Thursday, November 11, 2010

Masada Backpacker, Kota Kinabalu Trip

Our trip to Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia was unforgettable, thanks to the people behind Masada Backpacker. The staff responded to my queries promptly. They even offered free airport pickup and were willing to hold the room for us without taking our credit card information despite the fact that we were not scheduled to arrive until 8PM. One of the owners, Peter himself, met us at the airport with a big welcoming smile.

We were also welcomed by Sam and other guests upon arriving at Masada Backpacker. Peter gave us a quick tour of the place after we have settled in. The place was very clean and well kept. The living room offers a comfy couch and big LCD TV showing English channels among others. This was a great place to hang out while sipping a free cup of hot chocolate or Sabah tea. There was a lounge/breakfast nook with coffee & tea making facilities, fresh bread and fruits, microwave, etc. Guests can also use the desktop computer with WI-FI or connect to WI-FI free of charge. Masada Backpacker also has this cute little patio where smokers (& non-smokers) can hang out.

Here, backpackers' main problem is no problem at all. What am I talking about? Having to queue up for the toilet or shower, of course! At Masada Backpacker we did not have this problem at all having 3 toilets & 5 showers!

Everything went smooth during our 3-day, 3-night stay. The tour to the islands (with snorkeling, buffet BBQ lunch) was arranged by Masada Backpacker for us. This was where I first tasted my NOW favorite Malay dessert called Kuih Mak Mur!! The staff also helped us with the places to go to during our walking tour of the city, providing helpful maps and information. Masada Backpacker's location is great as everything was just a stone's throw away - perfect for tourists like us who enjoy the adventure of going around on foot. Getting around in a taxi or bus is not a problem either, as Masada Backpacker is located nearby the bus & taxi stations. On our last day, Kelly & Peter, the owners, brought us to certain places (shrines, Catholic churches, Atkinson Clock Tower, museums, etc) and had Kutching Laksa (a very delicious Malay chicken/shrimp noodle soup) and their local iced dessert (much like the Philippines' halo-halo).

Peter was so nice to have brought us to the airport (we thought we were just getting free pick up one way). And Kelly was so kind to have just emailed me the recipe for Kuih Mak Mur! What more can we ask for? Our vacation was indeed unforgettable. We did not only get to stay at an affordable and nice place but we also gained friends, needless to say. So a million thanks to Masada Backpacker especially to Peter, Kelly, Jane, Sam, and Felicia!



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Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Shopping in Kota Kinabalu - For Everything Chic, Essential and Original

The city of Kota Kinabalu commands a remarkable view of the South China Sea and is the capital of Malaysia's state of Sabha. It offers some of Malaysia's best in shopping, dining, accommodation, nightlife and amusement. May it be books, branded wear, clothes, footwear, jewellery, arts and crafts or the latest technological devices, Kota Kinabalu is one city that will satisfy all your shopping desires.

Probably the most difficult decision you will have to make once you get to Kota Kinabalu is where you should start. There are plenty of malls, shopping complexes, bazaars and book stores. One can begin the dazzling strut through the maze of shops at the 'Wisma Merdeka', one of the oldest but chic shopping centres in Kota Kinabalu. Their merchandise ranges from beauty products to batiks, antiques, apparels, baby products, sports goods,mobile phones and food items. They even have a massage and reflexology parlour, where you can unwind while shopping.

A special feature of Malaysian shopping is the street fairs. If you happen to be in Kota Kinabalu on a Sunday, you should not miss the 'Gaya Street' fair, which has been operational for well over 50 years. Most of the vendors sell their own produce and have been traditionally involved with the street fair. Keeping to the customary street mall element, the Warisan Square also provides one of the most fashionable and unique shopping experiences. With both buildings and a pathway to house shops and boutiques, the Warisan Square blends in an extra excitement to shopping.

The Centre Point is an ideal place for the whole family, with amusement hubs, gaming zones, beauty parlours, outdoor gear stores, IT shops and bookshops. For state-of-the-art gadgets and accessories from some of the best known labels like Nokia, Apple, Samsung and Panasonic, one must patronize the City Mall. It also sells the best clothing, footwear and handbags such as Levis, Gucci and MNG dresses.

For both the shopping and the marvelling experience of visiting a gigantic hypermall, one must drop by at the '1Borneo'. This is a bowling centre, spa, handicraft and amusement centre all rolled into one. To wrap up one can visit the Karamunsing Complex where one can net any missed items from the large range of retail outlets.

Reside in style in a Kota Kinabalu hotel while you're shopping or to recover from the wear and tear of it all take refuge in a Kota Kinabalu resort. The choice is yours, but for a truly sensational stay Shangri-La's Rasa Ria Resort Kota Kinabalu is definitely among the best.



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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

A Honeymoon on a Tropical Paradise



Having a hard time deciding where you should go after your wedding? Forget Paris. How about an exotic honeymoon in Sabah? Aside from its famed natural beauty, Kota Kinabalu in Sabah boasts of many romantic getaways in some of the most memorable location in the world. Warm sun, blue skies and sandy beaches make for an unforgettable honeymoon.

Spend your honeymoon in luxury hotels kota kinabalu and experience Malaysian hospitality. Book a suite at a resort and be prepared to be pampered by the staff. You deserve it after the fuss of arranging your wedding, and we know how hectic that can be. So, kick back, and enjoy the lavish suite in a tropical paradise.

Does spending your honeymoon on a sun soaked beach sound like your idea of a dream vacation? Relax to the sound of the sea and enjoy the feel of warm sand beneath your feet. Then enjoy a sunset dinner in a pavilion on the beach, surrounded by flickering lights. Fine dining under the stars, accompanied by the sound of the waves is an experience in itself.

You can also enjoy a sunset cruise while on your honeymoon. There are many islands around the Sabah waters, and it is perfectly safe. During your sunset cruise, you will see one of the most spectacular sunsets anywhere.

During the day time, go island hopping and enjoy a picnic lunch or a barbecue on an island. Many of the islands surrounding Kota Kinabalu are only a short boat ride away. Far enough from the city and close enough that the trip will not tire you. Your resort can arrange an island trip to the Tunku Abdul Rahman marine park for you, where the waters are crystal clear. While you are there, why not go scuba diving? Sabah has some of the best diving spots in the world. Chill out for a day on a remote and peaceful island, and still make it back in time for dinner at your luxurious resort.