Journey to realization: The Decisive Step

Now I am standing on a crossroad, to Kudat or to Kundasang. For those who do not know where is Kudat or Kundasang is, allow me a brief introduction to both magnificent place. Kudat- A lay back town of the northern tip of Borneo, 3 and a half hours car ride north of Kota Kinabalu (KK), A place with very, I mean VERY beautiful beaches, breathtaking sunsets, the ever friendly Rungus people and the infamous Tip of Borneo. On the other hand, Kundasang- A town where you are constantly captured by the awe of Kinabalu Mountain, the highest peak of South East Asia. A place of cool, fresh air, giving out the freshest vegetable you can't find anywhere els. A place where Kinabalu park, Kundasang War Memorial, Desa Cow Farm and other favourite getaway destination for Kota Kinabalu dwellers. Now I am on the city bus bound to the intercity bus station, there lie a decision I need to make- to Kudat of Kundasang. Both equal in wonders, both equal with list of things I wanted to achieve; Kudat- to see the sunset siting on the rocks at Tip of Borneo; Kundasang- To leave my footsteps on all the trails in Kinabalu Park, all nine of it.

The bus I am riding on finally stopped, and there is it, the buses to Kudat and to Kundasang. 'Which would I take?' I asked myself. The last few days in KK did not do one bit in helping me answer this question. Flipping through guide books, browsing through internet and the almost always reliable 'deciding time' just right before you fall asleep did not work one bit! Kudat had always been the humble place I decided to start my journey, but that was before I heard of Typhoon Nalgae that basically wreck havoc on south Philippines and northern Sabah when I am in KK. Tyhoon would not do well in providing me good weather to travel, moreover sunsets. There I am still, undecided, an hour before both buses leave.

The to and fro between both bus stations made me realize something, thinking for decision is good, thinking too much was not. Decision needed to be made with no regrets, once you made it, do not look back at it. Do not say that 'what if I had make the other decision?', or blame yourself for getting yourself into this. We made the decision ourselves, we are responsible of our decision, we have the obligation to see through our decision with effort and commitment, to give that decision the respect it absolutely deserved. And thus I had decided, right there, right at that moment- to Kudat. I never looked back since then.

There was I, sitting in the front sit of the mini bus bound to Kudat town, a 3 and a half hour ride, scrambling accommodation arrangement in Kudat. It seems that I had been occupied in thinking where to go, but did not thought of where to stay! The comforting assurance of budget hotels suggested by my bus driver still got me worried for the amount of money I will spent in accommodation. I am going for a backpacking low-budget journey, not a luxury-style travel. There was only a name in my guide book regarding cheap accommodation within the vicinity of Tip Of Borneo- Howard Stanton. Here are the exert that introduced him in the guide book 'A British expat who speaks fluent Malay, may well be the most popular man in Kudat with locals and travelers alike...' (I am impressed!). There is more-'He's a man of many stories (international rugby player, diver, first white man to play and referee top-level cabbadi... he's builiding his own Eco-resorts, set up excellent home stays and can help arrange treks.' 'Does a person like this even exist?' I asked myself.

I am afraid I am proved right when I called the number written on the guide transfer me to a local government agency receptionist! There goes my investment on this so-called reliable guide book. 'I gotta get his contact fast, before I leaved the data coverage I got on my phone.' I said to myself. Truthfully, I am interested to find and get to know this man, if he even exist! I googled his name, look into a few websites, reading about his infamous green range rover, his children home, his seaside restaurant (more story about it later) and got a few contacts. I am getting nervous as the first few contacts either end up into mail box or of no-existence. At last I stumbled upon a beautifully constructed website about an Eco-resort near Tip Of Borneo- www.tampatdoaman.com- which I doubt it was made off with a limited budget! I am anxiously calling the number given by me by that website, and there was I, nervously asking 'Can I speak to Mr. Howard Stanton please?'. A deep British accent answered back on the other side '.......Yes, Howard speaking.' It was him! I am ecstatic! We talked for a few minutes and after that, I got my accommodation and food settled and yes it was near to Tip Of Borneo to my delight. Now I can rest soundly on the ride, with excitement and eagerness.

I arrived at Kudat town at around 4pm that lovely evening, eager to meet this famous Howard Stanton. I bought me some water, gave him a notice that I had arrived and waited. After a few short minutes, with delight I greeted his big big smile with the smile of my own. A man almost 6 foot tall, brown hair, light blue eyes with a build of a well trained military man, welcomed me to Kudat. We became instant friends talking about both of ourselves riding in his old, mildly dirty (an understatement), green car he so proudly named the 'Malaysian Ferrari'. He was greeting to almost everyone on the way to his lodge which is about 30 minute away from Kudat town, perhaps he was the most popular person in Kudat after all.

There I was, riding towards the most unplanned journey of my life, perhaps the best one, with my decisive step. Hey, I have only explained to him that I would stay for 2 nights...

To Be Continue...

Stay tuned for my next step exploring Kudat and places around Tip Of Borneo! Sun, sea, sand, sunsets and the wonderful people!

Viva la Malaysian Ferrari!

Live Well People
Shian