My KK Journey: 'Terbalik' and the Next Stop
Slept like a log and woke up late the next morning. Can't help it, the legs needed some time to rest and recover.
Borneo Backpackers
For the last three nights of this journey, here was where we stayed. I liked the balcony-slash-reading-slash-computer area and the toilets- clean, neat and functional. We stayed in the 10-bed dormitory with air-conditioned for RM 25 a night. The location of the Backpackers is good; across the main road to Gaya Street area. However, the lady at the counter was not very friendly and likewise to Xplorer Backpackers, there was no individual sockets next to our bed so we had to use the limited common ones inside the room or outside. Breakfast was served and free water refills were provided. There was a cat living in this Backpackers too.
Wisma Merdeka
Since i woke up late, i had simple breakfast of bread and jam at the Backpackers. Then, we walked to one of the shopping complexes, Wisma Merdeka. Did i mention to you that there are quite a number of shopping complexes in KK city? Wisma Merdeka is a plain shopping complex with old interior design, much like Wisma Central or Ampang Park in KL.
Wiya Nasi Ayam dan Kedai Kopi
Time for lunch and we walked towards the shoplot area at Segama. I thought we were early but the shop was already crowded. Extra seats with air-conditioned are available upstairs for 50 cents but since it wasn't a hot day (and to save the 50 cents), we waited for a table downstairs.
Warisan Square
Another nice shopping area with branded goods. Also, several food outlets to choose from.
Bus Station, Wawasan
We came here again. This time, we hopped onto the bus to Tamparuli. Fee was RM 5. The ride took us almost 45 minutes.
Rumah Terbalik, near Tamparuli
A relatively new attraction in Sabah, this unique house was open to public a year ago. It was easy to get here; the bus we took stopped at the entrance of the house. We paid RM 10 (Malaysian adult) and excitedly got into the confusing compound. From outside, we could see the entire house and a car defied gravity and remained upside down.
After photographing the outside, we joined the tour included. A lady explained to us the origins of this house, the dos and don'ts inside- strictly no photographing, and guided us through the twisted world of being upside down while being upright. Everything inside was the other way round- the fans, the chairs, the television, the toilets, the beds (i liked the use of mirror in one of the rooms to reflect into the actual upright view) and the kitchen. Once outside, we quickly reach for our cameras and snapped photographs.
At the backyard, the garden and the toilet are upside down. Here, we could take photographs. And that's the end of this house. A souvenir shop and a cafe await at the end. A simple but creative concept and a smart addition to the tourism industry. It's playful. It's cute. It's unique. I was light headed by the end of the tour, seriously. Worth a visit.
To return to KK city, we took a bus opposite the road to Tuaran (RM 1.50) as there are more buses from Tuaran town that goes to the city. It was RM 4 from Tuaran to the city. Tired, we went back to the Backpackers and prepared for dinner.
Yu Kee Bak Kut Teh
Claimed to be the most popular (and the best) 'bak kut teh' restaurant in the city, i had to try. I wasn't happy with the way the owners welcomed us into the shop and took our orders. They weren't polite and since we weren't regulars, we didn't know how to order. Dinner was quick.
Jesselton Point at Night
As the night was still young, we walked to the Jesselton Point jetty to experience the view at night. We ordered a fresh coconut and took our time to finish it.
Kedai Kopi Wan Wan, Penampang
The next morning, we were glad to have a local friend to bring us to Penampang for brunch. Slightly away from the city, about 25 minutes, we arrived at a busy, late morning eatery.
1Borneo Hypermall
The largest mall in this area. A good shopping place. However, it is slightly off the city.
Filipino Market
Returned to the city and walked to the Filipino Market. Good place to get souvenir- shirt, key chains, fridge magnet, and make sure to bargain. This place is also popular with pearls and handicraft. Since i didn't know how to pick pearls (for authenticity), i settled to shop for little memorabilia to bring home.
Central Market
We went there almost closing time and cut fresh fruits were sold at discounted price. A pack of cut papayas usually cost RM 1 but it was half price then. Since there were only three packs left and the owner wanted to close, my friend bought 3 packs of papaya for RM 1. What a steal!
Other than fruits, you can find lots of market stuff here- meat, vegetable and seafood (what KK is popular for). Again, i didn't know how to pick seafood and to avoid being conned, i decided to just see.
Fook Yuen Restaurant
After the markets, we returned to the Backpackers and washed up. I had my dinner nearby at the Fook Yuen Restaurant (the night before, we passed by this place and it was crowded. It was just about to get crowded while i was there).
Sunburned- proof that i was at the beach. Legs ached- proof that i climbed the mountain. My week-long journey to KK finally reached its end. I dived down; i rose above the clouds. From the sea to the highlands, from cows to pork, this adventure was truly memorable and exciting. I remembered i made a promise to myself to climb Mount Kinabalu four years ago and this year, i fulfilled that promise together with my friends. I like Malaysia Airlines' new tagline: journeys are made by the people you travel with.
To the next stop!
My KK Journey: Sand and the City
My KK Journey: Paths of Glory
My KK Journey: 'Terbalik' and the Next Stop
Borneo Backpackers
For the last three nights of this journey, here was where we stayed. I liked the balcony-slash-reading-slash-computer area and the toilets- clean, neat and functional. We stayed in the 10-bed dormitory with air-conditioned for RM 25 a night. The location of the Backpackers is good; across the main road to Gaya Street area. However, the lady at the counter was not very friendly and likewise to Xplorer Backpackers, there was no individual sockets next to our bed so we had to use the limited common ones inside the room or outside. Breakfast was served and free water refills were provided. There was a cat living in this Backpackers too.
The Backpackers from the outside.
