 |
| Mount Kinabalu, Sabah |
 |
| Trail through the rainforest |
The very name conjures up images of dense jungle, exotic wildlife and head hunters.
Borneo is the world’s third largest island and is
administered by three different countries – Brunei, Malaysia and Indonesia.
Half the world’s tropical timber comes from Borneo, its
rainforest one of the oldest. It’s also one of the most bio-diverse places on the planet with an estimated 15,000 plant species.
Mount Kinabalu at over 13,000 feet is South East Asia’s highest mountain and our visit to the Malaysian state of Sabah gave us a wonderful opportunity to explore the mountain range and its surrounding national park.
The scenery, rugged with dense jungle, the marked trails providing introductions to exotic flora and fauna, the wild orchids particularly gorgeous.
Returning to “KK” – Kota Kinabalu – our next stop was “BSB”
– Bandar Seri Begawan, capital of the nation of Brunei. Some say BSB is one of the finest world
capitals that oil money can buy with its modern buildings, highways and first
world conveniences.
The country’s oil and gas reserves are substantial and the
main source of income. The Sultan of
Brunei, one of the world’s richest individuals, has spread the wealth around
with subsidized housing, free education and medical care. However, the Sultan has absolute control in
this Islamic country which observes Sharia law.
 |
| BSB's water villages |
In contrast to the modern, gleaming city lie the water
villages, a collection of homes built on stilts in the Brunei River. Efforts have been made to relocate the water
village dwellers to the mainland to little avail. Despite the basic appearance of what look
like ramshackle structures, the poorest looking homes are likely to contain
modern amenities with many residents keeping their cars in garages on the
mainland calling upon a hodge podge flotilla of motorboats to commute across
the river.
  |
| Jame’Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque |
 |
| Omar Ali Saifud-Din Mosque |
Overlooking the river the Omar Ali Saifud-Din Mosque with its beautiful golden dome and white minarets reflect in the surrounding lagoon.
The newer Jame’Asr Hassanal Bolkiah Mosque is more opulent, even glitzy, with its 29 golden domes, but somehow the older mosque gave one an instant feeling of peace and serenity.
The Sultan’s Istana Nurul Iman Palace, with a mere 1788 rooms, can only
be viewed from the river. King Salman of
Saudi Arabia was due to visit Brunei and it was hard to avoid the preparations
underway. Motorcades with police escorts
sped along the highway leading to the Palace gates while schoolchildren lined
the route.
It was only later that we learned about the King’s 1500 strong travelling entourage, fleet of seven aircraft, limousines, personal elevator, large kettle of hawks and massive amount of cargo.
It was only later that we learned about the King’s 1500 strong travelling entourage, fleet of seven aircraft, limousines, personal elevator, large kettle of hawks and massive amount of cargo.
 |
| Gleaming display of shields in the Regalia Building |
 |
| The Royal Regalia Building |
 |
| Jerudong Polo Club's Berkshire Hall |
The stables once housed close to 4000 polo horses but that number is substantially less these days.
In between our busy day of sightseeing we enjoyed lunch at
the Empire Hotel. This luxurious beach
front hotel and country club overlooks the South China Sea and was built at a
cost of $350 Million. The plush
restaurant decorated with orchids was staffed by an international team and the
offerings were diverse and tasty. But
who knew one of the desserts would be a blackberry and apple crumble!
We realized that the island of Borneo is not as remote as we had once supposed.
We realized that the island of Borneo is not as remote as we had once supposed.
Pleased you enjoyed Borneo and look forward to talking to you about Brunei. The Empire was our home away from home when we were working there.
ReplyDeleteNice digs. Looking forward to our various chats Roger.
ReplyDelete