Press Release: ‘Tara Na Sa Malaysia’ Holiday Packages Brochure Launch

Tourism Malaysia marks its grandest tourism celebration, dubbed Visit Malaysia Year (VMY) 2014, with stepped up efforts to attract more visitors to this bubbling, energetic cultural melting pot filled with endless wondrous events, amazing festivals and exciting activities all year round. With its theme of “Celebrating 1Malaysia Truly Asia,” these efforts would position Malaysia as a premiere destination in Southeast Asia.

Here in Manila, Tourism Malaysia launched its campaign with the introduction of the “Tara Na Sa Malaysia” Holiday Packages Brochure on February 14, 2014 at the 2014 PTAA Travel Tour Expo. The brochures feature special Malaysia tour packages that have been put together with the help of valued local travel agents from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The brochures will be inserted on major newspapers, as well as selected magazines nationwide.

One of my fave creatures on Earth, the proboscis monkey! Photo by Tourism Malaysia.  

During the special event held at the Tourism Malaysia Booth, Senior Assistant Director of Tourism Malaysia (ASEAN Division), Mr. Mohd Akbal Setia enjoined the media and the thousands of attendees to come rediscover Malaysia and, for those who still haven’t visited the country, to finally experience its wonders for the first time.

"With Malaysia being one of the most accessible destinations for many Filipinos, we have created this vibrant new tourism campaign with our many wonderful partners to ensure that the figurative line that divides our two nations would remain a line drawn in sand, easily washed away by a tide of new and exciting experiences that would bind us closer as people," he said.

A crowded Tourism Malaysia booth. Photo by Tourism Malaysia.

At the same event, Datò Mohd Zamri Bin Mohd Kassim, Ambassador of Malaysia, Manila, reiterated the invitation with this message:

“There are numerous reasons tourists will find Malaysia an irresistible must-visit holiday destination. Whether it's rich and colorful multi-cultural heritage, exciting shopping malls, theme parks, fabulous food, great mountains and rivers, lush green parks and gardens, idyllic tropical islands, palm-fringed beaches or million-year-old rainforests – you can find all these attractions here in Malaysia.”

He added, “I believe this brochure with a thematic holiday packages is the first ever to be created,” also noting, “(It) promise tourists fun-filled time with lots of exciting activities. This is one of the many innovative holiday packages that have been created to diversify the nation’s tourism offerings.”

‘Tara Na Sa Malaysia’ Holiday Packages Brochure 2014 finally unveiled! From left to right: Ms. Trecey Tojuka (Deputy Director, Tourism Malaysia-Manila), Mr. Har Man Ahmad (Trade Counselor, MATRADE Manila), H.E. Mohd Zamri Mohd Kassim (Ambassador of Malaysia-Manila), Mr. Mohd Akbal Setia (Acting Director, Tourism Malaysia-Manila), Ms. Flora Loh (Phil. Area Manager), Malaysia Airlines. Photo by Tourism Malaysia.  

The “Tara Na Sa Malaysia Holiday” Packages Brochure offers a range of unique packages that highlight the following destinations for the travel period of March to December 2014:

Kuala Lumpur: Malaysia’s capital city is a bustling metropolis with unique landmarks that are instantly recognizable worldwide. Iconic skyscrapers grace the city’s skyline, co-existing with remnants of history. KL is also a melting pot of races and cultures brimming with diverse entertainment options, exciting attractions and a comprehensive transportation system.

Putrajaya: Known as Malaysia’s administrative capital, which is also nicknamed the country’s “Intelligent Garden City.” Possessing a refreshingly different urban landscape, the city is a clever combination of nature and state-of-the-art infrastructure.

Malacca: The birthplace of the nation’s historical and cultural heritage. Malacca has a long and illustrious past. Its remnants are well preserved and can still be seen today earning it the prestigious title of UNESCO World Heritage City in 2008.

Luna loves Malacca and cendol!  

