br />
Copied from the facilities fees list of the park<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfIu2Ccw6GzuHjB_TzNV9TnB8Yhzh1Jg8ngVdpNA84XW39GkcFXU-kCglyOUC4eJ58Po_r2CF2kYL-w7CDdVqRTXNKfYS5g8nfG2fSgoWMH06e53jRGaNavfAzc57-2ad45z4-Y_yYdA/s1600/MtLucia_01c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrfIu2Ccw6GzuHjB_TzNV9TnB8Yhzh1Jg8ngVdpNA84XW39GkcFXU-kCglyOUC4eJ58Po_r2CF2kYL-w7CDdVqRTXNKfYS5g8nfG2fSgoWMH06e53jRGaNavfAzc57-2ad45z4-Y_yYdA/s320/MtLucia_01c.jpg" height="160" width="320" /></a></div>
In conjunction with the Tawau Hills Park Biodiversity Expo 2012, the park is providing<br />
free accommodation at Mt. Lucia's hostels to attract people to the mountain.<br />
<br />
Deepest apologies to my readers because I could not write much about these 3 mountains<br />
as I have never visited them myself and I could not get information from anybody<br />
who has visited these mountains. To those who had succeeded in venturing<br />
into these mountains, please do share your experiences for all to read.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">----</span><b> <span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> OTHER PLACES & FACILITIES</span><span style="color: yellow;">S</span></span></b><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;"> ---------------------------------</span><br />
<br />
<u><b>Ticket Counter</b></u><br />
Located at the entrance gate.<br />
This is the place where you purchase your entrance ticket before entering the park.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Headquarter Offices</u></b><br />
It is just an office where the park management team works in.<br />
You can visit the office if you have something urgent to tell the manager.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Services Office</u></b><br />
It is an office room specially in charge of park services such as<br />
accommodation, campsite and hut rental.<br />
If you need to book a hostel room or a campsite space,<br />
you can contact the office staff - <b>Mr. Jeffrin Rumpadon</b><br />
at <b>019-8139607</b>, <b>019-8009607</b>, <b>089-925719</b><br />
<br />
<u><b>Restaurant</b></u><br />
It is more like a small cafeteria / canteen providing cheap and simple food.<br />
Those who are planing to stay overnight in the park can make arrangement with<br />
the restaurant staff to provide proper meal for dinner and breakfast.<br />
The usual working time of the restaurant is 8 am - 6 pm.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Meeting Room</u></b><br />
A meeting room where you can rent for RM150 a day.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Hall</u></b><br />
You can also rent the hall, for RM 24 in the morning and RM 40 for an evening.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Audio Visual Room</u></b><br />
Open for rental for RM 200 per day.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Washroom / Toilet</u></b><br />
You can access the washroom building which is located just 50 meters away from the<br />
ticket counter. The washroom is divided into ladies and gents sides.<br />
There are toilet and shower rooms inside.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Prayer Rooms</u></b><br />
There are prayer rooms (surau) for Muslims to pray throughout the day.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Bridges</u></b><br />
There are several rivers in the park so many bridges are built around the park.<br />
Short concrete or wooden bridges are built over small streams.<br />
As for wider rivers, long suspension bridges are built to cross them. <br />
<br />
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<br />
<b><u>Huts</u></b><br />
Many wooden and concrete huts are built around the park,<br />
especially in places of interests for visitors and park rangers to rest.<br />
The huts are usually equipped with wooden chairs, tables and a rubbish bin nearby.<br />
<br />
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<br />
<br />
<b><u>Accommodation</u></b><br />
There are several place you can spend the night in the park.<br />
Most of the accommodation sites are located in the park headquarter area.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Magdalena Chalet</i></div>
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<br />
The Magdalena chalet is the most expensive place to stay in the park.<br />
It is a single house building with 2 large rooms inside.<br />
The whole chalet can be rented for RM 200 a day.<br />
This method of accommodation is perfect for a group of researchers or photographers<br />
who needs a large space for their tools and equipment.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Bombalai Jungle Lodge</i></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The Bombalai Jungle lodge is the best way of accommodation.<br />
There are 2 types of dormitory rooms in this lodge.<br />
The first type of room has air-conditioning system and contains 3 single beds.<br />
The room can be rented for RM70 per night.<br />
The 2nd room type does not have any air-conditioning system.<br />
It uses electrical fans and have 4 single beds.<br />
RM 20 is charged for each bed. <br />
<br />
Both the Magdalena Chalet and Bombalai Jungle Lodge are not far from each other.<br />
There is another lodge nearby but it has been closed down.<br />
<br />
The Lucia Hostel is located far from the park headquarters.<br />
It is located on the way to Mount Lucia and Mt. Magdalena where hikers<br />
can spent the night in the hostel for only RM 20 per person.<br />
<br />
<i>Campsites</i><br />
For those who prefer camping, you are in luck as there are campsites around the park.<br />
First of all, you MUST bring your own tent !<br />
You will have to pay only RM 5 to set up a tent in these campsites.<br />
The main campsite is in the headquarter area but there are several more campsites<br />
deeper in the jungle such as the Ulu Sungai Tawau Campsite near Mt. Maria.<br />
There is another campsite in the Kerangas Forest located after Galas Waterfall.<br />
For those who plan on hiking Mt. Magdalena can set their camps in the campsite near the mountain.<br />
<br />
For rooms and campsite reservation, please contact<br />
<b>Mr. Jeffrin Rumpadon </b>at <b>019-8139607</b>, <b>019-8009607</b>, <b>089-925719</b><br />
or email <b>www.info@koktastravel.com</b><br />
<br />
<b><u>Bird Breeding Centre</u></b><br />
This place is shown in the park map.<br />
The place is real but unfortunately it is not opened to the public yet.<br />
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<br />
<b><u>Exhibition Gallery</u></b><br />
The exhibition gallery (information gallery) is not well known but that<br />
does not mean that it is uninteresting. On the contrary, it is a wonderful place.<br />
It is the best gallery and museum you can find in the entire town.<br />
<br />
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Inside the gallery are exhibits of stuffed animals in their artificial "habitat"</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
with many information boards displayed containing information about the</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
stuffed animals. Other matters about the park such as it's history, management</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
and interesting facts are also recorded in the gallery.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<b><u>Bombalai Hill</u></b><br />
Mount Bombalai, at 531 meters high, is Malaysia's highest volcanic point.<br />
Though not located within the park fences,<br />
this low volcanic cone is still part of the park.<br />
<br />
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<br />
The forest trail is not long so one could complete the trail as quick as 30 minutes.<br />
Since the hill is not advertised by the park, it is seldom hiked.<br />
To get to the hill, do not enter the park gate.<br />
You should follow the road to the right outside the park entrance instead.<br />
The road will lead to the forest trail up to the peak of Bombalai Hill.<br />
Please inform the park ticket counter staff before hiking the hill<br />
to prevent unnecessary troubles such as being suspected as poachers.<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">---</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><b> <span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> WILDLIFE</span><span style="color: yellow;">S</span></span></b><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;"> ----------------------------------</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">---</span><br />
<br />
This is my favorite part.<br />
Visit this link to see what type of life forms are found in the park.<br />
https://www.page_not_ready_yet_sorry.com<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">--</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">--</span><b> <span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> WHAT SHOULD I BRING ?</span><span style="color: yellow;">S</span></span></b><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;"> ----------------------------</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">---</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">------</span><br />
<br />
What to bring to the park depends on your motive or purposes in the park.<br />
<br />
Every time I visit the park, I have only one intention,<br />
that is to document the wildlife species in the park,<br />
especially focusing on the diverse group of invertebrates.<br />
<br />
So here is my inventory checklist on what I bring whenever I visit the park.<br />
<br />
<b>Backpack</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> keep it light so you can carry it around the park<br />
<b>Water bottle</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> trust me, I do get really thirsty after all those trekking<br />
<b>Camera</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> always ready to photograph amazing wildlife experiences<br />
<b>Extra batteries and memory cards</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> for the camera<br />
<b>Mobile phone</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> sometimes I need to call for emergency help in the forest.<br />
<b>Tissue papers or Handkerchief</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> it is a jungle out there so prepare to get down and dirty<br />
<b>Monocular</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> handy for bird watching and other arboreal creatures<br />
<b>3 n 1 flashlight </b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> this is my favourite tool, my flash light can produce 3 types of lights<br />
- white light to see in the dark, UV light to look for scorpions at night,<br />
and a red laser to point at distant objects.<br />
<b>Long ruler </b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> helpful in measuring small animals and plants.<br />
<b>Notebook</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> to record important data.<br />
<b>Pens, pencils</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> you know what those are for, right ?<br />
<b>Raincoat</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> to keep my bag of equipment dry rather than myself during rains.<br />
<b>Extra clothes</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> I can always change if I get really wet.<br />
<b>Foods</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> such as biscuits or chocolates whenever I get hungry.<br />
<b>Wallet </b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> enough said<br />
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<br />
If you visit the park just for recreation, you might want to bring these.<br />
<br />
<b>Tents</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> for camping<br />
<b>Swimsuits</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> for swimming<br />
<b>Extra clothes</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">- </span>for changing if you get wet or spend the night there<br />
<b>Foods and drinks</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">- </span>for picnics or for dinner because the restaurant closes at night<br />
<b>Cooking sets </b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> gas, stove, cooker, pan, wok, spatula for cooking<br />
<br />
<br />
Special things to bring for those who are afraid of the forest creatures.<br />
<br />
<b>Salt </b><span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> helpful in removing leeches. Use it for self defense, not for intentionally harming them.<br />
