Day 1
Arrived at Kota Kinabalu Sabah on what seems like a 5-hour flight after a delayed take-off at Changi T1 due to weather and taxiing.
It would be my second trip to the land beneath the wind this year, for ACLC 2022 this time. KK did not feel familiar with sunny side down and storm clouds.
Our coaches sped to Pak Andi's seafood for our welcome lunch (at 3pm). We then checked in Le Meriden, a waterfront hotel overlooking the Filipino market.
Come evening, we again boarded our coaches and headed to nearby Awan, a chic rooftop bar a few units from Luma, a boutique hotel Bubu chose during our earlier trip.
The ambience, food and vibe at Awan were fantastic. So was the company. The buffet led to free flow of lame jokes, laughter and networking.
Dr Peh and I sneaked out with stomachs half-full. The foodie in him cajoled me for sashimi and superior Japanese wagyu (not Australian wagyu!) in a joint named Hinode, a few shop lots from Awan.
This guy loves everything Japan; we sipped tea and exchanged our views of Japanese culture, travel, food and explorations. I learned a lot from him.
The wagyu magically melted in my mouth. A plate here costs just under $50, which Dr Peh thought affordable. I wouldn't dare ask how much the same plate would cost back in Singapore.
Doc also enjoyed fresh sashimi. He has very high standards and said the food, prepared by Japanese chefs, is of superior quality. I would highly recommend Hinode to anyone visiting KK, especially those staying at Luma. 👍🏻👌
Day 2
ACLC officially kicked off on Sunday, Nov 6. It was SNCF's first overseas conference since C19 and one highly anticipated by co-operators.
Over 100 Co-operators from Singapore were thrilled to see one another, patting backs, shaking hands and heads and exchanging name cards with wide-eye newbies like myself.
I also had the opportunity to know fellow Seacare participants better as we interacted beyond work and daily pleasantries.
This year, ACLC focused on cybersecurity and crisis management, two key concerns of organisations across industries, accelerated by the pandemic.
It was an enriching session packed with tips, industry knowledge, Q&A and discussions.
Thankfully, our schedule allowed us to sneak out to explore local food and smell local air.
We stormed into a shop and banged table for their famous "Bamboo" nasi lemak.
Alamak tak sedap la. Chicken tak crispy. Rice tak aroma. Teh Limau tak shiok (tip of the day: pls don't hold too high an expectation of Malay restaurants 讲真话. To them their standard is very high sudah). But the ladies looked thrilled and fed their poor hungry cameras first.
We sweated excitedly to Gaya Street's famous Sunday market under a cloudless 1pm, but realised stallholders were already packing up and loading cars.
Nevertheless, there's always something new to discover in every visit. I did not see ducks previously. Or was it a baby eagle?
An interesting sight of stall holders stuffing goods, animals (and kids) into trucks. Their little ones don't seem to mind as long as they have a phone in hand.
Under a giggling Sabahan sun, the Seacare tribe hastened their steps, back to aircon world, hands full of tenom coffee, Sabah tea, dried seafood and local produce.
We reminded ourselves to try Sabahan KFC when there's chance.
On our way back to hotel, in Sinsuran, I saw a small gathering. Must be World Cup England vs Kota Kinabalu, I thought.
Can you spot Efren Reyes? Look carefully.
Thirst-quenching coconut juice? I asked Dr Peh, who happened to turn around.
He nodded smiling and signalled Jasmine and Shimin along. It was worth every RM5 spent. So refreshing! Check out their smiles.
That evening, delegates had dinner at Le Meridens rooftop bar with sunset view. The location provided a spectacular view of the waterfront under a fiery orang-pink romance. A faint rainbow appeared above our heads.
I pulled Kat and Doc for a million dollar selfie.
Beautiful? I mean the sky.
Dusk creeped in. It was time for FOMO Sinkies to splurge their ringgits. Kat, Victor, Mike and I grabbed RM5 to Suria Sabah at the end of the waterfront walkway.
They bought my idea, wholesale, to try Sabah's Original KFC and buy Asam Boi, the unofficial 土产that Sabahans don't even know.
No more Asam Boi, SOS George wipe them off the shelves yesterday. But KFC was good, especially after a 30min wait. Instead of walking, we grab back to hotel after I lost to Kat a game of 剪刀石头布.
Day 3
The next morning, we slapped on palmful of sunscreen and sprayed each other silly with mosquito repellant as we alighted at Mari Mari Cultural Village, a remote forest 30mins from KK.
Mari Mari, meaning 'come come' showcases the culture and lifestyle of five ethnic tribes of Sabah communities: the Bajau, Lundayeh, Murut, Rungus and Dusun, which are built by descendants of the tribes which they represent.
We sampled drinks like honey, rice wines and pandan water and light bites prepared by ladies from different tribes. We also explored longhouse replicas and their interior.
After Mari Mari, we headed for lunch at Koperasi Desa Cinta Kobuni Berhad (Homestay Co-op).
The quaint village, under Malaysia's Homestay programme, offers a variety of activities, including handicraft making, traditional cooking, Mural painting, waterfall and jungle trekking. Click here for more info!
A short video intro of Homestya Desa Cinta Kobuni.
Day 4
Had 生肉面 for breakfast with Mr Jacky at this popular traditional shop (the first 生肉面 shop to set up in Sabah). I would be leaving for the airport later, and he back to Peninsula Malaysia the next day.
Jacky asked me to take a photo and show Bubu her favourite food. The noodle was deliciously QQ springy. The chili thumbs up spicy and the coffee tasted deep, rich and fragrant.
MUST TRY if you stay near Le Meridien. The shop is just behind.
Had an enjoyable 4 days in KK. Touched down at T3. Hope my next trip will be equally fun! Till then! 🐻
By the way, Efren Reyes wasn't there. The magician sipping coconut juice at Filipino Market.
Comments