Fresh from my Sabah vacation (I came back on Sunday, 18th December 2016), I felt restless at my house in Batang Kali. The supposed “Research Design” class on Monday was postponed as my lecturer was not feeling well – and by right, I should have been continuing the momentum on Ph.D; BUT honestly, I am feeling very sloth and lazy AND I have been attacked by the wanderlust bug!! Hence, without further ado, my mind automatically concocted spontaneous plan and by Wednesday 21st December 2016, I was out from Tamu Hill; I was heading my way to the Northern of Peninsular!!

The Rahmat Maritime Museum at Lumut Waterfront.

I took my sweet time driving from Tamu Hill, Bandar Baru Batang Kali towards Lumut, Perak via Teluk Intan. This marks my 2nd solo trip this year (the first one was to Melaka earlier this year to assuage my depression – REFER to https://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2016/04/03/battling-mental-depression-with-self-serenity-notes-of-my-travel-the-settlement-hotel-melaka/) and my first solo trip to Lumut. I have been to Lumut in 2011 (that was 5 years ago! My God; and I was accompanied! REFER to https://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/cuti-cuti-malaysia-beach-retreat-lumut-the-maritime-naval-hub-licking-good-malay-cuisine-kuala-kangsar-royal-town-of-perak/) but this time was my first attempt of visiting the township as a solo traveler. Around 1.00 p.m. I passed by a mosque at Kampung Selabak at the junction to Lumut and Telok Intan and I found a stall selling Laksa & Cendol. Both were so delicious and I gave 5 stars!! Hopefully, I could repeat there again if I happen to go to Lumut again via the same route.

 

My cousin Kak Alia and her husband Abang Najib and their daughter. Thanks so much for your hospitality although must be tiring to have a guest during working day. It is nice to see Mak Ngah Nah now leads a tranquil life at Manjong. 

Around 2.30 p.m. I arrived at Lumut, the township for naval army and maritime ecotourism. I checked in at Blue Bay Resort, the place I went 5 years ago but this time, the place seemed so dilapidated and unorganized. Still, at this peak season of school holiday, the pricing is at RM120 but now no breakfast is prepared unlike 5 years ago. The hotelier was somewhat a good communicator in terms of liaising with customers but I can see that perhaps the hotel isn’t doing well anymore. Perhaps due to the Malaysian economic these days and it is costly for maintenance – the lobby was dimmed and the dining hall was closed. But the room was big and as a solo traveler, I have no fuss about that! For more information, you guys may peruse the website at http://www.malaysia-hotels.net/bluebay/.

The front facade of Bellevue Hotel. It was reportedly to be among the oldest buildings on the hill; first erected by Mr. Haliburton at the Haliburton Hill. This house was an epitome of a retreat house for the English colonialists years ago. They came to the hill to rejuvenate themselves with the cool weather and to escape from the tropical scorching hot weather at the lowlands.  

So happened that my cousin, Kak Alia now lives at Lumut and she bought a house there. My aunt, Mak Ngah Nah also resides with them after the demise of my other cousin, Kak Aida early this year (REFER to https://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2016/02/03/the-end-of-a-kidney-battle-a-fiery-spirit-a-fighter-for-life-the-demise-of-my-beloved-cousin-aida-shaari/). Kak Alia’s husband, Abang Najib happened to see my Facebook status (last checked-in at Teluk Intan! Well you know, I am quite a Facebook aficionado! lol!) and he messaged Kak Alia to invite me to their place at Taman Manjung Point. Thus, around 6.00 p.m., I went there and I am happy to see Mak Ngah Nah now leading a new life. We went o have dinner at nearby Thai restaurant and they insisted I stayed the night at their residence but since I have already checked-in Blue Bay Resort, I told them perhaps other time. Coincidentally, their residence was not that far from my other cousin’s house, Kak Yati at Venice of Perak!

The banner clearly says it all. The only hotel on Penang Hill. So I guess all the bungalows scattered are private-owned?

An rainforest garden for you to explore at the side of the entrance. However, I did not have the time to wander there. There is also an aviary owned by Bellevue Hotel.

The trip was a layback vacation. I strolled along the Lumut Waterfront at night and saw the Rahmat Maritime Museum floating majestically there. Lumut’s sea water was heavily-scented with oil, perhaps due to the numerous naval ships operating nearby. Nevertheless, seeing the murky sea tide at a secluded corner in Lumut Waterfront provided me therapeutic space to ponder about my life and my missions in life. It was an aloof practice but all I can say, it was therapeutic. On the next day before I checked out, I browsed through the Internet for Bellevue Hotel at Penang Hill. I have always have the wish to spend night there and I wanted to crystallize that dream. I compared the pricing between Internet and direct-call; seems like Internet provided cheaper pricing – my first attempt using Agoda.com. I managed to get RM270 for a single room! I then checked-out from Blue Bay Resort circa 9.15 a.m. and headed towards Penang, my Island home birthplace!

