Thursday 26 December. Short hop to Sandakan
I packed my bags and left them with the hotel before having breakfast and taking a stroll to Jesselton Point and along the front to where the fishing boats dock. On the way, I went into Jesselton Mall which is a bit like Selfridges with all the big brands. My taxi driver to the airport later told me that the Chinese love visiting the Malls - more than the wildlife.
By way of contrast, I passed a barber's on the way back to the hotel that seemed more downmarket
After a quick luch at the same self-service opposite the hotel as I had had breakfast (The Fook Yuen), I ordered my Grab and quickly got to the Airport. Here, I got a reasonable view and appreciation of Kinabalu in the clouds in the distance. It looked very formidable
Everything at the Airport pwas plain sailing and at about 15.45 we were on our way with the short flight to Sandakan.
Unfortunately, it was very cloudy and little was to be seen on the way - particularly Kinabalu.
Arrival at Sandakan was also simple and soon I was on my way in a Grab to the Hotel. It was quite a long ride and seemed ridiculous good value at RM14. The driver asked me about the next day and offered his services but I really didn't know what In wanted to do yet and declined his offer. It was perhaps an indication that Sandakan is a lot poorer than the other cities I've visited - an impression confirmed by its appearance.
The hotel room afforded the most incredible view across the harbour which made up for the rather disappointing impression at ground level.
Fairly soon it was time to go and find somewhere to eat. Unfortunately, all he restaurants looked terrible and the one I had picked out was closed. I asked at the 7/11 if there was somewhere nice and the girl replied pretty convincingly 'no; nowhere'.
Feeling a bit jaded, I beat a retreat to the hotel and eventually persuaded them to cook me a pasta dish with no meat.
By way of contrast, I passed a barber's on the way back to the hotel that seemed more downmarket
Everything at the Airport pwas plain sailing and at about 15.45 we were on our way with the short flight to Sandakan.
Unfortunately, it was very cloudy and little was to be seen on the way - particularly Kinabalu.
Arrival at Sandakan was also simple and soon I was on my way in a Grab to the Hotel. It was quite a long ride and seemed ridiculous good value at RM14. The driver asked me about the next day and offered his services but I really didn't know what In wanted to do yet and declined his offer. It was perhaps an indication that Sandakan is a lot poorer than the other cities I've visited - an impression confirmed by its appearance.
The hotel room afforded the most incredible view across the harbour which made up for the rather disappointing impression at ground level.
Fairly soon it was time to go and find somewhere to eat. Unfortunately, all he restaurants looked terrible and the one I had picked out was closed. I asked at the 7/11 if there was somewhere nice and the girl replied pretty convincingly 'no; nowhere'.
Feeling a bit jaded, I beat a retreat to the hotel and eventually persuaded them to cook me a pasta dish with no meat.
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