MY PAJERO IS BACK

I collected my Pajero from the workshop 2 days ago after it's engine has been overhauled. According to the chief mechanic, I need to "run-in" the engine for 1000 kms, not to speed above 90km/h and not to rev above 3000rpm. After the "run-in", I will have to send it back for check/service. Pajero is back in my garage

It's not a brand new engine but rather a rebuilt one
Thanks to my brother-in law for lending me this Honda for a month +.

TREE PLANTING AT KINARUT ECO-FOREST PARK

Last month, I joined a group of Japanese visitors on a reforestation mission in the 411-hectare Kinarut Eco Forest Park, about 26km or 35 minutes drive from Kota Kinabalu city. This eco-forest park was established way back in 2002 with the support from Fujtsu, JICA and other Japanese companies with the aim to reforest the park by planting indigenous tree species, such as seraya, kapur, nyatoh and keruing. We were welcomed by the manager of the eco-forest park followed by a briefing.
Trekking in the forest park
This is one of the plagues indicating an area of trees planted by Japanese students in 2004 The planting site on a hilly slope.

A park ranger giving instruction to the group on how to plant a tree.
Planting session in progress ! Gambatte ! Each participant has to plant 5 trees.
The final touch.

Mission accomplished ! Returning to the starting point.

A pitcher plant in the park.

Relaxation time after the hard work.

A worker in the park preparing fresh coconut drink.

Cooling down with the fresh coconut water !

A buffet lunch was provided for the participants.

Visitors are welcomed to contribute to the reforestation at the Kinarut Eco-Forest park.

MY PAJERO

After serving me and my family for 14 years, my faithful Pajero is now taking a good rest in a workshop. The workshop's "doctor" (mechanic) recommended to do a complete engine overhaul which involves replacing piston rings, reboring or honning cylinder walls, replacing pistons (if the cylinders are rebored), replacing main and connecting rod bearings and etc etc .... The poor Pagero is now without a hood...

... and an engine

The "doctor" is treating the engine on the floor. I hope to take my Pagero on the road again in a week's time!

UNPREDICTABLE WEATHER

The weather these few days has been unpredictable, clear sky in the morning and heavy rain in the afternoon. This has been going on for the past 3 days. I felt really sorry for my Japanese friends who were touring the city because the Orang Utan show at the Wildlife Park and the sunset cruise were cancelled due to the bad weather. On the way home this afternoon, I was caught in the massive traffic jam because of the heavy rain. Hopefully, we will have good weather in the coming days.

SUNSET CRUISE - KOTA KINABALU

Two days ago, I accompanied a small group of Japanese visitors for a sunset cruise on board "The Spirit of Borneo" , a beautiful and comfortable boat. It has an upper deck and an airconditioned cabin in the lower deck. This boat has a capacity for 90 paxs.

"The Spirit of Borneo"The FWD upper deckThe AFT upper deck




Airconditioned cabin in the lower deck

The cruise started from Sutera Harbour Jetty

Drinks and snacks are inclusive in the cruise package.
The city water front view from the boat.

Guests enjoying the cool sea breeze on the upper deck.
Posing a scene from the"Titanic "

Cruising towards sunset in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine park.

The panoramic view of the sunset sinking into the horizon of the South China Sea.

The sunset cruise was a perfect way to end the day !

THE AERIAL VIEW OF KOTA KINABALU CITY

My friend from the land of the rising sun suggested that I should publish the aerial pictures of Kota kinabalu. The following pictures were taken during his last few trips here.

The Sabah State government and the Yayasan buildings.
Bandaran Berjaya Close-up view of the Shangri-la Hotel Downtown

The Federal Government buildings, the State Mosque and the Musuem on the extreme leftLikas bay with the State Sport complex on the right.

These are some of my favourates taken during my recent trip: Tanjung Aru water village, Shangri-la Tanjung Aru Resort and the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman marine park. Gaya island The bird's eye view of the City.

SIGNAL HILL

Signal hill is the highest hill in Kota Kinabalu city. It is a popular place for visitors to catch a panoramic view of the city, Tengku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and the South China sea. This is the ideal place to take photographs. In the old days, this hill was used to signal ships approaching the harbour. This observation platform is situated on the edge of Signal Hill. City view
Pulua Gaya, the biggest island in the Tengku Abdul Rahman Marine park. The road leading to the observation platform is narrow and winding, limited to medium size vehicles and below. To get to this place, visitors have to use a taxi or join the local city tour using mini coach since this road is off the normal bus route.