South East Sabah

It has been a long long time since my last post. I have neglected this dream spot, I know. But it's really tiring when you are working as a cheap labour, hahaha. Anyway, have just been back from a short South East Sabah Roadtrip, with my parents.

The 1st time they visited me was somewhere in end of October 2010, when they came like 4 days just to help me settle my lodging and car etc. They really came here as "labourers", Free-of-Charge ones...And they told me they really come here as servants, to clean up the newly rented house etc. Felt sorry for that but I can't help much.

The 2nd time they visited was end of February 2011, when I was tagging in a new department (means working from 6.30am to at least 10pm or more EVERYDAY for 2 weeks). And so the 3rd time (which is the current visit), I took leave 26th April-2nd May 2011. And so a roadtrip we are on, hehehe.

We took off from Sandakan down to Semporna and Tawau. My parents, specifically my father, seemed to be very interested in stopping in EVERY single small town. So we actually been to, not all, but most of the small "famous" towns, which is actually like nothing to see. Ok, I know "nothing to see" is not nice to be used, but seriously, there is nothing much to see as a Malaysian tourist. Along the way are oil palm plantations, forest, some small malay villages. You will drive pass some rivers and go through the valleys.

We stopped in Beluran, Kinabatangan, Lahad Datu, Kunak and not forgetting some small villages which I can't even bother to remember. But one thing very impressive, for me, my parents drove all the way through, and my dad is at 6 decades of life, mind you. They are very excited to visit the fish market in Sabah, because the seafood sold here are so fresh if compared to the West Malaysia, although in the end, they bought nothing :P

The Floating Resort

We went down to Semporna and stayed in Dragon Inn Floating Hotel...Was good, price reasonable and inclusive of breakfast, although it is all the same as you can see, Kaya-Butter-bread and Banana Fritters with coffee/tea. Hmm, but seriously, not that bad :) Just for your information, no wi-fi, but they do have a Dragon-net, RM6 for 30 mins and RM10 for an hour :D

Breakfast for 3 :P

One thing I am not supportive of this resort is the management of sewage. The bathing water (means your soapy water with shampoo all drained directly into the sea. Fortunately the "gold" (feces) didn't. I think this is an aspect where the government and also the resort administrators should "re-look" into, as it is very not environmental friendly. Don't you agree?

Family Room

The Bathroom

Fresh alive fish caught by children, selling to the resort's restaurant

Fish in clear bluish water

Went to Pulau Bum-Bum, RM1 per trip per person in a lousy motor-boat ride (the locals' ferry, daily transport) just at the back of the Semporna Central Market. And took a "taxi" (more like a private car, without car plate!!! So dangerous!) in Pulau Bum-Bum for about 2-hour journey costing RM105. Here we learned that the Bajau Laut are actually citizens of no country. They come and leave as they wished. They leave when they have no more fish to catch, they live with the sea. They eat only fresh-caught fish boil in water and eat only Ubi Kayu (Cassava). Communications can be an issue with the Bajau Laut. Looks like they are the real "Pirates of the Carribeans" :P

Overlooking the ocean from Pulau Bum-Bum



Crystal Clear Water

In Pulau Bum-Bum, where the Bajau Laut put up their shelter

Drying of the seaweeds, or is it sea grass???

On 30th April, took up a tour package from Uncle Chang to Pulau Mabul and Kapalai, breakfast and lunch inclusive, dinner too if you stay in Pulau Mabul Resort (Uncle Chang, hope you see this and would give us a discount next visit, doing FREE advert here!!!) *Hmmm, wonder how many people actually read my blog wahahaha*

Snorkeling and diving near these islands are splendid. I know, this statement isn't so convincing because I didn't snorkel nor dive. But hey! My dad snorkeled. And we have tourist who visited again and again just for diving. Plus, even the blinds (exaggerating!!!) know that the water here is crystal clear!!! Ok, I know my pictures sucks cause it's from a handphone camera, but that is all I have! If someone sponsors me an SLR Camera, I can prove better then wahahaha

