I'VE MOVED

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It was a white christmas for me indeed.Visited Shirakawa-go last December, one of the snowiest place in Japan, surrounded by forest and mountains. For a minute, I imagined myself inside a pretty little snow globe while walking around this UNESCO World Heritage site. If only Santa appeared, that would have completed the picture.

It was a white christmas for me indeed.Visited Shirakawa-go last December, one of the snowiest place in Japan, surrounded by forest and mountains. For a minute, I imagined myself inside a pretty little snow globe while walking around this UNESCO World Heritage site. If only Santa appeared, that would have completed the picture.

View from Mt Kinabalu from my resort @Kundasung. 

View from Mt Kinabalu from my resort @Kundasung. 

Kota Kinabalu

I got bitten by tonnes of sandflies in the jungle, trekked barefooted and literally got stuck in mud, but readers, please go to Kota Kinabalu and other parts in Borneo. In fact, go for a Borneo trip! I know I would because there is just so much to see. 

I went for a 7 day trip to Kota Kinabalu and here’s what I did and will highly recommend.

1. Island hopping

Sure Island hopping is what people dream of doing in Greece (which is also highly recommended) and the Caribbean (never been, dying to go), but there are so many beautiful islands this side of the world and people forget their existence. And it is also a cheaper option in Malaysia! I went to Pulau Tiga where the first Survivor was filmed. It was lovely because much of the island is untouched and natural. The coral reef was rich so snorkelling and diving should definitely be on your itinerary! What’s also famous is the volcano mud pool, which is honestly quite a trek in the jungle but if you’re up for some adventure I’d say go for it! I felt fearless after going into the mud!

Other popular picks are


2. Mt Kinabalu

Whether you’re climbing it or just heading up for it’s majestic view, this is definitely the highlight of the trip. I stayed at the Kinabalu Pine Resorts which offered a perfect view of the mountain. If you want to trek up Mt Kinabalu, please ensure you’re fit as it is not for the faint hearted. And do note that to climb Mt Kinabalu, booking needs to be may way in advance (and I am talking months in advance). If you take a further drive from the Kinabalu National Park you will end up at Ranau where the you get to enjoy the Poring Hot Springs and go for a canopy walk! I really liked the canopy walk and don’t worry, it is safe. If you’re terrified of heights, I will suggest you skip this.

3. Cultural experience
In Sabah there are several ethnic communities rich with culture. A trip to the Mari Mari Cultural Village  will be quite an experience as you can have a taste of the many cultural groups. I chose instead to visit the Monsopiad Cultural Village which concentrates on the Kadazandusun group. It was quite an enjoyable afternoon as I got a chance to go on stage and try out their cultural dance and shot a dart out this really long blowgun used traditionally for hunting!


4. Gaya Street

So far, the places I have mentioned are away from the city. Within the city itself there are also things to offer. The Sunday Market on Gaya Street for starters is a good place for a nice Sunday morning walk and a place where you can find good deals. Think Portobello Market in London, but Malaysian style for Gaya Street.


5. Tanjong Aru Beach and Sunset Bar

The name says it all. Perfect place to chill with a glass in one hand while watching the sunset. There is a live band on Sunday which definitely completes the ambience.


6. Food

How can I forget to mention food. There is so much to eat and I only have one belly! If you’re there is KK do not miss out on their seafood! My friend’s family brought me to Sedco Square which is apparently quite a tourist-friendly area. At the square you will be spoilt with options as there are so many seafood restaurants to pick from. Another restaurant I was brought to is called welcome sea food restaurant. Both is really good! If you’re there try their chilli crab as it is different from the Singapore chilli crab. And as a tourist you have to try their vegetable which is unique to Sabah. I’m not sure what it’s called but if you ask the locals they will know what you’re referring to. Apart from sea food, I had a lot of different mees. San yok mee, Kon Lou mee, Tuaran mee, Beaufort mee and the list goes on and on.. I found an article that wrote about the place I had my beaufort mee, but my best advice is, ask the locals. Locals know best about where the best mees are. Oh, and one thing worthy of mentioning, is the bak kut teh on Gaya street. It was, a-ma-zing.


So above was much of what I did on my one-week getaway in Kota Kinabalu. Feels like I didn’t do enough but I will be back. :)

PS: I was going to upload pictures, but my aperture software is failing to respond so I guess picture updates will come later.

Bon voyage,
travelescapades. 
elmothebum:

I dream that one day I’ll be living by the sea. #beach #sea #kotakinabalu #pulautiga #malaysia #landscape #escapism #chill #serene #livelife #instasg #beautifulplaces #nature #destinations (Taken with Instagram)

elmothebum:

I dream that one day I’ll be living by the sea. #beach #sea #kotakinabalu #pulautiga #malaysia #landscape #escapism #chill #serene #livelife #instasg #beautifulplaces #nature #destinations (Taken with Instagram)

Prague Castle by night.

Prague Castle by night.

I booked my trip to Prague right after I got back from Budapest because Eastern Europe truly left a good impression on me. Prague is such a magical place and I can just imagine it’s different facades throughout the different seasons. Prague is divided into different districts and each of them are unique in their own ways. Due to their history (which I will not go into), the town is filled with a medieval vibe and at every corner of the city you can find amazing architecture. I took my time to explore the city and I must say, I feel in love with Charles Bridge. (Though I must admit, the amount of tourist on the Bridge in the day is to much for my liking. The best time would be in the evening.) Most of the attractions in Prague are known so rather than heading to the conventional venues, I would suggest a little something different for quirky travellers out there. 

Take a tour and catch a movie at Prague’s oldest cinema. The interior is gorgeous and I don’t know any other cinemas alike. They occasionally screen English films but when I was there I caught a Czech film (and yes, I did not understand a single word nor was there subtitles) but the acting was good enough for me to laugh along with the locals.

Another thing unique to Prague is their Black Theatre. I caught one when I was there and the plot was an adaptation from Alice in Wonderland, and I must say, it was really interesting. There are different companies that produce this theatric performance, search for a couple online and I would advise booking the popular ones in advance. Students, note that most of them have student discounts. Parents, most of the shows contain nudity so before you take your kids to the show, parental guidance is advised (I’m noting it here, because the one I watched had no warning but it was mostly kids due to the Alice in Wonderland theme).

Another spot that I find is pretty underrated is the Golden Lane at Prague Castle. Walked down the cobbled street filled with tiny medieval houses and learn about the people who lived there back in the 16th century. From goldsmiths to herbalist, don’t underestimate this place, it’s got a lot of interesting stories to tell. Whilst you’re there, why not pop into Manufaktura  for some handmade Czech souvenirs. I got some myself. If you missed the shop, don’t worry as there are plenty of them scattered in town!! (The bath salts and soaps really do smell divine)

I met some nice Czech people (and Dutch, and a few cats) who made my stay really unforgettable and enjoyable and I can’t thank them enough for my experience. Hopefully, yours will be as memorable as mine. :)

Bon Voyage. 

Oh Santorini, you have no idea how much I miss you.

Oh Santorini, you have no idea how much I miss you.

First permanent bridge across the River Danube

First permanent bridge across the River Danube