Backpacking Borneo: Kota Kinabalu-Pulau Labuan

It was time to go. We spent an unplanned extra day at Kuni's not just because we enjoyed Kota Kinabalu, but also because we felt 'at home' in his house. But as I've said, it was time to move on to another destination.

Walking along Kota Kinabalu's waterfront one last time.

Backpacking Borneo: Kinabalu National Park

Shervin and I scheduled Kinabalu National Park on a Sunday, and luckily Kuni our CouchSurfing host was going also with Dinah (another Couchsurfer) the same day. The night before, we initially organized the trip amongst the four of us and agreed to split the petrol expense. Then came Tobi who moved in the house and asked if he could join us. Kuni was hesitant for he thought the car would be too crowded, but we said five should be alright. Besides, the more the merrier.

Mt. Kinabalu as seen from a view deck, located on the way to Kinabalu National Park.

Backpacking Borneo: Pulau Mamutik

After soaking up the sun at Pulau Sapi's shore, we (Kuba, Maciek, Shervin and I) once again hopped on our hired boat and headed to our second and last island for the day, Pulau Mamutik.

Pulau Mamutik beach. Reminds me of Anawangin and Nagsasa Cove.

Backpacking Borneo: Pulau Sapi

Anita was raving about 'the islands' over beer at The Loft, so we blocked off a day for Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park (a group of five islands named after Malaysia's first Prime Minister). That day started with me exchanging morning pleasantries with Kuba and Maciek, both from Poland, on the way to the bathroom. The night before, they joined us for dinner and moved in the house (we were all simultaneously hosted by a felllow Couchsurfer named Kuni) because the accommodation for Kota Kinabalu summit-ers was already full.

By the time I finished my 'business', I walked out and found Shervin already awake and chatting with the two. They mentioned they wanted to do some snorkeling so we decided to go together and share a boat. I honestly wasn't so enthusiastic about going to the beach since I had my uhm... period then, but I changed to my bikini faster than you can say Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.

Pulau Sapi's beautiful stretch of beach.

Mother's Day at Manila Zoo

My first Mother's Day! Okay, so I'm not a full-on mum yet since I'm still 5 months on the way but hubby and I already felt like celebrating. My OB-Gyne found out through ultrasound that I have a low-lying placenta two weeks ago, so going out of town was strictly not an option.

Then we're left with the urban jungle. So where did we go (title's a dead giveaway)? Just a two-kilometer stroll from our place is the Manila Zoo. I decided it was about time for a revisit.

Almost 5 months preggy and playing with a Burmese Python. Notice the snake getting too comfy resting between my legs?

Backpacking Borneo: Sabah Museum and Filipino Night Market

We woke up to an empty house the next day (blog continued from here) at 9-ish. We were staying at Kuni's, our Couchsurfing host. Kuni already left for work, and Anita (another Couchsurfer staying at his house) already headed to the islands for a day of snorkeling. We didn't have any sightseeing plans that day, for we wanted to spend some time organizing our week ahead in Borneo.

The Sabah Museum at Bukit Istana Lama.

Backpacking Borneo: Clark-Kota Kinabalu

Exactly a year ago, 7th of May 2009, Shervin and I set off for our 6-week backpacking trip across six countries (Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand, Myanmar) in South East Asia - with a budget of $1,000 each. And where did our epic adventure begin? Malaysian Borneo.

Signal no. 2 typhoon on our departure day. A bad omen?