Day 3: Mabul Island back to Sandakan

Sunday, 5 February


My handphone was off, and there was no alarm clock. The thing I notice here is that sunset before 630pm, and sunrise, well... maybe around 6am! Since the lodge had a rule that electricity is only on between 6pm and 6am, I waited for the wall fan in my room to "automatically" off, to indicate the time. I could hear footsteps and people talking outside, and eventhough I was not lying on the most comfortable bed on earth, yet I was not too keen to get up.

So I waited whilst lying on the bed, until William woke. Guess what, it was nearing 830am and we were supposed to have breakfast at 7am!

So hurried the kids along, good thing we brought some snacks for the kids. I made Milo for them, and gave them some crackers. For hubs and I, we ate the meal provided ie plain mee goreng!

Less than 3 scoops later, we went along, passed a short stretch of beach, then crossed a wooden bridge, hopped on a buggy heading the same direction, and stopped at this luxurious chalets nearby. I don't know the names of these, but some friends who checked these out last night said they cost RM1600 per night per pax, and RM600 for the second night.

We had a great worship and sharing time "in the middle of the sea".

Praise God for good sunny weather. 

William with his good friend from cell, Moses

Victoria with Wynette

During our worship and prayer time, William was not in the mood for play.  He sat around mopping (like this) or attempted to run off, or just did things that require our attention.  Guess he was bored, and hungry as he didn't have proper breakfast.

After getting back to our lodge, we immediately had lunch then packed up to go, as we needed to catch our coach at 1pm leaving Semporna back to Sandakan.

On the boat, William is obviously enjoying himself with this position.  We were all amazed.

My two kids love the boat ride, eventhough they are quiet and seemed to be in their own thoughts. I love the ride too, and had both kids close by me. The wind was blowing strong, with a little sunshine touching our backs, but the feeling was surreal.

On the coach, we all rested. The ride didn't seem that long with all the chit chats and munching.

Sandakan. After cleaning up and waiting for the rest for dinner, we caught a lion dance act just a few doors away.  Realize that here in Sandakan, there are many lion dances especially invited to homes.  This lion dance, although single, did the most impressive prancing around on poles set far apart.  Two thumbs up for this lion dance!

At night we had Sabah Bak Kut Teh for dinner. The specialty at the shop was spicy bak kut teh, but I thought it was not spicy enough. They also had all kinds of Kut Teh, from prawns to fish to meat balls, on top of the usual porkribs.

Next day, me together with most ladies and some men will head to Sandakan market at 4am.