(I’m so in love with this sport…)

You hard it right, I’m not surfing USA yet but Southeast Asia!  I learned surfing here in the Philippines.  It was in Baler, Aurora at Quezon Province where I first met this sport, one of the most popular surfing spot near Manila.  I’ll say near but it took us 6 hour bus ride to get there!

(Here I was, while the ‘Shit Head’ Gang was out in Tanalot)

Oh well, I love water and when I tried surfing, my fear from uncontrolled body of water slowly washed out by the waves.  It was from my instructors that I learned about Bali, that it is the Surf Capital of Southeast Asia.  I always want to go to Bali just to see Indonesia but when I heard about surfing in Bali, it made me more eager to go there.

(Getting ready to surf on my last day in Bali)

For all my readers who are waiting for what I did in Bali.  I apologize to disappoint you guys that all I did was surf the whole week!  Average prices of the sport service:

Board Rental for whole day  =  35,000 – 50,000 Rupiahs (3-6 USD)

Instructor’s Fee for an hour = 50,000 (5-6 USD)

(I can do it on my own! Wohoooooooo!)

You can negotiate the prices if you are strong enough to handle their bartering skills.  They’re quite stubborn though,  but lucky me I met angels everywhere.  For my full 4-day stay in Bali, all I did was to surf, eat,  and play card games in the hostel.

Don’t get me wrong, it was a fun week though that I finally get on the surf board alone. Wohooooooooo! I was so ecstatic that I am now able to ride the waves on my own, and guess what?  How cool it is that I have done it at the Surf Capital of Southeast Asia, in BALI!!! I think Team Jamie‘s reunion is such a luck, I’m starting to believe what Jamie said about lucky charms (what do you think Jamie?)

(And there’s Jamie… Team Jamie reunited!)

Yes, I am now confident enough to do it on my own.  After almost drowning twice, I know my will to live gone stronger and the good came out of that? Judge it from the photos.

I’ll be back in Bali, that’s for sure. Bound to see more of the interesting part other than surfing.

(The Shit Head Gang! LOL)

In Bali, playing ‘ Shit Head’ card games with my room mates became my daily routine.  It started the first night when I just woke up from an all day sleep since I arrived that morning (that was from the worst flight ever courtesy of Airasia’s changed schedule in such a short notice!).

When I woke up around 6pm that day,  I went checking my Facebook at the lobby where WIFI works and there was the French dude hanging out, I sat beside him, then later on a perky Korean girl joined us, and a quiet Russian dude.  We started chatting with Echa (The Bedbunkers Hostel Queen, I just meant she’s the owner) and later on I know them as Benjamin, Sabong, and Zulk.  We had dinner together and then Ben raised the idea of playing the card games when we’re back to the hostel. Hmmm?  I should call this group ‘Shit Head Gang!’ hahaha! It doesn’t sounds any good at all but its funny, so you guys can’t do anything.  As from my blog, the gang has its official name now!

(Image Courtesy of Zulkaynar Kurbanov; L-R: Ben, Zulk, and Sabong)

So, that night became every night, whatever we do in the morning we always get to meet up at dinner or at the lobby for the game.  The second night was the funniest, as Ben keeps talking in French (prolly murmuring nasty stuff about us)and by the way, he keeps calling us girls, EVIL! So I asked everyone to start talking in our native language.  Sabong was a little reluctant at first, thinking Philippines only speaks English (she’s a sweet girl), but then I told her we have Tagalog to speak and other dialects and then everyone was up for it.

The Rule: NO ONE SPEAKS ENGLISH IN THE GAME! 

Everyone spoke their tongue, French for Ben, Russian for Zulk, Korean for Sabong, and I spoke Tagalog.  I tried to get Fajar(the hostel staff to join in at least the language game, but he wouldn’t!), the couple (Echa and Jeff) were of course, always busy and running around to join us but they share our laughs anyway, all good.

