Recent news story on BB caught my attention. It was a story about new vehicle ferry from Brunei to Menumbok. I Quote: "will cut down travel time between Brunei and Kota Kinabalu from eight hours to just under three". "The cruise from Serasa to Menumbok takes about two and a half hours". "It is hoped to benefit local frequent travellers to Sabah a faster travelling time whilst, at the same time, reduce the frequent immigration stops that road travellers are subjected to. The road journey from Menumbok to Kota Kinabalu takes about another hour".

I must say that the information given as quoted above is rather misleading. Normally one can reach Kota Kinabalu within 5 hrs or maybe 6 hrs driving but very seldom 8 hrs. Travelling time from Menumbok is at least one and a half hours.

So if one take into consideration the waiting time at Serasa as well as the time taken at the Immigration clearance at Menumbok probably the time taken will almost be the same as driving all the way from BSB to Kota Kinabalu.

The way I see it the only advantage is one don't have to do the long distance driving. Of course one only goes through the Serasa and Menumbok Immigration posts instead of the many posts if one drives all the way.

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written by roadie , December 15, 2009

This method of transport will be worthwhile especially during the school holidays. There were cases where the time taken to travel from Kuala Lurah to KK took more than 12 hours. The cause of it were queues at every immigration post. But during normal days, it'll take at most 6 hours. Although, while those using this new ferry will feel relaxed throughout the journey, they will miss the sights which can be enjoyed by those going by land. Well, at least now there is an additional option.

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New Ferry Serasa to Menumbok
written by Brunei , December 15, 2009

I like the idea that Brunei is having a new ferry. We don't have to drive to kk 5-6 or 8 Watsoeva... I heard the ferry provide canteen n chairs at the first floor so people can relax for 2 and half hour to menumbok.then drive to kk one hour.We can save time .I prefer using the ferry than driving long distance.

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Mandatory Leave for Scale 'C' Salary
written by HeranCu , December 15, 2009

Can any body tell me why there is a mandatory leave (14 days) which must be taken within the 6 unwanted months and leaving us with another 14 days only... why not make the validity up to one year as well... suprisingly the scale "D" have more cuti than us since they dont have the mandatory...

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written by Proboscis , January 02, 2010

Last time I drove to BSB from KK it took me about seven hours to get there, and 14 hours to come back. One stretch of road was particularly bad.

The ferry does seem to be an attractive alternative, but I heard the fare is rather high. It would probably be cheaper to fly, now that Air Asia is flying KK-BSB (but then you wouldn't have your car to get around in BSB).

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