Travel Log: Sabah | Day 1 Part 1

Day 1:
630AM
Since the driver wasn't available, i woke up this early so I could hitch a ride with my mom and dad when they drive to work. My dad's so kind to offer to drive me to the bus terminal (in megamall - about 1.5 hour drive from our house during rush hour) where I need to catch a shuttle to the 'clark' airport (about 2 hours drive from manila, 3.5 hours from our home) and I really appreciate that 'coz it's out of my dad's way to work.

Shuttle Schedule:
11AM
12Noon (Last Schedule for the day)

800AM
Left the house and drove off to drop off my mom at her makati office at about 9AM. When she got to the office, she immediately gave us a ring when she learned about a fire in Guadalupe and adviced us to not take EDSA and look for an alternative route. We chose C-5. From my mom's makati office, it should take us around 30 mins drive. On our way to C-5, we could see the smoke from the fire.

1030AM
Still on the road, and my dad and I both thought it would have been better to have taken EDSA instead. I started thinking I wont make it to the terminal at 11.

11AM
Just-in-time and made it to the terminal. When I got there, someone told me they took out the 11AM schedule and the only bus I can catch is the 12noon bus. Good thing I brought a book with me so I entertained myself by alternating reading and people watching.

12NN
Board the shuttle to the Clark Airport and the bus didnt leave until 1230. I slept through the 2 hour trip except when I felt the urge to open the oreo cookies for snack.

230PM
Checked-in, paid fees and then went to the boarding area. At 330PM, while waiting to board, I realized I havent real food since breakfast, so I bought a Jamaican patty and a gatorade. I was so hungry that I hurrily took a bite and I think I hurt my tongue 'coz it was very hot. Hahaha!

430PM and 615PM
Took off and arrived in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. We all had to spend a long time in the immigration area since our flight ran out of immigration forms so we only did it when we got there. My bigger problem was I forgot to bring a pen with me, so I had to wait for someone to finish filling-out his forms before I could do mine.

7PM
I got out and saw my name in a placard being held by a driver, which I thought was very cool. And to my surprise, when we got out of the airport, the car was just parked at the curb and the car was a very sleek Mercedes Benz! I got in at the backseat to feel more special. HAHAHA!!!

I told myself ... this is the start of my Holiday!

715PM
Arrived at the lodge and I went to check-in (the check-in counter is just beside the lounge area where people use the internet, watch TV and just hang out to take a break). When I entered the room, everyone's eyes went to my direction and I was like .. WHOA! I cannot see one black hair person in the room except for the one who's behind the check-in counter. I bet they're telling themselves ... "whoa! black hair". No let's make that ... "whoa! black curly hair". HAHAHA! The people in the lodge were full of european backpackers. I can hear someone talking in british accent. And I already see someone donning almost the same hairstyle as mine, but longer.

I told myself ... this is gonna be fun!

I felt like I was entering the big brother house, international edition. it was really cool!!!

... to be continued