That was fun! Everyone’s laughing, I know each talked something cheeky or funny but we did understand each other. The game ended a lot more fun than it was the first night.  Ben confronted us in the end when Sabong and I started talking to each other about Ben on our own language, Ben said, “I hate you women, how you understand completely each other just by looking in each other’s eyes! Unfair!” and we laughed. I told him, he can too if he choose to understand it.

Although, I hate the gang for not telling me their plans to go to… Was it Tanalot?  Hah! All I know was, I hate that I wasn’t there to complete the gang!!!!  Look at that photo?!

It was the last ‘Shit Head’ game that fun, the next night was ‘Sky Garden‘ Night.  That was the last night the team was complete, Sabong and Ben were leaving the following day.  Ben left early to walk to the beach and wait for his flight . He said he will walk to the airport under the crazy heat of the sun and hope he would not die, while the rest of the gang and I went out to get some lunch.

(TJ’s reunion)

After Lunch, Sabong was about to leave…sad…but then, Jamie was arriving that day too so its all good, Team Jamie‘s reunion.  I’m leaving the next day anyway, I did not see Zulk after that Lunch even if he stayed 2 more days after I checked out from the hostel (according to him on Facebook, he went to check out other places in Bali).

(Bihon Mee Goreng = 25,000 Rupiahs)

First Encounter of Indonesian Cuisine

I have no idea of what Indonesian Cuisine was, all I know is that probably they have similarities with the neighboring countries I have been like Malaysia and Singapore, so I was expecting Nasi Lemaks around.  Although there were Nasi Lemaks and Nasi Ayams too, my first encounter of the Balinese food was ‘Ayam Bututu‘.

I know ‘Ayam‘ means Chicken but ‘Bututu‘, no idea.  Anyway, it was on my first day in Bali after 2 tiring days of waiting, switching airports and flights, I arrive finally safe in Bali.  I had an annoying taxi driver who is asking me go down and ask directions for him and was annoying enough to ask for a tip he does NOT deserve!  I know he needs it and I would consider giving without him asking if  he was after all nice and friendly (he should consider I am straight from the airport, not to mention the hassles I’ve been through to get to Bali…)

(My First Indonesian Meal, Ayam Bututu = 10,000 Rupiahs)

Ayam Bututu

Anyway, I had awesome hosts in Bedbunkers Hostel.  From their staff to the couple who owns it, there’s no place to stay but Bedbunkers.  Of course, I was dead hungry when I arrive and after settling the bill for a night ( I ended up staying until I’m about to go back Philippines), set my things up the top most bunk bed assigned to me and asked them where’s the cheapest and nearest place to get food.

Jeff and his staff were nice enough to bring me  to a Balinese Restaurant, we hopped in to their brand new Toyota (I’m not sure if that was Avanza, anyway…)went to fill our empty guts (mine was ever empty!).  I ordered what the guys ordered, no idea of what is it but Chicken, and I’m up to try it.

They ordered ‘Ayam Bututu’ and it was great! Except for the fact that my nose was dribbling and my throat’s a l’il sore after the meal.  The meal was composed of Rice, Chicken sauteed in Ginger and some herbs, Kangkong, Cucumber with Sambal, and Peanuts.  Everything on the plate was hot and spicy, none the less, that ended my spicy dose for the whole trip.  Thanks for that food trip Jeff and company! You can pretty much guess what happened to me after the meal, too tired for the day, CRASHED.

(Go Vego! 10,000 Rupiahs)

Vegetarian Street Food

I have tried their local vegetarian street food on the way to the beach.  I had Java Rice (Java Rice in Indonesia makes more sense!), Fried Noodles, Tofu with some Tomato Sauce, and BBQ flavored Tofu. I have no idea what are those sweet grains the lady put on my plate.  We could barely understand each other, she only speaks Balinese but she made good vegetarian food there.

Conventional Asian Foods

Of course, I had never ending Chicken Fried Rice and Mee Goreng.  Oh well, they’re always available everywhere in Southeast Asia, so nothing special about it.

(Chicken Fried Rice = 15,000 Rupiahs)

(Closer look of the bed)

I think I’m blessed to find BedBunkers Hostel online hey,  I didn’t have credit card to book a bed with them. I messaged them through Facebook instead, send them an email, and they reserved a bed for me.

