During my stay in Kota Kinabalu, I decided to step out of the hotel (RANAU ECO-TOURISM GEMS) in
search of breakfast. After walking a bit, I found myself at a humble halal
kopitiam that seemed to call out to me. To my surprise, the breakfast spread
was more like a lunch buffet, with a tempting array of dishes. I savored, lost
in the enjoyment of the food, but I forgot to jot down the name of the place.
Classic case of being caught between hunger and the chaos of a wandering mind! 
With the day still young, I made my way to the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront.
This bustling port has long been a crucial trading hub, and it now serves as a
lively destination with a vibrant mix of restaurants, bars, and shops, all
offering panoramic views (OSAKA SUNSETS, SURAKARTA HEARTBEAT & PRETORIA MOMENTS) of the South China Sea. The scene was breathtaking - calm
waters under a clear sky, with the soothing rhythm of the waves providing a
peaceful respite. However, the waterfront was relatively quiet early in the
day, with most nightlife spots closed and eateries still shuttered. 
As I strolled along the waterfront, the sun grew intense, and just as I was
about to leave, I received a call to meet up. Perfect timing! I met with my
contacts, and since they were eager for a meal, we headed to the highly
recommended Welcome 100% Seafood Restaurant. We ordered a stir-fried vegetable
dish, a crab special, and salted egg chicken. The meal was hearty and
satisfying. I barely touched the rice, focusing instead on the flavorful
dishes, while my companions polished off everything.
On
the way back from Kota Belud (KOTA BELUD UNTAMED BEAUTY), I was advised to visit the Filipino Market, also
known as the Kota Kinabalu Handicraft Market, and have dinner there. Parking
was a nightmare - traffic was backed up for miles, and after countless loops, we
finally found a spot.
The Filipino Market is situated along
Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, close to the waterfront. It began in the early 1970s
and earned its nickname due to the large number of Filipino vendors. The market
is a cultural treasure trove, featuring traditional handicrafts, textiles,
jewelry, fresh seafood, and local produce. It's particularly famous for its
pearls and a range of local and Filipino foods.
As for Filipino dishes, I wasn't quite
sure if I identified any during my visit. The market was bustling with numerous
food stalls, each offering similar menus, making it tricky to choose. We ended
up sitting at a long bench and ordered kangkung (water spinach) stir-fried, a
spicy and creamy prawn dish, and sweet and sour fish, all with rice. The meal
wasn't exceptional but was a decent experience of the Filipino Market. Prices
were comparable to what I'd pay for similar street food at home.
Overall, visiting the Filipino Market was
an interesting experience, but it didn't stand out as anything extraordinary.
If I return to Kota Kinabalu, I probably wouldn't revisit the market - once was
enough to get a feel for what it has to offer.
In between my time in Kota Kinabalu, I
decided to switch hotel. After finding a great deal online, I packed my bags
and headed to The Pacific Sutera Hotel. From the moment I walked into the
opulent lobby, I knew this was going to be a luxurious stay. The room was
impeccably clean and stylishly furnished - nothing too surprising, given my past
experiences with high-end hotels, but it still felt special to stay at The
Pacific Sutera.
I took some time to explore the hotel's
surroundings and enjoy the stunning harbor view. The hotel's breakfast offered
a generous selection, though by this point, I'd had my fill of dining out,
including at coffee shops that had satisfied my food cravings.
I sampled Durian Ice-Kacang from a small
shop near KK Waterfront, a meal with new acquaintances at Hock Joo Coffee Shop
on Jalan Chan Fook, and tried Indian and street foods around the city. Each
experience offered a taste of Sabah's diverse food scene, turning every meal
into a discovery of local flavors and culinary traditions.
Sabah Moments
Immersed in
Nature
The air in
Sabah is refreshingly clean, embodying its reputation as an eco-world. Although
I visited some stunning beaches in Kota Kinabalu, I somehow lost the pictures I
took - what a disappointment! Nonetheless, my trip revealed that Sabah's cost
of living, including flight tickets and meals, is comparable to Peninsula
Malaysia, contrary to my initial assumptions.
Welcoming Sabahans
The locals in
Sabah are true eco-gems. They interact with genuine warmth and without any
pretense. Engaging with them, I felt a greater sense of humanity compared to
the often-detached atmosphere in city life. Their smiles and straightforward
interactions were a refreshing change from the glamor and formality I’m used
to.
A Culinary
Journey
Sabah’s food
scene was a mixed bag. While some dishes impressed, others fell short. I made
an effort to explore diverse culinary options and learned a lot about local
cuisine. I almost tried sago worms, known as butod, at a Kota Kinabalu mall
eatery, but time constraints and my impending flight home prevented me from
sampling this local delicacy.
Business
Insights
This trip was
intended for business but turned into a lesson in vigilance. I discovered that
many only share the positive aspects, while the critical details - like the
complexities of land regulations compared to Peninsula Malaysia - are often left
unsaid. I nearly fell victim to misleading advice. It was a harsh wake-up call:
not everyone, even those who claim expertise, has your best interests at heart.
Some are simply after their own cut or commission.
Fortunately, I connected
with two genuinely honest individuals who exposed the real issues facing
business in Sabah. Their insights were invaluable, highlighting the importance
of thorough investigation and skepticism. So, next time
you hear about a business opportunity, ask yourself: are you getting the full
picture or just the polished version?
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