Ranau, Sabah: Eco-Tourism Gems

In Kota Kinabalu, the next day after visiting Kota Belud (KOTA BELUD UNTAMED BEAUTY) I set out to view two sights. The information needed for these visits was still fluid, but it took about two hours before a decision was made to head to Ranau. This serene district, approximately two and a half hours from Kota Kinabalu, is steeped in historical and cultural significance. Established in the late 19th century, Ranau's history is deeply intertwined with the colonial era and World War II.

The Kundasang War Memorial stands as a poignant reminder of the tragic Sandakan Death Marches, honoring the thousands of Australian and British prisoners of war who perished. Culturally, Ranau is a melting pot of indigenous groups, including the Dusun and Kadazan people, whose traditions, languages, and customs enrich the region's cultural tapestry.

Kota Belud: Untamed Beauty, Sun Watching & Fireflies

Between the 1st and 3rd day, I met up with several people in Kota Kinabalu, which served as my base. What and what not, I will let you know after the finale of my so-called looking for new ventures in Sabah. On the 4th day, I decided to include some sightseeing. I arranged and paid for a drive to Kota Belud. This trip was also to explore this part of Sabah and assess its potential for future ventures, which I can't disclose more about (KUALA PENYU TRANQUIL NATURE).

The drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kota Belud takes about 1 ½ hours, and I requested stops along the way for some discoveries. We stopped at Gerai Kelapa Bakar Kak Tini (Lokan Bakar & Puding Kelapa) on Jalan Sulaman Tuaran, Kota Kinabalu. It's famous for Kelapa Bakar, where whole coconuts are roasted to perfection, resulting in tender, smoky coconut flesh and uniquely flavored coconut water. The coconuts, with their hard outer shells, are roasted over charcoal, and once done, the shells are peeled off before serving.

Sabah: Kuala Penyu’s Tranquil Nature

A few months ago, I took a trip to Sabah with the goal of meeting new people and exploring fresh opportunities, as promised by an  expert who claimed to know the area inside and out. I boarded an early morning flight to Kota Kinabalu and, driven by hunger, made a beeline for the McDonald’s at the airport. Sometimes convenience trumps local flavor when you’re starving. The place was crowded, but I managed to squeeze in and eat to my heart's content.

With my hunger addressed, I took a cab to the Hotel KK Waterfront in Warisan Square, Pusat Bandar Kota Kinabalu. While the hotel itself was nothing remarkable - though clean -  the windows provided a crucial connection to the outside world, which is essential for someone like me who prefers not to feel trapped in a room. The main draw for choosing this hotel was its prime location: directly across from the Kota Kinabalu Waterfront and surrounded by various eateries and convenience stores, making it an ideal spot for my needs.

Aromatic Cumin Rice: A Vegetarian Rice Cooker Triumph

I cook all my rice dishes in a basic rice cooker that's been my trusty kitchen companion for the last 22 years. It's not the latest model, but it gets the job done. In fact, I even sauté or fry ingredients in it for my rice dishes. It took some trial and error to figure out that the switch will turn off when the cooker is heated, but once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing.

To be honest, I've never quite mastered the art of cooking rice on the stove. It requires constant attention to prevent overcooking or burning. So, a heartfelt thank you to the inventor of the rice cooker – a true lifesaver for people like me!

 

Now, let’s dive into this delicious (SPINACH PANEER & EGG CURRY VEGGIE DELIGHTS) cumin rice recipe. Here are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly:

Cape Town Indian Fish Curry & Malaysian Recipes

During an unforgettable nine-day adventure in South Africa, I experienced moments that felt like pure magic. Cape Town, with its dramatic landscapes and vibrant spirit, was an absolute highlight (CAPE TOWN: THE NATURE STUNNER). One evening, while soaking up the rich cultural atmosphere of a local show, I struck up a conversation with a South African Indian lady beside me. As we shared stories and laughter, she unveiled her treasured recipe for South African Fish Curry (PRETORIA MOMENTS & INSIGHTS) - a dish that beautifully echoes the flavors of Indian cuisine (EGG CURRY TRIO).

 

That recipe stayed with me, and years later, as I prepared fish - one of my husband’s favorite brain foods—I decided to recreate her South African Fish Curry with my own creative twists. But that's not all! I’m also excited to share another flavor-packed treasure: Malaysian Indian Fish Curry, a recipe from Ms. Nava. Join me on this culinary journey and try these delicious recipes that bridge continents and cultures.

Plant Based Breakfast Platters

Looks like I'm back in action! After a little break from this cozy corner of mine, I'm feeling refreshed and ready to sprinkle some culinary magic today. That's right - it's time to share some zen cooking tales with you all. Ta-da!

 

Alright, let's get real for a moment. While the URL (nava-k) remains the same (because who needs the hassle of buying a new one, am I right?), this space is now officially known as Nava’s Zen. Why the change, you ask? Well, it's all part of my new journey as I dive into starting my own business. Currently, it's undergoing some renovation and sprucing up, all while expanding my urban gardening efforts under the Nava’s Zen banner. But don't worry, my dear friends, I'm still here to spill the beans on all my culinary secrets.

Vegetarian/Plant Based Bak Kut Teh: Veggie Bliss Feast

Hey there, beautiful souls! I hope you're all doing splendidly. Me? Well, I just celebrated my 57th birthday a few days back. Can you believe it? How does it feel? Let me tell you, it feels absolutely fantastic. Unlike when I hit the big 5-0 seven years ago, feeling like the world was crashing down on me because, you know, half a century and all. Back then, I was filled with this unnecessary dread, all thanks to the voices around me whispering that life post-50 is just about serving your family. You know, the whole shebang about being the devoted wife and mother.

Those whispers? They came from everywhere - from my mum, my aunts, my in-laws, and even from random encounters. It seemed like everyone had the same script: an Indian woman's destiny is to be married off and become a selfless servant to her husband and kids. But you know what? Over the years, I've learned that I don't have to conform to those outdated notions. I'm breaking free and forging my own path (VEGETARIAN BAYAM MASAK LEMAK).