The hostel is new, looks cool for me, and they are still under renovation, but I love them!  I heard my friends complained about everything and I could not blame them because somehow it’s true, but the fact that they just opened and the rate is promotional, their staff, the owner (Echa and Jeff) were so accommodating and awesome! That covers all I can complain about, how can I complain when I owe Jeff, Echa, and their staff my first taste of Indonesian food? What about Ozhie’s (BedBunker’s Staff)motorbike ride looking for the gang or getting myself some food? Priceless.

(BedBunkers’ Entrance)

I love the idea of their 3-layered bunkbeds, although I would not want to be at the top most bed because I pee a lot (that means I have to climb up and down many times to do it) I stayed at the top most left part just because I slept all day on my first day when they were about to move me to a lower bed, my fault.

(Yes, at the top most left I lived that’s why the gang called me ‘monkey’ hahaha!)

And oh, I did not mentioned to Echa and Jeff that as soon as I arrived there, I had a deja vu.  I dreamt years ago, probably 3 or 4 years back that I was staying in a brick walled place and hanging out with people from all over the world (that was even before I started backpacking solo), I have lots of deja vu moments traveling and I find it cool!

(This is my deja vu spot)

BedBunker Hostel’s just dorms, mixed and female dorms.  They have the basics I want:

• Clean Bunkbeds
• Air Conditioners
• Hot & Cold Showers
• WiFi
• Friendly Staff (200% they are!)

and a lot more…  You can check out BedBunkers Hostel‘s website for more details or you could LIKE their Facebook Page!  Matching the coolest hostel in Bali, the owners, Echa and Jeff are the youngest, hippest, and coolest hostel owners I’ve ever met.  They’re having promotions every now and then, keep your eyes on their coolest deals. So, if you need anything, their staff are always willing to help. I can’t speak for everyone, but for me, I love BedBunkers and will stay there again when I’m back! See you there again people!

Why didn’t I have photos of Sky Garden? Shucks! That’s a shame.  It was Ben and Sabong’s last night in Bali, so both want to have a party.  Since I’m always away in the morning the gang met new friends from the hostel and when I came back from surfing, everyone’s all dressed up for the club.

(Sky Garden’s Dance Floor; Image from: jakarta100bars.com)

Sabong told me, “You’re coming too!” while watching Facebook photos at Zulk’s laptop as soon I came.  When Ben called them and asked if they will wait for the guys I know they’re referring to me, I didn’t want to delay them so I told them I’ll follow after I shower.

Soon enough I’m in Sky Garden.  The guards have to ask for my passport, they thought I’m a local (locals are not allowed to get inside for some reason), they gave me the VIP pass as soon as they saw saw my passport.  Free entrance, VIP pass for backpackers! I was just looking for my friends, I told them and if they’re not in there I’m heading out.

Luckily, they’re there and maybe it was not lucky because they’re out of this world already when I arrived.  Free flow of alcohol for ladies from 9-10.30pm, so obviously they were all drunk by the time I arrived. I saw Sabong at the food cocktail table eating Watermelons, when I approached her she brought me to the dance floor and showed the guys my presence.  She went to get a glass of drink for me, which I never finished (I drank only half of it but it burned my gut for days!), Sabong left me there after that.

The drunk Zulk and Ben tried to get me dance on the dance floor, I was not in the mood to for some reason (Nicky, you have better convincing powers that you guys got me, Doug and Leizel dancing in Krabi!LOL).  I stood there thinking, “Why the hell did I not go there with them? Now, we’re not in the same world!”. It was crazy,  Ben was super drunk and did not even remember he said that night or maybe he did, he was just embarrassed to admit it the next day! LOL

Then someone waved his hand in front of me, like trying to wake me up from day dreaming.  When I turned, it was this cute dude who wanted to have a nice convo with me.  I’ll call him J, he seems nice and he’s cute (oh well, he’s Brazilian so no wonder where the looks from hey?) he turned me off when he asked me to get a drink for him since I have the privilege of free drinks.  I got one for him anyway, then we talked… Oh wait no, he talked, and then I went home.  He was nice enough to walk me to my hostel even if it takes forever to walk from the bar to my hostel.  J invited me to ride around motorbike next morning, I turned it down for Team Jamie‘s reunion and I think I had enough of a guy that talks tooooooooo much, too much that I can’t even talk.  It was not a convo, it was his monologue.