Guess it was my lucky day. I paid for single room but since the rooms were already occupied, the hotelier gave me the Family Room. It was spacious (,”).

My first attempt trying the Panorama feature. This is the picture of the whole room.

It was around 12.30 p.m. that I arrived at Butterworth Ferry Terminal which is now known as Pengkalan Sultan Abdul Halim. Nevertheless, many vehicles queued up so it took me around half an hour to board the ferry! Nevertheless, it was a nostalgic reminiscence when I was on board of the ferry. I recalled that ferry was the transportation that my family and I used to board when we commuted from the island towards Seberang Perai (Province Wellesley) to visit my father’s parents at Penaga, Butterworth. So, my sister (big the Big Sister, you know! Haha!) always fooled me by exclaiming that she saw a mermaid and dolphin swimming at the side of the ferry. And of course, I being the mythical freak boy was agitated to see them but was crestfallen when I couldn’t see them. Haha! Such a sweet memory.

The cafe. The courtyard is very English-like with gazebo and panoramic view of Penang and Province Wellesley. Picturesque scene.

Once arrived at Penang Island, I drove towards KOMTAR for the sake of “Nasi Kandar Telor Sotong” (Nasi Kandar with squid eggs) despite the heavy traffic and the heavy rain! Unfortunately, I wasn’t lucky as the restaurant I aimed was no more to be found and all I could find was a reconstruction site at the former place at the entrance to the KOMTAR parking lots (opposite POPULAR). I drove out towards Penang Hill via Dato’ Kramat Road which happened to be the usual road I took for 19 years when I lived at FRU to Penang City Centre! Suddenly, I remembered a small stall called “Kedai Bawah Pokok Ceri” (Stall Under Cherry Tree) which is situated at the Dhobby Ghaut Mosque’s compound and Ayah used to take me there for Nasi Kandaq. So, I stopped by there and savoured the Nasi Kandar. No squid eggs for me but that would do for my luncheon, though! Haha! After that, I drove straight to Penang Hill located at Air Itam, which is not far from my old residence at Boundary Road, Padang Tembak.

A gazebo ala Bali style. Beautiful landscape. Green pasture against the misty scenery. Cool after-rain feeling. Perfect! For once, you did feel like a celestial being dwell at the highest zenith observing the lives of the mortals. Haha!

I was surprised to see that there was a building specifically for parking lot at Penang Hill! When I was there in 2012, it was quite chaotic and messy as vehicles had to be parked at the sides of the road or at a limited space parking lot (REFER to https://undomiel84.wordpress.com/2012/12/17/the-diary-of-a-salt-water-people-embracing-my-island-home-penang/) but now you can safely park your car in that building! There were so many people thronging at the ticket counter so I opted for the Fast Lane (RM15). The counter boy expected me to buy the return ticket so he instantaneously quoted RM30; when I told him I only needed one way ticket as I am spending night there, he was taken aback and sniggered. Well, you can’t blame him as based on his looks, he is still a young lad without much life experiences!

 

Breathtaking scenery captured from the courtyard.

With the new funicular train, the ride took less than 10 minutes! Once up there, I walked straight to Bellevue Hotel which is not far from the Penang Hill Police Station. The counter person wasn’t expecting me as I paid my reservation via Agoda. Initially, the RM270 was slated for a single room; nevertheless since the single rooms were occupied, he gave me the Family Room – 1 queen bed and one extra complimentary bed! Guess it was my lucky day! The room was spacious but the compartments were old ala 80s design. All I can say is don’t expect a lavish decoration – it is all about getting acquainted with authentic Old Colonial English style. For a solo traveler like me, it was a commendable place.

At the left side of the courtyard, you could see Jerai Mountain, the highest peak at Kedah. There is an old mansion visible at the top pf hill facing Jerai Mountain. That  is Crag Hotel, which was built by Armenian expatriates. The building had undergone many operations as expatriate house retreat, school and also films production such as for the Oscar-winning French film “Indochine” as well as British TV series “Indian Summers”. Unfortunately, it is now a deserted place.

Now, the unique thing about Bellevue Hotel is the surrounding landscape. There was an aviary and garden at the side of the hotel. At the backyard, there was a cafe. I met the cook, an old Chinese man and tried to make a civilized greet but my oily gesture was reciprocated negatively with a smug and a simple head-nodding. Perhaps it was because of my petite stature or because I was casually dressing up which make him think I am a harmless “boy” – but I was taken aback and didn’t bother to make any further conversations. I simply savoured the courtyard at the cafe and was blown away by the panoramic scene of Penang! From there, you could see Penang’s whole landscape under the white fleece of after-rain clouds and at the other side, you could see a deserted old English mansion facing a visible Jerai Mountain of Kedah. The Straits of Malacca was clearly visible from this point as well as the mainland Province Wellesley! I then understood why the British opted for Penang Hill as an observatory point for their military security as well as a temperate climate getaway from the tropical Penang climate at the lowlands! I love history so my mind instantaneously had that mental image. Amazing!

