It turned out to be a blessing that I finally yielded to the persistent “pleading” of the Pengarah to accompany her to her Institute’s Staff Motivation Camp 2009 at Teluk Usukan Resort. What seemed at first like just another invitation became an opportunity to see places I might otherwise never have set foot in. For me, it was a refreshing new exposure at a stage in life when my circle of friends is slowly shrinking, my energy level is on the decline, and daily routines tend to fall into predictable patterns. Every now and then, life needs a ripple or two - little bursts of colour, surprise, and spice - to remind us that we are still alive and learning.
One highlight was finally standing on the old jetty once used by the Mamut Copper Mine company. Locals often describe it as the very spot “where the Japanese packed the copper, gold, and other minerals from Sabah (Mamut Copper Mine) and shipped them to Japan in the 70s and 80s.” Despite its industrial past, the ambience of the jetty is strikingly picturesque - majestic in daylight, and quietly enchanting at twilight.
And then there is Usukan itself - a place of breathtaking natural beauty. Corals fringe almost the entire bay, painting the waters with vibrant colours. I could not help but wonder why my CG member, Chio Cheng Leng, an avid leisure fisherman, had never once mentioned this hidden paradise.
Ususkan Bay from Google.
The pristine water at Ususkan Bay - emerald green.
Sunset at the bay.
Teluk Usukan Resort.
Another view of the resort.
Some of the camps erected.
Don't play play, these are lethal weapons!
