Little about Soniton Ulu village, Kota Marudu

Soniton Ulu is a remote village in the district of Marudu City. It is sparsely populated with about 20 to 30 people only. The distance to the village is about 25 kilometers from the town center, 16 kilometers from bandau town and 9 kilometers from the tandek town. The majority of the population are ethnic Dusun Kimaragang and they have embraced the Christianity, but there are still some people who do not have a religion or referred to as Pagans.

There are many large trees in the Soniton Ulu Village such as teak, belian, logs, and others which are of interest to the slash-and-burn enterprises which continues to search for source of wood. The food source of the people there is food that derived from the forest such as cassava, bamboo shoots, wild eggplant, etc. In addition, to get meat, they will hunt in the middle of the night and the usual animals caught are mouse deer, wild boar and deer.

Academically, almost all of them have only at the primary level of education and some have never went to school. However, they specialize in many types of herbal plants in the wild, which can treat a variety of ailments such as stomach pain, vomiting, or even be used as an antidote to a poison sting by an insect or venomous animal.

However, herbal plants, not effective in treating chronic diseases like cancer. There are also many obstacles in getting to the hospital, from transportation issues to having little money.

Don't miss the opportunity to visit Gontoi village

Gontoi a remote village in the Kota Marudu district. The population is under 100 people. The distance to the place is 30 kilometers from the town and it will take 1 hours and 30 minutes because of bad road conditions. The majority of the population are ethnic Dusun Lotud and profess to be Christians. The village is also at the border between the districts Kota Belud and Kota Marudu.

In the village, there are many large trees such as teak tree, belian, logs, and others which are of interest to the slash-and-burn enterprises, but they are unable to gain access to the trees because it is in the Kinabalu forest reserve. The food source of the people there are from the food they purchased and from the forest such as cassava, bamboo shoots, etc. In addition, to get meat, they will slaughter reared animals like chickens, buffaloes, and pigs. Hunting is their ancillary activity.

Academically, almost all of them have secondary school education and some even at the university level. The village developed due to the help of missionaries. Among the projects completed are the developments of the church, kindergarten, primary school and clinic.

Tourists can have the opportunity to learn traditional medicine because the people there are specialists in many types of herbal plants in the wild, which can treat a variety of ailments such as stomach pain, vomiting, or even an antidote to a poison sting by an insect or venomous animal. However, herbal plants are not effective in treating chronic diseases such as cancer.

Do you know the Goshen township was before?

Goshen Township is a small town founded by YB.Bugie Galadam in 1986 after winning the 6th general election under the ticket from Parti Bersatu Sabah against Parti Berjaya. He then became the representative of the people of Kota Marudu.

The distance from 'simpang 3,' which is the intersection between Kudat and Kota Kinabalu in Langkon, is within 10 kilometers, while it is around 16 kilometres from town Tandek.

According to the narrator in this video, Joipin Kundalang, before the founding of Goshen town, the surrounding had many coconut trees and bamboo trees growing and many sparrows flying in the air. This place is also a place for drivers to learn to drive tractors and how to ‘meradu’ the paddy fields.

One day, there is a new driver from Papar district who learn to drive tractor. After he lose control driving the tractor, he accidentally hit a bamboo tree where there are wasps nest on it.

The first few days were difficult days for the pioneers. They should build temporary huts as shelter from the heavy rain and mosquitoes. They should clear the forest before they grow rice, vegetables and similar plants. Although the pioneers went through adversity, they were compensated with an overwhelming harvest of their crops.

Student Life Past and Present (GASS Alumni)

      The reality from some Goshen School Alumni about the difference of student life past and present. Student life in the past, once they run out of money or run out of rice they will work to make money by cleaning the garden, help teachers and etc. However, at present, most students more prefer looking Sumandak (girlfriend) than earn money.

