After working for almost 4 months, I could say, it was very interesting and always full of excitement. There are times when I will feel down and hanging by a thread. But, I know I can get through it not because the religion I have but the instinct I always have.
Speaking of religion, I suddenly found a very unique way of symbolize it. Here is what I think about religion:
Religion is like a book. The author copied some information from here and there and embedded some of the author laws. Eventually, it became a book and the author applied a copyright for the book. Therefore, who ever want to used/read the material inside the book have to pay for it ( aka adhere to the religion). And from time to times, the author will claim that his book is better than other (persuasion). The author also insert the secrete ingredient so that the reader will always follow the book (prayers & rituals). Although, the main purpose of a book is to help the reader to understand something, but somehow the author is more emphasis on the success of the book rather than its ultimate goal. Therefore, the author will impose a lots of nonsense laws for the reader to continue reading it. In return, the author also hopes that the reader will stick loyal to his books. Nevertheless, the author will always claim those who refuse to read the book are the lost people.
I insisted not to follow a book. Because I think the material from the book can easily obtain through life. In fact, I don't like being constrain by those stupid laws (prayers, restriction and ritual). All I want is the material, why would I make my self doing something I don't like to do in order to get it?
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Friday, 17 June 2011
Dilemma in work field...
As you all had already known, I had graduated and now I got to step in the working stage of life. Working isn't like studying. Choosing the right work for you will ultimately determine your future. I've been studying in a subject that I barely known of and yet able to graduate with flying colours. I wasn't flattering myself, but the truth is, studying is not that difficult as you just take whatever lecturer thrown to you and spit it out during exams.
Working, however, requires you to be always competitive and alert of what-so-ever thrown to you. There is no more time for you to make mistake as it would be critical and cause you to lose your job. I knew I need to be prepared for working, after all, I already done for my studying stage and I have no intention of future my study. Besides, I need to start worrying for my future and chasing the material items that I wish for in the future such as car and house. Not to forget, giving enough money for my parents for their golden age.
In order to realize my dream house and car and supporting my parents, I need to earn money. No matter how, I need money to continue pursuing my dream house and car. So, now the question came back to which job should I take or apply for. The first thing came in my mind is working at foreign country with higher currency than Malaysia. The theory is simple. You earn as much figure as in Malaysia. You spent as much figure as in Malaysia. You save as much figure as in Malaysia. But that figure is in Singapore dollar and it is roughly 2.45 times Ringgit Malaysia.
The converted figure is too tempting to anyone. Who wouldn't want to work at Singapore? To be honest, a fresh graduate of civil engineer will normally get RM2.5k in Malaysia or SGD2.5k. House rent per month is RM250-RM350 per month and for Singapore is SGD400-500. Foods and beverages is about RM500-RM700 per month and for Singapore is SGD400-600. Plus minus taxes and other expenses, working as an engineer in Malaysia can get RM1k of saving per month. But for working at Singapore will get you RM2.5k per month after conversion. From here you can see the difference of working at different place. It is no wonder people would like to work at country with higher currency and then spent is at lower currency country. The thing is getting more obvious in Singapore and Malaysia because both countries are so near!
Besides the saving you can get per month, I also consider about other things. The next thing to be considered is the work load. Nothing is free lunch. That is the truth in this money oriented world. So, if you want to get more, you should work more. Malaysian at Singapore is considered as foreign labour and they are treated as how Malaysian treat a Indon labour. But don't get me wrong, working in Malaysia is not necessary as relaxing as you wish. Depending on which sector you are working with either government or private, the work load can be very much different. So, by comparing with working at Singapore, the work load in private sector is almost the equal.
Now come to the opportunity of getting promotion and salary raise. The promotion at Malaysian government sector is pretty much harder compare to private sector. Then, working at Singapore also very difficult to get promotion and you will always be consider as secondary labour. But, working in private sector also depends on the company. For big company, getting promotion or raise is all to your political influence in your company. So, it means working in small and medium company will have better chance of getting promotion and raise.
Next is the distance factor. For those working at Singapore will surely have some difficulty to go home every week except those stay at Johor. This will be worse if they have their partner that still staying at Malaysia. But, the situation at Malaysia also be facing the same thing too especially when you are working for contractor.
All in all, I still think working at Singapore is very much better than in Malaysia. This is because for a fresh graduate, I must acquire enough funds before I can start owning my dream car or house. The problem is, working at Malaysia will have to make my plan delayed and the luxury time with my parents will also have to be delayed. With my parents growing age and weakening health, I have little time left to spend with them. I want them to see my success and I want to treat them back as what they have gave for me since before I was born.
To the bad news that I had agreed to join a medium size contractor company recently. The salary is not high. Just slightly above average that I have mention above. However, I have to be away from my home. Now, even before the work start, I had regretted what I have done. But, I am man on my words. So, I have no choice but to work at Bentong which is more or less 3 and half hours from my home town. As a site engineer, I basically do not have too much free time. Comparing to working at Singapore, the situation is almost the same but with 0.41times of the salary if working at Singapore. I knew I have screw up my future badly, but luckily I got the chance to escape because I don't have a contract. I would be mean if I straight resign as soon as I got employed. So, I would work for awhile and keep searching work at Singapore.