Well, for backpackers who will stop by Bali, your stay will not be complete if you have not experience a night out in ‘Sky Garden’. You gotta check it out!

I know I still have lots of backlogs to write about my recent trips, I’m not done with Malaysia and I haven’t started Bali, plus the recent activity I made with my colleagues (Wall Climbing!) but I couldn’t help but to write about this topic.  You’re probably wondering why?  Because I get lots of weird questions directly addressed to me just because I’m a backpacker.

Do Backpackers really sleep around? Do you really want an honest answer?  Well, then you would have to listen and stop judging us.  Why did I end up with this topic by the way?  Due to the questions I get a lot from people.  Backpacking is not common in the Philippines and so people ask you questions because they are interested on what’s really backpacking, what to do, and how its done.  Of course, there are more interesting questions they want to know like, do we really sleep around during our travels.

I think people sleep around whether they are backpackers or not, and just like everybody else, some do and some don’t.  It’s the hype of the story that for some it became part of their journey, their adventure.  It’s interesting enough to meet a cute girl or a cute guy in the ‘real world’, let alone while you’re traveling the world.

Imagine how cool it is meeting people doing things you do the same, traveling.  You find the person cool, you hang out visiting places until its time to leave, you leave and arrive to new place, meet other friends again, hang out, blah blah…  That is how backpackers world turns, but its hyped up and stereotyped as wild people.

I understand that its wild enough to travel the world alone, but what most people doesn’t know is that we are not really alone.  We have friends and meet more friends everywhere!  Surprising as it is, I love backpackers just because we are all having fun wherever in the world we meet.  No one really cares of who we are in the ‘real world’, no one cares if you’re the boss of your company, or you’re the top student until nothing to talk about travels.  As I have observed, backpackers that travels longer are the most down to earth people I met (although in the ‘real world’, when they tell their stories might be a little bragging, but its the true story, its not candy coated).

So what’s my point?  My point is that, people hear stories and they will assume that they know everything.  People judge people.  For those who judge, I think they’re the ones who wants to do it but can not, afraid to be judged by people like them.

(Mapping the plans in KK @ KBL’s balcony)

Kota Kinabalu is the capital city of Sabah, Malaysia, formerly known as the Jesselton.  The city is easy, although because I am not used to the place yet I walk a lot to see more of it.  There were local transportation such as buses, vans, and teksis (taxi).

If you’re looking for places to sleep, then there are a lot of backpackers places and mid-range hotels in the area.  I suggest you book your hostel accommodation online, you’ll get cheaper.  A friend got a dorm bed for 12RM/night (PHP156)  booked online while walk ins would be charged 20-25RM (PHP 260-325) dorm bed/night.  I think Singapore and Malaysia, you  should do book it online (not in the Philippines, Vietnam, Laos, and Thailand).

(Kinabalu Backpacker’s Lodge – KBL)

Coolest hostels are near the ferry terminal, I have stayed in 3 during my stay and so far, Kinabalu Backpacker’s Lodge was my favorite.  I got it 25RM/night (PHP325)for a dorm bed but it was with breakfast, air-conditioned, WiFi, and near the ferry terminal location. The place is clean and the staff were friendly and helpful.  I did not like the vibe of the first hostel, Lucy’s Homestay, they seem reluctant to help and give information to their guests, its not that clean, a bit smelly, just a fan dorm room, breakfast, and WiFi is not good for 23RM/night (PHP299).  Borneo Beach House Backpackers is okay for 20RM/night (PHP260) with WiFi, fan dorm room, without breakfast, I found out from the receptionist that they give it 18RM if its booked through their website and cheaper through 3rd party websites like Hostelworld.com etc.