Wisma Merdeka
Since i woke up late, i had simple breakfast of bread and jam at the Backpackers. Then, we walked to one of the shopping complexes, Wisma Merdeka. Did i mention to you that there are quite a number of shopping complexes in KK city? Wisma Merdeka is a plain shopping complex with old interior design, much like Wisma Central or Ampang Park in KL.
Wiya Nasi Ayam dan Kedai Kopi
Time for lunch and we walked towards the shoplot area at Segama. I thought we were early but the shop was already crowded. Extra seats with air-conditioned are available upstairs for 50 cents but since it wasn't a hot day (and to save the 50 cents), we waited for a table downstairs.
We went in from the back. But this is what you'll see from the front.
What is so special about this chicken rice? Obviously, it's the pyramid shaped rice. Other than that, it tasted ordinary. My plate of chicken rice was RM 6 and i had quenching Kit Chai drink (RM 3).
Warisan Square
Another nice shopping area with branded goods. Also, several food outlets to choose from.
Bus Station, Wawasan
We came here again. This time, we hopped onto the bus to Tamparuli. Fee was RM 5. The ride took us almost 45 minutes.
Basic facility bus station.
The public van to Tamparuli.
Rumah Terbalik, near Tamparuli
A relatively new attraction in Sabah, this unique house was open to public a year ago. It was easy to get here; the bus we took stopped at the entrance of the house. We paid RM 10 (Malaysian adult) and excitedly got into the confusing compound. From outside, we could see the entire house and a car defied gravity and remained upside down.
What happened to this house?
And this car?
They're all upside down!
Bicycle for rent, anyone? Look at the potted plants too.
Mind flipped.
At the backyard, the garden and the toilet are upside down. Here, we could take photographs. And that's the end of this house. A souvenir shop and a cafe await at the end. A simple but creative concept and a smart addition to the tourism industry. It's playful. It's cute. It's unique. I was light headed by the end of the tour, seriously. Worth a visit.
I find this certificate cute.
To return to KK city, we took a bus opposite the road to Tuaran (RM 1.50) as there are more buses from Tuaran town that goes to the city. It was RM 4 from Tuaran to the city. Tired, we went back to the Backpackers and prepared for dinner.
Yu Kee Bak Kut Teh
Claimed to be the most popular (and the best) 'bak kut teh' restaurant in the city, i had to try. I wasn't happy with the way the owners welcomed us into the shop and took our orders. They weren't polite and since we weren't regulars, we didn't know how to order. Dinner was quick.
Gets busy quick. Many tables outside the restaurant too.
I had pork ribs 'bak kut teh'. The meat was tender and succulent. The soup was tasty- we added. My friends had the other parts of the pork which i don't take. Although i think this restaurant is overrated, worth the try and dinner was filling. My share of dinner was RM 8.
We went hunting for the Melvic Chicken Wings at the Sedco Square but we did not manage to find it. However, i just realized that there were many seafood restaurants in that area. Tempted to try. May be next time.
Jesselton Point at Night
As the night was still young, we walked to the Jesselton Point jetty to experience the view at night. We ordered a fresh coconut and took our time to finish it.
Heavy coconut was heavy.
Kedai Kopi Wan Wan, Penampang
The next morning, we were glad to have a local friend to bring us to Penampang for brunch. Slightly away from the city, about 25 minutes, we arrived at a busy, late morning eatery.
Busy times at the eatery.
Mixed of fish noodles, fish fillet, fish cake and fish skin (think all fish), i enjoyed this meal thoroughly. Good recommendation by my friend (not sure how to get there on my own). I especially like the sweetness of the soup from all the ingredients and the fresh fish. Recommended.
To accompany was this bowl of dry noodles.
1Borneo Hypermall
The largest mall in this area. A good shopping place. However, it is slightly off the city.
Filipino Market
Returned to the city and walked to the Filipino Market. Good place to get souvenir- shirt, key chains, fridge magnet, and make sure to bargain. This place is also popular with pearls and handicraft. Since i didn't know how to pick pearls (for authenticity), i settled to shop for little memorabilia to bring home.
Central Market
We went there almost closing time and cut fresh fruits were sold at discounted price. A pack of cut papayas usually cost RM 1 but it was half price then. Since there were only three packs left and the owner wanted to close, my friend bought 3 packs of papaya for RM 1. What a steal!
Other than fruits, you can find lots of market stuff here- meat, vegetable and seafood (what KK is popular for). Again, i didn't know how to pick seafood and to avoid being conned, i decided to just see.
Fook Yuen Restaurant
After the markets, we returned to the Backpackers and washed up. I had my dinner nearby at the Fook Yuen Restaurant (the night before, we passed by this place and it was crowded. It was just about to get crowded while i was there).
Wide entrance.
Self service. Dim sum is served here too.
Not new to me but highly popular from this kopitiam, i ordered a piece of roti kahwin (RM 1.50). Nice butter and kaya mix. The bread was steamed super soft. The picture is deceiving.
From the bakery, this attracted me. Strong sesame seed flavour and aroma.
Sunburned- proof that i was at the beach. Legs ached- proof that i climbed the mountain. My week-long journey to KK finally reached its end. I dived down; i rose above the clouds. From the sea to the highlands, from cows to pork, this adventure was truly memorable and exciting. I remembered i made a promise to myself to climb Mount Kinabalu four years ago and this year, i fulfilled that promise together with my friends. I like Malaysia Airlines' new tagline: journeys are made by the people you travel with.
One of the iconic buildings in KK, the Tun Mustapha Tower. Caught on sight while traveling.
To the next stop!
My KK Journey: Sand and the City
My KK Journey: Paths of Glory
My KK Journey: 'Terbalik' and the Next Stop
Comments
Post a Comment