Just out of my part, I have a question. Why people so wanted to go to Singapore for work? The reason is very simple, of course, higher paid. I believe that Malaysian government should raise Malaysian currency. This procedure should be done as we are losing professionals to Singapore or even Australia because their currency is much higher than Malaysia. Also, it is the best way to fight against inflation because with higher currency, we can have cheaper imported goods. Of course, for the downside, foreign labour would be benefited but this is a necessary step in order for Malaysia to get into developed country. Whether you agree with my point of view, but the current situation is bad for us. Malaysians. With such a high inflation rate, even professional like engineer hardly survives. Not to mention, owning house or car!!
Working, however, requires you to be always competitive and alert of what-so-ever thrown to you. There is no more time for you to make mistake as it would be critical and cause you to lose your job. I knew I need to be prepared for working, after all, I already done for my studying stage and I have no intention of future my study. Besides, I need to start worrying for my future and chasing the material items that I wish for in the future such as car and house. Not to forget, giving enough money for my parents for their golden age.
In order to realize my dream house and car and supporting my parents, I need to earn money. No matter how, I need money to continue pursuing my dream house and car. So, now the question came back to which job should I take or apply for. The first thing came in my mind is working at foreign country with higher currency than Malaysia. The theory is simple. You earn as much figure as in Malaysia. You spent as much figure as in Malaysia. You save as much figure as in Malaysia. But that figure is in Singapore dollar and it is roughly 2.45 times Ringgit Malaysia.
The converted figure is too tempting to anyone. Who wouldn't want to work at Singapore? To be honest, a fresh graduate of civil engineer will normally get RM2.5k in Malaysia or SGD2.5k. House rent per month is RM250-RM350 per month and for Singapore is SGD400-500. Foods and beverages is about RM500-RM700 per month and for Singapore is SGD400-600. Plus minus taxes and other expenses, working as an engineer in Malaysia can get RM1k of saving per month. But for working at Singapore will get you RM2.5k per month after conversion. From here you can see the difference of working at different place. It is no wonder people would like to work at country with higher currency and then spent is at lower currency country. The thing is getting more obvious in Singapore and Malaysia because both countries are so near!
Besides the saving you can get per month, I also consider about other things. The next thing to be considered is the work load. Nothing is free lunch. That is the truth in this money oriented world. So, if you want to get more, you should work more. Malaysian at Singapore is considered as foreign labour and they are treated as how Malaysian treat a Indon labour. But don't get me wrong, working in Malaysia is not necessary as relaxing as you wish. Depending on which sector you are working with either government or private, the work load can be very much different. So, by comparing with working at Singapore, the work load in private sector is almost the equal.
Now come to the opportunity of getting promotion and salary raise. The promotion at Malaysian government sector is pretty much harder compare to private sector. Then, working at Singapore also very difficult to get promotion and you will always be consider as secondary labour. But, working in private sector also depends on the company. For big company, getting promotion or raise is all to your political influence in your company. So, it means working in small and medium company will have better chance of getting promotion and raise.
Next is the distance factor. For those working at Singapore will surely have some difficulty to go home every week except those stay at Johor. This will be worse if they have their partner that still staying at Malaysia. But, the situation at Malaysia also be facing the same thing too especially when you are working for contractor.
All in all, I still think working at Singapore is very much better than in Malaysia. This is because for a fresh graduate, I must acquire enough funds before I can start owning my dream car or house. The problem is, working at Malaysia will have to make my plan delayed and the luxury time with my parents will also have to be delayed. With my parents growing age and weakening health, I have little time left to spend with them. I want them to see my success and I want to treat them back as what they have gave for me since before I was born.
To the bad news that I had agreed to join a medium size contractor company recently. The salary is not high. Just slightly above average that I have mention above. However, I have to be away from my home. Now, even before the work start, I had regretted what I have done. But, I am man on my words. So, I have no choice but to work at Bentong which is more or less 3 and half hours from my home town. As a site engineer, I basically do not have too much free time. Comparing to working at Singapore, the situation is almost the same but with 0.41times of the salary if working at Singapore. I knew I have screw up my future badly, but luckily I got the chance to escape because I don't have a contract. I would be mean if I straight resign as soon as I got employed. So, I would work for awhile and keep searching work at Singapore.
Just out of my part, I have a question. Why people so wanted to go to Singapore for work? The reason is very simple, of course, higher paid. I believe that Malaysian government should raise Malaysian currency. This procedure should be done as we are losing professionals to Singapore or even Australia because their currency is much higher than Malaysia. Also, it is the best way to fight against inflation because with higher currency, we can have cheaper imported goods. Of course, for the downside, foreign labour would be benefited but this is a necessary step in order for Malaysia to get into developed country. Whether you agree with my point of view, but the current situation is bad for us. Malaysians. With such a high inflation rate, even professional like engineer hardly survives. Not to mention, owning house or car!!
Monday, 13 June 2011
My Graduation Trips Part 3...
