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T E N O M R E D I S C O V E R
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T E N O M

T E N O M

R E D I S C O V E R

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R E D I S C O V E R

T H E T E N O M S T O R Y

A land steeped in tradition, with modernity thriving by its side, Tenom is experiencing a metamorphosis like never before. As the town enters a phase of rapid development, we would like to take the opportunity to rethink and remind ourselves on why Tenom is truly unique.

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M A P A land of inexhaustible fertility, Tenom sits under the view of the magnificent Crocker Range. With the Padas River Gorge in close proximity, Tenom remains extremely competitive when it comes to experiencing interior Sabah. From unique cultural attractions, wholesome culinary experiences, golden business opportunities, to great friendships to foster, Tenom has it all.

1 . O R C H A R D P L A Z A2 . F A T T C H O I C O F F E E3 . T E N O M M A R K E T4 . A G R I C U L T U R A L P A R K ( 1 5 K M F R O M T O W N )5 . Y I T F O H C O F F E E ( 2 K M F R O M T O W N )6 . B O M B A7 . T A M U8 . B E S T A M A R T S U P E R M A R K E T9 . P E T R O N A S

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R E D I S C O V E R

Tenom is a great example of a sophisticated Sabahan society, with ethnicities such as Murut, Kadazan-Dusun, Chinese, Malay, and Lun Bawang/Lun Dayeh living in perfect harmony. The culture of each ethnicity is well represented in Tenom, providing a unique identity for the town.

THE SINIMPUNG WAY OF LIFEThe Murut Cultural Centre, an institution built for the development and preservation of Murut culture and heritage, began its operations in 1998. With 60% of Tenom’s population consisting of the Murut heritage, the centre plays a pivotal role in the daily lives of the natives.

Maichael Pingai, Assistant Manager of the centre for the past 14 years, is full of emotion as we begin our discussions on what it is like to hold such a distinguished position. Under the wing of the Sabah Cultural Board, Maichael’s responsibilities include the coordination of activities related to the Murut community. “My job is also to promote and educate visitors on the distinct features of Murut culture,” said Maichael passionately, “Here is an opportunity to bring in tourists, researchers, and even school children. Prior to 1998 this would have been an absolute luxury but now we have the centre available to all.”

C U L T U R E

While we were walking down the corridors of the centre, admiring the artwork, we were briefed on the history and unique qualities that the Muruts possess. With some degree of humor, Maichael told us “The origin of the name ‘Borneo Headhunters’ was no myth. The ferocious sub-tribes of the Murut required that their son in laws bring in the heads of their enemies as wedding gifts.” We were informed that while head hunting has long since been renounced, many other traditions on the unique Murut way of living have been kept very much alive.

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“The Murut has traditionally been very well adapted to their environment, and today you see certain taboos that still exist from the times where the various tribes were in very little contact in the jungles of interior Sabah,” said Maichael. As we come in front of a wooden column, embedded with a unique artistic pattern known as the ‘Sinimpung’, Maichael explains to us that in reality, the Murut tribes of the past were feudal tribes which never really had peace, and that they were in constant war. “The ‘Sinimpung’ pattern was created to encourage unity and peace among the native tribes. Art has always been a part of Murut life and various

patterns were created to symbolize certain meanings. For example, a basket could be woven in a certain way and given as a gift to express an interest for friendship. The indigenous art of the Murut is truly unique.”

As we reached the end of our tour of the centre’s vast compound, Maichael’s passion did not wither, and we were thoroughly recommended on further reading material regarding Murut culture. As we lament the gradual disappearance of traditional cultural art in Sabah, we couldn’t help but be enveloped by a sense of urgency to protect what is truly the identity of the Murut people. Maichael sent us off with his aspiration.

“One day it is my hope that we will be able to establish an international research institute within the cultural center, where we can invest and focus our energy on the study and preservation of Murut anthropology. Perhaps it will not happen in my lifetime, but hopefully, the small steps that we make each day will contribute towards the fulfillment of this goal, and will benefit our children and future generations to come.”

