On the way back from Sapi Island, Zuldee has already called me to say that his meeting is finished and that he’ll wait for me by the entrance of Jesselton Point. He has generously offered to take me around Kota Kinabalu City to see the sights that I wanted to see.
Continue reading Backpacking South East Asia: Kota Kinabalu – Sights, Food and Friends
Day 1: House-Trinoma-Dau-Clark-Kota Kinabalu
The flight was at 4pm so I took my sweet time preparing back at my place in Novaliches. Perhaps too sweet. It was already 10:40 when I flagged a passing FX and by 11:30, I boarded a bus from Trinoma going to Dau Bus Terminal. I planned to take a jeepney ride to SM Clark and then take another jeep passing through the Diosdado Macapagal International Airport (DMIA) but, as I arrived at almost 1pm already, I feared I might make the wrong jeepney (little is still known about this route) and not have enough time if ever the horror stories about power-tripping immigration officers are true. I’ve already lost one day due to the storm and I certainly don’t want to miss my flight and delay my trip any longer.
It was, I believe, a good thing then when I saw a sign, written on what seemed like a torn carton, that read: “Shuttle: Dau to Clark Airport AIRCON” (or so I remembered). I walked to the sign and asked the drivers around. They called for a man, probably in his 50s or 60s, who’s like the conductor/dispatcher. He told me there are already two passengers and we need to wait just for two more. Fare is P100. I think it’s quite steep but acceptable. When I agreed, he ushered me into the left side of the terminal wherein an airconditioned shuttle is waiting. Of course, the AC was not yet on.
There, I met Zuldee, a Sabahan guy on a weekend vacation here in the Philippines, visiting his Filipina girlfriend Ning (if my memory is correct). I smiled at him and asked, in English, if he’s going to Kota Kinabalu. He just smiled and nodded. After some time, Ning stood from where she was smoking and climbed back to the shuttle. She asked me what I’ll do in KK and translated it to Zuldee after. She explained to me who they were and we just chatted some more. Continue reading Backpacking South East Asia: Selamat datang, Kota Kinabalu!
(I strongly suggest that you first read the “Borneo Quick Summary” before continuing with this post.)
As promised in the previous post, I will be posting more about my arrival at Senai Airport in Johor Bahru just to get it off my chest already. Hahaha. No, it wasn’t anything serious or dreadful, I just want to relive the moment before I forget the details of that night. This is the SAY WHAT?! situation I got in when I decided to go with and spend the night at the home of a half-Malaysian and half-Filipino guy and his family living in Masai, Johor Bahru, Malaysia. This one will be quite detailed so, bear with me, ok?!
Day 5, about 11pm: We touched down at Senai Airport 30 minutes too late for the final bus to the city center. As I was warned by couch surfers not to take the taxi which will just rip me off and I have no prior hostel reservation, I chose to accept the offer of Jhulson to sleep at her Aunt’s place. He was the guy seated on the row behind me, who I thought was complaining about my reclined seat. It was only until he spoke Filipino in a bit louder voice that I realized he just wanted to talk, as he wants to brush up on his Tagaloog (he is of Zamboanga descent and understandably, knows very little Tagalog). I wanted to talk to him but I was too tired and groggy from waking up early, crossing from Brunei to Miri, and walking continuously for five hours within the city. And so, I told him I would like to rest a little and that I would talk to him later. This never happened as I woke up upon landing.
So, his act of kindness of offering me a place to stay was totally unexpected. In his words, “Huwag ka na hiya. Ano ka ba naman. Siyempre, Pilipino, tayo na lang tulungan.” Since he was picked up by his uncle (wearing the usual Muslim hat/headdress) and a little boy in tow plus an Indian driver friend, I assumed that they do not belong to any syndicates who are into human trafficking. So, I went with him.
I texted my Johor Bahru couchsurfing contacts and asked them where Masai is coz that’s where I’m headed. Of course, there was still doubt in my mind! One of them replied and said it’s about 30minutes or so from the airport. I also sent a message to Rajie, my Malaysian co-volunteer and told her what happened. I was under stress at the time and I didn’t know if I called her, she called me or we just texted each other. But then, perhaps Jhulson had more trouble about my presence since his phones were beeping with messages and ringing off the hook.
I did not understand what was happening but with the very little Malay I learned in the past five days and with him mentioning Miri, Tagalog and Singapore in a succession of words for almost each call I figured I had something to do with it. So I asked if the conversation was about me and he said yes.
Apparently, his brother, sister and sister-in-law are panicking coz HE IS BRINGING A GIRL HOME. I told him to clear with them that I am just some helpless stranger to whom he had shown kindness. I already did, he said. By the time we reached their place, which is about 30minutes of being in the car, his Aunt has welcomed him in open arms and though she genuinely welcomed me into their house, she looked at me warily. Continue reading Backpacking South East Asia: the Say What?! incident turned blessing in disguise
I’m supposed to be sleeping already but since I can’t really sleep yet, I decided to write the post for Ice Giants as part of my “Tribute to Kadayawan coz I can’t be in Davao” series. (intro written two nights ago! changed below!)
I’m supposed to be working for moolah already but since I wanted to share the joys of eating and as I promised to write a new post for my “Tribute to Kadayawan coz I can’t be in Davao” series, here’s a post on Ice Giants Desserts and Snacks parlor at Damosa Gateway Complex in Lanang, Davao City. (Supposedly for Lyndon’s but let’s skip that one first!)
Again, as with the previous post on Ahfat Seafood Plaza, prepare to be hungry. Hehe 😀
Continue reading Dine Out Davao: Ice Giants, a ton of delight awaits!
As promised in my earlier post on arriving at Davao Airport, I now bring you my recommended best eats while enjoying your stay in Davao, especially during Kadayawan 2011.
As explained before, I love eating but I am not a foodie. I don’t even remember the exact names of the food I eat! All I know is I like photographing food as much as I like eating it. I enjoy good company, atmosphere and superb service as much as I enjoy savoring the last bite and eating the last rice grain. These said, expect that my recommendations are not just because these food tasted greatly but also coz I had a great time while having what I am about to share with you. So, if you are in for a gastronomic armchair traveling and/or bent on trying Dabaweño food while enjoying Davao’s King of Festivals or just chilling while in your well-deserved vacay, GET READY TO FEEL HUNGRY AND DROOL. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Hehe 🙂
This post features the food at Ahfat Seafood Plaza, an immensely popular Chinese restaurant among locals and tourists alike. It’s located at Victoria Plaza. Don’t worry about not finding it coz all you need to do is ask anybody where Ahfat is and chances are, they’ll point you to the right direction.
The Diarist Wanders 