After the two exciting trips, it is now come to the last trip with my best friends in UTM. It is a trip to Kuantan and Cameron Highland. For this trip, I was kind of unprepared I haven't given enough time to prepare and not to mention packing my cloth. This is because this trip starts as soon as my Sabah trip ends. Once I reached Melaka, I went to Melaka Sentral to purchase my bus ticket for the next morning bus to Kuala Lumpur. Mr. Chai will the meets me at Kuala Lumpur and took me for my interview at Loh & Loh Corporation.
It is quite rushing for me to attend the interview and luckily our time management was good. Soon, after my interview we went to pick up another good friend of mine, Gary. We straight headed to Mentakap as Mr. Chai always wanted us to visit his hometown. At first he planned to treat us Patin fish (or maybe other river fish) that night, but since we arrived Mentakap a little bit late, we have postponed it until we came back from Kuantan.
We sleep early that night because we wanted to depart early next morning. Nevertheless, they still tried to search for cheap hotel at Kuantan. To the lack of luck we didn't manage to find any cheap hotel. We decided to try our luck when we reached Kuantan. The journey to Kuantan was smooth and just before we exit the highway; Gary spotted a cheap hotel which is advertising at the roadside. Suddenly, the lucky angel came to us and we had found our cheap yet well equipped and clean. We didn't check in first as it is not yet the time for check in.
So, we went to Kuantan beach to taste the breeze of Kuantan beach and eventually have our lunch at McDonal's near the beach. I have to say this, the Kuantan beach is no match compared to Sabah beach. Don't get offended but it wasn't only Kuantan beach, but most beaches at Peninsular are quite dirty or polluted. Therefore, it is rather no match to any Sabah beach. Soon after our lunch at the beach, we went for check in to the Hotel Season View. We took a nap and planned to go to the beach during sunset.
But we overslept and went there quite late and the beach parking is nearly full. We didn't spend too much time at the beach. We just took a few pictures and walk along to sea side before the day gets dark. Then, we went back to hotel for rejuvenation before going to East Coast Mall. We didn't shop at there but just to buy ticket for midnight movie. Then, we went for dinner at Kemaman Kopitiam. After that we went to watch X-men First Class before heading back to hotel for rest.
The next morning, we went to East Coast Mall again for shopping. I can see both of them are preparing their attire for the next journey of life-working stage. After shopping, we went for lunch before heading straight back to Mentakap. At, Mr Chai house I and Gary were surprised that we have another friend (Hong Teck) form UTM joining us for the trip to Cameron Highland. Yup, but I almost took the surprise off when Hong Teck called Gary to tell him that his bus was delayed while Gary is asleep. Then, Mr Chai told me to hide the secrete in order to make the surprise worked. I did however, kept the secrete but it wasn't the effect that it suppose to be when Hong Teck arrived at Mentakap at 3am morning. At the night, we finally got to taste to Patin fish (or maybe other river fish) bought by Mr Chai's father.
The next morning, we woke up in early 5am to get ourselves prepared and departed roughly 6am. We planned to stop by at Raub to find a junior of us, Shu Chi. When we reached Raub, she took us to have our breakfast at Raub area. Then, we went to her house again to have some visit and chit-chat. It is a nice welcoming by her and her mother until we almost forgot the appointment with another junior (Shyuan Jy) at Cameron Highland. Soon, we moved on to Cameron Highland by taking to newly opened road from Raub. This time, I am the driver and I not sure the path to get there. However, with Shu Chi guide and some luck I mange to take the right path and safely reached Cameron Highland.
We met with Shyuan Jy and have a lunch at there. I not sure why but it was unfortunate that our first met is accompany with rain. We went for check in after lunch. The hotel was surveyed by Shyuan Jy and to be honest I am very satisfied with the hotel he booked for us. It is cheap and comfortable. We take a nap and start to walk around at the area near our hotel. Then, at 8pm Shyuan Jy took us for dinner and for some night view at Cameron Highland.
The next day, we went for some tea farm visit and tracking which is lead by Shyuna Jy. We also went to his father cabbage farm. We went for lunch and then to hotel for rest. It is quite a relaxing trip for us as we wanted to give us more free time and relax our mind before start working. And so, most of the time we choose to rest at hotel. Besides, the weather at Cameron Highland wasn't that allowing. We were lucky because it rain after we get back to our hotel.
We took a nice nap especially during raining and the temperature at there is just nice for nap. After bath, we were again picked up by Shyaun Jy for dinner at the restaurant he recommended. To be honest, food at Cameron Highland is quite nice and delicious compared to Sabah food. Maybe I wasn't that suited for Sabah food. Nevertheless, we had a quality dinner that night.
The next day will be the last day at Cameron Highland. Shyuan Jy took us for breakfast and then to buy some vegetables and fruits for us to bring it back. During the process, I can see that he is very experience and knowledgeable in the matter of bargaining in Cameron Highland. We also visited the florist shop that he currently working in. We were having a good time of shopping. We bought plants, sweetcorn, sweet potato, long cabbage and strawberries. Shyuan Jy also gave us a heap of cabbage from his father farm. After a lunch, we were then back to hotel and again rain poured right after we reach our hotel.
We had a good nap then. At night, we went for steam boat as our dinner. The difference of this steam boat is that it used charcoal to heat the soup instead of normal gas heating method. It is nice to have steam boat at such a cold weather. We had a nice dinner and then went for night market at Brinchang. But, sadly it rains. So, we were kind of shopping in the rain as all of us didn't bring umbrella. After that, we had satay before we had a farewell with Shyuan Jy. We then had our tea time at Starbucks Coffee until midnight.
