[Event & Activities] Rediscovering Tawau - Part 1

If you've been following my social media (especially Instagram and Twitter), I have been in Tawau for the past 3 days last weekend, experiencing it like a tourist.  Hashtag: beingtouristy.

Hello TAWAU!

I was in Tawau for 4 years during my teen years and studied there.  I don't go back as often as I want but I would definitely wanna go back again to rediscover the food and hiking spots (think I've been to some when I was younger, my dad like to take us around and see places also enjoy plenty of eating, hence why I was a chubbykins when I was younger, thank you dad), maybe can also include diving in the process since I got my license.  

[Events] Milo Breakfast Day Run 2018

I don't usually register for a race/run till the very last minute but this is one of many last minute run that I've registered (okay, that includes TMBT coz I registered before closing date).  

For this one though, I'd registered 3 weeks before (just coz I saw the "bunting" along the road near my house and couldn't resist).  A way to kick start my running haha okay not really but you get what I mean.  Thankfully, they still have shirts my size (size cumil). 

Registration fee was RM30 (and it's cheaper if you registered in a group), you'll get an event tee, a running bib, the medal (given you finish the run/walk) and goodie bags after the run.  It's not a competition guys! (bilang si Cassie).

Apparently, Milo Run is not something new.  It is an annual event and has been around since 2013.  First time for me though, I wonder why I did not register any before.  Glad I did this year.  According to the website, the mission of driving the importance of breakfast as an essential source of energy to take on the day.  I also found out that RM5 of the registration fee goes to charity (correct me if am wrong).

[Activities] PADI Open Water Dive Course

You can't imagine the number of times I rewrite this post (now, while listening to Jacob Lee on Spotify).

Here we go again trying to restart how I wanna write about my Open Water Dive course experience (typing without looking what am typing and let all the juices flow).

I know a lot of people who wanted to explore the underwater world but doesn't know how and where to start.  Thankfully, I have friends who thought about me when they have something interesting to do.  

My first underwater experience was with Borneo Divers, I took the Discovering Scuba, which takes about a day with 2 dives, did it at Mamutik, that was brief, but was definitely a fun experience, though, I wished I had gone more than 10m at that time (didn't know how to equalize and what's up with my buoyancy?), and this was 3 years ago.

Moving forward to 2018, I finally decided to take the Open Water Dive course with my two (2) other friends.  Again, am blessed with people who helped me arrange.  I guess I wasn't thinking straight, I had 10 days to prepare (right after my Maliau Basin trip, I hope I couldn't finish that post soonish, "sabar kamurang").  I mean, what is there to prepare right?  Just do it! YOLO!

[Activities] KK (Kota Kinabalu) Free Walking Tour

Sabah Tourism Board (STB) recently introduced the KK Free Walking Tour.  It is open for everyone (tourist, locals) who wish to learn more about the history (dated back to pre-post and post-war), heritage and culture of KK City.  The tour is currently available on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday and starts at 9am, Sabah Tourism Board.  

Registration can be made via freewalk.sabahtourism.com or walk in and register at the counter at the STB building (please take note that each session is limit to 15 pax only, it is advisable to register early).  Oh yes, did I mention that it is FREE?

Hypergear Malaysia Promo

I apologize for the lack of update.  I know some of you guys might be waiting for my recent Maliau Basin trip, but fret not, I will do that once am done with getting my open water license.

My Hypergear drybag been to places: Mulu, Mt. Kinabalu, Kundasang, the islands etc

For now, here's what am gonna blog about.

Drybags.

Discover Unique Iftar Experience with Sutera Harbour Resort's Selera Kampung

Throughout this holy month of Ramadan, Sutera Harbour Resort beckons everyone to discover a unique iftar experience in the biggest bazaar in Kota Kinabalu with their famous Selera Kampung.

