A Tour in Mt. Kinabalu National Park

Honestly, I could not think of anything else to write for this week. Aside from preparing my reports, sending proposals to different benefactors, and conducting community sessions, I mostly stay home on weekends while binge-watching Gordon Ramsay's Hell's Kitchen. 

So, let me take you a bit to my travel diaries when I had my first solo escapade a decade ago in Sabah. Well, I guess I was a wanderlust since I was born. In short, my adventure in Malaysia was just the beginning of the countless solo trapeze all over the Philippines. 

Trailing Sunday

I was out early in the morning going towards the bus terminal in Kota Kinabalu from Penampang. After four days in the city, I was confident enough to speak basic Bahasa while maneuvering the city streets. That day was extra special because I traveled approximately 3 hours to Mt. Kinabalu National Park with only one plan in mind - to see the majestic Mt. Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia with a height half of Mt. Everest. 

"One of the structures before leaving the city"

The bus was speeding in the city outskirts for less than an hour. The view of the mountains and rice paddies was too nostalgic for me. I was breathing the suburban air - fresh, cool, and fragrant. Before I knew it, the kind bus driver signaled me that I just arrived at Kinabalu National Park. 

"One of the quarters when you decide to climb Mt. Kinabalu"

My heart was racing with excitement. Finally, I could tick down one of my coveted travel destinations. There weren't a lot of visitors when I was on my way to the entrance. 

I felt strange that nobody asked me for a fee; instead, I was only asked with the phrase, "Kamu rakyat Malaysia?" (Translated: Are you Malaysian?)

I briefly answered, "Ya.."

I saved 15RM with that 2-letter answer. 

The Park for Myself

I had nothing in mind but to wander in the park. A map was enough for me to follow a short trail while still feeling safe alone in a huge and dense forest. The fog started to envelop thickly before me, so I decided to head back to the entrance hall. 

However, I had a short segue to a flower garden on my way back to the main entrance. The kind gardener talked to me in a broken English with some Bahasa language which I truly appreciated. Finally, I had the chance to sit on an open balcony while watching the fog completely engulfed the surrounding. 

"Overlooking the majestic peak of Mt. Kinabalu"

"One of the quarters in Kinabalu National Park"

"Here is another view of the densely forested park"

"Would you dare to wander alone in this forest?"

Sheer Luck to Penampang

I was lost in time when I noticed that it was getting dark. The last bus going back to the city was at four in the afternoon, which I missed. Not allowing panic to sink in me, I was hoping against hope to catch at least a bus going towards the city. Then a miracle happened! 

"The fog truly thickened after this shot."

"I sat next to this cute kid before leaving the Kinabalu National Park"

An open van was speeding along the road, and my hand just voluntarily waved at it. Fortunately, a kind driver asked me where I was heading.

"I was really hoping to hitch a ride from these private vehicles or even the yellow bus but..."

"Penampang," was my clear but desperate answer for me to hitch a ride. 

"You are lucky. I am going to Sabah. I could bring you back to Penampang," the driver said. 

"The driver and I stopped over this beautiful countryside at Kampung Tamparuli."

"Here is another breathtaking view of Kampung Tamparuli"

Without any hunches and hesitation, I hopped in the van, and the next thing I knew, we were speeding back in Sabah while we had a short stopover at Kampung Tamparuli. 

Gladly, the kind driver truly drove me back to the hotel where I was staying. Well, he invited me for a night out, which I politely declined. I could no longer remember his name, but I am forever thankful to him for saving me a lot of ringgits and keeping me safe. Although there is something I couldn't forget about him - he was a big fan of AEGIS and Gary V.

Here are some of my articles during my 1-month escapade in Malaysia and Brunei:

1. Brunei Darussallam

2. Labuan Island

3. Labuan Memories

4. Kampung Ayer

5. Kampung Tamparuli

6. Atkinson Clock Tower

7. Abdul Rahman Park Tour

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