There were many places in Kota Kinabalu that celebrated Halloween last October 31st that’s for sure but the nitez crew made their way to Jade’s Night of Mayhem instead of the other known entertainment outlets in the city. Its’ place to relax and chill out with friends both new and old acquaintances and it still is; probably due to this fact the celebration of Halloween was even better at Jade than anywhere else.

The night started off with the patrons coming in at 7.30pm and it was packed with so many familiar faces no matter who you are. There were pirates, maids, witches, iconic serial killers, angels and one criteria was definitely prominent that night; there were no shortage of devils.

With the drinks and people pouring in till midnight, there were so many people laughing the night away. There were no strangers that night and all seemed to be more than comfortable to be around so many costumed patrons regardless whether they are regulars or not.

A beer-drinking competition commenced late that night when the place was packed up with crowds. The winner gets to take  a bottle of Jack Daniels home with them and there were so many that participated in that occasion itself that even some friends did their own drinking event near the bar. In that particular competition some friends gets to go home and take with them bragging rights while the loser finds himself emptying his stomach contents in the toilet, heheh!

For so many people that night, multifarious in costumes, masks and memorable moments; it’s not hard to believe that Jade is the place to be at next time another momentous holiday comes around. You might even find it hard not to come back again anytime soon…

Its that time of the year again where you see lots of glowing jack-o’-lanterns and somewhat scary and even colorful costumes. Some might choose to go trick-or-treating, visit haunted attractions or watch horror movies with friends. Though in Sabah, Halloween is celebrated with just a ‘hint’ of difference.

While for those that enjoy the night life would surely be seen in some of these venues within the Kota Kinabalu city and party till the break of dawn. And so the nitez crew might be at one of these places or all, who knows. One thing for sure is; the best excitements happen at nite.

Shenanigans’ Fun Pub
Hyatt Regency Hotel

Rumba
Le Meridien Hotel

Cocoon

Jade
“Night of Mayhem” - Halloween Costume Party
3-1-1, Block 3, 1st Floor, Api-Api Centre.

D’Junction
“Fright Night”
D’Junction Square, Jalan Penampang, 88000 Kota Kinabalu

on All Hallows Eve, where will you be?

Last Merdeka night was quite exciting for the Nitez crew as we went to the Jade bar here in the heart of Kota Kinabalu city. After a long and hot day celebrating the independence day of Malaysia, it was great to chill and relax at a place filled with an ambiance filled with mellow and maybe a little nostalgia.

Mellow being the bar itself with a comely and accommodating atmosphere; nostalgia being that it so happens that most of our old friends were there which was no surprise because the one of the owners of Jade also happens to be an acquaintance from high school. It was a great feeling drinking and talking about old times especially with old classmates. Heck, I even saw my high school teacher there.

That night also happens to be Jade’s opening night ceremony so the place was packed with frequent clubbers and close friends. Moreover, a live band was also performing making the place even more livelier and with the drinks keep flowing all night it was a much needed relaxation for the crew. And with the whole bar getting even more exciting every moment with two of our acquaintances celebrating their birthdays on the same night; the time flies by faster than we expected.

Jade is a place where you come to relax either with new friends or old mates it doesn’t matter. When you do get yourself over to this place, situated at Api-Api Center; you will not only find that you’ll be drinking the night away but also when you get home, you can’t help but feel a little sentimentality acrimonious of the past.

Usually hotels and/or lodges that has an adjoining restaurant/coffee house doesn’t really have anything much to say about its food. Well that is my experience so far and not many have managed to cope up with the standards of its rooms or the experience of staying at its’ establishment. But this time, it seems that the nitez crew had quite a surprise when the food was delivered to our table. And the Zen Garden Resort Restaurant was the venue that presented the surprise.

At first we weren’t really expecting much from the restaurant. All we know was that we were too tired to feel hungry to begin with; not that we weren’t famished. Few hours on the road could cause one to be a little disoriented I assure you. With the cold breeze blowing softly into the dining area, a hot cup of Chinese tea would be more than welcome at that point. But when the food arrived to our table, it was a totally different story altogether.

