Tuesday, January 11, 2011

First Visit to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah


It has been more than a year since the blog was updated.....shy :) but Y2011 begins with an interesting discovery-visit to the Land Below the Wind, Sabah. This destination was decided as Mr & Mrs Umai have not been to the Borneo Island before, and after some attractive scenic views featured in the Hong Kong TVB Drama "Born Rich".


We decided to spend 2N at Nexus Resort Karambunai, Menggatal somewhere 30km northeast of the KK International Airport.


Scenic garden-ocean view from Nexus Main Lobby


Sandy-white beach in the late evening

Dusk at the beach front


Garden Borneo View


Our accomodation, the Borneo Garden View category, cheapest in the price range of RM480++, but with full amenities and complimentary international breakfast buffet for 2.

Sunny afternoon on the 2nd day

As the first night was Christmas Eve, we had a Chinese buffet dinner themed "Yum Lei Sek" at RM110++ per person exclusive of drinks. Below are some of the dishes we ordered....

From bottom counter clockwise
Fragrant salted sea crab, chili sea crab, butter prawns, brocolli and sweet sour red grouper.



Overall, the food served by Noble House Chinese Restaurant (Cantonese cuisine) was very fresh, tasty and above average rating (4/5). Our stay in Nexus was cozy, relaxing and some may even say it is heaven......

On Boxing Day, we transfered to the KK City hotel, Promenade Hotel to experience the city living atmosphere. Rates were slightly lower at RM330 nett per night for a Superior room. Advantages are the hotel is strategically located in the city and lots of eateries within walking distance. Many shopping malls are nearby and the Filipino Night Market is about 8 minutes walk from the hotel.

We took the opportunity to try the Bak Kut teh (BKT) at the famous Yu Kee BKT, along Jalan Gaya. Very delicious and the meat was succulent and tender...yet quite cheap RM15 for 1 bowl of spare ribs, 1 bowl of medium lean meat, 1 portion of yew tiao and tea.

Yu Kee's succulent and tasty BKT


The following day, we joined the "Hassle Free" day trip to Manukan Island at RM55 per person including hotel-jetty and jetty-hotel transfers.

Manukan Island jetty


Manukan Island seaview


At the Filipino night market, we had local BBQ seafood for dinner. The below 4 XL prawns cost RM24 and eaten with plain rice and some condiments like cili padi, thick soy sauce, lime and sambal.

Big prawns - RM24


Red snapper fish - RM17


Lobster - RM40

On the last night in KK, we went to SEDCO Complex to try Chinese seafood at Sri Mutiara Restaurant. We chose our preferred fresh live seafood from the aquarium and the manager weighed them and had them cooked at chef recommended styles.
Sri Mutiara Seafood Restaurant in SEDCO Complex
Lobster cooked in butter curry style - RM88


Giant Meat Crab in Kung Pao style (1.2kg) - RM40


Sabah vege - RM15


Local cheese baked oysters - RM14


Scallops (300g) - RM18


Coconut pudding - RM12

All in all, we added 2 glasses of umbra juice, tea and rice and total bill was RM198. Very reasonable indeed!