The next morning we woke up early in 5am and packed everything before leaving Cameron Highland. We planned to have breakfast at Ipoh before meeting Wei Bin at Tapah. Wei Bin did take us to visit the biggest prison in Malaysia at Tapah. After that, we are again heading to Kuala Lumpur and end our trip for this time.
Overall, it is a very relaxing trip and I really like to environment at Cameron Highland. Actually, I have been to Cameron Highland many times but never stay overnight before. Now, I finally got to get the feel of the quiet and cold atmosphere at Cameron Highland. The night in Cameron Highland is totally different with day time where the street is very quiet and car seldom passes by. At day time, it was always jam and sound of horn can be heard all the time. The calm and quite atmosphere makes me intoxicated living there. I wish someday when I am free, I will went there again. Until then, it is time to worry of my career!!!
It is quite rushing for me to attend the interview and luckily our time management was good. Soon, after my interview we went to pick up another good friend of mine, Gary. We straight headed to Mentakap as Mr. Chai always wanted us to visit his hometown. At first he planned to treat us Patin fish (or maybe other river fish) that night, but since we arrived Mentakap a little bit late, we have postponed it until we came back from Kuantan.
We sleep early that night because we wanted to depart early next morning. Nevertheless, they still tried to search for cheap hotel at Kuantan. To the lack of luck we didn't manage to find any cheap hotel. We decided to try our luck when we reached Kuantan. The journey to Kuantan was smooth and just before we exit the highway; Gary spotted a cheap hotel which is advertising at the roadside. Suddenly, the lucky angel came to us and we had found our cheap yet well equipped and clean. We didn't check in first as it is not yet the time for check in.
So, we went to Kuantan beach to taste the breeze of Kuantan beach and eventually have our lunch at McDonal's near the beach. I have to say this, the Kuantan beach is no match compared to Sabah beach. Don't get offended but it wasn't only Kuantan beach, but most beaches at Peninsular are quite dirty or polluted. Therefore, it is rather no match to any Sabah beach. Soon after our lunch at the beach, we went for check in to the Hotel Season View. We took a nap and planned to go to the beach during sunset.
But we overslept and went there quite late and the beach parking is nearly full. We didn't spend too much time at the beach. We just took a few pictures and walk along to sea side before the day gets dark. Then, we went back to hotel for rejuvenation before going to East Coast Mall. We didn't shop at there but just to buy ticket for midnight movie. Then, we went for dinner at Kemaman Kopitiam. After that we went to watch X-men First Class before heading back to hotel for rest.
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| At Kuantan beach |
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| At Kuantan beach |
The next morning, we went to East Coast Mall again for shopping. I can see both of them are preparing their attire for the next journey of life-working stage. After shopping, we went for lunch before heading straight back to Mentakap. At, Mr Chai house I and Gary were surprised that we have another friend (Hong Teck) form UTM joining us for the trip to Cameron Highland. Yup, but I almost took the surprise off when Hong Teck called Gary to tell him that his bus was delayed while Gary is asleep. Then, Mr Chai told me to hide the secrete in order to make the surprise worked. I did however, kept the secrete but it wasn't the effect that it suppose to be when Hong Teck arrived at Mentakap at 3am morning. At the night, we finally got to taste to Patin fish (or maybe other river fish) bought by Mr Chai's father.
The next morning, we woke up in early 5am to get ourselves prepared and departed roughly 6am. We planned to stop by at Raub to find a junior of us, Shu Chi. When we reached Raub, she took us to have our breakfast at Raub area. Then, we went to her house again to have some visit and chit-chat. It is a nice welcoming by her and her mother until we almost forgot the appointment with another junior (Shyuan Jy) at Cameron Highland. Soon, we moved on to Cameron Highland by taking to newly opened road from Raub. This time, I am the driver and I not sure the path to get there. However, with Shu Chi guide and some luck I mange to take the right path and safely reached Cameron Highland.
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| At Shu Chi house |
We met with Shyuan Jy and have a lunch at there. I not sure why but it was unfortunate that our first met is accompany with rain. We went for check in after lunch. The hotel was surveyed by Shyuan Jy and to be honest I am very satisfied with the hotel he booked for us. It is cheap and comfortable. We take a nap and start to walk around at the area near our hotel. Then, at 8pm Shyuan Jy took us for dinner and for some night view at Cameron Highland.
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| Century Pines resort near our hotel |
The next day, we went for some tea farm visit and tracking which is lead by Shyuna Jy. We also went to his father cabbage farm. We went for lunch and then to hotel for rest. It is quite a relaxing trip for us as we wanted to give us more free time and relax our mind before start working. And so, most of the time we choose to rest at hotel. Besides, the weather at Cameron Highland wasn't that allowing. We were lucky because it rain after we get back to our hotel.
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| Posing |
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| My famous post since Korea delegation- after tracking |
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| At Shyuan Jy's father cabbage farm |
We took a nice nap especially during raining and the temperature at there is just nice for nap. After bath, we were again picked up by Shyaun Jy for dinner at the restaurant he recommended. To be honest, food at Cameron Highland is quite nice and delicious compared to Sabah food. Maybe I wasn't that suited for Sabah food. Nevertheless, we had a quality dinner that night.
