When Coincidence Becomes Providence

Around mid-August, many of the floor tiles in my dining area suddenly began to pop up. One possible explanation was the recent extreme heat experienced in Sabah and in many parts of the world. In some countries, extreme heat waves have pushed temperatures as high as 46°C (115°F), including parts of the southwestern and south-central United States. By comparison, the highest temperature recorded in Sabah during the first three weeks of August was around 34°C (93°F).

At first, my wife and I simply walked over the raised tiles. But as more tiles began to pop up, some started to crack under the pressure. To prevent further damage, we placed plywood and a thick rug over them to cushion the impact.

I immediately thought of contacting some contractors who had helped us with repair work in the past. I remembered one contractor who had repaired our floor tiles before, but somehow I just could not recall his name. Another contractor came to mind, but he is normally very busy, and I knew he would probably not be available for at least a month or two.

Just as I was wondering who else I could call, my phone rang on 20 August. It was Alan. I immediately remembered him, although I could hardly recall the last time he had called me - perhaps not once in the past 10 to 15 years. We are in the same chat group, where he regularly shares Christian messages and testimonies, but we had never actually contacted each other directly for many years.

Alan called to ask whether I could help him with some technical issues concerning an old house he was repairing. He normally consulted another consultant friend, Simon, but Simon was unreachable, so Alan thought of calling me instead.

I agreed to help. On 22 August, I accompanied Alan to the old house, where we met the owner and discussed the problems and possible solutions. During our conversation, I casually mentioned my own floor tile problem and said that I was looking for someone to repair it. Alan did not say much about it at the time.

He did, however, mention that he was currently handling a major repair contract at a college along Jalan Tuaran-Bypass. He had also taken on the house repair project because its owner was a member of the college's management committee and had sought his help to fix some leaking problems in the house.

Then on Monday, 24 August, to my great surprise, Alan called and said that he would set aside a day or two to repair my floor tiles. This was totally unexpected, and I was deeply touched by his gesture. Instead of merely helping me find someone else, he literally put aside his work on two ongoing projects and came to help me himself. In the end, he spent three and a half days, from 26 to 29 August, repairing my floor tiles. To me, it was nothing short of a God-sent miracle.

Later, Alan told me what had led him to call me in the first place. Being a man of faith, he often prays whenever he encounters difficulties. When he could not get hold of Simon, he prayed for someone who could help him. During his prayer, he had a vision of a white-haired man - and he immediately thought of me. That was how it all began.

Looking back, it is difficult for me to see this as merely a coincidence. At the very moment I was wondering who could help me with my floor tiles, Alan - someone I had hardly spoken to in 10 to 15 years - suddenly called me. And the reason he called was because he needed my help. Yet, in the end, it was he who ended up helping me.

Our paths crossed at precisely the right moment, and neither of us could have planned it. Perhaps this is how God sometimes works - not always through dramatic or spectacular miracles, but through ordinary events that come together at just the right time. And what initially appears to be coincidence begins to look more and more like divine providence.

For me, this was more than just getting my floor tiles repaired. It was a gentle reminder that God knows our needs even before we ask, and that He can bring the right person into our lives at exactly the right time. What began with a few floor tiles popping up ended with a reminder that, in God's hands, even the most ordinary circumstances can become extraordinary.

Buckets and buckets of sand were placed on the floor tiles after liquid adhesive was applied - a true “brute force” solution, as Paul aptly put it, to make sure the popped-up tiles were firmly glued back into place!

Biei's Blue Pond: More Green Than Blue

Soon after breakfast at our Airbnb in Furano on 13 July, we set off for Biei to visit the famous Blue Pond, one of Hokkaido's most celebrated natural attractions. Renowned for its striking blue water and tranquil surroundings, the pond has become an iconic destination that draws visitors from around the world.

The Blue Pond in actual fact is not a natural lake. It was formed accidentally in the late 1980s when a dam was built to protect nearby communities from volcanic mudflows originating from Mount Tokachi. Water gradually collected behind the dam, creating the pond seen today. Over time, nature transformed this man-made reservoir into one of Japan's most picturesque landscapes.

The pond's remarkable colour is the result of a natural phenomenon. Mineral-rich water containing fine aluminium particles mixes with the crystal-clear water of the Biei River. These tiny particles scatter sunlight, particularly the blue wavelengths, giving the pond its famous turquoise hue. However, its colour is never constant. Depending on the weather, the angle of the sun and the viewing position, the water may appear vivid blue, emerald green or even grey.

