During my recent visit to this hometown of mine, I had a chance to drive along familiar roads. The roads are quite congested now. The road to Tawau is still under construction. I'm glad that the widening of the road project is at last put in the development plan.
The road along Batu Satu, passing by the tiny airport, which only able to accommodate Fokker aircraft, was also heavily congested almost all day long, from the town to throughout the long stretch towards Sandakan.
I passed by my nostalgic area, where my old school, St. Dominic, is located. It has transformed from a single story into a double storey terrace. The used to be badminton court next to the school has turned to a huge church.
As I passed through the school area towards Sandakan direction, those old houses visualized in my mind are no longer exist. The area has been developed into a business area. Heavy vehicles are contributing to the noise and dust to the area.
Then I made a left turn, crossing over to the Silam Road, passing by the Chinese School. (I forgot the name)
At the end of the road, I turned to the right, driving along Silam Road. The junction which was most of the time cleared, now is no longer easy to drive cross, unless the cars infront of you are willing to give way. I reached the hilly area, which has slightly flatten giving way to the road construction project. On top of the hill, on my left, is where the first and maybe the only golf driving range in town located.
Down the hill, at the four junction is now built a round-about(ring road). 9 O’Clock turning is where my village is. Its all along known as Kampong Tabanak (During the British era spelled as Tabanac). Along the road to my village, on the left, are now full of terrace houses. Only a countable number of coconut trees available. The Kg. Tabanac mosque has been renovated accordingly to occupied number of people in the village and those coming from the new residentials. The old mango trees, which was planted by my great-great granny is still standing there right infront of the mosque. According to the old folks, it has reached more than 300 years of age.
My family and I spent only 4 days in Lahad Datu, this time. It was a 4 days change of life style for us. Lahad Datu is still my beloved town.
2 comments:
hi, after reading your blog which bring back many fond memories of my childhood times! LD is so much different compared 30 years ago. nice!
btw, I'm chua stay in Spore did go back LD occasionally
Welcome to my blog Chua. I know how you feel. Memories of my childhood in LD, are still fresh in my mind although I've left the small town since 1976. Yes that long ago.when I was only 11. Now you know my age :-)
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