Memorable Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) - Part 2 (Food)

There is never lack of food choices in Kota Kinabalu. There are a good variety of food available in Kota Kinabalu such as European, Western, Italian, Malay and Chinese food etc. Be it where ever you are from, I am sure you will be able to find something for yourself.

As I am not too sure what is nice, I approach the hotel staff for recommendation. They are really helpful. They will assist you with the direction as well.





Some of the my recommendations are:

1. Chilli Vanilla (European)
Address: 35, Jalan Haji Saman, Kota Kinabalu 88000, Malaysia

It is a small and cosy little cafe. The price of the food is relatively cheap. The pasta is what I like most. It is creamy and yummy.

2. Little Italy (Itaian)
Address: Jalan Haji Saman, 88813 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Average price is able SGD $11-$20. I would recommend their pizza.

3. Various Seafood Restaurants (Chinese)

To me seafood is a must eat in Kota Kinabalu. There are lots of seafood restaurants available along the coastal. Majority of them sell fresh seafood. You can choose from their tank and when ordering. Seafood lover like me simply cannot resist it. Pricing of the seafood is reasonable I would say. In comparative to Singapore, it is definitely much cheaper.

• Welcome Seafood Restaurants (GF, G-15 - G-18 , Asia City , Jalan Coastal , Kota Kinabalu , 88000 Kota Kinabalu , Sabah, 88000, Malaysia)
• Suang Tain Seafood Restaurant (No. 9-12, Sedco Square, Kampung Air, 88300, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia)
• Port View Seafood Village (Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Anjung Samudera, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia)
• He Jia Fo Seafood Restaurant (Ground & 1st Floor, Lot 2 & 3, Jalan Tuaran, Sunny Garden, 88800 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia)

Memorable Kota Kinabalu (Sabah) Trip - Part One (Hotel)

Kota Kinabalu is the state capital of Sabah. It is a well-known and a popular holiday destination as well. Kota Kinabalu is well-known for its foods, sea sports and trekking. Never lack of activities to do in Kota Kinabalu.

I went to Kota Kinabalu a few years back and it was a memorable one till date. It was a short flight from Singapore, approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes flight. Before heading to Kota Kinabalu, I have the impression that Kota Kinabalu international airport should be small as it is not a very big city. However, taken by surprise, it was big and clean. There are quite a number of eateries as well. You can easily grab a cab from the airport to the hotel as well. There is no need for airport transfer I would say.

I have chosen Le Meridian Kota Kinabalu for my 2 nights of stays. For a five stars hotel with excellent rating, it only cost about SGD $170 per night. Personally, I would think it is value for money. The breakfast buffet has a good spread. They serve international breakfast such as egg, bread, ham, salad bar and of course hot food such as fried noodle, rice, veg etc.

Le Meridian is located at  Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, Sinsuran, Central Business District, Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia 88000. The hotel faces the sea and opposite the hotel is a big fish market which is very active in the evening till late in the night. It is within walking distance to commercial district. There are Oceanus Waterfall malls (a shopping mall for shopping and food), night markets and lots of spa or massage nearby. The hotel staffs are friendly and helpful as well. It has been a good experience.

Walking down from the fish market, there are a stretch of restaurants. There are a good variety of food for you to choose. The restaurants all are sea facing. A perfect evening dinning place with your loves one. And you will be able to have a sunset view as well.

Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu



Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu Just 4.9 mi (7.8 km) from the airport, Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu puts you within a 10-minute drive of Sabah State Mosque and Likas Stadium. Guests can indulge in spa services, and Latest Recipe, one of 4 restaurants, serves international cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 2 bars/lounges and an outdoor pool are other highlights at this luxurious hotel, and rooms offer 24-hour room service and flat-screen TVs.

The other two hotels or resorts which I would personally recommend are Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa and The Pacific Sutera. Both are five stars beachfront resorts. It has excellent sea view.

