Welcome to Kota Kinabalu! It literally took 40min to fly from Sandakan to KK. We lifted off, cruised for 5min and then the pilot advised we were landing. I like flights like that! KK is much less grubby than Sandakan, you can tell it is more tourist oriented. After dropping off the luggage at the hotel, we went to the pier to grab a boat to Mamutik island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman national park. It was a quick 15min boat ride. The island was nice although it was disappointing to see so much trash floating in the water. They need to do a better job conserving the area. On the speed boat heading out i felt like in a scene from James Bond lol. Once back in KK, we walked to the night market. All the fish and seafood caught during the day sits on ice waiting to be grilled. OMG, so much good food and so little stomach space. Finally picked up a giant tiger prawn, a whole fish grilled in a banana leaf and covered in a chilli sauce, chicken wings and corn on the cob. The only thing I regret not getting is the fried calamari. Best meal by far. Now I am back at my hotel and tomorrow off to Bali. Finger crossed I don’t encounter a tsunami!!!!
Based on your description I imagine an exotic version of Granville Market meets Formentera! That food sounds delicious. 🙂