A BREAK IN BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA

Whenever I arrive in Brisbane, Fruity Capers in Toowong village is a store I must visit. The store is renowned in Brisbane for it's wide selection of high quality fresh fruits and vegetables. I personally enjoy eating the fruits that are difficult to get in Kota Kinabalu.

Mangoes on display

Mangoes are not fully in season yet and are quite expensive. My family and I bought a couple and were sourly disappointed.
Bananas are also expensive in Australia but taste better than the mangoes!

Rows of fresh fruit

Jumbo-sized avocados and apples are plentiful!

My wife and I still have a week left in Brisbane and plan to make the most out of it by enjoying the Australian food, nature and hospitality.

MENGKABONG RIVER

Mengkabong river is about 35 minutes drive from the city. This river is rich in mangroves and marine life like crabs and fish. Mengkabong river cruise is one of the popular tour product for both foreign and local tourists alike.


Before the cruise, one can try out the batik painting.

This young "Kampong" girl demomstrated to us the art of batik painting.

One of the boats used for the cruise.Trying out the local traditional crab catching method.

Scenic view during the cruise

On a clear day, the view of Mt.Kinabablu is just great.




Mengkabong bridge










Cruise on.

An egret on the bank of the mangrove river.

Fishermen are a common sight during the cruise because of the abundance of seafood.

Mengkabong water village

Close-up view of the mangrovesApproaching the Mengkabong bridge on the return leg.Retriving the trap with a crab inside !!!

We returned to this jetty after almost 2 hours cruise.Spending a few hours at the Mengkabong river is a great way to spend the day. Try the art of batik painting and the traditional crab catching method. It's a great trip for those who have never been on one of these mangrove river safaries.

HYATT REGENCY KINABALU

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu, situated in the heart of the city, facing the South China Sea, is one of the oldest hotels opened in the late 1970s. This hotel is 15 minutes from Kota Kinabalu International Airport, conveniently located to almost everything from shopping complexes to local restaurants and night life. Last Thursday, I did an inspection of this hotel with my agents from Japan.

The Hyatt Regency Kinababu standing at the city water front A deluxe room with King size bed.

The picture taken from one of the Deluxe seaview rooms. All their seaview rooms have very clear view of the Tungku Abdul Rahman Marine Park. Sunset view will be great from these rooms.

Complementary Hyatt own mineral water in room

Very serious discussion among the members of inpection team The swiming pool area

Hyatt Regency Kinabalu is the only hotel in Kota kinabalu with a In-house Japanese Restaurnat A cook showing off his skill There is also a sushi bar

We were greeted by this charming young lady as we walked in the hotel Chinese restaurant.

"Yamcha" time. Lunch hosted by the hotel. First round of "Dim sum". They were great. I forgot to take more pictures as I was "too busy" with the waitresses bringing in more "Dim sum".

Hyatt Regency Kinabablu is a 288 Rooms & Suites hotel. Other facilities include ball rooms, function rooms, a business center and a fitness center and SPA. The inspection team graded this hotel as "4 star".

SPOTTED DOVES "TERKUKUR " IN MY GARDEN

Spotted doves or we call them "Terkukur" in Malaysia, are the most common dove seen in the city neighbourhood. We have a pair of these doves nesting on the mango tree in our garden some two months ago. So far they have produced 2 pairs of chicks with the 3rd pair on the way. The picture of the first pair taken in August. The second pair in September. Spotted Doves eat grass seeds, grains and bits of vegetation which are readily available in our garden. One of the parents keeping a watchful eye on the chicks.

I hope they will continue to nest in my garden as I find these spotted doves are quite tame. I do enjoy their present and their singing "coo croo coo, coo croo coo, coo croo coo" early in the morning and in late evening.