To sum it up in one word; it was awesome. Some of the dish we had that night was chicken cooked in soy sauce; this one meal was slightly above average but definitely much better than what I have mostly in other hotel-restaurants. With an accompaniment of mixed vegetable dish It was almost perfect. I never thought a ‘mixed-vegetable’ dish was this good and the produce all coming from the valleys of Kundasang being the district known for its freshest supplies of vegetables. Now I’m not that fond of mixed-vegetable dishes but I have to say this one was exceptional.

But the highlight dish that night was none other than the Sweet & Sour Fish. I mean, up here in the high altitudes who would’ve thought this was the kind of dish that piqued my taste buds more than anything else that night. With the appropriate thickness and its delightfully savory sauce was more than enough to make me want to order more of it that night. And the fish was as fresh as you can get them, which is saying a lot being up here in Kundasang area.

All that time on the road, with your stomach making ‘protests’ against its master ; it was well worth it to have dinner here. A dining experience well remembered and definitely recommended.

There are many lodges scattered along the road leading up to the Kundasang valley. This district is well known for being in close proximity with the Kinabalu Park; where the International Climbathon took place. With its different appeal and specialty. One such place the borneonitez.com crew did manage to check out last Saturday was the Zen Garden Resort. This place have changed quite a lot since the last time i was here.

The view of the Mount Kinabalu from this establishment is quite majestic in its own right. Though you can find many places that could lay claim to the same criteria; not many could say the same about the quality of staying here. Being the holiday seasons and weekend; as we arrived there were already 4-5 tour buses all packed with students!

Luckily we managed to check into one of the only available room that night upon arriving after 6pm. It was the ‘Iris Executive room’. Complete with a double bed, T.V (with of course your local channels) your basic coffee/tea facilities and the bathroom.

Now, what I’d normally check out upon arriving into a new room such as this one(because I only ever stayed in their ‘Pine Lodges’ chalets) the bed usually comes first. It was more than satisfactory. Nothing out of the ordinary and definitely nothing that could disturb my sleep at night. Nothing offensive to the olfactory senses or anything else. The same goes for the bathroom which comes with both a shower and bathtub.

Cleanliness of the room is reflected not only from the condition of the bed and bathroom but also the veranda itself. I can’t really complain much about the view(due to the fact that its peak season) though I’m sure the other rooms had better. But then again if you really want view, then you might as well step outside and enjoy it. Though I have to say chillin’ out at the veranda was great. Cool air, no pollution, no cars honking. It was almost blissful.

The ambiance of the whole area was serene and relaxing to say the least. With adequate parking spaces available for all guests. The lodges are all located at the end of the trail. These lodges are where I stayed the last time I was here and it was a perfect place to hold gatherings or outings for large groups of family and/or friends. While the executive and standard rooms are spread out along the road-side leading up to the lodges.

Though it is only recently that a few budget stays and hotels in the Kundasang area have recently implemented some WiFi connections, it would be nice if this resort had any. The road leading to this fine establishment could have been better and it appeared to me they were still in poor condition since the last time I was here. There are so many activities I could think of while staying here surely, being only 10 minutes away from Kundasang town and 15 minutes to get to the Kinabalu Park.

The room rates range between MYR 155.00 for the Standard rooms to the Pine Lodges units consisting of 3-4 rooms per chalet at MYR 520.00 and MYR 630.00 per night. This resort caters to all types of guests for multifarious purposes and we were glad we had time to check it out.

The Pine Lodges

True to its’ name, one could even reach ‘enlightenment’(Zen) here if you try hard enough. All in all, this is the place to be whether you’re just dropping by for a night or with a whole entourage of family and friends. From us here at borneonitez.com, this is a definite 5/5.

Pros

• Adequate parking spaces and reasonably priced rooms & lodges
• Superb condition of rooms/lodges & located within 15-25 minutes nearby tourist hot-spots

Cons

• Condition of road reaching to the resort and leading up to the reception could’ve been much better.