"Dapur Berapi" (Kitchen on Fire) by Celebrity Chef Ismail at Promenade Cafe, Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu

Malaysia's very own Celebrity Chef, Dato' Haji Ismail Ahmad (or affectionately known as Chef Ismail) was specially flown by Promenade Hotel Kota Kinabalu to showcase his mouthwatering Signature Malay cuisines at Promenade Cafe this whole month of Ramadan.  Inspired by traditional and authentic Malay delicacies, Chef Ismail is well known for his meticulous preparation with emphasis on traditional recipes and the preservation of culinary heritage for the younger generation to appreciate.  

[Food] Ramadan Bazaar Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu

 

 

Celebrate the spirit of togetherness at Ramadan Bazaar Le Meridien Kota Kinabalu, the city's most popular Sungkai Buffet, continues to engage diners with Ramadan favorites and new exciting dishes at the hotel's all day dining venue, Latest Recipe.

[Events] Sabah Fest 2018 Musical Theatre: Solungkoi: Jambatan Tamparuli

Sabah Fest returns bigger and better!

Sabah Fest 2018 is a celebration of Sabah's rich and diverse cultures through musical theatre and exhibition under one roof.  It happens annually in the month of May and will kick start the Ka'amatan (Harvest Festival) month with stage performance of Solungkoi on all three nights.  This event is brought to the public by Sabah Tourism Board and is organised by its wholly-owned subsidiary, Sri Pelancongan Sabah Sdn Bhd.

This year features a musical theatre of a famous landmark in Sabah, the Tamparuli bridge and the stories behind the construction of the bridge.  An epic love story 💜 .

[Events] BIG PRIZES awaits winners of MAGGI®'s latest "Jom Masak & Menang Besar" Contest

MAGGI® has always been one of the well known household names around the world, who doesn't own any MAGGI® product at their home?  I know I have.  The must have at home would always be the sos cili, sos tomato, sos thai, MAGGI® assam laksa in packs, MAGGI® cukup rasa, just to name a few.  

This year, MAGGI® returns with MAGGI® Jom Masak & Menang BESAR contest which will commence from 1st May 2018 to 30th June 2018.  That's 2 months for a chance to win exciting prizes which I will get into soon.  To top that off, this contest is only available for SABAHAN.  Higher winning chance for people in Sabah! Yay.

[Events] Suria Sabah Fragrance Fair 2018

Just in case you forgot about mother's day this year, it will fall on the 13th May 2018 and here's an option for gift ideas.

Suria Sabah is having their 2nd Fragrance Fair at the ground floor in front of Metrojaya main entrance starting from 27th April till 1st May 2018 (that's 4 days!).  Tomorrow is the last day! Don't missed out!

Fresh flowers wrapped by Love Arrives 

[Review] Never Take It Off Bracelets

The time I discovered Black Veil Brides's song Knives and Pens years back, I fell in love.  I've been following the lead singer, Andy Biersack updates since then.

Look at this band then, and now.

[Food] Up2U Cafe, Damai 10th Anniversary on 31st March 2018

Up2U Cafe in Damai Plaza is turning 10 this 31st March 2018!!! 👏👏👏

In conjunction with the 10th anniversary, the cafe is having a RM10 promo on selected classic meals.  Yeap you heard me!  RM10 ONLY.  This was probably the second time I've been here.  The cafe serve simple hearty western food and snacks.  You also can chill and shisha here too.  Serves no pork and serves alcoholic beverages.

[Food] Radha's at the square

 

Radha's banana leaf is now available at KK Times Square.  The former Mr Ho's Fine Food, currently Jesselton Butcher is a fusion restaurant and bar that serves indian and western cuisine.  This restaurant serves no pork and serves alcoholic beverages.  

A good option for people who wanted to carboload is the vegetarian thali set, serves on a thali layered with banana leaf are rice, assorted vegetables, spices, curry and dhal, pickles, dried chili, rasam, payasam, kesari and papadam (mind you, I love papadam, I sometimes buy it from the shops and just eat that like my daily snacks).  Perfect for lunch, full of flavors and taste delicious too.  Just enough portion wise. 

