" I'm experiencing the 'land below the wind', across the ocean and into the clouds "
The timing was just perfect. The places were simply memorable. The weather was cooperating, and the food was definitely delicious. Seafood was abundant, no doubt, and the experience is one that i will never forget. Soon, very soon, i will be back there. Across the South China Sea, on the other side of Malaysia, lies a city, previously known as Jesselton, that has left an impact and has enriched my life with so much more wonders. Kota Kinabalu, here i come!
Early morning on the 11th December '08 was the start of the amazing vacation. I was up and about on time, ready. I was to fly across the sea by AirAsia and needed to be in LCCT, KLIA. I was looking forward to go to the airport being my first time flying with AirAsia. It pictured in my mind the airport was something as beautiful as the KLIA, the one i went. I wasn't blown away by the view, and neither did i disgust the terminal. It was simple, nothing spectacular and i waited not long before i boarded the airplane. My excitement for the city grew tremendously great on board.
Me, in the plane, looking out at the blanket of clouds.
Above the clouds.
Upon arrival at the Kota Kinabalu International Airport Terminal 2. Numerous islands are visible thousands of feet above the sea level. I was pleasantly surprised that the flight was on time, no delays. We left about 9.30 am and landed about 12 noon.Arrived the airport, and it looked better than the LCCT. We were greeted by my uncle's friends in KK and prepared ourselves to our apartment. It was not far from the airport, and minutes later, we reached Marina Court Hotel Apartments. We were lucky to get an apartment facing the sea, overlooking the F2 boat race which was scheduled to begin the next day.
The scenic view from the balcony of the apartment.We placed our luggage in the rooms and left immediately for lunch- AirAsia does not include food in the purchase of ticket, but food are sold on flight and we didn't buy any. Our stomachs were craving for food. The uncles brought us to a shop selling fish noodles and it looked presentable to be eaten. So, i ordered a bowl to myself and my hungry stomach. It was an adventure!
The bowl of noodles was served with not only fish flesh but with many other fish body parts. There were many slimy, jelly-like parts in the bowl and i dared myself to try each and every piece. I was never a fish lover, what more with these? Of course, what would be a vacation if not to eat like the locals do? I finished my share even with the struggle, and i am pleased and proud to say that i have eaten these in my life. That was more rewarding.
Being up early had resulted in wearing the group, except me. We returned back to the apartment to rest after lunch, but i was eager to venture the places near my apartment and ignored the rest. Evening came, and i went out to the Handicraft Market. It was small and difficult to walk. The items on sale and the shops were close to one another, making it hard to make my way through. All shops were selling similar goods but i still walked to the other end and back. We later entered the Warisan Square, which was easier to walk.
The concept of the square is great. It was pleasant to walk the area, and the decor fits the eye. Christmas is coming soon and there were lots of trees up for the celebration.
The bowl of noodles was served with not only fish flesh but with many other fish body parts. There were many slimy, jelly-like parts in the bowl and i dared myself to try each and every piece. I was never a fish lover, what more with these? Of course, what would be a vacation if not to eat like the locals do? I finished my share even with the struggle, and i am pleased and proud to say that i have eaten these in my life. That was more rewarding.
Being up early had resulted in wearing the group, except me. We returned back to the apartment to rest after lunch, but i was eager to venture the places near my apartment and ignored the rest. Evening came, and i went out to the Handicraft Market. It was small and difficult to walk. The items on sale and the shops were close to one another, making it hard to make my way through. All shops were selling similar goods but i still walked to the other end and back. We later entered the Warisan Square, which was easier to walk.
The concept of the square is great. It was pleasant to walk the area, and the decor fits the eye. Christmas is coming soon and there were lots of trees up for the celebration.Dinner was at 8 pm. It turns dark early in KK. About 6, night began to roll in. We readied ourselves for dinner at a Chinese Restaurant. The food was scrumptious! Exotic seafood was ordered and i, again, tried each and every one of them. Am i a seafood lover? I would say 'yes' that i am, especially prawns. Leave a plate no less than 5 and i could eat them up. We had crabs, prawns, fish, two plates of some sea creatures with shells and vegetables. I admit i ate plenty- it was good and we can hardly find fresh seafood in KL. Also, it was reasonable. Something bad about the place was the water. Eating crabs using hands, since it's finger-licking good, i had to wash them later and the water smelled like drain water. Yuks!
Night drink at the Waterfront near our apartment. The full moon accompanied us the night and lit the sky bright. Not long under the moonlight, we headed back to our apartment and time for bed- for tomorrow was yet another great day to be.
Day 1 is just the start of an amazing adventure and wc08 has stepped foot on the other side of Malaysia, with so much wonders to be discovered!
Night drink at the Waterfront near our apartment. The full moon accompanied us the night and lit the sky bright. Not long under the moonlight, we headed back to our apartment and time for bed- for tomorrow was yet another great day to be.
Day 1 is just the start of an amazing adventure and wc08 has stepped foot on the other side of Malaysia, with so much wonders to be discovered!
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