Kota Kinabalu and Gaya Island, Malaysia (Borneo)

KOTA KINABALU -NEXUS

We've been to KK once before as a family, and Keith has been on a "Man Trip" there to climb Mt. Kinabalu, but this time we went with Keith's parents (aka Grammy & Pops from Houston.)  They finally got to visit us in Brunei and see our daily life here for a week before we flew the 40 minutes to KK.  We chose to stay at the Nexus Resort (about 1.5 hour drive from the airport in traffic) because we could get 2 villas for less money than hotel rooms at the more popular Shangri-La Resorts.  It worked out perfectly for our group of 8 for 5 nights.

The dress code at the pool.  Too bad I couldn't wear my "sexy shorts"!  At least my 2-piece got a lot of use.

We had the place to ourselves!  I probably could have gotten away with wearing sexy shorts.  

Orangutans at the Shangri-La's Rasa Ria nature preserve

The jungle canopy walk at the Rasa Ria

The kids enjoyed doing several batik paintings at the Nexus

It was nice spending time together in the relaxing environment at the Nexus.  We spent most of our time at the pool since the beach unfortunately had sand flies (just like in Brunei.)  Keith and his dad got in a round of golf at the beautiful golf course, and the kids had fun riding bikes around the property.  The 5 nights flew by, and then Keith and I said goodbye to everyone at the airport for their flight back to Brunei, while he and I took a taxi to the harbor in KK where we boarded our speedboat for the 15 minute ride to Gaya Island!  

GAYA ISLAND

Thanks to Grammy and Pops (and my amah), Keith and I were able to have 3 nights on our own at the beautiful Gaya Island Resort.  It's the first time since having 4 children that he and I have gotten away for a relaxing break.  It was definitely needed, and Gaya Island was the perfect spot.

Looking at the resort from the boat

Like out of a travel magazine.  Just gorgeous.

We took a boat over to Tavajun Bay, the resort's private beach, aka Paradise.  We enjoyed snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, kayaking, a personalized picnic, and relaxing here without worrying about anything!  

Our personalized picnic provider 

Keith enjoying a foot bath before his massage.

In addition to the beach, pool, and massage, we also went on a guided nature tour through the jungle, attended a guided meditation session, and went to a yoga class.  

The food here was the best we've had in Asia.  It was also the most expensive, but for just the 2 of us for 3 nights we decided we could splurge!

Fisherman's Cove Restaurant under the stars.  Fabulous fresh seafood.

The free appetizer was squid with pickled carrots.  My first reaction was to throw up a little bit in my mouth, but then I decided I would just try it.  I ended up eating all of it!  Wow, that's definitely a first for me.

Ginger-crusted red snapper.  The best dish on the island!

Sea bass with Borneo spicy sauce.

Passionfruit Creme Brûlée

Baked cod with spinach.  Yummy!

You know the food is excellent when I feel the need to post pictures of it.  Even the hamburger we had for lunch just before departure was delicious.  Maybe our expectations for food have gone way down after many mediocre hotel food experiences.  Gives us a whole new appreciation for quality food now!

And finally… I will try to mentally transport myself here when I need some peace and quiet, and remind myself how fortunate I am to have 4 children, but also how amazing it is to be able to get a little break.  Of course, my whole life in Brunei is basically a peaceful break from REAL life.  But for now, this is our surreal reality!