Kota Belud's Big Tamu(Sunday open market)

On our way back to Kota Kinabalu, we stopped at Kota Belud to witness it's annual Tamu Besar (Big Tamu). This tamu showcases Kota Belud's rich cultures through the sales of souvenirs, cattle, traditional items and in the form of beauty pageant, cultural shows and dances.

Because of the massive traffic jam, we had to park far and walked. Mind you this event alone can attract thousands of visitors at a time. We didn't have much time to spare there so I just randomly shot anything that's interesting to my eyes.


The 'cowboy town' of Sabah.




There was a beauty pageant going on and I can only shoot from far because of the big crowd.






Traditional delicacies being shown, to the delight of my hungry tummy.




Handicrafts!


Home-made swords and samurais.














Pazrul and Mizan tried their skills on the local music instrument - Sompoton.

Kudat - Golf and Marina Resort

What a tiring weekend we had. The 'Long Journey' to Kudat started out late from Lawas, and eventually we reached our destination around 11.30 pm. We braved through heavy rain and traffic jams, not forgetting the unforgiving roads but everyone were happy we came back to Lawas safely.

For this trip I booked a room at Kudat Golf and Marina Resort, sea view with breakfast for Rm150, all thanks to government staff's special rate.

The room itself isn't spectacular, but the bed and pillows were very comfy. Due to the rainy season, I didn't get to see nice sunrise during my two days there.











Our room 202.




Basic facilities given : TV with Astro channels, mini fridge, coffee/tea making facilities.




No bathtub, only showers with shampoo/liquid soap dispenser.



Here's my sunrise at 5.55 am.


Panorama shot of the sea view.




Good morning Kudat!!!




Two years ago, this jetty was accessible but it's not now. I wonder why they hotel didn't take good care of it.

Wasai revisited

Ah...it's Sunday again. What a good day to rest and do other things beside work. My friends suggested we go to Wasai, which is a popular waterfall located not far from Lawas town. I quickly agreed, as I've been shooting less nowadays.

Before that, some portraiture of Azmi, my colleague using 55200.



Besides that, I got to try the SAM1855, mounted via adapter. The AF was faster than SAM55200. The shot below was taken with a CPL filter attached. Speaking of filters, I just bought cheap CPL and GND filters to use with the SEL1855. Because the diameter of the lens was 49mm, and the filters are 52, I bought 49-52mm step-up ring for RM29(plus postage) from Yamiya.


Whoah blue skies! By the way, my colleagues and I will be going to Kudat at the end of next week, that's why I'm getting those filters.

Let's get back to Wasai. I have blogged about this place a while ago. Today, the place was packed, so we walked further up which is a first for me. The drought season affected the amount of water but still there's a few places that we can dip in. Most of the shots here were taken using the least-used lens in my kit, 16mm f2.8 unless stated.




55200. My housemate Safri.


Slow shutter as usual.


The walk up. It is slippery so be careful.


The view from above where we had our dip.




Azmi and Jonikal.



Shots below taken with 1855SEL.




1.6 sec slow shutter, f22.








One of few hi-speed shots, this one taken on is03200, f5.6, 1/500.