   

At the Owl Museum. Quite mundane for those who do not like artistic features. I, however find it quite fascinating. The furthest left picture is depiction of Grecian Goddess of Wisdom, Athena with her owl.

Despite the hostility shown by the cook (and I didn’t have the appetite to eat anything there – not confident; now this is my own issue. Haha!), the staffs generally were nice and friendly. The WIFI provided was not functioning until way passed midnight – perhaps due to the heavy rain at the evening. Nevertheless, the ambiance of Old English was very eminent there and I imagined myself in those colonial day ala “Almayer’s Folly” by Joseph Conrad! I guess people who spend night there are those who prefer the quiet atmosphere as throughout the night, I kept hearing one fussy occupant reprimanding the hoteliers due to “annoying disturbance” such as light at the aisle as well as sound from generator/refrigerator (which I don’t feel caused any significant sound)! For more visualization of the hotel, you guys can check the official website at http://bellevuehotel.my/.

 

I was exploring the pathway for hikers towards Penang Hill when I stumbled upon this dilapidated house. Seemed like an English house built by colonists for their retreats. I suddenly feel like I am in that era like a scene in “Hanyut”, a Malaysian adaptation of Joseph Conrad’s “Almayer’s Folly”! Imagine if you lived in that era! 

I also had the opportunity to visit the Owl Museum. With RM12 per entrance, it houses eclectic collection with owl themes. Definitely, owl is a very unique and mysterious creature. There is also an “Astaka Bukit Bendera” or Penang Hill Pavilion which houses various types of food. Since I am now in the so-called regime to control my diet, I didn’t feel the urge to eat at nighttime. In case if you guys are hungry, I suggest you buy the food and take them away as the shops usually close circa 7.30 p.m. The night at Penang Hill was very tranquil and quiet. Nonetheless, music from David Brown’s Strawberry Hill was eminent until 9.00 p.m. Seeing the night landscape of Penang with millions of neon lights was a peaceful sight. It provided me sense of therapeutic session and allowed me to do some in-depth self pondering. I also had the opportunity to do a Sunat prayer at the Penang Hill Mosque at an elevated terrain which is situated not far from the Hindu temple nearby. Of course, it was really quiet and there was only one elder man performing prayer at the time I entered the mosque around 8.00 p.m.

The love padlock balcony and corridor from the funicular tram station.

On whole, I enjoyed this experience of spending my night on Penang Hill. I am glad that I make effort to crystallize that ambition by following my heart! Anyway, I checked-out around 8.00 a.m. and the morning was very misty due to the morning fog. Now you can’t buy any tickets up at the hill. If you buy only the one-way ticket, you can board down the hill via funicular train first; and then at the lowland, you have to pay for the ticket (I was a bit freak out when I found out there was no ticket counter on the hill! Haha!).

Majestic view of after-rain Penang. Fleece of white clouds at the yonder.

You can see ferries move from Port Swettenham at the island towards Butterworth terminal.

I then drove to Kampung Melayu to savour Roti Canai. This was the place not far from my old residence at FRU Flats and Ayah used to take me there on motorcycle. The area used to be covered with lushes greenery and trees but now, you could hardly found trees as the surroundings were cleared for the sake on new budding buildings! After that, I planned to hike towards the Air Itam Dam (I’ve been there years ago with my primary school friends). Using Waze, I drove towards the Kek Lok Si Temple and parked my car at an elevated terrain there. Just as I was about to walk into the trail heading up the damn, I was stopped by a policeman who told me no one now is permitted to go to Air Itam Dam due to the recent landslide! Argh, I was crestfallen but what to do?

The night scene by the million of neon lights.

 

The night view from the hill where the Penang Hill Mosque was located. The other one was a restaurant called David Brown’s Strawberry Hill.

Before called it a quit on my Island Home, I drove passed by Boundary Road where my old residence, FRU Flats (Federal Reserve Unit; my father was policeman!) was located. I really wanted to meet Pak Cik Salim, a bookshop keeper whose shop has been the “one stop center” for my sister and I as we commuted our ways back home from school – in fact, most boys and girls at FRU always frequent the bookshop! He sold many kinds of books and I remember being avid reader of comics such as “Dragon Ball”, “Dragon Quest”, “Sailormoon”, “GS Mikami”, “Dik Cerdas Shin Chan” and the Malay Language of Tony Wong’s comics such as “Alam Perwira”, “Dewata Raya” and “Lingkaran Terkunci”! Well, he even presented me free comics when I scored 4As in my UPSR 1996 as well as straight 8As in my PMR 1999! Well, 4 years ago when I visited Penang, I did make an attempt to see him but he wasn’t there so this time, I am making attempt to see if he is there.