Johor: Situated at the southernmost part of Peninsular Malaysia, it is the country’s southern gateway. The state is blessed with a diversity of natural attractions, which includes verdant rainforests, cascading waterfalls, thriving wetlands and beautiful tropical islands off its coasts.

Penang: One of the World’s top holiday destinations, Penang is a delightful fusion of nature, culture and history. Home to a UNESCO World Heritage City and one of the world’s longest bridges, Penang leaves an indelible mark on each visitor, leaving them wanting more with each visit.

Sabah: Also known as “Land Below The Wind”, Sabah is made up of enchanting tropical islands, lush virgin rainforests and over 30 different ethnic communities. It is most well known for its icon, Mount Kinabalu, while its island of Sipadan is internationally recognized as one of the world’s best diving destinations.

Lankawi: This city is a part of an archipelago made up of 99 islands and is one of the country’s most popular holiday destinations. It boosts some of the region’s best natural attractions, earning it a UNESCO Global Geopark status in 2007.

Barbie Almalbis-Honasan rockin' the stage. Sang the 'Tara Na Sa Malaysia' jingle and some of her hits. Photo by Tourism Malaysia.  

It also puts into focus the wide range of activities available to visitors in Malaysia from theme park visits, shopping, nightlife, gastronomic adventures, honeymoon and romantic getaways, golfing, beach, cultural immersions and many others.

For those planning their next travel with Malaysia in mind, the “Tara Na Sa Malaysia” Holiday Packages Brochure is the perfect guide to help them see, feel and experience Malaysia. A Truly Asian adventure begins here.

For more information, visit www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my or Like Tara Na Sa Malaysia on Facebook.

Malaysia Airlines, Philippine Airlines, PAL Express, Cebu Pacific and Air Asia Zest flies direct from Manila – Kuala Lumpur or Kota Kinabalu. For flight schedules, please refer to the links below: www.malaysiaairlines.com, www.philippineairlines.com, www.palexpress.com, www.cebupacificair.com and www.airasiazest.com.

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2013 Year-Ender: When Travel Turned Into A Black Hole

And I got sucked in.

In 2012, we were armed with all sorts of excuses: Extended honeymoon stage. A break from the mundane. Discounted airfares for tots. "Still saving up for a house (and/or still haven't decided where to buy)". Backpacking while young. Living in the now... The list went on and echoed through the beginning of 2013. 2012, no doubt was a wild child.

2013 on the other hand started out quite prim, then morphed into some bad arse that broke out of its cage named 'settling down'. The call of elsewhere was much too strong and we ran free. Directionless, that we eventually found ourselves in a black hole that is long termish travel (again).

I could make up a bunch of reasons why we're postponing domesticity. But for today I'll use portraits and landscapes to back me up.

Eriyadu Island Resort, North Male Atoll, Maldives.
1. Australia

Clockwise from top left: 1. Bro-in-law's beautiful wedding in Curzon Hall, a sandstone manor built in the 1890s. 2. Bondi Beach, finally, after so many New South Wales visits. 3. Luna's third birthday at ze Persian in-laws' house. 4. Selfeet with  my Bensimon sneakers, Sydney Harbour Bridge.

2. Philippines

Clockwise from top left: 1. Thunderbird Poro Point, San Fernando, La Union for the hubby's birthday. 2. T'nalak Festival, South Cotabato. 3. Tattooed by one of the (there's a protégé) last mambabatoks in Kalinga. 4. Hapao Rice Terraces trek, Ifugao.  

3. Myanmar

Clockwise from top left: 1. Consulting a map at Yangon International Airport (photo by Ron of fliptravels.com). 2. Luna vs. angry birds. Yangon city center walking tour (photo by Ron). 3. Sunrise at Old Bagan. 4. Bare feet and templed-out (photo also by Ron).  

4. Singapore

Clockwise from top left: 1. We love Hotel Re! Nope, not a sponsored post. 2. Catching up with sis. 3. Supertrees Grove. 4. Marina Bay Sands.