The next day will be the last day at Cameron Highland. Shyuan Jy took us for breakfast and then to buy some vegetables and fruits for us to bring it back. During the process, I can see that he is very experience and knowledgeable in the matter of bargaining in Cameron Highland. We also visited the florist shop that he currently working in. We were having a good time of shopping. We bought plants, sweetcorn, sweet potato, long cabbage and strawberries. Shyuan Jy also gave us a heap of cabbage from his father farm. After a lunch, we were then back to hotel and again rain poured right after we reach our hotel.
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| Somewhere in flower garden |
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| At Brinchang night market |
We had a good nap then. At night, we went for steam boat as our dinner. The difference of this steam boat is that it used charcoal to heat the soup instead of normal gas heating method. It is nice to have steam boat at such a cold weather. We had a nice dinner and then went for night market at Brinchang. But, sadly it rains. So, we were kind of shopping in the rain as all of us didn't bring umbrella. After that, we had satay before we had a farewell with Shyuan Jy. We then had our tea time at Starbucks Coffee until midnight.
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| Farewell with Shyuan Jy and thanks for the nice welcoming of you |
The next morning we woke up early in 5am and packed everything before leaving Cameron Highland. We planned to have breakfast at Ipoh before meeting Wei Bin at Tapah. Wei Bin did take us to visit the biggest prison in Malaysia at Tapah. After that, we are again heading to Kuala Lumpur and end our trip for this time.
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| Meet up with Wei Bin |
Overall, it is a very relaxing trip and I really like to environment at Cameron Highland. Actually, I have been to Cameron Highland many times but never stay overnight before. Now, I finally got to get the feel of the quiet and cold atmosphere at Cameron Highland. The night in Cameron Highland is totally different with day time where the street is very quiet and car seldom passes by. At day time, it was always jam and sound of horn can be heard all the time. The calm and quite atmosphere makes me intoxicated living there. I wish someday when I am free, I will went there again. Until then, it is time to worry of my career!!!
Sunday, 12 June 2011
My Graduation Trips Part 2...
The next trip is Sabah trip with some of my classmates and Jia Ying's sister and friends from Alor Setar. It was suppose to be 5 days trip but I expand it into 12days with the days left staying with my dad. For the first 5 days, the journey is quite packed and they have limited time in Sabah but too much to explore and see.
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| Party Play-we had our dessert there |
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| Perdana Park |
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| The gang from UTM at Perdana Park |
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| Fountain at Perdana Park |
The first day, we went around Kota Kinabalu town to have our dinner. We also went to Taman Perdana to watch fountain. After reaching KKIA, we take our lunch at the KFC at KKIA. Then, we went to check in at Tune Hotel, 1 Borneo. Since Jia Ying and her friends were a little bit slower than UTM friend's flight, we have our own time at 1 Borneo for shopping although nothing much for us to shop. Then, we went for dinner at Pintas for the Minced meat noodles (肉碎面) and party play. Lastly, we went to Taman Perdana and accidentally met Wei Jie and Ming Li. Then, we went to the beach near Taman Perdana and have some drinks before going back to hotel. Since the next day, will be a long day, we went to sleep earlier.
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| Photo taken at Nabalu Village |
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| At Sabah Tea |
The next day is guided by a tour guided hired by us. We need to pay Rm65 each for the tour guide to bring us to area near Mt. Kinabalu. We stopped at Nabalu Village for some photograph session of Mt. Kinabalu. But the weather wasn't allowing. The second destination we went is Sabah tea, a place near Ranau. The tea plantation there is not as massive as Cameron Highland and the temperature at there is not as low as Cameron Highland. Near the Sabah tea, there is a long house for us to visit. However, it is a modern long house which the roof is made of zinc rather than atap.
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| Long House at Sabah Tea |
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| Poring Hot Spring |
The next destination is Tagal fish massage. This fish is different than normal fish massage where the fish is rather big in size and live wild. Then, we went to Poring hot spring. There are many activities at there such as tracking, hot spring, water fall and so on. But, with the limited time, we only manage to enjoy the hot spring awhile and then to the water fall. Next destination is the Kundasang War Memorial. It is a normal memorial park where the soldier sacrificed is being honored. The next destination is the Desa Cattle Farm at Kundasang. The farm is a suitable place to have a scenic view of the Mt. Kinabalu. We then move to Kinabalu National Park as our last stop for that day. The national park is a must go through place for Mt. Kinabalu climber. We didn't spend too much time at there as the day is getting dark already. Although it is just 6.30pm, it is almost dark already in Sabah. And so, we are heading back to Kota Kinabalu. Before that, the tour guide left us at sea food restaurant for our dinner. It's is indeed a tiring day for us but more to come on next day.
