TAWAU: Visitors have been thronging Persiaran Traulsen near Jalan Persisiran here since early last week to witness a ‘Sakura’ spring.
The pink and white petals of the flowering trees lining the street are a feast for the eyes and make visitors feel as if they are in Japan.
Many sightseers are taking the opportunity to snap their pictures amongst the Sakura flowers, the common name of which is Tecoma (scientific name: Tabebuia roseadi).
Visitor Nur Alina Muhammad Abduh, 32, said she and her husband, Kamarulnizam Ramang, 32, took advantage of the weekend break to visit Persiaran Traulsen to take pictures of the flowers in the background.
"Many of our friends shared their pictures on social sites like Facebook and Instagram, and it really feels like the Sakura spring in Japan.
"Many had known about the 'Sakura' flowers here, but this time, it is a little different, following upgrading works along the coastline which makes the scenery and landscape brighter and more attractive," she said.
For photographer Mohd Syukri Salleh, 35, the spring phenomenon is the best time to capture landscape images, or even wedding photos.
Meanwhile, Tawau Municipal Council (MPT) president Alijus Sipil said that the annual event usually begins in late March and lasts until April.
He said that apart from the area, several other places in Tawau – such as Jalan Utara near Taman Awam Muhibbah and the main road that includes Sabindo Plaza – are decorated with Sakura trees which have been gradually planted over the past 10 years.
"Upgrading of recreational parks and areas along Persiaran Traulsen is ongoing, and we are convinced that when fully completed, the area will be a new tourist attraction in the Tawau district," he added.