Vacation in Sabah

“Hey, we have 5 more months for our trip.”

“Eh, what to bring ar?”

“Didn’t know that we are leaving tomorrow."

" What’s our plan?”

Another minute we blinked our eyes, we were in airport, bidding farewell to my friend’s parents and staring at my watch, waiting for flight AKA 5117. Tick tock tick tock – indicating it’s 815pm. Indeed, time flies like nobody’s business. My 3 days and 3 nights vacation in Sabah has finally come to an end. Looking back, I did had a wonderful moments in Sabah.

"Ham Xi Piang"

Great food, fabulous places, nice people and one word –AWESOME!!! If I were given a chance, I would want to lengthen my stay there as I am not ready to go leave this fabulous place. 3 days and 3nights is a bit short though. Well, shall make another trip to Sabah againJ.

Crocodile Skin - Morning Market

Talking about my vacation, I would have to thank my “Bestie” for the ultimate plan in bringing me around and also to taste the local delicacies in Sabah. Though I have not eaten all of them, at least, I managed to try a few. With great explanation from him, I understand slightly on the culture, the lifestyle of Sabah and etc. This has makes my heart to grow another liking and interest in exploring Sabah.

Welcome to Mozampiad Cultural Village

Few things that I realized and that marks the differences between the West Malaysia and East Malaysia. Firstly, the food in Sabah. Most of the restaurants’ and cafes’ are owned by the locals. It means that there is not many regional and international restaurants’ in Sabah even the fast food restaurants. In fact, Sabahans do not prefer McDonald but they prefer KFC and Pizza. Unlike us in Peninsular, McDonald is mostly the chosen one as the favorite place. Not only that, businesses in Sabah are all owned by the locals which shows that they do not have much interference from the external parties. With that, cafes like Yoyo Café, Restaurant Eddie, Frenz Café, and others are only available in Sabah and throughout my trip, I did not see any restaurants or café like Secret Recipe, Old Town and others. However, the best food of all is still the brand image that is build by each area. For example, Tuaran Mee is famous in Tuaran.

Famous Desa Milk and Tuaran Mee

Though Sabah is mainly populated by the natives especially the Kadazans, still the area that I hang out were mainly the Sino Kadazans who speak great Hakka dialect. I felt so ostracized because I barely understand Hakka dialect. Haha! J Thank God, I was able to communicate by Mandarin language which is a credit for me. At least, retaining my mother tongue helps. J

One of my favorites - Fish

Somehow, it was a bit strange when I first stepped into a place which do not belonged to me, especially in the dark hour. I was given a permit and I was only allowed to stay for 90 days. Somehow, it was like the Visitor’s Pass in order for me to move around in Sabah. When I received that, I recalled my trip, back in China. Many questions started to run across my mind. Sabah is included in the formation of Malaysia but why we, Malaysians are being treated so strangely when we stepped into our neighboring states? Hmm…

Kota Kinabalu

Stepping into Sabah, one thing that you must do is to know their cultures especially the natives’ and this does not stop me. Bestie was really in good mood that day to drive me all the way to Mosampiad Cultural Village. Entrance fees was RM 30 with the student identification card. And, one thing for sure, I did not regret visiting the village as I learnt a lot of the Kadazan’s culture such as the House of Skulls, Kadazan’s dance and games, the beliefs in spirits and lots more.

House of Skulls

Sabah is always known on Mount Kinabalu and of course, I did pay a visit there. Yeah, a visit but not climbing the highest mountain though, looking at the lack of exercise – it would be something hard and tough.

Wow Wow wow!!!

Went to the Kinabalu Park and ended up, bestie and I were trekking the jungle, realizing that it’s time for us to burn our calories. Though we were not in the proper attire, but who cares..We did have some fun in walking the trail, surrounded by the long, thin trees, accompanied by the dark sky and birds chirping as the welcoming speech to us was somehow a bit scary. It seemed like we were living in our own world as we could barely see any human figures during our jungle trekking. No tour guide with us too! After hours, we did managed to find our way out before the heavy clouds released their stress.

Japanese Cemetery

The very last places we visit before we headed to dinner and airport, was the Japanese Cemetery that is situated in Likas. We were running like mad cows to the respective places due to the time constraints. Slowly, we climbed the steps and we managed to have a look. FUUHH!!!! It’s a very simple cemetery and it had been ages. Since I am a Chinese illiterate, my bestie translated some words for me – stating that most of the burial ground were all unknown and this Japanese cemetery has existed before Malaysia gained its independence.

During the 3days and 3 nights, I was MAINLY exposed to the local delicacies rather than exploring the places. After all, food is always the main attraction in a certain places and due to that, I have actually gained some weights. I guess it would be the best time for me to keep my diet and have some exercise to burn my calories.

Till then, thanks for reading ^^

Signing off,

Shirley