Snorkeling Tourists


Pulau Mabul Resort

Then we headed down to Tawau on Labour's Day. And yes, we ate in the famous Mongolian Chicken Rice shop, but it isn't much of my likings :) But still we cleared up the plates. Hmm, I always thought Sandakan is the 2nd largest town in Sabah and followed by Tawau...But I think the information online is a little bit wrong somewhere... After visiting Tawau, I think Tawau should be the 2nd largest. Ok, fine, I admit, I don't really know what criteria they actually based on to judge :P

Tawau Sea View

Mongolian Chicken Rice down in Tawau


RM2 --- Shitake Mushroom & some vegetables

RM10 Chicken

RM4 --- LapCheong & Hot-dog

Tawau Wantan Mee??

Went to Tawau Hill Park, aim is to visit the WORLD Tallest Tropical Tree which is of 88-89 meters. Paid RM3 per person for entrance fee but I was in a totally wrong attire!!! White pants and ... Slipped-in-wedge shoes?! Yeah, all wrong, don't need to remind me. The muddy path...Hmm, turned back. So sorry, that my parents also turned back --- because of me...But hey, next trip I will be better prepared! But just a reminder, if you were interested in this park, it would take up a day, you can picnic/BBQ, see the waterfalls, bath in it, hike some hills in this reserved forest and also see the WORLD'S TALLEST TROPICAL TREE!!! How cool is that! Gosh, I MUST go there again in the RIGHT ATTIRE :P

Yes, look at the slipped-in-wedge shoes :(

Weather for this roadtrip isn't that sunny. Drizzling on and off. But I am glad it drizzles, at least it wasn't that super sizzling hot and that means I didn't sunburn myself and I don't get as dark as I have expected, yippie!!! Too bad for those who enjoy sunbathing, I know hehehe.

And just to let the whole world know, I drove back all the way from Tawau - Kunak - Lahad Datu - Kinabatangan back to Sandakan, with the full-of-potholes road, wahaha. My first long journey driving. I know it's not something too amazing for some of you out there. But hey, I still think it's cool for me ... hmm, ok, an achievement for me :P

To have roadtrip in Sabah is not easy, in the sense, the road is not perfect like those you have in the West Malaysia, beautifully tarred highways, not much of potholes and where it is wide and "speed-able". Here in Sabah, most of the long-journey road sucks...potholes, narrow 2-lanes (fortunately not single lane), quite winding and slopey at times. Most of the parts are without street lights and even petrol kiosk is an issue (better fill up sufficient fuel before driving). Well, not as bad actually, at least you still have the small towns on the way ... but hey, you never know, so be prepared if you can.

As an over all, I enjoyed the trip and would definitely revisit these places when there is a chance *wink*

Just A Simple Update

My Ukrainian Graduation Day was held on the 25th June 2010. The Malaysian one is yet to come - 1st August 2010 in PutraJaya. My sister had "climbed the mountains and dive the sea", just to get a visa to attend my convocation here in Ukraine, Simferopol. Fortunately, everything went well.

So here I am writing this just to inform my few faithful readers that I am on a journey with my sister in Ukraine. We have managed to squeezed in Yalta, Sevastopol and Evpatoria while we were in Crimea. Then we "trained" to Odessa. I am currently in Kiev---the last destination here for my sister this time. She will then fly off to Moscow on the 4th July, whereas I will be continuing my trip to Germany and Netherland.

Things has been interesting. We argued, laughed, experienced some unforgettable moments. And despite my "multiple arrivals" in Kiev, I still managed to get both of us lost today :( Therefore, we are now totally exhausted. Not only due to the walking, but also due to the scorching sun of summer, and the "cramped" journey.