When we finally arrived and gazed upon the pond, it was more green than blue! Instead of the brilliant azure often seen in photographs, the water had a soft emerald tint. It instantly reminded me of Peyto Lake in the Canadian Rockies, which I visited in September 2017 during our memorable drive from Banff to Jasper (Read here). Although they are formed in very different ways, both bodies of water possess an almost surreal beauty created by the minerals suspended in the water.

Adding to the pond's charm are the pale, leafless larch trees rising silently from the water. These trees were submerged when the pond was formed and have remained standing ever since, creating an ethereal landscape that has become the Blue Pond's signature.

The Blue Pond publicized in an advertisement.

The surroundings of the Blue Pond were surprisingly lush and green. Beyond the pond itself, the area was carpeted with a rich variety of flowering plants, wild grasses and dense woodland, creating a refreshing natural setting. Delicate wildflowers added splashes of colour along the walking paths, while butterflies, dragonflies and other tiny insects hovered gracefully among the blossoms. The gentle buzz of insects and the rustling of leaves in the breeze enhanced the tranquil atmosphere, making the visit as much about appreciating the surrounding ecosystem as admiring the famous pond itself. It was a peaceful reminder that the Blue Pond is not just a single scenic attraction, but part of a vibrant and thriving natural landscape.

Experiencing Hokkaido's Lavender Season

One of the highlights of our visit to Hokkaido in July was experiencing its spectacular lavender season. During this time of year, the Furano region is transformed into a sea of vibrant purple, creating one of Japan's most iconic summer landscapes. Blessed with a cool climate, long daylight hours, fertile volcanic soil, and crisp mountain air, Hokkaido provides ideal conditions for lavender to flourish. The flowers reach their peak bloom from early to mid-July, making this brief period the perfect time to enjoy both the breathtaking scenery and the soothing fragrance of the lavender fields.

Lavender was first cultivated in Hokkaido in the early 20th century for the production of perfume and essential oils. Although demand for lavender oil declined in later years, the flower fields gained nationwide recognition during the 1970s through tourism campaigns. This transformed Furano into one of Japan's premier summer destinations. Today, the annual lavender season is celebrated not only for its stunning beauty but also as a symbol of Hokkaido's rich agricultural heritage and pristine natural environment.

We were fortunate to visit three lavender fields during our journey. Just before reaching Château Furano, we came across our first lavender field, where neat rows of purple blossoms stretched across the countryside, offering a delightful introduction to Hokkaido's famous floral season.

Later, we drove to the region's most celebrated attraction - Farm Tomita in Nakafurano, widely regarded as the birthplace of Hokkaido's lavender tourism. After walking uphill from the Tomita Melon House, we spent a considerable amount of time strolling through its beautifully landscaped gardens and taking in the panoramic views. Beyond the lavender, the gardens were alive with colourful displays of poppies, lilies, sunflowers, and many other seasonal flowers, creating a spectacular rainbow of colours set against the majestic Tokachi Mountain Range.

Our third and final stop was the Hinode Lavender Garden in Kamifurano. Perched on a gentle hillside, the garden offered sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, with fragrant lavender fields stretching beneath the summer sky. It provided a peaceful and fitting conclusion to our exploration of Hokkaido's lavender landscapes.

Visiting these lavender fields was an unforgettable experience and undoubtedly one of the most memorable highlights of our summer journey through Hokkaido. The breathtaking scenery, delicate fragrance, and tranquil atmosphere combined to create lasting memories of one of Japan's most beautiful seasonal spectacles.

Near Chateau Furano

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Tomita Farm

Tomita Melon House.

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Hinode Lavender Garden in Kamifurano

Popular for wedding photographs.

Savoring Peking Duck in Beijing

We had told ourselves that we simply had to try Peking duck in Beijing before flying home. On the evening of 22 May 2026, after our visit to the Forbidden City, we were joined by Daniel, the grandnephew of Patrick and Jenny from the UK, who is pursuing a Master’s in Business Studies through a programme twinned with Peking University.

He kindly took us to Hongbinlou (鸿宾楼) at Crowne Plaza Beijing Chaoyang, which was conveniently close to our accommodation and is well known for its excellent Peking duck. Before long, the much-anticipated dish arrived. The chef personally carved the duck in front of us, skillfully slicing the crispy skin and tender meat with remarkable precision.

