Monday, 29 March 2010

Sunday 28th March

Did a  Kota Kinabalu city tour – stop number one was the state mosque – influenced by the Blue Mosque in Turkey – seemingly floating on water.

Alison found a 6-tusked white elephant and its lion friend at a Buddhist temple.

Also saw close up some traditional Borneo longhouses – this one had its own veranda and boathouse.

The inside of this one could do with a bit of sprucing up!

Went to a nice meal + show where a local dancer was helped out by a bloke called Terry from our table – luckily we were both “busy” when volunteers were required on stage.

This is the view from our balcony on the last afternoon in Kota Kinabalu – tomorrow at 9.00am we’re off into the rainforest, the first night at a lodge outside Mount Kinabalu Park.

Saturday, 27 March 2010

Saturday 27th March - Got to Kota Kinabalu in Borneo

After 2 more flights (with more curry breakfast opportunities) we got to Kota Kinabalu Saturday lunchtime, checked into the Hyatt Regency (tall building above on the left) and Alison went out to find the first wildlife of the tour.

Another “fish” nearby with a view of the South China Sea.

Went to see the accommodation offered to budget travellers! This is a water village near the airport, one of many shanty towns the Malaysian government is getting rid of.

Another “dry” stilted shanty town near the centre of Kota Kinabalu.

Today we just wandered around the city (very hot & humid, would have dehydrated if it wasn’t for Tiger beer!) - we’ll catch up on the much-needed sleep later. Tomorrow we have a lie in then a proper city tour + cultural event + meal in the evening. Real wildlife tour starts on Monday.

Friday, 26 March 2010

Made it as far as Kuala Lumpur

After a 12-hour flight from Heathrow including 2 curries (1 for breakfast!) we’ve got as far as Kuala Lumpur airport waiting for the connection to Kota Kinabalu for the start of the Borneo tour. It’s 7.30am & 30 deg.C.

Saturday, 13 March 2010

Saturday, 6 March 2010

One of the residents we might see…

3 weeks to go!

Counting down 'til the next adventure in Borneo on 26th March