THE FERRY TRIP FROM LABUAN TO MENUMBOK - PART 2

[CONTINUATION OF PART ONE]

  25th FEBRUARY 2023   ~ I seldom had the chance to travel on ferry, especially this type that carried vehicles together with the passengers, and I spent some of the time walking around the vessel. The day was bright and the sky was blue so I had my essential dose of Vitamin Sea on that day.

I recognized the places I saw from the ferry which I visited when I was in Labuan the first time last year.

I was not the only one walking and enjoying the panoramic view of the sea. Unfortunately, some people went out on the corridor to smoke so it was that healthy to stay for too long.

People started to get into the vehicles as the ferry was approaching Menumbok Ferry Terminal. Impatient people existed everywhere.

On paper, the journey from Labuan to Menumbok should take 1 hour and 40 minutes. However, the embarking and disembarking process might delay the whole journey, especially when there were many vehicles on board.

We even had to wait for another ferry to leave the jetty when we arrived in Menumbok, At that time, we could still see vehicles getting into the ferry. Basically the whole trip took almost 2 hours.

One could also take the speed boat to get across which should save a lot of time but you have to check the Internet for the price.

We got onto the ferry again on our back to Labuan Island on the 28th February at 8:00 p.m. from Menumbok Ferry Terminal. There were less people this time.

THE VIDEO

You could also take the ferry from Labuan to other places on Borneo Island. One of the destinations is Bandar Sri Begawan, Brunei and also to one town in Sarawak, if I am not mistaken.

I wonder if I will have the opportunity to go on the ferry trip in Labuan again after this but then [my] life is always full of surprises.

[MY SABAH ROAD TRIP MAIN PAGE]

THE FERRY TRIP FROM LABUAN TO MENUMBOK - PART 1

  25th FEBRUARY 2023   ~ The second leg of the Sabah Road Trip was to get across the ocean from Labuan Island to Menumbok, the ferry terminal located on the Borneo Island, To do that, we took a ferry which cost RM20.00 for the car and the driver, and an additional of RM2.50 for each adult passenger. I am not sure though if there is a different rate for children.

We had to be early as first we needed to get something signed at the immigration counter. People from the Peninsular would need to get some kind of permit to enter Sabah [and Sarawak] and one could just bring his/her international passport to get it stamped instead of filling in forms.

 

Then the cars and other vehicles would have to queue up to get into the ferry. Once the gate was opened, then the car would be guided by the staff on board of the ferry to be parked at one spot of the vessel. This process might take a longer time and consequently, the ferry might not leave the jetty on time.

On the upper level was the passengers deck. There were many seats to accommodate the travelers and at the back of the hall, there was a mini cafe selling food and drinks. The only hot food that I could see was instant noodles. We had had our heavy breakfast before leaving so we did not buy anything on board.

TO BE CONTINUED IN PART 2

[MY SABAH ROAD TRIP MAIN PAGE]

REUNITED AFTER 30 YEARS

  4TH MARCH 2023   ~ Puan Roazila Mohd. Zahidi, a friend of UPM TESL class of 1993 was in town with her husband and daughter as they went to attend a wedding reception the day before. This should be the best time to be reunited with an old friend, after 30 long years.

The venue chosen was Secret Recipe at Perling Mall which was just opposite the hotel they were staying, Amerin Hotel.

Even after 30 years, I could easily recognize her from afar when I first saw her at the mall.

It was a short gathering but definitely a memorable one. Hopefully we could do this again when they are back in town or I travel to Klang for once.

MY LABUAN GASTRONOMIC ADVENTURE - PART 1

  24th February 2023   ~ This was an actual gastronomic adventure as we did not expect anything from the trip to the restaurant. We just wanted to get a decent meal for dinner. For one thing, my Sabah Road Trip did not focus on trying any special food at any of the places we visited.

My friend cum guide actually first took me to this one eating place he was familiar with but unfortunately, it was closed. That was the reason we ended at Restoran YM Cahaya.

We had fried rice and a bowl of beef soup to complement the main dishes.

Dinner was alright, just like the food at any other restaurant serving Malay/Thai food. One thing I have to mention is that the girl waiter there was pretty and she looked like Siti Nurhaliza. 😊

[MY SABAH ROAD TRIP MAIN PAGE]