Borneo Part 2

I'm back from my Borneo adventure and it was swell. The experience was unforgettable and i'll try to chronicle the notable moments. Pictures will follow suit.

Day 2 Ascending Mt Kinabalu
Woke up early and had a big breakfast and headed off to find transport to the Park HQ at 7. Taxis were RM150 one way and we opted for the bus which was RM15 each. It was a slow bumpy ride and we only reached at about 11. Did the necessary procedures, which was really cumbersome and had a packed lunch. They ran out of guides so they told us to just head up first and they'd send up one later in the evening.

So we began at 12 and it was an arduous trek from there on. Due to the altitude, the air was really thin and you get really breathless after a little exertion. It get worse the higher you go. Steps were steep and some parts were slippery. Took numerous rest stops along the way and we finally reached Laban Rata, the 2/3 way accommodation point at 4 plus.

Had a humongous dinner and we headed for our accommodation at Panar Laban hut some 10 mins away.By then it had started to rain and we were tired and cold and feeling every bit miserable. The hut was real basic just 6 bunks without heating and the temperature had dropped to 10 degrees then. Decided to take a shower which was a small hut 10m away and the water was "heated", cause the water was so cold that the heater just made it a little less cold. So there I was showering in an open hut with freezing water and I almost hyperventilated from the cold and lack of oxygen. Lost alot of body heat and it took a few hours for my body to warm up again. Not a nice experience really.

Turned in early at around 7 and it was cold even though we were bundled under the blankets. By this time the guide came and enquired if we were still gonna make the ascent to the summit at 3am.By then Collin and Rohit were spent and declined to make the ascent, in favour of sleeping in and getting a good rest. Well I decided what the heck, I came here to climb to the top, not Laban Rata, so yeah I was on. With that, I hunkered in and got as much rest as I could in anticipation of what was to come.

Day 3 Summit and Descent
The alarm rang at 0230 and I was roused from my sleep. It was darn cold but thankfully the rain had abated. Ate a can of tuna and biscuits and washed my face with some water I had boiled. Downed a can of Milo too before setting off at 3. The first part of the climb consisted of an endless flight of stairs and rock steps. The going was tough as I felt like puking out all the food and I was incredibly breathless. I had to sit down to catch my breath many times. The guide wasn't really helpful and told me I still had 2.5km to climb and asked if I wanted to continue. I'm not sure if it was pride, foolhardiness or perseverance but I insisted on carrying on and would reach the summit anyhow.

Soon the altitude and terrain made it impossible for any vegetation and I emerged from the forest to meet a wall of granite. From here it was a mixture of steep inclines and gradual ascents up the granite face using ropes. It was amazing that nobody fell off and died,cause you would practically roll down and off the cliff. At some parts it was just a little outcrop of rock just a wee bit wider than my shoe. The climb here got tougher and I kept fixing my eyes on point 10m away and trudged towards it before falling to catch my breath. The pattern ensued for the next couple of hours. But during the breaks, I just gazed off the mountain to the beautiful view below, illuminated by the moonlight. Looking up, the heavens were filled with stars and I could make out the only constellation I knew - The Orion. It was truly magnificent and all I could do was to gaze in awe and worship.

Soon the dawn was breaking and the sun rose steadily from across the horizon as I made my final assault at the summit - Low's Peak. When I finally hauled my a** up there, I took a picture, savoured the view from there and then had to descend. It was surreal and truly memorable to have finally conquered the peak after a whole night's slogging.

The descent was just as challenging as now I had to navigate my way down the steep inclines and soon made it back to my hut at 9am. By then Collin and Rohit were out front and received a good cheer from them haha. My legs were already sore and were not responding well due to the strain. Packed up and headed off for breakfast before making the descend from Laban Rata, which was when the nightmare began.

Due to the stiffness of my leg muscles, my legs could no longer absorb the impact of descending the flight of steps and rock. Each step was a pain as my knees bore the full brunt of the impact. Whats worse were my toes banging against the front of my shoes. The cumulative impact left my toes badly bruised and each bad footing sent excruciating pain shooting up. I was so weak that I hobbled down and had to rest my weight on the sporadic handrails present or any ledge or tree I could get hold off. And so it was in this manner that I made the last 6km down. It was a whole 4 hours of pure suffering and it was pure perseverance and willpower that kept me going. So many times, that I lost count, I just wanted to collapse in fatigue and pain, but I just willed myself to continue. By the time I made my way down the mountain it was already 3. A harrowing and unforgettable experience in all.

Had lunch then went took a 2hr cab ride back to KK Town. Grabbed dinner and since we had time to kill, we caught X Files at the Cathay cinema there haha. Lousy show, with a hazy plot and no haphazard character development. Went back and retired for the night,in anticipation of the drive to Kuala Penyu the next day.