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| Kundasang War Memorial |
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| A funny caption at Kundasang War Memorial Australia Garden |
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| At Kundasang War Memorial-looks like in haven isn't it? |
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| Desa Cattle Farm |
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| Desa Cattle Farm |
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| Kinabalu National Park |
The following day, we were guided by Jia Ying's UMS friends to Kudat and Tip of Borneo. The journey is rather long as it is located roughly 200km from Kota Kinabalu. We used our rented cars which are one Kancil and one Proton Wira. At first we thought it was a normal journey it was a rough and vigorous journey. The road in Sabah is not as good as in Peninsular Malaysia where some part of the road is unpaved. But still we manage to get to our destination by rather low performance vehicle we had.
We have few stops before reaching our final destination. The first stop is the bee farm at Kg. Gombizau. It's just a normal small scale bee farm developed by the locals (Rungus). We had a briefing by the locals and then moved on to next destination. Then, we went to Gong making village. The village is famous of Gong making and as you walk along the street, you will find many house hold making Gong. We moved on to the Rungus long house. It is not as modern as the long house we visited yesterday, but I don't really see the difference except the roof.
After that, we all are hungry as it's nearly 2.30pm and we are yet to have our lunch. We headed straight to Kudat for our lunch at the Lavender Cafe. We then, have a rest at the Kudat beach. The sea water at there is very clean and crystal clear. We didn't spend too much time at the beach because we were late on the schedule and it is a quite a distance from Kudat to the Tip of Borneo. We continued our journey to the Tip of Borneo and took a lot of pictures at there. We headed back to Kota Kinabalu at 5.50pm and the sky is getting dark already. The journey back to Kota Kinabalu is very bumpy and dangerous. Finally, we reach Kota Kinabalu at 10.30pm and had our dinner before went back to our hotel. It was a tiring day and full of excitement, but we had fun.
The following day is sort of relaxing day for us. We are going to islands near Kota Kinabalu. There are Gaya Island, Manukan Island, Mamutik Island, Sapi Island and Sulug Island. However, we only went to Manukan Island and Mamutik Island. The first island is Manukan Island. The water at there is splendidly crystal clear and you can easily see fishes by your naked eyes. The island is famous for its snookering, diving and other water activities such as banana boat, kayaking, windsurfing and parasailing. There are many corals and fishes are attracted to these corals. Besides water activities, tourist also can choose jungle tracking. I didn't try any water activities as I don't know swimming and I had a bad experience from snookering last time at Pangkor Island. After tacking at Manukan Island, we went to Mamutik Island. For those had rented snookering equipment, they continued snookering while I was just playing with sand and enjoying the sea breeze. Afterwards, we headed back to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and walk around the town area of Kota Kinabalu. We also bought some souvenir at there. After taking a dinner at Yu Kee bah kut teh, we have our rest at Tune hotel.
Finally, there comes the last day of trip with my friends at Sabah and they will be going back at the fifth day while I will be going to stay with my dad after they went back. We took our breakfast at Likas and then we have a tour to UMS by Jia Ying's friends who study at UMS. We went to the aquarium, museum and chancellery in UMS. Lastly, we went to observation tower, before heading to airport. My dad picked me up at the airport after my friends left. Then, my dad took me to his construction site and shows me the pre-tensioning slab. I slept early that day because the next day will be a tiring day for me.
Unlike the days before, trip with my dad means going around Sabah with little or minimum stops. So, most of the time, I can't really snap any pictures at all. We started of heading to Sandakan at 11am on sixth day. After having lunch at Tuaran (Tauran noodle is by far the most delicious noodle I ate in Sabah), we headed to Sandakan. Don't be agitated, but the truth is Sabah food doesn't suits my appetite. I again have to go to Kundasang as that is the shortest way to Sandakan. However, I still couldn't see the top of Mt. Kinabalu for the second time. After a tea break at Telupid, we continued journey to Sandakan. We stayed a night at Sandakan before heading to Lahad Datu, Tawau and Semporna on the next day.
The next early morning, we went for Proboscis Monkeys watching at Labuk Bay. We waited for awhile before entering the bay because we were too early. Those Proboscis Monkeys are wild animals but they get to feed by the locals. After snapping a few pictures and video, we continued our journey to Lahad Datu. We didn't spend much time at there but just to have a lunch. Then, the next destination is Tawau. Along the journey, there is the vast land of palm tree plantation. And the road tends to be bumpy as huge trucks always pass by there. At Tawau, we had a tea time before going to Semporna. We stopped at the Semporna sea side for some photos before going back to Lahad Dato for staying.
The next day, is just another long journey driving to Pitas and then back to Kota Kinabalu. Along the journey to Pitas, we drive through some hilly area but not as high as Kundasang though. Pitas is just a small town in Sabah and we didn't stop at there. We had our lunch at Kota Marudu before going back to Kota Kinabalu.
The next day my dad had to work for on that day. But he is free to bring me around during lunch time. So, he took me to Kasih Sayang Health Resort at Kota Kinabalu. It is located on one of the mountain near Kota Kinabalu. At there, I got to see the top of Mt. Kinabalu for the first time and at the short distance. We then, went back to Kota Kinabalu for lunch before going to my junior's, Ivy, house at Kepayan. It took quite a long time before getting to her house as my dad is not familiar with that area. We had a short stay at her house before my dad need to go back to his office again. I was left with Ivy family and her mother took me to vist some historical places in Kota Kinabalu. The first place we went is the KK Time Square, then Atkinson clock tower. Then, we had some refreshment at nearby food court before going to Tun Fuad Stephens Park. The next destination is Lido Square and Grace Point. After having dinner at Lido Square, which again paid by Ivy's mother, they drop me at Tong Hing supermarket and my dad picked me up.