<b>Mosquito repellent</b> <span style="color: #e06666; font-size: large;">-</span> to ward off mosquitoes and other blood-sucking flies.<br />
Remember, use an insect repellent, not a pesticide spray.<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">---</span><b> <span style="background-color: yellow; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;"> RISKS</span><span style="color: yellow;"> </span></span></b><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;"> ------------------------------</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">---</span><br />
<br />
There are dangers everywhere you go.<br />
Tawau Hills Park is no exception.<br />
<br />
Know the dangers you are facing and know how to overcome it<br />
to prevent injuries and even death.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: cyan; color: blue; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">DROWNING</span><br />
This is a real danger which has claimed few lives.<br />
During heavy rains, the river waters will be raging wildly<br />
and will be causing a great threat to swimmers.<br />
That is why some dangerous river parts are sealed off while<br />
the park management team has declared "swim at your own risk".<br />
Records of the exact number of drowning cases are hidden from public.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: cyan; color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">FALLING BRANCHES</span><br />
Please be always alert as old branches might break and fall to the ground at any time.<br />
Branches weighting as much as 20 kg falling from a height of 30 m can cause serious damage.<br />
Several signboards are erected around the park reminding you of falling branches. <br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: cyan; color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THORNY VINES</span><br />
Plants such as rattan contains large spikes that can easily pierce through<br />
layers of clothes and skins causing deep puncture wounds.<br />
They are not lethal but may cause great pain.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: cyan; color: blue; font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">VENOM & POISON</span><br />
There are venomous animals and poisonous plants in the park but<br />
so far no fatality has happened yet.<br />
Just watch your steps and don't try to handle venomous creatures.<br />
Beware of the macaques too. They can get close when there is food around.<br />
They may not be venomous but their bites can cause<br />
infectious diseases so do not try to make them feel harassed.<br />
<br />
On the other hand, no risk is to large to be an obstacle if you are a real adventurer!<br />
Do not worry too much and just enjoy the natural wonders.<br />
I have been to the park many times but I am still alive with only leech bite marks on me.<br />
<br />
<br />
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<span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">------------------------------</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-</span><span style="color: #ffd966; font-size: x-large;">-------------------</span><br />
<br />
Pictures from<br />
Chun Xing Wong (blog owner)<br />
Wong Fook Yee<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
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<td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1buCMvEVdMDJBahJrDBU-t4cma2xNgjrOko_lcLtq3s2R52TNNNNbMgEiJmVbzZHEHEpcw09x11NN7bohYQXBnSX26Y0rvneKwuagWPMUB-81Ujdq7Uje9C6rUxOFHgB0ecUWII_7RGY/s1600/Maliau+(923).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1buCMvEVdMDJBahJrDBU-t4cma2xNgjrOko_lcLtq3s2R52TNNNNbMgEiJmVbzZHEHEpcw09x11NN7bohYQXBnSX26Y0rvneKwuagWPMUB-81Ujdq7Uje9C6rUxOFHgB0ecUWII_7RGY/s320/Maliau+(923).JPG" width="290" /></a></td>
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A tiny frog as small as a thumb nail that I caught beside the Maliau River in <b>MBSC</b> - Maliau Basin Study Center. This frog has colors and patterns to make it look like the stone and pebbles on the river banks. It might still have not fully matured yet. <a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/17074313" target="_blank">More pictures of this frog here</a><br />
<a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/17074313">http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/17074313</a><br />
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Another small jumper I caught from the same area. This one looks like a toad, a small toad. It is larger and might possibly be the fully-grown adult of the frog I caught before this. <a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/17167207" target="_blank">More photographs here</a> <a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/17167207">http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/17167207</a><br />
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This medium-sized frog is quite common at night in Aristo inn, near Kundasang. They are yellowish brown in color and can be approached closely. <a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/14841110" target="_blank">More information about this frog here</a><br />
<a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/14841110" target="_blank">http://www.projectnoah.org/spottings/14841110</a> Special thanks to Prof. Dr. Alexander Haas for identifying this frog as a common Polypedates macrotis.<br /><br /><br />Any ID suggestion given is greatly appreciated.Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-49566077483040767082013-02-10T11:18:00.002+08:002013-02-10T16:59:15.231+08:00Project Noah RangersI have been working voluntary as a Noah Ranger for the website <a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/" target="_blank">Project Noah</a> since October, 2011.<br />
We rangers are just like park rangers except that we work in a "digital park".<br />
As a Noah Ranger, I regularly monitor the site activity.<br />
Not only are we given the special ranger badge, we are also given some "super powers"<br />
We can edit and delete spottings when necessary.<br />
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These are part of our rangers' work-<br />
> Welcome new users.<br />
> Help users - Answer their questions and refer them to the <a href="http://www.projectnoah.org/faq" target="_blank">FAQ</a>. <br />
> Remind users of the website rules and expectations.<br />
> Encourage users to participate and remain active.<br />
> Make sure all the information on each spottings are accurate.<br />
> Flag and Delete content that violates our community policies<br />
> Identify spottings that are not suitable.<br />
> Flag and Delete spottings which have inappropriate photographs - stolen, graphic, prank, offensive, non-wildlife, extremely poor photographs and pictures that are not photographs at all.<br />
> Remove improperly submitted spottings from missions.<br />
> Remove improper comments and suggestions.<br />
> Coordinate with other Rangers to monitor or contact suspect users.<br />
> Warn problematic members.<br />
> Help with species ID.<br />
> Remind members to update their spottings.<br />
> Suggest mission to users.<br />
> Explore the new option the site has to offer. <br />
> Report problems and bugs in the website.<br />
> Give suggestion to improve the website.<br />
> Be active on the chats.<br />
<br />
Currently, we have around 80 rangers although several of them have become inactive.<br />
Rangers are "elected" around the globe, from different background and age groups.<br />
For more information on Noah Rangers, <a href="http://blog.projectnoah.org/post/42673866587/meet-the-rangers-the-real-heroes-behind-project-noah" target="_blank">please read this post</a> <a href="http://blog.projectnoah.org/post/42673866587/meet-the-rangers-the-real-heroes-behind-project-noah" target="_blank">http://blog.projectnoah.org/post/42673866587/meet-the-rangers-the-real-heroes-behind-project-noah</a><br />
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Join Project Noah now and see whether you've got what it takes to be a Noah Ranger !<br />
Happy Chinese New Year to all and have a shark fin-free celebration.Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-75097833719928037562012-11-11T15:25:00.000+08:002013-11-26T22:21:17.835+08:00Nature Orientation Course in Maliau Basin ~ PART 2Continued from <a href="http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2012/11/nature-orientation-course-in-maliau.html" target="_blank"><b>Part 1</b></a><br />
<i><a href="http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2012/11/nature-orientation-course-in-maliau.html">http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2012/11/nature-orientation-course-in-maliau.html</a></i><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The banner of our nature orientation course</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: x-large;"><span style="background-color: yellow;"> <span style="color: #660000;">DAY 2 </span></span><span style="color: #660000;"> <span style="background-color: cyan;"> NOVEMBER 11 </span></span></b><br />
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The real adventure starts on the second day. I woke up very early in the morning at 4:45 am, in fact, the earliest one to wake up among the participants. I was not able to sleep well the whole night because I am still not used to sleeping on a double decker bed.<br />
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While everyone else is still asleep, I went to prepare myself and take photographs of the nocturnal animals left before the sun rises.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">I photographed this pair of small bats flying around the balcony before dawn</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Some early birds on the way to <strike>catch some worms</strike> get some breakfast</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Our breakfast served in the dining hall was quite good for a local standard. All our meals and </span>accommodation<span style="font-family: inherit;"> are sponsored by the government.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">View of the Dining Hall balcony </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">After a hearty meal, we all went to the Maliau Basin meeting room. Here, each of us get the chance to introduce ourselves formally in front of everyone. After that, Mr. Jimmy Omar and the park rangers gave talks on the introduction and rules of this forest reserve. Each of us participants are given a folder, ID card and our uniform. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Everyone in the meeting room</span></div>
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After some time in the meeting room, we finally get to go out and do some real outdoor activity! </div>
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We all excitedly wore our brand new orange uniform and headed out to start our very first outdoor activity. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Walking on the muddy road while being careful not to step into the mud pools</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Just crossing a bridge</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Picture of the suspension bridge from above</span></div>
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After crossing a river through the Maliau Suspension Bridge, we reached our destination.</div>
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Our first outdoor activity will be canopy walking.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Climbing the wooden platform to get to the canopy bridge on top</span></div>
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This Canopy Walk activity is to give students a chance to explore and experience the canopy layer of the rainforest. Our ranger guides and the information displays on the skybridge taught us a lot about the types of animals and plants found there.</div>
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The Maliau Skybridge is 300 meters long and can reach a height up to 21 meters above ground. </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Maliau Skybridge</span></div>
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Panoramic scenery of the Maiau Basin forest canopy </div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A tree-hugger, literally !</span></div>
