Updated 15 Aug 2022, 9.05am
Note📌: This blog post was progressively being updated by SiennyLovesDrawing during her trip, hmm…A superb long story, enjoy reading ya 😀
Hey all 👋🏻☺️, do you remembered reading SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻’s earlier blog post about her Sabah travel bucket list❓⁉️ To recall, you may enjoy your read via 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2022/04/05/flymetosabah-bucket-list-to-tick-off/
Guess what❓⁉️
Her travel wish comes true, yes ✅, she travels in Sabah now, Malaysia 🇲🇾 This is her 1️⃣st trip by air 🛫 out of Kuala Lumpur (KL) city since Post-Covid with the state borders & international borders reopened @ Malaysia 🇲🇾
In this blog post, she will share briefly her itinerary planning & then with more details from her own personal travel experiences & observations about COVID-19 travel procedures, peoples, places & the food she encounters during this domestic trip @ Sabah in upcoming blog posts, do stay tuned ya 😃
Do check out her FB albums posted on her Sabah travels via 📸🌐 https://www.facebook.com/siennylovesdrawing/posts/pfbid0ZDEEAgGaViiSmiaESro69UQubF1EpcmrWC6gZAZB3Qo3iUB8VdLR2CFaDAqcnLxkl & 📸🌐 https://facebook.com/100057989202221/posts/pfbid02kjpUdBjPpDyjDrMRjCkW59pvg24WVYTLr9Ep4nrdiBGeGZJhbYFtvWwMedvJTnahl/ &📸🌐 https://facebook.com/100057989202221/posts/pfbid0wDTvapLUrZHf5Ae5aZQBm2F4cVFFiVwuWgSL1pbtNi6bW8rju7wzDwLbnfnq8sggl/
Travel Preparation & Checklist
- Identification card (I/C) for local Malaysians 🇲🇾 OR international passport 🛂 for foreigners 🙅🏻♀️🇲🇾, must ensure at least 6️⃣ months validity ya 👍🏻
- Digital Certificate of Vaccination ~ Personally she suggests to screenshot & keep a copy offline in all your devices to avoid no network OR connectivity issues while travelling to roads less traveled or rural areas then🧳
- Wef. 1 Dec 2021, COVID-19 RT-PCR or RTK-Ag swab test prior to travel is no longer required, EXCEPT FOR partially vaccinated & not vaccinated prior to entering Sabah
- Wef. 1 May 2022, COVID-19 travel insurance is no longer required
- Wef. 1 May 2022, MySejahtera Check-ins are no longer required
- All visitors to Sabah both domestic & international will be given a social travel pass with 90 days validity at immigration counter. Must safe keeping it as you will need it again at the time you leave Sabah. Penalty occurs if lost it
- Do wear comfortable shoes & travel light as SiennyLovesDrawing always enjoy, #AnywherewithGL with Gaston Luga waterproof backpacks 🎒during this trip 🇲🇾 ~ 15%OFF code “SLD15OFF” & a 🆓 tote bag by purchase every #GastonLuga #backpack or bundle via 🛒🛍️🌐 https://gastonluga.com/my/backpacks & SiennyLovesDrawing also has opted for #LuccaVudorSG comfy leather sneakers 👟 for this whole trip at Sabah, loving it 💕❤️, 🛒🛍️🌐 https://luccavudor.com/
Personally, SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 is fully vaccinated, including booster vaccine, she still performed the swab test prior her trip. So, she would like to HIGHLY RECOMMENDED for all fully vaccinated travelers whether travelling to/from domestic or international to be PCR tested before travel trips for the peace of mind & the safety of others #kitajagakita
Day 1️⃣
Her Premium Flex with Air Asia flight has departed to Kota Kinabalu (KK) from Kuala Lumpur International airport (KLIA2) @ 5.30am
Guess what❓⁉️
SiennyLovesDrawing was nearly missed her flight for the 1️⃣st time ever, she was lucky 🍀 that she didn’t, so you all still get to read her stories here 😅😂🤣
Unsure & don’t know why she wrongly remembered the Boarding Gate for her flight. Actually she got an angel 😇 who he helped to take her photo – Kota Kinabalu wall at departure hall. He asked, which is your boarding gate❓⁉️ She confidently answered Gate K 🤦🏻♀️, if she bothered to recheck her boarding pass again, she would definitely saved her energy to run & rush to the other end for the correct boarding gate that early morning
She was thankful 🙏🏻 that she got on the flight 🛫 to KK, she felt blessed. So, moral of this story to you all, do recheck your boarding gate before you walk towards it to wait for your flight boarding, if missed a flight is definitely not good ya
It’s really feeling good while on board with flight ✈️ after 2️⃣++ years, enjoyed looking out the flight window to feel the warm sun 🔆 rays & seeing the dancing clouds ☁️ up close while enjoyed her favourite flight meal ~ Santan Nasi Lemak Pak Nasser
LinkedIn album 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6947922297739460608-jJMu
Kota Kinabalu (KK)
Arrived safely at KK international airport (KKIA) @ 8am, a 2 hours 30mins flight journey
Happy flight to KK TikTok clip captured 📹🌐
Guess what❓⁉️
At arrival hall toilets, she got amazed 🤩 by the beautiful under the sea wall murals by local Sabahan cartoonist artist, Jaini Abd. Ghani aka Binjai 👨🏽🎨 (IG: Kartunis_binjai) & Sabahan artist, Halim Batak (FB: halim.batak.7). To her personally, both tell stories about Sabah is with many diving 🤿🦪🐠🐡🦈 spots & well known for its under the sea beauty
When she captured the photos & videos these murals especially at Gent toilet, she got stopped with thought that she went in to wrong toilet, lol 😆😂
LinkedIn album 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6947928269014884352-Tqde
Then, absolutely an amazing colourful graffiti 😍 named “The Nature Mind of Landscape” by Kenji Chai 👨🏻🎨 (IG: mr_kenjichai), it aims as a reminder of the value of nature & how all of us must do more to protect the Malaysia 🇲🇾’s endangered species, especially Proboscis Monkey (Nasalis Larvatus)
