Introduction

Early July of 2006, i already informed my superiors that i will try travelling from Zamboanga, Philippines to Sabah, Malaysia. Their immediate reaction was- Ha?!!!! mag byahe ka bakdur ? (what!!! youre travelling backdoor?).

While the nurses are having a break, somebody commented- doc, mag bakdur daw ka? then i replied uhm......

while having lunch at the hospital kitchen one cook asked me- doc, dili ba delikado mag bakdur? nakadongog ko, mag bakdur daw ka?

Folks, Backdoor- by definition means a rear, or secret entrance. In the Philippines however, this means illegal entry of goods/person to another country. On the contrary, Zamboanga port is very much legal, you will have to pay the international travel/tourism tax of 1620 pesos imposed my the Philippine government and you will have your passport stamped at the port.

Of course, you have the choice to go "backdoor" via sulu, which is only 2hrs by motorboat, but then again Malaysian coastguards are very efficient in catching illegals, so dare not!

Exodus-pinoys leaving the Philippines

Mga pinoy of all walks- DH, Proffessional, Tourists, Touters, etc

Ship life

The good thing when travelling alone, is that you will meet new friends.... you need to talk to somebody. need not be lonely.

This picture is taken at a restaurant/karaoke bar inside the ship.

ang Barko

sandakan (Malaysia) immigration control

You have to unpack your things.. Malaysian immigration police are tough!

Arriving at Sandakan

Sandakan was quite hot when I arrived at 10am... minibuses going to city proper costs 1 Ringgit... its easy to spot them. The driver usualy shouts "bandar" -which means "city".

Sandakan- things to do

Sepilok Orang utan rehab center

City tour

Diving

Sandakan and beyond

Arriving in Sandakan, pick your choice :

By bus to Kota Kinabalu: fare RM 35

from Kota kinabalu to Brunei by Ferry : fare RM 53

By bus to Tawau (Malaysia) by bus then to KAlimanatan (indonesia) by ferry