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We departed from Sutera Harbour around 9.30 to go to the first of two Islands – Manukan. As soon as we got there we got our snorkeling equipment and went into the crystal clear water. For me, this was my first time snorkeling. It was really cool, it’s a total different world under the surface. Just beautiful! Among all the fishes we saw, with all kind of colors you can think of, we saw “Nemo” fishes and a puffer fish (not puffing though). We stayed in the water for about one hour. It is very tiring to be under the water snorkeling. So we got up and bought some refreshments at the store. Then we just hung around in the water until it was time to get on the boat to go to the next island - Sapi Island.

The alarm went off at 4am. Packing our last things we got on the bus at 4.50am to pick up the rest of the people coming with us on the fast track on mount Kinabalu. The bus ride were longer than we thought but the waiting made us even more eager to start the climb. The walking started at around 8 am and though we had loads of energy it was a tough start with lots of high steps uphill. And as it turned out, it wasn't going to be any easier. For me, this was physically the most challenging adventure I've ever done (and I would say that I have a moderate level of fitness). Pia has tried this kind of climbing with steps before in Sri Lanka so she had a clue what was about to come. I'm happy I came down with both of my legs, shaking but still standing. During the climb there are some spectacular views of waterfalls, exotic plants, trees and you are surrounded by all sorts of jungle noises from insects and birds.

It was the first time I was trying river rafting and since I'm not a big fan of water sports, the first level suited me just fine. The location to where we got started is about 1.5 hours away from Kinabalu City. We were 5 people and one guide in each boat. Before we started we got security information e.g how to act if we fell into the water. After just 100 meters our guide told us to jump in the (surprisingly cold) water to get the hang of it. We proceeded along the river and the waves were small but much streamed. At one point our guide told us to jump in the water and just float along with the stream. We had to be careful because some of the rocks are very close to the surface. Later on, we parked the boat and got the chance to ride with the waves without it once again. We also got to swim in the nicely cooling water by the end of the tour if we wanted to and it was really nice. When the tour was finished, we washed up and changed clothes before we had local dinner. Nice rafting, but if you are the more adventures type when it comes to water, I would suggest you move up a grade or two.

I was picked up at 2pm for the wildlife river cruise adventure at Kawa-Kawa by the tour bus, hopeful to see the proboscis monkeys. The guide, Tim, told us the drive is approximately 2 hours to where we would get on the boat. On the way I was enlighten with the view of the country side of Sabah. Cows and dogs running loose along the road is definitely something you won't see in Sweden, where I'm from. We arrived to the house from where the boat would depart and we had some Hi-tea and other refreshments like fruit and local sweeteners. Ready with my camera I got my lifejacket and got on the boat. We cruised along the river close to the trees to get a view of the Proboscis monkeys but sadly we didn't see any. Tim did tell us that we might not see the monkeys because of the heat. He said that when the sun is too hot, they hide under the branches and leaves to cool off. We went the other direction to walk along the beach by the end of the river, in perfect timing to see the sun go down by the horizon of the ocean. Our guide was optimistic about seeing monkeys on our way back to the house. And so we did! As the sun went down the Proboscis monkeys came further out from the tree trunk and branches and I got to see 5-6 of them playing in the trees. First time I ever saw monkeys outside from the zoo. It was really cool.

On our way to the Poring hot Spring we made a few stops along the way. The first stop was in a town where they still have these historical shops and houses, all built in wood in the older days. Some of the guests did not have their breakfast yet, so we stopped by one of the local restaurant. Then we proceeded to the Jambatan Tamparuli Bridge. We walked across and our guide talked about the village on the other side. We spotted a special plant that closed its leaves as we touched it.

This adventure started at 6.30 in the morning when the Amazing Borneo bus picked us up at our hostel. We picked up 3 other guests before heading towards the mountain where we were going to spend our day. We started with the Butterfly Park where they were flying around here and there and up and near.

Now it was time for me to discover one of Borneo's many beautiful islands, Mantanani. Early in the morning my driver, Oswald, picked me up in front of my apartment. Then we picked up some more guests at the Best Western Hotel. After an almost two hours' drive from KK to the Kuala Abai Jetty it was time to switch from van to speedboat.

At 06.45 in the morning Ryan our guide picked me and two guests up from the hotel. After some more pick-ups from the hotels, the bus was full. I must say that Amazing Borneo has really comfortable busses, considering that we were supposed to sit in a bus for almost 6 hours.

The trekking started from the Kampung Kiau village. It took our group 1.5 hours to get to the camp. If I was to compare this trekking with the fast track on the mountain, this is a piece of cake. But for the others guest who were joining, it was a bit harder because they just had finished the climb to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu the day before. Their legs were very sore. But anyhow, the trek was nice and the view was beautiful. At some parts it was very steep! So I always had to be alert in where to put my feet. Along the way the guides showed us some plants that are edible and which ones that are filled with poison. When we got to the camp we had lunch. Unluckily, it started to rain heavily so we couldn't really do anything for about 2 hours.

Sabah Fest 2014 blazed a trail of opportunity for many to lose themselves for an hour & a half in the razzling dazzling rhythm of Sabah’s harmonious unity in diversity. A plethora of traditional performances ranging from Tenom Murut Gong, Papar Tanggungak, Putatan Bertitik troupe, Kudat Mongigol Sumundai, Kota Belud Dusun Tindal, Penampang Sumazau & Magaggung, Tenom Anggalang & Magunatip from the West Coast of Sabah.