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As an art lover herself, she got amazed with the beautiful wall murals 🎨🖌️ at KKIA painted by the Sabahan artists. Truly proud of all local art talents shown to the world the art & culture of the people in Sabah in different ways, forms & knowledge through art
Actually these art displays at airports are part of the National Art Gallery & Malaysia Airports Holding Berhad (MAHB) initiative ie. KUL Art Airport to promote Malaysian artworks & to showcase these participating Malaysian artists’ cultural identities not just domestically, but also on an international stage. Yes ✅, both domestic & foreign travellers whether now arriving & departing from international airports at KL, KK, Penang & Kuching will be greeted by a series of artworks created by local Malaysian artists. Malaysia 🇲🇾’s international airports are the next cultural hubs
Happily met & greet with Sabah Tourism Board team members, Ms DG & Ms Nana, as well as tour guide, Mr Tommy Soo & driver, Mr Peter of Borneo Excursions at KKIA. Then, departed together to Kudat on a road trip of approximately 3.5 hours
SiennyLovesDrawing had get to know them chit chat & then closed her eyes 👀 & rest during this road 🛣️ journey 💤😴🥱, she had an early morning 🌅, time to recharge so can gain energy to share more juicy stories with you all ya 🤗💪🏻🙌🏻
Kudat
Arrived at Kudat Esplanade Sidek ⚓ @ 12pm
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/QaKaMejiJ569AHWh6
Next, a 🔟mins boat ride 🛥️ to enjoy lunch @ 📍🍽️🐟 James Tambakan Fish Farm
Yeah‼️ Time to enjoy healthy delicious live & fresh seafood dishes, either steamed or boiled, yummy 😋🤤
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Visitors can opt to enjoy fish snorkeling 🤿 & feeding fish 🐟🐠 at farm here
Happy fish farm visit & fresh live seafood lunch enjoyment TikTok clip captured 📹🌐
Address📍: 🔟mins boat ride 🛥️ from Esplanade Sidek or Kudat Marina Jetty
FB🌐: https://www.facebook.com/jamesfishfarm/
After lunch, visited to Kudat Ferry ⛴️ Terminal Jetty ⚓
Guess what❓⁉️
Again, she got amazed with the beautiful wall murals 🎨🖌️ surrounding this jetty ⚓ ticket office. It’s by a local Sabahan artist named Chong Ket Phin (FB: art.painting.50309), a very low profile artist
LinkedIn album 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6948055813525524480-4ivc
This artist is based in Kudat, so not surprised you will see more beautiful wall murals from him around Kudat during your visit to here ya 🤩👍🏻
Do check out & listen to her voice over about her Sabah art exploring TikTok clip via 📹🌐https://www.tiktok.com/@siennylovesdraw/video/7116705559709371674
Then visit the G Wonder Khayalan Home Art Gallery
It’s owned by a local Sabahan artist named Jainal Amambing, an award winning artist in domestic & international
Guess what❓⁉️
It’s also known as The Ugliest Home Art Gallery in North Borneo by the artist owner himself
Hmm…Why❓⁉️ Do check out her next blog post on ~ Arts in Sabah via https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2022/07/26/arts-in-sabah/ ya ☺️💕
Personally to SiennyLovesDrawing, this actually is a natural real look of an art gallery with the real art space of Mr Jainal to producing & exhibiting his art masterpieces & creative ideas. Absolutely an inspiring amazing gallery visit here. In fact, almost every corner in this home gallery is an instagrammable spot, highly recommended 📸👍🏻
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Entrance fee is required ✅
- Children 12 y/o & below, RM2️⃣
- Adults, RM3️⃣
- Foreign visitors, RM7️⃣
Her impressive inspiring home art gallery visit TikTok clip captured ya 📹🌐
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mCPuyJUBCFEpM8yg9
Opening hours🕘: 9am to 5pm daily, except Sun
FB🌐: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100057669840616
Happy full tummy dinner @ 📍🍽️ Restaurant Hock Cheong 福昌
This restaurant is a famous wedding lunch or dinner opted by most of the local Sabahan in Kudat as it serves delicious 😋🤤 foods
All dinner dishes ordered so so yummy tasty 😋👍🏻 personally she enjoyed the butter prawn the most from this dinner
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Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ohJsqtrQCQfhmXMy8
FB🌐: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=154929537938987&__tn__=C-R
Checked in @ D’View Holiday Homes for a comfy night rest. A very clean, nice, comfy & spacious room with nice view to the Bak Bak beach ⛱️🏖️
She slept early since no wifi was available, also she was superbly tired of her early day & long road journey…A comfy bed to rest on 🛏️😴💤
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Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/1axyfadCv1NozSy56
FB: https://www.facebook.com/dviewholidayhomes/
Day 2️⃣
Woke up energetic after a good night recharged 💤👍🏻
Approximately 16mins car ride to enjoy breakfast @ Rainbow 🌈 Kitchen / Rainbow 🌈Herbs, the well known dish serves here is Tom Yam soup 🍲
SiennyLovesDrawing has tried from her travel mate order & loves the creamy milky non spicy Tom Yam served here
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She has ordered the fish head noodles served here, she is not too into the flour coated of the fish when she chewed on the fish meat. However the soup really a good boiled & with typical Chinese style cooking 👍🏻
Do note that the serving portion here is smaller because it serves as breakfast ya ☺️
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/F4XygZFqvbruofhq8
Operating hours: 7am – 1.30pm
