It seems I have revisited many places this year which I really don’t mind since it’s been years since I last visited them. I’m always interested to see what has developed and retracing back my routes sure brings back fond memories in different places. When I had the chance to go back to Kota Kinabalu, I knew I didn’t want to miss that opportunity as it was my first destination out of the country.
Kota Kinabalu
Yes, 8 years is such a long time since I last stepped foot in Kota Kinabalu. I was nostalgic when I was on the AirAsia Flight to Kota Kinabalu when I saw the city, the islands and especially, Mt Kinabalu as our plane made its way to the runway. There was no Mt Kinabalu climb this time but a leisurely visit to the islands at Tunku Adbul Rahman Park with exciting activities at Borneo Reef World. We also had an interesting trip to Mari-Mari Cultural Village where we get to know some of the ethnic groups in Sabah.
Come Again Camiguin
For Camiguin, it was 5 years when I last visited the island and there were indeed some noticeable changes already during our fam tour for Cebu Pacific’s inaugural flight to the island. Mantigue Island which was rife with internal conflict from the community and local government has become a nature park and marine sanctuary now. Organised with tours, trails, tables and guides. Of course we wouldn’t miss the usual favourites like the White Island and Sunken Cemetery which I snorkelled for the first time. I never knew how lively the marine life where the dead lies.
Ferdz Decena is an award-winning travel photographer, writer and blogger. His works has found print in publications such as Singapore Airlines’s Silver Kris, Philippine Airlines’ Mabuhay, Cebu Pacific’s Smile and Seair InFlight. He has also lent his expertise to various organizations like the Oceana Philippines, Lopez Group Foundation, Save the Children and World Vision, contributing quality images for their marketing materials.