Although many would have thought that Ukraine has nothing much to offer, I wouldn't want to agree with that statement. Many of my friends' parents applied visa to Ukraine. But straight after the convocation, many have left for Euro-trip the next day. I do agree that Europe has a lot to offer for travel. But Ukraine is not a place to offer nothing. I am sad to say that I couldn't manage to fit in the schedule for my sister these few places --- Lviv, Chernivtsi, Sudak, TarKhanKut, Kamyanets-Podilsky, Bakhchisaray etc. I know that many people thinks that a lot of these places may not be as interesting as the Colosseum in Rome, or the Familia Sagrada in Spain, or even the Eiffel Tower in Paris etc, but after going through all the red tapes getting a visa to Ukraine, I don't think leaving without visiting some of the places in Ukraine is worth it. Besides, it has a lot to offer, the beautiful Black Sea, the nature that is unpolluted/destroyed, the culture and people that is different ... ...

How many people have ever really thought of visiting Ukraine when one plans for a trip? How many would have had the opportunity to visit while having someone close (family members/children/friends) being able to be a "tour guide" (though I may be the lousy one hahaha)? How many then would have had a guide who speaks Russian (Russian as broken as mine is also counted hehehe)?

Hmm, too much of emo-ing here. Don't know why this place suddenly seems so beautiful especially when I will be leaving in 19 days :( Guess, human beings only start to appreciate something when time is not much left :) By the way, will update you guys about my trip, not only for my memory, but also for those "lost travellers" who have a hard time finding information about Ukraine, my friends who are interested in reading and also my uni-mates/future CSMU students who will be travelling in Ukraine/Europe. Hope I will be able to write everything down :)

Till the next post, wish me luck :D

~ Unlightable Candle ~

Sharing? What comes into mind with this simple word "sharing"? Do we need to be very rich to be able to share? Do we need to have everything in the world to be able to share? Must sharing be in a form of material? Or simply anything can be shared?

To me, a simple act of kindness is sharing. It need not to be from someone you know well, it is not a lengthy heart-touching speech, it is not about every diamond and gold that you pour on earth. It may be just a simple smile, a hand that helps in time of despair, an ear that listens, a wisdom/knowledge that is shared together...

I have just returned from the trip to Taize Poznan. There was this one night when everyone entering the hall was given a candle. Somehow I missed it. I was "candleless". I was too lazy to go to the entrance to collect my candle. So, I sat down quietly, praying. Not for the candle, of course.

As the prayer ceremony started, people started to light the candle and pass it on. I was sitting there looking at what people were doing. Basically the whole hall of thousands of youths were trying to light their candles. The guy on my left was looking at me candleless and was looking for some people with lit candles to light up his.

And after a minute or two, I noticed that the girl sitting at my right was trying to melt her candle. She was holding her candle horizontally, and her friend beside her held the other lighted-candle trying to burn the first candle. As it melted the first candle into two, the girl lit the first half and passed the short-halved lit candle to me, smiling, "You can have this."

I took the candle, somehow tears filled my eyes. At that specific moment, I was just touched by her little action. I forgot to mentioned that the second halved candle that she has in hand wasn't able to be lighted, maybe because of the wax that melted from the process of halving the candle. Yet she passed me the lighted half, instead of the waxed half. I passed her back the lighted one, which obviously she refused to accept. But still I exchanged with her. But it was time to blow our candles off. It is a memorable halved candle.

A simple act of sharing is not about every money one has, it's not about sharing the whole world that you have. A simple smile, a simple halved candle is a touching sharing story for me. The candle is broken during my journey back. But for me, it is a memorable unlightable candle that reminds me the true meaning of sharing ... ...

Less Than 14 Days

It's been almost 4 weeks since I left Simferopol. Means it has been nearly 4 weeks since the first day I started this trip, 1st August 2009. Day and night, trespassing different borders by all modes of transport, meeting people from various cultures and all walks of life, experiencing cultures that shape my life experiences and outlook, enriching my personal diary of life...

Without noticing the flying of each seconds, I am now left with about a week till I reach Simferopol to prepare myself for my final year. Time has been passing real fast, to the extend of me not even knowing the date and time sometimes. I find myself in "shock" when I noticed that I have less than 14 days till I have to say "Hello again, dear Ukraine!"

This trip till now has been exciting and of course I hope that it has changed myself in a positive way, direct or indirectly.

