Looking back at the photos I have taken, I am feeling very nostalgic. I thought it would be best to document my travel to Sabah so that I could refer to them in the future.
My first trip into Kota Kinabalu was way back in 1997. To be exact, December 23rd 1997 and spent a week there. Those were the days before digital cameras were affordable and I carried an 35mm Compact Point and Shoot Camera with me. The photos are subsequently scanned so do forgive the quality of the photos.
This was before Kota Kinabalu was even considered a city, that happened at the turn of the century on February 2, 2000. During the trip, I’ve visited the Kota Kinabalu Town, the Sabah Museum, Kinabalu Park, Poring Hotsprings, Monsopiad Culture Village and Manukan Island before heading back home.
It was certainly an eye-opening trip and one which captivated me to visit this lovely State year after year.
Kota Kinabalu Town
Much of Kota Kinabalu has not really changed very much over the years and I am sure you would recognize some of the landmarks.
Kota Kinabalu Town (Taken from the Observatory Tower)
The Green patch of land at the edge of the shoreline is the current site where Suria Sabah is on. It used to be a carpark and once in a while, that was the venue for the fun fair with the ferris wheel. In the distance is Pulau Gaya.
Another view of where Suria Sabah would stand on
Before the Jessleton Point Ferry Terminal was established, one of the ways of getting to the islands in Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park was to get up a speedboat right in front of Wisma Merdeka. It was certainly a scary experience for me to jump onto the speedboat as I thought I may miss it and fall into the sea.
The Fruits and Vegetable Market next to the Central Market
Sabah Museum
We were not allowed to take pictures inside the Sabah Museum building but the park in the museum grounds was exciting enough as it features several replica of the various tribes of Sabah.
Kinabalu National Park
The Kinabalu National Park was the first Malaysian Site which was designated as a World Heritage Site in 2000. To trekkers up Mount Kinabalu, this would be the first place for the ascent. It is about a 2 hour drive from Kota Kinabalu and resides within Crocker Range. The park is situated at an elevation of 1,563m (5,128 ft). The weather up at the park is general very cool and at times, you can literally walk in the clouds. The last time i did that was when I visited Genting Highlands in West Malaysia.
On the way up to the park, I spotted this lady walking with a basket of produce on her back.
Approaching Kundasang
The Majestic Mount Kinabalu
According to Kadazandusun folklore, the peak of Mount Kinabalu was where souls ascended to and it is regarded as a very sacred place.
I was not able to take any pictures from within the park as my camera lens fogged up.
Poring Hot Springs
The Poring Hot Springs, Ranau is located some 40km from Kinabalu National Park. The source of the spring water comes from the streams from Mount Kinabalu.
A Dip in the hot spring would ease any tired bones in the body and certainly apt after a long trip up the Kinabalu National Park. I’ve actually never travelled so long a distance in Singapore and it can get tiring sitting of two hours but it certainly was interesting.
Monsopiad Cultural Village
The Monsopiad Cultural Village was established by the descendants of the fearless Headhunting Warrior, Monsopiad on the very site of their village.
I was here 
The village in which Monsopiad lived in was terrorized by robbers and bandits who ransack the village. As the grandson of the chieftain of the village, he could not stand to see his village suffering and trained to become a formidable warrior. With his prowess and skills, he was able to ward off the bandits and beheaded 42 powerful warriors who terrorized his village.
He was able to bring peace to his village but his quest for blood burnt within him and he would pick up fights so as to satisfy his urge to kill. People began to fear him and as such they hatched a plan to stop Monsopiad rule by gathering several warriors who attacked him in the dead of night.
The 42 skulls of the warriors which Monsopiad beheaded still resides in the House of Skulls within the village.
The Sacred Monolith was commissioned by Monsopiad in his honor with the help of the Bobohizans (Priestesses). Monsopiad would bring the severed heads of his victims and placed it on the basket on the poles around the Monolith to dry. An elaborate ceremony would be conducted by the Bobohizans during this time. I was told that by cutting off the head, you would be freeing the soul from the evil of the body and the soul which was once your enemy would be your spiritual guardians.
Manukan Island
The shallow waters around Manukan Island makes it one of the most ideal place for a novice diver to explore the riches of the coral bed. It is teaming with fishes and certainly a sight to behold.
Kota Kinabalu from Manukan Island
Resort on Manukan Island
Relics from World War 2
Another picture of Kota Kinabalu taken from Manukan Island
Back to Singapore
My Chariot in the Sky awaits
View of Gaya Island from my plane
This was my first trip to Kota Kinabalu and if I recall correctly, my first trip on board a plane. It was a very memorable trip and it certainly was not the last time I visited Kota Kinabalu. This was the trip which lighted my passion for Sabah.
Hope you enjoy reading my adventure to the Land Beneath the Wind. This is only the beginning.
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