The first two years of my career in the palm oil industry were among the toughest years of my life.
Every morning began before dawn. By six o'clock, I would already be awake, showered, and dressed in my work clothes. Most mornings, I rode to the mill in Richard's Toyota Hilux, which he had proudly bought a few years earlier. Occasionally, when our schedules did not match, I walked to work along the dusty estate roads.
We had to reach the mill before seven every morning. The day always started with a daily assembly attended by managers, engineers, supervisors, and workers before everyone dispersed to their respective duties.
Life revolved around the mill.
The routine hardly changed. Throughout the day, we monitored machines, solved operational problems, inspected equipment, and ensured that production ran smoothly. During peak crop seasons, the mill processed nearly 2,000 metric tonnes of fresh fruit bunches every single day, sometimes even more.
By late afternoon, just before sunset, everyone gathered at the mill canteen for dinner. It became more than just a place to eat—it was where friendships were built.
The mill manager would often join us, and occasionally the estate manager would stop by. While sharing simple meals, we discussed work, laughed over small incidents, and exchanged stories about life.
The canteen occupied one of the best locations in the mill.
From our tables, we could oversee almost the entire operation. The view stretched from the main gate to the administration office, the diesel storage tanks, the water treatment plant, towering boilers releasing columns of steam into the evening sky, and finally the large empty fruit bunch yard where trucks unloaded endless piles of biomass.
Even while we were eating, the mill never truly rested.
Fresh fruit bunches continued arriving from surrounding plantations until almost nine o'clock every night. Only after the final truck entered through the main gate and the last gate was locked could we finally head home, exhausted after another demanding day.
After taking a shower, Richard and I usually relaxed by watching television before going to bed.
Those quiet evenings became some of the most memorable moments of my early career.
That was when Richard would begin talking about home.
His hometown was Kota Belud, on Sabah's beautiful west coast. Every time he spoke about his family, there was a warmth in his voice and a longing in his eyes.
But what fascinated me even more was the way he described Sabah.
He would often smile and say,
*"Most people think Sabah is only oil palm plantations because that's all they see when travelling through Sandakan, Lahad Datu, and Tawau. But Sabah is much more than that. It is one of the most beautiful places on Earth."*
Then his stories would begin.
He painted vivid pictures of Mount Kinabalu rising majestically above the clouds, its granite peaks glowing golden during sunrise. He described Kundasang and Ranau, where rolling vegetable farms, dairy cattle, and charming cottages nestled among cool mountain valleys created landscapes that looked like postcards.
He spoke of the crystal-clear rivers flowing through Crocker Range, where dense tropical forests echoed with birdsong and hidden waterfalls waited to be discovered.
He described Pantai Kalampunian in Kudat, where powdery white sand stretched into turquoise waters beneath swaying coconut trees. Unlike crowded tourist beaches, it remained peaceful, untouched, and wonderfully quiet.
Then came Danum Valley.
According to Richard, it was one of the world's oldest rainforests, home to towering trees over a thousand years old. Orangutans, hornbills, clouded leopards, red leaf monkeys, and countless other wildlife lived beneath its dense canopy.
His stories became even more mysterious when he talked about Maliau Basin.
Often called Sabah's "Lost World," this enormous natural basin remained hidden within untouched rainforest for centuries. Surrounded by steep cliffs and filled with pristine rivers, waterfalls, and rare wildlife, it felt like stepping into another era.
Finally, he spoke about Semporna.
He described islands floating above crystal-clear seas where coral reefs flourished beneath the surface. Places like Sipadan, Mabul, Bohey Dulang, and Mataking sounded almost unreal, with emerald waters, vibrant marine life, and some of the finest diving spots anywhere in the world.
Listening to Richard was like travelling without leaving our room.
His descriptions were so vivid that I could almost see every mountain, every beach, every rainforest, and every island through his eyes.
Before ending each conversation, he would always say,
*"If you ever have the chance, go and see these places yourself. Sabah will surprise you."*
Those simple words planted a dream deep inside me.
Years passed.
I eventually got married, started a family, and continued working in Sabah and Sarawak.
Almost fifteen years later, I finally fulfilled that dream.