FB🌐: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Rainbow-Herbs-Kudat/428416687215555
Next to the Pasar Besar Kudat for the mural painting at its main entrance & public toilet by the same local Sabahan artist, Chong Ket Phin
You can grab the famous Kudat salt peanut, stingless bee honey etc. from this market
LinkedIn album 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6948305284121419776-4xxs
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vsobCUvbDnyG8Enh9
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This same artist also did some beautiful wall murals @ public toilet of Kudat Town Board
Also spotted a wall mural (Unknown artist) with our Malaysia’s talented badminton player, Dato Lee CW @ Kudat Sports Center
LinkedIn album 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6948306083216035840-Uv0o
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/WURbxTftWtX5E7ky9
FB🌐: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063806250237
Next, visit Rungus Longhouse @ Bavanggazo village to meet Madam Agnes Angkung for Litai art making activity
It’s colour beads hand making accessories whether necklace, bracelet etc. The motif on the accessories is known as ‘Vinusak’ which means flower in the Rungus language
SiennyLovesDrawing so happy that she learnt this for the 1️⃣st time & got to make herself a pair of Litai earrings during this hand making workshop. Special thanks to Ms Nana for helping on a side of the earrings , while she did another side to complete a pair 😃
Her travel mate,Ms DG made herself a keychain from this hand making workshop, yeah 👍🏻
Special thanks to Madam Agnes for her patience in guiding her during this hand making workshop. She is very friendly in her teaching & guiding. Highly recommended this workshop ya
Guess what❓⁉️
She actually started this craft art since she was 6️⃣ years old, already with 40 years of experience & expertise 👏🏻👍🏻
Enjoyed Rungus cuisine as lunch here, yummy 😋🤤 tasty
Visitors may opt for a homestay in long house experience here with breakfast, lunch & hand making experience, can be a customized package ya
Her happy Litai hand making learning TikTok clip captured 📹🌐
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/he3zVrnCV7LiYZQ56
Website🌐: https://www.sabahtourism.com/destination/kampung-bavanggazo-rungus-longhouse/
Tuaran
Departed to Tamparuli Bridge with road trip of approximately 2 hours+
Now, the bridge is covered with traditional murals showcasing the bridge 🌉 history & the ethnics in Tuaran
SiennyLovesDrawing really really loves the ways talented Sabah artists showcasing their art talent & telling stories about their home state, the art, cultures & people. It’s truly touching her heart ❤️
LinkedIn album 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6948306998702563328-qNrX
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A short Sumazau dance performance at the entrance by the local students on a volunteer basis, donations are welcome
Do check out her TikTok clip captured via 📹🌐 https://www.tiktok.com/@siennylovesdraw/video/7115401909170687259
Ohh ya…Do check out the Malay song 🎼🎵🎶🎙️ named “Jambatan Tamparuli” on Youtube
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/M3hyxPauFaeyHu469
Website🌐: https://www.sabahtourism.com/destination/tamparuli-bridge/
Keningau
Then visit to Keningau with road trip of 2 hours 7mins
During the journey, has passed by & stopped for toilet break at this highlands area named Tambunan, it’s with beautiful nature green 💚 scenery along the journey, fresh air & cold ❄️🥶 weather. Next time SiennyLovesDrawing wanna visit here again
Yeah‼️ Dropped by to takeaway the famous Lai Pao Chicken Wings @ Keningau ☺️ Special thanks to Ms DG for her recommendation, SiennyLovesDrawing fit to enjoy a slightly sweet taste coated fried chicken wings here, it’s yummy tasty 😋🤤 to chew on the juicy tender bites, however just slightly oily, it was a nice try ya
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Do check out her tasty Lai Pao fried chicken wings enjoyment TikTok clip captured via 📹🌐 https://www.tiktok.com/@siennylovesdraw/video/7131896192652430618
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Sk2cxa9Ec95kiims9
Website 🌐: https://laipaofriedchickenwing.business.site/
Arrived 7pm @ Keningau & had Bak Kut Teh dinner @ Restaurant Yau Hau Fook Bak Kut Teh Keningau
Frankly, 1️⃣st time she tasted NO herbs taste & slightly salty Bak Kut Teh
Hmm…SiennyLovesDrawing is not gonna recommending this shop, hence no location details to be shared
Her travel mates have shared that the other Bak Kut Teh shop named Ho Peng Cafe (ie. same row as this shop), it serves better Bak Kut Teh, so perhaps worth to try if you happen to be at Keningau then. If you do, welcome to share your foodie feedback with her ya ☺️
After dinner, checked in to Mee Woo Resort & Spa for a comfy night rest as the bed 🛌was clean & comfy
Hmm…Her hotel room not a very well maintained room, the water heater was not very hot, the ventilation fan not working well with not pleasant smells, also she spotted a baby cockroach in her wash room 🪳😳🤯
Then, she was really disappointed that the wifi was so weak & unable to connect in the room. Hope it improves better then
It’s worth checking out its swimming pool with slides (Including kids pool) aka water park here. For non hotel guests, you may pay an entrance fee to enter & enjoy this water park 🏞️ It offers spa services with reasonable price within it
SiennyLovesDrawing has not checked out the pools & spa services during this stay