Peking duck is one of China’s most celebrated culinary treasures, originating from Beijing and renowned for its crispy skin, tender meat, and rich flavor. More than just a roast duck dish, Peking duck is a complete culinary experience that reflects Chinese cooking traditions, meticulous preparation, and the philosophy of making full use of every ingredient. Traditionally served in multiple courses, one duck can be transformed into several dishes rather than being presented as a single meal.

The preparation of Peking duck is highly specialized. The duck is carefully cleaned, seasoned, and often glazed with maltose syrup before being air-dried. It is then roasted in a special oven until the skin turns golden, thin, and crisp, while the meat remains juicy and flavorful. This roasting process gives Peking duck its distinctive aroma, texture, and irresistible taste.

As is customary, the chef first carved the beautifully roasted duck in front of us, skillfully slicing the bird with great precision. He then served us the most prized part of the meal - the crispy duck skin, widely regarded as the highlight of Peking duck. In our case, the skin was elegantly presented on small toasted bread squares, allowing us to fully appreciate its delicate crackle, rich flavor, and melt-in-the-mouth texture. It could also be enjoyed with a light dip of fine sugar, which enhanced its sweetness and crispness.

The dish was accompanied by the classic ingredients for duck pancake wraps: soft pancakes, thin slices of roasted duck meat, freshly cut cucumber sticks, finely shredded scallions, and sweet bean sauce. Wrapping these together created a wonderful combination of savory richness, subtle sweetness, refreshing crunch, and soft texture, making this the signature way to enjoy Peking duck.

After the premium slices had been served, the bones and carcass were taken back to the kitchen and carefully simmered into a rich, flavorful soup with cabbage and tofu. The comforting broth, infused with the deep roasted essence of the duck, was delicious. Each spoonful carried a delicate sweetness from the cabbage and a silky softness from the tofu. It provided the perfect, satisfying finale to an exceptional meal, bringing our memorable Peking duck dining experience to a warm and delightful close.

Eggplant with Pepper.

A Morning at J Borneo Native Village

Fresh from exploring the elevated treetop walkway at Signal Hill just a day earlier, we decided to visit another place the following morning - J Borneo Native Village in Lok Kawi.

Our trip there began with a simple mission. We had been looking to buy stingless bee honey and contacted The House of Stingless Bee, which we had visited in August 2024 (Read here). Unfortunately, their stock was sold out. A friend then told us that stingless bee honey could be found at J Borneo Native Village. With this information, we decided to make our way there to try our luck.

When we arrived at the site along the old Penampang–Papar highway, I was surprised to discover that it stood right next door to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, which we had visited just two months earlier with our granddaughter Maddie and her father from Singapore (Read here). We had not realised then how close this place was.

I later learned that J Borneo Native Village was originally set up largely to complement the presence of the wildlife park. It served as a convenient place for park visitors to rest and eat before or after their visit. Families, tourists, and local visitors found it an ideal stopover, and the cafeteria soon gained a reputation as a welcoming roadside eatery with a distinctive traditional ambience.

In its early days, the main structure was essentially a modest eating place built from timber and salvaged materials. The founder reportedly collected wood from old houses and natural sources, using them to construct buildings that reflected the texture and spirit of a traditional Bornean kampung. This was not intended to be a museum-style reconstruction of a historical village, but rather a living, functional space inspired by indigenous architectural aesthetics. At that stage, chalet units were still being developed, and the primary focus was simply to provide food, shelter and a place to relax.

During our visit that morning, we noticed that the food served at the eateries consisted mainly of familiar Malaysian fare such as fried noodles, fried rice, chicken dishes, and local kuih. We did not see indigenous-inspired dishes or kampung-style cooking such as hinava (fresh fish salad), grilled fish, bambangan-based condiments, traditional soups, or stir-fried jungle vegetables. These may perhaps be featured during festive periods, such as the Kaamatan Harvest Festival, when cultural elements are more prominently showcased.

Although the venue functions primarily as a restaurant and event space, we also noticed quite a number of small stalls selling handmade crafts that reflect Sabah’s indigenous heritage. These included beadwork accessories, woven fabrics, rattan handicrafts, small decorative ornaments and books written local writers. 

We were not disappointed, it was in one of these stalls, that we were finally able to find the stingless bee honey we had set out to buy.