Astonished! Surprised! Excited! What a wonderful adjectives. All expressed by felling when I get to know that I will be on job in KK(Short form for Kota Kinabalu). Wonderful huh!
4 of us went in October. We took Malaysia Airlines and reach KK on Monday morning. As usual, this is part of our working lifestyle. Before the plane landed, looking out to the window, the water is so blue. My mind thinks only on the weekend. Planning ahead where to venture and eat. All about activities and food. Come back! Come back! (Telling myself not to wonder).
As the days go passed and the weekend is here, we set our mind on the islands. Pulau Sipandan the famous of all and the first episode of The Survivor is not what I am going after (Will be my next target in near future). Nevertheless, Manukan, Sapi and Mamutik is my target.
On that Saturday morning, 4 of us woke up early and had our breakfast at Best Western Kinabalu Daya Hotel; the place where we stay. Then we walk to Jesselton Point; the only place to those islands mentioned above. We only pay about RM30 per person to those islands.
As usual, we took few pictures at the point before departure. Our first destination is Manukan Island-the most popular and the most people recommended island. What you can do when you are in the island? Snorkeling, various water sports or even scuba diving. Eventually, we opted for a banana boat. Is fun and scary. The girls just screamed all the way and we had twice 360 degree turn. The whole activity only took us about 20 minutes to finish the ride and we paid RM120 for 4 person. Does it value for money?
Next, we proceed to Mamutik island. The weather is so warm and is the best time to go snorkeling. Remember, you should bring along a sunblock with you while you are going to a beach. we just spent a few hours at the island. Relaxing near the beach and had a sun bathing. Is so cool Isn't it?
Then, we proceed to Sapi island and had a wonderful time there. Meeting with few Japanese girls and managed to took some pictures with them. As the day is approaching to evening, we then depart to Jesselton point and ready for the night life.
Sabah Islands Trip
Rainforest Kayaking Trip
One of the great blessings in my life is to be blessed with RM188 Rainforest Kayaking free ticket. This has been a dream in my life to go for Kayaking. Finally, I made it! The trip was held on 22 March 2009 the day right after my birthday. Wonderful! Is so wonderful.
On the day itself, I was introduce to few mates who went for kayaking. Two couples (Roger and Denise, Albert and Miss Lau), Desmond, the instructor (Francis) and his assistant (Asmi). The moment we get into the van, noises begin to rhythm and songs from the radio overtook. After a few minutes, Francis began to explain the beauty of kayaking and the nature that lies behind it. We were so astonished!! Wah....................
After a long session of 'ice-breaking', we all have the same question in mind. Where are we going for Kayaking? A good question to ask huh..Finally, the quest was resolved as Francis reveals that we are going to Borneo Highlands. Wah...................Again, the 'wah' is so loud this time.
When we reached Kampung Bengoh, everyone got down from the van and get ready for the challenge. Before we start, Francis taught us how to paddle as most of us were the firs timer. After the rehearsal, we carried all the three kayaks into the river. The moment we stepped down the slope, we yell Wow! Wow! Wow! The water is so clean. Let's jump into the water and get wet. Before that, let's take a nice shot. Smile everyone :-) while holding your paddle.
The journey begin! Each of us was assigned with a partner. Let's paddle buddies while everyone was laughing. We were so amazed by the clean water underneath. We paddle hard but enjoying. Laughter begin to fill the air as we go along until we reach a small valley where the rainfall is hidden.
Everyone got down from their kayak and walked towards the rainfall. The sound of the gashing water can be heard so clearly from afar. Roger and Denise did a great job by posting a 'superman' while we were busy capturing them with our cameras.
After a 15 minutes of resting while getting ourselves wet, we continue our journey until noon where we stop for a lunch break. Guess what? Our lunch is each person has a fried 'Bok Pia'. The moment we put into our mouth and swallowed it into our stomach, the next word that came out from each person mouth is.......What a delicious food we have for lunch. Emmm....Nice! Nice! At last, the greatest show begins where Denise and Desmond opted to have a 'You jump I jump' scene. The gentleness of Desmond has given Denise the opportunity to jump first. Of course, the best save for the last. Here comes Desmond. JUMP! JUMP! JUMP! Finally, he jumped and Albert took a nice shot. Yeah!!
''Let's continue, as there are many beautiful scenarios to behold '', said Francis. As we paddle along, here comes the heroin again. Denise, who is the hyperactive type volunteered herself to be 'Jane' but no 'Tarzan' from guys.Hahaha....Bravo to you Denise! Water from the river seems to be running faster but that doesn't stop us to go forward. In fact, more fun endowed us as we fight to go forward. Cheers mates!
Then, we stopped near by a valley and hiked up the small hill where we were introduced to a couple (A Norwegian and a local). The place where they stay called Kura-kura Homestay where, people like us can have a night or two there to explore the adventurous activities and feast the delicious local delicacies. Out of the sudden, Miss Lau laugh out loud (LOL)....We all paused for a moment..What's happening? Everyone is asking. ''OMG, the lady speaks in Foochow, Teochiew, Hakka, Hokkien and Mandarin', said Miss Lau. What the...............(Everyone stood still). Is so owesome! hahaha.........(laughter filled the thin air). As usual, we took a picture with the couple before we left.
Alright!..The journey continue until we reached a small valley where we are asked by Francis to behold the beauty of the rocks in a small hiding place. Everyone take out their cameras and capture those rocks. Not to be forgotten, Albert is our official cameraman and while he called out, 'Hey everyone, look at the camera'. Guess what? The word in hokkien (Wah Sei) came out from his mouth. Huh? What that's. Oh, he showed us the picture he just took and I am the only person who looked at the camera..Thanks to Albert..Cheers!
Finally, we reached the ending point at Kampung Semadang after a 10 minutes paddle. We took a quick shower and ready to depart. All of us enjoyed the trip and and finally we all became good friends. The whole journey took us about 3 hours. Though is tired physically but it was fun and enjoyable. What a memorable day and we plan for our next kayaking trip which is at Bako. hahaha......Story will continue when the day comes.
