Kota Kinabalu-Ranau-Kundasang-Kudat-Kota Kinabalu
Our itinerary covered the Pantai Barat and Kudat Divisions, which include KK, Ranau, Kundasang and Kudat. While there were lots of tourist destinations available, we managed to explore only a few of them. Travelling from one place to another itself took most of the time. As the roads were built on hilly terrains, they were pretty winding in extreme slopes (need to engage into the lowest gear). Some of them were dirt (gravel) roads and potholes were also a common sight, which gave the bumpy and rough rides at times. Now that's a real PAIN in the ASSSSS!!! So most of the vehicles used were 4WDs, MPVs, land cruisers and trucks, which are more capable in sustaining the fatigue road conditions. Poor Sabah!!
Our first pit stop was the Poring Hot Spring in Ranau. We lost our time waiting for the hot spring water to flow from the taps. It was like taking forever!! By the time we were done with the hot bath, it was already 5 pm. So, we missed out the canopy walkway. Argghhh…Wasted!! The next day, we departed to Sabah Tea Garden and went for a Fish Spa Therapy at Kg. Luanti. Strictly speaking, it was not really a therapy. The fish swims to you because they smell food. When you clasped the fish food tightly, in a split second, whole school of fish will swim to you and nibble your hands, brushing against your legs and feet. That is when you will get that ticklish sensation, the so-called “massage”!! Undeniably, it was really fun. Soon after, we took off to Kundasang, and visited the Desa Dairy Farm and Kundasang War Memorial and Gardens. Before that, we headed all the way to the Mesilau Nature Park, only to find that it was raining cats and dogs. Another wasted journey!! We stopped by at the fruits and vegetables wholesale stalls (but bought nothing) en route to Kinabalu Pine Resort for an overnight stay. As the name suggests, the area was surrounded by pine trees with awesome view. At 1600 meters above the sea level, it was pretty cold during the night and early morning. The only unpleasant thing about this place was that we had to bath with a not-so-function-able water heater, which was truly an immense torture under this chilly weather!!! @.@
The 4th day started with journey to the Kinabalu National Park, where we were able to catch a glimpse of the infamous Mt. Kinabalu with a panoramic view of it. We then adjourned to Kudat, towards Pantai Kelambu and Tg. Simpang Mengayau. The former beach is distinctive as a small hill being sandwiched in between two bays of the beach, which make it looks like an island in the middle of the sea. The latter is where the Tip of Borneo is situated, a place where South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea, and from here, one can see the complete breathtaking view of coastline and beautiful sunset. On the next day, before heading back to KK, we stopped over at the Rungus Longhouse in Kg. Bavanggazo. Supposing there should be some traditional and music dance performance by the natives there, but I’m not sure if we were there on the right time, because it seemed quite deserted. =.=
The best parts of the whole trip were the Larry and Vince’s Farmstay in Inanam and island hopping at Tunku Abdul Rahman Park. The farmstay is located at Kg. Sinulihan, quite a secluded area which I guessed only the locals are familiar with. The place used a self-acclaimed "Village Concept" Wooden House, surrounded by nature forest. It looks like a typical farm from the outside as we were greeted by chickens, ducks, swan and several dogs. A total of nine fishing ponds are available for the guests to fish for their dinner. Don’t get it wrong, you will still get your dinner even there’s no luck in fishing!! Haha……Fishing is not difficult if you have the patience. Even a greenhorn like me also can catch two. Muahahaha. But I’m reluctant to do it again because it made me kind of sinful……>.<
The Tunku Abdul Rahman Park consists of a cluster of islands, including Manukan, Sapi, Mamutik, Sulug and Gaya. We only hopped on to the first two, as they were highly recommended. All of my “first time” happened right here – parasail, jet-ski, banana boat and fly fish. I was trembling with fear prior to each of those watersport activity because I’m critically an acute aquaphobic, a terrified non-swimmer who always has the thought of not being able to get out of the water once I got in!! But it was really a fun-filled excitement with a truly indescribable feeling. I would definitely go for it again (except for the banana boat, I swallowed 50 ml of sea water for that), sometime in the future, somehow. ^.^
The one disappointment that we faced was at the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park. Firstly, it started to rain as soon as we arrived there. We decided to drench through the rain to see several animals only to find that the whole Aviary Section, Reptile House and another section were closed due to maintenance, but no notices were put up. The dwelling for Orang-utans was also closed for maintenance as well. The whole of Botanical Garden was inaccessible due to the heavy rain. The animal show was cancelled too. As the rain got heavier, we embarked on a tram that took us round a small section of the park, twice, using the same road!! OMG! What’s the point anyway? The animals went hiding in their sanctuaries due to the rain; none of the animals was active. And we have to pay an additional RM2/pax for that tram. I would have suggest to the management might as well close down the whole park for thorough maintenance, once and for all. Otherwise, have some discount on the ticket. Another thing, it is wiser if some drapes or curtains can be placed over the tram to block the splattering rain. Lesson learnt: Never ever visit a zoo, wildlife or animal park or of any kind similar to this in Malaysia! You will end up wasting time, energy and money for that!!
The prices of food in Sabah can almost compete with that of KL. Nice food can only be found in KK, while the rest of the eating outlets in other areas were simply to fill in our empty stomach. Seafood is commonly available around KK, but the cheaper ones can only be found in more remote areas. The prices were half of that compared to Penang. Another famous delicacy in Sabah is the coconut pudding (puding kelapa), which is a must try. Many stalls are located in Jalan Salut, Tuaran, selling the pudding, baked coconut (kelapa bakar) and lokan (big clams) bakar. I have no preference for the baked coconut though, as it’s like drinking hot coconut juice without the taste of coconut. At the farmstay, we had a BBQ dinner, a typical kampong style fried rice and Chinese buns for breakfast, and home-cooked food for lunch. Those meals were one of the best I’ve ever had since the trip. Hahaha………
Sabah is not just a land with sun, sea, sands, hills and forest, it has lots of roundabouts too!! And do have a look out for the snooker centers in the outskirts. That's the only form of entertainment available to the residents there, I guess. Despite some minor hiccups during the trip, all in all, it was fun and pleasant, with much laughter and silly jokes going around, making it sort of entertaining as well. Thanks to all my friends who made this trip possible in the most enjoyable and amusing way. Special thanks to WTY and her bf for the arrangement of the food and farmstay, seafood galore at Gayang Seafood Restaurant, the KTV and cake at Damai Club, and guiding us to the markets, museum and chocolate shop. And also TKH’s uncle for lending his Unser to us, in which otherwise we would have to fork out another sum of money to cover for car rental.
