Now in Borneo

After a 2 and a half hour flight from KL, I have arrived in Kota Kinabulu, Sabah State in Borneo. What a difference to the Peninsular! In walking along the riverfront, including a very busy food market, I couldn't believe how different the people and way of life is. It is quite unique here. One restaurant I walked by had people picking their dinner from live fish aquariums.

Air Asia to Kota Kinabulu

I flew with Air Asia and was hoping for a cheaper flight - should of booked at least 7 days ago. All up, about $190 return flight KL-KK. The flight was rough with no inflight entertainment or food. We did, however, have the option to buy snacks. The passengers were squashed in like sardines... 6 people to a row. The interior was ugly, but the flight attendants looked stunning with their 1970sh look consisting of red suits and hair done up in high balls.

Another monkey from Batu Cave

Unfortunately, I didn't get to see much scenery because I was on the aisle seat and the Chinese people next to me had the window shudder down. An annoying little Chinese boy behind me kept me on my toes with his persistent knocking into the back of my seat.

After leaving the realm of Kota Kinabulu's airport, I proceeded to walk with my lighter pack to the main road only to be picked up by a hostel's van. I was the only white person in the airport. The hostel I am staying at is a bit out of the way (20 minute walk from central). It is called Globe Backpackers. I have a 4 bed room to myself. Where on earth are the other independent backpackers... I know it's low season, but the island isn't exactly buzzing with backpackers???? I have hardly met any, except for Singapore and Malacca. Even though I'm still buzzing with excitement and getting right into the swing of travelling, I'm getting to the stage where I need to be around people again (hostels are great for that). This hostel is too quiet for my liking, but the VERY VERY friendly and helpful staff will make it a bit difficult to change first thing tomorrow morning. The hostel is fairly nice and well equipped but has only 1 computer with old software that does not enable me to download photos.

Me drinking coconut water.

The main reason for coming to Borneo is to see the Orang Utans at Sepilok and climb Mt Kinabulu. I also hope to visit an authentic long house where the local ingidenous live. It will be interesting to see how I go. I have 6 nights on the island to see as much as possible. Due to the cost of flights, I decided to give Kuching a miss on this trip.

Petronas Towers

View from Batu Cave