Exit Light,… Enter Night…

The Nuffnang and Exabytes Network “Sabahan Bloggers Gathering 2008″ was held on August 2nd, at the rooftop of Imperial International Hotel. The event started when the sun goes down, for the excitements really does happen at night! And it doesn’t get any more exciting when one relates to the awesomeness that occurred at the gathering. It was the kind of night that lasts forever for everyone! It was sensational, exhilarating and spectacular all at once.

View from the Roof Restaurant

To simply describe the SBG event in one word? Impossible. That’s not the description; I’m saying it is quite impossible to describe such an event. A night filled with experiences both scintillating and coruscating to the minds, hearts and souls for everyone that was part of this momentous occasion.

The music, the people, the ambiance, the flashes, the cameras, the dancing, the artists, the food… was memorable to say the least. All happened in one night! Some might be a bit loss for words, I know I was! There were so many people to meet and so many faces you recognize from seeing their avatars visiting your blog almost everyday, you don’t know where to start!

It does feel different from chatting and/or leaving comments on others’ blog than meeting them face to face doesn’t it? The feeling’s mutual folks. Almost everyone felt a bit awkward but the organizing committee did a splendid job! So splendid that the event itself was like a big-fat ‘ice breaker’ all on its own.

And the show begins…

One notable performance was from Terry Peter. This was, I think, one of the many performances that really left the crowd cheering all night. Even one of our close pals (Rainer & Chris- Locust Day Dream) did a show and all were stunned by them. So entertained and enthralled were the audience, we were asking for more!

People were dancing and singing to the performances before they even noticed they were off their seats and mingling around like they never did before. The show that they (the organizers) put on really eased the awkwardness a bit and it was just a waste to simply sit quietly at your table.

And the bloggers commingle…

Not many could let the opportunity pass them as they see quite a number of familiar faces around. Even I couldn’t help but go make my rounds among the tables. Met with the Tawau group and one of them (Norwahida) I knew since the old ‘IRC’ days. Who would’ve thought that would happened.

I have to admit though it was quite nerve-racking to me to see those faces; I’m sure some of you could relate to that. Being introduced to the ever funny Papa Joneh and the charismatic Galivanter is one example. Both these guys were amazing! And luckily for me I did catch up with them at the ‘after-party’ too!

Papajoneh, Daniel and Wei Chuen

Talking with the renowned Louis Pang was an experience I couldn’t simply forget also. As I was making my way to the buffet table, Massy ‘caught’ me and introduced me to some more familiar faces. Shemah and Ratu Syura was also a fun bunch.

Shemah, Margaret, Josie, Syura, and Carol

Comedic almost, or maybe only I was being the comedy factor not sure though cause I was hungry and I was still laughing at something I could barely remember. Maybe it was the ’singing’ I did previously? All in all, meeting so many bloggers that night sure was entertaining and memorable.

Seeing familiar faces…

Friends from ClickStartPlay.com

One thing I’m sure of though, the CSP group also managed to make the event not so ’scary’ for me. I’m no stranger to the night life, but when it comes to social events such as these I could turn out to be ..a little quiet? Ok, not so quiet. If I was quiet I wouldn’t be singing a few words that night now would I? Talk about being ‘lucky’ at the draws, haha!

Special thanks to the organizers: Fara, Dinoza, Jacq, Wei Chuen, Emelda, Daniel, Papa Joneh, and Julian

Group photo of us

Surely enough for some of us that night, it was still ‘early’ to go home; and as the sponsors and organizers made their speeches it was time for some of us to head out and have a little after-party.

But that’s another story altogether dear readers…so stay tuned for more!!

The crowd cheered, screamed and more often than not; they were chanting and shouting the names of their favorite contestant(s) that night. And there were a lot of reasons to do so for all 12 lovely ladies definitely epitomizes the word beauty. Miss Shenanigans Finals that was held on July 30th was a moment that all have been waiting for and the borneonitez.com crew couldn’t help but being a part of that momentous occasion, which was the crowning of Miss Shenanigans 2008.

The event which started a month ago ended that night with much anticipation and suspense. The patrons didn’t stop coming through the doors and all for a good reason. To see a dozen gorgeous damsels of Kota Kinabalu city giving their best to the judges, to prove that they have all that it takes to be a winner of this prestigious event. For most of us there, we thought all the dazzling beauteous ladies were already winners.