5. Laos

Clockwise from top left: 1. Wat Si Saket, Vientiane. 2. Vang Vieng. Party central no more. 3. B-52 bomb crater in Xiangkhouang Province. 4. The mysterious Plain of Jars, also in Xiangkhouang Province.
6. Turkey

Clockwise from top left: 1. Blue Mosque, Istanbul. 2. Goreme Open Air Museum, Cappadocia. 3. Oldest temple in the world, Gobekli Tepe (older than the wheel, they say). 4. Pamukkale or "Cotton Castle". Calcite-covered mountain in Denizli Province.

7.  Armenia

Clockwise from top left: 1. One of our afternoon walks around Armenia's capital, Yerevan. 2. Khor Virap, an Armenian Apostolic Church monastery in Ararat valley. 3. UNESCO World Heritage Site Monastery of Geghard, partially carved out of a mountain. 4. The Armenian Genocide Museum.

8. Georgia (Yes, it's a country!)

Clockwise from top left: 1. Svetitskhoveli Cathedral, Georgian Orthodox cathedral, Mtskheta. 2. Crossing the border by foot to Azerbaijan for Davit Gareji Monastery. 3. Ancient rock-hewn town Uplistsikhe, Eastern Georgia. 4. Former Soviet leader Joseph Stalin's house in Gori.

9. Nepal

Clockwise from top left 1. Climbing Fasidega Temple, Bhaktapur Durbar Square. 2. Luna sits in a kindergarten class/day care center for two days. 3. View of Himalayan peaks from our room's balcony in Nagarkot. 4. UNESCO World Heritage Site Boudhanath, Kathmandu.  

10. Malaysia

Clockwise from top left 1. Hotel Puri, a Peranakan ancestral home housed in a gorgeous structure built in the 1800s. 2. Nyonya Laksa. 3. Christ Church, 18th century Anglican church. One of Melaka's well-known landmarks. 4. Walking tour around UNESCO World Heritage Site Melaka.

12. Maldives

 

Clockwise from top left 1. Artificial Hulhumale Island. 2. A Maldivian 'bench'. 3. Eriyadu Island Resort. 4. Chili patties. Or something like that.      If your black hole is this bewitching, will you try to crawl out of it?     

 

This year-ender post is my entry to the Pinoy Travel Bloggers’ Blog Carnival for December 2013 with the theme “The Pinoy Travel Bloggers Closing the Curtains on 2013: Love, Learn and Living”, hosted by Brenna Bustamante of The Philippine Travelogue.




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2013: The Last Quarter

On some occasions, it feels good to eat your own words. Especially when your words are in such sequence: We're not traveling for a while.

About three months ago, hubby and I went about talking to skeptic minds on the subject of finally settling down. And we were thrown with the response "That's what you guys said the last time we saw you!" almost each time. In my 2013 Thus Far: The Third Quarter article, I even put it on record... "So we'll pass up on exhaustion, sleeplessness, and starvation... For now. We're embracing the humdrum."

The 'embracing' didn't go too well for we didn't really settle in Australia when we went in October. Instead, we cut the stay short and ended up backpacking in two other countries. We're restless like that. Thus the journey to domesticity this last quarter of 2013 has been protracted and taxing. I'm fighting fits of post-trip depression in between jaunts and I don't know how I'm gonna hold up.

Keep calm and swing like a wrecking ball. Eriyadu Island Resort, Maldives.   Now let me share with you the events that transpired the past three months before my low EQ lures me into pigging out and lazing in bed until the holidays are over (Spending Christmas and New Year's Eve in the Philippines again for the first time in two years!):

Kicked off the last quarter with a passport renewal. Old passport still got about two blank pages left, but because its cover has been detached for more than a year (yeah surprisingly I got away with it), I decided to get a new one. Did the renewal at DFA Pampanga for the first time and the whole shebang only took twenty minutes!

