Quick Getaway: Sabah Surprise

A Natural and cultural paradise, Sabah is ideal for a scenic quick getaway

By Kai Tamin-Goh

Only two and a half hours away, I had a short yet enjoyable vacation in Kota Kinabalu. Here are some of the highlights.

Fantasy Island

I spent four glorious days in my own ‘Fantasy Island’ resorts on Gaya Island off Kota Kinabalu, the capital of the state of Sabah in East Malaysia. Fans of the long-running TV series, Fantasy Island, will remember the charming island host, Mr Roarke, played by Ricardo Montalban, and his sidekick, Tatoo, played by Herve Villechaize.

My ‘Fantasy Island’ comprises two out-of-this-world resorts nestled along a protected coral reef on Pulau Gaya, just off Kota Kinabalu. Pulau Gaya is the largest of five islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Marine Park.

Water and Forest Getaways

Gayana Eco Resort and Bunga Raya Island Resort Spa are worth splurging on. A 15-minute ride from Kota Kinabalu International Airport brings you to Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal for another ten to 15-minute boat ride to either of the resorts.

You can choose to stay in any of Gayana’s 52 villas over water or in one of 48 villas at its sister property, Bunga Raya Island Resort & Spa, tucked away in the Borneo rainforest. They are ten minutes apart by speedboat. The crystal clear waters around the resorts teem with marine life.

We were drawn to the magic of the corals, clams and various fish species swimming in the turquoise blue sea beneath. The villas at Gayana sit on stilts above the water.

Nature and Adventure

The rainforest on Gaya Island is rich in biodiversity. In our 45-minute trek, we saw tropical hardwood trees and the infamous tongkat Ali tree, which our guide referred to as the “Viagra tree”.

We spotted the Russell Pit Viper. Thankfully, the villas are built on stilts to deter the snakes from entering. The jungle is also home to hornbills, monkeys and lizards.

While there, we caught a glimpse of a hornbill and came up close to a giant lizard. A flying squirrel ‘joined’ us when we were having dinner at one of the resorts’ outdoor restaurants. To our amusement, a family of ‘tame’ wild boars also passed by but snubbed us.

If jungle trekking is not your cup of tea, try scuba diving, snorkelling, zip-lining, kayaking, canoeing or jet skiing. Book a nature or adventure tour package from any of the hotels, resorts or local travel agents in Kota Kinabalu.

Food, Glorious Food

Jesselton Ferry Terminal Point has a row of cafes and restaurants. I love the fresh fish at Alu Alu Café. We chatted with Chef Khiong who runs the kitchen there.

A casual Chinese café-style restaurant and one of many makan places in the jetty area, Alu Alu Café stands out for serving mostly fish dishes – about 30 different varieties. The fish fillet (from a hybrid grouper) served in wasabi and buttermilk sauce with crispy potato shreds was awesomely delicious!

“He [Chef Khiong] is very hands-on. I’ve seen him say ‘no’ if he’s not satisfied with a dish, and it goes back in to the kitchen,” said 29-year-old Gillian Tan, the café owner.

Alu Alu’s fish and vegetables are organically farmed and Tan’s family, who also own a fish and vegetable farm, supply them to many of the local restaurants and hotels.

Triumph over Adversity

Chef Khiong’s story is an inspiring one of triumph over adversity. In 2010, he had an accident that left him wheelchair bound.

“We continued to involve him in all aspects of the kitchen and the rest of the staff was very helpful in accommodating his needs. He has done amazingly well and is such an inspiration. He handles everything from purchasing, hiring, quality control, new menus… You name it, he does it,” said Tan.

After the accident, Tan and her family, who also own the Gayana and Bunga Raya resorts, had ramps installed so that Chef Khiong could come to work.

Mari Mari Cultural Village

First-time visitors to Kota Kinabalu should visit Mari Mari Cultural Village, featuring the ethnic homes of Sabah’s different tribes as well as demonstrations of life in the days of headhunting.

From blowpipe demonstrations to the art of making honey and starting a fire, there are ample opportunities for you to click away. You can also watch or join in a cultural dance performance.

Sabah is truly a gem on the Borneo coastline. It is impossible to cover all of this “Land Below The Wind” in one visit, so Kota Kinabalu is a good start.

There are direct flights between Singapore and Kota Kinabaluat least ten times a week.