Real Traveler, Real Experiences, Real Results.

This trip kicked off in Macau, with a direct flight to Kuala Lumpur—and as soon as I landed, it was food mode ON!

🍽 A Delicious Start: Buffet Dinner at Sama-Sama Hotel, KLIA

Even though I arrived in Kuala Lumpur at night, there was no way I was skipping dinner. I headed straight to Sama-Sama Hotel, located right next to the airport, and wow—the buffet was amazing! From Malaysian and Indian to Chinese and Western dishes, there was something for every craving. The fresh seafood bar and live noodle station were the real MVPs. I already felt like this trip was off to a perfect start.

✈ Off to Tawau: Cultural Contrast and Cocoa

The next morning, I flew to Tawau, a town in Sabah on the eastern side of Malaysia. That’s where the East Malaysia adventure officially began.

First stop: Pu Zhao Temple, a peaceful and spacious Buddhist temple with a mix of Eastern and Western architectural styles. After that, we visited Cocoa Village, a charming little spot where you can see actual cacao trees, learn how chocolate is made, and even buy handmade local chocolate. Perfect for chocolate lovers!

🚗 Kunak: Where Reality Hits

From Tawau, we drove to Kunak, hoping to catch some coastal views. Sadly, what we saw was disappointing. The shores were full of floating trash, and many locals were living in stilt houses right above the sea—throwing garbage straight into the water. It was a stark reminder of the environmental challenges that exist alongside everyday life here.

🌧 Semporna in the Rain: No Island Hopping, But Still Worth It

Next, we made our way to Semporna, which is usually the jumping-off point for island tours to Mabul, Kapalai, and Sipadan. But Mother Nature had other plans—it rained non-stop for days. So we skipped the islands and explored the local seafood market instead. And honestly? No regrets. The seafood was fresh, cheap, and abundant—lobsters, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, shellfish, you name it! Locals and tourists alike were buying seafood to cook on the spot. Heaven for seafood lovers.

🐘 Kinabatangan River: A Wild Elephant Crossing—Unforgettable

One of the highlights of this whole trip was a boat safari along the Kinabatangan River, deep in the Borneo rainforest. We spotted proboscis monkeys, macaques, hornbills, and even crocodiles. But the moment that took my breath away? Seeing a mother elephant and her baby slowly wade across the river right in front of us. It was pure magic. That kind of raw, wild moment stays with you forever.

🛥 Sandakan: Food, Fish, and Stories

Then we headed to Sandakan, a city on Sabah’s east coast full of character.

First, I had to try the famous UFO tart—a local dessert that looks like a flying saucer (hence the name). It’s a fluffy sponge base topped with creamy meringue and custard. Sweet, light, and only found in Sandakan!

At night, we explored the Sandakan Fish Market, which was buzzing with activity. Fishing boats were just returning with fresh catches, and the market was piled high with fish of all kinds. Locals were bargaining for seafood like pros!

🍵 Colonial Vibes and Spiritual Sites

The next day was all about taking it slow and soaking in Sandakan’s charm. We visited the English Tea House & Restaurant, perched on a hill with a beautiful view of the coastline. Sipping tea and eating scones made me feel like I’d traveled back to colonial times.

Then came a round of sightseeing:

• Puu Jih Syh Temple – A striking hilltop Buddhist temple with golden statues and panoramic sea views. Super photogenic!
• St. Michael’s and All Angels Church – A lovely stone church over 100 years old, and the oldest in Sabah.
• Sandakan Death March Memorial – A solemn site honoring WWII POWs who were forced to march to their deaths. A meaningful place, though honestly, the mosquitoes here were vicious!

🧳 Final Thoughts: A Trip That Changed My View of Malaysia

This trip showed me a side of Malaysia that most tourists never see. It’s not just a tropical paradise—it’s a place where untouched nature, cultural heritage, and real-world challenges all mix together.

From feasting in Kuala Lumpur to spotting elephants in the wild, and from polluted shorelines to bustling seafood markets, this journey was packed with contrasts and unforgettable moments.

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Have you been to East Malaysia? Or do you have a favorite Malaysian dish you’d recommend? Let me know in the comments below! I’d love to hear your stories.