Outward Vacay: Hyatt Centric Kota Kinabalu

Yeah I know... I almost missed November again due to my seemingly neverending work but here I am, reviewing a spectacular stay that I had at this premier hotel located right in front of Suria Sabah shopping mall, Kota Kinabalu. Mind you, I was already blown away by their overall modern decor but what impresses me more was the fact that it was my first time getting a free room upgrade (like ever). I'm really grateful to the male receptionist who looked kindly upon me and my husband as these two 'kampung-looking people' (with our cheap tshirts, flip flops and all) and probably thinking that 'yeah, these two people deserves a chance'. So for that, we thank you ❤

Although we were there for only a night (because technically we were just 'passing by' KK due to work) we were beyond happy with the very spacious room that we've gotten. Generally speaking, everything seems to be more spacious in the deluxe room, as well as well equipped with everything that we might've needed. We'd (and by that I meant my hubby) also tried out their swimmimg pool on the 23rd floor and it was really nice with a lovely sky bar (plus sunset views) but slightly weird positioning of said pool. One or two minor things that I needed to highlight however was the slightly complicated hot water from their showers (but us kampung people managed to figured it out eventually) and the no parking spot within the premise. But they do have a valet parking service so feel free to use them. 

Type - Deluxe King Bed with Hill View

Room - 5/5 (such a superbly relaxing, spacious room...nothing more to say) 

Price - 4/5 (I mean, it is a high end hotel so...) 

Service - 5/5 (everyone seems to be very warm and friendly with was nice) 

Decor - 5/5 (I just loved that they'd tried to incorporate the nature elements & reading culture within their modernly designed facilities) 

Facilities - 5/5 (they also have restaurants, fitness centre and event halls that we unfortunately didn't have the chance to visit - which was a shame) 

Location - 5/5 (they're also just stones away from the Jesselton Point pier and walkable to the Gaya Street vibrant area) 

The room.. 

The lobby area.. 

And other facilities.. 

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The Kelapa House

I've seen quite a few local businesses (more specifically within the food industry) had to bow out and has to be taken over by some other restaurateur as of late, and this one was no exception. The formerly The Palm Restaurant(just to recap, they're located at the backside of T2 @ Apas commercial area, right next to Starbucks) is now known as The Kelapa House (yes, it is literally just a translation of the former) so the menu has now been revamped. This time around the menu were more Malay than fusion and I'm all for it. We've tried their Nasi Goreng Abu, Sate Ayam and some Telur Dadar Bawang (my hubby has a peculiar appetite that particular day so...) and all were pretty tasty. Maybe we will come back and try something else from the menu in the future. 

** Current status - Has been closed (as of April 2025) 

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Chawan Kopitiam

After rebranding themselves with a catchier name (they're formerly a branch of the locally popular Teatime cafe), this eatery (located at the Fajar Complex area, directly facing the CIMB Bank main office) can't seem to get back their 'former glory' as lesser patrons can be seen dropping by said establishment. And it's a shame since the food that we'd tried out were pretty good. But then again it is understandable since competition is very stiff within the area. So far we have tried their Nasi Lemak Ayam Penyet, Mee Mamak Rendang Chicken and my mum's favorite the Claypot Yee Mee and all were flavourful and commendable. 

** Current status - Still in operation (as of Oct 2024) 

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La Doux Patisseries

Although I actually haven't had the pleasure of dining in this patisserie slash cafe at Garden City, (on the same row as a Dozo branch) yet, I did bought a couple of their products a few times and I must say that I'm impressed. It's not everyday that you could see a high end, high quality French types of pastries and cakes, especially in Tawau. Mind you the price might be on the 'premium' side but I personally thought that is was worth it. So far I've tried their Pain Au Chocolate, Chocolate Eclair, Chocolate Tart and Dark Chocolate Mango Yuzu Mousse and all were definitely decadent and tasty. But what I was most impressed by was their Wholemeal Oat bread as it was huge for its price. And you could also ordered western food should you wanted to eat something savoury in house. 

** Current status - Still in operation (as of Oct 2024) 

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