Traveled to Buscalan, Kalinga for a traditional tattoo by mambabatok Fang-Od. She did mine and the hubby's with only one good eye, for the other one's sort of impaired because some debris got in it while she was tending the farm. The tribe by the way killed a chicken as tradition (when a foreign child visits their territory) and slathered its blood on my new tattoo in the belief that it'll help make it heal faster.

Pajama-partied in Linden Suites with fellow travel bloggers. We were provided an entire floor of suites!

Staycationed in Hotel 878 Libis for Ron's (FlipTravels.com) birthday shindig. Their. Lofts. Rock.

Was invited to Bensimon Philippines' bloggers event, wherein we were introduced to their line of Parisian sneakers — and were fed divine Cupcakes by Sonja. Walked away with a sunny yellow pair.

Lucky to be in town for the Sugar Ray, Smash Mouth and Gin Blossoms (SugarSmashGin) concert in Smart Araneta, Cubao. Scored free tickets from ze cousin! Watched with a stranger.

Finally made it to the Sculptures By The Sea exhibit in Bondi, New South Wales, Australia after missing out on two chances the previous two years.

Attended a simple birthday gathering at South Curl Curl Beach, New South Wales, Australia. It was our first time there and man, let me just say how fun the name 'Curl Curl' is. It's got a 50-meter pool and a toddlers area which Luna loved.

Revisited Sydney's Luna Park. Still didn't get on any of the rides.

I wore a Gameboy dress for Halloween.

Traveled to Malacca, Malaysia for the first time and checked in Hotel Puri, a Peranakan ancestral home housed in a gorgeous structure built in the 1800s. Malacca's City center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and out of its many attractions, we only visited one: Eighteenth century Anglican church, The Christ Church.

Speaking of Malacca, its nyonya laksa and chicken rice ball swept me off my feet!

Hubby and I celebrated our five years of togetherness in Maldives. Because we were able to book really cheap tickets (like, $1 cheap per person, from Kuala Lumpur to Male and back), we splurged on an island resort accommodation for one night. The other two nights were spent in Hulhumalé, an artificial island south of North Male Atoll.

Partnered with Anma Lifestyle. This mum's backpack now contains luxe travel accessories!

This mum also now dons My Philippines apparel. The brand just celebrated their 10th year anniversary.

Remember the Travel Blogging Calendar I posed for last year? The team behind it is back, and I'm once again participating in the project. This year we want to raise awareness about the plight of Asian elephants. We're supporting the mission of the Save Elephant Foundation in Thailand, and we're accepting donations on their behalf.

Lastly, Pinay Travel Junkie topped the 15 Best Travel Blogs of 2013 poll and I got my fellow travel bloggers to thank for! They're like family to me now. I suggest you guys follow their adventures too!

2014 plans...

We got the option to enroll our daughter into a Philippine school next year. Now if we do, that could only mean exploring more local destinations. And we can hardly wait!


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Travel With Your Bensimon Sneaker Chic On: A Review Plus A Giveaway

Bonjour messieurs and mesdemoiselles — oh yes I'm feeling like a Parisian in Manila today. Pourquoi? It's because iconic and symbolic French sneakers, Bensimon (pronounced benˈ-see-mon), has finally stepped onto Philippine streets this year and am actually donning a bright yellow pair this very sunny moment.

My Bensimon pair is a splash of happy to my Sydney spring stroll.  

If you're occasionally sartorially dyslexic like me or have been living in a cave or you're simply into other types of footwear, Bensimon Collection's a line of sneakers that possesses all the makings of a quintessential summer shoe: It's lightweight (made of canvas and light rubber sole), it's got clean and simple lines (can go with almost any outfit), and comes in a plethora of colors. It also covers an array of styles and prints (for men, women, and children) to promote the individuality of  consumers — meaning, it's FUN!

The duo behind the brand are brothers Serge and Yves Bensimon whose designs are inspired by world travel, military, and Parisian fashion.

