Project Aware: Gaya Island

Hey all, yesterday I went to Gaya Island attending the Project Aware organize by the Down Below Company. This is my first time going to one of the most beautiful island in Tunku Abdul Rahman Park as in my college days the study trip to
Manukan Island was cancelled due to the Tsunami that had happen in eastern Japan in March. So this is one of those happy moments that I’ve waiting for and I’m really excited. I’ve been told that there’s a few of us from Sabah Tourism Board
will join this trip, few from RTM as well as Sabah Parks staff.

But before the fun part, in the morning I was really nervous as I kept thinking about how my trip was going to be; is it going to be rain later? Am I going to vomit when the boats keeps moving up and down in the middle of the big sea?
Well since this is my first – timer, I want this trip to be a perfect moment for me so I can keep a very sweet memory when I come back to the island. Lucky for me, yesterday was quite a sunny day! Since Ms Mary go to Sutera Mariner by car, she offer me to go with her and the other staff went there by company’s van. So off we all go to Sutera Mariner, right after we park the car we straight went to the Sutera Mariner Jetty’s where there you can see all the beautiful and expensive boats and ferries. Fortunately all of the STB staff including me got a sponsorship from the company and yes it’son the house for all of us. It takes us about 15 minutes to wait for all the staff of RTM as they arrived 15 minutes
late from our schedule. Urgghh…In case you don’t know, I hate to waiting for the people especially one who don’t realize they are 15 minutes late!!! Right after they arrived, 5 minutes briefing about our destination by Ms. Evelyn plus the do
and don’t when we get there. Then we straight heading towards our boats and carefully ride the boat. The view of Sutera Mariner was really beautiful and right after another 5 minutes then off we go to our destination. It’s only takes about
10 to the Gaya Island.

When we arrived the island, the Director Mr. Richard greets us with very warm smile, and Mr. James (I’m not sure who he is, probably the assistant…) one who brief us all about the Project Aware and the objective for
the event. Hoping that everybody will get a lesson, to know that this is not just for cleaning the environment but change individuals to be responsible in everything we used and do. We are divided into 2 categories which is the first
categories: everybody who wants to pick up the rubbish in the sea were required to see Mr. James as the equipment for diving and snorkeling are very limited up until 20 packs. I don’t think I had the chance to do the diving so I’ve decided
to pick up the rubbish along the shoreline with my friend Ms. Mary. When we look others are still busy with their equipment, we decided to go first started at the shore near the public toilet. We started to collect every single rubbish
even the tiniest one and arrived at an old bridge. Below the bridge there so many of it and Ms. Mary had to take 5 minutes break (Ms. Mary is older than me and our age gap more than 20 years, so it’s very usual when someone older than
you gets tired easily) while I just continue with the work. But unfortunately I stepped on a piece broken glasses and my foot were bleeding. Feeling the pain but I don’t want Ms. Mary to worried so I just keep it quiet.


Not before long we notice that the water are so cold that it bring freshness to your skin. Then I suddenly remember that one of the staff here says that there a beautiful waterfall located not very far from the ocean but there’s no
proper route to go there. The cold water flow from the waterfall to the sea and amazingly the taste of the water are not salty. God almighty. Then a staff calling for both of us and asking what are we doing there. I realize that there
only the 2 of us here at the shore. We told him aren’t we supposed to collect the rubbish here? Then he said where we are now was actually not the exact location, but thanked us anyway for collecting the rubbish (FYI both of us has already
collect 2 big bags of rubbish). I feel like a fool but never mind anyway as it’s our fault for just goes and not hear the next instruction. He then show us the ways to the real spot of collecting the rubbish. The distance to the ‘real spot’
takes us about 15 minutes’ walk up on the hill and down to the sea. While walking, we can hear the sea breeze blowing and the sound of wave waving and crush the shore. It’s really relaxing from hustle and bustle of the K.K city and away
from everyday morning rush hour.

After 15 minutes of walking, the staff takes us to the rocky cliff where below it we can see our friends already doing their jobs cleaning the shore from rubbish. Funny thing is, when the staff told we can climb down from the cliff I was
really scared. I know below us just the sea and not very deep for someone who tall but still my weakness take over my courage as I’m short in person plus don’t know how to swim!! Lucky Ms. Mary encourage me just do it without thinking of
anything silly (what a way of encouraging people like me) and I did it. Only a few scratch near my ankle though….ngeh. As long think it as an adventure that’s enough for me. Then we together with others were collecting rubbish until we have
a few full bags of rubbish. All the fun and laughter we all had will be reminiscing forever until I die. At first our goal was to collect rubbish until the next island which is Manukan Island but the times are not our friend at the time
and we had to follow the schedule given.

