No doubt, I think I do make the most of everything sometimes. Possibly even a bit spoiled, but meh, that's life. You only live once. So many times I hear, "yah, next time". Well, what if there isn't a next time? Chances come and go. Tides ever-changing. This is not to say that a better chance may not come, but just that THIS chance may not happen again in the future. So, the best way? To live every moment to the fullest.
With that said, we spent the weekend in Kota Kinabalu, East Malaysia. Although the weather wasn't fantabulous during our whole stay, for the most part, it played it's part right.
Upon arrival at Best Western Kinabalu Daya Hotel, you could say I was slightly disappointed by the presentation of the hotel as it did carry a world-brand name of Best Western. It was quite an old hotel with a rather small lobby/reception area. The breakfast area doubled as a karaoke/lounge at night, with an always-occupied pool table that we never got a chance to play on. The elevator tried to eat me several times, but I survived. Somehow, I had a feeling there was a reason why this hotel room was slightly cheaper on agoda.com. Literally opening the door, it brushes pass a corner of our bed. A step to the right side, you'll find a table, and a step to the left, a cupboard beside the TV that eventually led to the washroom door. What surprised me? The shower was missing a piece of the sliding door. I mean, yah it's overall a clean room, even though slightly small, but missing a shower door? Hm. I also tripped on a tile that was sticking up a bit from the rest, but survived that too. Oh! And the addition of curtains to create the illusion that a window exists? Hm, I guess it did make me feel a bit better, for the mind does play great tricks indeed.
(my snacks for the night! Haven't had a Crunch since highschool, possibly)
Despite all that, the hotel was in a great location surrounded by convenient stores, banks and restaurants all within walking distance. Counting the amount of times I had to pay a visit to the Maybank ATM machine, I was glad it was close. Lol, the BF should be happy that 7-11 was within a minute from the hotel too for his 5:30am necessary purchase. Don't ask me what it was. Let's just say, with that in mind, you can tell how cosy everything was.
After unpacking our belongings, we were starving but not knowing what was still open at that hour, we asked the hotel front desk for her advice. She gave us directions to a very honger-styled open area restaurant filled with people of all ages, even at that time of the night. Fook Yuen was it's name. Surprisingly good even though it staged a self-serve set up. From noodles to hot dimsum to drinks, I was a happy girl after that meal.
(First Bak Kut Teh for the BF- I must say, YUMS!)
Another one worth trying was Fatt Kee at the end of the same block as our hotel. We didn't believe that there was a need for line up as we got to choose our own seats, but that was obviously proven incorrect as the crowd poured in just around 6pm. With the sound of woks "kling-klang"ing, you could tell, whatever you decide will be a good choice. I ordered a Fujian Kueytiao and even though the colour and slightly sticky paste was less than alluring, the taste was great. Bun also enjoyed his Chinese Chicken. Lemony and tender. Overall, 2/2 for restaurant thumbs up. I do warn that this restaurant was definitely difficult to find as most of it's signs read "Ang's Hotel" with this tiny board on the very left written "Fatt Kee". Anyway, if you find Ang's Hotel, you'll be able to find it.
Another one worth mentioning was Kohinoor that nestled among the row of restaurants on the waterfront esplanade. Having braved a storm to get there, the tandoori chicken with tandorri naan and chicken tikka masala with butter naan was just to die for. With the oven right by the entrance, the aroma was dancing deliciously in the air while we waited hungerly for our food to arrive. Packed with flavour in each bite, the spices were like fireworks in my mouth. The slightly chewy and crunchy naan fresh off the oven still steamed as I ripped them into small pieces for dipping. An experience for both your nose and taste buds! 100% recommended by me :)
(Perfect meal to make up for the horrendous walk to get there!)
For touristy activities, we visited the Lok Kawi Wildlife park in sauna-like weather with a slightly gloomy accent. It's true that I've never been a zoo kind of person, but being there can always change my mind. From the tiniest Sun Bears to the laziest Malayan tigers to the toy-sized Borneo Pygmy Elephants to the clever Orang Utan tricks, I was enjoying simple pleasures just observing their natural selves. Although we missed the Orang Utan feeding session as their habitat is under construction, we managed to catch most of the feeding sessions of other animals and the Show at the amphitheatre. It's always good to bring food and water and an umbrella for those just in case moments!
We also signed up for an early 8:45am departure day trip to Manukan and Sapi Islands. Blessed by awesome weather, we fancied for some parasailing and snorkling, both a first for the each of us. As he was afraid of heights and I of deeper waters, I think we both did well attempting to face and appreciate our own fears together. But then again, that's what life's about, no? To test boundaries and push for new experiences, and who better to do all that with than a beloved one? It felt as if we had left Malaysia to some faraway land with real blue waters and green mountains. A truly refreshing scene, and a great place to run away to for the weekend.
(Ready for take-off?)
(All smiles for the beautiful weather)
(A rather warm foreshadowing of a French/Chinese Couple walking the nightmarket hand in hand)
In all, a wonderful break from work and to be followed closely by another trip to Jakarta for the Indonesia Open 2012 this weekend! More adventures await :)