Swing by their site http://bensimon.com.ph/ to see designs available in the Philippines.  

Last October, I was invited to a media event by Bensimon Philippines at their head office in Makati. A handful of us travel bloggers (lifestyle and fashion bloggers too) were gathered to get acquainted with the sneaker brand and were given our own free pairs to give 'em a go.

As I slipped in my canary yellow Bennies for the first time, I understood forthwith its "perfect imperfections". Its apparent handmade elements make it seem somewhat rugged, yet its plain sailing contours possess an elegant trait. Quite the juxtaposition, but it works!

A pop of contrast to the aging heritage structures in Malacca.

Since acquiring my Bennies, they have: Weaved the bustling sidewalks of Manila, strolled around Sydney during spring, stomped the oldest Melakan streets for gastronomic pursuits, and lazily sauntered along Maldives' blinding white beaches.

No blisters. No sweat. No worries (They're machine washable!).

I was won over and I reckon I'm getting my daughter a pair too.

Beach eye candy. Sauntering Hulhumalé's coast.  

Responsible for bringing Bensimon to the Philippines is Terry S. A., a renowned company who also manages distributions of Havaianas, David and Goliath, and Pininho in Manila. TSA flies the lifestyle brand over to the Philippines, making the Parisian "innate sense of aesthetics and taste of the basics" within arms reach for Filipinos of all generations.

Price ranges from P2,095 to P2,565 for the men and women's line and P1,295 to P1,795 for the kids' styles.

Where could you find Bensimon sneakers in the Philippines? Rustans (Gateway, Makati, Alabang Town Center), Center of Gravity (Forbes Town, Burgos Circle, Centris Walk), Shoe Salon (Glorietta 3, Power Plant Mall Rockwell, Robinson's Ermita, Shangri-La Plaza Mall, Trinoma), and Shoe Thing (Kids' styles only: Bonifacio High Street, Eastwood Mall, Greenbelt 5). 

We're giving away two pairs of Bennies! Open to Philippine residents only. Please refer to Rafflecopter for the mechanics. Begins December 1 noon, and will run for three weeks!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Snapshot Saturday: Morning Monkey Business

Man, ain't that the cutest nose ever?!
I shrieked as we chanced upon a bunch of proboscis monkeys, freely wandering and having brekkie by the beach. We were then striding towards our chosen forest trail for a morning hike in Bako National Park, Sarawak's oldest national park, Borneo.

I shrieked some more, and jumped, and sobbed (but not as much as when I saw a panda for the first time), and pinched Shervin to know I wasn't dreaming (okay, I shoulda pinched my own self but what the heck!). So yeah, I'm obsessed with those creatures!

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Snapshot Saturday: Out On A Limb

A two-month preggy backpacker up on a limb along the coast of Pulau Mamutik.
It's almost Valentine's Day folks! Last year we spent it camping on Pulau Mamutik, Kota Kinabalu. Where will you be spending yours? This year I'll be romancing Batanes with fellow bloggers, thanks to Seair for the free winter tour!

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Snapshot Saturday: The Cliff And I

Me looking like a midget with this beautiful, towering limestone cliff at Bako National Park. Sarawak, Malaysia.

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10 Things I Like About 2010

2010 ain't as grand as 2009. Last year I worked overseas, backpacked in 9 countries (did my first long term travel too), got hitched, and honeymooned during winter. This year isn't so bad as well. I may have only traveled a few times, but these trips were done either while I was pregnant or with our newborn in tow - which for me, a once carefree drifter, are such amazing feats!

With my newborn in Tam-Awan Village Baguio City, a minute away from my nomadic family's first home. Moving in's one of this year's highlights.
Hereunder are the top 10 things I like about 2010...

Snapshot Saturday: The Giant

A tree hugger's dream come true.
Rainforest Discovery Center's (RDC) Giant Sepilok in Eastern Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Towering over the rainforest.

