Travelogue: Kota Kinabalu, 27 Sep 06

Going to UMS

0730 had breakfast. Made up my mind to go to UMS , will skip the Monsopiad village idea

0800 went to Pasar Besar, bought the chillies & pineapples. Also found a copy of my manga (that made me quite happy)

0820 went back to room, to pack for my trip to UMS. The hotel lady told me I could check out at 4pm instead of 12pm as initially told. That was very nice of her, just kept thanking her

0835 caught a mini-bus (actually a van) at Pasar Besar to UMS. Passed by those Bajau houses on the sea by stilts. But the water was not deep, like knee length. But it does look in poor conditions & weather beaten

At Universiti Malaysia Sabah

0845 reached UMS. The entrance with waterfall was majestic … and even more was the canselori on the hilltop once I walked through the gates … simply cool like the hotel guy told me

0850 reached the Dewan Kuliah Pusat, had quite a nice canteen, with scenic seat under pines trees … looked so enticing. But kept going

0900 saw the cove for the aquatic faculty, looked very nice & I can imagine that once completed, it would be the most scenic faculty in Malaysia … next to the beach, how more grand can you ask for?

1000 reached the top of the canselori, and it’s breathtaking, from the front, overseeing the Likas area … and also the sea … it’s so nice & breezy, so I stopped for an oat bar there … simple but enjoyable pleasure. Of course by now I took tons of pictures …

1050 walked past the nice mosque (it’s more polygonal than curved) & descended down to the forestry faculty … thought it would lead me back to the entrance, but I was wrong … I had to climb up the hill again to the mosque again via another road … and was very tired by then.

Back to KK

1110 reached the gate, took 1 last picture of the canselori & waited for my mini-bus again. It came very quickly though. Went for a quick meal at Gaya Road, this time trying the laksa … not as nice as the one in KL, but it was different, I think it used the chicken curry instead of fishy curry powder

1130 took my bath & headed to Centralpoint for another movie, this time … ‘You, me & Dupree’ …

1400 movie exceeded my expectations & was quite happy with my time spent there.

Last bits of action

1415 went to the handicraft market again, bought my last pieces & went to buy the seafood that SF told me about. Quite good deal as 500g of frozen scallops was for RM12. Bought that and oysters at RM30 per kg. Done, my last shopping item in KK.

1515 took my bath, packed the last bits & ready to go.

1545 checked out. Waited for cab

1600 cab took me to buy my dinner, waited for me … then we’re off to Terminal Two.

1630 it’s still too early for a 1820 flight, but at least I am early, so I can relax, & anyway, no point hanging around in town with all my baggage (it’s a lot after considering the seafood & pineapples I bought back)

1800 got into plane, took off early too

Back in KL

2015 arrived back in LCCT. So glad to be back.

2100 parents arrive, then off to KLIA to send off the piggy.

2330 finally home, did some reintegration & then snoozed. What a trip.

Frozen seafood

The frozen seafood I bought were quite good deals, I thought. It’s at the road near Meridien hotel & 90 degrees to KK Plaza. Recommend for you to buy if you can find it.

Universiti Malaysia Sabah

I liked the campus very much, and I used to say that UUM was the most beautiful campus in West Malaysia. But with the breathtaking view, ultra clean environment & easy going lifestyle, USM gets my top vote. I now harbor a desire to retire to KK & teach at UMS … wow … very nice dream

By the way, the walk was very very tiring because of the 3 hills I covered by only walking ... and my legs were weak. Was glad to have 2 hours hibernation in the cinema to recuperate

People of KK

I liked people in KK, they are very warm, very sincere, very trustable, very helpful (even though some may not look the part) … and do not be fooled by gruff, simpleton or assertive looks, they are indeed more helpful than people in KL & they have simple & pure intentions towards their fellow human beings … I felt safe there for all of my time there.

I will definitely be back again & probably to conquer Mount Kinabalu … so it’s a long awaited trip to KK … the land below the wind … the winds of gentleness & warmth!

I was glad to be back in KL, but is the bustle, the rat race & lifestyle of a city what I really want? To be thought over & considered over the coming times … for now, lie the dream of living in KK.