Tuesday 12^th March

What a beautiful island to arrive at after two nights at sea. We planned to go to Layang Layang, a small atoll in the South China Sea, remarkable for its pristine reefs and marine life but the Malaysian navy refused us entry because we didn't have the correct permits. Owned by the Prime minister’s son and a navy base, we now know there are stringent regulations. A long way to go for that mistake but next time we need to be more thorough with our research!

Yesterday we all enjoyed walking on the white deserted beach, building a cubby with the Sea Glass boys and lounging in the lovely, clear, warm water at Mangalum Island. Fish and Chips cooked on our new gas ring and wok were a lovely way to end the day, watching a sky painted pink in a calm, peaceful anchorage.

Thursday 14^th March

After another relaxing day at the island collecting shells, enjoying the long sandy beach and the warm water, we headed to Kota Kinabalu. This is a place the girls have heard about from Gary on Muscat for months, so there was great excitement. Our first marina since leaving Australia complete with two pools, one with water slides and a waterfall, the other with a bar in it, bowling alley, cinema, fitness centre and restaurants. The list of what the girls would like to do is getting very long!! The afternoon was spent in the pool followed by a delicious dinner which was a welcome change after a very bare fridge.