Together with my three sons, we embarked on what became our Sabah 360 Expedition.
Our journey began in Lahad Datu before heading towards Semporna and Tawau. Our first unforgettable night was spent near Maliau Basin. As gentle rain fell over the rainforest, a herd of wild Bornean elephants quietly emerged from the darkness. Watching these magnificent animals beneath the moonlit drizzle became one of the most magical experiences of our lives.
From there, we travelled to Keningau and camped at Ulu Senagang Substation within Crocker Range Park. Cold mountain streams flowed beside our campsite while towering forests surrounded us with complete serenity. The fresh mountain air and the sounds of nature reminded us how peaceful life could be.
The next day brought us to Tenom, the famous coffee town, where local communities were celebrating Christmas. We visited the Yit Foh Coffee Factory & Park, enjoying freshly brewed Tenom coffee alongside delicious Western cuisine while the aroma of roasted beans filled the air.
Nearby, we explored the Murut Cultural Centre, where traditional longhouses, intricate wood carvings, ancient musical instruments, and cultural performances offered a glimpse into the rich heritage of Sabah's Murut people.
Continuing westward, we reached Sipitang before camping at Kuala Penyu. As evening arrived, we watched one of the most beautiful sunsets imaginable, where the sky transformed into brilliant shades of orange, crimson, and purple before disappearing into the South China Sea.
Our adventure continued to Kota Kinabalu.
That night, we camped at Kokol Hill Campsite. High above the city, the panoramic view was breathtaking. The lights of Kota Kinabalu sparkled beneath us while Pulau Gaya rested peacefully across the bay. Cool mountain breezes and endless stars made the evening unforgettable.
From Kota Kinabalu, we travelled north to Tuaran and camped at Minorod Campsite.
Crystal-clear streams flowed through smooth river stones, providing refreshing mountain water throughout the day. At night, with almost no light pollution, thousands of stars illuminated the sky while crickets sang continuously in the surrounding forest.
Soon we reached Kudat.
At DMA Gombizau Honey Bee Farm, we learned about stingless bees and tasted fresh kelulut honey harvested directly from the hives. It was both educational and surprisingly delicious.
That evening, we camped at Pantai Kalampunian.
The beach was everything Richard had promised years earlier.
Soft white sand, crystal-clear water, gentle waves, whispering sea breezes, and complete tranquillity surrounded us. There were no crowds, no traffic, no noise—only nature at its finest.
The following morning, we stood at the Tip of Borneo, where the South China Sea meets the Sulu Sea. Watching the endless ocean stretching towards the horizon felt like standing at the edge of the world.
From Kudat, our journey continued through Pitas before finally returning to Lahad Datu via Sandakan, completing our memorable loop around Sabah.
Looking back over two decades spent in Sabah and Sarawak, I realise how fortunate I have been.
I have travelled to nearly every corner of Sabah.
I have camped countless times at Silam Coastal Conservation Area (SCCA), Danum Valley, Taliwas, and many other spectacular locations. Every expedition brought new friendships, unforgettable adventures, and a deeper appreciation for Sabah's extraordinary natural heritage.
Among the most unforgettable experiences was joining the Sabah Triton Expedition (STX), where nearly seventy four-wheel-drive vehicles travelled together across challenging terrain to Long Pasia, one of Sabah's most remote highland villages. It was more than an expedition—it was a celebration of friendship, exploration, and the adventurous spirit of Borneo.
When I look back today, I realise that everything began in a small room after long working days at the mill.
It began with a humble friend who spoke passionately about the beauty of his homeland.
Richard never knew how deeply his stories would shape my life.
His words inspired me to become an explorer, to appreciate nature, and to introduce my own children to the wonders of Sabah.
If you ever have the opportunity to visit Sabah, don't simply pass through.
Take the time to explore its mountains, rainforests, rivers, islands, beaches, wildlife, and the warmth of its people.
Only then will you truly understand why Sabah is proudly known as **The Land Below the Wind**.
May you rest in eternal peace, my beloved friend.
**Richard Ginsing.**
Your stories continue to guide every journey I make across the beautiful land you loved so dearly.
That my story for today.
