I have booked online through Air Asia to fly to Kota Kinabalu (KK) from 20th to 22nd June 2008. It is on a Friday to Sunday where there is less work. I did try to check out malaysianairlines.com of MAS Zero Fare advertised in the press now but found that it was about RM100 more expensive with transit in KL. With Air Asia, I can fly direct from Penang’s airport to KK in Sabah. The the cost? For 2 persons return is RM814 including taxes and RM3 per bag to check in per person. After I have gone to KK, I would have been to all states in Malaysia. I was in Bintulu, Sarawak in late 2006 and early this year, I went to Terengganu by car. I have been to Kelantan many times for business previously. And I have also been to all the other states in the west coast from Johor to Perlis. I have also stayed in a local hotel in Johor some time back, also for business.

Since I hate walking, I don’t plan to hike up Mount Kinabalu which will take at least 3 days. My plan for the trip is purely for holidays with my boyfriend. What I have heard about Mt. Kinabalu is that it is about two times higher than Penang Hill and the path there is not as steep and difficult compared to Penang Hill. So, next time I can boast to my grandchildren that I have hiked up Penang Hill by foot. Because of the MAS zero fare, my youngest sister and her church friends plan to hike up Mount Kinabalu sometime in November. And you can book online until 19th of this month of May.

I am currently in KL and have been here since 4 days ago. That’s why I have not been blogging to often or writing paid articles. It was a good break though I am here for business. In a short while, I will be going to Sunway Pyramid for 3 nights in a row as I love the shopping experience there. And I just discovered they have Teochew and Hakka restaurants in the new wing. I went to see the Japanese buffet nearby and my gosh, they have so many varieties of Japanese food that I wonder what will happen to them if they are not eaten up by diners. For RM55 per person, you get to dine here. As I am keeping watch over my weight, I shall give this a pass and dine other restaurants with ala carte food.

As usual, I will book Dorsett Hotel for tomorrow’s stay overnight and call up Mitzy Bistro to reserve a table for 2 as well. If I don’t reserve a table for 2 for the weekend, I will not be able to dine in Mitzy. It is always jam packed with diners during the weekend, simply because the food is delicious and affordable. For a set dinner of a drink, soup, main course and ice-cream, you don’t pay more than RM20 inclusive of taxes.

By now, I am used to the hotel’s ambience, its room furnishings and the like. And the best part is that it is only a stone’s throw away from my church in town - Georgetown Baptist Church. Incidentally, this church has 2 MPs or members of parliament as members. I also need to get ready on Monday to travel down to KL from Penang for business.