Just research your best options online before heading to your next destination, it was just I have no access to the Internet from my current boarding house which is why I got a little ripped off here and there.  Lessons learned, but I think I’ll be a little the same to my Bali trip due to the last minute local air fare booking (that will be the last).

(Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque)

What to do in Brunei? That’s always a first timer in Brunei would ask and I will tell you what I did during my stay there.  I stayed 2 days and 2 nights in Brunei and there is nothing much to do there like the tropical islands I have been to, I would not accept the fact that I would not see or experience Brunei at all.

Brunei is a muslim country, a very rich one that you would not see much poverty like we have in the Philippines.  In their country, it is simple living for those you will see that are living on a slum like area (but they are not squatters, mind you).  What to do in Brunei? Here are the 5 things I did when I was there.

5 Things to Do in Brunei

Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque.  Visit the Omar Ali Saifuddin Mosque located at the heart of the city that glows beautifully at night.  I suggest that women should dress properly in this country wherever you go to avoid feeling out of place like I did on the first day, when I noticed no one was wearing sleeveless shirt and shorts like me (good thing I have my scarf to cover myself a little).  Non-muslims are not allowed to go inside the mosque but can take photos around the area if dressed properly.

(The guards of the largest palace in the world, thats all you’ll see along with the gates)

Istana Nurul Iman. The largest royal residential palace in the world, but be warned that you will only get to see the gates and just to let you know that we walked hours to see those gates, Jamie was not impressed.  Unless you know when the gates are open for public to join the royals for some feasts, I read somewhere that they have certain days and time when everyone are welcome to come in and eat free meals and before going home they would give you a small cake, a gift from the sultan of Brunei. I just could not find the source anymore to link it (*sigh*).

Kampong Ayer- Water Village.  Kampong Ayer is one of the largest water village I have seen, complete with school, clinic, and gas station.  The houses are well ventilated and I noticed that they all have satellite dishes for their cable TV’s, air-conditioned and all (wow!).  The wooden foot path was cool as we went and explore a bit of the village. The people were so nice and friendly, they all says ‘Hi’ and ‘Hello’. You will have to take a boat to get here obviously and we paid 10 B$ (Php 350) for the ride and I split it with Jamie.

(Obviously, you know what it is now)

Proboscis Monkey.  This was I thought would be my favorite, to see a little of a jungle in a rich city of Brunei. The boat trip was nice, I enjoyed the Amazon-like view but when we get to the spot where Proboscis Monkey are, I was disappointed to see that there were modern houses at the back.  All good, we get to see the vegetarian monkeys playing and eating.  It took time to get at least a slightly decent shot of these creatures.  In this boat trip, we paid B$25 (PHP875).

(Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque, the mosque I missed to see)

Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque. I personally did not get to see this mosque, although I tried. We  keep getting to a wrong path as the locals keep giving us the wrong directions, Jamie found it the next day though. I was heading back to Kota Kinabalu that day.  Thanks for the photo Jamie as you promised, and as I did too it will be credited.

In stayed in Brunei, here are my expenses:

• 2 Nights in Pusat Belia – B$ 20 (PHP 750)

DAY 1:

• Lunch (Nasi Ayam) – B$1 (PHP 35)
• Dinner (Big Noodle Soup) – B$3 (PHP105)
• Bottle of Water – B$.65 (PHP 22.75)

DAY 2:

• Brunch (Nasi Ayam) – B$1 (PHP 35)
• Coffee – B$1 (PHP 35)
• Water Village Trip – B$ 5 (PHP 175)
• Bottle of Water – B$.65 (PHP 22.75)
• Fresh Sliced Watermelons – B$1 (PHP 35)
• Proboscis Monkey Tour – B$12.5 (PHP 437.5)
• Curry Chicken Filled Bread – B$.60 (PHP 21)
• Dinner (2 Nasi Ayams) – B$ 2 (Php 70)
• Canned Drink – B$1 (PHP 35)
• Bus Ticket to the Ferry Terminal – B$1 (PHP 35)
• Ferry Ticket to Labuan – B$17 (PHP595)
• Ferry Ticket from Labuan to KK – 34RM(PHP510)

TOTAL:

• B$- 87.4 (PHP 3059)
• RM- 34 (PHP510)

Overall Total: PHP3569 (83USD)

(Few hours before leaving KK)

DAY 7 of my 8-day holiday. Since I moved to this hostel near the beach, the plan was just to chill out at the beach which was few steps away.  I woke up quite late at 10am, I was a little tired from yesterday’s island hopping hostel changing activity.