With Pak Cik Salim, the bookshop-keeper who I have known since my childhood days. Imagine he gave me comics as gifts because I did well in UPSR and now I am 32 years old?! An eloquent Hokkien speaker, he touches many hearts with his impeccable humanistic interpersonal skill. Having a doctorate or even if you are at the highest point in social hierarchy are meaningless if you do not know how to touch people’s hearts. And this man is the testament of that. Alhamdulillah, my solo trip to Penang this time is worthwhile!

The moment I saw his face, my heart thumped but I braved myself greeting him and asked him whether he recognized me (after all, it has been 16 years since I left school!). To my delighted surprise, he effortlessly recalled my name at second attempt :-

“Laaa, awat tak kenai? Apa..Shahrul ka; Shahrill ka? Muka ang dok tak berubah dari dulu!” (Why won’t I recall you? Your name is..Shahrul or Shahrill, right? You face hasn’t change that much from the younger days!)

Wow, I am amazed with his vivid memory recollection! We talked about the good old days for a while and he told me that the book store now is taken care by his son-in-law and he just visit the shop once a while. Surely it is my luck to meet him that day. Alhamdulillah, I felt exhilarated with this and I am glad I put courage to do a solo trip this time!

I wanted to hike to Air Itam Dam but due to recent landslide, visitors are not allowed anymore. The most I could do is to capture this Air Itam Dam clock which was visible from my residence at FRU Flats. Sometimes my family referred to this clock. Such a majestic view. You guys can read about the history at the Internet. Very interesting!

Around 11.00 a.m. I drove my way out from Penang and make way towards Kedah. Performed my Jumaat prayer at the majestic Al-Bukhary Mosque in Alor Setar and arrived at Jitra circa 3.15 p.m. On Saturday 24th December 2016, my KPLI buddy, Zahiri (Kod) and I went to eat Laksa Ikan Sekoq which has become an Internet sensation. As a laksa aficionado, I am so eager to experience this. We found the stall at Gangsa Road which is not far from Aman Central shopping mall. Perhaps during its premature years of operation, this stall boasts that customers could have add-ins until you are full – but now one person is limited for once only (and extra eggs are charged!). Nevertheless, the laksa was delicious and the ais kacang was yummy! No wonder people keep thronging the stall every now and then.

Yummy Laksa Sekoq! Only at Alor Star, Kedah y’all (,”).

Picture is courtesy of Kod’s camera. Hehe.

On whole, I am satisfied that I have pull the courage to do this solo trip!! I’ve never done solo trip. Before this year, everywhere I go, I’ve always have at least a confidante. And I’ve noticed that waiting for other people will take ages and time will be wasted (I have the opportunity but the other party keeps procrastinating and don’t even bother to make effort to apply for holidays). In the end, I’ve got to do it myself and my way IF I really want to do what I’ve always want to do. Yeah, I used to think that solo traveling is kinda pathetic BUT now I’ve experience that, I’ve come to realize that it is therapeutic and I can do and go anywhere my own ways WITHOUT having to compromise with other people’s feeling.

A Selfie is a must. Oh, grey hair is becoming more abundant. Sigh. (,”). It is a subtle reminder from God that I am getting old and death is approaching, no? Spirituality needs to be heighten.

This holiday proved to be another eventful year for me – I had Sabah and spending night at Penang Hill on my sleeves now, y’all! Alhamdulillah, God bless.

The trailer of Oscar-winning French Film (Best Foreign Film) 1993 “Indochine” where Crag Hotel of Penang Hill was used as the setting. Seems like an interesting movie!

I am spontaneous person. I always do things on impulse. It is essential for me to stay true to my heart and do what I want to do. So, on last Thursday 15th December 2016, I flew to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah – a decision I made with ticket I bought on Wednesday itself! With Air Asia, it costed around RM800 but yeah, what the heck, right?

 

Hanging out at Upperstar IMAGO. Kota Kinabalu, Sabah – I was here! (,”). After all these years (my Doncha buddy and lass keep asking me to fly to Borneo! Sorry people, I took a long time. Next trip, Kuching, yeah?).

The journey took around 2 hours and a half and since that was my virgin experience to Borneo, I freaked out a bit when I saw immigration counter at the exit. I recollected my knowledge on history syllabus back in school that years ago, to enter Borneo required passports but then they abolished the system after that. So, I just gave my I/C and was given the pass ala entrance in Europe countries (travelling abroad does help me with this). My Doncha buddy, Efesius Abu Constantine a.k.a. Efy welcomed me at Kota Kinabalu International Airport with his 4 Wheel Drive Hilux (no less! Haha!) and we went to IMAGO Shopping Mall for teatime. We went to Upperstar, a restaurant with cool Victorian ambiance to catch up. Well, we were there for almost 2 hours (Well, we haven’t seen each other for 3 years; so Efy was filling me with a lot of his stories! Haha!) and then went to Suria Sabah (another shopping mall). We called it a day at Efy’s apartment at Menggatal and we slept quite late due to late night endless stories! Haha!