      Next, when the students did not have money to pay school fees, they will find their own money without burdening their parents. In addition, they will work at pastor Mandatang Gaban at evening to find money. Beldon Juman said "if i run out of money, he said he will cut the grass". The Graduation situation in the past said was so romantic because they will sit in pairs and using candles and then turn off the lights except on stage.

      Although the cost of education only around RM30 it is already quite complicated because money value at the time was too high till the shoes that had broken being used again because of financial problems. At the Dormitory, they able to cook in the room and when they study in the early morning around 4 o’clock they willing to be bitten by mosquitoes because just for doing revision and study. Most of the students past they are diligent and visionary although they are lack of resources, but the students at this time is getting slacker though the facilities and resources is available and systematically.

     Other that, the students like to make gardens in the palm area and give appropriate name by each area. He said again "it is very exciting to plant vegetables without chemical fertilizers". On the Sabbath, they will walk away like bulk during visiting around Kota Marudu, but at present everything has changed, youth or students more prefer to play video games than do worthwhile activities.

     Highly respected person is Wilson Mogusun. Although he had many times taking the LCE Examinations (SRP) and 3 times for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM). He was very persevere until he succeed enter the University Malaysia Sabah (UMS).

Why tourists choose to travel in Bambangan Village?

Bambangan is a remote village in the Kota Marudu district, located close to Sorinsim National Park and Mount Kinabalu. Population is almost 200 people. The place is about 45 kilometers from the city center and takes more than 1 and a half hour because the roads are being upgraded (2009-2013). The majority of the people are ethnic Dusun Tinagas and profess to be Christian. The village is also close to the border district of Ranau.

The situation in the village is so calm and away from heavy pollution. The air condition is suitable for relieving stress and relaxing because the air is healthy, with low temperatures within 21 Celsius and filled with green plants. In addition, there are virgin forest areas where the trees are very large and have become the focus of researchers and scientist abroad. Yet, it is difficult to get into the forest unless they silently enter together with the villagers because the area was included in the Kinabalu forest reserve.

The people's food source are from their purchases as well as food crops such as vegetables, fruits and etc. To get meat, they will slaughter reared animals like chickens, buffaloes and pigs. Hunting is their ancillary activity.

Academically, almost all of them are at the secondary school level, while some are at the university level. The village developed due to the number of visitors who were doing missionary work and also the work on project implementation of ADRA Sabah, Korea, Japan and America. Among the projects undertaken are the development of the church, kindergarten and primary school.

Tourists also have the opportunity to climb Mount Tomboyukung and learn the types of herbal plants in the forest that can treat a variety of ailments such as stomach pain, vomiting, and the antidote for the poison when stung by venomous insect or animal.

Teacher's Day and Appreciation Day at SM.Advent Goshen 2008

"Guru Cemerlang, Negara Terbilang" is the theme of Teacher's Day and Appreciation Day in 2008 at SM.Advent Goshen that time. The students will be prepared in literature show, choir and art to express their respect to their teacher. 

Dear Students,

It has been privilege for me to have you in this school. Life to me has been meaningful with the opportunities to serve you. I hope that the growing process in your life and study in this school has been harmonious.

The school was started about 50 years ago. It was started with much hardships. But with the courage and determination of our pioneers and the help of God, we now have a strong school in the very heart of this community to serve them and their generations. I am very proud to say that many of the former students play and determination of the pioneers will serve as constant reminder and motivation to you.

School life is full of challenges, fun and serous thinking. I trust that you have discovered for yourself what it means to have an abundant life; and that you have laid and erected it on our only sure Foundation and the Rock of our Salvation - Jesus Christ.

As some of you leave GASS at the close of this year, you may forget us and GASS as something of the past. One of the best ways for studnets to acquire a sense of belonging to their school is to participate in extra-curricular activities and other group activities such as producing a school magazine. Therefore, I would like to congratulate all of the editorial staff for making the production of the first issue of this magazine a success.

In this video is a voice and choir performances from students Form 5 and i was the videoman. Songs they perform are called Bengawan Solo and Dirgahayu Tanah Airku.