Chill Out with Roomies

I heard the guys are going to get something to eat, and I said I will join them if they would let me.  Arnold and Sean were cool to wait for my 3 minute quick toothbrush-wash-up to get ready and that surprised Arnold how quick I was to get ready straight from my bed (I know it would take time for a girl to get ready, but I know when and where to do my typicals lol).

So we ended up having brunch at a local restaurant, Arnold took a buffet meal for 4RM and since there’s not much choices I ordered the Sizzling Beef from their menu which is 7RM that we all shared, Sean ordered Sizzling Chicken with Bean Curd at the same price that he shared too aside from his small buffet meal (Oh, Sean is a big man so don’t wonder).

Sean took off from the restaurant straight to the islands, it was almost 11:30am and I told him he needs to be at the terminal early if he wants to do several islands, bring some water and food because the price is gold at the islands, I told him I might see him later at the islands if I decided to go and see Sapi Island.

(Borneo Beach House’s Dorm Beds)

Arnold and I was left behind, he was nice enough to show me the beach since him and Sean went there this morning.  He said its not a place to swim though because it stinks but the sunset view there is amazing.  True to his words the beach looks amazing with beige fine sand but it smells like sewage.  After a few chitchats, Arnold started to pack up back in the hostel as he was flying back to the Philippines that day.

(Kuya Mahc and Me at Mamutik Island)

Another Island Trip

After I changed for my island suits and shirt, Arnold said he would walk with me as we are heading the same road (the airport is just few blocks away from our hostel) and I have to walk to the bus terminal going to the city, he bids farewell at the intersection going to the airport.  Meanwhile, I was lucky to see some locals at a bus stop, they told me bus can arrive to the terminal anytime now, and it did.  From the bus terminal, I walked to the ferry terminal (NOTE: locals are always surprised everytime I tell them I walked that distance, I understand though, I used to be a lazy walker then. The distance might 1-2km away, and I don’t think I’d walk that far in Manila).

From the terminal, since I arrived at 1PM I have to wait for other tourists they said that are going to Sapi Island, I’m okay with that, I roam around and see what interesting stuff I’ll find at the shops nearby.  After an hour, they approached me again and asked if I want to go back to Mamutik Island instead because it was the trip they have that time, I said yes. When I rode the boat, it was just me going to Mamutik so I have the whole boat for myself, kinda confusing but I thought, Sweet! I didn’t bring my camera anymore, it died after I took a video of my solo trek in Manukan for some reason so I have no proof I have the boat all to myself and the boat guy.

(Sunset view from the sky)

I saw Kuya Mac and everyone, again they lend me the snorkeling gears for free! Aren’t they cool? They are.  That time, that bully fish did not bite me much, I notice that it bites only when I have my feet down but if I’m swimming and floating, it does not.  I saw Sean when I was about to leave and he told me about the fish bites too! It freaked him out, who would not? I have lots of fish bite marks on my legs from yesterday.

I went back with Sean to the ferry terminal, he joined me to get a good Vietnamese meal at Peppermint and he was cool to go with me to the Filipino Market (not the food market but the souvenir shops) and then he left to find Internet Cafe to update his Facebook (I’m just assuming about the Facebook thingy, that’s the usual backpackers itinerary).  I bought some cool bamboo pens I saw from Arnold to give my office mates, I wanted to get 2 packs but my budget would not last me until tomorrow if I do, I bought 1 pack of it, its got 10 pieces of cool pens that I found out doesn’t work, no ink.

Meeting Another Angel, Jenny!