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Hat Yai-Surat Thani

Hat Yai (Haad Yai/Had Yai) is a city in Southern Thailand near the border of Malaysia. From Kuala Lumpur it is an eight-hour bus ride (50 RM) to its city center. We arrived at around 5:00 PM and bought tickets for an overnight bus straight away. It costs 500 THB including ferry and transfer from the travel agent to the bus station (which is 2KM from the city center).

It would be cheaper to buy bus tickets at the station and ferry tickets at the port, but we figured we'll be ripped off by a songthaew driver who'll take us to the station anyway - might as well pay the few extra bucks for a more stress free trip.

Dawn at Surat Thani's Pier.

Kuala Lumpur

After spending 2 hours in Singapore, we took a bus (S$25) to Kuala Lumpur. It was the cheapest available since it wasn't 'VIP'. We were concerned that the ride won't be comfortable and seats might not have much leg room for passengers. Lo and behold, we found out we were the only passengers on the bus!

Just gotta see this landmark!

Kuching-Jakarta

On our last night in Kuching, we drank (potent) local rice wine, and was able to have a good sleep despite incessant pain from our bed bug bites.

Kuching's Sarawak Museum. Uhm, photography inside not allowed.

Backpacking Borneo: Bako National Park

Bako National Park can make you feel like you're on the set of 'Lost', with its a la choose-your-own-adventure trails. It is Sarawak's oldest national park, gazetted as a protected area in 1957. It covers an area of 2,727 hectares (with an incredible variety of plant species) at the tip of the Muara Tebas peninsula.

Bako National Park's limestone and sandstone cliffs.

Backpacking Borneo: Kuching, Sarawak

After spending two nights in Miri, we moved west of Sarawak. A butt numbing sixteen-hour bus ride (for RM70) took us to the colorful city of Kuching.


Our Borneo trip thus far. View Miri-Kuching in a larger map

Backpacking Borneo: Niah Caves

We arranged a tour with Highlands, our accommodation-cum-travel agent for a hefty RM60 each. We were picked up by our guide, a Miri local who speaks fluent English with an Aussie accent at exactly 9:00 AM. There were five of us: Shervin, me, Keran (Scottish), Toby (British) and his French girlfriend.


Niah National Park is located in Batu Niah (literally "Niah Cave" in Bahasa Melayu), a quaint Sarawak town, 13km west of the highway between Miri and Bintulu. To get there, you can take Syarikat Bas Suria from the Miri Bus Station. Travel time, 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours. Less than 1 hour 30 minutes if you hire a taxi.

A permit is needed to visit the Niah Caves, it is issued at the Niah National Park Headquarters for RM10 (opening hours 8AM-5PM).

From the headquarters, the caves are across the river (RM1 for boat ride) and then a further 3km along a wooden boardwalk.

It is an interesting one hour hike, as you are guaranteed to see various species of insects, slugs and caterpillars on the handrail along the way. Also check out the gigantic trees!


The first of the 'chambers' is the Trader's Cave. Before the area became a national park in 1975, bird nest traders once inhabited this cave. The original structure of their roofless huts are still intact.


Up the stairs on the other end of the chamber, a trail leads to the west entrance of Great Cave.


A fenced area to the left, facing the cave, is where archaeologists have found evidence that early humans lived here some 40,000 years ago (oldest recorded human settlement in east Malaysia). The Great Cave is one of the largest caves in the world.
To the rear of the Great Cave, flights of wooden stairs take you to the Padang or Large Chamber. Sunbeams from the holes of the cave's ceiling illuminate your path as you go pick which direction to take (a la Choose Your Own Adventure). One boardwalk will lead you to the Moon Cave, after passing through a pitch dark tunnel.

You may direct your torchlight to the stalactites as you walk, but don't be too caught up marvelling. Shervin kept swinging his flashlight left to right unaware that the boardwalk makes a sharp left. I told him to halt, just in time he was right at the edge.

We walked in the dark for more than half an hour. It was pretty creepy. I was relieved when we reached another exit.