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MIRACLE ROUTE

As one of the four major highways in Sabah to cross the Crocker Range, The Federal Route 500 is an engineering marvel that took many years to complete. A highway that spans 163KM, the route connects Kota Kinabalu to the interior divisions of Sabah. By no means the only way to travel via road in and out of Tenom, the highway remains a popular and important choice among travelers.

Businesses would be pleased to know that the highway connects Tenom to Brunei via Lawas, Sindumin and Sipitang. From Kota Kinabalu the highway makes a convenient connection to Papar, Kimanis, and Beaufort. Tenom is a brief 71KM from Keningau.

L O G I S T I C S A N D T R A N S P O R T A T I O N : G E T T I N G A R O U N DSituated in the interior of Sabah and overlooking the Crocker Range, Tenom has been historically difficult to reach. The fertile lands however have encouraged former British colonialists and Japanese invaders to create new ways to access the land, which in the early part of the 20th century saw Tenom as an important and strategic economical center in Sabah. Recent efforts by the government have opened up many more possibilities in terms of logistics and transportation.

MOVING THE WORKFORCE

As a socially responsible development company, Glowbest Sdn Bhd has decided to create a designated bus station at their latest development in Tenom: The Orchard Plaza. This new bus station will compliment the existing public transportation system in the town, where buses play a pivotal role in moving the workforce. The new station will effectively expand the town, as new routes will be created for local residents to further the scope of travel.

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A HISTORICAL RAILWAY

The Sabah State Railway (SSR) is a historical railway that connects Tenom to Kota Kinabalu. Spanning 134KM, the SSR is Sabah’s only functioning railway. Originally built to transport commodities from the interior to Jesselton, the railway serves a variety of purposes nowadays.

Since its inauguration in 1896, the railway has experienced numerous changes. In 2011 the line was revamped and now caters especially well to the adventurous tourist who seeks to capture the tremendous beauty of interior Sabah.

The usage of the train as a premier mode of transportation for tourists has steadily increased in the past few years following the introduction of specialized passenger trains.

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The Orchard Plaza possesses all the qualities of a prime commercial hub. Located in the heart of Tenom, the property will feature 71 double storey shop lots, complimented by a super market with a floor space of over 40,000++ sq ft. The development will boast the latest in telecommunications infrastructure, as well as a modern and practical building, landscaping, and traffic design.

Overseeing the Crocker Range and Padas River, the Orchard Plaza was designed to be an inclusive, versatile and viable development for the people of Tenom. As a part of Tenom’s New Township Extension Scheme, the development is a stone’s throw away from the Tenom Market and the Tamu SEDCO. With such a strategic location, the Orchard Plaza will become a hotspot for the increasing number of tourists and businessmen visiting Tenom, creating a diverse commercial platform. The Orchard Plaza also possesses added intrinsic value by being on the pathway towards the Sabah Agricultural Park, Tenom’s premier tourist destination located 15km from the Tenom Township. With Tenom’s booming agricultural sector, especially in the palm oil and rubber industries, the development is set to create a positive impact for the economy of Tenom. As an ethical and socially responsible development company, Glowbest Sdn Bhd will create an open space in the Orchard Plaza, proposed to the local council of Tenom to become one of the town’s biggest and most important agricultural wholesale markets. All open spaces will be created to include generous landscaping, featuring local cultural motives in its design as well as vegetation which are representative of the local agriculture. A mini-bus station spanning 70 m will also be built to help improve the ever-growing public transportation system in Tenom. With such a prestigious address, the Orchard Plaza is indeed an attractive choice for those seeking greater business and investment opportunities.

LOGISTICS AND TRANSPORTATION: GETTING AROUND

T H E O R C H A R D P L A Z A R E D R A W I N G T E N O M

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pictures are for illustration purposes only.

