Going South to the Nanyang

A film called "Sandakan No. 8" has stayed in my memory for years. The story takes place in Nanyang. I have watched it many times and the content has faded a bit, but Sandakan No. 8 and Ah Qi Po are etched in my heart. Their tragic fate and strong desire to return to their homeland—I vaguely remember the silence after each viewing. Sandakan is now called Sandakan Harbor. This time I chose Kota Kinabalu, the closest place to Sandakan, which is known for having the most beautiful sunset. In January 2019, taking advantage of the gap before the Spring Festival, I took my family south to Nanyang. The climate there is warm, the visa process is simple, and with a private customized itinerary, we took our time and enjoyed a leisurely nine days. The heavens were kind enough; though the sunset we saw wasn't the most beautiful, it was still satisfying. In Singapore and Malaysia, we ate, drank, shopped, and enjoyed ourselves. It has been a long time since we returned, and I have kept these memories sealed away. During the pandemic, I sorted them out in my spare time to preserve them as memories.

There was a slim, graceful figure, with beautiful embroidery blooming on her cardigan. The Nyonya floral fabric outlined her elegant curves, sunlight streaming onto shoes adorned with tiny beads. Gentle threads, dreamy halos—she quietly hides in old times, graceful and romantic. This is the Nyonya, a romance of Singapore. Actually, Nyonya is also a rich, fragrant, intricate, and exquisite cuisine. This time, we flew direct from Shenzhen, with Singapore as our first stop. This is a garden-like country. The moment you step into Changi Airport, a warm and friendly atmosphere rushes toward you. A Chinese-Malaysian young man picked me up, courteous all the way, enthusiastically introducing the culture and precautions of the Lion City. The roads were full of flowers like brocade, colorful and pleasant.

After dinner, the sun was setting westward

The changing colors brought joy

The eastern coast in the evening was silent

Starlight adorned the night with extraordinary romance

Gazing at the twinkling lights in the distance

Vaguely planning my Lion City strategy

The Lion City in daytime was full of blooming flowers

Then under the night sky, the Lion City was bright and vibrant

All would receive blessings from the Merlion

Its lion head floated among layers of waves, growing stronger

Symbolizing the great journey of the ancient city "Temasek" from a small fishing village to today

Clarke Quay was illuminated by neon lights

The splendid night was just beginning

The night awakened the earth

The blessings of the Merlion continuously brought here

New and old landmarks echoed each other across the distance

A silver bridge tightly connected them

Imprinted with the mark of the times

You have always held steadfast to your hard work

The bright moon hanging high

Added poetic charm to Clarke Quay

Beautiful melodies filled my ears

Thanks to Moshe Safdie

For presenting such a timeless design

People lay on the lawn gazing at the starry sky

Downward-pointing streetlights were full of humanity

Well-arranged, balanced, and harmonious

Using water as a ribbon to create the most beautiful skyline

The Ferris wheel carried romance

A 37-minute proposal decided your fate

Durian drinks by the lion

Food was delicious but priced in Singapore dollars

Concept came first, drawing crowds

Pedestrian priority was well considered

Strolling and stopping amid blooming flowers

Interaction between people and scenery suited all ages

Dad needed patience to secure a spot

A tired dragonfly landed to rest

The hotel ahead awaited my arrival

Horses stood guard at the entrance welcoming guests

Thoughtfully arranged and satisfying

Specially made iced drinks were served

Sincere service made it hard to leave

Wood unintentionally stood upright as scenery

Flower Dome and Cloud Forest

Air plants were uniquely favored

Magnifying glasses revealed their true forms

Walking among the clouds was very pleasant

Sitting down to rest and slowly recall

The sea world was a children's favorite

The largest aquarium with the most scenes

Satisfying curiosity, worth dreaming of

Only models could be touched and handled

Indoor cultivation opened up new vistas

Beautiful mica glowed with color

Soft bodies with long whiskers

If not careful, they might become the only surviving piece

Cherish nature, treasure life

Leaving the pier, still wanting more

Old-fashioned sailboats caught our attention

Time was limited, so we didn't enter Universal Studios

Lifelike scenes made us hungry

We circled back and headed straight for the restaurant

Like a great ship riding the wind

Leading the Lion City forward fearlessly and bravely

Infinity pool suspended high in the sky

Exclusive for guests, but needed a beauty to perfect it

Overlooking the city, forgetting all fear

Taking a break while busy making memories

Enjoying fully on the 57th floor

Overlooking the panoramic view at dusk

Skills were needed in the water

How could you, who can't swim, have such confidence?

Relaxing in hot bubbles

Gazing from above at the decorated lights

The only thing to do was keep the beauty of the Lion City

In memory.

The next stop was Kuala Lumpur, the capital of Malaysia, filled with colonial marks everywhere. Mosques, temples, and the 88-story Petronas Twin Towers echoed and blended with each other. Malays govern politically, Chinese dominate economically. This relaxing trip relied heavily on here.