The next day which is tenth day is a one-day journey to Lawas, Sarawak. We departed early in the morning (roughly 6.30am) as my dad afraid we might be insufficient time for the whole journey. After breakfast at Likas, we went straight to Beaufort where we will be met up with another junior of mine, Cassendra. She actually stays at somewhere between Beaufort and Sipitang but we choose Beaufort as our meeting point. After a tea break at Beaufort with Cassendra, we moved on to Sipitang. We also have at drive to Weston before reaching Sipitang. The Weston town is a really small town which considered abandon town. Then, at Sipitang, we stopped by at the beach for photo taking. After that, we continued to Lawas. But before that, we need to pass by the custom at Sindumin where we have to hand over the Permit for entering Sabah and they will give us another permit for entering Sarawak. We straight went to Mengkalap custom where it is the border of Malaysia and Brunei. We didn't go into Brunei as it would be tedious. So, we are going back to Lawas town for lunch. Then, we choose a different path to get back to Kota Kinabalu. We went through Tenom from Sipitang then to Keningau, Tambunan and lastly Kota Kinabalu. The journey is a little bit hilly especially the road after Tambunan. We did stop at Mt. Alab for a tea break before going back. Mt. Alab is quite high and such a coincidence that it is covered by clouds during that time. I got to feel like we are in the havens for awhile.
The next day is my birthday and I don't get to travel around as my dad had to work. So, I just walked to Kopicat Cafe at Likas to online and check my e-mail. It was quite a boring day, but I not suitable to travel as I got flu that time. My dad took me for a nice dinner and that's basically makes my day. The next day is the last day at Sabah and my dad is coming back with me. So, he took me for breakfast and then dropped me at airport.
Although I didn't stayed long in Sabah, but I kind of loving that place as the people there a less differentiated by races or skin color. Comparing to Peninsular, the people at Sabah get each other in a harmony environment. I can see some Chinese restaurant at Sabah serve no pork. I not sure why, but I think that will probably attract Muslim to dine at there. Many locals (bumiputera) can be seen dining at Chinese restaurant that makes it more to harmonious environment.
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| Bee hive demonstration |
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| Gong Making |
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| Rungus Long House |
We have few stops before reaching our final destination. The first stop is the bee farm at Kg. Gombizau. It's just a normal small scale bee farm developed by the locals (Rungus). We had a briefing by the locals and then moved on to next destination. Then, we went to Gong making village. The village is famous of Gong making and as you walk along the street, you will find many house hold making Gong. We moved on to the Rungus long house. It is not as modern as the long house we visited yesterday, but I don't really see the difference except the roof.
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| Beach at Kudat |
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| A clock tower at Kudat |
After that, we all are hungry as it's nearly 2.30pm and we are yet to have our lunch. We headed straight to Kudat for our lunch at the Lavender Cafe. We then, have a rest at the Kudat beach. The sea water at there is very clean and crystal clear. We didn't spend too much time at the beach because we were late on the schedule and it is a quite a distance from Kudat to the Tip of Borneo. We continued our journey to the Tip of Borneo and took a lot of pictures at there. We headed back to Kota Kinabalu at 5.50pm and the sky is getting dark already. The journey back to Kota Kinabalu is very bumpy and dangerous. Finally, we reach Kota Kinabalu at 10.30pm and had our dinner before went back to our hotel. It was a tiring day and full of excitement, but we had fun.
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| My famous pose at Tip of Borneo |
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| At Tip of Borneo |
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| Fishes can be seen at the jetty of Manukan Island |
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| Fishes can be seen at the jetty of Mamutik Island |
The following day is sort of relaxing day for us. We are going to islands near Kota Kinabalu. There are Gaya Island, Manukan Island, Mamutik Island, Sapi Island and Sulug Island. However, we only went to Manukan Island and Mamutik Island. The first island is Manukan Island. The water at there is splendidly crystal clear and you can easily see fishes by your naked eyes. The island is famous for its snookering, diving and other water activities such as banana boat, kayaking, windsurfing and parasailing. There are many corals and fishes are attracted to these corals. Besides water activities, tourist also can choose jungle tracking. I didn't try any water activities as I don't know swimming and I had a bad experience from snookering last time at Pangkor Island. After tacking at Manukan Island, we went to Mamutik Island. For those had rented snookering equipment, they continued snookering while I was just playing with sand and enjoying the sea breeze. Afterwards, we headed back to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal and walk around the town area of Kota Kinabalu. We also bought some souvenir at there. After taking a dinner at Yu Kee bah kut teh, we have our rest at Tune hotel.
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| At Manukan Island |
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| Burying Ah Goh at Mamutik Island |
Finally, there comes the last day of trip with my friends at Sabah and they will be going back at the fifth day while I will be going to stay with my dad after they went back. We took our breakfast at Likas and then we have a tour to UMS by Jia Ying's friends who study at UMS. We went to the aquarium, museum and chancellery in UMS. Lastly, we went to observation tower, before heading to airport. My dad picked me up at the airport after my friends left. Then, my dad took me to his construction site and shows me the pre-tensioning slab. I slept early that day because the next day will be a tiring day for me.
