Borneo travel guide and discussion

Kuching, the capital of Sarawak on the island of Borneo, is a city that beautifully blends culture, history, and nature, earning it the nickname “City of Cats.” The must-visit highlight is the Kuching Waterfront. Stroll along the Sarawak River, admire the Darul Hana Bridge, and soak in the city views at sunset—the atmosphere is particularly magical at night. If you have time, Bako National Park is highly recommended for its rainforests, beaches, and the chance to see proboscis monkeys, Borneo’s signature wildlife. The local food is also a must-try, especially Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee. It’s the perfect destination for anyone looking for a chill city break while experiencing the natural and cultural charm of Sarawak all in one trip.

Balikpapan is one of the most underrated destinations in Indonesia and definitely deserves a spot on your travel wishlist. 1. Amazing Food From fresh seafood to local Indonesian dishes, Balikpapan offers a great culinary experience. The food is delicious, fresh, and easy to find across the city. 2. Beautiful Beaches The city is home to several beautiful beaches where you can relax and enjoy various activities. Whether you want to play in the sand, enjoy local food stalls, spend time with family, or simply watch the sunset, Balikpapan has it all. This beach is one of my favorite spots in the city. You can enjoy tasty food, soft sand, fun activities, and a breathtaking sunset view all in one place. If you’re looking for a destination that combines nature, food, and a relaxing atmosphere, Balikpapan is definitely worth visiting. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Kuching is one of those places where heritage streets, river views, local food and rainforest adventures all come together beautifully. Start with the city, then slowly venture into the nature surrounding it. ✨ 🌉 Walk along Kuching Waterfront and cross Darul Hana Bridge 🏛️ Visit the Borneo Cultures Museum 🏰 Discover Fort Margherita and Kuching’s colonial history 🛍️ Explore Main Bazaar & Carpenter Street for local crafts and souvenirs 🦧 See orangutans at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre 🏡 Experience local traditions at Sarawak Cultural Village 🌿 Take a day trip to Bako National Park 🌊 Slow down around Santubong & Damai Beach And the food is a huge part of the trip too. Don’t miss Sarawak Laksa, Kolo Mee, Midin Belacan, Manok Pansoh, Umai, Tomato Kueh Teow, Kek Lapis Sarawak and White Lady. 🍜🍰 A 5D4N Kuching trip gives you enough time to enjoy the city, culture, wildlife and nature without rushing through everything. Kuching may be known as the City of Cats, but what really stays with you is the mix of warm people, good food, peaceful river views and Borneo nature. 💚 #Kuching #KuchingSarawak #SarawakTravel #VisitSarawak #MalaysiaTravel #KuchingFood #SarawakLaksa #KoloMee #BakoNationalPark #Semenggoh #KuchingWaterfront #BorneoTravel #SarawakCulture #TravelMalaysia

So in love with the city oh !! ✨

Borneo is such an amazing place, with its jungle, rivers, wildlife and the happening city of Kuching. For a long time Kuching was the start point of interpid adventurers heading up rivers into the jungle to search out isolated people and discover unspoiled wilderness. That is still possible today but there is another option available, Borneo light. Here it is possible to see and do these things in relative comfort and safety. The two 'Borneo light' outdoor activities outside of Kuching I recommend are, visiting Bako National Park (to see the Proboscis Monkeys) and Semenggoh Wildlife Center (to see the Orangutans). Kuching has a lot to see and do! The capital of Sarawak is an active place from the early morning till about 10 pm. Some of the fantastic things to visit are the Borneo Cultural Museum, the Sarawak River Promenade, Carpenter Street, Hong San Sai Temple, the Old Court House, India Street, the Orchid Garden, Top Spot Food Court, Plaza Merdeka, Central Police Station, DBKU Cat Museum and the Natural History Museum. Arriving in Kuching is simple enough because there are lots of flights especially from Kuala Lumpur with AirAsia. In town I recommend staying at the Marian Boutique Lodging House because of its fantastic location and the historical nature of the main hotel building. It is built of wood and has high ceilings, fans and is over a hundred years old. This has a real character and an authentic feel of the Bornean bygone era. Just a five minute walk on the road is the Zinc Restaurant and bar. I highly recommend this place the food was delicious and the ambience great! #kuching #sarawak #malaysia #travel2026 #borneo #tripmoments

room and breakfast is decent! view is good!

#adventuretrips SAVE THIS if you want an adventure experience in Sabah that feels like a real little expedition rather than another sightseeing stop! 🌿🥾🐾 Our destination was the Rafflesia Information Centre in Tambunan, hidden in the green highlands of Sabah — and I originally thought the whole adventure would be about one thing: finding a rafflesia. I was wrong. The rafflesia is the reward. The jungle hike is the adventure. 🌺🔥 We rented a car through Trip.com in Kota Kinabalu 🚗 and drove there ourselves, which I genuinely think is one of the best ways to do this trip. Once you leave Kota Kinabalu, the city slowly disappears behind you and the road climbs into the mountains: jungle-covered slopes, mist, tiny villages, viewpoints and that wonderfully wild Borneo feeling. And having your own car means you can stop whenever the scenery becomes too beautiful to simply drive past. 🌿⛰️ 🌺 WHY COME HERE? Rafflesia is one of the strangest plants you can possibly encounter. It has no normal leaves, stems or roots, lives as a parasite inside its host vine, spends most of its existence completely hidden — and then produces an enormous flower. Even crazier: after taking months to develop, the spectacular bloom lasts only a few days. So finding one blooming feels less like visiting an attraction and more like winning a botanical lottery. 🎰🌺 There is an important rule: ⚠️ NEVER assume there will be a flower blooming when you arrive. That unpredictability is part of the experience. Check the blooming situation before making the drive if seeing the flower is your main priority. 🥾 BUT PLEASE DON’T COME ONLY FOR THE FLOWER! This was my biggest surprise. You actually head into the rainforest with a guide, following trails through dense tropical vegetation in search of the flowering sites. And THAT became one of my favorite parts. 🌿 giant tropical trees 🌱 vines twisting around trunks 🍃 enormous leaves 🦋 insects and butterflies 🐾 unexpected jungle wildlife 🌺 rafflesia buds hidden on the forest floor We even spotted wildlife during our hike, which instantly turned our “let’s see a giant flower” trip into a proper Borneo jungle adventure. 😂🐾 This is exactly why I would still enjoy this place even without a perfect blooming rafflesia. You’re walking through part of Sabah’s incredible rainforest ecosystem, constantly looking around because you genuinely don’t know what you’ll see next. 🌳 LOOK UP AS WELL AS DOWN Everyone walks staring at the forest floor searching for rafflesia. But LOOK UP. Some of the trees here are absolutely incredible. The vegetation feels prehistoric: huge trunks, climbing plants, tangled roots and layers upon layers of green. 🌿 At moments the rafflesia almost becomes an excuse to get you into a part of Borneo you might otherwise never explore. 🚗 HOW WE GOT THERE We chose what I think is the most adventurous option: rent a car in Kota Kinabalu → drive into the Crocker Range → visit Rafflesia Information Centre → explore Tambunan at your own pace. We booked our rental car through Trip.com, picked it up in Kota Kinabalu and made this a self-drive day trip. And I LOVED having that freedom. ❤️ You’re not tied to a tour bus schedule, you can stop for viewpoints, take photos, explore something interesting along the road and stay longer if you want. The drive itself is absolutely part of the experience. 🚗⛰️🌴 Just be prepared for winding mountain roads, changing weather and slower driving than the distance on the map might suggest. 🎒 WHAT I’D BRING 🥾 proper shoes with grip 💧 water 🦟 mosquito repellent 🌧️ light rain jacket 📸 camera 👕 breathable clothes you don’t mind getting muddy 💵 some cash 🔋 fully charged phone And don’t wear your beautiful white city sneakers. 😂 It’s tropical rainforest. Treat it like one. 🌺 MY VERDICT Come for the possibility of seeing one of the rarest and strangest flowers on Earth. Stay for the hike. Stay for the trees. Stay for the wildlife. Stay for that feeling of walking through a Borneo rainforest wondering what might be hiding behind the next giant leaf. 🌿🐾 Some adventures are incredible because you know exactly what you’re going to see. Rafflesia hunting is incredible because you don’t. 🌺🥾 📍 Rafflesia Information Centre, Tambunan, Sabah, Malaysian Borneo 🔖 SAVE this for your Kota Kinabalu road trip — especially if your idea of Borneo involves more jungle trails and wild nature than shopping malls and beaches. #rafflesia #tambunan #sabah #borneo #kotakinabalu #malaysiatravel #borneoadventure #jungletrekking #wildlifeadventure #roadtripmalaysia #naturetravel #visitsabah #tripcom