At the covered shed where the other three were waiting, we found another trail leading to the Painted Cave. We also saw a woman in heels with a local guide emerging from the Moon Cave. Toby called it 'fashion caving'.


We were disappointed to see a deteriorating cave painting. Understandable though as these drawings were discovered back in 1958 by Barbara Harrisson. The motifs are mainly of human figures and boats, that could possibly be the burial rites documented by the early dwellers as several 'boat coffins' were found nearby.


We didn't take much time in the last cave. We told our driver we'll be back by 2:00 PM at the park headquarters. It drizzled for a few minutes, which was perfect for it wasn't too hot to hike back.

We took tons of photos once more of unknown insects on the handrails while we trekked. Toby noticed two caterpillars who seemed to be (slowly) racing. He said, "I bet five bucks on that sprinter". Keran reminded, "Oh, remember no gambling?". We all laughed (except the French chick who's not good in English)

Read the park regulations at the headquarters, you'll know what I mean.

[This blog is part of the South East Asia in Six Weeks series which took place May-June 2009. Price of goods, transportation and so forth may already be different.]

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Backpacking Borneo: Bandar Seri Begawan-Kuala Belait-Miri

Overland from Bandar Seri Begawan to Miri (Sarawak, Malaysia) involves changing bus three times. The trip can take more than half a day, eight hours at the most. Although in our case, way longer than that.

Our Indian driver negotiating with officials about our expired permit.
The BSB bus station is along Jalan Cator, on the ground level of a multi-storey carpark. After we exchanged Shervin's leftover dirhams from U.A.E. (finally we found a place in Asia where it's accepted!), we bought some snacks and hopped on our ordinary bus to Seria (B$6). We loved it because we need not deal with blasting AC, but then we had to put up with people smoking on board.


Our Borneo trip thus far. View Bandar Seri Begawan-Miri in a larger map
Less than thirty minutes on the road, we turned to an open parking area by the river, where we were held up for another half an hour by Brunei's government (perhaps transportation) officials. Apparently, our bus' permit was expired and we waited for the Indian driver to take care of the renewal.

We were cleared, and arrived at Seria's bus station after two hours. From the station, we took a mini bus to Kuala Belait (B$2, thirty minutes) and got there five minutes late for the bus to Miri. We were advised that we'd have to wait two hours for the next one. We had lunch at an Indian restaurant nearby, and bought a three-pronged adapter to be used in Malaysia.

Shervin filling out an immigration form at the bus station.
Back at the station, we approached the guy from the bus company who was tasked to organize the passengers' border crossing and asked for immigration forms for us to fill-out.

Scary boat ride. At one point I thought we were going to topple over!
Passengers paid B$10.20 each which included a bus to Sungai Belait (with a boat ride to cross the river), and another bus from Kuala Baram border point to Miri (four hours).

We reached Miri's city center a little past 6:00 PM. Here, everything you need is within walking distance. We learned this when we asked an officer at the police station (where our bus driver dropped us off) for directions.

Rough but helpful map by a police man.
He didn't know the place named 'Highlands', but drew us a map to get to the Multi-Storey Carpark (there seems to be only one) and Wheels when we mentioned them as our landmarks. We thanked the officer and followed his map (which I kept as souvenir!) with ease and reached our destination in no time.

An exhausting climb. Nasty if you go back to the hostel drunk.
The Highlands' rate increased to RM50 (with breakfast and coffee/water all day) but we took it. I assumed that the caretaker was offering a good price when she said with confidence, "If you don't like, you can go, I don't mind". I didn't want to look for a cheaper hostel/guesthouse in vain then come back, only to hear her say 'we're already full' with a told-you-so face.

[This blog is part of the South East Asia in Six Weeks series which took place May-June 2009. Price of goods, transportation and so forth may already be different.]

