Day 3 A Perfect Merdeka Day: Shopping, Sweet Treats, and Family Moments in Kota Kinabalu

 Day 3 in Kota Kinabalu: A Delightful Mix of Shopping, DIY Fun, and Family Time

Today, I managed to wake up early at 6:30 a.m., feeling refreshed and ready to make the most of Merdeka Day in Kota Kinabalu. I started my morning with a cup of hot water and relaxed on the sofa, catching up on some unread WhatsApp messages. After a few moments of peace, I decided to make a healthy breakfast, and while enjoying it, I did some quick Googling to plan the day's itinerary.  For breakfast today, I had a delicious mix of flavors and textures that started my day on the right note. I enjoyed fluffy scrambled eggs, cooked just the way I like them — soft and slightly creamy. Alongside, a fresh banana added a touch of natural sweetness, perfectly balancing the savory elements of the meal. A slice of warm toast provided a satisfying crunch, complemented by juicy, tender slices of chicken breast that brought a protein-packed punch. To complete the plate, crisp cucumber slices added a refreshing, hydrating crunch, making for a light yet nourishing start to the morning.

First Stop: ITCC Mall
With the town area expected to be jam-packed due to the Merdeka Day celebrations, we decided to head to ITCC Mall instead. It was a fantastic choice! The mall had a lively atmosphere, perfect for some shopping and dining. One of the highlights was a visit to the book fair organized by Big Bad Wolf, where discounts were up to 90%. My two kids eagerly picked out their favorite fiction books. The fair was crowded, so I had to keep a close eye on them, which meant I didn't get much time to browse for myself. Nonetheless, the joy on their faces made it all worthwhile.

For lunch, we dined at Yue Cha, a cozy restaurant where we could relax while waiting for our driver. Due to the heavy traffic, he took quite a while to reach us, but it gave us a chance to savor the delicious food and enjoy some quality family time.  At Yue Cha in ITCC Mall, I decided to indulge in a flavorful combination of dishes. The butter chicken rice offered a rich and creamy delight, with tender chicken pieces coated in a buttery, spiced sauce that paired perfectly with fluffy, fragrant rice. To add an extra kick, you went for the Indomie curry chicken, a dish known for its bold, aromatic curry flavor that blended beautifully with the classic Indomie noodles. Together, these choices created a satisfying meal that balanced both comforting and spicy flavors.

Next Adventure: Cocoa Kingdom
Once our driver arrived, we headed to Cocoa Kingdom. At Cocoa Kingdom, we were warmly welcomed by a friendly staff member who immediately set the tone for a delightful visit. He generously offered us samples of their bestselling chocolate flavors, ranging from creamy milk chocolate to rich, intense dark varieties. We tasted a wide array of flavors, from the classic original to more adventurous combinations, each one as delicious as the last. After savoring the chocolates, we moved on to another exciting section where the kids got to experience the fun of creating their own chocolate treats. Watching them craft their unique creations brought joy and added a sweet, personal touch to our visit.  I opted for the RM25 package at Cocoa Kingdom, which allowed us to make 4 pieces of chocolate. This meant each of us could create 2 custom chocolates, adding a fun, personalized touch to our visit. The kids especially enjoyed designing their own unique pieces, making the experience even more memorable.

Return to Imago4 Shopping Mall

Our next stop was Imago Shopping Mall – a favorite from the previous days. As usual, my little girl was drawn to the jewelry at Lovisa, while the boy couldn't resist another round at the arcade. Watching them enjoy their activities made me smile, and the familiarity of the mall felt comforting, like visiting an old friend.

An Evening of Home Comforts and Sweet Treats
By the time we walked back to our homestay, we were all quite exhausted. Instead of dining out, I decided to whip up a simple home-cooked dinner. There's something special about the taste of home-cooked food, and the kids seemed to agree; they ate every bite with smiles on their faces.  For dinner, I decided to keep things simple yet satisfying. I marinated some chicken wings with a mix of herbs, spices, and a touch of honey for a subtle sweetness, then grilled them to perfection. The wings turned out crispy on the outside, with a juicy and tender inside — just the way we like them!  To accompany the chicken, I cooked fresh bok choy — one of my favorite leafy greens. Quickly stir-fried with garlic and a dash of oyster sauce, the bok choy retained its bright green color and slightly crunchy texture, adding a healthy and flavorful element to the meal.  I paired these with a bowl of pasta. The pasta’s subtle flavors brought a lovely balance to the savory chicken and the fresh, herb-seasoned bok choy, creating a wholesome, satisfying dinner that was both delicious and comforting.

After dinner, we still had a bit of energy left to venture to Tea Co on the ground floor of Sutera Avenue. At Tea Co in Sutera Avenue, I picked out a variety of drinks tailored to each of us. I enjoyed the Grape Yogurt, savoring its tangy and refreshing flavor. My little boy had the Boba Milk Special Oreo, which he loved, especially since Oreos are his all-time favorite. For my girl, I chose the Dragon Fruit Yogurt, which provided a vibrant and fruity treat that she enjoyed thoroughly. Each drink was selected with care to suit our individual tastes, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Today was a mix of simple pleasures, from book browsing and chocolate-making to enjoying home-cooked food. Each moment felt like a celebration of family, fun, and the joy of being together in a new place. I’m looking forward to what tomorrow brings!