Public Transportation I

Being a city by the sea, you'd expect that sea transportation is used widely in the city. Sadly, it's not. The only service plying commuters in the city is the small sampans or boats going to and from Pulau Gaya. There is a plan to introduce a hovercraft service from KK to the airport and the from KK to a mall (currently under construction) but that would only happen in 2008 and only for the benefit of mall goers not the general public. I've been to Sydney many times and enjoyed using the ferry services there. Maybe one day, the city planners will come to their senses and introduce something similar.

The main form of commuter transportation used in KK is buses, which come in two usual varieties:- buses and vans converted into what is called mini buses. The former are larger with around 30-40 passengers, while the latter are smaller with 7-9 passengers. You can an example of a minibus in the photo. Yes, they are color-coded by destinations. Anyway, there are more and more vehicles coming on the KK roads these days, so its wise that the authorities start to think of something.

Signal Hill Observatory Platform

The other day I posted a photo of the view of downtown KK. It was taken from the above, which looks like a platform in the middle of the jungle. Its not really, those are really thick vegetation in the hill behing downtown KK. Its another must-see or must-stop for guests coming to KK.

Rain is Coming

We've had a dry spell in KK for some time until a couple of days ago. Thanks to Typhoon Sepat, a Category 5 super typhoon, we've had a lot of rain for the past few days. Although Sabah is spared from the strong winds from those tropical typhoons hitting the west of the Pacific Ocean (hence the name Land Below the Wind), the strong rain and choppy seas are common. Anyway, those choppy seas can be dangerous to small boats and ships like the small white dot seen in the photo. A calmer version of the same island above is posted here. And if you curious how the typhoons are named, read this.

Arch II

The Arch is Tugu Peringatan Malaysia or Malaysian Memorial Monument. It dates back to 1963 when Malaysia was formed. The white building behind is the City Hall of Kota Kinabalu headquarters.

Arch I

This is one the more elaborate arches in KK. It is situated in front of the City Hall of Kota Kinabalu building.

Old Shops II

The photo above is a photo that comes with the previous post. Usually the shopkeepers would sell their merchandise outside of their shops. This one sells clothes for women mostly, some ready made and some to be made at the tailors. The merchandise are hung up high, which would attract the attention of passersby (see lady in white shirt in the photo).

Old shops I

Just a photo of the buildings in Segama area in the KK city centre. Many many years ago before the larger shopping complexes and malls opened, these were the shops that served the KK populace. These days the shops still serve the same, but perhaps those who can't afford to shop in the Centre Points, Karamunsing Complexes, Wismas Merdeka, Wawasan Plazas and Warisan Squares. But, you'll never know.