Hard to choose a location, the lobby was on the top floor

The tower view outside the window was within sight

I once fantasized about having a magic mirror

All our affairs and needs would be reflected in it

Below was a place to digest

Showcases with simple yet stylish design

Patterns and color schemes led the way

Trends have always favored the bizarre

Inspiration for design lies in randomness

Changing perspectives often brings new ideas

Bending down, phone on the floor

Rushing forward to embrace the earth and sky

Slowly enjoying delicious food and scenery

Only after going up the mountain did I understand

Why this place is called Genting Highlands

A place where not even a sheep would drop droppings

Yet Mr. Lim Goh Tong turned it into a world’s unique destination

The temperature difference between the mountain top and foot is huge

Having a cup of coffee to warm the heart

Can't tell the time or the sky

Just eat and drink a bit, and roam around

Some things must be learned to let go

It seems the outlet had nothing to do with transportation

This time they built it on the mountain top

When leaving, I also got an extra Tumi

Leave a little for my beloved donkey

At farewell, I saw such a scene

Only a lonely love remained

Through the dense fog

You were still so cheerful

One family speaks no two different languages

Family harmony is a must

A model couple gave us a demonstration.

Third stop: Kota Kinabalu. The most beautiful fiery clouds come from here. No wonder Kota Kinabalu means "fire" in Malay. It lies on the northwest coast of Borneo, with food, bars, beaches, and the most beautiful sunset. It was the legend of Ah Qi Po that attracted me here.

Early morning strolling along the seaside

We were captivated by the sea and the glow

I love the feeling of being close to nature

But I love even more seeing people blend into the scenery

When tired, we sat down to rest

By the bar, we happened upon a bottle recycling device

Though simple, it could still express love

Being photographed and taking selfies are women’s rights

Couldn't go to Mantanani Island

Because you get seasick and that was a problem

Roaming alone showed your uniqueness

A lizard cautiously looked around

At you resting nearby

By the tranquil sea, you created scenery everywhere

Occupying the bar alone and still checking the weather

Only you could tame such weather

This morning, you were definitely the master of the street

I love this seaside for one person

Watching your beautiful silhouette in the breeze

Thirsty, we drank on the street

When it rained, we hurried back

Tomorrow will bring another miracle

Sure enough, the next day we came again

Still a bar for one person

A world for one person

Happiness for one person

Miracle for one person

I, not good at expressing

Only recorded all this

On the way back, saw a ray with little catch

And a white crane descending from the sky

All of them were striving for a living

Spreading wings and soaring high showed true colors

First battle victory, small gains

Sometimes also returning empty-handed

Life is not easy; setbacks inevitably occur

For hope, keep trying

To see the fiery clouds, we changed places

To Tanjung Aru Shangri-La

Walking around to familiarize ourselves with the surroundings

Encountered a swing, swinging back to childhood fun

In leisure time, honing skills

Maintaining form is not easy

The seaside sky is like a baby's face

Crying one moment, laughing the next

Using props to create miracles

The tabletop achieved a seamless sky and sea

At home or away, treated as an offering

Malay headscarves added atmosphere

You were inside looking at me

I waited outside for you

Clearly seeing to ensure clarity

Busy people went in all directions

Adding tranquility to the hotel

Only you harbored a heart that loves beauty

Leaning against the balcony, walking against the light

The red-dressed neighbor was elegant and free

The lawn at the entrance left memories

When guests arrived, you cheered and beat the rhythm

The open beach became your place to let loose

Crabs and shrimp resisted you, the uninvited foe

Empty beach

Left with your unrestrained footprints

Sunset, sipping wine, enjoying the view

But only a phone remained

The VIP of the hotel

The one breaking the silence was again you

On the lawn under the sun, so comfortable and peaceful

You, who never stop, occasionally must rest

Sat on the swing

Swinging from the past to the future without stopping

Encountered a 3-meter giant lizard

Giving the discoverer a surprise

Cleverly blending into infinite romance

The sea calmed, the sky reddened

People gradually stirred

The crowds all surged to the other side

Only I welcomed the lonely beauty

Not the best, but certainly one of them

The sun, which couldn't be called back, sank into the sea

Burning clouds illuminated the ocean surface

Leaving the last warmth and leftover light to the earth

I wanted to hold onto this last warmth

Use it to ignite the clouds on the horizon

Always arriving late

No choice but to let you take its place

At the place of the most beautiful sunset

Ah Qi Po sat here every day

Sending her longing for home through the clouds to you far away

Thank you for your kindness

Next time we meet, who knows where

Had a wonderful meal

When I saw this fiery tree and silver flowers

Only then did I remember the year-end was near

The most beautiful glow will surely come

Affected by the epidemic, it disrupted my later travel plans

But it will never affect my determination to take my family to see the world

This year may be ruined; if not, I'll switch to domestic tourism, or maybe go to another island.

If circumstances allow, I still want to go to France, Switzerland, and Germany, but now it seems impossible.

Postpone it; continue next year-----