Sabah Twosome...

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Date: 12-15th June 2011. Company: Diethelm Travel Sdn Bhd.
I was determined to rid my mind of unnecessary worries during my travel to Sabah. Worries of work, of everyday's programme during the trip, of whether my friend is enjoying herself during the trip. And I succeeded! A Worry free, slightly stress free getaway. So, we had a helpful colleague drive us to Senai airport from Larkin. Our flight from Senai to KK is much much cheaper compared to flights from Singapore to KK. (more than two times cheaper) Getting to Senai airport from singapore is very simple. From Singapore immigration, get a bus(SBSTransit 170 or Causeway Link CW1) to Larkin, Afterwhich, hop on a white Causeway Link bus to Senai Airport (RM8) Just ask around in Larkin for the bus to airport. Make sure it is the Causeway link bus, just to be safe.
We reached KK Airport at 840pm and wee greeted by Ida, from Diethelm travel. A very hospitable, fun loving girl. Upon checking into Gaya Centre hotel, we had dinner at the Central Market. There are two night markets near our hotel; Central Mkt and Filipin Market. Both are equally good. Wide variety of food, relatively cheap with very friendly people. Food and shopping are all within walking distance. Bike rental is available in a shop behind our hotel. Go Go Bike Rental, if im not mistaken. But most Sabahans prefer driving. So, be prepared to be caught in a jam during peak hours.
Places we visited:
1. Kundasang: The air is cool, 20 deg Celsius perhaps. There is a row of shops selling fresh and packed vegetables. Have Lunch at the Cottage Resaurant. Take a short drive up to the Cattle Farm, where cows are bred to produce milk for the whole of Sabah. A truly beautiful place, with the view of Mt. Kinabalu.
2. Mari-mari Cultural Village: Located in Inanam, this place provides insight to the traditional lifetyles of some indigineous tribes in Sabah. There are 32 tribes in Sabah altogether, but not all are shown. Nevertheless, go there and experience some traditional dances, food and games.
3. Snorkeling at Manukan and Sapi Island: Perhaps due to the rain, visibility was not as good as we expected. But nevertheless, we enjoyed ourselves quite a bit. It took time to warm up to idea of snorkelling on our own in waters 3m deep, but once we saw the marine life, we had fun. It would be fun to try diving in other parts of Sabah. Next time maybe 😊

4 days is definitely not enough to explore Kota Kinabalu, let alone Sabah. One thing for sure, climbing Mt. Kinabalu is a definite must the next time we visit Sabah. Let the planning start!!

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