Next to my favorite part which is LUNCH TIME!!! I was so hungry and my tummy begins to rumbling and ‘choiring’. Well we can’t expect the food to be luxury but it was good enough though. It was half past 1 actually. After lunch we had
this talk about the certificate for all the staff and tourist (there’s only 1 Japanese tourist, cute young boy about my age) that went for this event and we had so much fun. The certificate was from the director of Down Below Company
himself, Mr. Richard who handed the entire certificate for us. Then not before long photography session begin and we all make the silly Mexican wand by hand. Then One of the staff gets interviewed by RTM and so does Mr. James who happens to
know Malay language a bit. It really surprised me at first but since I’m in tourism industry, even the weirdest thing in this little planet earth I can found. It just matter of time. I still remember what Mr. James said yesterday in Malay
language but with Sabahan accent in it ‘sya mo pengsan sudah nie’ which I think really funny.

At 3:10pm, we went back to Sutera Mariner Jetty’s, and I realize everybody was really quiet compare to this morning. Tired? I wonder and don’t understand actually but I figure it out that everyone has change and trying to become more
responsible. Another new perspective has open their mind in creating awareness globally towards the environment. And as for me, this trip has a very deep meaning toward global issue as today the world have been filled mostly by irresponsible
people. Well the Project Aware was great but when you ask me while I’m collecting the rubbish, the answer might be
different hahaha (Jokes........)

My place of Internship journey

Hey all you bloggers!! Well hence the title, my place of Internship Sabah Tourism Board, known for provided information to the entire tourist who lost their way (I think…) which is located at Gaya Street. The Sabah Tourism Board, or generally known as Sabah Tourism, is an agency of the Sabah State Government operating under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment.

Sabah Tourism's primary responsibility is the marketing and promotion of tourism for the State. It also functions as a catalyst for the tourism industry by recommending to the Government the best possible means to facilitate the development of the industry and take part actively in initiating and coordinating activities conducted by the industry's participant.

Since it was established in August 1976, Sabah Tourism's responsibilities have continually expanded and defined to cater to the current needs of the global tourism market. Actually it’s been more than 2 weeks I had my training in STB (the usual calling…) and I really like it here: the management, new friends, and new environment. Well I’m not saying that my college friends are not good, they are really great but sometimes when they secretly stab you in the back… I really think being alone is my best option on those college days (You can consider me as a geek or whatever and I don’t care).

Okay back to the story, on the first month I will be assign to be at TA’s or more at the reception. Well I’m not very good talker but trying my best to assist the guest or tourists can be considered okay. My new friends here are much older than me but I don’t mind and one of them is Ms Mary T, Ms Carmalita, and Mr. Robin. These people involved in tourism field more than 10 years and had a lot of knowledge’s about Sabah! Honestly I respect them as their very good handling their work even though in hard situation plus their never complain about it Involving in an environment full with people who older than you might change the way your thinking making you a lot more mature even when you are 19 years old!! Sometimes their jokes more on being sarcastic but in friendlier way in which no one take it seriously actually. Everybody willing to help and teach me all about the knowledge that I should know for me be good inside the management. I’ve always heard from people that experience is a wonderful thing; it enables you to recognize a mistake when you make it again which is so true.

Last week on Saturday, we had this trip (family trip actually for the staff but I was invited) to Misompuru Home stay where we had to experience life without electrical appliances or gadgets just like the native Rungus people. Of course we experiences also the home of the Rungus people, some of whom are still dwelling in traditional longhouses, one-village, one-industry kampongs specializing in gong-making, bead-making, and honey bee-rearing. Our activity include kayaking, search and crab catching (we didn’t get the chance as the crab catching season are not on this month); riding boats to the mangrove area, picnicking near the beach, and relax to ease your mind. There’s also festival held near the area called The Ocean Rhythm Festival, where hence the name of the festival the event was held near the beach and the Rungus Long House located just 3 minutes from the festival.

There so many people came over for the event; there’s singing competition and a lots of booth selling snack, fast food (homemade burgers), souvenirs such as the very unique clam shell but most of us just collect clam shell near the shore rather waste our money.

About the rock formation which named Terongkongan Beach, actually there’s a legend behind it where a princess always go there for bathing. Then suddenly, fishermen accidentally saw the princess and fell in love with her. He then wants to marry the princess but she has one condition before he marries her. He had to jump a high stone situated in where we are. You can read more about the rock/cave in here. At night, we had a very huge party near the beach and everyone was really happy but not on midnight. This is because in midnight where everyone was asleep, suddenly the generator was down (every night actually) and the temperature was really hot during the night. Okay the generator only ‘on’ from 1900pm till 2300pm. And the party ended not long before 2300pm. And the party ended not long before 2300pm. Lucky for me that me and my friend for we had this veil or ‘kelambu’ to keep away from mosquitoes or any night insect that may crawl into our room.

Morning arrive, we had our breakfast and had a very short stroll at the beach for the last time. I felt really sad that we had to leave before 10am and I remember the wave was calm on that morning, very peaceful actually...

Happy Belated Mother's day Mom

Hey bloggers, just wishing all the mom's out there a very great mother's day (if it affects anyone reading (yeah yeah, I’m a day late)!