Sometimes the best journeys aren't about ticking off famous tourist attractions, they're about the people you meet, the memories you create and the feeling a place leaves in your heart. Back in April, I visited Balikpapan and although the city may not be on everyone's bucket list, it completely surprised me with its peaceful atmosphere and warm hospitality. The city felt clean, organised and much less hectic than larger Indonesian cities. One thing I appreciated most was how relaxed everything felt. There wasn't any pressure to rush from one attraction to another. Instead, I found myself enjoying the simple things, such as sunset drives, conversations and discovering hidden corners of the city. Although the trip wasn't packed with tourist activities, it became one of my most meaningful travels because it reminded me that travelling is not always about famous landmarks. Sometimes it's about slowing down, appreciating ordinary moments and experiencing life from a different perspective. Balikpapan is definitely worth considering. Until next time, Balikpapan. ❤️✈️ #TripMoments #Balikpapan #Indonesia #EastKalimantan #TravelDiary #HiddenGem #VisitIndonesia

Kota Kinabalu surprised me because this trip ended up being way more than just exploring KK city. One minute I was standing beside one of the city’s historical landmarks, the next I was shopping for Sabah souvenirs, and somehow later I was deep in the rainforest learning about the cultures of Sabah. And of course, the trip had to end with one of those sunsets that makes you stop talking for a minute. 🌅 🕰️ I started with Atkinson Clock Tower, one of those places that doesn’t take hours to visit but gives you a little glimpse into KK’s history. I actually liked that it sits surrounded by greenery overlooking part of the city—it felt strangely peaceful compared with the streets below. Then came Suria Sabah… because obviously sightseeing eventually turns into shopping. 😂🛍️ I wandered around looking at local products and souvenirs, and judging from the queue at Oriental Kopi, apparently everyone else had the same idea about finding something good to eat too. But my favorite part of this trip happened when I left the modern city behind. 🌿 Mari Mari Cultural Village completely changed the atmosphere. Suddenly I was surrounded by rainforest, traditional houses and stories about Sabah’s Indigenous communities. This wasn’t just walking around looking at buildings either. There were demonstrations, traditions to learn about and people explaining how different communities lived. That was probably when Sabah became much more interesting to me. Before visiting, I mainly associated Kota Kinabalu with beaches, islands and Mount Kinabalu. But being at Mari Mari reminded me that Sabah isn’t only beautiful because of its nature—it has an incredibly diverse cultural identity too. And yes, I had to get the wristband. 😂 Once that thing goes on, you know you’ve officially entered tourist mode. Meeting people there and actually interacting with the experience made it much more memorable than simply reading information from a sign. It felt like one of those travel experiences where you leave knowing something about the place that you didn’t know when you arrived. Then came my favorite ending: the Kota Kinabalu sunset. 🌅 I understand the hype now. Watching the sky explode into gold behind the clouds while boats slowly crossed the water was honestly beautiful. After a full day of walking, shopping and exploring the cultural village, I didn’t need another attraction. I just stood by the water and watched the sun disappear. That sunset somehow summed up my whole KK experience. History at Atkinson Clock Tower 🕰️ → shopping at Suria Sabah 🛍️ → rainforest and culture at Mari Mari 🌿 → sunset by the sea 🌅. Kota Kinabalu isn’t a city where I felt like I needed to rush around collecting famous landmarks. What made the trip memorable was how different each part of the day felt. Modern city, local culture, tropical forest and ocean can all somehow exist within the same Kota Kinabalu experience. I came thinking “Let me explore KK.” I left thinking “Okay… I seriously need to see more of Sabah.” 😂🇲🇾 #KotaKinabalu #Sabah #Malaysia #MariMariCulturalVillageage #AtkinsonClockTower #SuriaSabah #VisitSabah #SabahTravel #KotaKinabaluSunset #Borneo #MalaysiaTravel #TripMoments

#slowtraveling If exploring local food culture sits at the top of your travel bucket list, making a stop at Little Sulap is a definitive must-visit when exploring Kota Kinabalu. Hidden along the quiet, historical street of Lorong Dewan, this cozy little cafe beautifully bridges the gap between urban coffee shop vibes and authentic indigenous culture. Instead of typical commercial fusion menus, Little Sulap is widely known for serving traditional, soul-satisfying Kadazan-Dusun dishes that are difficult to find elsewhere in the city centre. During our visit, we tried the Original Sabahan Set and ordered their traditional 'Ambuyat' to complete our meal, both of which perfectly highlight the unique heritage of Borneo: 🐟 The Original Sabahan Set (RM22): A beautifully presented cultural feast. It features an aromatic brown hill rice with an array of traditional sides: incredibly crispy fried 'ginuring basung' fish, a tangy 'tuhau'(wild ginger) pickle, sweet-and-sour 'bambangan' (wild mango) pickle, spicy sauteed lada putih salted fish, local village vegetables, a salted duck egg, and cucumber. The meal is perfectly tied together with a bowl of refreshing turmeric sour soup. 🥣 The Authentic Ambuyat: This is a new experience if you want to try something truly unique to the region. Derived from the starch of the sago palm tree trunk, it yields a thick, gooey, and pillowy texture. Served with a custom wooden fork to twist the starch, it is intentionally bland on its own but transforms beautifully when dipped straight into the intense flavors of the turmeric sour soup and spicy shrimp paste. All the food is new to me and I like their food very much, especially the normal looking fish. It was really fresh and with a nice aroma of ginger. Not to forget their turmeric sour soup—the sourness of the turmeric is beyond anything I can relate to but it is very addictive. After a satisfying meal, we took a slow stroll over to the nearby October Coffee House for a coffee. This cozy, wooden-accented café is one of the neighborhood spots to sit back, unwind, and enjoy the peace and slow paced lifestyle of this little town. Between the extraordinarily warm, friendly hospitality and the deeply traditional recipe profiles, it was a thoroughly refreshing and exciting meal! #littlesulap #kotakinabalueats #travel2026 #tripmoment

#adventuretrips If you’re looking for adventure experience around Sandakan, save Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary – Platform A! 🌿🐒 This is one of the easiest places in Sabah to see Borneo’s extraordinary proboscis monkeys surprisingly close — those unmistakable long noses, huge bellies and slightly ridiculous expressions are even better in real life. Proboscis monkeys are endemic to Borneo, so seeing them here feels like meeting one of the island’s true icons. Labuk Bay is around 43 km from Sandakan and roughly 20–25 km from Sepilok, surrounded by mangrove forest and palm plantations. The final part of the road can be rough and bumpy, which definitely adds a little “where exactly are we going?” energy to the adventure. 😅🌴 ⏰ TIMING MATTERS! Do NOT just arrive whenever you want. The experience revolves around feeding sessions. 🐒 Platform A: approximately 9:30 AM & 2:30 PM 🐒 Platform B: approximately 11:30 AM & 4:30 PM If Platform A is your main goal, I’d plan around the 9:30 AM or 2:30 PM feeding and arrive a little earlier. This is when the monkeys start appearing from the surrounding forest and gathering around the feeding area. And keep your camera ready even BEFORE feeding time — wildlife here doesn’t necessarily respect the schedule. 📸😂 🚗 HOW TO GET THERE — 3 REALISTIC OPTIONS 1️⃣ BOOK A TOUR — easiest option This is probably the most stress-free solution, especially if you don’t want to worry about transportation. Many wildlife day trips combine Labuk Bay with other Sandakan/Sepilok attractions such as the orangutan rehabilitation centre and sun bear conservation centre. You get transportation, somebody organizing the timing around feeding sessions, and usually several wildlife experiences in one day. 👉 Best for: first-time visitors, solo travelers and anyone who wants everything organized. 2️⃣ RENT A CAR — best for freedom 🚙 If you’re comfortable driving in Sabah, renting a car gives you maximum flexibility. You can visit Platform A, continue to Platform B, combine Labuk Bay with Sepilok, stop whenever you want and avoid waiting for taxis. The sanctuary is roughly 1 hour from Sandakan and around 30 minutes from Sepilok depending on traffic and road conditions. ⚠️ Important: the last section of the road and some roads inside the sanctuary can be uneven/gravelly, so drive carefully. 👉 Best for: couples, groups and anyone planning several wildlife stops. 3️⃣ GRAB — possible, BUT READ THIS FIRST! 🚕 Getting a Grab TO Labuk Bay is usually much easier than getting one BACK. This place is remote. There may simply be no nearby Grab drivers when you finish your visit. 🔥 My strongest advice: when your Grab driver brings you there, talk to them immediately and arrange a return trip privately — either ask them to wait or agree on a specific collection time. Do NOT assume you’ll open the app after the monkeys disappear and instantly find another car. 😅 Also make sure your destination is Labuk Bay Proboscis Monkey Sanctuary – Platform A, rather than just the main entrance. Platform A and Platform B are separate areas, so arriving at the wrong point creates unnecessary walking/logistics. 🌿 WHAT THE EXPERIENCE IS LIKE You walk along wooden boardwalks surrounded by mangrove vegetation until you reach the viewing area. Little hike is already an adventure! Then suddenly… 🐒 one monkey appears 🐒 another jumps onto the platform 🐒 babies start following their mothers 🐒 huge males arrive with those incredible noses …and within minutes you’re watching an entire troop incredibly close. Apart from proboscis monkeys, you may also spot silvered leaf monkeys, including adorable orange babies if you’re lucky. 🧡 This isn’t the same as spotting completely wild proboscis monkeys from a boat on the Kinabatangan River — Labuk Bay is a managed sanctuary with scheduled feeding — but if your priority is seeing and photographing them up close, the experience is fantastic. 🎒 WHAT TO BRING Bring water, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, comfortable shoes, a camera with zoom if you have one, and something light for tropical rain. And please remember: don’t touch, chase or try to feed the monkeys yourself. You’re entering their environment, not the other way around. 🌿 💡 MY PERFECT BORNEO WILDLIFE DAY: Sepilok orangutans 🦧 → sun bears 🐻 → Labuk Bay proboscis monkeys 🐒 Three completely different wildlife encounters and one seriously memorable Sabah adventure. SAVE this before your Sandakan trip because transportation and feeding times are the two details that can completely change your experience! 🔖🔥 #LabukBay #ProboscisMonkey #Sandakan #Sabah #Borneo #MalaysiaTravel #WildlifeAdventure #BorneoWildlife #Sepilok #WildlifeTravel #NatureTravel #TravelTips #VisitSabah

