A drive down Kota Kinabalu

Last week I travelled so much I couldn’t even remember much except that everything went by so fast! I have been working with Malaysia.com which has been recently acquired by a Canadian web developing/hosting company which meant that I scored this gig thru the Western world! (Thank God I put in 12 years in Vancouver)

A couple fellas -Ian and Bruce - decided to bring me on board as a tour guide and also an unofficial chauffeur as they try to get to know the country in 10 days. It’s a huge feat but I think 14 days would do more justice for this beautiful country I call home. I joined them in KL, Langkawi and eventually Kota Kinabalu with much convincing. KL an Langkawi were great because I had already gotten to know a few spots, so renting a car and driving around town wasn’t so bad. KK on the other hand, was definitely an eye-opener. We started our journey at the airport and quickly made our way towards Kudat to check out the Rungus Longhouse. Initially we were planning to stay over but after looking through a few websites, I figured it only warranted a half hour visit. (thank God I was right!) The drive alone took about 2.5hrs in one direction.

On the way back, we got lost and I had to drive for 3 hours in the dark with diminishing lanes and cows just chillin on the side of the road. Its insane how rural it is because there are no street lights on the road. (yes, the ignorant city girl talking now) Our plan for the next day was to visit Taman Negara, get some jungle footage and perhaps climb a mountain. It was obviously a bit ambitious and none of us were really prepared to climb the mountain (it’s not like the Grouse Grind). Climbing Mt. Kinabalu is a 2-day climb that involves spending a night at the peak which is monopolized by the Sutera Company (which means expensive rates for Malaysians and foreigners). We opted for a scenic trail that was about 3-4km by the time we were finished.

I have lots on my to-do list for the next time I visit KK. I want to see the probiscous monkey, hang out at Pulau Sipadang and even check out some of the jungles… plus eat a Kalimantan Red-fleshed Durian! Yes! Check out the pic below! I got this from my mom via her usual spamming and totally regret not seeking out this tasty sucker! If KK Tourism wants me to sponsor a trip to do all of the above, I will gladly do so!!

All in all, I had a great trip with the boys and singing Joe Flizzow’s Do It Duit track definitely made it memorable!