Celcom Harith Iskander #KitaOK Live Comedy Tour 2018 in Kota Kinabalu

This might be a little short notice on my part but, Laugh Factory's 2016 funniest man in the world, Harith Iskander is in town! Woot woot? 

Have you got your tickets yet?

Prouldy presented by Celcom, the live comedy tour kicks off at Kuala Lumpur: Axiata Arena, Bukit Jalil on February 24th and has been to Johor, Melaka, Penang and Kuching.  The Godfather of standups comedy in Malaysia will finally be in Kota Kinabalu: Port View Palace Hall at Hakka Hall tomorrow at 8:30PM!

TAMAHA Food Race 2018

A very good morning evening!  Lemme just get myself caffeinated before I proceed with this post (probably gonna be long) of how my last weekend went.  It's pretty obvious from my current banner updates last Saturday (so orangie now).  Sorry 'bout the massive update, being the designated INTAMAHA (I'm impressed with my updates coz it looked pretteh on my feed) for the mentioned race requires me to check in at every location.

This building will be 100 years old on 16th March 2018

My very first food race with 3 of my friends (2 which I come to know from Sabah Tourism - SabahChats gathering since last year).

Ahang, Evan, me and Gotoh

Sabah Tourism Building turning 100!!!

Sabah Tourism building is turning 100 on 16th March 2018.

Did you know?

"Sabah Tourism building is one of the three oldest building in the city other than the Atkinson Clock Tower and the structure of the former Land & Survey Building, with the building formerly housing a post office."  - Wikipedia

[Cafe] Hello Stranger Cafe, The Walk Riverson

If you're looking for a place to chill, have a cup of coffee, maybe catch up with your friends or have some alone time to read a book, here's a place you might want to consider.  Hello Stranger Cafe, located at Ground level at The Walk Riverson, in the heart of Kota Kinabalu city.  Now, I've been asked on many occasions where The Walk Riverson is located, and I spare myself the explanation by saying it is near Imago (people just do not know where KK Times Square or Glenegles is located 😅). 

Outdoor seating but it can get a weebit hot at times.

[Activities] Mulu Pinnacles (4D3N) Trip 2017 - Part 2

In case you missed the first part of this post, here.

Back to where I left off.  Sorry this took awhile, been having problems with the connection.

Mulu Pinnacles 💜

Day 3: Mulu Pinnacles

Our group

[Activities] Mulu Pinnacles (4D3N) Trip 2017 - Part 1

I've lost count to the number of times I've re-written this post, I can't seem to complete it.  It has been a struggle but I'm gonna make sure I complete this 😂.  To those waiting for this post, I sincerely apologize for the delay.  Post 1 is getting longer hahaha help!

Mulu airport

Where to begin?

If you're planning to do the Pinnacles, it is highly recommended to book in advance since there's limited slots available at Camp 5.  Allocate 3 days 2 nights for this tour.  Minimum 3 person per tour.  But if you're going solo, don't worry, they will group you up with other solo travelers :) I'll include a summarize costing for this trip at the end of Part 2 of this post.
 
The return ticket from Kota Kinabalu to Mulu costs RM295.32 via MasWing and I had booked it early, my trip was 5 days after TMBT.  I don't know what I was thinking when I agreed for that trip but I was excited for it.  I was confident about my recovery haha.  Optimist!

Flight to Mulu

There are 2 available flights to Mulu from Miri in a day and 1 from Kuching.  Flights will transit at Miri for immigration clearance (for at least 20 minutes).

My flight was originally scheduled for a 55 minutes flight but somehow it was cancelled (without notice).  Thankfully, friend had informed me earlier (around August, mind you) I had sort it out with Malaysian Airlines.  So, that's about an extra 30 minutes to Mulu.