Down Memory Lane - Keningau

Ah Miau had earlier expressed her keenness to revisit her second home town in Sabah, Tenom during her recent trip back to KK from Hong Kong. Since my wife had worked in Keningau for more than three years, we thought it would be a good idea to do a down memory lane tour to both Keningau and Tenom. So we volunteered to drive them there and to spend a night in Tenom.

For our driving trip to Keningau, we chose to drive along the Papar-Kimanis-Keningau Highway, a steep road I first used in September 2008 (Read here). As first timers to this highway, both Ah Miau and Jeanie were awestruck to see this seemingly endless stretches of steep road in their very first experience along this road.

At the starting point of the ascend to cross the Crocker 
Range.

A prominent change noticed along the Highway is the houses built precariously on hillslope just beside the road. The occupants probably thought the risks are justified by the awesome views they enjoy everyday!

A favorite spot for brief stopover for travelers to enjoy the 

awesome view and to have a cup of coffee or food 
at the nearby eatery.

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The campus of Keningau Teachers Training Institute (IPK) looked deserted when we dropped by in that Sunday afternoon. Our first destination was the Director's residence. It's a place I had spent many weekends between 2008 and 2011 when my wife could not make it home and had to stay on for official duties normally during weekends. The house looked almost exactly as I last saw it just over seven years ago.

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Lecturers quarters at the background.

The compound of the Director's residence has a 

commanding view of the steel bridge spanning across 

Pegalan River and part of Keningau town.

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The indoor garden at the Administration Building, initiated by my wife, still looks as splendid as ever. Standing there, I was reminded of the Chinese proverb, “前人栽树, 后人乘凉” - literally, “One generation plants the trees, another enjoys the shade.”

Although there are no towering trees here to cast a canopy, the garden’s charm has become a lasting legacy of the Institute. Its lush greenery and vibrant blooms bring a sense of calm and refreshment to anyone who works in the building or steps onto the premises.

To the dedicated staff who faithfully prune, plant, sow, mow, rake, water, and dig to keep this haven thriving - you have my heartfelt salute and deepest admiration. Your quiet labour keeps this living legacy alive for all to enjoy.