DIARY OF OUR 2003 PILGRIMAGE TO BORNEO

by Allan Cresswell

DAY THREE - Sunday 20th April 2003

Up very early (5.00am) for a 6.00am breakfast and departure from the Holiday Inn Hotel for a flight to Kota Kinabalu, departing at 8.10am. Enroute to KK we landed at Miri to let off passengers. We also had to alight off the plane to go through immigration to have our passports stamped. We were travelling from Sarawak to Sabah and even though both are part of Malaysia, control of the movement of people is ever present and continually monitored. From the air conditioned aeroplane to the very hot tarmac of the barren airfield was not enjoyed. Enroute to KK we flew over Labuan Island.

At Kota Kinabalu Airport we were taken by bus to the Hyatt Regency Hotel. We had a great room on the 5th floor with ocean views. Went for a walk to the nearby shopping centre to browse the bookshops and to purchase the Malay re-print version of Agnes Keith's book, Three Came Home.

After lunch we went by bus for an official visit to the SANZAC Secondary College. There we were met at the entrance by about twenty young men playing drums, all dressed in blue. Another group consisting of girls, were holding up coloured streamers made of tinsel, and waving them to the beat of the drums.

We were then greeted by a line of about thirty teachers and parents and we individually shook hands with them all. They made us feel so welcome and as though our arrival was so important to them all. The girls and boys then sang welcoming songs together with their National Anthem. Many of our group were so overwhelmed by the greeting and I could see tears running down some of their faces.

Many speeches were made, including that of the lady Principal, Ryan and other school staff members and a wonderful unrehearsed speech by our youngest traveller, Carmel.

Then an afternoon tea was provided, together with more speeches, including one by me in presenting two books on POWs to the school principal. The school was built from finance provided by Aussie and Kiwi servicemen after the Malayan Conflict of the 1960's. The school had a memorial to commemorate the ANZAC involvement and explains why the school is named so.

Some of our group listening to the speeches

There are over 1600 students at the school and they are always seeking financial assistance. We had a plate handed around so we could make a donation towards assisting in a small way, to such a wonderful school. It was a great reception and the children were so friendly. A great show of support towards our group and our visit to the school. We all went away very pleased with the reception given. Even more so when Ryan reminded us it was a Sunday and not a school day. I am sure Ryan didn't have any idea of the magnitude that was to greet us when we attended SANZAC College. We all were expecting a low key reception.

On the way back to our hotel we had a tour around Kota Kinabalu and drove up and around the hills overlooking the city. There were great views of the coastline

On our arrival back at the hotel the Victorian members of our group suggested we attend a recommended hotel bar across the road for a few drinks before dinner. The beer was warm and very expensive and the wine likewise. We were later to discovered that alcohol was expensive everywhere in Sabah.

Back to the hotel for our evening meal and again the alcohol was expensive to buy. Because of the excellent exchange rates we were spoilt in purchasing most items in Sabah, all except for any form of alcohol. An early evening for we have another busy day ahead tomorrow.

ONTO DAY FOUR - Labuan Island and Labuan War Cemetery