#backpacking2026 🇧🇳 Brunei Travel Guide: How to Reach, Budget & Top Experiences Brunei Darussalam is a small but fascinating destination in Southeast Asia, famous for its golden-domed mosques, royal heritage, peaceful capital, traditional water villages, and untouched rainforest. ✈️ How to Reach Brunei The easiest way is to fly to Brunei International Airport (BWN) in Bandar Seri Begawan. The airport is only around 15 minutes from the capital. Royal Brunei Airlines connects Brunei with several Asian, Middle Eastern, European and Australian destinations, while AirAsia operates flights from Kuala Lumpur and Jakarta. (Brunei Tourism) 🌏 Popular routes · 🇲🇾 Kuala Lumpur → Brunei · 🇮🇩 Jakarta → Brunei · 🇸🇬 Singapore → Brunei · 🇵🇭 Manila → Brunei · 🇲🇾 Miri → Brunei by road Brunei can also be reached by land from Malaysian Borneo and by ferry from Labuan, Malaysia. (Brunei Tourism) 💰 Brunei Budget in USD Brunei can be affordable if you use local food, buses and budget accommodation. 🎒 Budget Traveller US$30–50 per person/day · Hostel/budget stay: $15–25 · Food: $10–15 · Local transport: $2–5 · Activities: $0–10 🏨 Mid-Range Traveller US$60–110 per person/day · Comfortable hotel · Local restaurants · Dart/occasional taxi · Sightseeing and boat trips 👑 Luxury Traveller US$150+ per person/day Luxury hotels, private transportation and guided excursions can increase the cost considerably. Current 2026 travel estimates place budget travel around $30–50/day, while mid-range travel is roughly $60–110/day. (Open Travel Guide) 💡 Tip: Local buses are very cheap, with Brunei Tourism listing an average fare of about BND 1 per ride. Dart is the convenient ride-hailing option. (Brunei Tourism) 🕌 Top 5 Things to Do 1. Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque Admire Brunei’s spectacular golden-domed landmark and its beautiful lagoon. (Brunei Tourism) 2. Kampong Ayer Water Village Take a water taxi through one of Southeast Asia’s largest traditional water settlements, often called the “Venice of the East.” (Brunei Tourism) 3. Ulu Temburong National Park Explore pristine rainforest, rivers, waterfalls and the famous canopy walkway. 4. Royal Regalia Museum Discover Brunei’s royal history and the heritage of the Sultanate. 5. Bandar Seri Begawan Explore the capital’s mosques, waterfront, museums, markets and peaceful streets. 🗓️ Suggested 3-Day Plan Day 1: Bandar Seri Begawan → Omar Ali Saifuddien Mosque → Royal Regalia Museum → Waterfront → Kampong Ayer Day 2: Ulu Temburong National Park → Rainforest adventure → Canopy Walk Day 3: Jame’ Asr Hassanil Bolkiah Mosque → Local market → Bandar Seri Begawan sightseeing → Airport 💵 Estimated 3-Day Budget Budget: US$150–200/person Mid-range: US$350–550/person Luxury: US$800+ International flights are not included; actual costs vary by hotel, season and activities. (Hello) 🇧🇳 Why Visit Brunei? If you want a peaceful Southeast Asian destination away from mass tourism, Brunei is worth adding to your travel list. Golden mosques, royal culture, water villages and tropical rainforest make it a unique short getaway. Save this guide for your Brunei trip! ✈️🇧🇳 #Brunei #BruneiDarussalam #VisitBrunei #BruneiTravel #BandarSeriBegawan #KampongAyer #UluTemburong #TravelAsia #SoutheastAsia #TravelGuide #couplestrip

We visited the tiny oil state of Brunei 🇧🇳 and the Malaysian resort of Kota Kinabalu 🇲🇾 (besides Malaysia and Brunei, most of the island is occupied by Indonesia). We certainly loved it, but Borneo is only worth a visit if you're a bit of a travel freak 😅 It doesn't have any world-famous attractions or fantastic beaches, but it does have unique wildlife: · It's one of the last places on the planet where orangutans live in the wild, and also the only homeland of pygmy elephants and proboscis monkeys (they have noses like Pinocchio 🤥). · Enormous crocodiles can be seen right from a boat during a "river safari" in the city center. · The largest and smelliest flower in the world, the rafflesia, grows in the island's jungle. · The highest point on the island is Mount Kinabalu (over 4,000 meters). Honestly, we just enjoyed the beautiful view, and on the weekends we looked for animals 😃 #borneo #brunei #malaysia #travel2026 #travel #naturalwonders #myitinerary #borneo #brunei #malaysia

