Semporna Hot Soto (Semporna FoodieVenture #15)

As me and my hubby had gotten older (ehem), we discovered that we have become somewhat lazy when it comes to walking around. And it was a personal achievement (in our part) when we managed to walked to the nearest Semporna seafront town area from our hotel. We were not exactly hungry during the time so we forgo all those heavy seafood restaurants and chose this one instead (they're right in the middle of the seafood restaurants row facing the sea). I've tried their namesake dish (the Chicken Soto to be exact) and it was quite good. My hubby went for the nearby Chicken Burger and some fries and he said that it was just ordinary. I've also drank their Mango Dragonfruit ice blended drink and it was nice. We can't exactly see anything during the night (in terms of the view) but it was still a chill environment for us. 

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Outward Vacay: Lighthouse Hotel Semporna

First of all, Merry Christmas everyone! And OMG in my hectic mind, I totally forgot to post my November short trip to Semporna (yes, again). But this time I had a valid reason; it was to celebrate yours truly's birthday. So me and my hubby decided to splurge a bit and went to this brand spanking new hotel at Jalan Kastam, right in front of the locally viraled hangout place Kalapa and walkable to the nearby Seafest area. 

I was pleasantly surprised to find that my room was already prettily decorated as I made my way into it. Such a thoughtful gesture on behalf of the hotel as I've made no such request upon booking. The room was also spacious and with very nice view of the town area & the sea with cute freebies snacks. And despite worrying about the very limited parking, the receptionists proposed that we leave our car keys with them for a valet parking type of service. Good for them for actively trying to pleased their guests. 

But with new hotel comes the pending 'improvements'. For one they really should make sure that their swimming pool on the top floor are up and running since it was obvious that the area was still under construction (during my stay) even though they did let guests swim in the weirdly designed pool. Also our modernly designed bathroom/shower had low pressured water that they might need to look into. But I see potential in this hotel; if only they can maybe lowered down their pricing a bit since it was probably one of the priciest I've seen (and been) in Semporna. 

Type - Superior King Room

Room - 5/5 (very satisfied with everything) 

Price - 4/5 (again, a tiny bit of reduction would be nice) 

Service - 5/5 (staff were friendly and nice throughout) 

Decor - 5/5 (birthday decor - need I say more?) 

Facilities - 4/5 (hoping for said improvements to be implemented) 

Location - 5/5 (very walkable to everywhere & fantastic views of the sea) 

** So here are some views of the hotel... 

... and inside the room

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Urban Mee

This eatery reminded me of other similarly menu-ed local eateries (such as the now Sabah & Sarawak expanded Dozo) and you know what, why messed up a sure-fire formula when you know that it works right? Me and my mom stopped by for some shopping at nearby Bataras Hypermarket (the eatery is within the Garden City area, on the same row as its main rival.. yup you've guessed it.. a Dozo branch) and tried their BBQ Chicken Gon Lou Mee and Urban Fish Soup and both were okay at best. I guess when there are just too many similar eateries sprouting here and there, you unconsciously expected more from the new ones. 

** Current status - Still in operation (as of Dec 2023)

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Marrybrown Tawau

I remembered that the official opening of this fast food joint had caused a major congestion on the main Apas road (they're at the roadside at Batu 5, leading towards the Tawau Airport) because locals were very eager to try them out. Obviously me and my hubby only visited the place months after that and tried out the usuals; the Nasi Lemak MB combo and Fish & Chips combo. Both dishes were okay, on par with their KK counterparts but I guess everyone wished that their location were more centralized since they are quite far from the main town area.

** Current status - Still in operation (as of Dec 2023)

(P/S: This is a seasonal menu that we had around Oct 2024 called Nasi Goreng Kampung Combo which was nice but a tad salty)

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Granada Ayam Penyet

I don't know why but I've actually have done errands nearby this restaurant's area (at Jalan Abaca, near Hotel Emas & next to a Total tool station branch) but have only noticed the eatery when my hubby brought me there. They were known for their Nasi Penyet (of course) so we've tried that along with Ayam Bakar Taliwang & Plecing Kangkung dish with an extra helping of Tempe Sambal set and may I say that said dishes were definitely spicy. Yummy but with above average spice level. They also operates from morning till around 2-3pm only so you guys might want to take that into count before dropping by.

** Current status - Still in operation (as of Dec 2023)

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