TUNKU ABDUL RAHMAN MARINE PARK KOTA KINABALU

Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park consisits of 5 islands, a short distance by boat from Kota Kinabalu city. GAYA Island is the largest island of the Park followed by MANUKAN, SAPI, SULUG and MAMUTIK. Gaya island with Sapi on its left From right to left - Manukan, Mamutik and Sulug. Shangri-la Tanjung Aru resort and Kampung Air (water village) on the main land. All the islands are about 15-20 minutes ride by speed boat from any of the city jetties. My favourate island is Manukan which has the longest stretch of beach amongst the rest of the islands.The surrounding water is ideal for snorkeling, diving and swimming. There are 20 unit chalets, a clubhouse, restaurant, souvenirs and diving centres and recreational facilities. Manukan's Chalets are partly visible from the jetty. The Manukan jettyIt is total relaxation on the lovely beach of Manukan and one may choose to enjoy some water sport activities : Banana boat, parasailing and jet skiing. Visitors can opt for a BBQ lunch which is the most popular.
Enjoying the BBQ lunch under shady trees.
Most visitors normally return to the city in the late afternoon.

MEMKABUT AND BONGAWAN TRIP

Two weeks ago, we attended the wedding of our nephew at a kampung (village) in Membakut. Wedding celebration in a kampung is normally a whole day affair with a good supply of food, drinks,snack and music.

There were two bands in attendance providing modern and traditional music.

Sumazau time!"Makan" time (feast time)

Some of the home cooked "kampung" cuisine.

The Jack fruit tree is a common sight in the "kampung". I spotted one at the back yard of the house.

Another common tree - the Sago After the feast, it's time to go home.

On the way back, we drove to Bongawan, a small town near Membakut and stopped by to see the old wooden shops which were built just after world war II. It was really amazing to see that all the old buildings were still in good shape after all these years.

KOTA KINABALU INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT - NEW TERMINAL

The RM720 million new wing of the Terminal 1 is finally opened for use this morning. Passengers using this terminal will definitely enjoy better facilities comparing to the old wing.

The drive way to the departure level

Departure drive way and concourse

There are 4 check-in "islands" designated as A, B, C and D and each has 16 check-in counters. Our National Airlines is assigned to use island B for all domestic and international check-in while all foreign airlines are with island A.
MH check-in counters

Friendly and helpful MH check-in staff There are a few restaurants at the departure levelThe departure hall.

There are a total of 36 Immigration counters, 16 for departures and 20 for arrivals. For baggage delivery, a total of six baggage conveyor delivery belts are available. Hence, the CIQ clearance should be fast and comfortable.

International arrival concourse Arrival drive way and taxi standNo more rain or shine for arriving tourists to board tour buses.

According to the Malaysia Airport Authority, the old wing of the Terminal 1 would be demolished for upgrading works and is tagetted to be ready by June 2009. When completed there will be a total of 17 aircraft parking bays to accommodate both wide and narrow body aircrafts.

This old wing has been in use since 1986 and I have some fond memories of this old place when I was with the airlines.