Although travelling in Europe has always been about Cathedrals, monuments, Squares, museums, and again back to cathedrals... I still find it wonderful, and there are still tonnes to explore. Is it because that I am still loafing around? Avoiding the days of studies and work? I am always still reluctant to accept, the fact, that I am soon starting my new semester and in about a year's time, I will be stepping into workhood.

The balanced days of travel would be spent in Romania. I still clearly remember the days when I first stepped into the land of Scandinavia where the wind was strong, with fear that anytime the rain will fall onto my head. Days in Salzburg is remarkably hot and sweaty, especially after arriving from the cool chilly Baltics. Romania has still been giving me a sense of mystery, with the gypsies, the myths, the legends...

How much I have gained and learned through out the month? How have my perspectives towards life and people changed? How much has this trip mature myself? I don't know...

August 2009 EuroTrip

Yes, it's less than a week till 1st of August. Yes, I am going to start my journey, not for EuroVision, but for my EuroTrip. Thanks to my sponsors --- Daddy and Mummy.

This coming EuroTrip last about a month and a week. From 1st of August till the 6th of September. Long journey? Yeah, sort of. Gonna begin from the 1st of August at about 2pm taking the train from Simferopol to Kiev. This journey would be about 15 hours, so I guess my butts gonna cry in numbness. But it will be much better because my EuroTrip will end with a 33-35hours of train from Chernivtsi-Simferopol. Then maybe by then I would be having Butt-Sore (or maybe Bed-Sore???).

The coming trip covers only one continent, and yes again, still Europe (obviously, otherwise why named it as EuroTrip???) Winter January 2008, been to Vienna, Budapest and Prague. Last summer --- June 2008, been to Spain, Italy, 4-hours of London. Last winter --- January 2009, is about Belgium and Wroclaw (Poland). So this time, gonna explore somewhere up-North.

I am beginning my journey from Katowice to Poznan. Should have about half a day in Poznan. Then flying to Norway. Main aim is for the Fjord. Everyone asking why not saving Norway for the aurora during the winter? Well, summer in Norway should be fun anyway :)

From Norway by train, will be in Denmark for 3D/2N, not going to Lego Land though *sigh*, a little expensive. Then leaving for Stockholm for a 3D/2N. Not to forget their Absolut IceBar, where a short journey into the totally ICE-made Bar, with a small drink in ICE mug. Yippie!!! So, somehow I will be experiencing winter in summer :P

*Absolut Ice Bar Stockholm*

From Stockholm, will take a cruise to reach Tallinn and then by the Eurolines will arrive Riga. Sad that I will leave out a country in the Baltic --- Lithuania. But what to do? Time is a major factor. Again, from Riga will be taking a cruise back to Stockholm to catch a flight to London for a flight to Salzburg. Complicated? Well, a little bit, I have to admit.

Salzburg---Sound of Music is what that comes into mind. Besides the birth place of the infamous Mozart, it is also well-known for its nature and beauty. Will tell you more upon my journey back home to Simferopol. After that, a flight from Vienna will bring me back to Romania, where the County of Dracula will awe me, and perhaps treat me with some non-bloody meal, hehe.

*Salzburg*

Romania has always been one of my top-destination. Its Dracula legend has been haunting generations to generations, just like the Chinese Vampires. But one of the drawback is about the Gypsies in Romania, which I hope will not cause me any problem. Then from Romania, will be back to Chernivtsi, Ukraine to take the LONG-LONG 33-35Hours of train to be late for classes in Simferopol.