Well My mom had to deal with some things no one should ever have to. She never became bitter at her situation or anyone. She never whined, or said “Why me?” She never let her circumstances define her. She just did what she had to do, one day at a time. She was the bravest person I’ve ever met.

She reminded me to forgive even those who had been cruel, and give people the benefit of the doubt.
She taught me that no matter how hard you cry at night, the sun will still come up in the morning.


Although I only got 20 short years with my mom, I know I’m one of the luckiest daughters alive. My mom taught me to be independent, confident, nurturing and driven. She raised me to believe in love, hope and myself.Plus she has also been a source of endless hugs and support.


Over the years she has entertained me…
listened to me, laughed with me…

and has sometimes driven me absolutely crazy!

But no matter what, it’s nice to know that there is someone out there who can gaze at me with so much love and who thinks that I am an astounding and exceptional human being. (If one believes mothers, it seems there are a whole lot of exceptional people out there, so maybe being exceptional isn’t actually all that… exceptional…)

My advices???
Attention to all teenagers who has been raised by a single parent, give the old lady a break...she's giving the best as she could..

Valentines, forget the wining and dining. Do something that matters

Hello readers! Well its Valentine, so I'm sure everyone has their own saying and opinion about Valentines day.

Every year February 14, is celebrated as Saint Valentines Day all across the world. Valentine’s Day is the most awaited day of the year for all youngsters . There is a holiday on this day so that all lovers can enjoy and express there feelings to one whom they love. Even though the history of St. Valentine’s Day and the patron Saint behind it is shrouded in mystery but we treat month of February as the Month of Romance. This day involves mutual exchange of Valentines. Loved ones celebrate by presenting flowers, gifts , offering candies ,sending e cards , sending love messages and much more all in the name of St. Valentine, the patron saint of lovers.
Valentines signs and symbols generally have a outline of a heart and containing picture of CUPID with wings . Now the tradition of sending Cards and Greetings with Valentine Hearts engraved on them has become very popular.

Well my Valentines was not really fun today as our class has been cancelled and nobody even my friends tell me and Sister Sarara about this (which makes me really mad ). Oh well, somebody haven't been here in KK since Chinese New Year are still in holiday mood I supposed...
But the good thing is, I manage to do some of my homework instead of hearing everyone saying 'Happy Valentines' to each other. Honestly, Valentines day quite fun when you share it with your friends and family. Even your loves too!( if you have one..)Well, I have my crush on someone but I don't have the guts to tell him...

Okay, talk about relationship, there's only thing in my mind - Expectations. Somewhere in the past someone must have said that it’s just but normal to have certain expectations. Especially when you’re in a relationship with someone. And so we live by that rule. But the thing about expectations is that when they’re not met, they ruin everything. I realized a few things. love begins at the point where you lower you expectations and the other reaches to meet them. In every relationship, we always have expectations. It doesn’t matter what kind of a relationship you have, we always have expectations. And when they are not met, we get disappointed.Thats just a thought, a matter of opinion I would say...

HA~ thinking of my uncle right now, because on Valentines day he would never forget to bring his fiancée some delicate and beautiful roses good luck for him! Well I'm okay if there's anybody wants to give me a bouquet of flower ( some red roses might be nice!) NGEH!!! Crazy me. Last time I've ever talk about love, mom scolded at me saying that I better concentrate on my study rather think stupid thing like. Since then I never ask something that are related about relationship or life( I may good with academic but zero when it comes to private life). But hey, express your love to mother(earth)by reduce cardboard boxes, no disposable containers, no bottled water. OR get your heart pumping - Charity walks and runs raise money for a good cause and get you moving in the great outdoors. Bring the family or your co-workers along to make it a team event.

Whatever it is, behind all our roles and personalities and professionalism, each of us, at essence, is a living, loving being. Sure, on the other 364 days of the year we might try to fake it, but on this one day, the world agrees: Love is where it’s at. Call it spirit, call it sweetness — whatever you want to call it, we’ve all got it. It’s just a matter of what we do with it. hehehe

Well thats it for today everyone, had to grab my lunch! ( I haven't eaten all day and I'm really really really hungry)

Path of enlightened

So, I'm trying this whole enlightenment thing. Decided that since it was a new year, I'd try to turn my attitude around and be a better and more loving, more accepting person. I'm currently reading books by James Van Praagh, the medium. I've gotta tell you, his books are incredible. So full of wisdom and encouragement and love. It doesn't even matter if any of it is true; it's inspiring.

Only problem with the path to enlightenment is that it's a rather lonely one. When you don't have many friends with the same ideals as you, it's really hard to stick to the program, so to speak.
I have no one to talk to about any of this. I have no one to exchange ideas with or ask questions or anything. All of my friends are either really religious or have no idea what any of this is all about. It's frustrating.


But, I'm sticking to this. I have to. His words have inspired a change and I'll be damned if I give up after just starting.

I guess the point of this post was to reach out to those of you trying this path yourself. I'd love someone to chat with about it all.