After that, I walked to the terminal and was lucky to see LTT 16A bus parked ( I didn’t have to wait hours again). I asked the lady in front if the bus is heading to the airport, she nodded, asked her if she’s Filipina and she said yes.  From then on we didn’t stop chatting, she asked me questions and back, she told me she’s staying in a condo near my hostel and invited me over to swim with her at their condo’s swimming pool.  I, on the other hand, still wearing a bit damp shorts and swim suit would not decline that offer.

(Photo credit: http://members.virtualtourist.com/m/tt/9de60/)

We went to Tanjung Aru beach again just to watch the amazing sunset (which was a shame because my camera died), the purply-pink-orange sky looks enchanted, so surreal that beats the magical sunset in Krabi (less the swimmable beach though). Munching a Malaysian ‘Kikiam’ dumplings (fried ground pork and veggies wrapped in bean curd), we continue chatting and watch the beautiful sunset.

We head to her condo soon after that and she got ready for our pool bonding time.  Her name is Jen, I call her Ate (ah-teh) Jen because she’s older than me.  Ate Jen asked me to come over the next day morning to swim again and offered to cook lunch for me (Wow! I’m lucky the whole trip hey, meeting these  amazing people along the way, Angels, as I call them) and I would deffo come back for that offer next day.

I think I came back 10:30PM at the hostel and met another roomate from Germany( I guess I was too tired to remember his name), had a shower, I was updating Facebook when Sean came in, the German guy left to get some food, told Sean how I got lucky and he agreed how lucky I was.  Sean said, he’s leaving the next day to see the Orangutans and its few hour trip from the city.

(Ate Jen’s Condo where we hang out most of the time)

Ate Jen and Me Day

Early in the morning, I set my stuff and packed, checked out from my hostel and went to Ate Jen’s condo. She really cooked for me!  A yummy Sauteed Shrimps with herbs, Sardine Omelet, Rice, and Coffee was all set on her dining table I feel so blessed and thankful how I get to meet people like Ate Jen.

(Ate Jen’s Brunch Menu, yummy!!!)

I spent my remaining hours in Kota Kinabalu with Ate Jen, we swam until I got roasted (aside from the roasting moments at the islands), checked Facebook, my blogs, and then guess what? She went with me at the airport too and the meal I ordered in KFC, she did not accept my money to pay it. What a treat!  I could not stop thanking Ate Jen, just like how I could not stop thanking the families, people who were so kind to me wherever I go… Like Ate Beckz and Family in Singapore,Friends and sisters in Singapore, Cantos Family in Italy, Team Canada in Krabi, Rainbow Roommates in Bangkok, Team Jamie in Brunei, and Ate Jen in KK. Unforgettable people.

It was an awesome trip and it made me think how I missed traveling alone to meet, see and feel amazing experiences like this, wondering when I will do that again, longer.  I am looking forward on that moment…

(Pulau Manukan- ‘Pulau’ means Island)

Back to Kinabalu

After spending 2 nights in Brunei, I went back to Kota Kinabalu via ferry again. It was raining heaps when I arrive, I didn’t mind that day ’cause I’m quite tired from the trip and thought  I’d be a li’l lazy for a day.

The next day, it was still raining which sucks. I can’t do anything even if I wanted to go the islands. I started regretting going back earlier, I should have stayed another night in Brunei and went to join Jamie on his mission to find this Hassanil Bolkiah’s mosque rather than being stuck in the room.

The 3rd day, I checked out Kinabalu Backpackers Lodge to head on to the islands.  I could not accept to just be stuck in the room while I’m in Malaysia.  I headed early in the morning at the ferry terminal, paid a discounted price of 2 islands to see for 23 RM from the hostel’s 4RM discount vouchers ( I saved 10RM there!).  The Filipino guy that talked me to it yesterday when I tried to phish for more information was happy to see me (business, of course!), he won me over by telling me about the discount vouchers their company have that I can get from my hostel, which I took 2 (maybe I want to go the next day to be ready).