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R E D I S C O V E R

The “Fruit Valley”, as Tenom is so affectionately referred to, is renowned for its extraordinary array of entrepreneurs. These businessmen were able to create opportunities using the fertility and heritage of Tenom’s vast lands and its outlying areas.

Throughout the year, Tenom produces cash crops such as guava, pomelo, papaya, banana, rubber, oil palm and coffee, spawning a large and lucrative agricultural industry. Seasonal produce from Tenom, such as durian and mangosteen, are also popularly exported to other parts of Sabah and beyond.

E C O N O M Y A N D E N E R G Y : D O W N T O B U S I N E S S

MEET: Alex Yong, Managing Director, Yit Foh Coffee

Since the colonial days of the British, coffee has been cultivated in the low lands of Sabah. Tenom has since become synonymous with the word coffee. A competitive coffee industry exists in the town, with players old and new.

Walking into Yit Foh Coffee’s factory façade, we were welcomed with sights of nostalgia that truly represented the traditions of this company. Founded by Yong Loong Vun and Kuo Dong Shan, the company is now managed by Alex Yong. Alex has since 1986 rebranded and expanded the company’s portfolio without losing the core value of the business, i.e. producing good quality coffee.

As we entered the new “café” area of the factory, which was made to cater to tourists and casual visitors alike, the enthusiastic Alex and his associate Mr. Chee greeted us. He started his introduction to the company by giving us a brief history lesson. In the late 19th century, the British Chartered North Borneo Company began experimenting with coffee plantations in Tenom, without much success. However, locals were persuaded to continue the efforts and it has snowballed ever since. Yit Foh was founded in 1960, the earliest coffee roasters in Tenom; beginning with a small facility on what is now the car park of the existing market. The factory that we visited was built in 1993, spearheading the company’s modernization that eventually

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led to its widespread commercial success. Yit Foh Coffee is very proud for the fact that they still utilize traditional wood fire drum roasting techniques. The predominant species of beans planted in Tenom remains Robusta coffee and is what represents the flavor of Yit Foh’s signature Kopi “O”.

Following the burst of global demand for quality coffee, Alex tells us that the local coffee industry is now very competitive, with plantations and roasters popping up all over Malaysia. Intentions to expand the production line to

cater to foreign markets have already begun. The challenge, Alex says, is to persuade smaller coffee planters in Tenom and beyond to continue producing coffee beans, as the populace is slowly dwindling due to the effects of falling prices in the early 90s as well as the sheer amount of hard work that is unique in the field of coffee planting and processing. “It is not for everyone,” said Alex. “There is a lot of passion involved in keeping the traditional flavor alive.”

Upon tasting the coffee that we were presented

with, it was not difficult to understand why Alex has chosen to remain persistent in his goals to preserve the old ways. The Tenom coffee industry is waiting for its next renaissance, although arguably, it has already begun.

Investment opportunities:•Large scale coffee plantations.•One stop center for the packaging, processing, wholesale, and export of cash crops.•Institute for agricultural study and development.

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R E D I S C O V E R

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POWERING TENOM AND BEYOND

The Tenom Pangi Dam is located 10km from the center of Tenom and is Sabah’s only major hydroelectric dam. Operated by Sabah Electricity on the mighty Padas River, the power station boasts an output capacity of 66MW and services the major cities of the Sabah West Coast. The areas that receive power generated from the Pangi Dam include Tenom, Beaufort, Papar, Keningau, Penampang, Kota Kinabalu and others.

BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE

The Upper Padas Hydroelectric Project (UPHEP) is a recent government measure to improve the electricity supply in Sabah. Costing an estimated value of RM2.3billion, the hydro project is set to boost the economy of Tenom, creating over a thousand jobs along the way. With a capacity of 180MW, it will serve as a reliable and affordable means to generate power for the people of Sabah.