“Would you believe there’s a place in Malaysia that can make you feel like you’ve suddenly arrived in New Zealand?” Just over two hours by car from Kota Kinabalu, the journey to Kundasang takes you through winding mountain roads, slowly leaving behind the noise of the city. The air gets cooler. The landscape turns greener. And then, somewhere along the way, Mount Kinabalu appears between the clouds. That’s when you know you’ve arrived in Kundasang. Located near Ranau in Sabah, Kundasang is often called “The Little New Zealand of Sabah” because of its cool weather, rolling green hills, dairy farms, and incredible views of Mount Kinabalu. But for me, Kundasang feels like more than just another destination. It’s the kind of place where you can finally slow down. No rushing. No crowded city streets. Just cool mountain air, quiet landscapes, and enough time to simply sit and enjoy the view. 🌿 2 Days 1 Night Kundasang & Ranau Itinerary DAY 1 — Kota Kinabalu → Kundasang 07:00 — Leave Kota Kinabalu I’d recommend leaving early. The drive itself is part of the experience. As you climb higher into the mountains, the scenery keeps changing, and you’ll find yourself stopping just to look at the view. 📍 Pekan Nabalu Make a short stop at Pekan Nabalu along the way. You can pick up local fruits, snacks, and souvenirs, and there’s also a viewpoint where you may get a beautiful glimpse of Mount Kinabalu. If the mountain happens to be completely clear of clouds, don’t rush past it. That moment when Mount Kinabalu suddenly appears in front of you can make you feel like choosing this road trip was absolutely worth it. 📍 Sosodikon Hill Once you reach Kundasang, head to Sosodikon Hill. The hike isn’t particularly difficult, and from the top you’ll get wide-open views of the surrounding hills, farmland, Kundasang, and Mount Kinabalu. For me, one of the nicest parts is simply standing there in the cool morning air and taking everything in. It feels surprisingly far away from the busy city life. 🐄 Desa Cattle Dairy Farm This is probably the place that gives Kundasang its strongest “Little New Zealand” feeling. Green pastures, cows grazing peacefully, and Mount Kinabalu rising in the background, it almost looks like a postcard. Try the fresh milk and gelato, and spend some time around the calves. Honestly, I’d probably take fewer photos here and just sit for a while. Sometimes the best travel memories aren’t the ones saved in your camera roll. They’re the moments you simply experience. 🌺 Kundasang War Memorial Take some time to visit the Kundasang War Memorial, a historic site dedicated to those who lost their lives during World War II. Walking through its peaceful gardens gives you a chance to understand not only the natural beauty of Kundasang, but also an important part of the region’s history. 🦙 The Alpaca Club If you want to add something a little more fun to the trip, stop by The Alpaca Club for a chance to see and interact with alpacas up close. 🥬 Kundasang Market In the late afternoon, explore the local market. You’ll find colourful vegetables, fruits, flowers, and other local produce, a simple but interesting glimpse into everyday life in the highlands. For the night, I’d recommend choosing a mountain-view resort or homestay. Once evening arrives, the temperature drops and Kundasang becomes incredibly quiet. Put on a sweater, sit outside, and just look at the mountains. That might end up being one of your favourite moments of the whole trip. --- DAY 2 — Kinabalu Park → Poring → Ranau 🌳 Kinabalu Park Start your second morning at Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sabah’s most important natural areas. You can explore the Botanical Garden or take an easy walk along trails such as the Silau-Silau Forest Trail. After spending so much time surrounded by traffic, phones, and city noise, walking quietly through a cool rainforest can feel like pressing a reset button for your mind. ♨️ Poring Hot Spring Next, head down towards Ranau and visit Poring Hot Spring. Take some time to relax in the natural hot springs and let your body recover from all the walking. After a full day of exploring, sitting in warm water and doing absolutely nothing for a while feels surprisingly good. It’s one of those moments when you simply think: “Okay… I’m happy to slow down now.” 🌿 Poring Canopy Walkway For a little adventure, walk along the Poring Canopy Walkway, suspended more than 40 metres above the forest floor. Below you is the rainforest. Above you is the sky. And all around you is the incredible nature of Borneo. If you enjoy nature with a little bit of adventure, this is definitely worth experiencing. Depending on the season, you may also have a chance to see Rafflesia in bloom. 🍃 Sabah Tea Garden Before leaving the area, make a stop at Sabah Tea Garden. Walk through the lush tea plantations, enjoy a cup of Sabah Tea, and let the trip slowly come to an end. There’s something peaceful about sitting with a hot cup of tea while looking across endless green hills. At that point, you might even wish the journey didn’t have to end so soon. 17:00 onwards — Drive back to Kota Kinabalu · -- 💡 Things to Know Before You Go 🚗 Getting Around The mountain roads can be winding and steep in places. If you’re driving yourself, take your time and be careful. For a more relaxed experience, hiring a local driver with a car or joining a private tour can be a good option. 🧥 Bring a Jacket Kundasang is much cooler than Kota Kinabalu, especially at night. A sweater or light jacket is definitely worth packing. 🎟️ Check Before Visiting Popular Attractions Opening hours, entrance fees, and booking requirements can change, especially at popular attractions such as Desa Cattle Dairy Farm. Check the latest official information before your trip and book ahead when necessary. 📸 Best Time for Mount Kinabalu Views If seeing Mount Kinabalu clearly is important to you, early morning is usually your best chance. Mountain weather can change incredibly quickly, and clouds can cover the peak within minutes. So don’t spend the whole day chasing the perfect photo. When the mountain finally appears clearly, just stop and enjoy it. · -- ❤️ Why Kundasang? When I think back about Kundasang, I don’t think only about the attractions. I remember the drive up from Kota Kinabalu. The moment the air started getting cooler. The first time I saw Mount Kinabalu appearing through the clouds. And the peaceful sight of cows grazing across those enormous green fields. Sometimes, travelling isn’t only about discovering somewhere new. Sometimes, it’s about giving yourself permission to slow down for a little while. And if you’re looking for that kind of escape... Kundasang might just be the little escape you didn’t know you needed. 🇲🇾⛰️ · -- #kundasang #littlenewzealand #sabah #malaysia #kotakinabalu #mountkinabalu #ranau #desadairyfarm #poringhotspring #tripcomcreator #kinabalupark #sabahtravel #malaysiatravel #travelguide #tripcom

Where the city meets the jungle. And just like that… we’ve reached the FINAL STOP of our Zone 1 domestic series! 🎉✈️ After all those Peninsular destinations, we’re crossing the South China Sea and heading to Kuching, Sarawak — because apparently our little Malaysian adventure wasn’t complete without a taste of Borneo. 😎 And Kuching? What a finale. This isn’t just another city break. Kuching gives you a little bit of everything: 🏛️ Heritage — wander along the Kuching Waterfront, explore Old Kuching, Main Bazaar and Carpenter Street. 🦧 Wildlife — get up close to Borneo’s incredible wildlife at Semenggoh Wildlife Centre. 🌿 Nature — spend a day at Bako National Park, where rainforest meets dramatic coastline and the proboscis monkeys rule the neighbourhood. 🍜 FOOD — come hungry. Sarawak laksa, kolo mee, kueh chap, manok pansoh and Sarawak layer cake are waiting. And yes, you absolutely should eat your way through Kuching. 😋 🏮 Culture — visit Sarawak Cultural Village and discover the incredible diversity of Sarawak’s indigenous communities. 🛍️ Shopping — skip the generic souvenir hunt and explore Main Bazaar for handicrafts, local products, textiles and Sarawak treasures. And then there’s the Kuching Waterfront at sunset… 🌅 Grab a drink, watch the river, admire the city lights and let Kuching do what it does best — make you slow down. ✈️ HOW TO DO IT 3D2N — Quick Escape Good for a first taste of Kuching, but you’ll be moving. 4D3N — ⭐ SWEET SPOT My pick. Enough time for Kuching city, Semenggoh and one major nature/culture excursion without turning the holiday into a military operation. 😂 5D4N — THE COMPLETE KUCHING City + wildlife + Bako + culture + Damai/Santubong + plenty of food. 💰 ROUGH DIY BUDGET Expect around: 💸 RM900–1,400 — 3D2N 💸 RM1,200–1,800 — 4D3N 💸 RM1,500–2,200 — 5D4N That’s a comfortable DIY estimate, excluding serious shopping, premium tours and “I saw something shiny and bought it” expenses. 😏 💡 MY KUCHING HACKS ✔️ Stay around Kuching Waterfront if it’s your first visit. ✔️ Book wildlife/day trips early. ✔️ Use Grab around the city, but arrange transport for further-out attractions. ✔️ Don’t underestimate the weather — keep your outdoor plans flexible. ✔️ Save the Waterfront for evening. Trust me. 🌅 ✔️ And most importantly… COME HUNGRY. 🧳 THE PERFECT KUCHING FORMULA Heritage → Food → Culture → Jungle → Wildlife That’s Kuching. And honestly, it’s a pretty spectacular way to finish our Cuti-cuti Malaysia Zone 1 journey. 🇲🇾❤️ From the streets of Penang to the beaches of Langkawi, the food of Kelantan, the islands of Terengganu, the southern cities of Johor — and now finally… Borneo. 🐱 Kuching waits. Are you coming? #CutiCutiMalaysia #Kuching #Sarawak #MalaysiaTravel #ExploreMalaysia #VisitSarawak #Borneo #KuchingSarawak #SarawakTravel #MalaysiaHoliday #TravelMalaysia #JalanJalanMalaysia #DomesticTravel

