DAY 1 A vacation... at last! The moment I have been waiting for, since 2001. This is my 2nd trip to Sabah, the 1st one was in 2003, following the MSSM Penang Gymnastics team.
I arrived in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah on the 1st Dec, touchdown at 12.45pm from Penang. I will be staying over at an old friend's place, Yuz. She just got transferred from IPIK, KL in January this year and now lecturing at Institut Perguruan Gaya.
Yuz is renting a spacious semi-furnished apartment in Likas, and staying with her 8 year-old son, Aqif. Even though it's a holiday for all teacher trainees in Malaysia, Yuz still lectures KDC and KPLI students, but the schedule is not that tight.
At 5pm that day, Yuz brought his son to a clinic for
circumcision. According to her, Aqif (her son) insisted to be circumcised, even though it's still very early for an 8 year-old.
Aqif in jovial mood (before circumcision)
With Dr Mustafa
Brave boy!
Over and done with!
The 'clamp' techniqueUnlike the traditional way, now boys can be circumcised in clinics using a new technique which is less painful. I was with Yuz in the surgery room, and having every chance to take photos of the whole process. But to respect my friend's privacy, I decided not to do it. This is the new way of circumcising, which is being practiced everywhere in Malaysia. How it is being done, go figure! The role of 'Tok Mudim' is not important anymore. To Aqif, welcome to manhood!
DAY 2 During my 2nd day, when Yuz was lecturing, I used her car and drove around Kota Kinabalu. Certain parts of KK are quite congested, especially the road along the waterfront to Filipina Market and Pasar Besar. But there are alternative roads to avoid the jam if you want to go to town. One thing noticable about bandar Kota Kinabalu is ... there are lots and lots of roundabouts. There is even as small as a 'tong dram'. Hahahaha!
The new resort next to Nexus
The beautiful beaches at Nexus Karambunai
DAY 4 & 5Our ex-collegemate from KL, Ina came down to KK. She was supposed to follow me for this Sabah trip but since my vacation is "too long", she could not make it. She has a husband and kids to look after. She came down to KK today following her hubby, who has some work to do in Labuan and KK. Yuz, Ina and I spent the day shopping for some Swarovski crystals jewellery.
Some tips about crystal jewellery in Sabah. Jamilah Jewellery in Sinsuran, and a few other shops around KK sells original Austrian Swarovski crystals, and pearls too. The price is affordable, we'll get 50% discount from the original price. I'm not much of a jewellery user, but did buy something for my sis in-law, and a few close friends. There are other places selling the same type, and designs of jewellery (bracelets, necklace, brooch, etc), such as Kg. Air and Filipino Market, and not much difference in the price. But in Jamilah Jewellery, the confidence is more.
DAY 6, 7, 8
We started our journey very early in the morning. Yes, we are going to Kundasang, the foot of mount Kinabalu. Yuz made plans and booked the accomodation there for 2 nights. I went to Kundasang before, in 2003, following the MSSM Gymnastics Team. But of course, this time, I'm going to every nook and corner of the place because I have all the time in the world.
We were going uphill, and the sceneries are really awesome! Mount Kinabalu can be seen from far, and it was covered with clouds. But it is still beautiful.
Our first stop is Poring Hot Springs, which is situated in Ranau. We decided to go to Poring first because Aqif wants to have a swim at the hot springs. Both of us just watched Aqif and did not join him because of the crowd. It was drizzling after that, and at 3 pm we have to pack and continue our journey to Kundasang town, where we will be staying.
We checked in Perkasa Hotel which is on top of a hill in Kundasang. And we are so lucky to get a room facing the mountain. Once inside the room, I immediately unpacked my camera and tripod and OMG....Mount Kinabalu is just right there! Can be seen so clearly from the window. I can't stop snapping the photos of it. I just could not stop. I don't want to miss anything. Thank God for my new lense....I can even see every lines and curves of the mountain. Spectacular! Wonderful! Awesome!
DAY 7Gaya Street Market or Tamu Gaya is being held every Sunday at Gaya Street, in Kota Kinabalu. We can find everything under the sun; just name it... food, bags, clothes, handicrafts, pets, etc.
A 'persion' cat and a Shih-Tzu puppy costs RM1500 each!
To be continued ...