(Surface water shot, it looks amazing at the deeper side of the sea)

Aboard a speedboat we head to Mamutik Island, and there I met the Filipino guys who were so friendly and accommodating not only to fellow Filipinos but to other guests too.

Island Hopping Rates

• 1 island = 23RM (PHP299)
• 2 islands = 33RM (PHP429)
• 3 islands = 43RM (PHP559)

You still have to pay 7.20RM Terminal Fee and a one time Island Fee of 10RM(PHP130).  The most common islands were Pulau Mamutik, Manukan, and Sapi.  I took Mamutik-Manukan Islands that day, it was cool to meet a lot of Filipinos working everywhere there. I met ‘Kuya’ Mahc and Marine.  Marine was nice enough to lend me his snorkel while waiting for the one I’m renting. Snorkels could be rented at 10RM (PHP 130) and life vests separately at the same price.

Later on, Marine was super nice to tour me around amazing snorkeling spots using his fins, I was holding on to his arms while he swam. Wow! Underwater view was fantastic! I hate that I didn’t have underwater camera to share you what I saw. There were lots of beautiful species of fish that I have not seen but in my niece’ favorite fish online game, and I was seeing it for real! My imagination brought back my mermaid fantasy as I got to swim with them, although there was one specie that bit my leg several times which freaks me out.  It’s got really sharp teeth giving me lots of wounds from it.  I had a short jungle trek with Marine before I left the island and saw giant lizards or what they called and we called ‘Bayawak’.

(Giant Lizard, ‘Bayawak’)

12pm I went to the other island, Pulau Manukan.  Had a good lunch for 3RM and an expensive drink of canned F&N cola for 3RM (that was an expensive drink! Big bottled water was 6RM when 1.50RM it was from the city!). After that meal, I went to walk around to see more of the island, and there were bunch of Malaysian kids who wanted to have their photos taken with me! I stayed to have a little chitchats with them and Aida the only girl in the group knows how to speak Tagalog.  Her mom is Filipino, they were funny and cool, some of them were stalking around the island so when i saw the jungle trail, i started trekking on my own.  It took me around 30 minutes trying to reach what to find but there’s none, so I decided to head back when I saw 500m sign and I was worried I would not have enough time to swim before the boat picks us up at 4PM.

(Funny Malaysian Kids)

I went to swim at the area where its not to crowded, but I was disappointed how the beach were full of trash underwater, I did not swim that long and told myself Mamutik was way better!

4PM when I went back to the city.  Took a good lunch-dinner from Peppermint, a nice Vietnamese restaurant and walked to find the bus terminal.  It was not really a long way to walk but since I’m carrying my backpack I would need to take a bus to Tanjung Aru where the Beach House Hotel is near the airport and the beach (good for my last 2 days in Malaysia just to chill).

I met lots of Filipino drivers there, most of them could not speak Tagalog anymore because they were in Malaysia for a long time.  I waited for the bus going to airport which was LTT 16A from 6.10pm up to 8.30pm.  None, arrived even after those bus drivers has gone for a trip and back to the terminal.  One of them was kind enough to get me to a van LTT 16A, showing me from my map he said I still have to walk.  Not bad I said, that’s nothing compared to the walk from the ferry to bus terminal!

(Pulau Mamutik)

The guy sitting in front of the van was a Filipino, he was kind enough to tell me where to alight and paid my 1RM fare.  I was paying my fare when he said, I paid it.  Cool isn’t it? Filipinos have the giving attitude wherever we are.  He even accompanied me to walk to the hostel I’m looking for before he goes back to his place which is quite a long walk away for some non-walkers (I’m assuming just because he said its ages away going to the hostel from where they dropped us off when its not).

After checking in, the young woman at the reception said there was one Filipino guest checked in there.  I just had a shower, looked for a place to eat since that long wait at the terminal and a little walk made me hungry.  I went to the nearest 7-11 and just got myself cup noodles, bottle of water, chips and ice cream all for 4RM (PHP 52), head back to the hostel had some chitchats with my roommates Arnold (Philippines) and Sean (USA), then crashed. Dang., tired