Kota Kinabalu in Borneo is more than just a Jungle. Kota Kinabalu is the largest city in the Malaysian state of Sabah. There are lots of things to see in Sabah. It is a huge island, I came here to see the massive Mountain that stands above the Seas at 4095 meters and before I even arrived on Borneo I saw it peeking out of the clouds reaching high into the sky! I also came to experience the jungle and the people of the lost world but also experience the city of Kota Kinabalu and to see the beaches and swim in the sea. To get to Kota Kinabalu Air Asia flies everday from Kuala Lumpur and is a great deal if you buy seats/tickets early. Alot of Malaysians fly over for weekend trips so keep that in mind. It is easy to get a cab from the airport into town about a ten minute ride. I reccmmend the Cititel Express Hotel. It is a clean, simple, centrally located hotel making it possible to walk everywhere in town. For food I can confirm that Kedai Kopi Yee Fung for breakfast is delicious. The iced drinks and Laksa were so good! This is for sure a locals secret spot ! As a cultural activity check out the Muzium Sabah. They have lots of differen exhibition halls, with artifacts and informative displays and building spread thoughout the extensive grounds. There are botanical gardens and paths that lead to replica villages. It is a five taxi from downtown or a two km walk but since you will spend a lot of time walking around the grounds, I recommend the taxi trip. This museum is world class for its remote location. It authentic to the region and not overly polished. In the evening you must visit the waterfront shopping arcade for sarongs, shopping, snacks and dinnner. There are restaurants looking out to the sea that have brilliant fresh seafood. The next day it is possible to go out to Kota Kinabalu and check out the visitor center and gardens. To hike up to the top of the mountain involves special permits, and reservations, so it is easiest to have a Malaysian tour company organise this. I would suggest you prebook this in Kualu Lumpur. Side Note - As for the beaches, swimming and diving Sipadan must also be booked early as it requires some park passes to be able to dive as visitors each day are limited. #tripmoments #malaysia #borneo #kotakinabalu #sabah #weekendgetaways

Stepping into Deer Cave at Gunung Mulu National Park feels like you just landed on another planet—the limestone arches are ridiculously huge, making you feel so tiny in the most epic way! The real mind-blower? Watching MILLIONS of bats burst out at sunset, swirling through the sky like a living tornado. Lang Cave’s got some next-level rock formations too, giving major sci-fi vibes. Honestly, Sarawak’s ancient rainforest? 100% magical. 🦇🌿 ✨ Trip Highlights: · Deer & Lang Caves: These massive underground caverns were carved out over millions of years. Trust me, your pics won’t do ‘em justice! · The Bat Exodus: The absolute must-see! Every evening, swarms of bats spiral into the sunset—prepare for goosebumps. · Clearwater Cave: Trek through lush jungle on a breezy boardwalk, then dive into crystal-clear water. It’s the ultimate rainforest flex. Basics you gotta know: 📍 Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia (Protected Area, UNESCO Heritage Site) 🕒 Opening hours: 8 AM to 5 PM (last entry around 3 PM for cave tours) 🎫 Book tours via trip.com for entrance tickets, guided adventures, and flight info. The park’s remote, so you’ll wanna fly into Mulu Airport (MZV). #MuluNationalPark #SarawakTravel #UNESCO #CaveExploration #NatureLovers Ready for a cave adventure you’ll never forget?

#underratedspots 🌿 KUCHING, SARAWAK 🇲🇾 — MALAYSIA’S UNDERRATED CULTURAL & RAINFOREST ESCAPE! 🐱✨ Looking for a destination that combines heritage, delicious food, wildlife, riverside charm, and rainforest adventures? Discover Kuching, the vibrant capital of Sarawak on the island of Borneo! 🌴🌏 Often overlooked by international travelers, Kuching is an amazing gateway to explore Sarawak’s unique culture and some of Malaysia’s most incredible natural wonders. 🏛️ TOP ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO 🏞️ Kuching Waterfront – Take a relaxing walk along the Sarawak River and enjoy beautiful views, especially at sunset. 🏯 Old Courthouse & Historic Streets – Explore Kuching’s colonial heritage and charming architecture. 🐱 Cat Museum – Discover the city’s famous connection with cats and explore a quirky collection of cat-related exhibits. 🏛️ Sarawak Museum – Learn about the history, culture, and diverse indigenous communities of Sarawak. 🛍️ Main Bazaar – Shop for traditional handicrafts, souvenirs, textiles, and local products. 🕌 Darul Hana Bridge – Walk across the iconic pedestrian bridge and enjoy spectacular views of Kuching and the Sarawak River. 🌿 Bako National Park – Explore dramatic coastlines, rainforest trails, unique wildlife, and the famous proboscis monkeys. 🦧 Semenggoh Wildlife Centre – Visit a renowned wildlife rehabilitation center and learn about orangutan conservation. 🌳 Kubah National Park – Discover lush rainforest, waterfalls, hiking trails, and incredible biodiversity. 🏡 Sarawak Cultural Village – Experience the traditional homes, lifestyles, crafts, and cultures of Sarawak’s indigenous communities. 💰 BUDGET GUIDE 🎒 Budget Traveler: Around RM 120–RM 250 per person/day 🏨 Mid-Range Traveler: Around RM 250–RM 500 per person/day ✨ Luxury Traveler: RM 500+ per person/day Costs vary depending on accommodation, food, transport, tours, and activities. ✈️ HOW TO REACH KUCHING ✈️ By Air: Fly to Kuching International Airport (KCH), which has connections to major Malaysian cities and selected regional destinations. 🚕 From the Airport: Kuching city center is easily accessible by taxi or ride-hailing services. 🚗 Getting Around: The city center is relatively easy to explore, while taxis or ride-hailing services are convenient for attractions outside the city. 📅 BEST TIME TO VISIT 🌤️ June to September is generally a popular period for exploring Kuching and nearby attractions, although Sarawak has a tropical climate and rain can occur throughout the year. 💡 TRAVEL TIPS ✔️ Spend at least 3–4 days to explore Kuching and nearby attractions. ✔️ Start early for wildlife and national park trips. ✔️ Carry comfortable walking shoes for rainforest trails. ✔️ Bring insect repellent and lightweight rain gear. ✔️ Try local Sarawak dishes such as Sarawak Laksa and Kolo Mee. ✔️ Hire a local guide for deeper rainforest and wildlife experiences. ✔️ Respect local communities, wildlife, and the natural environment. 🌴 KUCHING — WHERE SARAWAK’S CULTURE MEETS BORNEO’S WILD BEAUTY! 🐱💚 📌 Save this underrated Malaysian destination for your next adventure! 📲 Follow for more underrated spots, hidden gems, budget travel guides, and beautiful destinations around the world. #Kuching #KuchingSarawak #UnderratedMalaysia #HiddenGemsMalaysia #VisitMalaysia #Borneo #BorneoTravel #RainforestAdventure #WildlifeTravel #Orangutan #travel2026

#underratedspots 🌿 MULU, SARAWAK 🇲🇾 — MALAYSIA’S UNDERRATED SPOT FOR INCREDIBLE CAVES & RAINFOREST ADVENTURES! 🦇✨ Hidden deep in the heart of Malaysian Borneo, Mulu is a breathtaking destination for travelers who love wild nature, adventure, and unforgettable landscapes. 🌴🌏 Home to the spectacular Gunung Mulu National Park, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its massive caves, ancient rainforest, dramatic limestone formations, and incredible biodiversity. 🦇 TOP ATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO: 🕳️ Deer Cave – Explore one of the world’s largest cave passages and watch thousands of bats emerge at sunset. 🌌 Lang Cave – Discover impressive limestone formations and beautiful underground chambers. 🏞️ Clearwater Cave – Explore fascinating underground landscapes and enjoy the crystal-clear river surroundings. 🌿 Mulu Rainforest – Trek through ancient tropical rainforest surrounded by extraordinary wildlife and lush greenery. 🌉 Canopy Skywalk – Walk high above the rainforest and enjoy a unique view of the jungle canopy. ⛰️ The Pinnacles – Take on an adventurous trek to see the spectacular limestone spikes rising dramatically from the forest. 🚤 Longboat Adventure – Travel along the river and experience the remote beauty of Borneo’s rainforest. 🧗 Adventure Caving – For thrill-seekers, Mulu offers exciting cave adventures and challenging underground experiences. 💰 BUDGET GUIDE: 🎒 Budget Traveler: Approximately ₹3,000–₹6,000 per person/day 🏨 Mid-Range Traveler: Approximately ₹6,000–₹12,000 per person/day ✨ Adventure/Luxury: ₹12,000+ per person/day Budget varies depending on flights, accommodation, park fees, guides, and adventure activities. ✈️ HOW TO REACH MULU: 📍 By Air: The easiest option is to fly to Mulu Airport (MZV), usually connecting through Miri or other regional hubs depending on the available flight schedule. 🚤 By River: For adventurous travelers, Mulu can also be reached by a combination of road and longboat routes, but this takes significantly longer and requires careful planning. 📅 BEST TIME TO VISIT: Generally, March to September is a popular period for exploring Mulu, but weather can change quickly in the rainforest. 💡 TRAVEL TIPS: ✔️ Book flights and accommodation early during peak season. ✔️ Hire authorized local guides for cave and jungle adventures. ✔️ Carry comfortable trekking shoes and lightweight rain gear. ✔️ Bring insect repellent and a reusable water bottle. ✔️ Prepare for humid weather and sudden rain. ✔️ Allow at least 3–4 days to experience the major attractions. 🌿 MULU — WHERE ANCIENT CAVES MEET THE WILD RAINFOREST! 🌴✨ 📌 Save this underrated Malaysian destination for your adventure bucket list! 📲 Follow for more underrated spots, hidden gems, budget travel guides, and incredible destinations around the world. #Mulu #MuluSarawak #Sarawak #MalaysiaTravel #Malaysia #UnderratedSpots #UnderratedMalaysia #HiddenGemsMalaysia #GunungMuluNationalPa #Borneo #BorneoAdventure #travel2026