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I managed to find some interesting arboreal spiders that live by camouflaging themselves on tree barks. Try to spot them in these pictures.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A jumping spider, possibly a Laufeia sp.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">An easy one to notice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Okay, something a little more tougher </span></div>
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I could spend the whole day on the sky bridge trying to record as many species up here as I can because it is said that 60 to 70 percent of the rain forest animals live up here in this canopy environment. Unfortunately, we still have to stick to the time table and move on, besides the rain clouds are coming.</div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Still have some time to take a photo of myself climbing down the tree</span></div>
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After the canopy exploration, the rangers lead us to a forest trail for our second activity - forest trekking. The trail is called Knowledge Trail which is 1 kilometer in long. Our guide showed and explained to us the types of trees we see in that forest. We were also introduced to the animal that is popular and feared during jungle trekking here - leeches.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VXVlkdxbRViFt0hdPd5bwGgNwXAxgN3do1tdmYz9qeOwEZHoyyijP6ldgXc8HNLZ3bqJDu6_80MkI7O-Ztsl4V1GvgiLelYhn9l9zwq2DcRBIQzBFUCXyg_ctKBy1WitjH7j8VuMyqg/s1600/THPark+(59).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4VXVlkdxbRViFt0hdPd5bwGgNwXAxgN3do1tdmYz9qeOwEZHoyyijP6ldgXc8HNLZ3bqJDu6_80MkI7O-Ztsl4V1GvgiLelYhn9l9zwq2DcRBIQzBFUCXyg_ctKBy1WitjH7j8VuMyqg/s320/THPark+(59).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tiger Leech, the most feared blood-sucker in Borneo</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWPccECQm_4KqY2CPAZ6q0CLUkWTMx4HN32UjXDPpgGuG6aIxM-PikM-aKxTMvPGyk27_Ju-yNshGeJNoCozzmkFlJeElAnuDMnNAEKcKpjgkr1u0MZYoVsaMYhyRBLfKPgr9hAG8xlk/s1600/Maliau+(277).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsWPccECQm_4KqY2CPAZ6q0CLUkWTMx4HN32UjXDPpgGuG6aIxM-PikM-aKxTMvPGyk27_Ju-yNshGeJNoCozzmkFlJeElAnuDMnNAEKcKpjgkr1u0MZYoVsaMYhyRBLfKPgr9hAG8xlk/s320/Maliau+(277).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We also saw some amazing termite nest which is spiky all over</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zdctpz2t9ubdCBbMthasoxTEghH4KRMYSSkVpsxbRbKeYDF7kqonVG8XQSWLDxTYSNkbF1w2WLbuxtnkOMhgcEb-6RrnRJq3f-ovJUnGPBtCjwrVaFxRBf-iX7ealwRuxRURoY1x29Y/s1600/Maliau+(237).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1zdctpz2t9ubdCBbMthasoxTEghH4KRMYSSkVpsxbRbKeYDF7kqonVG8XQSWLDxTYSNkbF1w2WLbuxtnkOMhgcEb-6RrnRJq3f-ovJUnGPBtCjwrVaFxRBf-iX7ealwRuxRURoY1x29Y/s320/Maliau+(237).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There is also this awesome coral fungi which looks like burning flames</span></div>
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We finished the forest trail just in time before the rain arrived. After crossing the suspension bridge, the rain became heavier so we all ran to seek shelter.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXR-V4Gy4kUMxqRB0bdTNviTnanL1y0fUtV1NF6hPXiyyXbtjehlvyjuZj4o0uyG12zjap95e2UlGpBZOkRvCQ0gf8p7i4WfGco6LfKDkQ38RIIX6cV_i1nBtwnX9cGS3R1ZHtOfBx8U/s1600/Maliau+(250).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwXR-V4Gy4kUMxqRB0bdTNviTnanL1y0fUtV1NF6hPXiyyXbtjehlvyjuZj4o0uyG12zjap95e2UlGpBZOkRvCQ0gf8p7i4WfGco6LfKDkQ38RIIX6cV_i1nBtwnX9cGS3R1ZHtOfBx8U/s320/Maliau+(250).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A small crowd taking shelter under a hut</span></div>
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Finally, our guide suggested that we should get to Maliau Basin Belian Camp, a nearby campsite where we can get shelter from the heavy rain. While exploring the camp, I found this strange structure stuck underneath a wooden table.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsG0Aw4WSi69o0BdEubzZiHXO0Pkn5Kq_XJpxbNWozlNVt30oLOf4uskZGSKZ5Vj8Q6nZQ0pmAVZ0c5d9qSGeA8bOMNwSKswIM4Tp5eSw3gcwfixNklvRh17CJ9ceARWGrhPk7Zy-7Vs/s1600/Maliau+(255).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIsG0Aw4WSi69o0BdEubzZiHXO0Pkn5Kq_XJpxbNWozlNVt30oLOf4uskZGSKZ5Vj8Q6nZQ0pmAVZ0c5d9qSGeA8bOMNwSKswIM4Tp5eSw3gcwfixNklvRh17CJ9ceARWGrhPk7Zy-7Vs/s320/Maliau+(255).JPG" width="287" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A mud nest made by an</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"> Eustenogaster potter wasp</span></div>
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The rain stopped after an hour. We returned to the dining hall for lunch and rest, filled ourselves up with enough energy before continuing with our next outdoor activity - Rope Challenge.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCNzQYctxaXxqvCqAJpOczuTFsCH89C8TLIxTEo6Q4-wOWjOd31yxptsGwz7q676Y0U5eethwPm29b-zEMyE_o94yW53A9LH5Ah1_SoOgVV3DG3JgsJs0aFfmMncbeG4c0jlnaYHWXds/s1600/Maliau+(285).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzCNzQYctxaXxqvCqAJpOczuTFsCH89C8TLIxTEo6Q4-wOWjOd31yxptsGwz7q676Y0U5eethwPm29b-zEMyE_o94yW53A9LH5Ah1_SoOgVV3DG3JgsJs0aFfmMncbeG4c0jlnaYHWXds/s320/Maliau+(285).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This rope challenge is like a obstacle course where we have to cross 2 obstacle. The first one is walking on a plank which both ends connected to ropes, making it swing wildly if you are not balanced (see the photo above)</div>
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The second obstacle is climbing upside down through a long rope tied horizontally (shown below)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RwrOFqpRWfS65L9KHwA3ZWd-RL1GlyUw9-UFx283aUf9YbNi5S9rM0ojmDZB1q0OQZRjfsDKOkNDrrKbYdgghcWgdupYMYfcPMh6m4HLIHWSAdefVE847Fn6uZCDoKdOxsTG8rvL0eg/s1600/536670_4878805977839_847414729_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7RwrOFqpRWfS65L9KHwA3ZWd-RL1GlyUw9-UFx283aUf9YbNi5S9rM0ojmDZB1q0OQZRjfsDKOkNDrrKbYdgghcWgdupYMYfcPMh6m4HLIHWSAdefVE847Fn6uZCDoKdOxsTG8rvL0eg/s320/536670_4878805977839_847414729_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Girl Power !</span></div>
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This challenge sure is exhausting! Good thing we were given a long rest after that until dinner. The meal we had during dinner was good as usual but the nocturnal species that showed up that night was indeed spectacular !</div>
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Here are some of these nighttime critters:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EEeSQvx274uzcD0vuzrRx3Aln1VNZTu3wyK_nZ37MNJqxwZLJ3sBTkWFV93FIQrSVGfNfUvhTYUaDS_SlFecaNd_ddi8sC_rTHWMS8fUqONygkDmEbWxw2p1BlAlb6oYFeNUk4_hP_I/s1600/Maliau+(304).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="259" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3EEeSQvx274uzcD0vuzrRx3Aln1VNZTu3wyK_nZ37MNJqxwZLJ3sBTkWFV93FIQrSVGfNfUvhTYUaDS_SlFecaNd_ddi8sC_rTHWMS8fUqONygkDmEbWxw2p1BlAlb6oYFeNUk4_hP_I/s320/Maliau+(304).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A rare </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Majangella moultoni a.k.a. Moss Mantis</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeb38yGnK5LSKQXWDQXR7w2aISbOIOTfDuTlxZDqr_hKAQLkBS7P38xVKPyf40uz7AXiQmX9L13b5lniz7ggUjmWWtoFUmfDxPIY0mDPq_LJE5Je6lzpnuNX-NbN-UOc30gM7F4pQbJ8/s1600/Maliau+(331).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZeb38yGnK5LSKQXWDQXR7w2aISbOIOTfDuTlxZDqr_hKAQLkBS7P38xVKPyf40uz7AXiQmX9L13b5lniz7ggUjmWWtoFUmfDxPIY0mDPq_LJE5Je6lzpnuNX-NbN-UOc30gM7F4pQbJ8/s320/Maliau+(331).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A large common planthopper of MBSC</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7p-bDMLjvRPUNNAmomfKpWrHPk2fTdcu1cD7nnDJPb619YFziOSEOA_tpBNvFBj4H8wGrJIxcS072ePGA6SNDq4McQiEhbybCQ_KIGeI2nFGprXyotX3C92LdHQPZHRqeXEjZ4s50RU/s1600/Maliau+(343).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha7p-bDMLjvRPUNNAmomfKpWrHPk2fTdcu1cD7nnDJPb619YFziOSEOA_tpBNvFBj4H8wGrJIxcS072ePGA6SNDq4McQiEhbybCQ_KIGeI2nFGprXyotX3C92LdHQPZHRqeXEjZ4s50RU/s320/Maliau+(343).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A strange-looking weevil</span></div>
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Our last activity of the day is just listening to talks given by the organizing team in the meeting room. They showed us a slight show on the variety of flora and fauna found in Maliau Basin. We were also told about the history of Maliau Basin.</div>
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Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-73933241547504284572012-11-10T17:50:00.000+08:002013-11-26T22:18:00.034+08:00Nature Orientation Course in Maliau Basin ~ PART 1This post is continued from<br />
<a href="http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-trip-to-maliau-basin.html" target="_blank">http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-trip-to-maliau-basin.html</a><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4RdR4ECKCfVw9guTDhFDEiXYRF03rfpMPuBuyiCoVynyrMy-Hlc27GzHaSTm7m9Mbuo87nORbgk0gvmtvsr5VAGICfhcW8krdsH9PTyCvrRy8i2iAiKYMHI3nbePa1hpH-1gaW3mOxs/s1600/617136_4872367856890_14288673_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX4RdR4ECKCfVw9guTDhFDEiXYRF03rfpMPuBuyiCoVynyrMy-Hlc27GzHaSTm7m9Mbuo87nORbgk0gvmtvsr5VAGICfhcW8krdsH9PTyCvrRy8i2iAiKYMHI3nbePa1hpH-1gaW3mOxs/s400/617136_4872367856890_14288673_o.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit ~ Jimmy Omar </span></div>
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A<span style="font-family: inherit;">s I have already mentioned in the previous post, I had participated in a Nature Orientation Course in Maliau Basin Study Center. This is a one week course organized by the is a part of the awareness campaign organized by the Sabah Nature Society and Yayasan Sabah to educate the young generation the importance of conserving nature.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">22 students accompanied with several teachers participated in this exciting program. These students are chosen from the Nature Clubs in several secondary schools around Sabah. They are among the best "nature-lovers" students in Sabah. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">The course provides many exciting activities related to nature which I will share about in this post. <a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmyomar" target="_blank">Mr. Jimmy Omar</a>, the host of this program along with Andreas Boital and his team have made this course a success and leave us behind unforgettable memories and useful knowledge. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: yellow;"> <span style="color: #660000;">DAY 1 </span></span><span style="color: #660000;"> <span style="background-color: cyan;"> NOVEMBER 10 </span></span></b></span><br />
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On the first day of our adventure, participants from Tawau, Semporna and Lahad Datu will assemble in front of the Tawau UMNO building where we will board 4-Wheel Drive Vehicles which will leave at 11 am to Maliau Basin.<br />
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Tawau_Sabah_Bangunan-UMNO-01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/90/Tawau_Sabah_Bangunan-UMNO-01.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">UMNO Political Building in Tawau </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">© CEphoto, Uwe Aranas </span></div>
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The ride to Maliau Basin Study Centre (MBSC) took us 5.5 hours across about 190 kilometers of road. The roads after Kalabakan district are unpaved and very bumpy.<br />
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Halfway into Maliau Basin, we took a break at the Maliau Basin Security Gate where we register and checked in.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh375Y5Lp_N4OW9PI0Nqh4COxMGq5QWIOBRp5geYAYSU4X0r4soZC5pSy-0HmlEUxmrFtusaIZb-mhwi4lJVxBpykUlAluIr9DjaGikCDYzNTJG_VEAHCzLKgMeWC4gsJdg35yEoaZ3voE/s1600/Maliau+(11).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh375Y5Lp_N4OW9PI0Nqh4COxMGq5QWIOBRp5geYAYSU4X0r4soZC5pSy-0HmlEUxmrFtusaIZb-mhwi4lJVxBpykUlAluIr9DjaGikCDYzNTJG_VEAHCzLKgMeWC4gsJdg35yEoaZ3voE/s400/Maliau+(11).JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Security Checkpoint / Maliau Basin road junction</span></div>