The Pacific Sutera

The Pacific Sutera Hotel The Pacific Sutera Hotel offers a private beach where you can enjoy the shade from a beach umbrella, plus you'll be within a 10-minute drive of Sabah State Mosque. 3 outdoor pools provide a splash of fun, while guests in the mood for pampering can visit the spa to indulge in massages, facials, and aromatherapy. Silk Garden, one of 2 restaurants, serves Chinese cuisine and is open for lunch and dinner. A golf course and a marina are other highlights, and rooms at this luxurious hotel offer up nice touches like bathrobes and slippers.

Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa

Shangri La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa Location. Situated on a Kota Kinabalu beach, this 5-star Malaysia luxury resort is a 10-minute drive from Sabah State Museum and a 15-minute drive from Sabah State Mosque. Poring Hot Springs is 30 minutes away. Resort Features. Looking out over the South China Sea, Shangri-La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa features views of the islands off Borneo's northern coast. The resort offers 4 restaurants, a private sandy beach with direct access, and 2 swimming pools situated in 25 acres of gardens. CHI The Spa provides Asian-influenced treatments in 8 spa villas on Pulau Bayu, the resort's private island. An open yoga pavilion features a deck extending out over the water. A health club and fitness facilities 9-hole mini golf course and 4 tennis courts are on site. The staff can arrange activities such as deep-sea fishing, banana boat rides, and scuba diving. Airport transfers are also available (surcharge). A Kids Club, playground and wading pool are also available, as well as 11 meeting rooms and wired Internet access (surcharge). A buffet breakfast is available (surcharge). Guestrooms. Shangri La's Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa offers 492 guestrooms, all renovated in 2007. With a nod to Borneo's heritage, rooms include rich textures and fabrics cherry, teak, ebony, and coconut woods and mother-of-pearl and tobacco artwork. Rooms feature balconies, mountain or sea views, LCD televisions, and complimentary high-speed Internet access. Bathrooms offer separate showers and soaking tubs. Suites offer separate sitting rooms and wraparound balconies.

Travel Taiwan at your Finger Tip

With the advance technology, nowadays we no longer need to rely on the  paper map for direction when we travel. We can easily download map into our phone and uses GPRS to get the direction. You no longer need to worry where is the north south east west.

Not only that, there are a wide variety of offline app which you can download prior to the trip. Offline app downloads all the detail and you do not need data to access. It is convenience and travel at ease.

Below are the suggested apps for travelling to Taiwan:

1. Taiwan Street Offline Map
Download the map and you are able to travel at ease.

2. Travel Guide
Offline line travel guide allows you to plan your trip beforehand. Find out where are the good food, night market or shopping area.



3. Taiwan Metro Guide



4. Taiwan Food Guide

Night Markets in Taipei at a Glance

When we talk about night market (夜市), we will immediately think of Taiwan. Taiwan night markets (夜市) are famous and will definitely not disappoint anyone. The night markets are usually transform from a normal city street to a bustling market in the evening. It opens in the evening till late in the night, usually mid-night. The night markets has a wide variety of stuff such as food, clothing, fun fair, accessories etc.



Taipei Night Markets at one glace:

1. ShiLin Night Market (士林夜市)
Address: No. 101, Jihe Road, Shilin District, Taipei City
Opening hours: 5pm to 1am daily

ShiLin is one of the most famous night market in Taipei. The Hao Da Ji Pa (豪大大鸡排) is there as well.

2. Shida Night Market (師大路夜市)

Lane 44, Taishun St, Taipei City, Taiwan 106

Shida is another famous night market which most tourist will go. And it has our favorite Deng Long Lu Wei ( 师大灯笼卤味)

3. Raohe Street Night Market (饒河街觀光夜市)

Address: Raohe Street and Sec. 4, Bade Road and Fuyuan Street, Taipei City

Opening hours: 5pm to 12am daily

4. Tonghua Night Market (通化夜市)

Address: Linjiang Street, Da-an District, Taipei 106

Opening hours: 6pm to 2am daily

5. Gongguan Night Market (公館夜市)

Address: Section 3, Luosifu Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City

Opening hours: 6pm to 12am daily

6. Huaxi Street Night Market (華西街夜市)

Address: Intersection of Guangzhou Street and Huaxi Street, Wanhua District, Taipei City

Opening hours: 4pm to 12am daily

6 Must Eat Local Delight in Taipei

The main reason why Mr Teddy and I are in love with Taiwan is because of the food. It is tasty and inexpensive.

