Blogs from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia, Asia - page 38

Sabah is one of the 13 states that make up Malaysia, together with the capital district of Kuala Lumpur (KL). Along with the other Malaysian state Sarawak, Indonesia and Brunei, it makes up Borneo, the third largest island in the world. Both Sabah and Sarawak were independent colonies before joining Malaya in 1963, and even today they retain more autonomy than the other states. The capital city of Sabah is Kota Kinabalu (or KK) where Raleigh Fieldbase is situated. Sabah, otherwise known as ‘The Land Below the Wind’, has a beautiful and dramatic landscape, and some fascinating ethnic communities, flora and fauna. The state is well known for its incredible natural features and varied terrain, which includes everything from swampy, mangrove tangled coastal areas, to gorgeous sandy beaches and coral reefs, through dazzling green paddy fields ... read more

So aside from our exciting mountain climb, we did some other cool stuff during our 9 days in Kota Kinabalu (KK). We stayed in a good hostel called the Beach Lodge; the first 2 nights we shared the dorm with 5 really nice people from the Phillipines and at the time we had no idea that we'd bump into them again on the mountain (2 or 3 times)! KK is a pretty nice, fairly small city with lots of shops, markets, bars and restaurants and promenade on the harbour front. We visted 2 small islands off the coast on 2 days which form part of a national marine park. While trying to find the ferry port the first time (lousy Rough Guide map had it in the wrong place!) we got talked into renting a small ... read more

Hi guys, Jess here again, i am adding some photos, click on them to enlarge. These are some of my favourites. enjoy....... read more

(I don't have a cable for my photos so photos will follow) Fri 5th Jan After I had finished writing my last email I went to the hotel that we had to meet at the next day and asked if anyone had checked in. A lady called Mellinda had and so I went and knocked on her door and aranged to meet the next morning. I then had a disarster trying to get back to the hostel as I got on the right bus but didn't recognise where to get of and the driver didn't tell me (prob didn't understand when I asked). So I ended up back in town!! Lucky it was a circular route. When lady realised I was stuck she ended up walkingme all the way back to my hostel. It was so ... read more

We took an early flight to Kota Kinabalu or KK as it is known here. We called Bal's mum Rena and said hi we are here! sorry we arrived unannounced, but Rena was very happy to come and pick us up from the airport. first impressions of KK were wonderful the people here are amazing.... Spent one night with Rena at her new house, which has just been built in the hills, the second day we went to her local market and she showed us the true art of bartering. Stayed a night in KK city house with Rena, then caught a vey fast bumpy, winding bus to Sandakan. pictures of KK below and Rena's house for Bal to see......... read more