Hey fellow travelers! Mark here, your friendly American backpacker, back with another exciting Asian adventure to share. This time, I hopped on an AirAsia flight and touched down in Sabah, Malaysia, a hidden gem on the island of Borneo. From stunning mosques to bustling markets and unforgettable food, Sabah had it all. So, buckle up, and let me take you on a journey through my incredible Sabah experience.
Getting Connected and Getting Around
First things first: getting online! Like everyone else, I made a beeline for the first SIM card shop at the airport. A friendly salesperson from Tune Talk convinced me to try their SIM card, even though it was slightly pricier. He assured me the quality was superior. And guess what? He was right! The connection was smooth and reliable throughout my trip. Highly recommend it!
With internet access secured, I used Grab to get around. It's incredibly affordable in Malaysia. A 20-minute ride from the airport to the city center cost me less than 70 Taiwanese dollars (about $2 USD)!
Money Exchange and Meat Bone Tea
My first stop was a money exchange with a fantastic rate – over 14 Taiwanese dollars for 1 Malaysian Ringgit. Just a short walk away was Yu Kee Bak Kut Teh, one of the two famous Bak Kut Teh spots in Kota Kinabalu. (Personally, I prefer Sin Kee, but Yu Kee was still pretty good.)
| Feature | My Experience |
|---|---|
| Meat | A bit dry in some parts, but flavorful |
| Broth | Rich and savory |
| Overall Taste | Enjoyable, slightly salty |
Kaya Toast Heaven and Chicken Rice...Not So Much
Next, I dragged my luggage five minutes down the road to Fook Yuen, a bustling tea room with a vast menu. While they offer everything from laksa to Hainanese chicken rice, their real claim to fame is Kaya toast. I tried both the toasted and untoasted versions. The toasted Kaya toast with a Milo was a delightful surprise. The crispy bread paired with the cool, creamy Kaya was a match made in heaven. The untoasted version was equally satisfying, with the soft, thick bread offering a different but equally enjoyable texture.
The Hainanese chicken rice, however, was a bit of a letdown. It tasted more like regular chicken rice – not as tender as I’d hoped.
Checking into Hyatt Centric
After filling my belly, I walked five minutes to my hotel, the Hyatt Centric. This five-star hotel, opened just last year, is a stylish and modern oasis in Kota Kinabalu. The rooms are compact but well-designed, and I especially appreciated the separate toilet and shower. Scoring a room for around $100 USD during peak season felt like a steal, especially considering the delicious and plentiful breakfast spread. And the infinity pool? Absolutely breathtaking!
The Majestic Kota Kinabalu City Mosque
After settling in, I rushed to the Kota Kinabalu City Mosque. Remember to check the opening hours! There's a small fee to enter the grounds, and an additional fee to rent clothing for entry into the mosque itself. I chose a blue outfit, and it looked fantastic against the mosque's stunning white architecture. The whole experience felt incredibly peaceful and serene.
Shopping Spree and Fish Maw Delights
Back near the hotel, I explored a local mall with a surprising number of international brands. I grabbed a refreshing drink for about $3 USD and then headed to Fat Kee Fish Maw for a late afternoon snack. Their signature fish maw comes in three broths: tomato, ginger vegetable, and Thai tom yum. I opted for the tomato broth, and it was delicious! The flavors blended perfectly, making for a comforting and satisfying snack. However, the seafood had a strong fishy smell, which might not be for everyone.
The Quest for Flip-Flops and Other Shopping Adventures
I'd heard so much about Fipper flip-flops, I purposely didn't pack any. Sadly, I couldn't find a single pair that fit! But don't worry, I discovered Vincci, a Malaysian brand with even better sandals and slippers. I also browsed Cotton On, an Australian fast-fashion brand similar to Zara and H&M, and RIP Curl, a more affordable surf brand than Quicksilver or Roxy.
Filipino Market: A Foodie Paradise
The Filipino Market was a sensory overload! From mountains of fresh fruit to dried seafood and everything in between, it was a feast for the eyes and the nose. The seafood market, while slightly chaotic, offered an incredible selection of fresh catches at bargain prices. I negotiated a great price for some crabs and had them cooked in a delicious garlic, onion, and chili steam. The sweetness of the crab meat was amazing! The squid, unfortunately, was a bit bland.
Durian Extravaganza
No trip to Southeast Asia is complete without durian, right? I stumbled upon a durian stall and indulged in two varieties. The Durian King was incredibly sweet, rich, and creamy, while the other variety was less sweet and resembled the Golden Pillow durian. Both were delicious and worth every penny!