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4SPwzaqdMwP2friM6
FB🌐: https://www.facebook.com/MeeWooResortandSpa/
Day 3️⃣
To Kris Vin Delicatessen to enjoy its famous Nasi Lemak with fried chicken drumbstick, buns & cakes 🫓🥐🍰
Once stepped in, you will be welcome with buttery bakery smell, yes ✅, smells so good & tempting
Herself & travel mates have packed some buns & cakes to enjoy during long car 🚗 ride to Tenom & KK later
Do stay tuned for her next stories on What To Eats @ Sabah blog post ya 📹🌐
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rbZXDkFYGyMMNJDk9
Operating hours: 9am to 5pm
To Kg. Batu Lunguyan, Keningau to meet with Ms Emily Jeneble (IG: emilyjeneble) to learn the Kelarai Craft lesson
It’s a bamboo weaving workshop, hmm…not so easy for SiennyLovesDrawing to even learn the basics ie. Pattern Sinab-Sab . She got lost in counting the numbering to do the weaving, lol 😂
Ms Emily is patiently explained to her again & again, then she got it & managed to do the base for her coaster. Then, Ms Emily allowed her to choose the top pattern ie. Puvok (Owl 🦉 design) & helped her to sew the edges & finished a coaster, yeah 👍🏻
Do check out her bamboo coaster weaving TikTok clip captured 📹🌐
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/8n5nNc8cPBUKWnjUA
Operating hours:
FB🌐: https://www.facebook.com/anyamanbuluhkeningau
Website: https://kelarai.avana.asia/
Tenom
Went to Lai Brother Cafe to enjoy its famous Tenom fried noodles
It’s tasty that you have tasted the good fry of the noodles “wok hei” in Cantonese dialect. Also the style is similar to our Cantonese Ying Yong noodles ie. Fried noodles topped with thick egg gravy served with roasted pork, fish cake & vegetables
Do stay tuned for her TikTok clip ya 📹🌐
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ShXWEQYdu54uxVs58
Operating hours: 6am to 10pm
Website🌐: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Product-service/Lai-Brother-Cafe-%E8%B3%B4%E6%B0%8F%E5%85%84%E5%BC%9F%E8%8C%B6%E9%A4%90%E5%BB%B3-110316644173136/
After lunch visit to Murut Cultural Centre
Hmm…It’s the largest ironwood (Kayu Berlian, it was believed that if the tree trunk kept longer it will turn as diamond 💎💍) building in Borneo aka Murut palace, it’s located in Kampung Inalisan Pulong, Tenom
Her travelmates & herself enjoyed trying the colourful Murut costumes, Tuka Tuka ~ the Murut Custom, blow pipe, Langsaran (Trampoline) etc.
A good experience to explore this centre to learn more about the history & cultures of Murut tribes. There is an area on jars usage in ancient time in this gallery that no camera allowed as it’s a respect to a real submission of “Tangkal” ie. Coffin ⚰️ in a vase to display in the center
Worth a visit ya 👍🏻
Enjoy her TikTok clip captured from her amazing visit here ya 📹🌐
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ggmxg6xntafVX2Lq7
Operating hours: 8.30am to 4.30pm
Website🌐: https://culture.sabah.gov.my/?q=page/Sabah-Murut-Cultural-Centre-Tenom & 🌐 https://www.sabahtourism.com/destination/murut-cultural-centre
Kota Kinabalu (KK)
Departed to KK with road trip of 2.5 hours & enjoyed dinner @ Tana Restaurant @ Toojou Hostel. It’s a restaurant serving nordic-inspired food with a local twist. Absolutely must try the red snapper here, so fresh & tasty 😋
Do check out her TikTok clip captured to view the impressive mural arts @ its staircases 😍🤩📹🌐
SiennyLovesDrawing impressed with the inner restaurant design which being covered with attractive murals (Each of the 6️⃣ floors dedicated to a key aspect of Borneo’s tribal mythology, oceans, animals, plants, food & slang) & a big slide within the restaurant area by local Malaysian artist, Wilson Ng. The outer building is covered with graffiti mural painting done by local Sabahan artist, Kenji Chai
Do read more via 🌐 https://www.facebook.com/691720201207608/posts/pfbid0Sjf7K7aEsLv6NAnBpBCXfmYkjiVY7yvPTxyji5ZtcA5QiP7Muk5voDtJdrBoEvbpl/
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/vZUXmgoHx5av6iLSA
Operating hours: 11am to 12am
Website🌐: https://mural.toojou.com/ & https://www.toojou.com/foods-drinks
Checked in to The Luma Hotel. It’s 1st creative design hotel since Jan 2022, yes, a hotel being designed with Sabah’s majestic tropical rainforest & unique culture. It offers all travellers an escape from the city’s hectic life. It aspires to support local talents & promote environmental sustainability
SiennyLovesDrawing really enjoyed her absolute comfy 2️⃣ nights stay here in its Palm Marvellous Double Bedroom. Got to enjoy the bath tub after a tiring day with rose 🌹🛁 salt provided & in room coffee machine for an early cuppa ☕ while updating blog post for you all ☺️💕
Do stay tuned for her TikTok clip ya 📹🌐
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/hMmKVGJfqzmyhGdy7
Website🌐: https://thelumahotel.com
Day 4️⃣
Enjoyed simple buffet breakfast served @ Jojobar Restaurant (1️⃣st floor of The Luma Hotel)
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Then visit the Tun Mustapha Tower in the rain 🌧️😆 to view the beautiful wall murals surrounding it 😍
Also visit the Tun Mustapha Gallery to learn the life of this remarkable man, Tun Mustapha from his humble beginnings to his illustrious days as the former Head of State & Chief Minister of Sabah
LinkedIn album 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6948736120138436608-JnsW
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fh3Lpkbfrna5rizT7
Operating hours: 8am to 5pm
Website🌐: http://www.yayasansabahgroup.org.my/
