The radio host, emcee and entrepreneur, tells us what he loves about his hometown of Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, and Turkey
KOTA KINABALU, SABAH
What do you love most about this city?
The people, the food and the scenery. You'll get mountain, land and sea in one place. It's such a laid back city where the phrase, “relax bah”, really means something.
Where would you take a first-timer to in this city?
Makan! Sabah is famous for its seafood. I would bring the first-timer to try the fish noodle soup. Breakfast is the best time to try this. Places such as Kedai Kopi Wan Wan, Fatt Kee Seafood Restaurant and Restoran How Kee are the best spots.
What is the one thing that the first-timer must do in this city?
Take a 15-minute boat ride to the islands as well as drive to Kundasang (about 1.5 to 2 hours away) to see the majestic Mount Kinabalu. There are lots of activities in Kundasang as well.
Name one souvenir to bring home.
The Sompoton. It’s a musical instrument made from bamboo. Or Wakid, a backpack made of tree bark.
Where might we find you at 1 am in this city?
At the Waterfront. Listening to live music while chilling by the seaside.
CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY
One thing about the locals.
Warm, friendly and classically Turkish in terms of their living, dressing and lifestyle.
What do you find most refreshing about this city?
Everything from the landscape, food, people, and the Caves Suites!!
The one experience that everyone must try.
Do stay at any of their cave hotels and take the underground tour, as well as the hot air balloon experience. Oh, and try the quad bike too!
The one local dish everyone must try.
Pottery kebab in Goreme, a small town in Cappadocia. It's not your typical kebab, and I had it during winter. It gave that extra flavour, somehow.
The best thing you can do here for free.
Walk and talk to the locals at small towns such as Urgup or Goreme. They are very friendly people. In one antique shop in Urgup, the owner Hussain offered me Turkish tea (another must-try along with Turkish coffee!) after about two minutes and we ended up chatting for two hours outside his shop!
What was the best piece of souvenir you took home from here?
A Kilim rug made in Urgup. And of course, the photos taken here are out of this world.
Name something they have here that you wished you had at home:
A Turkish bath! Yes, we have it in Malaysia but it’s nothing compared to having one at its origin.
