Another monument in Kota Kinabalu which caught my attention is the Malaysia Monument which is located adjacent to the City Council
The Malaysia Monument was erected to commemorate the independence of Sabah and the state joining the Federation of Malaysia on 16 September 1963.
It consists of an arch and fountain. This is probably another significant landmark for the city and I'm glad it is well preserved
While walking around the City Park in Kota Kinabalu, I came across an obelisk which caught my attention.
The obelisk is actually a memorial which was unveiled on 8 May 1923 to commemorate the death of 13 local North Borneo soldiers who enlisted in the British Forces during World War 1.
All the name of the 13 soldiers were immortalized at this memorial
Another plaque was added to pay homage to the members of the Australian Armed Forces (1939-1945) who died during World War II.
The third plaque pays respect to the members of the Malaysian Armed Forces who lost their lives during the Indonesian Confrontation from 1963 to 1966.
Kota Kinabalu is the capital state of Sabah and is a fast growing resort destination due to its proximity to tropical islands and Mount Kinabalu. "KK" as the locals affectionately call it, is a relaxed, friendly tropical city.
Mount Kinabalu as seen from the sky. The mountain is about 80km from Kota Kinabalu. With the height of 4, 095.2m, it is the tallest mountain in Borneo.
The city center itself is quite small and walking seems to be the best option to venture around.
Shopping complexes and hotels are everywhere. Visitor will come across either one of them within a short walking distance from Api-Api Centre to Jesselton Point
Padang Merdeka (Independence Field) was originally a recreational field where football was first played in 1901. When Sabah gained independence in 1963, it was the venue for the Proclamation of Malaysia. Now, the field is used during major event such as Chinese New Year, Christmal carol singing and Harvest Festival.
A stroll down Gaya Street is like walking down memory lane where old shophouses built in the 1950s can be spotted on both side of the road. On Sunday morning, the street is turned into a street fair with traders fruits, food, souvenirs, cloth and etc.
Jesselton Hotel, located at Gaya Street is the first post war modern hotel. The hotel may be unassuming in its look but many famous personalities have stayed here including boxer Mohammad Ali and Pope John Paul II.
The city also have a few mini parks such as City Park and Chong Thein Vun Park
The waterfront here will be the perfect place to enjoy the South China Sea view and breeze with the fishermen boats as the backdrop.
The markets here such as the Central Market, Fish Market and Handicraft Market are worth visiting.
Probably it is my luck but I saw a replica of Herbie the Volkswagen Beetle in Gaya Street one night.
The Gaya Centre Hotel located at Jalan Tuan Fuad Stephens in Kota Kinabalu is one of the city's newest hotel.
The hotel opened somewhere in April 2010 in a building which was once an office building. It is rated as a 3 star hotel.
Its location is strategic, considering it is just located next to the Suria Sabah shopping mall. Jesselton Point is just a few minutes walk away and ideal for those who plan for a day trip to the nearby islands.
The hotel lobby is rather spacious and I believe it could use more furniture to fill up the void spaces. The staffs are generally friendly and I enjoyed their hospitality during my 4 days stay here.
I was designated a Standard Room (RM 165 per night) and it is indeed a very nice and comfortable room. It's clean and has enough space for me to roam around. All the furniture and TV set are brand new.
I am surprised to see a safe deposit box inside the room as it is unusual to find one in a 3 star hotel these days. There is an ironing board inside the wardrobe but the iron is nowhere to be seen. I been told I can request an iron from the room service.
I was lucky enough to get a sea view room where it fronts the pristine South China Sea and the outlying islands.
There is only one restaurant (G Cafe) in the hotel, located on the 4th floor where breakfast (RM15 nett) will be served for guests staying here. One can opt to dine inside the air conditioned restaurant or alfresco at the terrace to enjoy the sea breeze.
The hotel is also has a conference room to hold any function up to 80 persons. Currently the hotel only have one conference room available.
The concourse outside the conference room where delegates have their coffee/tea break and lunch
This year Chinese New Year has been more meaningful for me compare to last year. In my previous year, I need to leave my hometown on the night of the third day of the lunar new year.
This year, I got time on my side. My wife bought me a new shirt and I get to see a few friends which I practically grew up way back from primary school.
I also visit the author of My Longkang and spent some solid 2 hours there with his wonderful family.
Second day of the lunar new year, we did more visiting. Somehow, I realized less friends are around anymore as some had moved out of Sibu or confined at home to look after their children
Manage to get a snap shot of Bumblebee from the movie version in one of my friend's house.
Someone took a candid shot at me. I bet my weight had gone up a few notches this couple of days