*Romania*

CouchSurfing is also part of the plan for this EuroTrip. Should be able to dwell into the daily life of the locals, which would be interesting, especially to be able to get an in-depth of their culture and understandings :-)

Well, in short, the journey can be summarised as this, thanks for taking your precious time to read through the passage:

01/08/2009 : Simferopol-Kiev

02/08/2009 : Kiev-Katowice

03/08/2009 : Poznan-Oslo (Norway)

09/08/2009 : Oslo-Copenhagen (Denmark)

11/08/2009 : Copenhagen-Stockholm (Sweden)

14/08/2009 : Stockholm-Tallinn (Estonia)

17/08/2009 : Tallinn-Riga

17/08/2009 : Riga-Stockholm (again)

18/08/2009 : Stockholm-London-Salzburg (Austria)

24/08/2009 : Vienna-Burcharest (Romania)

05/09/2009 : Suceava-Chernivtsi-Simferopol

* Train Bus Cruise Plane *

There goes my one month and a week, exploring 8 countries (or rather small part of the countries) but journeying through 10 countries, with 2 hitch-hikings in Romania. Wish me luck! *wink*

Will tell more after reaching in September...

Conquering The World!!!

I wonder how long will it take me to fill up the map with reds. Not very accurately displaying the parts of the world that I have visited. Because some of the countries I reddened was just a small town / capital that I have visited, not necessarily the whole country. But would definitely love to continue colouring it red. And if I am able to step foot into Russia, China, USA... I think I would have drastically increased the percentage of world soil I have stepped into , isn't that cool?

So, join me in creating your own visited map of The World at http://douweosinga.com/projects/visited And let's see how many parts of the world you have conquered!

visited 18 states (8%)

2009 Winter Holiday 5 : Oostende

On the way to Bruges train station, drizzling.

On the night of 16.01.09, we discussed and decided to head to another nearby town/city because we think that we have seen Bruges. So we decided to explore Oostende, a town famous of its beach and harbour. Although in the beginning I was still thinking whether I should linger in Bruges because I still miss the Pasta Presto a lot :P

Oostende Train Station

The next day, we walked to the Bruges Train Station. Never had we knew that it was so far away from our host's house. We walked and walked and to make things worse, it was drizzling. Was it then a good idea to visit Oostende which is only about 10minutes by train on a rainy day? And one thing interesting was that the train tickets will be cheaper on the weekends, especially if you are buying a return train ticket. I don't really remember the exact amount but it was only something like €3.2o during the weekends instead of the original €4.60.

"The waiting fisherman's wives "

The port stretching long across

But with God's grace, it was all sunny at the moment we stepped on the ground of Oostende. And just right in front of the train station was this "The waiting fisherman's wives ". It was said that the women were awaiting their husbands who sailed off to the ocean. Just nearby, yatches were parking and can easily be seen.

St.Petrus and St.Paulus Church

Then we headed straight to the St Petrus and St Paulus Church. Then we headed to the beach. We saw the port stretching long across. That was so beautiful. Lots of people with their fishing rod awaits for the fish to hook on. Weather was so good, wind was rather strong, the breeze forced us to leave the port somewhere like after 30 minutes.

Alive fish, still jumping

Then again, we searched for the Belgian Fries. Yummy!!! One thing was very good about Belgium --- Very very safe. The school children about 10-20 was only guided by one teacher and yet they are allowed to run free around the city. That was amazing to me. I mean in general, in Malaysia, if the same were practised, I believe the policemen would have tonnes of kidnapping cases to solve.

As we stroll along the harbour around 3-4pm, there were a lot of stalls selling seafood. The seafood cocktail is 3€ per plate. And it looks really really attractive. And they also sell bowls of mussel soup, 1.50€. I bought the cocktail and was thinking that after finishing it, I would go for a soup.

The Cocktail I bought, 3€

But YIKES!!! The cocktail was superbly lousy. I should have gone for the soup!!! The whole cocktail thing was very unfresh and tasted like those frozen seafood just rinsed once with hot water. Then after being exposed to the wind, it got so cold and the prawn was hard. Right beneath the seafood, it was like half the plate (or maybe 3 quarters of it) was filled with shredded carrots. I felt so cheated by it!!! Especially when it wasn't tasty as it seemed to be. And after the cocktail, I lost all my appetite for the soup whch I still think would be thousand times better than the cocktail.

On the way to Municipal Park

After the yucky seafood meal, we went loafing around and visited the Municipal Park and then we headed back to Bruges. Oostende is a beatiful small small town. But it doesn't really have much to offer unless you are of a beach-lover.