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During the break, we also took the opportunity to visit the Maliau Basin Information Gallery in the security checkpoint compound. This information gallery is opened by Shell Company in 2007.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HP-oWEn-jtkXLu_TZI_MLrfJvNd3d8uXtx5UltTkSnEkKZSLSD_0IsYUS7gcL38GuxPzL_DOuRRMbJNbx7rzRM8uVoyzmSVO8fiGZzw6lDwKLb6Jxm5NvIY_80lRMaTIHCTvZsSqUNM/s1600/Maliau+(12).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HP-oWEn-jtkXLu_TZI_MLrfJvNd3d8uXtx5UltTkSnEkKZSLSD_0IsYUS7gcL38GuxPzL_DOuRRMbJNbx7rzRM8uVoyzmSVO8fiGZzw6lDwKLb6Jxm5NvIY_80lRMaTIHCTvZsSqUNM/s320/Maliau+(12).JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Maliau Basin Information Gallery</span></div>
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The information gallery is very informative as it contains maps, pictures and articles<br />
about Maliau Basin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcR8R3tUgdOLDolevYUwa97HYVdE9qhBAMdnb4YBS4RLuDSPEVBX6mZE4GWU6qOFR0ZZlL0DogTchH0vIzwuV_QT8YE-i80WtkJPDEvQyOW0L4q4Po70vvFniC_fJZYrbfRqxlxmEdUvg/s1600/Maliau+(9).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcR8R3tUgdOLDolevYUwa97HYVdE9qhBAMdnb4YBS4RLuDSPEVBX6mZE4GWU6qOFR0ZZlL0DogTchH0vIzwuV_QT8YE-i80WtkJPDEvQyOW0L4q4Po70vvFniC_fJZYrbfRqxlxmEdUvg/s320/Maliau+(9).JPG" width="278" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">There is even a Tembadau skull displayed inside the gallery</span></div>
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After the break, we resumed our journey to the Maliau Basin Study Center which is about another<br />
20 km away from the security gate.<br />
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If you think the road from Kalabakan is bad enough, the road starting from the Maliau basin security gate is a lot worse. The situation gets from bad to worse. This narrow road is without gravel so it is extremely muddy and slippery here. A non-4WD automobile will surely get stuck in the thick mud.<br />
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Sometimes the condition becomes very risky when our cars crossed rivers through bridges which are simply made of 2 tree trunks. One little slip and you will fall to the rivers below.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Our 4WD car covered in mud from the long journey</span></div>
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After checking in at the lobby counter, we were lead to the hostels where we will be staying for the next several days. The hostels are dormitory roomed so we each choose a bed and start to unpack our luggages.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlTW_czRZowbXov-2fFQyPBh3ZBSLr1rpYjVZ0HIy0dWZbwEX2lx8P3eiIgkjFu1kXZHU13tyTLwzfgaGljacvF4IAZQz7D4wofTbb52ERDVXuOO9O-ZlpNHJSZKKFBhrrLNFT7HFSbg/s1600/f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGlTW_czRZowbXov-2fFQyPBh3ZBSLr1rpYjVZ0HIy0dWZbwEX2lx8P3eiIgkjFu1kXZHU13tyTLwzfgaGljacvF4IAZQz7D4wofTbb52ERDVXuOO9O-ZlpNHJSZKKFBhrrLNFT7HFSbg/s400/f.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Bambangan & Beluno Hostel</span></div>
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After that, we explored the surroundings of our hostels while waiting for dinner time.<br />
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Dinner is in MBSC Dining Hall where we enjoyed our all-you-can-eat buffet. Wild boars also came to join us after picking up the smell of our delicious meal.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">A wildboar</span></div>
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We have nothing to do after dinner so we returned to the hostels and get to know each other while I looked for nocturnal insects.<br />
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These are several of the nocturnal insects that visited our hostels attracted to the artificial night lights.<br />
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Continue to part 2 here<br />
<a href="http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2012/11/nature-orientation-course-in-maliau_11.html">http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2012/11/nature-orientation-course-in-maliau_11.html</a><br />
<br />Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0Maliau Basin Conservation Area, Sabah, Malaysia4.7484203294137339 116.961666459683334.7167723294137343 116.92132595968333 4.7800683294137336 117.00200695968333tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-27747565271164064442012-11-04T13:14:00.000+08:002018-03-10T17:59:07.167+08:00Roadkill AnimalsThe introduction of Roads and Cars here have became a threat to many animals who are not used to roads. Dogs are a common victim to the traffic so roadkill dogs are just an ordinary sight to the locals here. Cats are as common as dogs here but far less cats end up dead on / beside the road because of their agile nature. However there are some rarer animals that end up as roadkills.<br />
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10 years ago when I was still a little boy, my father showed me an unusual animal. It was found dead on a road, obviously another road victim. I was fascinated when I saw the mammal but also disgusted by it's stench of decay. It is has a muscular tail and the whole body is armored with overlapping thick scales. That was the first time I have seen a <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunda_Pangolin" target="_blank">Pangolin</a></b>.</div>
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The <b><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leopard_cat" target="_blank">Leopard Cat</a></b> is also another rarely seen animal because of it's shy nature. These nocturnal cats can be found in oil palm plantations living by preying on the abundant rats here. I have seen unlucky leopard cats on the highway several times. They usually died knocked by cars late at night when they are trying to cross the road to reach the opposite plantation. One of the roadkill cases recorded here in <a href="http://wongfookyee.blogspot.com/2011/12/leopard-cat-i-found-one-but.html">http://wongfookyee.blogspot.com/2011/12/leopard-cat-i-found-one-but.html</a></div>
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I have spotted another strange mammal 2 months ago. I am very happy to get a chance to see this rare <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunda_stink_badger" target="_blank"><b>Stink Badger</b></a> at the same time sad to see it dead. Little is known about this species. Few photographs of this badger (also claimed as skunk) existed. They can secrete an unbearable foul smell like skunks. I have met a village folk who has told me about his funny experience with this mammal. He was still a young boy when his mother captured one badger by wrapping it with a towel but releasing it immediately after realizing that it can produce smelly secretions. The towel was "cursed" to be smelly forever. He claimed that even after months of soaking the towel in a stream, the smell still refused to leave. At first I was being doubtful because I know very well that we do not have skunks in Borneo, but this roadkill victim changed my belief.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Sunda stink badger (<i>Mydaus javanensis</i>) a.k.a. Malayan skunk</span></div>
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These are protected animals but as you can see, they are still vulnerable. I hope the Malaysian governors could do something to provide further protection to these animals. The drivers should also do their part in driving safely. I know that some drivers here just could not resist to run over an animal mercilessly. </div>
Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-58893866409649098232012-11-02T23:31:00.000+08:002012-12-30T23:42:20.056+08:00a Trip to Maliau Basin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/c0.0.851.315/p851x315/131193_491656604207833_1526903655_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://sphotos-a.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/c0.0.851.315/p851x315/131193_491656604207833_1526903655_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was lucky enough to be one of the 2 students to represent our school - <a href="http://www.etawau.com/Education/SMK/SMKSTPATRICK.htm" target="_blank">SM St Patrick Tawau</a>, in participating in the Nature Orientation Course (Kursus Orientasi Alam Sekitar) from 10 to 15 November 2012 in Maliau Basin Studies Centre.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This course is a part of the awareness campaign organized by the Sabah Nature Society and Yayasan Sabah to educate the young generation the importance of conserving nature. 22 students from secondary schools all over Sabah participated in this event and accompanied by several teachers, park rangers,</span> <span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmyomar" target="_blank">Mr. Jimmy Omar</a> and his team from Yayasan Sabah.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Wait ! There must be a beginning to this story. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Here it goes....</span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">It all started one afternoon just few days before the STPM examination starts, I was supposed to call my mum to pick me after school is over but unfortunately all the 3 public telephones in the school were having technical problems. Since I could not contact my mother, I decided to just visit the school canteen to hang out with my friends while thinking what to do next.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A teacher passed by the canteen minutes later holding some papers began talking to my friends. I overheard their communication and got interested as soon as I heard the word "MALIAU". That word could only mean one thing ~ MALIAU BASIN - THE LOST WORLD OF SABAH !<br />I rushed over to poke my nose into their conversation and found out something about camping in Maliau Basin. The teacher saw the interested look on my face and told me about this nature orientation program. My friends are interested to join in this program but unfortunately for them, the date of the course clashed with their very important STPM examination time.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">2 person are to be chosen from my school to participate in this course. The students are usually chosen from the Nature Club members in our school but somehow this year only one student from the school Nature Club joined and that leaves one more room for another student. The teacher had to get students from outside the club and that is when he walked past the canteen looking for students who are interested. </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I showed great interest and the teacher gave me the last form. After I received this 2nd form, there won't be room for another participant from this school. And of course, I have filled and handed the form. It was a last-minute application but a successful one.</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If the public phones were still functioning.....<br />If another interested student bumped into that teacher first and took that form......</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I had not stayed back in school..... </span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I have decided to ask my friends for a ride or a phone.......</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If I have not switched schools and remained in my old school......</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If........</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If.....<br />If..</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I kept thinking about what had happened. All these coincidence happened in the right time to change my life. Whether you believe in God or not, you ought to believe in great coincidences, or you might call it Miracles. Do also believe that there is a silver lining in every cloud.</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Maliau Basin is a wonderful place that have diversity in the species of flora and fauna found there. I have always aimed to visit Maliau Basin one day and I did not know that my dream was achieved that early. Thank you very much Teacher Ramli, Mr. Jimmy Omar, Encik </span>Andreas Boital, park rangers, Yayasan Sabah, my school and fellow participants for making it possible for me to visit Maliau Basin and making it one of the greatest experiences in my entire life.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Don't miss my follow up posts.</span></div>
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Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-10686761245169395212011-12-25T23:03:00.001+08:002013-11-15T07:21:53.721+08:00MERRY CHRISTMAS from the Christmas Gecko<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: orange;">MERRY CHRISTMAS</span></span></div>
