A CRUISE ON THE TERATAK RIVERSIDE, AN EXPERIENCE

As the Organizing Committee responsible for organizing events for the Sabah State Level Unduk Ngadau, I together with 11 other hardworking committee endeavored to choose an activity worthy of the crowned Unduk Ngadau 2011, Miss Bo Tiza.  Part of her obligations during her reign is to carry out Charity Works and also as Ambassadress for local tourism. 

 Camwhoring at our meeting place, Hongkod Koisaan KDCA, Penampang, 

while waiting for the rest..

 the reigning queen UN2011

..that's Teratak River

For those who have no idea what an Unduk Ngadau is, it is a title bestowed upon the lady that symbolises Huminodun, the mythical princess of the Kadazan legend.  This princess was known for her great beauty, kindness, humility and above all courage when she offered herself to be sacrificed to save mankind who were experiencing a great famine once upon a time. In short, Unduk Ngadau, the soul or who morphed from Huminodun is the ultimate symbol of perfection and purity.

She is immortalized every year during the Harvest Festival Celebrations in Sabah where more than 41 girls from all over the state of Sabah compete to acquire this coveted crown. She would reign for one year and is expected to perform Charity Works amongst others and also to promote specific local tourist destinations.  

We wanted somewhere exotic for her and so identified a Cruise on the Teratak River Side which we understood to be gazetted under birds sanctuary reserves and so an ideal environment for some of the best wildlife.

Sunday, 26th February 2012, on a chartered van,  we set out on the 2-hour journey to that popular tourist destination located some 120 km from Kota Kinabalu. The Teratak river is one of the smaller swampy rivers located in the Garama wetlands in Beaufort.

 

  ..briefing..

Below: Pic courtesy of Frolyn Peter Pansi

 Can you spot me?..

Upon our arrival, we were served with refreshments before we took the boat ride to witness the wildlife - proboscis monkeys and various kinds of birds.  At first, the monkeys were elusive and after a long ride along the scenic river, the guide stopped the boat and pointed to a large tree and lo and behold! A family of beautiful proboscis monkeys.  The guide laughingly told us that they refer to these monkeys as the 'David Beckhams' ..hahaha.. I don't know why.

They were a bit too far for the naked eyes, but I managed to zoom a couple of them but of course my amateur skills still very apparent.  We were also brought to a place where the migrating birds, I think the Great White Egret sleep for the night.  There were thousands of them just perched on the trees looking like white flowers or fruits from a distance.

Towards dusk, we returned to the jetty for dinner before the guide brought us out again in a bigger boat to witness the most beautiful  'Christmas Trees' lighted by millions of Fireflies.  They were a sight to behold. It was a pity we wee not equipped with a proper camera and so was not able to capture the glorious images!

above: Joanna Kitingan (left) and Yours Truly.

(Pic courtesy of Joanna's handphone. Hmm.. so which one of you ladies took this pic?  :) and why am I asking? .. because I wanna thank you..lol )

 

The elusive proboscis monkey aka the 'Dutchman of Borneo'.

This is a 'she' identified with its short nose. The male of which we did not have the luxury to see as it was too far has longer nose.

I may be wrong, but the birds look like they are the Great White Egret...getting ready for their night.

 

  

Glorious sunset..

(Pic courtesy of Joanna Kitingan)

 

the lovely Miss Bo Tiza, UNK 2011.

 She is also a Tourism Management student in one of the local colleges in Kota Kinabalu

Our most able Chairlady..

Puan Jornah Mozihim

To sum up...

 Quote by Puan Joanna Kitingan "What a lovely day we had! A beautiful weather with a beautiful sunset in the wetlands, saw several 'monyet bangkatan', lots of migrating birds, lovely, yummy crab dinner and end up with flickering Xmas trees of fireflies!" Unquote

For more of Teratak River Side Cruise, please visit their website:

http://www.teratakklias.com/