The Upside Down (Rumah Terbalik) at Tamparuli, Sabah. Not that far from Efy’s crib at Menggatal. So, I now have a legit knowledge to tell my Year 5 pupils on this building (Year 5 English Language syllabus on “Unique Buildings”).

On the next day, Friday 16th December 2016 – we pushed off from Menggatal towards The Upside Down House (Rumah Terbalik) at Tamparuli which is not far from Efy’s place. I simply had to visit this because it is mentioned in the Year 5 English Text Book and it would be a surplus in the future for me to explain the experiences to my pupils during the lessons, no? We were whisked into the house within groups (waiting for the previous groups took around 20 minutes – depending on the number of visitors of that day!). We were not allowed to take pictures inside the house. On whole, it was creative building and there was a mirror placed on the floor so that we could identify the “normal position” from the reflection of these topsy-turvy arrangement of the furniture in the house! For further details, you guys can check the website at http://www.upsidedownhouse.com.my/.

The famous Tamparuli Bridge (Jambatan Tamparuli). At that side is the small town of Tamparuli.

We then proceeded to Tuaran as I planned to perform Friday Prayer before pushing off to Kundasang. On the way, we passed by the famous Tamparuli Bridge. Efy, being the loquacious tour-guide without hesitation explained to me that it is famous because years ago, this was among the first bridges that was built as linkage between the lands there. And of course as the famous Kadazan folklore song “Jambatan Tamparuli” (Tamparuli Bridge) immortalizing the bridge, the popularity is inevitable! We passed the sleepy hollow township of Tamparuli and proceeded to Tuaran.

Masjid An-Nur, The Tuaran District Mosque.

We had lunch at this Malay stall nearby Tuaran Fire Station and around 12 o’clock, Efy sent me to the Masjid Daerah Tuaran (The Tuaran District Mosque) which is affectionately known as Masjid An-Nur. It is a spacious double-storey mosque with glass-windows at its dome. I have read in Wikipedia that apparently, that mosque is the biggest one in Sabah!! Check this Malay-Language Wikipedia at https://ms.wikipedia.org/wiki/Masjid_Daerah_Tuaran. We then headed straight towards Kundasang. The first township we encountered was Nabalu, a small town town which provided scenic lookout point of beautiful mountainous canvas of the Borneo’s Crocker Range. More or less like a place for you to stretch your ligaments and sinew before you proceed to Kundasang! Haha! For a light reading on Nabalu, click this simple article by Murphy of Sabah.com at http://www.mysabah.com/wordpress/nabalu-the-mid-way-stop-to-kinabalu-park/.

Nabalu, a small town which you will not miss once you are heading towards Kundasang from Kota Kinabalu! A strategic lookout point. 

Like I said, I instantaneously had that mental image of Shaolin monastery the moment I saw the exotic name “Bundu Tuhan”! Haha!

 

Efy and I. Can you see the fog? It was cold and cool!

As we heading up towards the peak area, I encountered exotic names of places such as Bundu Tuhan (I immediately had this mental image of monks monastery ala Shaolin Temples! lol!) and Efy being the effortless loquacious tour-guide told me that Bundu is a local fruit ala mango. Amazing! It was really foggy and misty and the weather was starting to be cool. We arrived at our lodging called Mile 36 Lodge. It was cute English cottage-like place with scenic landscape and Efy did great job at selecting this as we did this last-minute (in fact, Efy called the person in charge at Tuaran while I was performing my Friday Prayer!) and we managed to get it for affordable RM160! We rested and cleaned ourselves before resuming journey to the famous Desa Cattle Dairy Farm, dubbed as Little Malaysian New Zealand.

Our lodge at Kundasang, Mile 36 Lodge. Amazing place ala English cottages with scenic view as well as friendly staffs. Highly-recommended with economical pricing! We stayed at Chin’s Bungalow with RM 160. Like Kat put it, the biggest aircond in Malaysia : the night was freezing cold!

Unfortunately when we arrived there at 4.30 p.m., it was already closed for visitors so we decided to relax for a while at the front gate (with spectacular green pasture landscape, no less!) and then went to Kundasang township to have a bite. We found this stall called “Dapur Tasha” which was a strategic by-the-hill-terrain stall and customers could play golf at the side of the stall (hit the ball from the stall which is located at upper part of terrain to the vast landscape of green pasture at the under part of terrain out there). Our initial idea was to have a simple teatime and fried bananas at Kundasang and then have dinner at Ranau (a bigger town at the valley) BUT you know when you are in cold places, you tend to get hungry! Right after we feasted on the “teatime delicacies”, the smell of delicious meals filled our nostrils – we instantaneously ordered the heavy meals, right away! The “Nasi Goreng Ikan Masin” and “Char Kuey Teow” never tasted better (perhaps psychology; or perhaps the weather? Haha!). We were there for almost 2 hours, chatting and chatting and chatting. Haha!