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to everyone.</div>
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I have posted these few photographs on my blog as my Christmas Special.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5tvB7x-nqGsjeGixa7e6Vdm6tnFZXJ3mgu9j0AuDI3TEZg-MVvskzB0CK7Z0HZtwz70mal9QGA5t5gZoZCLDCCWCAaXieZiD0oqvPhz51rdeS8TdyjOpTnJDnJcPEnaKGNBVOqpES_w/s1600/IMG_7598.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5tvB7x-nqGsjeGixa7e6Vdm6tnFZXJ3mgu9j0AuDI3TEZg-MVvskzB0CK7Z0HZtwz70mal9QGA5t5gZoZCLDCCWCAaXieZiD0oqvPhz51rdeS8TdyjOpTnJDnJcPEnaKGNBVOqpES_w/s400/IMG_7598.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Christmas Gecko.</div>
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My pet house gecko is happy with his huge present I gave him.</div>
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As you can see that he is smiling happily in front of the camera.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7MTTjwjlLsCeimJIKasht5Bt9QJ4IyMEKJFjK9CHchqwf1Muyoz-h90sWkQq9VSfZ4YWvawLuL19vn3wBvU-hD9aBp87plQ8Xbb7ZjwCdPru5TP5hQF_6KUafxTicA93tFXXCsMCgNM/s1600/IMG_7607.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7MTTjwjlLsCeimJIKasht5Bt9QJ4IyMEKJFjK9CHchqwf1Muyoz-h90sWkQq9VSfZ4YWvawLuL19vn3wBvU-hD9aBp87plQ8Xbb7ZjwCdPru5TP5hQF_6KUafxTicA93tFXXCsMCgNM/s400/IMG_7607.JPG" width="362" /></a></div>
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He is even thrilled when he found out that I have prepared a home-made Santa hat for him.</div>
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The hat isn't well-made because my fingers are just too big to do something that small.<br />
You can see those bits of sellotape pieces sticking out of his hat.<br />
The hat is not perfect but he accepted it with with love because he knew that it was from my heart.</div>
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Just joking, it is not really my pet lizard.<br />
It is a real gecko, not a fake one, but a dead one.<br />
Since it is dead, I have decided to decorate it, give it some props and make it pose in front of my camera.<br />
It's mouth was closed so I have to open it up so that it looks like he is happier.<br />
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The gift in the first photo was just something I removed from my small-sized decorated Christmas tree.</div>
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It's hat is made myself from papers.</div>
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The Christmas greeting plastic words with a missing "s" is taken from my mum's birthday cake.</div>
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It died just minutes before this photographs are taken.</div>
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Don't get me wrong, I did not kill it.</div>
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I found it paralyzed on my house floor, dying of unknown disease.</div>
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It is still too young to die of old age as it has not yet reached it's maximum size.</div>
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By the time I was studying his cause of death, it has stopped breathing.</div>
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This idea of making him my Christmas character came when I can't identify it's cause of death.</div>
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An ordinary gecko has passed away and became the CHRISTMAS GECKO, pretty scary but creative.</div>
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Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-26647362618188210312011-12-14T15:01:00.002+08:002014-07-15T09:27:12.508+08:00Spiders Reference Websites<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="-webkit-text-decorations-in-effect: none; font-weight: normal;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: orange;">AUSTRALIAN SPIDERS</span></span></u></b></span></u></b></span></div>
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A website created as a working draft for A field guide to Spiders of Australia by Robert Whyte and Dr Greg Anderson due to be published in 2014.</div>
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Spiders of Australia finally have their own website.</div>
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I can now use this website as a guide reference to help me identify Australian spiders.</div>
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Take a look at the website here in the link</div>
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<a href="http://www.arachne.org.au/default.asp" target="_blank">http://www.arachne.org.au/default.asp</a><br />
For spiders of Quensland - <a href="http://www.findaspider.org.au/find/common.htm">http://www.findaspider.org.au/find/common.htm</a><br />
If you are only looking for the Jumping Spiders (Salticidae) of Australia, I suggest you visit <a href="http://ednieuw.home.xs4all.nl/australian/salticidae/Salticidae.html" target="_blank">http://ednieuw.home.xs4all.nl/australian/salticidae/Salticidae.html</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: orange;">INDIAN SPIDERS</span></b></u></span></div>
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A website has been created to record the spider species of Southern India.<br />
<a href="http://www.southindianspiders.org/south-indian-spiders.htm" target="_blank">http://www.southindianspiders.org/south-indian-spiders.htm</a>
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As for Central India, there is also a website with checklists of the spiders in Melghat and Lonar Crater.<br />
<a href="http://www.spidersofcentralindia.com/" target="_blank">http://www.spidersofcentralindia.com/</a></div>
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Nanda Devi, located on the border between India and China, has it's spiders recorded and published <a href="http://www2.wii.gov.in/publications/researchreports/2011/diversity_spiders_nanda_devi.pdf">http://www2.wii.gov.in/publications/researchreports/2011/diversity_spiders_nanda_devi.pdf</a> Dr. Sunil Jose has also created a index page with links to his blogs about specific group of spiders he recorded. <a href="http://indian-spiders.blogspot.in/">http://indian-spiders.blogspot.in/</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><u><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: orange;">SINGAPOREAN SPIDERS</span></b></u></span></div>
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Singapore might not have many spider species compared to other countries but there are lot of spider photographs uploaded into the Internet from Singapore.</div>
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Some species are endemic to Singapore only because Singapore is an island.</div>
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So I need some spider species guide as a reference to identify many spiders of Singapore that we don't have here in Malaysia.</div>
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<a href="http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/guidebooks/spiders/text/a-spiders.htm" target="_blank">http://habitatnews.nus.edu.sg/guidebooks/spiders/text/a-spiders.htm</a><br />
<a href="http://sgwildanimals.blogspot.com/2012/10/spiders.html">http://sgwildanimals.blogspot.com/2012/10/spiders.html</a><br />
<a href="http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/rbz/biblio/50/50rbz359-388.pdf" target="_blank">http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/rbz/biblio/50/50rbz359-388.pdf</a><br />
<a href="http://www.natureloveyou.sg/Minibeast-Spider/Family%20All.html">http://www.natureloveyou.sg/Minibeast-Spider/Family%20All.html</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: orange;">NORTH AMERICAN SPIDERS</span></u></b></span></div>
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North America is a large continent that that holds a lot of spider species</div>
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I found this online North American spider identification guide.</div>
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It can be very useful for me to identify the spiders there.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cirrusimage.com/spider.htm" target="_blank">http://www.cirrusimage.com/spider.htm</a><br />
Bugguide is a popular American insect-identification website.<br />
Fortunately, spiders are also included in this website.<br />
<a href="http://bugguide.net/node/view/1954/bgpage">http://bugguide.net/node/view/1954/bgpage</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b><u><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: orange;">EUROPEAN SPIDERS</span></u></b></span></div>
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Europe is located between Africa and Asia with Russia, so it might contains a lot of spider species from these 3 great continents.</div>
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This website shows the spiders of NW Europe.</div>
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<a href="http://ednieuw.home.xs4all.nl/Spiders/spidhome.htm" target="_blank">http://ednieuw.home.xs4all.nl/Spiders/spidhome.htm</a><br />
As for French Jumping Spider, you can visit this link.<br />
<a href="http://yvanmontardi.perso.sfr.fr/salticidae/index_e.html">http://yvanmontardi.perso.sfr.fr/salticidae/index_e.html</a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: orange;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b><u>JAPANESE SPIDERS</u></b></span></span></div>
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As one of the most modern country in technology and science, Japan should be able to identify and record most of the species of spiders there so I trust the spider website of of Japan.</div>
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<a href="http://www.cyberoz.net/city/sekine/zukax00.htm" target="_blank">http://www.cyberoz.net/city/sekine/zukax00.htm</a><br />
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<b style="background-color: orange; color: purple;"><u>GUYANA SPIDERS</u></b><br />
A French website displaying a collection of spiders photographed mostly by <span style="line-height: 16px; text-align: justify;">Olivier Baudry and Sophie from Guyana, a country in South America.</span><br />
<a href="http://olivierbaudry.free.fr/BOA1.html" target="_blank">http://olivierbaudry.free.fr/BOA1.html</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: orange;"><u>SOUTH ASIAN SPIDERS</u></span></b></span><br />
As for spider species from rice land in South and Southeast Asia, here is a reference book written by A.T. Barrion and J.A. Litsinger<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b></b></span><a href="http://books.google.com.my/books?id=5dhYexpLc6QC&pg=PA553&lpg=PA553&dq=Gasteracantha+janopol&source=bl&ots=oUELKVVkN5&sig=Nv2oO7TWXJi9MTHrpj0GnPrJSbU&hl=en#v=onepage&q=Gasteracantha%20janopol&f=false" target="_blank">http://books.google.com.my/books?id=5dhYexpLc6QC&pg=PA553&lpg=PA553&dq=Gasteracantha+janopol&source=bl&ots=oUELKVVkN5&sig=Nv2oO7TWXJi9MTHrpj0GnPrJSbU&hl=en#v=onepage&q=Gasteracantha%20janopol&f=false</a><br />
A checklist of the spiders of South Asia.<br />
<a href="http://www.zoosprint.org/zooprintjournal/2007/february/2551-2597.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.zoosprint.org/zooprintjournal/2007/february/2551-2597.pdf</a><br />
Spiders of the Malay Archipelago.<br />
<a href="http://arthropodaselecta.britishspiders.org.uk/articles/21_1_029_060_Proszynski.pdf" target="_blank">http://arthropodaselecta.britishspiders.org.uk/articles/21_1_029_060_Proszynski.pdf</a><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: purple;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: orange;"><u>INDONESIAN SPIDERS</u></span></b></span><br />
Indonesia is a large country compromising several main islands and thousands of other smaller islands. Many species of endemic spiders are found in that country but many more are yet to be discovered. Here is a link to the species discovered from Indonesia.<br />
<a href="http://www.cacaospiders.com/IndonesianSpiders_2011.pdf">http://www.cacaospiders.com/IndonesianSpiders_2011.pdf</a><br />
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<b style="color: purple;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: orange;"><u>PENINSULAR (WEST) MALAYSIAn SPIDERS</u></span></b><br />
