Assalammualaikum and good morning to all of you.
Actually a few days before I flew back to my hometown, me and Alif have some chit chat and I'm telling him that I want to go to Semporna. I means I just want to having good times, see the sunset with some coffee and chilling out together at there. In the 1st place, we're planning to stay overnight but then we're deciding not to because we thinks it will be more fun if it's a day-trip. And yeah, it turned out to be more awesome and adventurous. Hahahaha. Without any proper plans, we have no clue which places should be visit first ? So, we just randomly choose and the first place we're going to visit is Bukit Tengkorak or also known as Skull Hill.
For your reference, Bukit Tengkorak is an archaeological site hill located at Tampi-Tampi Road and around 10 kilometres from Semporna Town. The operation hour starting from 9.00 am until 5.00 pm and it's FREE ENTRANCE (FOC), you just need to sign in. No need to pay anything, just bring your stamina, water, and camera/smartphone to take photo or selfie for your remembrance before you start to climbing. From above the few hundred wooden steps, you will have a beautiful 360 degree view all over Semporna area. By the way, you don't have to rush, just enjoy the breeze and amazing view that surrounding you. If possible come early, so you can have more time to enjoy the stunning view. For your safety purpose, please going down before dark and wear a suitable shoes for your convenience. Okay.
As for me and Alif with bunch of nonsense, we started up the stairs one by one at 2.00 pm and it was &#@^!*#$ extremely hot, man. Surprisingly, we managed reach to the top with the guidance of our little guider, Panter. Well, I decided to call him, Panter because it's reminds me of my uncle's dog used to be called. Those who needs guide, Panter will accompany you, just give him some food and water. Hehehe. By the way, it took us around 20-25 minutes up and down. We spent about one and a half hours before we're going to the next place. Please enjoys see our photos. Hahaha.
Next place is Tanjung Parapat which is located at Jalan Pokas - Kuala Bibang, Semporna. This place is about 20 to 30 minutes drive from Semporna Town and also known as hidden gems that offer you with peaceful views. Before this, there's no cafe or restaurants and no hotel or other good accommodation nearby but now a resort had been built called Parapat Water Village Resort. Most locals people from Semporna and Tawau come here to enjoy the beautiful long jetty view during weekend with their friends and family members.
But we didn't come to enjoy the view from below, we came to enjoy the view from above the hill. So, we asked for the locals if it’s possible for us to get there and the answer is YES. Here we go again, HIKING ! But before that, you have to register your name and pay for RM3.00 per person. With the help of our 13-year-old tour guide called Irwan, it’s only takes around 15 to 20 minutes reaching the top and the route is not that difficult. It was such an amazing and breathtaking view from above, you can see the long jetty, beautiful sea as well as other islands too. This is a must-visit place, okay. Oh, I almost forgot, if I’m not mistaken, the locals here call this hill as TAMAN MARIATA BUD. But if you have any information, just drop your comments below. Thank you so much Alif for making this trip, I had so much fun. Let's planning on another trip together, okay. That’s all from me, thank you and adios !
