On the Tip of Borneo (Kota Kinabalu, Malaysian Borneo)
Was it our sixth day already?
Where do I find "calendar" on my phone and, more precisely, what day is today?
I need coffee!...
Shall we go to the beach?
We are.
Since we're up and functioning in such a "green lung" as the Borneo - one of the real Rainforests of the world - why not try to make the most of it in the early morning?
We had realized beforehand that these holidays would not contemplate much beach time. Either because our route wasn't planned to include much of them or because, when they were available, they weren't probably a great deal.
Even then, we'd realized KK (Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia) wasn't a huge metropolis with plenty of places to visit but yet, we found it wise to extend our stay here to slow things down a bit instead of rushing amongst places - keep in mind we hit 7 cities in less than three weeks.
The previous evening was within the lines of acceptable.
People were of extreme kindness though the number of huge rats dancing in the street may put some people's nerves off. The usual "if you don't hurt them, they won't mind you" principle easily evaporates once the first one goes "Squick". Countless times.
If you haven't traveled to Asia and other parts of the world that are far off your comfort zone, do expect such encounters. The travel agency surely won't put it on the cover of any brochure. You, the traveler, will come out on the other end with fun stories to tell that include your funny furry friends.
The early morning brought immense blue sky and torrid heat.
We got out of our hole to find out what surprises our hotel had for us at breakfast. We already know that the local catering is pointed at the majority - Chinese tourists. Unfortunately for us, Chinese don't seem to appreciate the kind and delicate taste of Croissant, bread or, god forbid cereal. Not when you can enjoy a filling meal in the morning.
Not at all a criticism, but one of the expected end results when you're so far off your home base.
Even being the large the real minority, we got on with what was at hand, no complaints. The more remote your stop is, the less it will resemble whatever you take for granted at home. Within that also lives one of the wonders of travel.
We're so far from Singapore or any highly developed place as we know it that even sending an e-mail back home is starting to become painful. In the next few days, things won't become any easier and will, at times, be impossible.
Perfect.
Backpack. Sunscreen. Plenty of water.
We head to the pier that couldn't look more British. The sign reads Jesselton Point and if it wasn't for the crystal clear waters, we could just as easily be somewhere else.
From there we take a speedboat towards one of the Islands near KK. You can see them from the distance and the way the Sun makes the water shine out there makes us believe we'll have a nice relaxed day in a small paradise.
There are little shops on the pier selling lots of great things. Carrot juice? Check! Mango custard pastry? Check!
It's a delight to sit in the waiting area with these delicacies. Everything seems to taste incredibly under the tropical heat.
Once we make our way to Sapi Island (Pulau Sapi), we find it nothing short of idyllic. Clear waters, white sand, a Chinese invasion of people dressed from head to toe. Us, tremendously South European. Bikini, shorts - to each its own.
The Chinese girls take their time posing for endless pictures. They bring hats, dresses that they change into, alternative scenarios and poses that will surely impress friends and family back home. We quietly observe with amazement and, I admit, some fun.
We take the day off to breathe in the midst of so many endless walks, visits, and adventures.
Our journey is particularly long, and we may as well slow down and relax.
Since we must, it may as well be in a place like this.
We take a few pictures, keep it all in a place on our heart and further towards the end of the afternoon, the speedboat will have us back to KK. Triumphantly. Another day well spent that made us consider if we should visit any of the other islands.
That evening we have dinner by the Sea in a nice place, just enjoying our last bite before a tremendous and epic shower of rain gets everyone jumping with the restaurant staff doing their very best to keep it all under control. Tables are carried, plates get removed, a bunch of us under a cover, laughing and sharing that little moment as travelers and locals. It's simple, but life should be made of simple things.
We put an end to our day in the most Western possible way having a drink at the Hard Rock in town, listening to one of the most amazing bands ever. My wife scratches off another HR from her list.
To end the day we still discuss whether to walk back to the hotel or grab a taxi.
Given the experience, we may as well go dancing in the street...
By the time we finally go back to bed, KK has easily won our hearts.
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