A checklist of West Malaysia's spiders here in <a href="http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/rbz/biblio/57/57rbz305-322.pdf">http://rmbr.nus.edu.sg/rbz/biblio/57/57rbz305-322.pdf</a></div>
Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-57431614936948077442011-12-09T21:41:00.002+08:002011-12-09T21:44:14.298+08:00CATS & DOGS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://theunderchamber.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/cat_dog_fight-794192.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://theunderchamber.files.wordpress.com/2011/01/cat_dog_fight-794192.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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Dogs and cats are always known as natural enemies.<br />
In the televisions, Internet, stories, cats and dogs seldom cope well with each other and are always fighting.<br />
I know that this is shown commonly in <a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0239395/" target="_blank">Cats and Dogs</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tom_and_Jerry" target="_blank">Tom and Jerry</a>.......<br />
I do not agree that cats and dogs are <b>NATURAL</b> ENEMIES !<br />
Yesterday, while eating in a local Chinese restaurant, I saw a hungry street cat and a starving stray dog begging for foods <b>together</b> from outside the restaurant.<br />
2 years ago, I saw a young adult puppy and a cat sleeping peacefully and comfortably with each other placing their heads together.<br />
These are some proofs that cats and dogs are not enemies naturally.<br />
But what about the dogs and cats that are seen fighting.<br />
I think humans are responsible for those.<br />
I believe that dogs reared by humans are aggressive towards other animals more than stray urban dogs.<br />
This is because the dogs owned by people have become fierce to guard their master's house.<br />
So naturally, the cats in the neighborhoods are always been barked by the dogs and naturally develops the hatred for dogs.<br />
So if a tamed dog who lived with their master without other animal species has a chance to go out from their owner's house, they will chase smaller animals (usually cats) that they saw.<br />
As for stray dogs, once, one came into the neighborhood and saw a tame cat.<br />
The tame cat who has lived a life in fear of the neighbour's dogs switched itself into defence mode and started to meow aggressively with it's fur all upright.<br />
The stray dog however, showed no interest in the cat and continued it's mission to find garbage foods while still being confronted by the fierce cat.<br />
Who says that Cats and Dogs are natural enemies?<br />
I know that many of them says that, believed that, but I am not convinced.Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-81761864151430501472011-11-09T09:00:00.027+08:002011-12-21T23:43:47.338+08:00the RESULTS are OUT<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSibHqQivGHtdSladmLmStHrcYqzE1Vi2Vi6ABbK9MUdsewsvfVrfQN2x310p38OzNYFcv67OXbbj9AHoD-3RxsgM76NPQUY_kjlaFHWeHkB1myNTpYj6P-qcT_tktWsra3APIQkZp8s0/s1600/IMG_6049.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSibHqQivGHtdSladmLmStHrcYqzE1Vi2Vi6ABbK9MUdsewsvfVrfQN2x310p38OzNYFcv67OXbbj9AHoD-3RxsgM76NPQUY_kjlaFHWeHkB1myNTpYj6P-qcT_tktWsra3APIQkZp8s0/s320/IMG_6049.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: 15px;"><a href="http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2011/07/vote-my-insect-photographs.html" target="_blank">http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2011/07/vote-my-insect-photographs.html</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: 15px;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: 15px;">I have recently participated in a Photography Contest organized by the Photography Club.<br />
The topic of the competition is "INSECTS". (Spiders are allowed too)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: 15px;">I have prepared <a href="http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2011/07/vote-my-insect-photographs.html" target="_blank">five of my best photographs</a> but I can only submit one picture so I asked for votes through Facebook, Blogspot, Flickr and real life.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: 15px;">Based on the votes I collected, I submitted <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVy4y7qYCsHHU1G4l9KKRKkNU7gHJWFE9uVNQ0O11uV0ddiSJhXysJbZ6XiwsD15zILr2T0MkkWVJ3O3rUTTlA0bUDz6C6qOFSYiu_Zk8oCWq8MWxoqpLO41lSsarmBssPX89fH98o-M/s1600/sukau+206.jpg" target="_blank">the spider picture</a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: 15px;">because it has the most votes.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: 15px;">The competition results came out at last on the 9th November 2011.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: 15px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: 15px;">I ended up as the champion of the senior participants. Not bad huh?</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;">The first prize is a lovely little trophy with a couple of certificates.</span></span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNieP4CUVLCIhYLgsKhipQ1dMwRt5mue5hdKHwhzxHdREVcxVRVms6NvO5c1VLBk6Jmu_oWXeb9SgSXDRe4wkQTbGWr965GAqoGeqMLsdfR5ZvKvF75f6rbADS9BjcmpS56V9ak1Suu8/s1600/IMG_6028.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNieP4CUVLCIhYLgsKhipQ1dMwRt5mue5hdKHwhzxHdREVcxVRVms6NvO5c1VLBk6Jmu_oWXeb9SgSXDRe4wkQTbGWr965GAqoGeqMLsdfR5ZvKvF75f6rbADS9BjcmpS56V9ak1Suu8/s400/IMG_6028.JPG" width="257" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">MY THOPHY</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lCMMLuGmYev_LxwT1ozGWCFeVSDZbHn3Ze6UNcOyNTPAGYRVcjM-2UUGDNwrjSjmihkEEc1utiCyJCHJUX7P82Bbf3GTkYAbTECH4JLQj1xwdjWDq1N9owO5loMMxgCNl4KrUxZaQWA/s1600/sukau+206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-lCMMLuGmYev_LxwT1ozGWCFeVSDZbHn3Ze6UNcOyNTPAGYRVcjM-2UUGDNwrjSjmihkEEc1utiCyJCHJUX7P82Bbf3GTkYAbTECH4JLQj1xwdjWDq1N9owO5loMMxgCNl4KrUxZaQWA/s400/sukau+206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">My submitted photograph</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2011/07/vote-my-insect-photographs.html" target="_blank">The 5 photos to vote from</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 15px;"><br />
</span></span>Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-63914270830741476332011-10-23T14:56:00.024+08:002018-05-24T10:57:15.953+08:00My Wallpapers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Here are some of my best photographs that I use as my own computer screen wallpapers. You are free to download these to use as your personal computer/phone/iPad wallpapers but please do not distribute them or use them for commercial purposes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA39Nh7l58iyE9SBpmdbE51NkNp0h17pH6gy49sXOXgfhRInkiBbb9krf4SoVol_4PAPAH2AybZQ7MwVXdCUFSEqOkY1N5letu7BXWre1iVSa8Cl-UU9csQw8RIBHJy3RMvzBSgd7WN90/s1600/My+2009+December+KK+Trip+213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA39Nh7l58iyE9SBpmdbE51NkNp0h17pH6gy49sXOXgfhRInkiBbb9krf4SoVol_4PAPAH2AybZQ7MwVXdCUFSEqOkY1N5letu7BXWre1iVSa8Cl-UU9csQw8RIBHJy3RMvzBSgd7WN90/s320/My+2009+December+KK+Trip+213.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Orbweaver spider on a plant at Luanti River side.</div>
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Plant bug on top of a red flower in Sabah Tea Garden.</div>
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An Orthoptera hopper standing on a flower next to a Tawau Chinese Temple.</div>
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A jumping spider against it's green habitat in Kinabalu National Park.<br />
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An orange Dobsonfly (Nevromus gloriosoi) resting on the window frame at Aristo Inn.<br />
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Panoramic scenery of the Kundasang mountains.<br />
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View of the horizon on the way to Kota Kinabalu.<br />
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The hustle and bustle of my school photographed from the 4th floor. </div>
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Friendship photograph of my friends for Friendship Day. </div>
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A cute Theridula spider under a leaf in Tawau Hills Park.</div>
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Colors of the stalls outside of Kunak.</div>
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A spider enjoying it's meal in Nirvana Memorial Park.</div>
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Chinese New Year decorations in 1Borneo - Rabbit Year.</div>
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A fern forest in Tawau Hills Park looking like the prehistoric Carboniferous forests.</div>
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A blue-nosed damselfly resting on the tip of a grass stalk.</div>
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Crossing the bridge like a boss in Tawau Hills Park.</div>
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Beautiful "Contour Lines" on this leaf</div>
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WAIT, there's more!</div>
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I will be uploading new wallpapers in new posts.</div>
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Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-67476650952108929122011-10-23T14:27:00.007+08:002011-10-23T14:49:22.072+08:00Panoramic view of Kundasang<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29c7BJPS5if7b_fP3UN_5Nb1QSiErfB4Wco51HKYUXrX0wwEiJNR0ubnuyK8DzdTBTMGO6NXE_dBnQaPFh9mEXRCL3VC9tfyaBx7zsQaQRuimMfO-ajWt_scI4qRLcCiv2NNctMGIvwY/s1600/Above+the+lands.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29c7BJPS5if7b_fP3UN_5Nb1QSiErfB4Wco51HKYUXrX0wwEiJNR0ubnuyK8DzdTBTMGO6NXE_dBnQaPFh9mEXRCL3VC9tfyaBx7zsQaQRuimMfO-ajWt_scI4qRLcCiv2NNctMGIvwY/s400/Above+the+lands.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />
This photograph is merged together by several photos of the panoramic scenery of Kundasang from a hill.<br />
As you can see, Kundasang is made up of mountains and hills.<br />
The highest spot on this highland is the Low's Peak of Mount Kinabalu.<br />
See <a href="http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2011/09/do-you-know-who-am-i.html">http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2011/09/do-you-know-who-am-i.html</a> for more information about Mount Kinabalu.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-84679450017757176812011-10-06T16:07:00.001+08:002018-05-12T14:38:22.878+08:00FLIES, the DIPTERA Super Order<div style="text-align: justify;">
Diptera, or commonly known as the fly family, is a diverse order of insects that contains hundreds of thousands of species. The species of this order are indeed diverse and are widespread around the globe. Each of these species has specially evolved to fill the niche of different habitats and feed on various foods.</div>
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Here is the Family Tree of the Diptera Superorder.</div>
<a href="http://www.inhs.illinois.edu/research/FLYTREE/superflies_v4.pdf">http://wwx.inhs.illinois.edu/files/5013/8608/5647/superflies_v4.pdf</a><br />
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Preview</div>
