Kota Kinabalu Day 2: Unplanned Pleasures and Culinary Treats

 Day 2: Kota Kinabalu

Today started off with the pure joy of not having to wake up early, a luxury that comes with being on holiday. We woke up whenever we felt like it, basking in the lazy, carefree vibe of a true vacation. As always, my daughter took the reins for breakfast. With the groceries we bought yesterday, she prepared a simple yet delightful meal of eggy sausage toast, paired with a glass of fresh milk. The toast was golden and crispy, with the savory sausage and soft, fluffy scrambled eggs complementing each other perfectly—a satisfying start to our day.

While the kids did their morning revision in preparation for their upcoming exams, I got down to my writing work. Since we were still feeling the effects of yesterday's travel fatigue, we decided to keep our plans for Day 2 flexible. Originally, we thought about visiting Tao Art Studio to try our hands at pottery. However, time got away from us, and by the time we finished lunch, it was already 1 pm. Knowing the craft would take a few hours and that traffic would be a nightmare afterward, we decided to stay at Imago Shopping Mall instead.

For lunch, we headed to a basement restaurant called “I LOVE YOO 老油鬼鬼.” You may click the link i attached for more detailed. My girl wanted to try their porridge served with char kway and soy milk—a combo she’d seen recommended on Xiaohongshu. The porridge was smooth and comforting, with an aromatic hint of chicken. The char kway was crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, perfect for dipping into the rich, creamy porridge. My little boy, a fan of all things crispy, happily munched on the char kway. I, on the other hand, was craving something more robust. I ordered the Curry Kapitan chicken + mee, which turned out to be a delightful surprise. The chicken was tender, cooked in a flavorful Kapitan curry that was fragrant with a blend of spices and rich coconut milk, and paired with wide noodles. Every bite was a burst of warmth and comfort.

As we prepared to head back to the homestay around 3 pm, a sudden downpour trapped us at the mall. Unable to walk back, we booked a car ride instead using AIRASIA RIDE (link attached). After resting for a while, we decided to head to "The Brown Fox" for a tea-time treat.  The restaurant nestled on the ground floor of a charming building, The Brown Fox is a cozy little haven that invites you in with its warm and welcoming ambiance. This quaint cafe has quickly become a favorite for both locals and visitors, offering a delightful escape from the bustling city outside. The decor is a mix of rustic wood, soft lighting, and comfortable seating, creating a relaxed and inviting atmosphere perfect for unwinding. This was our second visit, and I was excited to return. We indulged in a garlic cheese bun—crusty on the outside, soft and warm on the inside, with a gooey cheese center that melted in the mouth. The Earl Grey mango and passionfruit cake was a delightful surprise, combining the delicate floral notes of Earl Grey tea with the bright, tangy sweetness of mango and passionfruit. A glass of Earl Grey tea accompanied the cake perfectly, with its subtle bergamot fragrance enhancing every bite.

As tea time wrapped up, it was almost time for dinner. We strolled around Sutera Avenue, exploring the nearby restaurants, but eventually, our tired feet led us to Cabe Ijo, where we settled for our main meal.  Tucked away in the lively area of Sutera Avenue, Cabe Ijo brings the vibrant flavors of Indonesian cuisine to Kota Kinabalu. The restaurant, named after the famous green chili pepper used in many Indonesian dishes, is a warm and welcoming spot that invites you to indulge in a rich tapestry of tastes and spices. The meal was satisfying, providing a comforting end to the day.  For dinner, we decided to explore more of their delicious menu. We started with the Pattaya Ayam, a unique twist on a popular Southeast Asian dish. The dish features a flavorful chicken fried rice, generously wrapped in a thin, golden omelet. The rice was perfectly seasoned, each grain infused with a blend of aromatic spices, tender chicken pieces, and vegetables. The omelet was light and fluffy, adding a comforting texture that made every bite a satisfying combination of flavors and textures.  We also ordered the Grilled Chicken with Fries, a simpler yet equally satisfying choice. The chicken was grilled to perfection, with a beautiful char on the outside that added a smoky depth to its flavor. The inside remained juicy and tender, marinated with a mix of herbs and spices that made every bite deliciously savory. Served alongside crispy golden fries, it was a delightful dish that offered a comforting balance of flavors—perfect for those who enjoy a classic, hearty meal with a touch of Indonesian flair.  

With its wide array of dishes that cater to both adventurous eaters and those looking for familiar comforts, Cabe Ijo remains a fantastic choice for anyone eager to dive into Indonesian cuisine while in Kota Kinabalu.

 Afterward, the kids convinced me to stop by the Korea convenience store next door name EMART 24, where they picked out ice cream treats to enjoy back at the homestay. We ended our day back in our cozy home away from home, savoring our ice creams and reflecting on the simple pleasures of a day spent together.

As the day turned into night, we slipped into a comfortable rhythm that felt like home, even miles away in Kota Kinabalu. As usual, the kids were eager for their game time with their besties in Sandakan - a ritual they never miss on Friday and Saturday nights. It’s their way of staying connected, sharing laughs, and bonding over their favorite online games, regardless of where we are. Their laughter filled the room, a comforting reminder of home, while I enjoyed the quiet moments of the evening, grateful for this relaxed, joyful day.