And the ladies that made the Finals…

We chilled for awhile as the band Live-8 was performing their routines. There were already whispers and talks of their favorites among the crowd and we also couldn’t wait for the announcement of the winners. The judges took their time to deliberate but who could blame them with the awesome line-up that took center stage that night.

Not only they had to judge which women will take up the crown this year but there are also other categories to think about. The categories includes: Miss Personality, Miss Popularity, Miss Lifestyle and Elegance, Miss Photogenic and Miss Body Beautiful.

And the winners are…

Ms Personality - Miss Bonnie

Miss Nasha, 4th Runner-up

Miss Noemi, 3rd Runner-up and also winner of Ms Popularity & Ms Photogenic

Miss Gisel, 2nd Runner-up & Ms Body Beautiful

Miss Florinda, 1st Runner-up & Ms Lifestyle 2 Elegance

Miss Shenanigans 2008, Miss Rounnah

Yes, there were a lot of expectations that night and the one that took the crown home was obviously the talk of the crowd. And if you followed the event since the beginning it was no surprise that she won. She has been the favorite since she entered and she endured all the trials that every contestant had to and she came triumphant in the end.

The sponsors and organizers surely made it all happen in a quite regal and majestic fashion and celebrated with an august ambiance. Congratulations to all the ladies and from the borneonitez.com crew, we wish all the best to winners and finalists.

Less than two months after Sabah Fest 2008 in May, Shenanigan’s Fun Pub came out from around the corner with their very own beauty pageant, Miss Shenanigan’s 2008. The competition spans six weeks, and they broke down the elimination rounds into four separate weeks, with each one named after a season: Winter and Spring for the first and second heats, Summer for the semi-final and Autumn for the final and crowning of Miss Shenanigan’s 2008.

We went to see the second heat of Miss Shenanigan’s 2008 in July, and we went there for two reasons: firstly, one of our friend is in the competition (and as friends it is our sacred duty to come and give our morale support) and secondly, we wanted to see the contestants. It is, after all, a beauty contest.

This year marks the third year this beauty pageant has been running, and the organizers have a twist for their high-heeled lady competitors this time around, as you will find out below. It is this twist that makes Miss Shenanigan’s 2008 different from other beauty pageants.

A beauty pageant for any women

The most common criteria a beauty pageant contestant should possess is physical beauty. A pageant often times incorporates personality and talent demonstration, but the competition is based mainly on physical beauty, if not entirely. One of the most restrictive qualification however, is that you must be single. But that is not the case with Miss Shenanigan’s 2008; in this beauty pageant, they broke the tradition by allowing women of any background, marital status and wardrobe size to enter, as long as you are of legal age. That was the twist.

“And the next contestant is… “

And so it boils down to the next question: how does the competitors look like if the organizers implemented such a rule in their beauty contest? Not bad, actually. There’s Miss Bonnie, dubbed the ‘hot mama’ by the announcer and for a very good reason too. Miss Bonnie is 20 years old, sports a long dark hair, possesses a slender, sexy frame and is also a proud mother of one.

A mother of one, ladies and gents. The moment the announcer mentioned her maternal status, the whole crowd immediately burst into awed applause - a reaction I myself wasn’t expecting. And she was indeed beautiful, which says greatly about Miss Shenanigan’s 2008; if it weren’t for the organizers ruling, she wouldn’t even qualify to enter such a competition. It was a welcomed twist, one that doesn’t play on the stereotype that only single, unmarried women are beautiful (and thus are eligible to enter a beauty contest).

The Beauties of Spring

Here they are, ladies and gents, photos of the competitors of the second heat of Miss Shenanigan’s 2008:

Above: Miss Joanna Lye, our bold beauty friend (who is a gamer chick, by the way)

Summer is where all the birds gather

Although our friend didn’t make it to the next round, we still commend her on being such a bold lass. It takes fortitude to endure the rigors of a beauty pageant, and not just physically but also emotionally.

