Malaysia > Relaxing on Survival Island

The last day of vacation has arrived. It’s sunny and pleasant outside again. After breakfast, I take a dip in the South China Sea. The water is clear, and even without a snorkel, I can see the colorful fish swimming. A wonderful way to end the holiday. Back in my bungalow, I pack my luggage for the return flight. I keep some clothes aside. Since we still have to take the boat back, I decide to keep my swimwear on until we reach the mainland.

Malaysia - Relaxing in a hammock on Pulau Tiga

That way, it won’t matter if I get splashed on board. As the morning progresses, the wind starts to pick up. As a precaution, lunch is served a little earlier. At half past twelve, I board the boat. The sea is calmer now than on the outward journey, so the boatman can travel at full speed. After just twenty-five minutes, I see the dock at Kuala Penyu. The trip back takes half the time it took on the way there. On the dock, I change clothes. In hindsight, my precautionary measures weren’t necessary. I pack my swimwear into my main luggage and board the bus for the final ride to the airport. Just as the bus pulls away, it starts to drizzle. I’ve been very lucky with the weather over the past few days on Pulau Tiga. I couldn’t imagine what there is to do on the island in the rain. Around four o’clock, I approach Kota Kinabalu International Airport—plenty of time for my flight to Kuala Lumpur. In the departure hall, I say goodbye to Emile and Omar. Emile is flying back to Indonesia, Omar to Miri. Shortly after, I board the plane to Kuala Lumpur. Just before midnight, I board another plane for the second time—this time for the flight to Amsterdam. Soon after takeoff, I fall asleep.