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Backpacking Borneo: Kota Kinabalu-Pulau Labuan

It was time to go. We spent an unplanned extra day at Kuni's not just because we enjoyed Kota Kinabalu, but also because we felt 'at home' in his house. But as I've said, it was time to move on to another destination.

Walking along Kota Kinabalu's waterfront one last time.
We took the bus from Grace Ville to the city center (.80 sen), with Tobi and Dinah who wanted to go to the Central Market. As we alighted at the bus station, we bid our goodbyes and went our separate ways.

After much debate with Shervin about the money I was about to spend for pasalubongs (souvenir gifts), I did my shopping alone. I bought keychains, a shirt for my dad, a shirt for myself, and of course, a fridge magnet at Kota Kinabalu's Handicraft Market (formerly 'Pasar Filipino').

Merchandise at the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market (formerly Pasar Filipino).
Our walk to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal was about 40 minutes from the market, stopping for photos every so often. At the terminal, we found out that the boat trips for tourists to Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park depart there (as mentioned in the Pulau Sapi blog), 17 MYR per person, one island - and not from the small jetty we went to two days earlier. But the price wasn't much of a difference anyway since four of us shared a boat, plus we were able to visit two islands.

Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal.
I was exhausted from the walk under the scorching sun, so I sat at the waiting area while Shervin approached the ticket counter. After a couple of minutes standing on queue, he got back and said that we can make it to the last trip to Pulau Labuan, but not the last trip onwards Brunei. We had to decide quickly whether we should go back to Kuni's house and just leave early morning the next day, or spend a night at Pulau Labuan. We chose the latter, and shelled out a pricey RM53 each.


Our Borneo trip thus far. View Kota Kinabalu-Pulau Labuan in a larger map
The ferry ride of three hours may seem long, but is considered to be the best way to travel from Sabah to Brunei and onward Sarawak (or the other way around) because an overland journey is more time consuming - even a bit expensive.

It was the longest three-hour ride for Shervin as he had to endure listening to my 50s, 60s and 70s music through our respective headphones via my Ipod's splitter. We arrived at our destination with Shervin's new love for Beegees' 'Words'.

Many may find Pulau Labuan less interesting than the other Malaysian islands (fair enough, there aren't much tourist activities here), but Shervin and I loved it. Anywhere not touristy. Its city center, Bandar Labuan, does not have much character but it's a peaceful place to spend the night (until a commotion happened later that day, keep reading).

We asked a couple of hotels for vacancies, and both were full (mind you, there aren't much cheap accommodations here). When we asked Hotel Oriental for a budget room, the receptionist left her desk and led us to a backpacker place one block down.

Shervin and I following the kind receptionist from Hotel Oriental.
It didn't have a signboard. No way will we be able to find it by ourselves. ASV Hostel only offers dorm-type rooms for 28 MYR each with breakfast and is situated on a street just a block across the ferry terminal. Perfect location!

Comfy double deck beds at ASV Hostel.
The dorm only had two other occupants, a Korean couple. While it's quiet inside the room, it can get really busy outside at the common area. On the same floor, not only is there a dormitory for backpackers, but also rooms which locals rent. Make sure you bring your valuables whenever you leave.

One of the hostel's staff is Filipina, Ate Joy. She recommended some good small local eateries. And though we went to the Chinese restaurant which offers a wide array of seafood dishes, we only ordered chicken wings with rice so we'd have spare money for beer.

We went to the bakery after and bought a small cake as a present for the receptionist at Hotel Oriental who helped us. When Shervin gave it to her, he said she barely recognized him at first.

Back at the hostel, we watched 'Transporter' while the family members of the owner peered curiously outside the window where they saw policemen interviewing a couple. Ate Joy said, someone threw a rock at a woman riding a motorcycle. Great. Not as peaceful as we thought. We retired early and did not finish the flick since the kids kept clicking the remote control from video mode to television. Besides, we didn't want to miss a ferry ride again.

[This blog is part of the South East Asia in Six Weeks series which took place May-June 2009. Price of goods, transportation and so forth may already be different.]

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