Kiulu Rafting in Kota Kinabalu: A Bit Too Calm
A solo traveler's honest review of the beginner-friendly Kiulu River rafting in Kota Kinabalu, plus final thoughts and trip expenses.
Kota Kinabalu (Aug 2017)
Surviving a Hangover at Helen Massage, Kota Kinabalu
Curing a terrible hangover in Kota Kinabalu with a two-hour session at Helen Massage, plus a breakdown of my daily travel expenses.
A Drunken Night Out in Kota Kinabalu
A hilarious travel diary about making international friends at a guesthouse, bar hopping, and surviving a wild, drunken night out in Kota Kinabalu.
Mantanani Tour: The Best Island in Kota Kinabalu
Skip the crowded islands and take the Mantanani Nanamun tour in Kota Kinabalu. Enjoy crystal clear water, stunning sunsets, and a magical firefly cruise.
Hard Rock Cafe Kota Kinabalu: Always a Safe Bet
I visited the Hard Rock Cafe in Kota Kinabalu to buy a pin and ended up enjoying fish and chips with a great live band performance.
Tanjung Aru Beach Sunset in Kota Kinabalu
Enjoying one of the world's top three sunsets at Tanjung Aru Beach in Kota Kinabalu, plus a breakdown of my daily travel expenses in Malaysia.
Upperstar Kota Kinabalu: A Mediocre Diner
A brutally honest review of Upperstar in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia. Is this famous American-style restaurant actually good, or just incredibly cheap?
Solo at Lok Kawi Wildlife Park, Kota Kinabalu
Join my solo trip to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park in Kota Kinabalu! Read about the sweltering heat, the exhausting botanical garden, and the lively animals.
Lok Kawi Wildlife Park: Solo Zoo Trip in Kota Kinabalu
Join my solo trip to Lok Kawi Wildlife Park in Kota Kinabalu. It was so hot that both the tourists and the animals were passing out in the shade!
Mai Yai, Kota Kinabalu: Amazing Food and Sunsets
Mai Yai is a must-visit Thai restaurant in Kota Kinabalu, famous for its incredible seafood and stunning sunset views. Here's my review and the full menu.
A Quick Trip to Manukan Island in Kota Kinabalu
I took a spontaneous late-afternoon boat to Manukan Island in Kota Kinabalu. Read about my quick island trip and my quest to find dinner companions!
Visiting the Blue Mosque in Kota Kinabalu
I finally returned to the famous Blue Mosque in Kota Kinabalu, only to miss the entry time again. Here are my photos and daily travel expenses.
Visiting the UMS Pink Mosque in Kota Kinabalu
Explore the beautiful UMS Pink Mosque at the University of Malaysia Sabah in Kota Kinabalu. Read about getting there, what to expect, and travel costs.
Trying Durian Juice at Imago Mall in Kota Kinabalu
Feeling a bit lonely in Kota Kinabalu, I decided to try the infamous king of fruits at Imago Mall. Here is my honest review of durian juice!
Waking Up to Nasi Ayam Antarabangsa in Kota Kinabalu
After a rainy tour day in Kota Kinabalu, we woke up at a lively village festival and enjoyed amazing local food at Nasi Ayam Antarabangsa.
Desa Dairy Farm: A Kid-Friendly Spot in Kota Kinabalu
We visited Desa Dairy Farm in Kota Kinabalu! It's a fantastic spot for kids to feed the cows, though you might want to skip the long lines for ice cream.
Mount Kinabalu Lookout: Hidden by Clouds
We drove all the way to the Mount Kinabalu lookout in Malaysia, only to find the mountain completely hidden by clouds. A cloudy but memorable day trip.
Rumah Terbalik: Uber Tour in Kota Kinabalu
Exploring Kota Kinabalu on a custom Uber tour with friends, starting with a quirky visit to Rumah Terbalik, the famous Upside Down House.
Welcome Seafood in Kota Kinabalu: A Delicious Surprise
Join me for a rainy day in Kota Kinabalu, making new friends, and enjoying an unforgettable chili shrimp dinner at the famous Welcome Seafood restaurant.
Old Town White Coffee: Kota Kinabalu's Starbucks
Trying the famous Old Town White Coffee in Kota Kinabalu. It's incredibly sweet, highly popular, and a must-visit local landmark on a rainy day.
Fook Yuen: Chinese Food in Kota Kinabalu
An honest review of Fook Yuen, a famous Chinese buffet-style restaurant in Kota Kinabalu, featuring dim sum, egg tarts, and fried chicken.
Signal Hill Observatory in Kota Kinabalu
A visit to Signal Hill Observatory in Kota Kinabalu, featuring a scenic Grab ride, city views, and a wild but sweaty tropical walking trail.
Sabah State Mosque: Kota Kinabalu's Gold Mosque
Join me as I explore the beautiful Sabah State Mosque in Kota Kinabalu, a peaceful and welcoming spot with stunning architecture by an Italian designer.
Kota Kinabalu Eats: Lucy's Kitchen & Iz Veruk
Exploring Imago Mall in Kota Kinabalu for authentic Malaysian food at Lucy's Kitchen, followed by a unique pickled fruit salad from Iz Veruk.
Sapi Island, Kota Kinabalu: Relaxation or Confinement?
A solo traveler's honest review of Sapi Island in Kota Kinabalu, featuring tips on snorkeling, entry fees, and why you shouldn't stay too long alone.
Sapi Island, Kota Kinabalu: Solo Boat Struggles
A solo traveler's diary on the struggles of getting a boat ticket to Sapi Island at Jesselton Point in Kota Kinabalu, and how to finally get on board.
Local Eats at Nasi Kandar Anak Mami, Kota Kinabalu
Join me for a cheap and authentic local meal of Mee Goreng at Nasi Kandar Anak Mami, a bustling neighborhood spot near Imago Mall in Kota Kinabalu.
Missing the Tanjung Aru Sunset in Kota Kinabalu
I went to Tanjung Aru beach in Kota Kinabalu to see its world-famous sunset, but ended up leaving early. Here's why I don't regret missing it.
Mustapa Maju: First Malaysian Meal in Kota Kinabalu
Trying local Malaysian food at Mustapa Maju in Kota Kinabalu. A cheap, friendly spot where I had chicken nasi goreng and refreshing mango juice.
Gaya Street Sunday Market in Kota Kinabalu
Explore Kota Kinabalu's Gaya Street Sunday Market with me! Discover cheap souvenirs, street performances, and a unique local sweet corn drink.
Kota Kinabalu Malls: Wisma Merdeka to Imago
Join my walking tour of Kota Kinabalu's shopping malls, from currency exchange at Wisma Merdeka to finding a hidden futsal court at Jesselton Point.
Kota Kinabalu Arrival & Faloe Hostel Review
Arriving in Kota Kinabalu from Seoul, buying a SIM card, taking my first Grab ride, and checking into the amazing Faloe Hostel.
10 Days Solo in Kota Kinabalu: The Journey Begins
Embarking on an unexpected 10-day solo trip to Kota Kinabalu after my friends canceled. Will this resort getaway be a disaster or an adventure?