Until next time Borneo

Our last night before leaving we checked out the sunset one more time. It was the most beautiful one I'd seen in a long time.

On Sunday morning before our evening flight we headed to the famous mosque. Malaysia is about 61%  Muslim and therefore you find Chinese, christian, and Islamic influences.  Afterwards my dad and I wandered through the Sunday market to find the last pieces of souvenirs.  We then went for our last dip in the rooftop pool before heading to the airport.

Borneo before I came I barely knew you existed and couldn't have guessed where on a map you were, but you've become one of the most memorable trips I've ever made and one I will forever share with my dad and sister!

Wandering around KK

On Friday we decided to take it easy. We went to visit the museum which was a bit outdated however they had an amazing recreation of an indigenous village. We were free to wander the grounds without much restriction. 

In the evening we went to the night market. Tent after tent were set up with all cooks making various seafood and meat creations trying to get your attention. We picked one and ordered yummy dishes. It was very good but for me the most memorable part were the smells and chaos of the market. 

Row, row, row your boat

After some relaxing time on the islands it was off to the next extreme adventure. I'd never gone rafting before and was keen to try! We woke up early to catch a train in Beaufort (an hour or so from Kota Kinabalu). The train was one of those old trains you'd seen in films. 

We rode through the beautiful landscape of Borneo and dad reminded us that once upon a time when he was a young boy lost in the prairies worked on the railroad dreaming of a better future (love you dad).  We switched trains and followed the river we'd eventually raft down.

We suited up, went through the safety rules and off we went! I was a bit nervous but it was incredibly fun until we capsized and we all went into survival mode. The guide had done it on purpose and although it was fun I was okay with just continuing without doing that again. Having barely recovered my sister and I sitting at the front were thrown over board as we hit a massive rapid. Another person on board managed to grab her but I went for a whirlpool ride and couldn't differentiate top from bottom. It wasn't fun but the pictures that came out of it made it totally worth it!!

After lunch we took the train back feeling like sleepy orangutans...

Definitely an experience to try at least once and what a place to do it!!

Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park

We'd seen the mountains, countryside, and orangutans, it was now time to experience the amazing water life of Borneo.  Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park is a series of islands just off of Kota Kinabalu protected by the government. The first one we ventured to was Sapi. Known for having the most activities, it did not disappoint. We snorkled, ate, saw wild animals and ziplined all for next to nothing. It was absolutely stunning and truly felt like paradise. The second time we went we chose Manunka, just as beautiful but much less busy. Again we snorkeled but this time something amazing happened, Lucile and I found Nemo!!! The diving is also meant to be incredible, so I guess that means I'll just have to come back and take an intro course...

Me, David, Lucile

Zipline time!

Sunset view of the islands from Kota Kinabalu

Orangutan

After much needed rest, we were off to our next adventure.  Orangutans are currently only found in two places in the world- Borneo and Sumatra.  There was no way we'd come all this way without paying them a visit. On the road there we decided to be brave and try Durian, a local fruit which smells bad but taste good (the latter is debatable).  We arrived at the Sangri-La resort, where we were free to roam the facilities, beach, and pools.  After a quick dip and a delicious lunch it was time to meet what are meant to be the most intelligent primates.  This facility is designed to help the rescued animals adjust before they are sent out to the rainforest centre in Sepilok.  They were as incredible as you'd imagine and left you mesmerized with their abilities.  

Durian

Shangri-La Resort

Kinabalu Park

My dad and sister Lucile came to visit me in Hong Kong.  After a week of touring the city we headed south.  Borneo is an island in Southeast Asia which consist of 3 countries: Malaysia, Brunei, and Indonesia. We made our way to Kota Kinabalu which is located in the Malysian part of the island.

David, me, Lucile with Mount Kinabalu in the background

Right off the bat we knew we wanted to go to Kinabalu park which is a UNESCO world heritage site. Famous for Mount Kinabalu, we were unable to book to climb the summit because of how last minute this trip was, however we climbed around the base and to about half way up the mountain.  It was a treacherous 8 hour hike but the scenery and final view made it worth it.  I think it's fair to say we're all feeling it even a few days after.  Overall the park is a must see, a good family bonding experience, and even if you don't make it to the summit make sure to hike around the area!

Pre hike: optimistic.

Post hike: dead.