Below are our top 6 local delights which we will eat whenever we visit Taipei.

1. Ah Zong Mian Xian (阿宗麵線)
No. 8~1 Emei St., Taipei (East XMD Pedestrian Area) 台北市峨嵋街8號之1 (Xi Men Ding)

• It is situated at Taipei XiMenDing. If you are unable to locate it, you may ask anyone around. As it is very famous, anyone would know it.
• NT 60 for a large bowl and NT 45 for a small bowl (approximately SGD $2.50 and $1.80 respectively)
• As it is famous, there is always a long queue. However, the queue moved fast.
• There is no table like usual shop. However, there are some stools outside the stall. 
• Unlike the mee sua in Singapore, other than oyster, it consists of the pig intestine as well. For those who like intestine like us, you will love it.

2. Ya Ruo Bian (鸭肉扁)

No.98-2 Yi Section,Zhonghua Road, Taipei, Taiwan

• One bowl of rice noodle cost about NT 50 (approximately SGD $2) and a small plate of meat cost about NT 150 (approximately SGD $6)
• The meat is tender and tasty. It is different compare to the roasted duck we tasted in Singapore or Hong Kong. It is worth a try.
• There are ample seating area in the shop. And they serve fast.

3. Yong He Duo Jiang (永和豆漿)

There are quite a number of outlets in Taipei. You may search for the one nearest to you hotel.

• The price per item range from NT 10 to NT 70 (approximately SGD $0.40 to $3)
• We would said that it is best for breakfast. The soy bean is smooth and thick.The you tiao is crispy as well. We simply able to eat it everyday.

4. Fu Hang Duo Jiang (阜杭豆漿)
100, Taiwan, Taipei City, Zhongzheng District, Section 1, Zhongxiao E Rd, 108號2F

• The price range from NT 25 - NT 30 (approximately SGD $1 to $2.50)
• There is always a long queue. The queue can be all the way to the first level. However, not to worry, the queue moved quite fast.
• The soy bean is smooth and thick as well. 

5. Deng Long Lu Wei (师大灯笼卤味)

At Shida Night Market (師大路夜市)

• This is my favorite. We will definitely have it whenever we are there.
• The price varies from what item you choose. Generally range from NT 100 to NT 200 (approximately SGD $4 to $8)
• There are a lot of items for you to choose. There is pig intestine, liver, noodle, duo gua etc. If you are a person who like intestine, this is a must try. The appearance may not look fantastic but the taste is awesome. 

6. Hao Da Ji Pai (豪大大鸡排)

Situated at Shilin Night Market

• The price per piece is NT 50 (approximately SGD $2)
• The meat is tender and the cutlet is big. Personally I am unable to finish it.Will need to share with Mr Teddy

In Love With Taiwan - Third Stop (Taichong)

Our third stop, we head to Taichung.

We check in to a boutique hotel called In One City Inn. The hotel is situated at an excellent location. It is within walking distance to the well known night market called Fengjia night market in Xitun district.

The price of the hotel is only less than SGD $100 per night. Although is it not a 5 star hotel, the room has all the essential which you need. The room is clean and size of the room is decent. And most importantly, it is near to the night market. 

There is nothing fanciful about the breakfast provided by the hotel. But it is definitely decent and filling. In any case, there are lots of food nearby the hotel. 

In One City Inn

In One City Inn At In One City Inn, you'll be 2.7 mi (4.4 km) from National Museum of Natural Science and 3.9 mi (6.3 km) from Paochueh Temple. Guests can visit the fitness center for a workout, and free perks include WiFi, self parking, and buffet breakfast daily between 6:30 AM and 10 AM. Rooms offer flat-screen TVs and refrigerators.

We would say that it is a must to go to FengJia night market if you visit Taichung. The night market is big. There are lots of food and shopping. As the night gets later, it get even more crowded.