After three days of camping and flying in Keningau, we packed our bags and headed to our next stop.

Tambunan is a peaceful town in Sabah, Malaysia (Northern Borneo). It is surrounded by field paddies and lush bamboo forests. It is known for their exquisite rice wine.

KOLEJ KOMUNITI TAMBUNAN

We originally planned to continue camping but when their community college heard we were coming, they opened their doors for us. They made us stay in one of their guest houses. What a privilege!

My pictures do not do justice to the feel of the land, the food we feasted on and the friendships we formed in this place.

Azizan introduced us to Mr. Jominin, the director of the college. Our first meeting was warm and casual. He immediately extended his support to promote paragliding in Tambunan.

THE FEEL OF THE LAND

Our home for the next three days was a school within a forest. I was told that the school grounds used to be a nature resort.

In the middle of the landscape was a football field surrounded by various trees and colorful plants. The classrooms and administration building blended perfectly with the native cabanas, wooden bridges and mini ponds. The ambiance made me want to go back to school again.

THE FOOD AND FEASTS

Please do not ask me why I gained so much weight. Let me show you why.

Our welcome lunch…

Breakfast…

Barbeque dinner…

Midnight snacks…

Farewell party…

Festival buffet…

On our first day, we were invited to a 2 in 1 celebration: Majilis Sambutan Pesta Kaamatan (an annual harvest festival) and Hari Raya Aidilfitri Hari Guru (Eid al-Fitr or the feast that marks the end of Ramadan, the Islamic holy month of fasting).

There was so much food!

As soon as we entered the hall,  I had a social anxiety attack. But I stayed until food was served then I quietly left and hid in the parking area.

Thankfully, Pyro was in a social mood that night. After being welcomed by the Datu, he danced with the crowd…
And tasted the different local rice wine…

If not for his Korean eyes, he could be mistaken as a local with his dancing and drinking skills. Haha.

While I was hiding away from the party and calming down my nerves, I saw a rainbow ahead of me. What a beautiful reminder that I had a big God who makes and keeps his promises.

THE FRIENDSHIPS MADE

The best part of this trip was the people we met and connected with. I fell in love with Tambunan because of their warmth, kindness and enthusiasm for paragliding.

At a time when I was scared to mingle with new people, their cheerfulness made me forget my worries.

THE FOOTBALL GAMES

The “bestest” part of all is having to play football in the afternoon. What can be better than being able to fly and kick on the same day.

I had so much fun during these days. As Pyro always says, a happy student makes him a happy instructor.

Thank you for hosting us, Kolej Komuniti Tambunan. We hope to be back soon!