Day 4 Kuala Penyu
In the morning, we took a walk down our street in search of a good breakfast and found a nice homemade noodle stall. After that it was off in our Proton Wira for the 2 hour drive to Kuala Penyu. The road was pretty straightforward and driving in Malaysia is pretty nondescript unless you get mugged. Watched the scenery roll by from the cityscape to kampungs and rolling farmland. Bout midway, there were durian stalls along both sides of the road and we pulled over and Collin picked up a couple of em for RM30. The rest of the journey was smooth and there were sporadic encounters with buffalo and their shit on the road and avoiding roadkill and stupid dogs that almost became it.

Our destination in Kuala Penyu was Tempurong Seaside Resort, an offbeat place on a secluded stretch of beach. We turned off the highway and had to traverse a 7km stretch of unsealed road that was way muddy and bumpy. We were worried the suspension would go anytime and the potholes were huge. Soon the black proton was lathered in muddy water and the wheels were caked with mud. Halfway in, we were rather apprehensive about the route and calling of the lodge and office for directions didn't help. So we just had to ask the kampung folks and they pointed the way out to us. A little while more, the car cleared a small gradient and the South China Sea in all its splendor emerged into view.

To our dismay, the resort was perched on a ridge and the only way up and down was a flight of stairs. So we lugged our luggage in agony and proceeded to check in. After settling in, we brought out the durians and they were magnificent, savouring them on the patio, with crisp sunshine basking down and with the sea rolling by. Changed out and headed for the beach to just spend the afternoon there swimming and lazing in the shade. Very chill indeed.

Dinner was a sit down affair at the restaurant which I termed the "cookhouse" and it was 3 dishes of vegetables and one pot of curry chicken. We were famished by then and Rohit had 3 plates of rice while Collin and I followed close with 2 and a half. Post dinner activities were just spent sitting around playing scrabble and cards and I started on John Grisham's, The Appeal. Turned in after devouring half the book.

The highlight of the stay there was waking up to a gentle breeze and the the sound of the waves crashing down below and the birds chirping outside as the rooms were naturally ventilated. Headed for breakfast and met the owner - Frankie there. We chatted briefly and he explained that the place was really his family home and after some cajoling from his friends and to help cover the maintenance, he had decided to let the place out. He chanced upon it when he was sailing down the coast about 10 years ago and was struck by its seclusion and the beauty of the beach. He came ashore and negotiated to buy the 3 acre plot from the kampung further in and built the place. The guy runs a travel agency and we talked about our travels and the business and all. Proceeded to finish up my book and soon it was lunch and time to check out.

Day 5 The Long Way Home
Drive back was more or less the same, save for one stretch that we took differently. Came to a river and the only way across was by ferry. It was interesting to see the ferry in action and pull up ashore discharging its load. I then drove up and soon we were on our way across, really an adventure in itself haha.

Reached KK town at about 4 with lots of time to spare. Shopped around the local market and drove around town. The town was so small we covered it in half and hour. Decided to drive out of town to the Sabah Administration HQ which was a swanky tower across the bay. When we got there we noticed there was a revolving restaurant and decided to have our dinner there. Food was mediocre and expensive but the views were awesome. Thereafter it was off to the airport to catch the flight home. Wished it would have been a nice uneventful journey back but it wasn't to be.

About 10 mins before boarding, the announcement came on that our flight was getting delayed due to inclement weather. By the time we left we were about half hour behind. Landed at JB Senai Airport and took a cab to the causeway. To our dismay the last bus had already left and we were stranded on the Malaysian side. SO with no other alternative, we had to walk across with packs on our bags, akin to a route march at 2am. Tried hitchhiking but all those Singaporeans were too wary to stop for us haha. Got across and cleared immigration and took a cab back. When I got out to get my luggage when we reached, the guy just drove off! He totally drove off!!! WTH. So i had to call Comfort and tell them to get the driver back and after 15 ins he came back apologetically.

So that in a nutshell was my Borneo Adventure. It was a n experience and one I hope will remain once in a lifetime haha.

Borneo

First post from Borneo, specifically in Sabah, more specifically in Kota Kinabalu Town and well if you really wanted to know the details (I'll assume you do), in Red Palm Hostel along Jalan Gaya. It's been a really long day and I'm pooped. Since theres free internet, might as well shoot of a post before the big day.

Started off at 8am going to work and all, albeit with my backpack. The receptionist gave me a stare and a reserved smile as we made eye contact haha. I looked like an office worker/suicide bomber. Think she was trying to discern which. Hadn't had the mood to work since yest, so fired up the comp, shot off a few mails and proceeded to read the darnest things on Wikipedia, today's being the Battle of 73 Easting in the 1st Gulf War. had a long meeting with my big boss whois down from Houston and a jolly good french lunch. So that marked the end of my workday.