Proceeded to Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to visit the Azman Hashim Gallery. It was built in 2017 & opened in Nov 2021. Personally, SiennyLovesDrawing is amazed with the nice building architecture & design. This building has a round design structure inspired by Sabah’s traditional musical instrument “Gong”, while within the inside of this building, you will spot a traditional fishing tool named “Bubu” shape inspired tower named Menara Beria 🤩 There are some beautiful wall murals surrounding the Anjung Beria & with nice view overlooking the South China Sea from its tower rooftop
LinkedIn albums 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6948943473379061760-U53-
& 📸🌐https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6948940750176858112-BACO
This gallery has space features ie. closed, open exhibitions & corridors. She had the privilege to meet the Akademi Seni dan Teknologi Kreatif (ASTiF) students here & visited the on going art exhibition named NAFS “The Secret Of NAFAS BAYU : Kesatuan Alam” (🆓 admission) , more info via 🌐 https://qrco.de/bd7UHL & 🌐 https://www.facebook.com/nafs.exhibition.ums/
LinkedIn albums 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6948946265665638400-aYFb
Insider news📌: Moving forward, this gallery will expand its art park to keep & exhibit art sculptures, as well as with event & dining space. Still in the planning stage at the moment
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ph39YVSXB8rZbRZB7
Operating hours:
FB🌐: https://www.facebook.com/galeri.azmanhashimums.92
Lunch at Borenos Fried Chicken, Alamesra (🆕 outlet since Apr 2022) & with a privilege to meet & chat with the friendly founder, Ms Janice
It’s a Sabah’s local healthier version of fried chicken as Ms Janice herself loves fried chicken personally, less oily, yet crispy juicy to chew on. It’s famous for full-spring chicken 👍🏻😋
SiennyLovesDrawing personally loves her 1️⃣st bite chew on the fried chicken drumstick 🍗, the tasty juicy with great 👍🏻 fragrant in her mouth 👄, absolutely satisfied. A must try local Sabah friend chicken
Ohh ya…Insider news that Borenos is expanding to West Malaysia soon, yeah 👍🏻 Also in plan to expand to overseas too in the future. Proud & happy to note our local Malaysian brand with plan towards international
LinkedIn album 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6948947618836197376-BBHz
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qjgdaySwvN7mJG4M6
Operating hours: 9am to 9pm
Website🌐: https://www.borenos.com/
Visit Murals @ Wisma Wanita, KK
Mural painting by The & Tobpinai, it consists of 7️⃣ artists to complete this beautiful giant art wall
- En. Sabating @ Baron Kampiau
- En. Johnny Chin
- En. Mohd. Aspurani bin Ismail
- En. Awang Roslan bin Awang Yusoff
- En. Abrin bin Sabtari
- En. Munif bin Ahmad Musahar
- En. Seidi Atiman @ Saidina
LinkedIn album 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6949524059000872960-ib80
Do click in to read more about this wall mural story inspiration by 1️⃣ of the involved artist via 🌐 http://mohdaspuraniismail.blogspot.com/2022/02/karya-mural-gergasi-bangunan-wisma.html
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/GwyVYHrfmrZC19BS7
Visit Nature Inspiration Art Gallery(NIAG), University College Sabah Foundation (UCSF)
There is an on going event – University Village Art Fair (UVAF) & have attended Henna (Temporary tattoos) workshop @ 1st Floor guided by Mr Muhammad Saffwan Abdul Liel Hawa (IG: HennaSapok & IG: Mandalasapok) who already in this art passion & career path of 13 years, since he has resigned from Mari Mari Culture Village performer & henna demo
He is now based in KK with blood of dusun & murut, born in home town @ Ranau
Actually he self taught himself with henna practice on own 2 weeks before making for the visitors at the culture village. Known for his Borneo themed design & will bring along costumes to wear & take photos with his henna drawn
Do check out her TikTok clip captured via 📹🌐
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rMsZh7ftydxyqxxv6
Operating hours: 8am to 5pm
Website🌐: https://www.ucsf.edu.my/niag/
Visit Sinsuran Bin Murals (Opposite Center Point) ie. Mural paintings by Fiaso Art Gallery (https://www.facebook.com/Fiasoart-Gallery-101320511704135/) , by KK Splash Squad & by Josrie Heral (IG: kot4kmimpi) , Intan Munirah Hamzah (FB: NtanMunirah) & Nashrul Azaharie Oredi
Then, continue to visit Bandaran Bin Murals. It’s 1️⃣ row to each other to view the mural painting by Suparno Sapar (Opposite KFC Bandaran), another one by Josrie Heral (IG: kot4kmimpi) , Intan Munirah Hamzah (FB: NtanMunirah) & Nashrul Azaharie Oredi & another one by Canie Peter Tan (FB: caniet)
LinkedIn album 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6949526429923487744-KLWz
Guess what❓⁉️
This actually the great 👍🏻 efforts by Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK) aka KK City Hall who initiated painting of murals on public bins & toilets all over town, in collaborations with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) in Oct 2018 to encourage clean city, importance of not litters 🚯🚮 to public, as well as beautifying the city outlooks including trash bins, that’s absolutely brilliant. So, you can actually do what SiennyLovesDrawing had enjoyed her bin murals hunting while in KK ya
Next, mural paintings hunting @ 📍Wisma Intiutama KK, Australian Place & Gaya street
Also spotted mural bin paintings by Binjai, another by Canie Peter Tan, Daisy Raymond Elling & another by Murnie Liana Binti Rahim, Fakhruddin Bin Mohd Yaakub
