Kota Kinabalu's Trendiest Tables

When we think of Kota Kinabalu, we often picture the fiery red sunset, the bustling night market, and fresh seafood. Of course, the city is undoubtedly charming for those reasons alone. But have you ever encountered the city's other face—a younger, more sensational side that lies beyond that familiar scenery?

This is about the moments of special dining in spaces so beautiful they make you forget the heat for a moment; it's about places where the atmosphere provided by the space becomes a journey in itself, going beyond simply filling one's stomach. I introduce three of the most 'hip' and noteworthy spaces in Kota Kinabalu right now, perfect for enriching your trip.


1. A Californian Dream, The Brunch Cafe: Nook Cafe

This is the perfect way to start a leisurely morning in Kota Kinabalu. Nook Cafe is a brunch spot with a bright and warm atmosphere, as if it has been transplanted directly from sunny California. The white walls, wood-toned furniture, and green plants scattered throughout come together to create a picture-perfect scene no matter where you take a photo. This place is famous not only for its beautiful space but also for its healthy and delicious food. Enjoy a sophisticated and leisurely morning in Kota Kinabalu with a fresh sandwich, a salad, and a cup of aromatic specialty coffee.


2. The Closest Night to the Sky: On22 Sky Bar

If you want to enjoy the night in Kota Kinabalu in the most stylish way, you must head to On22 Sky Bar, located on the 23rd floor of the Hyatt Centric hotel. Offering a panoramic view of the city's glittering nightscape and the South China Sea's horizon through its floor-to-ceiling windows, it is considered the hottest rooftop bar in Kota Kinabalu right now. A signature cocktail enjoyed with sensational music will be the perfect way to luxuriously cap off a day of travel. Experience one of the world's top three sunsets from the highest, most special location.


3. Borneo's Flavor, Reinterpreted: Choo Bistro

Choo Bistro, which has recently emerged as a hideout for local hipsters, is a fusion restaurant that reinterprets the traditional flavors of Malaysian Borneo with a modern sensibility. The exotic patterned tiles, rattan lighting, and stylish interior signal a special culinary experience from the moment you step inside. Here, you can encounter familiar Malaysian dishes like Nasi Lemak and Laksa, presented in an entirely new way with a refined taste. Experience the 'current' flavors of Kota Kinabalu at this place where the familiar and the new coexist.

A meal in Kota Kinabalu is, perhaps, not merely the act of eating, but the experience of fully possessing the time and atmosphere of that space.
On this Kota Kinabalu trip, I hope you will collect unforgettable 'moments' in these special places that will make your journey deeper and richer.

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