Came back to office, changed out into my travel wear and had to entertain my co-workers' queries about my where tos. Took a cab down to Queen Street (near Lavender) and baorded the bus to Woodlands. Clearing of customs was uneventful and we engaged a pirate taxi to get us to Senai Airport in JB for RM$40 after a bit of haggling. We had loads of time to kill and what better way to kill time then to eat. Ate some rubbish noodles and fries at the airport's Marybrown.

After awhile, we checked in and there were these bunch of Assumption kids going to Sabah on a school trip. Man those kids are WILD. Told Cheryl I could feel her pain haha. Boarded the flight with the kids and it felt like a school bus. They were seated in the rear and kept making alot of noise, especially the boys. When the plane took off the cacophony erupted into a crescendo, which was really funny. Everytime the pilot banked, the kids would react haha. Hilarious. Flight was about 2 hours long and we were bored midway and since they ran out of hot food, we bought cup noodles to share.

Soon we arrived and took a cab ride into town. The town is surprisingly well maitained and the roads are clean and traffic light. Its a rather quaint place. The night temperature is alot cooler than Singapore. Took a walk after we checked in and ate quite abit. We reminded ourselves that we needed to carbo load and that kinda absolved us from any guilt haha.

So its time to sleep and Ive got an early day tomorrow to climb Mount Kinabalu, our reason for coming. Gotta wake up at 6, get a hearty breakfast and find transport for the 2 hour journey to the Park HQ.

A Marked Difference

Its been a week marked with joy and it has made all the difference. As I yield in submission to walk in the will of God, Paul's exhortation that we are more than conquerers rings so true. Been reading Romans and every verse and chapters hits me with wave after wave of revelation. The doctrines of justification and slavation, the abundant grace of God, the freedom in Christ and all just overwhelm me like never before.

For the longest time Ive felt that Ive learnt all there is to the Word, since growing up in Sunday School. Not that I know everything, but that desire to learn and the fresh revelation all but ceased. So this has really a breath of fresh air as scripture nourishes and fortifies my inner man. I haven't been this excited about the Word for the longest time.

Been learning alot about myself and how deep within there exists alot of pride and the desire to demonstrate my capabilities. I'm practicsing reticence and making a concious effort to be meek and not react in the way that would be so natural to me and I kinda understand why Paul says there really isn't anything good within him.

Sunday was really cool seeing my boys respond to the altar call. CMs and I have been feeling rather exasperated at their lack of enthusiasm and passion. But what no man can do, God can and I'm reminded of the importance of praying for my sheep.

Tommorrow I embark on my expedition (ok la not so big deal) to ascend Mount Kinabalu. I'm awfully excited but I'm sure halfway up i'll wonder why I took leave and spent money to torture myself haha. Hope it'll be a good trip to share my life with Collin and Rohit and thats something I'm looking forward to. I am not ashamed of the Gospel hahaha!

Where Do I Go From Here

I've struggled abit with respect to my job and the direction I'm supposed to take. All this while, I've never really enjoyed Finance and have seen my current job as a stepping stone, moving thereafter to a commercial job. Reasons abound and a few include challenge, interest and prospects.

Last week, my boss gave me news that my current role would be for 2-2.5 years and that I'd have to do 2 rotations in Finance. I was floored and couldn't imagine 2 terms in such a function. I wanted to tell her there and then that they'd better let me have my way or I'd throw in the towel. Well of course I didn't do that but it did leave me feeling awfully worked up.

I decided to seek God over the weekend to determine His direction in all this and to not do anything rash. The more I wrestled, laying down my arguments for having my way, I felt God's leading to let it slide and to accept HR's policy for me. It was with great reluctance before I yielded and to remain where I am and be content.

With that decision made, I feel a sense of peace and assurance that this is where I'm supposed to be. Furthermore, by resolving the desire to move out of Finance, I'm beginning to see my job in a different light as I begin to do the best where I am. No more whining about how I could be somewhere better but to start living where I am. So now I've resolved to give my 100% and very best for His Glory not mine.

I've pondered over the question of what actually drives me at work? I know the usual money and promotions do not have much lure and I lack a natural interest in the job. I can only press on with the knowledge that what I do is worship (thanks for the reminder Es) and whether I eat or drink I do it for the glory of God. My desire is to be a witness and to be effective, and not let the quality of my work affect this. So from tomorrow, I'll trust in Him who has led me thus far, to lead me on with purpose and joy.

Commencement 2008

Commencement was on Saturday and I'm officially graduated haha. It was a really long ceremony and I left immediately after it ended. Took some pics with a few friends and that was it. Big thank you to the folks who endured my nonsense and saw me through my education.

R230

Thats our team number in the OSIM Triathlon today and our team's name was JEL (Jimson, Erwin and Lionel; creative eh? haha). Entered in the Olympic distance relay comprising of 1.5km swim, 40km cycle and 10km run. I conclude after today that all triathletes are masochists and have an affinity for pain!

