Borneo

I had a colleague of mine from Hungary in KL for 2 weeks, and that was a good excuse to go to places. First place was Borneo, Sabah, Kota Kinabalu. We flew there by Air Asia. That is a budget flight but it was OK. Even the food they sell was good and wasn't expensive at all. I had a rough day as was running between offices, was on meetings all day and didn't even had time to eat. Anyway we got there around 9pm. Was hoping that we still have the rooms booked in the hotel, as I only booked it over the phone, and was also hoping that it is good hotel. We were surprised that it was a 4 star hotel, based on the price we didn't expect it. So we did have the rooms when we got there, I have given the twin bed one to Kálmán, as he is very tall and that was more comfy - sometimes I can be a nice person. :) We went out that nite, first to eat. We managed to get to the wet market, where we tried bbq-d squid. Sounds weird? It was but it tasted good. But we did go to a proper restaurant as well. We were advised by the staff that we should order the soup bowl as the pax is too small. Well... it was tooooo much, we couldn't finish. Especially that we ordered some noodle as well with seafood - I just love seafood noodle. :) After dinner we found a club called 'Bed'. There was some local band on stage, under dressed girls - Kálmán did tell me afterwards that one of the girls didn't really had the shape for that kind of a clothing. Well he was right, the girl was a bit fatty, but as long as she was happy... :)

Saturday morning, breakfast at 6.30am!!! and then was heading to the bus station to get to the Kinabalu National Park. First Kálmán said we will go to the top of the Kinabalu mountain - that is 4000 m high -, and of course I was pessimistic. Anyway after about an hour travel in a small van with another 12 people!!!, we were dropped at the bottom of the park entrance. Managed to get some maps and a car to take us to the entrance to the forest. We got ourselved registered, got our pass cards, food, raincoat and we started our journey. It was hard work!!! It was very steap, so after about 1km, I was very, very tired. But Kálmán was the Nike advert saying: You Can Do It! We have taken lots of pictures, were feeding squirrels - that was good fun. They are so, so quick. We have given them apple, just putting it down on the ground. The little thing came, took it and within 2 seconds was up on a tree happily eating it. As you could see in the pics - those who got the link - we did manage to a certain point - not to the top - were exhausted by the time we got there, and we did know that it will not be easier at all to come down. And we were right! It started to rain on the way down, the ground got more muddy - my trainers will never be white again - and of course we did not put the raincoat on on time, so got soaking wet by the time we got down. Also we were late and had to take a taxi back town. As it was still raining the driver had to keep the A/C on to get the mist off the windscreen. I was sitting in front, and was freezing in my wet clothes. The journey was more than 2 hrs back. We didn't do anything that nite. We both went to our rooms, had hot bath and just watched telly. I had some very nice wonton soup, as I had to get something hot not to get sick. Sunday, early morning breakfast again (6.30am), checked out from hotel and went to get a boat to the nearby island. We managed to get a tour of 3 small islands. It was amazing! First island we were snorkelling - it is similar to scuba diving, but you only use a pipe and you don't go underwater. That was my first time, and I must say I wasn't the best. I couldn't breath normally with that thing in my mouth, I wanted to throw up all the time. But then found the technic, but wasn't brave enough to go deep in to the sea. So I kept next to the rope holding on to it. And I must say, it worth every minute. I saw some wonderful creatures and fish. I loved it!! Second island, I convinced Kálmán to try parasailing. I was so scared, as I have fear of height, and here I am up in the sky, sitting on a piece of material and hanging on a rope hundreds of meters above the sea. The guys in the boat have a trick for this adventure. They drop people down in the sea. You can imagine how scared I was when we hit the water and even went under. But it was fun, good fun. I am really glad that we tried it. Third island, we had lunch and saw some gigantic lizards. Kálmán went for a wonder in the forest, and nearly got late. We had our boat pick up at 4pm, as we had to get to the airport by 5. We flew back to KL, got back around 9pm, were at my apartment around 9.45, collected laptops from Chetan and I took Kálmán back to the hotel. Waited until he checked that he still has the room, and then went home. Was so tired, but had to get up in time on Monday, as work was waiting. I am sure I will go back to Borneo with Petr when he is here, maybe to another part to see orangutans, I'm sure he will love it as well. So anyone wants to join us?? You are welcome to join!