Just came back from a 4 day leave. It was for the Chinese New Year holidays. We in Malaysia do enjoy quite a number of annual leaves. One of the highest I believe. Well, with all the stuff that are happening in Malaysia, I guess we should still have a reason to love our dear country.

As a true gesture of the One Malaysia idea thanks to our awesome Prime Minister, a few of us buddies had a blast at a local Karaoke Pub called the BAMBOO WAVES. Now if you are a Sabahan or had been to Sabah and happened to join some form of gatherings especially in the kampung..say a wedding for instance… you will know what I mean when I say this place is an Áramai Tih’ place.

Whilst having my ‘sip’ of fermented beverages, I can’t help but notice that the buckets they use for the beer cans or bottles to chill them beverages are made of plastic. I thought I’ve seen some really classic and cool ones that are made out of metal. That would complete my home deco! There are even personalized beverage tubs that you can order online.

Well, cheers people. Gotta get back to work

By the way, here’s the map to BAMBOO WAVES in case you want to check them out.

View Bamboo Soundwaves in a larger map

We are now halfway towards the end of January 2012. Time sure flies really fast especially when you are having fun and doing lots of activity. This year will not be much changes for me. It’s still going to be a goal setting and activity filled year hopefully. Wall climbing is still a must if I want to maintain my current ‘slim’ wardrobe.

Some of the list for this year includes Bali, Sipadan, Tioman and Pulau Perhentian dives and not to mention making some future prospects and building up the little business at kastumized.com

With all the traveling and airport waiting time that will be coming soon, perhaps I should consider getting one of those best e reader that money can buy? Or perhaps I just stick to good ol’ books where it can double as your little pillow or an eye cover thingy when sleeping in the airports.?

Here’s to a great year to all of you!

Photo credit - Danzario of Keningau

Like last year and the years before, Christmas is celebrated together with the family. The best part is the meeting point was in our little kampung called Kampung Popot. It’s always fun when you have good food and drinks to go around. Yesterday’s session was somewhat impromptu but it turned out OK. We were jamming all night long. Good thing I had my Fender amp at home so they could hook up the electric guitar.

We also had ‘percussions’ section. I bought this children’s orchestra set which consists of a mini drum set, plastic shakers, plastic flutes and a castanet. We really did well actually! Everyone was seriously doing their part. I did not even have to pay a large sum for those and will definitely wont be needing any debt counselor help anytime soon.. ha ha

There’s still some leftover beers. I think I’m gonna grab some. Cheers!

My official annual leave starts from 18 December this year. It is good to be back in Sabah. Knowing that you don’t really need an alarm set to wake you up apart from having activities in the morning is awesome. One thing’s for sure, while in Sabah I feel more like a tourist. Road directions in Kota Kinabalu is quite a challenge for me. My girlfriend felt sorry for me every time.. ha ha. Stayed a couple of days in Kota Kinabalu. Loads of eating too.

A group of us were supposed to have a Scuba Diving day trip to this place called Mantanani. Unfortunately the weather has not been very kind and to avoid all probability, we switched to Plan B that was never planned in the first place. This time the place would be Kudat! We stayed at this place called Tindakon. It’s a privately owned beach resort owned by a local Rungus family. We are related somehow through my uncle I think.

The only place to stay is the Longhouse or ‘Rumah Panjang’. The Rungus tribe used to live in longhouses during the olden days. Now you can experience at least part of the kampung (village) life by living in these longhouses. It’s just next to the beach. There were only four of us. It’s almost like having the whole place to ourselves. The price for a nights stay including meals are so reasonable. You should try it here. The toilets are working but don’t expect 5 star experience. At least they have running water. Besides, the whole theme is about kampung life so be prepared to experience life the real kampung way!