<br />Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-84788479476243402832011-09-13T16:47:00.078+08:002013-01-26T21:12:22.965+08:00LIFE<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Life, the best thing that we ever have. Life is shared by humans, animals, plants and other living things. Life is difficult to be comprehended and defined. We do not need to work to be born but we must work hard to live. Let us look deeper into the meaning of </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">LIFE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Life on Earth started as microscopic microorganisms, few billion years ago. It is still a mystery yet to be solved on how life began. It takes an unbelievable coincident for the molecules on Earth to collide with each other to form a strand of DNA or something that "lives". This makes the probability of life almost zero. Until now, scientists are still battling to figure out what causes life to began.</span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Religious people view "Life" differently. They believe in God as the source of life and our life is from the souls within us. Many religions mentioned about life in their teachings. Christians have a saying "</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 21px;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">What good will it be for a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his life?</span></i></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">". As for the Taoism, they have the concept of "Yin and Yang" which means balance in everything in our life. Buddhist believe in another life again after death, people who dies will be reincarnated into another person or an animal. Muslim's belief is that there will be heavenly place - Jannah </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">جنّة</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">, for the souls to live after death. Different religion have different view and concept of life but they all share one thing in common, that is they are aware of the existence of life.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Life is important, in fact the most important thing of all. With life, we can experience, live and enjoy. but some people do not think the same way. Some people do not want to live in this world due to sufferings. They think that they being born is a mistake. Other people are willing to sacrifice their life because they think that there are other things much more important than life like family, love, etc. Some others have a different concept to life - to them, life is not the conscience that we experience, but about how we live.</span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There are a few strange cases and facts about life. We humans sometime underestimated life. Some people managed to survive in dangerous condition, this changed the view towards human's life. There are a few amazing and unbelievable cases like an Indian holy man called Prahlad Jani who is still alive today without food and water for the past 70 years! Another example is a 59 year old woman, Val Thomas who was declared dead by medical experts but she "resurrected" after they removed her life tube. These baffled us only to show how little we understand about life.</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Astrobiologist are astronomers which specially look for life other than us in the distant space. They hope one day we will be able to point at the night sky and saying "That's where our neighbours live". But if Earth is the only place in the whole universe that contains life, then we should be grateful and really appreciate</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">LIFE</span></b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">.</span></span></span></span></span><br />
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</span></span>Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-28467739074675799212011-07-29T17:09:00.013+08:002014-06-13T19:01:35.277+08:00VOTE my Insect Photographs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;">I have recently participated in a Photography Contest.<br />
The topic of the competition is "INSECTS". (Spiders are allowed too)<br />
I have picked five of my best insect macro photography but I could only submit one photograph for the competition.<br />
I could not make up my mind to choose which picture should I use.<br />
Please help me choose the best photograph by voting the most artistic and interesting one.<br />
You can express you view and vote by leaving comments.<br />
Thanks!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: lime;"><a href="http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2011/11/results-are-out.html" target="_blank">See Competition Results</a><br />
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Saya baru sahaja mengambil bahagian dalam satu pertandingan bergambar .<br />
Tajuk pertandingan ini ialah "SERANGGA".<br />
Saya sudah memilih lima daripada gambar serangga terbaik saya, tetapi cuma satu fotograf boleh diserahkan untuk pertandingan ini.<br />
Ia sangat susah untuk saya memilih gambar yang terbaik.<br />
Sila menolong saya dengan mengundi gambar saya yang paling indah dan menarik.<br />
Anda boleh memberi pendapat dan mengundi melalui meninggalkan komen.<br />
Terima Kasih!</span></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman';"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #38761d; line-height: normal;"><a href="http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2011/11/results-are-out.html" target="_blank">Lihat Keputusan Pertandingan</a></span></span></span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Photograph 1</span></span></b></span></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iKwY3E-w8ZuCkDycrtDeIs1OOBofjq4jKQ56aiEMiTEN76bfJnvVbsWG6-IIkYBiph_u2JhoOuIbDA2eVsCsqDz3jiRV6TTVLqfTnaFYsxdFEzJGDZ_W40GLixpALGhCYWhWT-5uOgQ/s1600/Madai+%2528823%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1iKwY3E-w8ZuCkDycrtDeIs1OOBofjq4jKQ56aiEMiTEN76bfJnvVbsWG6-IIkYBiph_u2JhoOuIbDA2eVsCsqDz3jiRV6TTVLqfTnaFYsxdFEzJGDZ_W40GLixpALGhCYWhWT-5uOgQ/s320/Madai+%2528823%2529.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">A moth (Lepidoptera) under the night lamp in Sukau Bed&Breakfast in Kinabatangan.<br />
I love this picture because it is one of my best clear photograph at night without flash.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 14px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Photograph 2</span></span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-PxecEzvuk5_3Bbyxe6wJfuqshrtTGEChyphenhyphen8uQxB2Pq4iQ7x4JwwSRu8GY1-VJVShMsPt49io2SRJJ5RgoBc32hO1spff1Saj-d4ga553l5n6V9ZDYmVRUf2r7VmEYtbfyJEFkoKfPjE/s1600/Mfalls+%2528190%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ-PxecEzvuk5_3Bbyxe6wJfuqshrtTGEChyphenhyphen8uQxB2Pq4iQ7x4JwwSRu8GY1-VJVShMsPt49io2SRJJ5RgoBc32hO1spff1Saj-d4ga553l5n6V9ZDYmVRUf2r7VmEYtbfyJEFkoKfPjE/s320/Mfalls+%2528190%2529.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">This Jumping Spider (Salticidae) owns a very unique pattern.<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: separate; line-height: normal;">The beauty of the leaf patterns make this photo magnificent.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">I found this spider in a church in Kampung Kadazan, Kunak.</span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 14px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Photograph 3</span></span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDdb5TjSMWJQZjjaZW2byzykv2Blv4LHXjxS6FEG7saIa3BdtuefT9shxvvb-ZkkBNuCC3IjOnkqGpeSAi_FMleidPXSFikazu1EzNFX_9Twq9whvIlukSpMDqiQ3B8qNvM1ZEGJG0kM/s1600/n+%252844%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzDdb5TjSMWJQZjjaZW2byzykv2Blv4LHXjxS6FEG7saIa3BdtuefT9shxvvb-ZkkBNuCC3IjOnkqGpeSAi_FMleidPXSFikazu1EzNFX_9Twq9whvIlukSpMDqiQ3B8qNvM1ZEGJG0kM/s320/n+%252844%2529.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">This is the first bug I found when I arrived Sabah Tea Garden.<br />
It is a little bit blur but this photo can reveal Nature's beauty.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 14px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Photograph 4</span></span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPFc99HMLaBoVfkmnLIHh0QLrVvMPrBRZqzSr7oAHhImVQMPs3_G80Fzep2waTniDdhJZlyJdsjkqghyphenhyphen7Da3JV3QPjQlcFsE1oYy8PsQMDHNJbhXY_ccgFgH7-V9s5XrDRyXtQLBCnQc/s1600/n+141.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVPFc99HMLaBoVfkmnLIHh0QLrVvMPrBRZqzSr7oAHhImVQMPs3_G80Fzep2waTniDdhJZlyJdsjkqghyphenhyphen7Da3JV3QPjQlcFsE1oYy8PsQMDHNJbhXY_ccgFgH7-V9s5XrDRyXtQLBCnQc/s320/n+141.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">A nice photo for a fierce giant Dobsonfly.<br />
This species of orange large Dobsonfly is common in the mountains of Kundasag.<br />
I took this picture in Aristo "hotel" in Kundasang.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large; line-height: 14px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: yellow;">Photograph 5</span></span></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVy4y7qYCsHHU1G4l9KKRKkNU7gHJWFE9uVNQ0O11uV0ddiSJhXysJbZ6XiwsD15zILr2T0MkkWVJ3O3rUTTlA0bUDz6C6qOFSYiu_Zk8oCWq8MWxoqpLO41lSsarmBssPX89fH98o-M/s1600/sukau+206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQVy4y7qYCsHHU1G4l9KKRKkNU7gHJWFE9uVNQ0O11uV0ddiSJhXysJbZ6XiwsD15zILr2T0MkkWVJ3O3rUTTlA0bUDz6C6qOFSYiu_Zk8oCWq8MWxoqpLO41lSsarmBssPX89fH98o-M/s320/sukau+206.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: white;">This photo deserves to be here.<br />
Two-tailed Spider (Hersiliidae) a.k.a. tree trunk spider, is an expert in camouflaging.<br />
I have chosen this picture because it brings out the "invisible" creatures of Nature.<br />
Invisible, yes, if you do not look closer into Nature.<br />
But now, here I bring it to you all through my camera lens.</span></span></span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="border-collapse: collapse; line-height: 14px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://wongchunxing.blogspot.com/2011/11/results-are-out.html" target="_blank">See Results and the Submitted Photograph</a></span></span></span></div>
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Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-42056480104151415612011-05-07T14:59:00.000+08:002011-05-07T14:59:34.149+08:00Your Natural Intelligences<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Find out your strongest intelligences :</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div align="center"> <table border="1" bordercolor="#808000" cellpadding="5" id="table1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 557px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td colspan="8"> <div align="center"><span style="font-size: medium;">Score (1,2,3,or 4) or tick (<span style="font-family: Wingdings;">ü</span>) the statements in the white-out boxes only</span></div></td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I can play a musical instrument</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I often have a song in my head</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I find it easy to make up stories</td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I have always been physically well co-ordinate</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Music is very important to me</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I am a good liar</td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I play a sport or dance</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I am a sociable person like being with other people</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I find graphs and diagrams easy to understand </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I find it easy to remember quotes or poems</td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I can always recognize places that I have been before</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>When concentrating I tend to doodle (sketch)</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I find mental arithmetic easy; can do sums in my head</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>At school one of my favorite subjects is / was English</td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I like to think through a problem carefully</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I love action sports and rollercoaster rides</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I enjoy individual sports best</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I find it easy to remember telephone numbers </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I set myself goals and plans for the future</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I can tell easily whether someone likes or dislikes me</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>To learn something new, I just get on and try it </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I often see clear images when I close my eyes </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I don't use my fingers when I count</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>At school I love / loved music lessons</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I find ball games easy and enjoyable</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>My favorite subject at school is / was math</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I always know how I am feeling</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I love writing journal or blogging</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>My favorite subject at school is / was art</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I really enjoy reading; usually get lost in a good book</td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>It upsets me to see someone cry and not able to help</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I prefer team sports</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>Singing makes me feel happy</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>I am happy spending time alone</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td>My friends always come to me for emotional support</td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="right" colspan="8">Total up at below to see your intelligence type :</td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="right">Linguistic</td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="right">Logical-Mathematical</td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="right">Musical</td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="right">Bodily-Kinesthetic</td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="right">Spatial-Visual</td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="right">Interpersonal</td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> </tr>
