Leaving Manila, we then had two stops on the island of Borneo: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, and Muara, Brunei. Being a smaller ship, we could, and did, make stops in smaller ports which may only see a cruise ship a few times per month. Borneo is the third largest of earth's islands with tall mountains, unexplored jungles, and shared by several nations.
The peak of Mt. Kinabalu is rarely visible, usually (as on this day) cloaked in heavy clouds.On our one day in East Malaysia, on the island of Borneo, we took a bus trip from Sabah to a nearby park on the slopes of Mountain Kinabalu, at 13,435 feet tall the tallest peak on the island. We were at about the 5,000 feet level, high enough that the temperature was in the comfortable mid 70’s. We took a short hike on a rough single-file trail (stepping over roots, around mud, and down embankments) through the rain forest, where a guide attempted to describe the unique plants living there. Then re-boarded the bus for a lukewarm lunch at a scenic hotel.
On the trail at Kota Kinabalu; Dawn is ahead of me.An elaborate Islamic wedding was also taking place at the hotel. Our impression of Malaysia was that the natives have a decent life but with small hope that their children will have better opportunities. They are prosperous enough that traffic congestion is a problem. However, there were few buildings or homes of architectural beauty, just basic shelter. Public works projects appeared to be at a standstill or being worked on by very small crews, taking years to complete. The English language is widely understood as a result of previous British influence.
It was refreshing to enjoy such mild weather as we approach the world’s equator.
Mosque as seen from shopping mall outdoor courtyard.The following day was spent in the kingdom of Brunei which occupies only 1% of Borneo's land area. The wealth of Brunei was obvious, but that wealth is shared by only about 470,000 citizens. Other people live there, but actual citizenship is difficult to obtain. There were many beautiful buildings, especially mosques, and many large masonry homes. We were told that the average Brunei family has more than one vehicle. Healthcare and education are free for those who qualify. How can they have such wealth? Oil production is key. Also, it is extremely difficult to be accepted for citizenship; we were told of a lady who applied several decades ago and is still waiting.
Mosque as seen from reflecting pool.We had hoped to tour downtown Brunei on foot, but the weather was so hot and oppressive (to the non-acclimated) that we spent most of our visit in a nice, air-conditioned shopping mall (marble floors, sculpture, courtyard) and only a short time walking along the river and checking out a nearby mosque. On the far side of the river is a water village composed of densely packed, small, simple homes built on pilings. I am guessing that is where the non-citizens live.
A small portion of the water village can be seen in the background across the river. It was such a hot day that we did not want to board a boat and weave our way through the water channels of that village.The shopping mall we visited, although not ministering to every need, was first rate, well-kept, an excellent selection of world class merchandise, and accepting of foreign credit cards. Both Dawn and I made purchases there. Interestingly, Kentucky Fried Chicken, or KFC, is a very popular eatery there (and also in Malaysia). The official language is Malay with English and Arabic also popular.