MY LIFE : MIKI EDU-VENTURE QUEST 2005

"Hello Olla!"... Travel Trotters!

I have thought long and hard on what I should present in this post and finally I have decided to share another blast from my past with you.... Without further a due, Here goes....

How sweet it is to reminisce about my life at Stamford College Sabah where I completed my 3years study for a Diploma in Tourism and Hospitality Management from 2003-2005. Ah! The good old days where friendships are made to last a lifetime and passions realized...

During my final semester, my class went out with a 'bang' by organizing a concluding project to Kg. Kiau for one of our subject's assignment. We knew this day would come as we watched our seniors working day and night to complete their trips, such as Kelly Bays, Tempurung Beach and Pulau Tiga Survivor Island Expedition. Therefore, to lay the icing on the top of the huge cake, we had to think of something totally out of the box. With the help of 'Out of the Box' Legend, My dad, Miki Edu-Venture Quest was born. Arranged by internationally reknowned Sabah's adventure travel expert TYK Adventure Tours this expedition could go nowhere but up, up and away!

Held on 1st to 3rd April 2005, it was a date to remember with a 2hour drive to Kg. Kiau and a 2hour hike to Miki Survival Camp located along a river... And, yes you guessed it, it is in that river we took out baths and drank from. Luckily, they had a "semi"-modern toilet for No.1 and 2's... Hehe... A highlight on the Semi... We experienced everything during this quest; Jungle Trekking with our lovable friend when upon seeing you, jumps on you and attaches itself to you, the "Pacat" (Leeches), Learning about the different native traps, Night Trekking, Sleeping in a open hut with a sleeping bag, keeping warm around a freshly lit fire and enjoying sips of 'Lihing' and 'Montoku' (Local Rice Wine)... Ah! Fond memories indeed....

But I am getting ahead of myself, before all of this could be possible preparations were properly and intensely made on the marketing of this expedition in college... Among them are Posters, Brochures and Banner Painting... Here are some of the fond memories, presented via pix (There are some crazy moments as well among the stress)

The Banner Painting Process

Brochures ready for distribution

Posters Too...

Sam 'Our Korean Classmate' entertaining a stressful moment!

Here are the pixz from my college days at Miki Survival Camp... (Enjoy!)

All on Board

Upon arrival at Kg. Kiau...

On the Yellow Mud Road...

Finally, after 2hours we arrived at Miki Survival Camp

On one of our Jungle Trekking Expedition

Our Sleeping Hut

On our last day at Kg. Kiau

Tanya and I fooling around

Miki and I

Saying Goodbye to Kg. Kiau

The Side Effects of Miki Survival Camp

The End of a Fruitful Educational Adventure Quest (All Smiles)

For those who wish to experience what we have undergone, please feel free to visit http://www.thamyaukong.com/miki/index.html or http://tykadventuretours.com fr more info on the itinerary and quote. Trust you will never regret going, as all of us from Miki Edu-Venture Quest came home to a world wind full of stories to tell and educational experience to last us a lifetime!

Looking back at my old photo album of my college days, I can't hep but smile at all the funny, crazy, hectic and jumping off the wall days... As I conclude, I know I would not change even a moment of my experience which contributed whole heartedly to who I am today!

Thanks for Visiting!
MTJ

MY HOME KOTA KINABALU : LOK KAWI WILDLIFE PARK

Olla Travel Enthusiasts!

What a great! weekend I had with a fruitful visit to the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Kota Kinabalu. Dedicated to the conservation and education of wildlife for locals and tourists, the park has an amazing array of animals from all over Malaysia. It was officially opened by the Sabah Wildlife Department under the Ministry of Tourism, Culture & Environment.

Located at the old Penampang-Papar road, approximately 40minutes from Kota Kinabalu City. If you are not a local and wish to travel there from the city, just call a taxi to take you to 'Lok Kawi Wildlife Park' trust they would know where to go and please enquire about the price before departing. Also a reminder to mention to the Taxi driver to wait for you until your done with the visit (additional charges apply).

The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is opened daily including public holidays from 9.30am to 5.30pm (last entry at 4.30pm). Entrance fees are Malaysian (RM10per adult - 18years and above; RM5per child - below 18years) and Non-Malaysian (RM20per adult - 18years and above; RM10per child - below 18years). Free Entry for Senior Citizens 60years and above and people with special needs. Entrance fees are inclusive a park map for easy navigation.

I woke up bright and early on a Sunday with my HD Handicam at the ready to shoot some superb shots and arrived at around 9.40am. I'll let my pictures tell conclude the day:-

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park Entrance

Park Tram

Ticket Counter (Open: 9.30am-4.30pm)

Eagle

A Juvenile Male Peacock

Hornbill "National Bird"

Deers

Sumatran Rhino

Rhea "Cuzzie to the Ostrich"

Pygmy Elephants

Flora

Daily Events

Parrots

Orang Utans

Brent with a Braminy Kite Eagle

King Cobra

Crocodiles

Tortoises

Tigers

Lemurs

Proboscis Monkeys

Dwarf Ponies

Otters

Souvenir Shop

"Thank You Come Again"

Since my last visit in 2008, the park has undergone many amazing changes and is still in the midst of improving. Thus, I am looking forward to my next visit!

Thanks for visiting!
TMJ