Breathtaking Kundasang, our Little New Zealand. I have been to both New Zealand and Switzerland and of course, the experiences are not that similar BUT to have a local alternative like this; well, you could never ask for more but being bedazzled by our beautiful tropical Malaysia!

I had the opportunity to perform prayer at Kundasang Jamek Mosque which was situated at a higher part of Kundasang, looking very majestic. I like the feeling of able to visit mosques during this Borneo vacation. It makes me feel connected with something I am familiar with and it grounded me to know that no matter where I go, my faith is not be shackled. But what I would always remember was the SUPER COLD water when I was taking my ablution! Haha! What did I expect, no? I was at the zenith of Kundasang which is a township on the Borneo’s Crocker Range!! LOL! After that, we went down to Ranau because Efy wanted to show me the town and we had drink at a restaurant called Muslim Restaurant (Mamak style) as it was raining. By that time, both of us were quite tired and sleepy – so to keep Efy awaken, we endlessly goofed around in the car, singing to the Xmas songs he played or experimenting with weird voice range. Haha!

Kundasang Jamek Mosque.

Mile 36 Lodge was a pleasant place for natural lover and all you could hear were the sounds of nocturnal insects with cold atmosphere. Efy dozed off instantaneously while I was battling to sleep! I have trouble sleeping at new places and also sensitive towards weather. Luckily, Efy told me to buy socks at Ranau. It was cold – I think what my friend, Kathleen Nandong  said in Facebook was the best summary to describe night atmosphere in Kundasang – the biggest aircond in Malaysia! If I am not mistaken, it was around 3 – 4 a.m. that I finally managed to get some sleep.

View from our balcony at 36 Mile Lodge. Isn’t that awesome? Some of my friends told me I was lucky because usually, our Mother Mount Kinabalu always plays ‘peekaboo’ under the white fleece sheet of clouds blanket! Sitting majestically there; I love hearing the mythical tales of Mount Kinabalu. Check this site for more reading : http://www.mount-kinabalu-borneo.com/mount-kinabalu-legends.html.

   

A view from gazebo at Mile 36 Lodge. Subhanallah, beautiful Mother Nature. Gaia has been gracious. (,”).

 

English breakfast ambiance at the Old Longhouse verandah of Mile 36 Lodge. The food are Halal, of course as Efy verified with them and I also checked in the website. I am quite particular with the food I consume – I have no comments on other Moslems who are “layback” on that, it is personal choice and of course, even if the food is Halal but if you don’t feel convince, that you are not bound to eat that. But either way, it is my personal choice which I can’t compromise. Thanks to Efy for being understanding. Friendship is all about respecting each others, no? (,”)

Saturday morning, 17th December 2016 – the morning view from our Mile 36 Lodge balcony was amazing. We could view Mount Kinabalu directly from our balcony! Efy was glad with himself for selecting this lodge and I agreed that it was a great place. Well, when you visit Sabah, obviously Mount Kinabalu IS the icon and you would want to immortalize your memory with that, no? We had breakfast at Old Longhouse verandah. With the morning sunlight beginning to penetrate through windows and beautiful varicoloured mountain wild flowers planted at the sides of verandah, our breakfast felt so simplistic English! Amazing! On whole, we really enjoyed our stay at Mile 36 Lodge and Efy is thinking of revisiting the place as he is a frequent traveller from Tongod (where he teaches now) to Kota Kinabalu and he always pass by Kundasang. You guys can check the website at this link (we stayed at Chin’s Bungalow) : http://www.mile36lodge.com/!

Woohoo. No climbing for me this time as this is a spontaneous trip AND I haven’t done any prior exercize! Perhaps in the upcoming trip – climbing Mount Kinabalu is one of my wishlists!

  

At Kinabalu Park, one of the World Heritage Sites. 

We then headed to Kinabalu Park. No, I did not climb Mount Kinabalu as you couldn’t do it on impulse. I had to do physical exercise prior to this because it demands stamina, of course! Perhaps in my upcoming next visit! Haha! From there, we went straight to Desa Dairy  Cattle Farm to witness the Holstein Friesian cattle reared in Malaysia. Immense crowds were thronging the place and luckily we didn’t get ourselves into the parking lot frenzy (we parked at somewhere considerably far) as vehicles were lining up for the limited parking lot spaces! I had the chance to taste the dairy ice cream (which Efy had been emphasizing that I MUST TRY) but not the milk as people were thronging the counter and the queue was so long! And I also bumped into one of my Facebook friends, Deryk Chew who is a soldier and he told me that he is based at Sandakan. Haha! Unexpected!

 Feel so New Zealander? Haha!

