A Weekend in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia Nov 2008

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The weather was tropical hot. Nothing new to someone from the Philippines. Malaysians from Sabah like most Asian countries are primarily composed of three groups, namely; Malay, Indians and Chinese. Food and culture likewise share among these three groups plus colonial influences that includes Western and European culture

Stayed a couple of nights in the city, a backpackers place a few blocks from the "esplanade' as well as the Le Meridian Hotel. The Esplanade is comspoed of numerous bars and restos fronting the beach with all the tables and chairs set up along the port facing the sea. beside this is the Kota Central Market, where one can find almost anythign from fruits to seafoods and handicrafts. A section of the market is like a "hawkers" place kind of similar to the one in Kuala Lumpur as well as in SInagpore, but in this case a large selection of fresh seafood s are grilled and customers can just point ou to the item he wishes to have. Once an item has been selected, the server will set you up an empty glass, a small plastic bowl to wash your hands and your choiced food with  sambal sauce (chili) is next served. Everyone eats with there hands, I see a lot of Europeans eating joyfully with there hands, I guess it was such an experience to them eating with their barehands.

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A few minutes away from the Central Market is a free bus shuttle to 1 Borneo Hypermall, which is probably one of the biggest if not the biggest mall they have in Kota at present. In here are numerous restos as well as fastfood chains. groceries, shoe stores etc etc.

My wife and I took a cab here to goto Shangrila Rasa Ria, an isolated resort hotel with a great beach front as well as facilities. They have excellent food outlets, and the beach is just breath taking. The  route going to the resort is likewise very scenic, very Asian, they also have an forest reserve within the hotel ground that serves as sanctuary for Orangutans in the area. Such a great place to be with someone you love.