LinkedIn album 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6949529826097549312-a1M6
Stopped by 333 Agromart Local Production & Yees Yogurt, Plaza 333 with mural paintings by Kenny Kinjawan (IG: Kajenjen) & Cracko Art Group (IG: crackoart)
Enjoyed traditional Sabah cuisine dinner @ My Native Sabah, Plaza 333. It’s an authentic restaurant that serves Sabah’s unique native traditional foods
LinkedIn album on the murals 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6949536184041676800-23Ra
It’s a nice place to try & taste the traditional cuisine of different tribes in Sabah, it’s also a bar to relax with friends after your meals here
Ohh ya…It serves also the live or fried edible nutritional protein sago worm 🐛 named Butod
Ohh ya…In this restaurant, also a parrot 🦜 mural painting by Cracko Art Group 😍🤩
Do check out & listen to her voice over about her Sabah art exploring TikTok clip via 📹🌐 https://www.tiktok.com/@siennylovesdraw/video/7116705559709371674
Address📍: https://g.co/kgs/bHKe19
Operating hours: 11.30am to 8.30pm , except Sunday
FB🌐: https://www.facebook.com/mynative.sabah
Back to The Luma Hotel 💕❤️ for an early resting
Day 5️⃣
Went to snap OOTDs at Waterfront KK with the “I ❤️ KK” & the Tongak fish 🐟 roundabout
Ohh ya…From this trip, SiennyLovesrawing realizes that each roundabout in Sabah with the statues on each to tell you a local story about the particular town, hmm…Perhaps next Sabah trip, SiennyLovesDrawing will be doing unique roundabout hunt ya 😆
Visit to wall murals walkway along Hyatt Regency Kota Kinabalu 🏨🛋️🛌🏻 This was in conjunction to its celebration of 40 Years of Hospitality Excellence & Care in 2019. Read more via 🌐 https://www.pressreader.com/malaysia/the-borneo-post-sabah/20190802/281578062275805
The mural paintings were presented by local Sabahan artists ie. Rosmaini Sunarjo, Azlan Dulikab, Lim Sheng Haw, Abdullah Ehlid Al Walid Luli
LinkedIn album 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6951332767653621760-I_2Y
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/52Z4bdpyXJySbB86A
Visit SAG Art Space – The Wonders of Wilderness (WOW 1.0) 🦈🚣♂️🐢🐋🐳 with amazing displays of life-sized marine animals in 3D sculptures & the underwater environment as well as paintings & digital art, including fisherman’s boats too 🤩😍
Address📍: Pillars of Sabah
FB🌐: https://www.facebook.com/wowproject1.0/
Visit Wisma Sabah to view the giant colourful graffiti mural wall on this building by Kenji Chai in collaboration with Hotlink. Read more via 🌐 https://says.com/my/lifestyle/kenji-chai-hotlink-sabah-mural-nft
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/T5jQgjXXieBaZHLr6
She then attended a beautiful mandala woven art workshop with Christianne Goonting aka Tianne using some recycle/ upcycle materials eg. Chopsticks from takeaways, bread bag packaging & with beautiful colourful woven, then happily kept this beautiful craft made after
SiennyLovesDrawing learnt the basics & enjoyed to string her magic to form her 1️⃣st mandala woven crafting for the 1️⃣st time
Also she shared that string art is an art arrangement with coloured threads & are wound around a grid of nails on a board to form a specific pattern or image
A good meet up & chit chat with her, also had an amazing visit to her home gallery & got inspired by her art passion & creating mind to have recycling & upcycling in mind, bravo 👏🏻
Ohh ya…She is accepting local artists artworks to display at her gallery at no cost to support local art talents community 👍🏻
Do check out her TikTok clip captured from her time @ Lavinia Private Gallery 📹🌐
Operating hours: On appointment basis via email 📨 to me@tianne.org OR contact Tianne📱+6019-8811330
Address📍: Lavinia Private Art Gallery, 495 Jalan Sang Kancil 1, 88200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia
Website🌐: https://tianne.org/gallery
Enjoyed a big bowl of bitter gourd soup vermicelli with a mix of both fresh fish & fried fish slices as lunch @ 📍 Kwong Sup Ikan. Surprisingly that the name of the soup in Cantonese/Mandarin “江鱼仔”, it means anchovies, however none of the dishes related to it, perhaps the soup base 🤔
The fresh fish slice is tasty to enjoy with a sense of fresh sweetness, while she is not to enjoy the fried fish slice, she prefers more dried fried, as she doesn’t really like the taste of flour coated on the fish slice. Just her own tasting preference ya ☺️
The bitter gourd soup base is slightly plain to her taste buds & not bitter. She would have preferred a thicker bitter taste soup base. She has tried a sip of the tomatoes soup 🍅🍲 base from her travel mate’s bowl, it tastes better as compared to bitter gourd
When stepped in to its air conditioning dining area, you will be amazed with the 1️⃣st aquarium ♒🐟🐠🐡🐢🦀 concept murals by Oka.studios (IG: Oka.studious)
LinkedIn album 📸🌐 https://www.linkedin.com/posts/siennylovesdrawing_travellocal-foodie-happyeating-activity-6951365938277453824-QigF
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/esnzdUiFiR5wkoeA9
Operating hours: 7am to 5pm
FB🌐: https://www.facebook.com/KwongSupIkan/
Visit Sabah Art Gallery, it promotes the arts by local artists. Started 1984, already 38 years old now. A building completed 2013 & belongs to Sabah State Government
Known for being the 1️⃣st green building in Borneo & Sabah, also the 1️⃣st green public gallery in Malaysia 🇲🇾 by using the solar ☀️panel, (partial of the electricity in gallery, especially those lighting on paintings), rain 🌧️ water harvesting for toilet/ rest room usage, sensor movement light, dim 🔅 light systems, sky light to reception area etc.