 

The Holstein Freisian cows are placed at special barns with air-conditioners. I guess it is to stimulate the cold temperate weather abroad as this species originates from Netherlands. Y’all can always read it in Wikipedia for background reading. 

 

Beautiful green pasture of Desa Dairy Cattle Farm at Kundasang, Sabah.

The Dairy Farm’s ice cream. Efy insisted I tried this – it was nice. Unfortunately, we couldn’t get our hands to the milk due to the extra long queue. 

 

Selfie is a must!(,”). Well, Deryk Chew who is a Facebook friend actually saw me while I was busy taking Selfies. Awkward but it was cool. Haha! Damn!

Little New Zealand in Malaysia.

Next, we went to Kundasang World War 2 Memorial. It was built by the Australian government to pay tribute to the demised soldiers who were involved in the Sandakan Prisoner of War Camp. There were few segments in the memorial – The Australian garden, the English garden and then an elongated fountain with placards of the demised soldiers on the wall. It was a very tragic history. Being a historical freak, I was both bedazzled and saddened by the memorial. As it was already noon, we decided to buy lunch at a mini Tamu at Kundasang township. I bought Nasi Ayam while Efy bought Nasi Linopot, rice wrapped with leave. Apparently, this is a poplar local dish in Ranau, Sabah! We ate in the car while witnessing the Kundasang green pasture at a lookout point.

The Gateway to the Kundasang War Memorial.

 

An ode to the demised Australian soldiers. 

 

I love history. I can be in museums for hours. Some people may find history mundane – but I enjoyed it. I did one time in my life aspired to be an archaeologist! Haha!

The placards emblazoning the names of the demised soldiers in Sandakan Prisoner of War camp.

  

Fancy yourself being a Grecian? There is an elongated fountain here. And a whole range of gardens in the memorial.

A graffiti at an alley of Kundasang township. Creative!

The famous Nasi Linopot, a rice wrapped with leave – a famous cuisine at Ranau.

Performed prayer at a mosque in Ranau and then through the Borneo’s Crocker Range, we headed to Mahua Waterfall at Tambunan. Along the way, we could see a lot of villages at the side of the hills. I couldn’t help feeling bedazzled with the olden days. They had unique and creative ways to built settlements in accordance to the geography they dwelt, no? Who would have thought that terrains at mountains could be turned into human settlements?! Splendid! Mahua Waterfall was idyllic place. The cascading water was ethereal. At first glance, it seemed as if the place is an unknown secluded place but people gradually coming in and you could also see a few people with nice bodies enjoying the water (lol).

The gateway to Mahua Waterfall. It is a waterfall at the Borneo’s Crocker Range!

  

Beautiful waterfall cascading. The first time I saw the name “Mahua”, I had mental reminiscence of an old 90s rock Malay song called “Mei Hua” (about a love affair between Malay guy and Chinese woman. LOL!) and also a Chinese classic song sung by Celine Dion called “Mo Li Hua”!! Haha, you know me; very photographic minded!

Not far from there is Efy’s village, Kampung Tibabar. The Mat Salleh Memorial was erected at the very heart of the village. The memorial stone is located at the centre of the park. According to Efy, the park used to be planted with flowers and a roofed arch was built (the images can be traced in Wikipedia page at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mat_Salleh_Rebellion) but now the park is significantly empty. I wonder what happened. For some people, this place could be quite mundane and perhaps as unworthy to be visited as it is located miles from Kota Kinabalu but as a historical aficionado, I am always excited with historical artifacts; so I was happy to see the place where our hero, Mat Salleh was killed by the British who labelled him as terrorists – we must never echo the English historians; they just see the world with their own colonial lenses!

The historical memorial of Mat Salleh at Kampung Tibabar, Tambunan; which happened to be Efy’s village.

We then made way back to Kota Kinabalu via Penampang. From Tambunan, we crossed the Borneo’s Crocker range and at the midway of the high altitude, there is a place called Mount Alab Resort which was more like a motel and a few stalls to quench the thirst. It was undeniable a cool spot and by the time we were about to resume our journey at 5.30 p.m., it was already misty and foggy. You guys can have glimpse of it at this site http://beautifulkk.com/articles/2011/09/05/gunung-alab-resort. So, Efy drove away and we passed by another resting spot called “Gunung Emas” which is now a dilapidated and deserted spot – Efy told me it used to be quite an attractive spot there. Goodness knows what happened?!

The Alab Mountain resting spot. Quite a tranquil and secluded place and obviously the only place that commuters can rest before resuming their long winding road towards Kota Kinabalu. Situated virtually at the heart of Penampang-Tambunan road. You guys can check the map if you are curious about the road. 

After circa 35-40 minutes, we arrived at Dongongan and then towards Penampang and straight into Kota Kinabalu. As usual, a spontaneous idea flickered and we headed to GSC Sabah Suria for “Rogue One”, the latest Star Wars installment albeit we were already sleepy and tired. Surprisingly with caffeine and lots of goofy movie reviews throughout the 2 hours and half duration, we managed to watch it without dozing off! Haha!

