Malaysia: Arriving in Mabul

02/25/2014 co-written with The Organizer

We woke up early without an alarm. A little groggy but nothing bad like a soju night. We headed down to the main office for a complimentary breakfast. BP&Js on toast with gritty instant coffee. Bills were paid, goodbyes were said, thanks were given and off we went to Uncle Chang's port. I didn't bring a lot of money with me and took my VISA to make life more convenient; in hindsight it was a stupid idea. I didn't have enough money for Uncle Chang's and the only ATM in Semporna couldn't read my card. So Uncle Chang's is on my VISA (so I have to behave myself). Regardless, everything got sorted out and we traveled to Mabul Island. 

On our boat was a hilarious troupe of Chinese people, varying from infancy to old age, who took at least four hundred photos between five cameras. They would hop from side to side taking pictures with one another. Now I know why its called a Chinese fire drill. We made our way into a couple photos too. One guy even nudged himself onto the seat next to the driver and pretended he was driving. Man, oh man, did he laugh. It was in that throaty sound you make when your choking but you're really excited, and then they all started laughing. The three of us shared this look asking how much longer can this last. I felt so sorry for that baby. 

When we got to Mabul reality sunk in. There were half-clothed children paddling boats, children bailing out the same boats while the smallest children put fingers to their mouths begging for food. Welcome to the third world.

In some instances this is not something humbling for the islanders, some are kings in their own mind because they know the place and everybody in it. The staff is very free-flowing with friends swinging by and just a general lazy demeanor around the island. 

We went on our first snorkel and left our bags on the boat. Luckily I didn't leave any Malaysian money in my bag. My two friends weren't so lucky. We kept all of our $ in the office safe but didn't think the change from paying for the trip would go missing. One lost fifty Ringgit and the other lost 130 (three ringgit is roughly a dollar). That settled all the trust issues we had with the boat driver and the staff. The Pirates of Indonesia are charging north picking on the foreigners. Beware, tourists, looks are deceiving.

Later that night we were playing Rummy and some people watched, didn't understand, then walked away. Others who noticed we were slamming Tigers hung around to witness the antics or enjoy them with us. At this point I had no patience for their attitudes. I got to play some guitar though, Young's "Southern Man" with a harmonica solo from another guest, "Lose Yourself," some Jackie J and something else... I think. Regardless in all the fun our cards disappeared. 

This place has already received a terrible a review, just to prove that "What happens on Mabul doesn't stay on Mabul." I shouldn't rag on all the staff some are really nice and helpful but some lack a work ethic.

Example: Another night, I had my older brother moment babysitting the drunk bartender as he puked over the walkway into the ocean before midnight... I think. I might have been drunk too.