Lego - Queen Anne's Revenge

While we were in Down Under last year, we came across this and the Black Pearl. As we felt we were already overloaded with stuff, we ended up with just this. And yes, it was cheaper than KL by about 20% which made it all the more enticing!

And so, after many moons of slowly building this... it is finally done...

 Nice that our bed had a blue sheet and made it look like a sea!

 It's not so much as huge but... HIGH. It's a good 50cm++ tall. Hence, to place this into a cabinet, you might need to consider it's height.

 With the minifigs. Can you spot them? :)

 As usual, Jack getting himself into a spot of trouble while trying to save...

 ...Gibbs.

 Angelica looking non too worried.

 The look from the back.

One thing is certain: This is really cool!

Some notes to consider:
a) You only get 3 cannons. Pity, as having all of 'em lining the ship wouldn't have had more cool effect.
b) The sails are made of paper (obviously), so one has to be careful fixing them in. While it seems hardy, I had to be quite gentle with it (more out of fear, than anything else!)

Menara Kayangan (Lahad Datu) and some food binging in Tawau

If you're foreign to Malaysia, you must be wondering what's up with these paintings on the trees that lined either the sidewalks or the road dividers. Well, some time ago, our dear beloved PM decided on a logo to bring all Malaysians together. Hence, the 1 Malaysia logo. BUT, so far, only here in Tawau do you see this patriotism. 

 After spending 90mins cooped up in a car ride from Tawau, we now arrived at our destination. Menara is Malay for Tower and Kayanagan is Heaven. Literally translating it means Tower of Heaven. What's so special about this? Drive ON!

Oh, entrance fee is RM2/pax. No camera fees; thank goodness! :)

 But before this, if you ever wondered where Danum Valley is, this is it's entrance from the Lahad Datu - Tawau trunk road. It's 30mins from Lahad Datu to here, and you continue onwards as per the signboard below...

Word of advise from my BIL, be prepared for a very bumpy ride onwards as it's a gravelled road.

 Anyway, some 500meters or so after entering the Menara Kayangan main entrance, we stop at a little spot as my BIL wanted to show us just where we are going.

If you look right at the far end of the picture, you would see some very small and fine man made structures standing out. So that's where we are going. Thankfully, one can drive and it's recommended that you use a 4WD for it's not so much of the road that matters but the slopes.

So what do you need? POWER!!!

 Looking through some gaps in the forest... and as you climb, you can spot the sea.

 What's this? This image was purposely doctored like this in order for you to spot something that when it was  pointed out to us, we just couldn't see it for what it was!

 Answer? Pitcher plant. Right smack in the middle!

And finally arriving at the end, below is the view you would get.

 There is an observation tower which you're allowed to get up onto and when you do...

 I guess this is why they called it Tower of Heaven? Imagine sunrise/sunset up here...

 My BIL can never resist...

 This observation tower sits on Mt Silam which is where we are...

 The observation tower itself.

 Around it are some jungle tracks that you can venture into.

 I would suggest you maximise the picture above and read the last clause. :)

The trail heading to somewhere...

 Walking up from the car park is simple tarmac/cement. Shouldn't pose any problems to any healthy human! The best part of it all, no sweating involved!!!

A mini waterfall that we came across on our way down. If this was gushing...

 Last view coming back down...

 Everybody knows Tawau is famous for it's seafood and there is just this one Chinese restaurant that stands above the rest; Kam Ling at the waterfront.

 Yummy prawns.

 Sayur Manis which is Sweet Vegetable.

 And Mantis Prawns.

The End.

Sandakan Harbour, Four Points Sheraton & Pulau Berhala

And I'm back in Sandakan; a coastal town located in Sabah, my missus hometown. The last time I was here, that was 4 years ago and I remember seeing this town from up those hills in the backdrop in the below photo.

Now, I'm taking it from another angle. And why is that so?

You see, we decided to wonder around a hotel... a very newly opened hotel, located on the reclaimed land. Heck, 4 years ago, this place was all boarded up. So...

Now, where's my fruit juice or cola or fruit punch... :)

Oooooh... scary or lovely?

What's that guys?

Over the edge... okay, there's like a glass barrier, so if for some unknown reason you decided to swim onwards and drop down...

Having the good life, ladies?

In case you're wondering where those were taken from, it was at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel's swimming pool.

And not more than 5 mins away... you are reminded of the old world that you have left behind.

I guess my BIL decided to have a go as a cobbler?

Here's photos in B&W to celebrate the 'old charm' ... imagine stepping back into the 70's and...

And no, she ain't thinking of jumping! Nothing to be alarm here... move along!

Even here you can find... NOT!

Later on, we ended up on a cruise ride along Sandakan's harbour. But before that, a customary image of something else... gotta follow tradition maaaaaah! He he

No love boat there. Sorry.

Four Points from the jetty.

And out we go into the Sandakan Bay!

What's all this? Remember me eating some seafood rice? It's here... amongst one of these 'floating houses'. Care to guess which one?

Hint: All the way to the edge.

Anyway, this is known as Kampung Sim Sim.

This is one of the main reasons why we are here... to view this Island close up. This is called Pulau Berhala.

Looking back. You can easily spot Four Points.

One of the many cliff faces on the island.

And a nice cove/beach. But beware, for there are tons of... Jellyfish!

Another side of it.

Interesting change of colours, eh?

Missus and SIL happy to be out in the ocean... and somebody was trying very hard to spot her favourite animal...

Don't ask. Just don't ask...

If you were at the Island, this is what you'll be looking at.

My MIL enjoying her 'moment'.

See. Jellyfish. I warned you...

My BIL taking using his sisters as his models.

Coming back.

Criss crossing with a fishing boat.

Coming closer.

Lonely... I'm so lonely...

Is that rain..? And hey, where are we going??? The town's there!!!

I remember being up there in that temple 4 years ago!

Your hair looks fine, Aunty!

Why so serious?

Lights on!

Ah... Is this why we went by it just now?

Oooooh...

Shot of the trip.

1 last shot.

The End.