 

Apparently, this spot is called ODEC (Outdoor Development Centre) in Universiti Malaysia Sabah @ UMS. Look at the sea; so crystal-clear. 

So, the last day at Sabah dated 18th December 2016 on Sunday; Efy went out for his Church prayer and circa 11.00 a.m. we pushed off from Menggatal towards Kota Kinabalu. Our first stop was at Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) where Efy and my Next-Next Cousin Darweena Al-Idrus studied (and is studying) for Master’s Degree. At last, I have stepped my footsteps there. We went to the aquatic centre and we encountered this opening beach spot inside UMS itself! Teacher Qamarina in my Facebook told me that it is called ODEC (Outdoor Development Centre). Seriously with its crystal clear ocean, it was a pure therapeutic feeling. I was starting to imagining myself working in UMS! lol! For information, maybe you guys can check this link at http://www.ums.edu.my/pkppv2/index.php/en/facilities/outdoor-development-centre-odec.

Majestic view of Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. 

 

A view from Signal Hill. Bird’s point of view. Imagining years ago when British colonists used this spot to monitor the ships at Jesselton port? So much like Penang Hill in my birthplace, Penang. I love historical facts and love imagining that era. 

Tanjung Aru, a beach that is popular in Kota Kinabalu.

Next, we had lunch at Nasi Ayam Penyet at Alamesra. The Indonesian restaurant provided delicious finger-licking chicken. We chatted there for almost an hour and then to Kota Kinabalu City Mosque to pray. It was a big mosque facing South China Sea. I always feel at ease visiting mosque at new places. After that, had a quick tour at Signal Hill Observatory Tower which is ala Penang Hill – a spot where English colonists used to observe the movements of ships coming in and out from Jesselton (Kota Kinabalu’s former name). You guys can have a bird’s point of view of Kota Kinabalu up here. From there, we dashed to the nearby Tanjung Aru, a popular beach spot at Kota Kinabalu. Nevertheless, due to drizzle and time-constraint, we didn’t explore the beach that much. By that time, it was already 5.00 p.m. and my boarding time was supposed to be circa 5.55 p.m.

The Kota Kinabalu International Airport! Wow, I’ve made it to Sabah! LMAO! Unplanned, unexpected and purely spontaneous. Haha!

Thanks Efy for your gracious hospitality and being such a spot-on tourist guide! So much to talk and catch up after the 3 years (last time we gathered, he came to stay at my rent house in Serendah. He is yet to stay at Batang Kali! Haha!). I had enjoyable 3 days and 3 nights stay. Although it was a spontaneous and abrupt decision, Efy was willing to spare time accompanying me. Thanks, buddy!

On whole, I had great time at Sabah despite a few flaws but yeah, I am glad I did this spontaneous trip. Initially, I plan to reserve Sabah for my own quality time with you-know-who but with all the endless dramas and baseless provocations, I decide to do this myself. In addition, doing a solo trip is quite therapeutic as you cut yourself from unworthy negative aura! Immersing with positive energy is one of the best way to rejuvenate your youth and I don’t wanna get old so fast! LMAO!

 

The Masakob Waterfall was an unexpected waterfall we saw at Tambunan on the way back to Kota Kinabalu via Mount Alab. Apparently one of my Facebook friends, Abang Teaddy Maideh, a Sabahan also happened to be there (Haha, I thought it was a secluded waterfall!). The other picture was at Kinabalu Park as we strolled along the pavement savouring the beauty of Mother Nature. Thanks, amigo!

Thanks to my Doncha buddy, Efesius Abu Constantine for your gracious hospitality throughout my 3 days 3 nights stay at Sabah. I appreciate the efforts of wanting me to experience most of the Sabah’s tourist spots there. I am bedazzled with Sabah’s natural beauty and honestly, Sabahans are quite eye candies – irresistible seeing the hotties walking around every now and then while catching their eyes playing “seductive eye glances”. Haha! Who knows, I may return to Sabah discreetly for rendezvous? LMAO!! On a serious note, Sabah is a great place. Will be back again, Insya ALLAH – God bless!

I managed to take this picture of “Padi Huma” or mountain paddy on the way to Tambunan. Ethereal scenic view of secluded village. Imagining leading simple life here. Tranquil.

On the way back to Kota Kinabalu via Penampang-Tambunan Road. From the point of Borneo’s Crocker Range; witnessing the sunset. And at the yonder, you could see villages at the mountain terrains. I am very amazed by that, still. Beautiful Sabah with beautiful nature and people! (,”).

Considered as an iconic Kadazan song, the song “Jambatan Tamparuli” or Tamparuli Bridge is the song that would reminds the Sabahan abroad of their beloved state, I am sure. Efy told me that Kadazan language usually has all the “z”s alphabets whereas Dusun usually possess more “o”s.