The less than $30 return AirAsia fare prompted my father in law and a few of his friends to spend a few days holidays in Kota Kinabalu recently.
They covered the islands, State Museum, Atkinson Clock Tower and even the Tun Fuad Stephen Park – which according to them, was a little tricky to get to. They think it’s because of their pronunciation – but I think it’s because not many expect tourists trying to find for this place – using buses.
Yes – they explored this city on buses!
This bunch of old men who could afford to travel five star, move around the city using buses (something I have not done in maybe 20 years). They found a city hostel I am not even aware of and spent on restaurant dining only once – for their buffet.
I was impressed and at the same time, sheepish to notice how different our traveling style is.
Here are men, comfortably set in their retirement years, with kids all working and earning well and they are still careful with money. It’s nothing to them to have a little discomfort; traveling by buses or staying at lodging that offers no luxury like bath tubs. Yet here we are, 2 kids not even in school and retirement still a long way to go – yet our spending habit is nowhere as prudent.
He came home with a new found expertise in navigating KK city, the kids were happy to have him back and even though his wife gently chided him for being too cost conscious, she lovingly prepared cooling soup for him.
What a perfect end to an excellent holiday for him.
