The Journeys ... The Current Trip

So, after a two day trip incuding two flights and one speed boat, we have arrived in Malaysia. As you know, our visas were running out and we had to leave Indonesia. The boat we intended to take from Palu to Nunukan (on Kalimantan's North-Eastern border with Malaysia) didn't sail, so we had to improvise (and digg deep into the war chest) to get out of Indonesia before we'd get into trouble.

Now that we have arrived savely, I can say that we disobeyed my mother's direct orders (sorry, mama) and flew with one of Indonesia's cheapie airlines: Srivijaya Air. The flights to Balikpapan and then on to Tarakan were uneventful and getting the bike on board much easier than it was to get them onto a PELNI ship. However, it also cost a lot more money, as everything amounts to some 37 kilo of excess luggage.

We stayed overnight in Tarakan and then took a speed boat to Tawau in Malaysia the next day. Again, the trip was fairly uneventful and the views were limited except for a 'settlement' of very strange wooden structures built into the sea a few kilometers off the coast.

Being here in Tawau is a bit of a anti-climactic experience for us. After three months in Indonesia, a country we came to love despite all it's bad habits, Malaysia just feels a bit...hm...boring? The traffic is very orderly, no blaring horns, no scooters who zip in and out of lanes, trash bins, supermarkets, fast internet...at the moment it feels like adventure has just slipped through our fingers.
But, this is only the first town and I'm sure once we'll be on the road, Sabah (that's the name of this Malaysian state) will feel a bit more rough.

First though, we will try to apply for a new Indonesian visa. Our research has shown that it's easiest to get a new visa here in Tawau and we'll go and check that out on Monday. If all goes well, we'll head out on Tuesday. Cross your fingers for us.

Enjoy. Adrian