<tr> <td align="right">Intrapersonal</td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#808000" width="20"> </td> <td align="right" bgcolor="#FFFFFF" width="20"> </td> </tr>
</tbody></table></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">-</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-73457556689244889332011-05-07T12:46:00.006+08:002011-05-07T13:51:37.497+08:00Gardner's multiple intelligences theory<div align="center"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Howard Gardner claims that all human beings have multiple intelligences. These multiple intelligences can be nurtured and strengthened, or ignored and weakened. He believes each individual has nine intelligences:</span></div><div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br />
</div><br />
<table border="1" bordercolor="#808000" cellpadding="10" id="table2" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 500px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td width="22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">1</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">well-developed verbal skills </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">and sensitivity to the sounds, meanings and rhythms of words</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td width="22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">2</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Mathematical-Logical Intelligence</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ability to think </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">conceptually and abstractly, and capacity to discern logical or </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">numerical patterns</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td width="22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">3</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Musical Intelligence</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ability to produce and appreciate </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">rhythm, pitch and timber</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td width="22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">4</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Visual-Spatial Intelligence</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">capacity to think in images and </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">pictures, to visualize accurately and abstractly</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td width="22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">5</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ability to control one's body </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">movements and to handle objects skillfully</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td width="22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">6</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Interpersonal Intelligence</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">capacity to detect and respond </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">appropriately to the moods, motivations and desires of others.</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td width="22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">7</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Intrapersonal Intelligence</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">capacity to be self-aware and in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">tune with inner feelings, values, beliefs and thinking processes</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td width="22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">8</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Naturalist Intelligence</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ability to recognize and categorize </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">plants, animals and other objects in nature</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td width="22"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-large;">9</span></td> <td><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Existential Intelligence</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">sensitivity and capacity to tackle </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">why do we die, and how did we get here.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Adapted from : <a href="http://www.wliw.org/edonline/concept2class/mi/index.html">http://www.wliw.org/edonline/concept2class/mi/index.html</a></span><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gardner's multiple intelligences theory challenged traditional beliefs in the fields of education and cognitive science :</span></div><br />
<div align="center"><table border="1" bordercolor="#808000" cellpadding="10" cellspacing="0" id="table1" style="border-collapse: collapse; width: 500px;"><tbody>
<tr> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">TRADITIONAL VIEW OF "INTELLIGENCE"</span></td> <td align="center" valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">"MULTIPLE INTELLIGENCES" THEORY</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Intelligence is a uniform cognitive capacity people are born with.<br />
</span></td> <td valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Multiple intelligences can foster learning and problem-solving styles.</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">It can be measured by short-answer IQ tests.<br />
</span></td> <td valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Short answer tests do not measure mastery or deep understanding. At best, they only<br />
measure rote memorization skills and one's ability to do well on short answer tests.</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">People are born with a fixed amount of intelligence.<br />
</span></td> <td valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Human beings have all of the intelligences, but each person has a unique combination.</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Intelligence level does not change<br />
over a lifetime.<br />
</span></td> <td valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">We can all improve each of the intelligences, though some people will improve more readily in one intelligence area than in others.</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Intelligence consists of ability in logic and language – basically, the 3R's.<br />
</span></td> <td valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">There are many more types of intelligence which reflect different ways the child interacts with the world – the eight kinds of "smart".</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">In traditional practice, all the students learn the same material.<br />
</span></td> <td valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Multiply Intelligences imply that students learn and are assessed differently based on individual intellectual strengths and weaknesses.</span></td> </tr>
<tr> <td valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Students learn a topic or<br />
"subject."<br />
</span></td> <td valign="top" width="50%"><span style="font-family: Verdana;">Student learning activities are well-thought out around an issue or question, and go beyond the subject boundaries. Students use various strategies that allow them to demonstrate multiple ways of understanding, and their uniqueness is appreciated.<br />
</span></td> </tr>
</tbody></table></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Adapted from : <a href="http://www.wliw.org/edonline/concept2class/mi/index_sub1.html">http://www.wliw.org/edonline/concept2class/mi/index_sub1.html</a></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div></div>Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8797226251440627886.post-50919199195556638142011-04-10T22:47:00.002+08:002011-04-22T23:01:22.616+08:00Lau Gek Poh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1_BZ1Nt0ZAY5VuRGdc3c3b-0TH1cmArP-da7N4wCTt1N1-ST6thKTb-be3CRJ7Q5GBsfdy9yzfQ2jbADTy2XZGiF-eFdJdDCjumTRzvVWsK_uy7-4wEo9-lQH-qejq3zTpqmg0VLqC4/s1600/LauGekPoh_05b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW1_BZ1Nt0ZAY5VuRGdc3c3b-0TH1cmArP-da7N4wCTt1N1-ST6thKTb-be3CRJ7Q5GBsfdy9yzfQ2jbADTy2XZGiF-eFdJdDCjumTRzvVWsK_uy7-4wEo9-lQH-qejq3zTpqmg0VLqC4/s640/LauGekPoh_05b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
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<br />
Very seldom we drive pass Lau Gek Poh Foundation Building. If we do, the main gate was always closed <br />
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But today the gate is wide opened and we take the opportunity to drive in to have a look at his grand building and beautiful garden.<br />
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Lau Gek Poh was the founder of Gek Poh (Holdings) Sdn Bhd, the controlling shareholder of Hap Seng Consolidated Bhd and Malaysian Mosaics Bhd.<br />
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He passed away at the age of 92 in April 2008.<br />
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Lau was born in Swatow, Guangzhou and in 1936 at the age of 19 came to Sabah (British North Borneo).<br />
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His early works to earn a living including work as a fisherman in the Suluk Sea during which time he acquaint with businessmen and traders from Indonesia. Business talented, Lau Gek Poh worked his way up the social ladders.<br />
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By 1946 he has reach the fame of Timber King and owned Hap Seng Company in Tawau.<br />
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<br />
<blockquote>"......The astute entrepreneur, who foresaw the opportunities with the formation of Malaysia and the new political scenario, went into the timber business in a big way, becoming the largest exporter of round logs from Sabah and earning himself the title “timber tycoon of Sabah"....."</blockquote><div style="text-align: right;">THE STAR April 2008 </div><br />
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His previous involvement in the timber business many environment protectionists today blame as destruction of the virgin rain forests around Tawau.<br />
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With the money from timber as capital investment, Lau explore other fields of business including dealerships in the Mercedes-Benz marque, property development, fertilizer, general trading, financial services, and plantations.<br />
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During his time as dealerships in the German cars Mercedes-Benz, Tawau has the most Mercedes cars in Malaysia. This explains the questions of some visitors to Tawau "Why Tawau has so many old Mercedes-Bens?”<br />
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In his later life, in 1991 he founded Lau Gek Poh Foundation and contributed generously toward education, scientific and charitable activities.<br />
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By 2008 his Foundation Building at Jalan Durahman, Mile 1, Tanjong Batu, Tawau was fully completed and ready to host his funeral service attended by dignitaries and government officers.<br />
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</div>Wong Chun Xinghttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07396787551528945358noreply@blogger.com0