After Jimson's swim, it was my turn on the bike and I was off to a raring start. It was probably around the start of the 2nd lap that I started to feel the fatigue set in. My left butt cheek started to ache badly. On the way back, it started pouring and I was hoping that they might cancel it, I was sapped by then. Sadly no call was given and I had to press onto my 3rd lap.

The 3rd lap was uneventful and long, having to mentally push myself. "Come on!!" "No pain!!" "You can't quit!!" resonated within and I mustered up enough strength to make it through to the final lap.

Quarter of a way through my right calf threatened to cramp and it reached a point where I had to get off and stretch. After a breif respite, I remounted and forged ahead, albeit at a slower pace, mindful that my calf could cramp up any moment and leave me outta action. So it was a careful balance between speed and completing the race. With my ass and calf hurting, I made my way back, not before picking up speed at the final kilometer to arrive at the handover point with alot of seh haha.

The moment I got off the bike, i went "Sh*t!!!" My legs were jellied and I had to run a final 200m dismounted. At that moment my legs and my mind were in dissonance. Every step was so painful. I truly salute those blokes who can go on to run 10 clicks after the bike leg.

Handed the chip over to Erwin, my duty done and it was off to drink 10 cups of H20 haha and watch the rest of the race. We finished in a combined time of about 3 hrs 20 mins, not bad indeed haha. Now its gonna be a painful recovery over the course of the week haha.

Polarity Management

I've learnt that life is never absolute or mutually exclusive. Most problems in life involve a tension between two polar opposites and managing this isn't easy, but succeeding has great payoffs.

To chart my own course or leave it all to God?

Am I free to do anything I want or am I a slave to righteousness?

To be relational or to get the job done?

God's Way

There is a way that seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.
Proverbs 14:12

This is what the Lord says: “Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls. But you reply, ‘No, that’s not the road we want!’"
Jeremiah 6:16

Lord help me chose your way today and every single day.

Living in Extra Time

Read this portion of Scripture from 2 Peter 3 last night and it was sharper than a 2 edged sword.

"Most importantly, I want to remind you that in the last days scoffers will come, mocking the truth and following their own desires. They will say, “What happened to the promise that Jesus is coming again? From before the times of our ancestors, everything has remained the same since the world was first created.”

They deliberately forget that God made the heavens by the word of his command, and he brought the earth out from the water and surrounded it with water. Then he used the water to destroy the ancient world with a mighty flood. And by the same word, the present heavens and earth have been stored up for fire. They are being kept for the day of judgment, when ungodly people will be destroyed.

But you must not forget this one thing, dear friends: A day is like a thousand years to the Lord, and a thousand years is like a day. The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.

Since everything around us is going to be destroyed like this, what holy and godly lives you should live, looking forward to the day of God and hurrying it along. On that day, he will set the heavens on fire, and the elements will melt away in the flames. But we are looking forward to the new heavens and new earth he has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness.

And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen, make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight. And remember, the Lord’s patience gives people time to be saved."


We all know that we're living in the last days, but sometimes the urgency doesn't really sink in. I'm not that big a football fan, but I do know abit or 2 about the game (Joey - wipe that smirk off your face). In a knockout tournament, if the score is tied at full time, the game goes into extra time. These last 30 mins have produced numerous upsets in the realm of football, as was the case in 1999's Champion's League final.

Supposing the entire schema of things could be viewed as a football match, we already know the final score - God wins and Satan loses. When Christ was crucified, all of Hell thought the game was over and a done deal, like Bayern (forgive the sporting references). But God was not through. Christ rose from the dead and provided redemption for all who would believe in him, pulling the rug out from under Satan. So now the game has moved into extra time, and Satan knows its over, but until the final whistle blows, he plans to steal, kill and destroy.

In these final moments, we're battling for the souls of men. When we've expunged our final breath or when Christ comes, then no more work can be done. Christ could come tomorrow, or the day after, who knows? But if He doesn't, it just means as scripture says, God is being patient. He is giving us more time so that we can bring the Gospel to those who have not heard it. And it begs the question, am I seizing this opportunity?

As I reflect, I'm sad to say that my life thus has failed to grasp the urgency of the hour. I've lived for my own purposes and pleasure, lacking in focus. Last night, I was led to make an unqualified commitment to God again, to give Him unreservedly my time, money, talents, abilities, creativity, energy and all that is within me to be His hands and feet, to bring the Gospel to the unreached and to demonstrate God's love.

It's been a philosophical post, but I hope that this might prompt you to relook your life in light of fact that we are in extra time. The final whistle will blow one day and we can do no more.

Kuantan Pics

Its been almost 3 weeks since the trip and these pictures are rather overdue haha. But for the sake of posterity, up they go!