Its architecture ideas based on traditional basket & 3️⃣ ethnic tribes ie. Rungus, Murut & Dusun in Sabah
When stepped in to the lobby for entrance ticket 🎟️, you will be welcomed by giant Pinakol art installation created with recycled plastic bottles 🤩😍 Then, the reception table is a wood sculpture with kayu tembusu, it looks like a giant hand holding the painting palette 🎨, a mini souvenirs shop named Karai84 with 20% commission upon sales made on the local artists’ art & crafts, with priority to Sabahan artists
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6iTCkKhudYRkeJtZ7
Operating hours: 9am to 4pm, except Monday
Website🌐: https://sabahartgallery.com/
SiennyLovesDrawing would like to express her heart ❤️ warm special thank you for the awesome 5️⃣ days accompany of Sabah Tourism team members, Ms DG, Ms Nana & Ms Mel. Really appreciate the help to capture precious travel moments of her & also great 👍🏻 trust of her art, blogging & content creation passion ✍🏻👩🏻💻
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A special thanks to tour services delivered by the tour guide, Mr Tommy Soo & driver, Mr Peter of Borneo Exclusions. A special thank you for their great 👍🏻 & friendly hospitality throughout these 5️⃣ days for a safe smooth road journey travelled in Sabah. Mr Peter was so careful & dedicated in his driving to offer all a safe car ride 🚗 Mr Tommy was so so humourous & resourceful in providing the tourist spots information. So, if you’re traveling to Sabah & require tour services, do check out Borneo Exclusions via 🌐 https://www.facebook.com/borneoexcursions/
Do enjoy reading her full Arts In Sabah story via 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2022/07/26/arts-in-sabah/
Lastly, she then checked in to Space Cap Hotel to experience 1️⃣st stay in space capsule accommodation, love it as it’s really clean & a unique experience to stay in a well equipped space capsule 👍🏻
It’s air conditioning, with charging port, mirror, lighting etc. Just that shared toilet, inclusive of simple breakfast is. Instant coffee ☕ with peanut butter bread 🥜🧈🍞 with waterfront seaview
Tips📌: Ohh ya…Walking in rate is cheaper as compared to online booking, so call in to check availability 😃
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/W5mfK1nfBJ195Gw99
Website🌐: https://www.facebook.com/CapsuleHotel.KK/
Day 6️⃣
Wake up early, enjoyed simple breakfast @ hotel with a cuppa & peanut butter bread 🥜🧈🍞, then slow walk of approximately 16mins to Sunday market @ Gaya Street, walking tour around Gaya Street, Kampung Air, Centre Point, Filipino Market, Krafttangan Market etc. Do check out her morning visit to Gaya Street Sunday Market TikTok clip captured via 📹🌐 https://www.tiktok.com/@siennylovesdraw/video/7131531868670807323
Checked out from Space Cap Hotel & checked in to Flypod Hotel
Hotel pick up @ Bus stop Wisma Square by the friendly hotel staff, done checked in, had a nice hot shower 🚿, enjoyed airport sunset 🌇 view from hotel room
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Then, she met with friend, Sky Tee for a good long chat at the comfy cosy Flypod Cafe & Lounge (With Karaoke 🎤 available). It’s beautiful when the micro optics lighting is on at this lounge, magical & relaxing to chill here. A great 👍🏻 simple dinner served by Flypod Restaurant. A friendly down to earth young boss that is willing to share a lot of his life journey
A comfy good night rest in its clean cosy minimalist with all essentials ready ~ Deluxe King hotel room (Airport view). The location is next to big roads & airport, so unavoidable cars 🚗🚘 pass by & flight ✈️ noise during the night, but it’s a good location 📍 for hotel stay if you’re doing sabah train ride & having early flight 🛫 the next day. It’s with 4️⃣mins walking🚶🚶♀️🚶♂️distance to Tanjung Aru train station 🚉 & 🔟mins ride 🚗 to airport
Flypod Hotel provides airport shuttle with an additional fee, SiennyLovesDrawing has booked hers, peace of mind then 👍🏻
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/TJji9fTFX9hxA4PKA
FB🌐: https://www.facebook.com/flypodhotelkk/
Day 7️⃣
Checked out & stored my backpack with Flypod Hotel (Fee applies)
Breakfast @ Flypod Restaurant for a cuppa Cappuccino ☕ & The Triple Decker sandwiches 🥪 Very generous portion & tasty to enjoy 😋👍🏻
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Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xz8sMEnskbg64mby5
FB🌐: https://www.facebook.com/FLYPOD.R/
Papar & Membakut
Then depart to Papar with Sky Tee, exploring this small town by walking slow 🚶🏻♀️, met lots of friendly Sabahan here especially they poses with their fishes at Papar fish market, river front jetty, Papar railway station 🚂🚉 lol 😆😂
Enjoyed a cuppa of favorite hot honey lemon🍯🍋 at Kak Anna Restaurant to rest after walking under the hot sunny ☀️😎 day. Love the interior design with a collection of antiques here. Then, enjoy sat under a tree 🌳at Jalan Bunga Raya to watch the local life in Papar, relax chilling moments ☺️
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/62cCMvvaJUYfwjHg9
Proceed to visit Binsulok beach ⛱️🏖️ to pray at the nice man-made cave temple named 福靈岩Flypod Beachfront here
Met a friendly local couple named Awang & Dayang who were busy digging soft clams named “Dalus or Lala” in national language of Malaysia 🇲🇾 using a wooden tool named “Gurit”. SiennyLovesDrawing enjoyed learning how to & the digging fun from the couple, lol 😆😂
Enjoyed beautiful sunset 🌅 Absolutely a calm relax place to be at
Insider news: There will be a 🆕 resort named Flypod Beachfront here, now construction in progress 🚧🏗️
Address📍: https://goo.gl/maps/3spn7Q8wkmoSe6ZEA
Went to Restaurant Fu Yee for fresh tasty seafood dinner 🍽️ 😋🤤 & back to Flypod Hotel with a happy tummy for a comfy night rest 😁💕
