I have just been to Kota Kinabalu for another visa run, and this time there were no dramas, and no surprises. In fact it was a delightful couple of days, beginning with my Air Asia flight. This time no cancellations or delays. No flying via Kuala Lumpur to return to Bali. This time it was as smooth as clockwork.
Air Asia’s recent additions of Kuching and Kota Kinabalu to its network, have made visa runs a lot simpler and more affordable for those of us who simply need to leave and re-enter Bali.
It is almost worth taking the flight to Kota Kinabalu for the views alone. The flight over Bali was stunning. After take off, we circled back over Nusa Dua and then headed north across the island. There were wonderful panoramas of the lakes, mountains and volcanoes, as Bedugul slipped away below us, with the aircraft crossing directly over Singaraja to the Bali Sea. Breathtaking.
The flight was smooth, and the crew friendly and helpful. But do remember to bring extra clothes, as the cabin is always very cool - and take a book, as there are no movies on board.
Kota Kinabalu, or KK as it is commonly known, is the capital of Sabah, having taken over that role from Sandakan in 1946. KK is modern and clean, having been completely rebuilt after WWII, when the whole town was destroyed during the Allied bombing campaigns of the war. Only 3 buildings from that era remain standing.
KK boasts long sandy beaches, gorgeous islands, coral reefs, wetlands, jungles and tropical rain forests – and of course, Mount Kinabalu, which makes a stunning backdrop to the city. The nearby pristine islands are easily reachable by public boats for snorkeling or diving trips.
I stayed in a wonderful backpackers. The Step In Lodge has comfortable beds, and is very clean; with friendly and helpful staff. They made me feel as if I belonged, the moment I arrived. Step In Lodge. Tel: (6088) 233519. www.stepinlodge.com Cost is about 25-35MR for one person in a 4 bed dorm. Nearby are plenty of cheap local eateries, as well as the lovely waterfront area, complete with Irish Pub and a good Indian restaurant.
Most tourists go to KK for trekking or diving. The people that I met were from all walks of life, and from all over the world. What they had in common was their love of the outdoors. This is not a party destination, but everyone was very friendly, and happy to sit and chat over a beer, sharing stories, maps and photos.
I met some great people in KK. I just wish I could remember their names. It seems the moment I am told someone’s name, I forget it! It is so embarrassing. For someone who loves traveling and loves meeting people, it’s a huge disadvantage. The other one is that I have no sense of direction….
In spite of these disabilities, I usually manage to get from A to B in the end; and my latest trick in an attempt to remember names, is to ask for an email address at the earliest possible opportunity. That way I get a second chance – even if the email is never sent!
Recently however, I have discovered a new problem with travelling. (And this one really gets me down). I used to think it was just the hotel lights getting dimmer….. unfortunately it’s not that simple - my eyesight is getting dimmer!
I arrive in my hotel room, and throw my bags onto the bed. Take off my watch, necklace, glasses etc, and stand in the shower. Then I realize that I can’t see which way to turn the tap for hot water, and which way for cold! Damn – I never remember to wear my glasses into the shower….
And the number of times I have tried to wash my hair with body lotion, because I can’t read which one of those little bottles is the shampoo!
In spite of these frustrations, I continue to love traveling. And especially those ‘gorgeous moments’ along the way, that become dinner party stories later. This was one for me….
We all know it can be difficult to hear and understand airline announcements in airports or on board a plane. It is even more difficult when the speakers have strong accents.
A ‘gorgeous moment’ happened during my KK flight: The Captain was giving us an overview of flying conditions etc, in his charming, but heavily accented, voice. Many of us couldn’t help laughing out loud when we heard him say, “Thanks. I love you for flying Air Asia”. Maybe a little over familiar?
What he had actually said was “Thanks all of you for flying Air Asia”…..
I have now completed two stints of volunteer work in Bali. My first role was with East Bali Poverty Project, and the latest was for IDEP based in Ubud. For IDEP, I have been editing and proofreading a disaster management manual. (Disasters seem to be my specialty!) During this time I have traveled extensively around Bali, spending time mostly with Balinese. To contact me: email lizhayes2007@yahoo.com.au or phone 081 337 903 937.