Happy Sarawak Day 💛❤️🖤 This is Sarawak, where the earth breathes in whispers of timeless rainforests and rivers that hold the memory of the ancients. On this Sarawak day, we honor a land not just lived in, but deeply felt. Often called Borneo’s very own Jurassic World, the Bengoh Dam and its surrounding highlands are where fantasy feels entirely real. Located about an hour south of Kuching, this landscape is a masterclass in ancient, untouched wilderness. Here’s to the spirit of discovery, the echoes of the rainforest, and the pride of the Land of the Hornbills. Happy Sarawak Day! Let the wild call you home. 🌍 #SarawakDay #BengohDam #VisitSarawak #BorneoTravel #ExplorerVibe

#arrivalguide Flying from Sandakan to another part of Sabah or continuing your journey through Malaysia? Sandakan Airport may be small, but it is a surprisingly useful regional airport for exploring Malaysian Borneo. From here, you can fly directly to: ✈️ Kota Kinabalu — approximately 45–50 minutes ✈️ Tawau — approximately 40 minutes ✈️ Lahad Datu — approximately 30 minutes ✈️ Kuala Lumpur — approximately 2 hours 50 minutes The direct Sandakan–Tawau route is especially useful for travellers who want to combine Sandakan and Sepilok with Semporna, Mabul, Kapalai or other islands near the Sulawesi Sea. Flying saves many hours compared with travelling overland. Here is my practical guide to the domestic departure area of Sandakan Airport. How early should you arrive? For a domestic flight, I recommend arriving around 1.5–2 hours before departure. The airport itself is compact and easy to navigate, but check-in and baggage-drop lines can still become busy. Airlines also close their counters before departure, so arriving at the last minute is not worth the risk. Allow additional time when travelling with checked luggage, during weekends or around Malaysian public holidays. A small airport that is easy to navigate One of the biggest advantages of Sandakan Airport is its size. You do not need to walk through endless corridors or take a train between terminals. Check-in counters, security, shops and departure gates are all relatively easy to find. It is much less overwhelming than Kuala Lumpur International Airport and works especially well for short regional flights around Sabah. Airside Shop Express After passing through security, you can find Airside Shop Express. It sells packaged snacks, sweets, drinks and various small travel essentials. This is a useful place to buy something for the flight, particularly when travelling with an airline that does not include complimentary food. The selection is not enormous, but it is enough for basic last-minute purchases. Cocoa Wonder There is also a Cocoa Wonder shop offering chocolate and different sweet products. It is a convenient stop when you need a compact edible gift or simply want something sweet before boarding. Packaged chocolate can also be easier to carry than large or fragile souvenirs, especially when Sandakan is only one stop on a longer journey around Borneo. Last-minute souvenirs Sandakan Airport has a souvenir shop where you can browse small Malaysian and Sabah-themed gifts. It is helpful when you forgot to buy something in the city or in Sepilok. However, the airport selection is naturally more limited, so I would still purchase any important or unique souvenirs earlier during the trip. Think of this shop as a convenient final opportunity rather than the main place for souvenir shopping. Grab & Go café For coffee, drinks and light food, there is a Grab & Go café-style shop inside the departure area. It works well when you need something quickly and do not have time for a full meal. You can pick up a drink or snack and take it closer to your gate. Sandakan Airport does not have the huge restaurant selection found at major international hubs. If you want a substantial meal, it is safer to eat before arriving and use Grab & Go for coffee or a light pre-flight snack. Rest & Go massage chairs One of the most interesting facilities at Sandakan Airport is Rest & Go. You can use a massage chair for 15 minutes for RM15. It is not a private spa treatment, but it is a pleasant and affordable way to relax before boarding — especially after walking around Sepilok, joining wildlife tours or spending several hours travelling from Kinabatangan. For me, this is one of the nicest little extras available inside the terminal. Keep your passport accessible Foreign visitors should keep their passport somewhere easy to reach, even when taking a domestic flight. Sabah and Sarawak maintain their own immigration controls, so passengers travelling between Malaysian Borneo and Peninsular Malaysia may encounter additional document checks. Never place your passport inside checked luggage. Getting to Sandakan Airport The airport is located outside central Sandakan, so remember to include transfer time in your plans. Grab is generally one of the easiest options, although availability can vary early in the morning or late at night. For a very early departure, arranging transportation through your hotel in advance may be more reliable. Confirm the fare and departure time beforehand, particularly when staying outside the city or near Sepilok. Useful tips before flying ✔️ Arrive 1.5–2 hours before a domestic departure. ✔️ Check your baggage allowance before reaching the airport. ✔️ Keep your passport and boarding pass accessible. ✔️ Screenshot your boarding pass in case the internet connection becomes unstable. ✔️ Eat before arriving if you want a proper full meal. ✔️ Buy water and snacks before settling near your gate. ✔️ Carry a light jacket because the terminal and aircraft cabin can feel cold. ✔️ Bring a charged power bank, but keep it in your carry-on luggage. ✔️ Arrange your airport transfer in advance for an early flight. ✔️ Use the Rest & Go massage chairs when you have an extra 15 minutes. Final impression Sandakan Airport is compact, practical and easy to navigate. You will not find an enormous shopping mall or dozens of restaurants, but the essentials are covered: snacks, drinks, coffee, sweets, souvenirs and even massage chairs. More importantly, the airport provides convenient direct connections to Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Lahad Datu and Kuala Lumpur. This makes it much easier to combine Sandakan’s wildlife attractions with other destinations around Sabah and Malaysia. Save this guide before your Sandakan flight — and follow me for more honest airport guides, Borneo itineraries and practical Malaysia travel tips. ✈️🌿 #sandakanairport #sandakan #sabahtravel #borneotravel #domesticflights #tawau #kotakinabalu #lahaddatu #sepilok #malaysiatravel #airportguide #traveltips #tripmoments