The finals of Miss Shenanigan’s 2008 will be on the 30th of July, 2008. We are eager to see the outcome of the competition, and hope to see more events such as this one to beautify the nights in Borneo.

Location: Razz Ma Tazz parking Lot
Date: 10.07.2008 (thursday)
Time: 4.00 pm - 10.00 pm

The Raz Ma Tazz’s 5th Anniversary was celebrated with sights and sounds that is somewhat rather different than what most clubs would by organizing the Raz Ma Tazz’s Mini Auto Show event. It goes to show how awesome and exciting the nitez can be in Borneo.

Even before reaching the parking lot to the club, sounds of heavy engines revving up the RPMs’ could be heard from afar, not to mention the awesome array of beats that reverberates the whole evening.

Cars from different makes and model all tuned up and ready to melt the asphalts and ear-drums of Kota Kinabalu City’s inhabitants.

But the Raz Ma Tazz Mini Auto-Show are not only about speed or performance on the highway for there is so much more to check out.

It rained for awhile that evening, though most stayed and never far from the club. As the rain started to abate, we came out of our respective shelters (namely near Raz Ma Tazz’s entrance) and enjoyed the evening regardless of how poor the weather was. It was no surprise to see such wonderful eclecticism ranging from the car audio accessories to the engine/body modifications .

Besides the specifications on suspension heights, stabilizers or turbo kits; its main attraction was the cars producing the best sounds and beats all coming from their meticulously wired-up sound systems all lined up blasting the night away. From leading brands of Alpine, JBL, Kenwood, Sony and JVC; the audio accessories that these wheels presented that evening was simply magnificent.

Its more than just selecting which sub woofers and speakers. And it was definitely more than what type of amplifiers or stereos you use. As far as the the drivers of the fast wheels are concerned and the people behind the awesome presentation of sound systems.

It takes experience and an articulate technical and mechanical skills to morph the cars that evening into something completely altered into a machine that any car lovers out there find hard to resist. An evening filled with multifarious sights and sounds, and most of it coming from the automobiles.

Soft breeze blowing while walking the stretch of Kuching Waterfront was an experience that most would treasure their entire lives. The atmosphere was indescribable to say the least. The view of the Sarawak River was exceptional especially at night, being littered with vivid lights illuminating the boardwalk. Kuching’s Waterfront was definitely a must-see place within the silver-heartbeat of this city.

Located along the street of Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman and Main Bazaar; this area is strategically situated within minutes of walking distance to many other equally interesting tourist destinations within the city including Main Bazaar Market, Jalan Borneo’s stretch of night spots and if you don’t mind walking a bit farther; one could go as far as India Street Pedestrian Mall.

The view of the Sarawak River which makes up the whole of Kuching Waterfront was a beauteous sight indeed. One can’t help but feel serene and relaxed while walking along the waterfront. So cool was the night, I actually walked all the way to the end; somewhere near Jalan Barrack’s intersection. Taking in the sights and smells (of various foods from the many stalls) it was a surprise why I didn’t come here when I visited Kuching about a year ago.

Besides the several various food stalls selling local delicacies which are located from one end of the waterfront to the next; there are also kiosks spread along the stretch selling tidbits and refreshments. One could even find droves of stalls selling handicraft items made locally. It was exciting to watch the mementos sold here because not only they were beautiful and eye-catching but they even open as late as 11.00 pm at night.

Safety-wise, it good to know that there’s a Waterfront Security building situated right in the middle of the waterfront area. Not only that, even the Tourist Information center is nearby as well. Other than these, spread along walkway of the waterfront are also plaques to commemorate historical facts about Kuching and its people. It almost feels like taking a walk through history itself.

From one end to the next, the walkway is variegated with multitudes of alluring and interesting sights. You can find that along the Waterfront there are so many to browse through. I couldn’t help but stop several times just to check them out. Walking the whole of waterfront wasn’t even that tiring with so much to see and enjoy.

Its a place to take a relaxing stroll with family and friends. Its a destination that marks Kuching different from the other cities in Borneo. From dining experiences to enjoying the remarkable sights at night, you should always find time to visit the Kuching Waterfront.