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| At UMS |
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| UMS aquarium |
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| UMS Museum |
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| My dad Construction site |
Unlike the days before, trip with my dad means going around Sabah with little or minimum stops. So, most of the time, I can't really snap any pictures at all. We started of heading to Sandakan at 11am on sixth day. After having lunch at Tuaran (Tauran noodle is by far the most delicious noodle I ate in Sabah), we headed to Sandakan. Don't be agitated, but the truth is Sabah food doesn't suits my appetite. I again have to go to Kundasang as that is the shortest way to Sandakan. However, I still couldn't see the top of Mt. Kinabalu for the second time. After a tea break at Telupid, we continued journey to Sandakan. We stayed a night at Sandakan before heading to Lahad Datu, Tawau and Semporna on the next day.
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| Tuaran Noodle |
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| The Grand Hotel at Sandakan |
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| Proboscis Monkeys |
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| View from Semporna beach |
The next early morning, we went for Proboscis Monkeys watching at Labuk Bay. We waited for awhile before entering the bay because we were too early. Those Proboscis Monkeys are wild animals but they get to feed by the locals. After snapping a few pictures and video, we continued our journey to Lahad Datu. We didn't spend much time at there but just to have a lunch. Then, the next destination is Tawau. Along the journey, there is the vast land of palm tree plantation. And the road tends to be bumpy as huge trucks always pass by there. At Tawau, we had a tea time before going to Semporna. We stopped at the Semporna sea side for some photos before going back to Lahad Dato for staying.
The next day, is just another long journey driving to Pitas and then back to Kota Kinabalu. Along the journey to Pitas, we drive through some hilly area but not as high as Kundasang though. Pitas is just a small town in Sabah and we didn't stop at there. We had our lunch at Kota Marudu before going back to Kota Kinabalu.
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| Kasih Sayang Health Resort |
The next day my dad had to work for on that day. But he is free to bring me around during lunch time. So, he took me to Kasih Sayang Health Resort at Kota Kinabalu. It is located on one of the mountain near Kota Kinabalu. At there, I got to see the top of Mt. Kinabalu for the first time and at the short distance. We then, went back to Kota Kinabalu for lunch before going to my junior's, Ivy, house at Kepayan. It took quite a long time before getting to her house as my dad is not familiar with that area. We had a short stay at her house before my dad need to go back to his office again. I was left with Ivy family and her mother took me to vist some historical places in Kota Kinabalu. The first place we went is the KK Time Square, then Atkinson clock tower. Then, we had some refreshment at nearby food court before going to Tun Fuad Stephens Park. The next destination is Lido Square and Grace Point. After having dinner at Lido Square, which again paid by Ivy's mother, they drop me at Tong Hing supermarket and my dad picked me up.
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| Me, Ivy and her younger sister at Tong Hing-what a happy family and a warm welcoming from their mother. Thanks |
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| Me and Casse at Beaufort |
The next day which is tenth day is a one-day journey to Lawas, Sarawak. We departed early in the morning (roughly 6.30am) as my dad afraid we might be insufficient time for the whole journey. After breakfast at Likas, we went straight to Beaufort where we will be met up with another junior of mine, Cassendra. She actually stays at somewhere between Beaufort and Sipitang but we choose Beaufort as our meeting point. After a tea break at Beaufort with Cassendra, we moved on to Sipitang. We also have at drive to Weston before reaching Sipitang. The Weston town is a really small town which considered abandon town. Then, at Sipitang, we stopped by at the beach for photo taking. After that, we continued to Lawas. But before that, we need to pass by the custom at Sindumin where we have to hand over the Permit for entering Sabah and they will give us another permit for entering Sarawak. We straight went to Mengkalap custom where it is the border of Malaysia and Brunei. We didn't go into Brunei as it would be tedious. So, we are going back to Lawas town for lunch. Then, we choose a different path to get back to Kota Kinabalu. We went through Tenom from Sipitang then to Keningau, Tambunan and lastly Kota Kinabalu. The journey is a little bit hilly especially the road after Tambunan. We did stop at Mt. Alab for a tea break before going back. Mt. Alab is quite high and such a coincidence that it is covered by clouds during that time. I got to feel like we are in the havens for awhile.
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| Check points information at custom |
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| Mt. Alab covered by clouds |
The next day is my birthday and I don't get to travel around as my dad had to work. So, I just walked to Kopicat Cafe at Likas to online and check my e-mail. It was quite a boring day, but I not suitable to travel as I got flu that time. My dad took me for a nice dinner and that's basically makes my day. The next day is the last day at Sabah and my dad is coming back with me. So, he took me for breakfast and then dropped me at airport.
Although I didn't stayed long in Sabah, but I kind of loving that place as the people there a less differentiated by races or skin color. Comparing to Peninsular, the people at Sabah get each other in a harmony environment. I can see some Chinese restaurant at Sabah serve no pork. I not sure why, but I think that will probably attract Muslim to dine at there. Many locals (bumiputera) can be seen dining at Chinese restaurant that makes it more to harmonious environment.
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