#must-tryfood #malaysia What should you order at a seafood restaurant in Sandakan? At Restaurant Seafood Sim Sim 88, we tried two dishes that turned out to be among the most satisfying seafood meals of our trip: giant prawns in dry butter sauce and sotong in buttermilk sauce. Both dishes came with rice, both cost RM40, and both were ordered in size S, the smallest available portion. The surprising part? The portions were enormous. If you are planning to visit Sim Sim 88, these are two excellent choices to share. 1. Giant prawns in dry butter sauce The first dish was a generous plate of huge prawns prepared in a dry butter sauce. These were not small everyday shrimp. The prawns were large, meaty and filling, with plenty of actual seafood inside the shells. The dry butter preparation was different from a creamy sauce. Instead of arriving covered in liquid gravy, the prawns were coated in a rich, aromatic butter mixture. The sauce had a deep savoury flavour, and every prawn was covered with the buttery seasoning. It felt indulgent without being excessively heavy. The rice was useful for balancing the richness and collecting the small pieces of sauce left on the plate. This dish is a good choice for people who want the natural taste and texture of the seafood to remain noticeable. Choose this dish if you like: ✔️ Large and meaty prawns ✔️ Rich but relatively dry seasoning ✔️ Strong butter flavour ✔️ Seafood that remains the centre of the dish ✔️ Sharing food with another person The only challenge is that eating shell-on prawns can be messy, so do not expect an elegant dining experience. But honestly, that is part of the fun. 2. Sotong in buttermilk sauce Our second dish was sotong, the Malay word for squid, served in a thick buttermilk sauce. This was our favourite. The sauce was creamy, comforting and intensely flavourful. It had the characteristic richness of Malaysian-style buttermilk dishes, combining buttery, milky and slightly sweet notes. The squid worked perfectly with the sauce. Each piece was covered in the creamy mixture, and the rice absorbed all the extra sauce beautifully. This is the kind of dish that can make you keep eating even after you are already full. For travellers who are unfamiliar with squid, sotong in buttermilk sauce is a very approachable option. The creamy sauce makes the seafood flavour milder and more comforting. Choose this dish if you like: ✔️ Creamy sauces ✔️ Rich comfort food ✔️ Squid ✔️ Slightly sweet and savoury flavours ✔️ Plenty of sauce for rice Between the two dishes, the sotong was definitely our favourite because the buttermilk sauce was so addictive. Size S is not small One of the most useful things to know before ordering at Sim Sim 88 is that the smallest size may already be enough. We ordered size S for both dishes, expecting fairly modest portions. Instead, both plates were large and very filling. Each dish cost RM40, so our two main dishes came to RM80, excluding any additional drinks or extras. Considering the quantity of seafood and the portion sizes, we thought the value was excellent. For two people, ordering two size-S dishes with rice gives you plenty of food and allows you to try different flavours. I would recommend starting with the smallest size unless you are visiting with a larger group. Which one should you choose? Choose the giant prawns in dry butter sauce if you prefer large pieces of seafood, a drier texture and a more direct prawn flavour. Choose the sotong in buttermilk sauce if you love creamy, rich and comforting dishes. The perfect option, in my opinion, is to order both and share. The two flavours are different enough to complement each other: one is buttery and dry, while the other is creamy and saucy. Ordering tips Confirm whether rice is included, because restaurant menus can sometimes list it separately. Ask how many pieces are usually included in each portion, especially for prawns. Do not assume size S means tiny. At this restaurant, it was already more than enough for us. If you are sensitive to spice, ask whether the sauce contains chilli. Buttermilk dishes are usually mild, but preparation can vary. Prepare to eat the prawns with your hands and bring tissues or wet wipes. Final recommendation Both dishes were delicious, generous and worth ordering, but the sotong in buttermilk sauce won our hearts. The sauce was creamy, rich and perfect with rice, while the squid gave the dish a satisfying texture. The prawns were also excellent: huge, meaty and full of buttery flavour. 📍 Restaurant Seafood Sim Sim 88 🦐 Giant prawns in dry butter sauce: RM40 🦑 Sotong in buttermilk sauce: RM40 🍽️ Size: S ⭐ Our favourite: sotong in buttermilk sauce Which one would you order first: giant prawns or creamy buttermilk sotong? #sandakanfood #simsim88 #sotong #buttermilksquid #prawns #seafoodlovers #sabahfood #borneofood #malaysiafood #foodguide

#howislivingthere One of my strongest culture-shock moments in Sandakan happened when I visited Sim Sim Water Village. At first, I thought of it simply as a place with seafood restaurants and picturesque houses above the water. But after walking deeper into the village, I realised something important: this is not a tourist installation. People genuinely live here. They wake up above the sea, walk to their homes using narrow raised paths and park their boats beside their verandas. Children grow up surrounded by water. Groceries, furniture and daily supplies have to be carried along the same elevated walkways visitors use to reach the restaurants. For a tourist, this may be an unusual experience lasting only an hour or two. For residents, it is everyday life. A complete neighbourhood above the sea Sim Sim is not just a collection of a few houses. It is a large coastal community with homes, small shops, restaurants, boats and shared pathways. Some houses appear brightly painted and comfortable, with plants, decorations and laundry hanging outside. Others look older and more vulnerable to weather, tides and time. The buildings are supported by wooden or concrete pillars, while paths connect different sections of the village. Standing there, I kept thinking about how different daily routines must be. What happens when you carry heavy groceries home? How do young children learn to navigate the narrow walkways safely? What is it like during a storm or heavy rain? How does the community manage repairs when buildings are constantly exposed to salt water and humidity? The beauty and the uncomfortable reality From above, Sim Sim can look incredibly beautiful. The water reflects the houses, boats move slowly between the platforms, and the horizon opens beyond the village. It is easy to take a lovely photograph and describe the place as charming or picturesque. But when you look beneath the walkways, the reality becomes more complicated. There is a huge amount of rubbish in some areas. Plastic, household waste and other debris accumulate around the pillars and beneath the houses. During low tide, the water level drops and exposes even more waste. The smell can also become very strong. Seeing this contrast was shocking: colourful houses and beautiful sea views above, pollution and rubbish below. Why visitors should not romanticise it It is easy for travellers to describe water villages as exotic, authentic or charming. But we should be careful not to romanticise living conditions we do not fully understand. What appears unusual or photogenic to a visitor may involve genuine challenges for the people who live there. Residents may face issues connected to sanitation, waste collection, infrastructure, weather damage and access. At the same time, it would also be unfair to reduce the entire community to pollution or poverty. Sim Sim is home to families, businesses, traditions and daily life. The village deserves to be seen with curiosity and respect — not pity, judgement or romantic fantasies. How to visit respectfully Remember that houses are private homes, even when they look interesting or photogenic. Do not point cameras directly into windows or open doors. Ask permission before taking close-up portraits of residents. Keep pathways clear because people use them to reach their homes. Do not treat children or residents as attractions. Avoid loudly commenting on living conditions while walking through the community. Support local businesses by eating at one of the restaurants or buying something from a small shop. Most importantly, observe without assuming that a short visit gives you a complete understanding of people’s lives. Would I recommend visiting? Yes, but only with the right attitude. Sim Sim is worth visiting because it shows a side of Sandakan that tourists may otherwise miss. It encourages you to think about how differently people live, how closely coastal communities depend on the sea and how environmental problems affect real neighbourhoods. It can also be uncomfortable. The rubbish, smell and visible inequality may be difficult to process. But travel is not always supposed to be comfortable or perfectly beautiful. Sometimes the most important places are those that make us question our assumptions and look beyond curated travel images. My biggest takeaway The strongest impression was not simply that people live above the water. It was the contrast between beauty and pollution, tradition and modern waste, picturesque views and difficult environmental realities. Sim Sim reminded me that honest travel storytelling should include both sides. I could show you only the colourful houses, boats and seafood terraces. But that would not be the full story. So I am sharing the place honestly: fascinating, beautiful, complicated and far from perfect. Would living in a water village feel exciting to you, or would it be difficult to imagine as everyday life? #cultureshock #SimSimWaterVillage #Sandakan #Sabah #BorneoTravel #LocalLife #HowIsLivingThere #ResponsibleTravel #MalaysiaTravel #TravelReality

When people think about Borneo, they usually imagine orangutans, pygmy elephants, proboscis monkeys, sea turtles, and colorful coral reefs. And they’re absolutely right—Borneo is one of the world’s greatest destinations for wildlife lovers. But one of the best things about traveling here is that incredible wildlife isn’t limited to national parks. Sometimes, all you have to do is look up. During a walk around Semporna, I noticed several large white birds resting high in the treetops. At first, I thought they were simply taking a break—but then I realized I had discovered an active egret nesting colony. These graceful birds are white egrets, elegant wading birds commonly found throughout Borneo’s coastal wetlands, mangroves, rivers, and estuaries. While they spend much of their day hunting fish, shrimp, frogs, insects, and small crabs in shallow water, they often return to tall trees to rest and raise their chicks. One of the most fascinating details is that many egrets develop bright green facial skin and delicate ornamental breeding feathers during nesting season, making them even more beautiful. 🐦 Why are they important? Egrets are excellent indicators of a healthy ecosystem. Their presence often means that nearby wetlands still provide clean water, abundant food, and suitable nesting habitats. Finding an active colony is always a wonderful reminder that nature is thriving. 📍Where can you spot them? You don’t always need an expensive wildlife tour. In Semporna, keep an eye on the large roadside trees, especially near the waterfront, mangroves, and quieter neighborhoods. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times to watch them. 💡 Pro Tips ✅ Bring binoculars or simply use your phone’s zoom lens. ✅ Stay at a respectful distance from nesting trees. ✅ Never use drones or make loud noises near bird colonies. ✅ Be patient. If you stay still for a few minutes, you’ll often see birds flying in with nesting material or returning from fishing. One of my favorite things about Borneo is that every day feels like a wildlife safari. You might spend the morning snorkeling with sea turtles, the afternoon spotting sea eagles, and then unexpectedly discover a colony of elegant white egrets right in the middle of town. That’s the magic of this incredible island. Have you ever spotted wild animals or birds somewhere you least expected while traveling? Share your favorite wildlife encounter in the comments! ⸻ #semporna #borneo #sabah #malaysia #wildlife #birdwatching #naturelovers #egret #travelmalaysia #visitborneo #wildlifephotography #exploreborneo #hiddengems #islandlife #naturephotography

