SABAH TEA GARDENS

March 12, 2012

SABAH TEA GARDENS

Woke up extremely early at 4am and embarked on my journey to KL Central for a one and a half hour bus ride to LCCT.

Once I found the bus, I continued sleeping through the one and half hour to LCCT. I reached LCCT early and since I have no luggage to check in, I have plenty of time. I managed to grab a quick bite before replying some morning emails while waiting to fly.

Come 8.30am and I was sitting inside an Airbus, strapped with a seatbelt, waiting to greet Mount Kinabalu.

It then dawned on me that there were no familiar faces on the plane and I started to shake a little.

Where is my client and the TV crew?

I was very calm that day considering how nutty I can get when I am worried. My thoughts were, "doesn't matter, I'll get things sorted out when I land."

Nevertheless, I took out my phone and called Eric (my client) and there was no answer. Then I remembered that he took a different flight.

So I sms-ed the producer, Linda and thank God, she replied after about 10 minutes.

What happened next was a literal blank because I fell asleep.

Woke up to a beautiful morning in Kota Kinabalu. After collecting the crew's luggages, we were welcomed by Eric and the Sabah Tea team - Martin and Aubrey. Awesome and down-to-earth fellas who became our friendly tour guide...

I was super excited and it was the first time I met my ride for the next few days - a green pickup truck.

My first meal in Sabah was curry fish head for brunch. After a delicious meal, accompanied by some great song selections by the restaurant's owner, we began our adventure uphill. Apparently Sabah Tea Gardens is a two-hour drive distance from town - somewhat like a KL-Ipoh journey.

So up we went and my client decided to give me and Matt (the guy from another agency) a quick tour around.

We went to the Mount KK National Park and also the Milk Processing Plant for Desa Milk. We saw how the black and white cows were milk and we really felt like we were in some place similar to New Zealand. I still remember how awesome the chocolate milk taste!

After visiting the two places, we headed down to our intended destination - The infamous Sabah Tea Gardens.

I've seen a lot of pictures of that place, and seeing it with my own eyes for the first time is breathtaking.

The place is beautiful. You know, it is true, green really makes you feel more energetic and refreshed!

Below are a few things I experienced in Sabah that I'd like to keep in my memory forever...

1. The people

The people in Sabah are humble and down-to-Earth and they made me feel naturally welcomed in all occasion. I can just click with all of them the moment I got there. Their hospitality and kindness will never be forgotten. A special thank you to Martin and Aubrey who were awesome tour guides and thank you so much for all the awesome adventures and stories!

2. The green pick-up truck

Riding on the back of the green pick-up truck is one of the highlights of the trip. It's literally like a slow motion roller coaster ride and we got to experience the wind and the sun all at once. It was awesome. Really hope I get to do it again.

3. Tea plantation

Seeing for myself how the tea leaves were harvested and processed was an eye-opener. Every single process behind the packet of tea is fascinating. Truly an experience that I will never forget. I truly admire the sheer hardwork behind the team.

p/s: found out that I am actually too short to be a tea harvester.

4. Hanging with the TV crew

Missed being part of a production team. What now, with all heels and blazers, I almost forgot what it's like to be in T-shirts and jeans and doing stunts around. Forgot my sport shoes and went on with only slippers. But it was all good! Love to be part of the TV crew, shooting stuff and learning how to find the right angles to shoot.

5. Kissed on the hand

Was in Ranau when I stretched out my hand to a little boy, who took it and then kiss my hand. It was the sweetest thing that happened to me, besides the time when my little cousin sister sat on my lap and planted a kiss on my cheek.

6. Cows

Saw the cow-milking process and experience the awesome taste of fresh chocolate milk.

The grass were so green that they look fake. It was a beautiful scenery that I just couldn't erase.

7. My journey to KK Airport

Had an awesome 2 hour chat with Martin, learning so many things about Sabah - from media to properties to religion to food...

Martin made me shed a silent tear talking about life and acceptance. Was spiritually touched in a way I couldn't describe that day. I guess I was really stressed out by the city life. At that moment, I really wanted to give up and retire to a more quiet and peaceful lifestyle, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Oh well, I guess, I am still too young to do so. Shall wait for the right time....

I will know....someday, when stress is not worth it anymore.

Right now, stress is just another challenge to overcome.

This might sound cliche, but the trip to Sabah, is beyond awesome because I met a lot of great people, and learned a lot. :)