Sunday, August 19, 2012

The KK Diaries: Prologue

Aug 17, 2012 / 11.25 PM

Hello guys! 

It is been a while since my last post. I have been away from home for more than a week already. As of this writing, I am currently here in Cagayan de Oro City, processing my medical requirements for my application in CAAP. I know everyone of you hated me for the past few weeks because I keep on posting blog posts about my Sooo Pinoy Davao Food Trip experience, and I am truly sorry for that! I know it is agonizing to browse all those mouthwatering photos especially at wee hours of the morning!

Kota Kinabalu


Today let's take a break from the Sooo Pinoy Davao Food Trip post and time to spam my blog about my recent trip in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.

Eleven-month Rule

It was around September of last year when I received an email from AirAsia. Zero fare from Clark to Kota Kinabalu. I was so tempted to book a round trip ticket but I didn't possess a credit card during that time. Good thing, my travel buddy, Yancy, had one and was also interested to avail AirAsia's promo. To cut the story short, we got round trip tickets each for only Php 800+! What's sulit mommy?

From Clark and Beyond

It was my first time to travel abroad, and also my first time to experience the 'immigration' process. Everything went well after I passed the Q&A portion with the immigration officer. And yes, he asked A LOT of questions.

The two hour flight to KK was a bit rough, thanks to the monsoon rains. It felt like I was riding a roller coaster! Minutes before our final approach, the weather started to clear out and the aerial view of Northern Sabah Island became visible. From above, the clear blue waters and the pristine green tropical jungle of Sabah surround the bustling metropolis of KK.

It took me more than thirty minutes before it finally dawned on me that I am already outside the country. Well, like any other tropical countries, the weather in Kota Kinabalu was hot and humid.

The Hostel Experience

Kuya Olan, Marky and Josh recommended us to stay at Sensi Backpacker's Hostel. The place did not really look like a hostel in the first place - it was more like a home!!! The place was squeaky clean, the room was airconditioned, free towels, free breakfast and the bed was surprisingly comfortable! Sensi became our home for five days.

Kota Kinabalu
New friends!

There, we met new friends! Most of them were Europeans (Holland, UK, Switzerland and Spain). It was fun to meet people from the other side of the planet. 

KK reminds me so much of Davao. Life in KK is not that stressful, and the beaches and mountains were accessible. Life is ALSO here in Kota Kinabalu! Now I am excited for the Davao-Kota Kinabalu flight soon!!! I would definitely go back there if I have time!



Kota Kinabalu


Malaysians, like Filipinos were warm and hospitable. Some locals were even excited when they learned that we were Pinoys and tried to converse us in Tagalog. Terima kasih!

Five Days of Fun and Adventure

I got kissed by the sun twice, met new friends from Europe and basically enjoyed my 5-day break. I thought that five days was enough. I was wrong. I fell in love with Kota Kinabalu and I promise that I will go back there and stay there for two weeks. Malaysia is truly a beautiful country and I never regret of spending my money there. Everything's worth it.

Kota Kinabalu


What a great way to celebrate my birthday month!

I am pretty sure everyone of you here are excited to read my Kota Kinabalu series! Can't wait to write them all!

14 comments:

  1. I went there two years ago and I agree na hospitable sila. I wasn't able to talk to other tourists though. Next time yan gagawin ko dyan! :))

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    1. Tularan mo si Brenna! Tingnan mo, parati siyang busog. LOOOOL

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  2. wow! and congrats on your first out of the cointry! firsts are truly memorable! Excited for your future posts :)

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  3. Thanks Edward and WanderShugah :)

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  4. Good thing you enjoyed Malaysia. I always compared it to our hometown Davao, the beaches, the mountain, the orchids, I forgot they also have their own durian :)

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  5. The last photo makes me wanna go there. Nice entry :)

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  6. gusto ko dito.. sana may promo pa!

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  7. wow, nice adventure! and im so jealous of the 800+ round trip tickets!

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    Replies
    1. Timing lang talaga na nag sale ang AirAsia. :D

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  8. Wow talaga maraming tinanong sayo sa immigration? Like what?

    Grabe lang Php800 na round trip tickets! At international pa yun! Ang galiiing!!!

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  9. congrats on your first trip abroad. I hope you'll write about mosques next time.yun kasi ang gusto ko makita sa malaysia.

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