Don’t you just wish you were me?

Alas though, this month sees the end of our 18 month sojourn in Sabah. My husband has taken another job, at the National University this time. We are returning to our home in the Peninsula, far from the sea (sob).

Back to rush hours that last all day and traffic jams that never end. Back to the heat of a city and the dust of endless construction.

Back to where sunsets are never like these.

Sabah, I love you.

Actually the real name of the Marine Park is the Tun Sakaran Marine Park (the name of a past political leader), but I didn’t actually hear anyone call it that…

We went there courtesy of Sabah Parks, able to stay in their facilities, taken by their staff in their boats – a real privilege not given to the public. We were part of a scientific team from the university (UMS). I cannot thank the Park Staff enough for this wonderful experience.

The islands of the park are mostly part of an ancient volcanic rim; the crater is now filled with sea water and corals. The island we stayed on is called Bohey Dulang, or Water Tray. That picture of a rock on the beach near where we stayed (taller than a man) is part of the volcanic evidence…

The first pix are the whole park area from a distance, then closing in…

People who lived in the park before are permitted to stay and use the seas in sustainable ways; fishing is not permitted by outsiders.

The red-roofed building at the foot of the cliffs is the Sabah Parks complex, where we stayed.

Today’s post is just to whet your appetite. More to come…