R&R in Sabah, Borneo

The local coffeeshop which we tried different kinds of noodles

The exterior of the coffeeshop

Chendol at Baba and Nonya

Peranakan food at Baba and Nonya

Zen Garden room exterior

Grounds of Zen Garden Resort, outside Kinabalu Park

Restaurant managed by the Sutera chain in Kinabalu Park

Lounge besides the restaurant

What a gorgeous fried rice

Sumptous lunch in Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park as the backdrop (reminds me of the Amazon!)

Stairways into the park and off to Mt Kinabalu

Deepak posing before heading to the Botanical Garden

View of Mt K from Zen Garden Resort

Breakfast at Zen Garden Resort

Finally, we saw the Rafflesia sign along the road

On the way to the Rafflesia spot

The Rafflesia bud

Not allowed to climb in so...

We were away in Sabah over the Chinese New Year. it was the first time Deepak was visiting Sabah as a tourist and not a trip leader for our annual Mt Kinabalu expedition with schools and organisations. This photo series is a makan showcase more than anything else.

You can view the main album here.

Briefing for Ghorepani Trek at Chung Cheng Yishun

Teachers, parents and students settle down for briefing

Everyone watching the video clip

Deepak begins his presentation of Nepal

Deepak and I were at Chung Cheng High Yishun last Saturday to brief all parents, teachers and students on their 11 days trip to Nepal. It was really nice to see many parents turned up for the briefing. Except for one parent who had been to India, none of the parents had been to Nepal or the Himalaya. We also met up with the VP Mr Toh who was jovial and told us that he had been to Nepal once many years back. The school is very supportive of the trip, their teachers and students.

We played a video clip for parents to have an overview followed by a detailed day to day run down of the trip. We also touched on the relevant travel information when visiting Nepal and advised the students on their trekking gear. Everyone was very attentive to us during the entire briefing. We believe the video and past experiences of various schools did alleviate many doubts and concerns of parents.

Deepak is always cautious to set the expectations of everyone heading to Nepal, to make them understand that they should have no expectations of a third world country and that they are there to learn and not enjoy.

We are looking forward to our Bt Timah triaining session with the kids and of course, to a successful trek in Nepal!