Flew from Heathrow Terminal 3 at 1200 on Malaysian Airlines. Twelve hour flight to Kuala Lumpur (KL). Didn’t manage to get any sleep. Arrived at 0715 Malaysian time (GMT+8). Transferred to the domestic terminal for the next hop to Kuching the largest city in Sabah province on Borneo. Had to disembark at Kuching and go through immigration for a second time even though continuing on the same plane to Miri. Arrived Miri at about 1300.
Met at the airport by our guide Henry, joined up with this rest of the group who had come in on the flight. Taxi to Somerset Hotel, had a quick briefing and then free afternoon. Wandered through the city to a near-by shopping centre so could pick up any items that might be needed later. Very glossy and “Western” looking place. In general the city seemed reasonably prosperous and busy with cars. Not many people on the streets, but it was apparently a religious holiday. Back to the hotel for a quick nap. Had a proper briefing about the next few days then went out for dinner. Had a nice and spicy Tom Yum Soup. Just as we were about to leave someone produced one of the infamous Durian fruit. Smelt disgusting but, in my opinion, tasted quite nice. Back to hotel and slept well so jetlag not too bad.
Durian fruit at restaurant in Miri
