We're in Kota Kinabalu, capital of Malaysia's Sabah state.
We're not here to climb Sabah's majestic Mt. Kinabalu, dive/snorkel the colorful reefs off Sipadan Island, visit the orangutangs at their Sepilok sanctuary, or watch turtle-ettes making their way through sand to sea on the Turtle Islands. We're only here for a few days, for goodness sakes!
But in the short time we've been here we've certainly managed to - yes, you guessed it - check out the local eats. We've been spending lots of time at KK's mammoth Central Market, and hauling ourselves out of bed before dawn to watch the fishing boats unload their daily catch. We've made our way to a couple of memorable tamu, Sabah's version of the once-a-week outdoor market. And we've been ingesting lots and lots of the sea critters this city is justly famous for, in just about every way possible. We enjoyed the char-licious grilled specimens above at KK's vibrant pasar malam (night market) last night.
The verdict? At the risk of sounding like the Sabah Tourism Promotion Board... this island state is one fantastic destination - perhaps Malaysia's tourism jewel. The locals are friendly, the coast is lovely, pristine islands are numerous, and the interior offers lots of diversions. The roads are easily navigable and in decent enough shape; driving is rather less frightening than it can sometimes be on the Malaysian peninsula. And the seafood is top quality, and dirt cheap (especially in comparison with Kuala Lumpur). What on earth took us so long to get here? No matter, for there's not a doubt that this, our first visit to the 'Land Below the Wind' (Sabah lies below the cyclone/typhoon line, and so escapes the ferocious storms that batter its neighbor, the Philippines), won't be our last.
And now, another breathtaking sunset beckons. EatingAsia resumes its regular programming on Thursday.
Where in the world are you... KK?!!
I still owe you two a meal! Give me a call, I'm in KK too... 012-6748328.
Posted by: Vincent | 2006.04.10 at 19:45
You guys are in my home town!!!! I'm so jealous!!
Some of the things that make me miss home....ROJAK (it's actually a noodle dish here, with shredded chicken, cucumbers, sprouts, tofu and sliced hard boiled egg topped with a peanut sauce, sort of like the satay sauce), KAPIANG (this is what i remembered it being called when I was a kid. Found at the night market, it's a pancake, crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, filled with a mixture of butter, crushed peanuts and sugar), KALAMANSI JUICE (with preserved plums, so refreshing!), the GRILLED FISH (I remember grilled stingray on banana leaves, topped with a spicey, savoury sauce)...and the list goes on!
Have a fabulous time and happy eating!
Posted by: quentina | 2006.04.11 at 01:44
wondering what u work as......all those gorgeous place for eating
Posted by: foodcrazee | 2006.04.11 at 10:52
Quentina - how lucky you are to have grown up in KK. I think it's fantastic place, and everyone is so friendly. Great food too. We had some of that stingray .... yum!
Vincent - we missed each other. Hunt us down in KL.
foodcrazee - this is holiday, not work! Our 'other life', and Dave's 'real job' is very ordinary indeed. :-)
Posted by: Robyn | 2006.04.12 at 09:38
Don't forget to drop by to Sarawak the land of hornbill, home of the kolo mee. :)
Must try dishes include: Kolo mee, laksa, kuah chap, and Mukai province's umai (a local sashimi).
I'm drooling over this now :)
Enjoy the trip, and take care.
Posted by: TzeHow | 2006.04.12 at 17:20
Can't wait for details!!! Did you go to the Filipino markets? The Philippines still thinks Sabah is a part of its territory.
Posted by: RST | 2006.04.13 at 01:12