FAVSTYLE Essentials

  KOTA KINABALU — The city wakes to a quieter kind of progress. Not the roar of traffic, but the steady, purposeful hum of something designed for everyone. As of April 1, 2026, the BUS.MY community bus service officially begins its journey across Kota Kinabalu, marking a meaningful step toward a more connected, inclusive, and people-first urban lifestyle. At launch, two key routes take center stage: Route S01 , supported by six buses, and Route S05 , operating with four. These routes form the backbone of a system that promises to grow, with more buses and expanded routes already on the horizon.0 Longer distance to take S01 This isn’t just about transportation. It’s about access. Shorter distance to take S05 For students rushing to class, working adults navigating daily commutes, and families planning their day, BUS.MY introduces a system designed with flexibility in mind. The introduction of the Consent Card , offered free to students, persons with disabilities (OKU), and senio...

Nestled along the pristine shores of Jalan Rampayan Laut, in the serene district of Kota Belud , lies a hidden coastal jewel that feels worlds away from the ordinary. Just a scenic 90-minute drive from the vibrant pulse of Kota Kinabalu , Alaya Beach Club emerges like a quiet dream carved between sky and sea. There are sunsets… and then there are Alaya sunsets . As the day exhales into dusk, the sky transforms into a canvas of molten gold and amber, gently dissolving into the calm embrace of the horizon. It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of Sabah’s most breathtaking sunset spots, where time seems to slow just enough for you to truly feel it. The beach here is a quiet luxury in itself. Fine white sand stretches like silk beneath your feet, meeting waters so clear they mirror the sky. A favorite among both international travelers and local explorers, Alaya Beach Club offers that rare balance of untouched beauty and effortless comfort. And just 45 minutes away lies the famed Man...

There are places you visit for a stay, and then there are places that quietly transform the way you experience time. Kota Kinabalu belongs to the latter — a destination where the rhythm of the sea, the warmth of its culture, and the richness of its surroundings come together in effortless harmony. At the heart of this coastal narrative stands Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu , a contemporary sanctuary where luxury is not defined by excess, but by intention. From the very first encounter, the experience unfolds not as a sequence, but as a fluid story. The city itself becomes the prologue. Just beyond the hotel, vibrant local markets awaken the senses — a living tapestry of colors, textures, and aromas. Fresh produce, exotic botanicals, and the quiet expertise of local artisans create moments that feel both intimate and authentic. It is here that exploration becomes something deeper than discovery; it becomes connection. As the day transitions, the journey elevates — quite literally — to the ...

A path where joggers can enjoy the view while sweating out Tucked within the gentle embrace of Bukit Padang, the newly constructed Botanical Garden is quietly blooming into one of the most visited and cherished public spaces in the area. What was once just land has now transformed into a living, breathing sanctuary where community, wellness, and nature meet in harmony. For safety, railing is built along the pond area Small stairs towards the ponds, another area for short walk An initiative by DBKK, the garden stands as a thoughtful testament to how urban planning can elevate everyday living. More than just a park, it reflects a vision, one that prioritises health, leisure, and meaningful human connection. It is, without doubt, one of the city’s most refreshing additions. 'The three sisters' (probably, I am just guessing), enjoying the quietness of the park Whether alone or in group it is always nice to walk among the nature, the tall trees, and lakes, and ponds During one of ...

Every Wednesday and Thursday, something special happens in Donggongon , the vibrant township at the heart of Penampang . The streets come alive as villagers, vendors and townsfolk gather for the beloved Tamu , a weekly market that has long been part of the community’s rhythm. For generations, the Tamu has been more than just a marketplace. It is a meeting ground where stories are exchanged, traditions are preserved, and the spirit of the community continues to thrive. At the moment, vendors are temporarily operating in the open space between shop lots while the new permanent Tamu building is under construction. The upcoming structure promises a more modern look, but many locals still remember the rustic charm of the old Tamu, where simple stalls created a warm and authentic village atmosphere. Despite the temporary setting, the market remains lively. Visitors can still find baskets filled with fresh vegetables, tropical fruits and produce brought in from nearby villages. Among the u...

  Juara Gy m continues its growth in Kota Kinabalu with the opening of its newest outlet at Aeropod Commercial Square , introducing a fresh and unique workout environment just minutes away from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and a short drive from the scenic Tanjung Aru Beach . Positioned within one of the city’s emerging lifestyle districts, the new Juara Gym outlet offers a workout setting unlike most gyms in the region. From the training floor, members can enjoy a clear view of aircraft taking off and landing throughout the day, turning a regular fitness session into a surprisingly captivating experience. Watching planes glide into the sky while pushing through a workout set adds an unexpected layer of motivation. It is a reminder of movement, momentum and progress, values that resonate strongly with every fitness journey. The Aeropod outlet embraces a minimal yet practical concept , focusing on what matters most for members who simply want to train effectively. The gym...

In a proud and defining moment for Malaysian tourism, Sabah marked its presence at the official launch of the Malaysia Pavilion at ITB Berlin 2026, one of the world’s most prestigious travel trade exhibitions held in Berlin . The ceremony was graciously officiated by His Excellency Mohamad Razdan Jamil , Ambassador of Malaysia to Germany , whose presence underscored the significance of Malaysia’s participation on this global platform. Joining the ribbon cutting were heads of delegation and tourism representatives from Selangor, Langkawi, Penang, Melaka, Pahang, Kelantan, Sabah, alongside the Islamic Tourism Centre . Representing the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah was Mr. Julinus Jeffery Jimit , CEO of the Sabah Tourism Board , further reinforcing Sabah’s commitment to strengthening its international footprint. From world-renowned diving sanctuaries to emerald rainforests echoing with biodiversity, Sabah arrives in Berlin not merely as a destination, but as a narra...

Sabah Tourism Board Delegation Julius Jeffery Jimit Chief Executive Officer julius@sabahtourism.com Josephine Chai Deputy Chief Executive Officer josephine@sabahtourism.com Amy Ajak Marketing Manager amy@sabahtourism.com Normegawati Sapian Special Officer mega@sabahtourism.com Elsie Maria Marcus Assistant Digital & Communications Manager elsie@sabahtourism.com In March 2026, the pulse of global tourism will converge at Messe Berlin. Within the Malaysia Pavilion, the Sabah Zone will stand as a confident expression of North Borneo’s evolving destination narrative. Sabah is not simply presenting landscapes. It is presenting depth. From UNESCO-protected rainforests and rare wildlife encounters to world-class marine ecosystems and culturally rooted community experiences, Sabah offers a travel proposition defined by authenticity, sustainability and intention. At Hall 26, Stand #103, the Sabah Tourism Board together with its selected industry partners will engage the international trav...

In Sandakan, history is not confined to museum halls or faded archives. It lives in quiet stairways climbing green hills, in timber houses that have watched generations pass, and in places of worship where prayers have echoed for decades. The Sandakan Heritage Trail invites visitors to step into this living narrative, offering a journey that reveals the character, resilience, and cultural richness of one of Sabah’s most historic towns. For travellers, it is a scenic walk through a charming landscape. For locals, it is a reminder of identity and roots. For the younger generation, it becomes a classroom without walls, where every stop tells a story. The Sandakan Heritage Trail is a self-guided walking route that connects some of the town’s most significant historical and cultural landmarks. Along the way, visitors encounter places that reflect Sandakan’s colonial past, wartime memories, and multicultural heritage. Among the highlights are the Agnes Keith House, which offers a glimpse in...