MALAYSIA AIRLINES - THE WORST FLIGHT EVER.

MH2641 from Kota Kinabalu to Kuala Lumpur on 29 August was one of the worst flights I have experienced. Schedule departure was 11:45 but eventually took off at 12:35. The air-condition was not functioning as we boarded the aircraft at 11:35. The air in the cabin was extremely warm and stuffy. At about 12:00 the Captain made an announcement confirming that the air conditioning was unserviceable and apologized. He also informed us that as soon as the loading of baggage was completed, we would be on our way.  

A passenger who was sitting next to me was upset and asked a cabin crew if we were to fly 2hours 15 minutes all the way to Kuala Lumpur under such cabin condition. The crew assured  him that the air-condition would be on once the aircraft took off.    

Malaysia Airlines did not live up to their 5 star standard for this flight, even their inflight magazine "Going Places" which I used to fan myself was in bad shape. At 12:20, the aircraft was pushed back for departure and eventually took off at 12:35. The air-condition was in full blast after 10 minutes in the air.     

Inflight meal for this sector remained poor. They offered the choice of "Chicken with noodle" and "Curry fish with rice".

       This was I got from the 5 star airlines, No coffee or tea!

Malaysia Airlines MUST review their S.O.P to improve their 5 star image. For this flight, there was definitely no co-ordination between the ground staff and the crew. They could have delay the boarding until loading of baggage was completed. This would minimize the discomfort of their customers.    

MANIS MANIS ROOFTOP OF BORNEO RESORT

Manis Manis Rooftop of Borneo Resort is located in the Crocker Range National Park, about an hour 15 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu via the Kimanis-Keningau road. All the accommodation was built by Sabah Park and recently, the property has been privatized to operate as a resort. I went for an inspection last Saturday.   

 

This Resort is located 1000m above sea level providing a panoramic view of Keningau district.  

The accommodation which consists of 4 chalets, 3 lodges which can accommodate a total of 130 people.

 The chalets

 Each of the chalets comes with a king size bed with a bathroom with hot shower. 

This is one of the lodges that can accommodate 22 people. The other 2 lodges can accommodate 38 and 50 people respectively.

Every lodge has bed rooms like this one.

 Queen size bed rooms are also available in the lodges.

A lounge for relaxation.

 Further up the hill is the camping ground. Guests have to bring their own camping kits.

 There are altogether 4 of such hut for the campers.

 Separate common Male and Female bathrooms/toilets solely for campers use.

The Cinnamon cafeteria can take in about 200 people. Buffet meals can be catered for group and Ala carte menu is available for FIT.

 

 

 Observation tower - visitors can appreciate a good view of the surrounding area.

Within the resort,  there is a Sabah park's exhibition center where some of the flora and fauna of the Crocker Range are displayed.

 Map showing the resort area 

 The Fernarium with many species of fern. 

According to the Park Ranger, Crocker Range is the home to thousands of flora and fauna, some are endemic to Borneo. There are 100 species of mammals in the area including the endangered Clouded Leopard, Sun Bear and Orang Utan. For those who are interested in inspects, there is a Inspecterium.

This is an ideal place to enjoy the jungle environment. There is a 3 hours jungle trail for those who love trekking, bird watching and jungle photography.

LOK KAWI WILDLIFE PARK - UPDATE

It's been almost 4 years since I last visited this Wildlife Park. Yesterday, I went over there to update myself on the development in the Park.

 The building at the entrance was facelift with new paint.

It was a very hot afternoon and there were not many people. Most of the animals were  either sleeping or hiding under the shades.    

 This old spotted deer was still there.

 Borneo Sun bear was not active - taking a good nap in the barrel.

 A young Proboscis monkey in the open.

 This one was behind bar.

 A Barking deer.

  A new comer in the Park - An EMU.

 A rare Borneo hairy-nosed otter.

 This pair of Malayan Tigers were resting under the bamboo tree.

A Borneo gibbon.

The main attraction of the Wildlife Park is still the endangered Borneo great ape, the Orang Utan. These are some of the old orang utan(s) kept in the enclosure.  

Most of them were found hiding in the tall grass of the enclosure because of the heat. The Park  should improve the area and provide more shades to protect them from the hot Borneo sun and rain.

 

 The old man of the jungle!

The enclosure of the elephants remained unchanged - these Borneo pygmy elephants are another endangered species. Majority in the wild inhabit the northeastern Borneo.      

Their population has declined by at least 50% over the last three generations, estimated to be 60–75 years because of habitat loss. Last year, a total of 14 pygmy elephants were found dead, believed to have been poisoned. The Authorities have yet to revealed the actual cause of their death.  

  Close-up shot of the Hornbill.

The Park is still maintaining 2 animal shows a day at 11:15 in the morning and 3:15 in the afternoon (except on FRIDAY)

I did not complete the tour because of the hot weather. Perhaps, I will come back in a month. I left for a cold "lemon tea ai" (lemon iced tea) near the Park.    

DIESEL - NIGHTMARE IS OVER

Thousands of diesel powered vehicle owners have been left high and dry by a massive diesel shortage across Sabah. Long queues of vehicle had become a common sight at all petrol stations during the past one week. 

The nightmare was over 3 days ago when the Ministry of Domestic Trade, Cooperative and Consumerism secured the approval to pump an additional of eight million litres of diesel into Sabah.

It's back to normal - no more queues and no more red faces at petrol stations!

There was only one vehicle taking fuel at this station when I drove past yesterday.

The supply of diesel is now back to normal but is it a happy ending? What about next month or the month after?

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman said he has voiced his concern over the matter as the shortage caused great inconvenience to the people. - See more at: http://www.themalaymailonline.com/malaysia/article/minister-assures-sabah-govt-of-adequate-diesel-supply#sthash.PWNV2mwF.dpuf