Friday, January 21, 2022

Kota Kinabalu, North Borneo: Unmasking Food and Business

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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