A specialty must try dish here is the Steamed Wine Prawns with Egg White 🦐
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rkTqjvoKa5CnuP1i9
Contact no. : Ah Pan +6016-842 3197
A special thanks to her 🆕 friend, Sky Tee for this day trip accompany, do stay tuned for her TikTok clip captured from this day trip ya 😃😁
Day 8️⃣ & Day 9️⃣
Checked out Flypod Hotel 🛏️, enjoyed light lunch @ Flypod Restaurant ~ Tuna Mayo sandwich 🥪 & dragon fruit juice
Kundasang
Then, departed to Kundasang with Sky Tee & Jane, checked into Flypod Kinabalu Mountain Lodge for a comfy night stay
She loves ❤️ the peaceful calm environment here so much, making she easily fall asleep here, cooling nice ☁️🌡️👍🏻
Do check out her FB album via 📸🌐 https://facebook.com/100057989202221/posts/pfbid02m68VDUGsTMKoWq9ZzPCDsEfVBbMnehN9W8ih878Si2RatnJuPhXW7oBYoiVpkoUSl/
SiennyLovesDrawing 👩🏻 is fully charged & energised from her good night rest here. The cosy comfy environment here making her easily fall asleep on the bed 🛏️, it’s absolutely a good place for resting, highly recommended 👍🏻
Met 2️⃣ Singapore travellers, Naz & Lucas, had good chat with them to exchange travel stories & experiences 👫🏻😃😁
Enjoyed morning walk with Sky Tee & his guard dog , Happy 🐕🦺🦴 Amazed with the beautiful view of Donkey head Mt KK 🤩😍
Had her favorite hot green bean soup (From earlier night supper as she missed it due to fall asleep unpredictably from the cosy comfy room 🛌🏻), hot honey & fried noodles
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Highly recommended👏🏻👍🏻 SiennyLovesDrawing really enjoyed her great stay here 👩🏻❤️💕, it’s really a good place to be at if you wish to enjoy a silent retreat, me time as well as family time ~ Insider news: There will be a family room soon here (Now construction 🏗️🚧 in progress) with view 🪟 overlooking beautiful mountain valley 😍🤩🌄 Definitely worth to enjoy family time here
Do enjoy her TikTok clip captured from her awesome staycation here via 📹🌐
Also enjoy reading her full lodge stay story via 🌐 https://siennylovesdrawing.wordpress.com/2022/08/11/amazing-scenic-getaway-in-kundasang-sabah-of-malaysia/
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/P2Xi6gndiqDLthnt8
FB🌐: https://www.facebook.com/kmlsabah/
Day 🔟 & Day 11
Kokol Hill
Special thanks to Sky Tee & Jane who dropped by for her to check in to NG Kokol Santai Cafe & Camp Site, hmm…Not very lucky as with bad weather, rain 🌧️☔ superb heavily
No sunset 🌄 …so sad ohh…
Instead of camping 🏕️ at the camp site, SiennyLovesDrawing was forced to camp in the cafe area as the rain just like down pouring heavily non stop ☹️
A cooling camp site stayed here, not very comfortable as the camp was rented without a proper comfy base. Hope it can be improved then as she has suggested to Aunty Silis. She told that she will order online the inflatable air bed, that’s great to hear 👍🏻
Missed the sunrise 🌅 moment as she woke up late 🤦🏻♀️ Enjoyed nasi goreng kampung with fried egg 🍳 as breakfast with Aunty Silis & Uncle Niun, the founders of this space. They are so friendly to chit chat with. Delicious 😋🤤 food served at this cafe with nice view to enjoy
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/xePRn7ZGZoy9ayKm9
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ngkokolcampingsite/
After breakfast, Aunty Silis has invited SiennyLovesDrawing to accompany her for her shop supplies shopping trip to Menggatal town
Then, enjoyed famous Ngiu Cap aka mixed beef noodles 🍜 lunch @ 📍 Kedai Kopi Nyuk Pau Baru, it’s Aunty Silis favorite dining whenever she does her shopping at this small town
She loves the nice beef fragrance of this bowl 🍜 then to enjoy the tender juicy beef 🍖 Highly recommended as you will note the local crowds here
Back to cafe & camp site to chill & relax till sunset
Address📍: https://maps.app.goo.gl/2pobyv23cm9wsks59
Kota Kinabalu
Left after saying good bye to Aunty Silis with Flypod driver to return to Flypod Hotel for a good night rest
SiennyLovesDrawing had a safe ride & enjoyed how careful & dedicated the driver, Mr Wan while on the way driving down from Kokol hill to Aeropod Commercial Square. Moreover he is so friendly to chit chat with during the ride journey
Day 12
Checked out from Flypod Hotel, relaxing chill enjoyed her brunch while updating & writing her blog post @ Flypod Restaurant
Love ❤️ the comfy environment here & appreciate the staff here who are friendly to help her to look after her belongings while she went for a quick toilet break ☺️
Then, great 👍🏻 airport shuttle 🚗 from Flypod Hotel to KKIA for her safe flight 🛫 from KKIA to home sweet home 🏡
Do check out her TikTok clip captured via 📹🌐
Absolutely a good 1️⃣ stop travel hospitality service enjoyed during SiennyLovesDrawing’s extended stay with Flypod Hotel, she really impressed with the friendly good services from the Flypod team, including the guard dog, Happy 🐕🦺🦴 @ Flypod Kinabalu Mountain Lodge 😃😁 Do keep up the great customers service spirits. Highly recommended you all to connect with Flypod for your Sabah travel ya 👏🏻🙌🏻👍🏻
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FB🌐: https://www.facebook.com/flypodhotelkk/
Yeah‼️ This was her stories of 1️⃣st half planned itinerary & then 2️⃣nd half just follow her heart ❤️ slow travel, no planning & with surprises along her travel journey at Sabah ☺️🎒💕🇲🇾
Hmm…Just that she didn’t manage to go on the Beaufort-Tenom old train ride 🚂 as planned, then Sky Tee sent this video post via 📹🌐 https://www.facebook.com/groups/346134855892631/permalink/1408242869681819/ as a replacement, perhaps a good reason for SiennyLovesDrawing to be back to Sabah #flymetoSabah ya ☺️❤️
Hmm…What else SiennyLovesDrawing not to be miss, places to visit or local food to enjoy❓⁉️
Quick quick comment below or any of her social postings shared above, sharing is caring as always ya ☺️
siennylovesdrawing 