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R E D I S C O V E R

THE TENOM FARMSTAY EXPERIENCE

For a rustic and truly unique experience, which is only a stone’s throw away from the usual path taken, head 12KM out of Tenom town and head to Sapong, where the Tenom Farmstay is located. The farmstay began in 2005 as a livestock and cashcrop farm which continues to emphasize its sustainable qualities. The residential component of the farm started in 2013, triggered by demand for eco-tourism worldwide.

Under the association of TYK Adventure Tours, headed by multi-award winning tour guide Tham Yau Kong, the farmstay has enjoyed considerable success since its opening. Today, its general operations is run by father and son duo, Tham Yau Siong and Brian Tham, who gave us a lovely tour during our recent visit. Among the things that one would discover at the farmstay is a livestock farm that breeds an interesting variety of goats. Lime of the Calamansi variety is also planted in abundance, together with a substantial collection of other cash crops, including oil palm.

Siong, who switched his career after a long stint in the finance industry, says that operating a farmstay has been more fruitful than he initially imagined: “Recently, we worked together with a charitable organization from the US to improve and arrange the accommodation and logistics of their volunteers, resulting in many meaningful friendships produced and a strong sense of social

T O U R I S M

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attachment created with the natives of Tenom.”

Further elaborating on the issue of sustainability, Siong says that: “There is a human factor, and there is a natural factor. When we build relationships with the natives and other residents of Tenom, we create a sustainable business that is all embracing. On regards to the farm itself, we work on a system of integrated farming, where every component of the farm is used to compliment each other. For example, goat manure is used to grow certain plants in the farm, and in turn certain plants are grown to feed the goats, therefore creating a mini eco-system that sustains itself. Organic farming is the best!”

We ended the tour of the farm with a visit to an untouched and truly magnificent tree that belonged on top of a small hill within the farm’s 35-acre compound. There is a certain amount of respect to nature that we think has contributed immensely to the success of the Tenom Farmstay. There is no doubt that this idea will spread. We hope we will see more of this kind of business in the future.

ADVENTURE & EDUCATION

For an adventure in Tenom, the Padas River provides a white water rafting experience like no other. Covering a distance of over 30KM, the route has been rated to have some of the most exciting and safest rapids in South East Asia.

On the calmer side of things to do, the Sabah Agriculture Park offers both recreational and educational activities. Sprawled over an area of 500 acres, the park is rich in its collection of plants and animals, with particular importantance in plant conservation. The park is part of the Agricultural Research Station of Tenom, serving as a training and education centre for various farming activities.

Ideas worth spreading:• Sustainable, organic agriculture.• Building sincere relationships that will truly benefit the business.• Thinking outside the box in terms of diversifying one’s abilities.

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E A T A N D B U Y

Fresh and local produce on display at the Tenom Market.

A local delicacy, Tenom Field Noodle, shown here at Double Happiness Restaurant.

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The lovely family that runs the infamous Chi Hin Restaurant. The restaurant has been featured on numerous media, including a national television featurette.

A Tenom staple, steamed free-range chicken.

Popular Ayam Penyet served at Asia Rasa 3.

Compulsory souvenirs, from left to right: Red bean pastry, local coffee, Pomelo, Hakka pork and egg roll.

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R E D I S C O V E R

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS AND SPECIAL THANKS

EditorHoward Ng

DesignerJason Yu

PhotographerLai Jea Hau

Photography assistantLester Lim

Special Thanks

Sabah Tourism BoardMurut Cultural Center

Yit Foh CoffeeChi Hin Restaurant

TYK Adventure Tours & Tenom FarmstayAll members of the Glowbest Family

FOR SALES ENQUIRIES, PLEASE CONTACT:Glowbest Sdn.Bhd. (190460-D)238 Glowbest, Lrg Baginda, Towering, Penampang,88300 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.Tel: 088-720418 (O) 088-720548 (F)Email: [email protected]

COPYRIGHT ©2015, GLOWBEST SDN.BHD.

ORCHARD PLAZA GLOWBEST Sdn.Bhd.

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