Here's a hot tip if you’re exploring Kuching, Sarawak: don’t miss the souvenir shop at the Borneo Cultures Museum! This spot is a total treasure trove for anyone looking to score some premium, high-quality keepsakes to bring home—think authentic crafts, adorable trinkets, and gifts your friends will actually want. 🛍️ What’s even cooler? You don’t have to visit the museum itself to shop here! The souvenir store is open to all, so you can just stroll in and browse even if history isn’t your thing. You’ll find everything from traditional handicrafts made by local Sarawakian artists to fun Borneo-themed merch that screams “I went to Kuching and all I got was this awesome t-shirt.” 😎 Borneo Cultures Museum Souvenir Shop Info: 📍 Address: Jalan Tun Abang Haji Openg, 93560 Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia 🕒 Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily Trust me, this shop is sooo worth a visit. Whether you’re hunting for unique souvenirs or just want a cool spot to chill and browse, this place totally delivers. Go ahead—treat yourself (and your suitcase) before you leave Kuching! #souvenirguide #visitmalaysia #citydaytours #travel2026 #familytravel #museums

Planning an island-hopping adventure in Semporna? While destinations like Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Bohey Dulang, Mataking and many others usually steal the spotlight, choosing the right hotel on the mainland can make your trip much smoother. Seafest Regency Hotel is one of the best-known hotels in Semporna, combining a central location, sea views, modern facilities and easy access to the town’s main attractions. Whether you’re arriving before an early diving trip or spending a few nights exploring Sabah’s east coast, it’s a practical base for your adventure. 📍 Excellent Location One of the hotel’s biggest advantages is its strategic location in the heart of Semporna. Most island tours and diving excursions depart from the main public jetty, which is only a short walk away. This means you won’t need to arrange early morning transportation before your boat leaves. The surrounding area is also packed with useful facilities, including: ☕ Coffee shops and cafés 🍤 Fresh seafood restaurants 🛍️ Shopping and souvenir stores 💊 Pharmacies 🏧 Banks and ATMs 🛒 Convenience stores This makes the hotel particularly convenient for travelers who prefer exploring the town on foot. ⸻ 🌊 Infinity Pool with Harbor Views One of Seafest Regency’s signature features is its rooftop infinity swimming pool overlooking Semporna’s waterfront. During the day, guests can watch colorful boats moving across the harbor, while evenings often bring beautiful tropical sunsets. The rooftop area is also a relaxing place to unwind after a full day of snorkeling, scuba diving or island hopping. For photographers and content creators, the panoramic sea views provide excellent opportunities for capturing Semporna from above. ⸻ 🛏️ Modern Accommodation The hotel offers contemporary rooms designed for both leisure travelers and diving enthusiasts. Many rooms feature: ✔ Comfortable king or twin beds ✔ Spacious layouts ✔ Air conditioning ✔ High-speed Wi-Fi ✔ Modern bathrooms ✔ Work desk ✔ Large windows, with selected room categories offering sea views Sea View Rooms are especially popular thanks to their panoramic outlook over the harbor. ⸻ 🍳 Facilities Seafest Regency offers a range of amenities designed to make longer stays more comfortable: 🏊 Rooftop swimming pool 🍽️ Restaurant serving breakfast and local dishes 💪 Fitness center 📶 Complimentary Wi-Fi 🚗 Free parking 🛎️ 24-hour reception These facilities make it suitable not only for vacationers but also for business travelers visiting Sabah. ⸻ 🌴 Who Is This Hotel Best For? This hotel is particularly suitable for: 🐠 Divers heading to Sipadan and nearby reefs 🏝️ Travelers joining island-hopping tours 📸 Content creators looking for scenic waterfront views 👨👩👧 Families wanting spacious accommodation 💼 Digital nomads or business travelers needing reliable internet and central facilities ⸻ 💡 Pro Tips Before Booking ✔ Book a Sea View Room if available—the harbor scenery is one of the hotel’s highlights. ✔ If your itinerary includes multiple boat trips, staying close to the jetty can save significant time each morning. ✔ The rooftop pool is usually quieter in the early morning or around sunset. ✔ Since the hotel is centrally located, many restaurants, cafés and shops are within walking distance, making it easy to explore Semporna without relying on taxis. ✔ If you’re visiting during school holidays or peak diving season, reserve your room well in advance, as accommodation in central Semporna can fill up quickly. ⸻ Why Consider Seafest Regency? Semporna is often seen as the gateway to some of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular marine destinations, and Seafest Regency Hotel is well positioned for travelers who want comfort without sacrificing convenience. Its combination of a prime waterfront location, rooftop infinity pool, modern facilities, easy walking access to the jetty, restaurants and local attractions makes it one of the most practical accommodation choices in town. If your goal is to spend less time on logistics and more time discovering the incredible islands of Sabah, this hotel is definitely worth considering. Would you choose a room with a sea view, or is being just a few minutes from the jetty the feature that matters most when planning an island adventure? 🌊✨ #Semporna #Sabah #Borneo #Malaysia #SeafestRegency #HotelReview #TravelMalaysia #IslandHopping #TripCom #TravelGuide

#travelwithfootball When people think about Semporna, they usually picture crystal-clear water, diving, and island hopping. But here’s something I definitely didn’t expect… Right at Semporna Jetty, where boats depart for Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai and other paradise islands, Starbucks has transformed into a mini football fan zone for the World Cup. And honestly? It’s one of the coolest travel surprises I’ve found in Malaysian Borneo. ⚽ Why every football-loving traveler should stop here ☕ Grab a coffee before your boat departs Instead of waiting under the sun at the jetty, you can relax with your favorite drink overlooking the harbor. 🏆 Limited-edition World Cup collectibles This location sells exclusive football-themed Starbucks merchandise, including reusable football cups that make surprisingly fun travel souvenirs. 🎁 Spin the Football Wheel One of my favorite parts! With participating purchases, you can spin the football prize wheel and win Starbucks rewards and other prizes. It’s a fun little experience that makes your coffee stop part of the adventure. 🇲🇾 Take home a piece of Malaysia Besides the football collection, you’ll also find Malaysia-exclusive Starbucks mugs, tumblers and travel souvenirs that are much more practical than typical souvenir-shop gifts. 🌊 Location couldn’t be better The café is literally inside the main jetty area, making it the perfect stop before heading to some of the world’s best diving destinations. 💡 Pro Tips for Travelers ✔ Arrive 20–30 minutes before your boat departure and enjoy your coffee without rushing. ✔ Football merchandise is limited edition, so don’t wait until the last minute if you want one. ✔ Ask the baristas whether the Spin & Win promotion is still running—you might leave with more than just a coffee. ✔ This is also one of the easiest places in Semporna to buy official Malaysia Starbucks souvenirs. ✔ Window seats offer a lovely view of the harbor while you watch boats heading toward Borneo’s famous islands. For me, this perfectly captures what football travel is all about. Sometimes the best World Cup memories aren’t made inside a stadium—they happen in unexpected places: a waterfront Starbucks in Malaysian Borneo, coffee in hand, watching boats leave for tropical islands while collecting a football souvenir that will always remind you of this journey. Would you buy the football cup as a travel souvenir? Or would you go straight for the Malaysia-exclusive tumbler? ⚽☕🌴 #FootballTravel #WorldCup2026 #Semporna #Borneo #Sabah #Malaysia #StarbucksMalaysia #TravelGuide #IslandHopping #TripCom

Sibu may be less well-known to all compared to other cities in Sarawak, Malaysia. It is more like a reserved secret of the locals, if you ask a local, “where I can find good food?”, I bet they are more than willing to take you for a full-ride food hunting. This is Mak Borneo, located in the heart of Sibu, it’s more vibrant during night time, after a long sunny day, people come out to enjoy the night breeze and of course, food that will make a stomach feel satisfied. While browsing the menu, hmmm, they have a lot to offer. As usual, you should start with Stir Fried Midin, a type of vegetable that is only available in Borneo. It looks like Paku, but trust me, the locals will get offended if you just simply put two together as one. ☝🏻 Next, Stir Fried Pucuk Manis. It is stir fried with eggs, onions and ikan bills. The sweetness of the vegetables and onions has mixed well with the eggs, complimented with the crunchiness of ikan bilis and a touch of spiciness from chilli, what a ride in the mouth! 🌶️ After the vegetables, it’s time to eat something fresh before having the last dish. Umai Kare Ayam, aka chicken feet salad is something you would want to try. It’s boneless, it’s chewy, and it’s very refreshing because of the lime sauce dressing. 👍 Roasted pork comes last. You have to dip that juicy, fully seasoned, well cooked pork belly into their chilli sauce, the tanginess of the sauce will balance out the oily taste from the pork. 🥩 Believe me, if you’re a meat lover, you should never skip this dish! Honestly? I would rate this place 9/10 🌟