PEOPLE BKI – A Cozy Neighbourhood Café Worth Discovering

  

Tucked inside The Peak Suites, right beside City Gourmet, PEOPLE BKI is quickly becoming a favourite spot for breakfast, brunch, and afternoon tea in Kota Kinabalu. Open daily from 9:00am to 6:00pm, this charming café offers freshly baked pastries, satisfying meals, and a welcoming atmosphere that makes guests feel right at home.

Founded by a young couple with a genuine passion for food and coffee, PEOPLE BKI reflects their love for simple, honest flavours and meaningful connections. The café is designed as a place where friends gather, families unwind, and even weekday paperwork feels a little lighter with a good cup of coffee on the table.

During our visit, we sampled their bagel selection, and both the taste and presentation impressed us. One standout item is the SD Bagel Hot Sandwich, a must-try for brunch lovers. For heartier choices, their Honey Garlic Chicken with rice, Green Chutney Chicken, and Salted Egg Chicken are popular picks that deliver great flavour and value for money.

The ambience is bright, relaxed, and quietly inviting, making it a perfect neighbourhood café to slow down, recharge, and enjoy good food without rushing.

FAVSTYLE Recommends:

If you are looking for a comfortable brunch spot with good coffee, satisfying meals, and a laid-back atmosphere, PEOPLE BKI is definitely worth a visit.

Lampoopalooza 2026 Lights Up Kota Kinabalu in a Spectacular 4th Edition

  

KOTA KINABALU, 14 February 2026 – The city shimmered in colour, rhythm, and celebration as Lampoopalooza 2026 returned for its fourth year, drawing more than 5,000 visitors to the grounds of the Sabah Tourism Board building along Gaya Street.

What began as a warm afternoon gathering gradually unfolded into a glowing evening festival where light installations, music, and food blended into a lively Valentine’s night atmosphere.

TVSabah brought the energy of Lampoopalooza beyond the venue, delivering LIVE coverage of the official opening and capturing the vibrant atmosphere throughout the evening.

This building will become a big projection screen at night time

A Festive Start from the Afternoon

Activities began as early as 2pm, when rows of food vendors transformed the street into a lively foodie corridor. With 23 booths serving everything from local favourites to hotel specialties, visitors wandered from stall to stall in what could only be described as a small paradise for the taste buds.

Among the notable participants were Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, offering sumptuous dishes and beverages at special promotional prices, alongside The Palace Hotel Kota Kinabalu and Grandis Hotels and Resorts, both taking the opportunity to introduce their signature menus and upcoming Ramadan offers.

FAVSTYLE Editor-in-Chief Alfred Allen Ginsos arrived early to capture the unfolding moments, preparing a special FAVSTYLE Essential feature that will spotlight the highlights of the evening.

As the Crowd Gathers, the Magic Begins

By 5pm, the concert space began to fill steadily. The venue’s decorations appeared elegant and understated in daylight, but once night fell, shifting colours of light transformed the surroundings into a glowing canvas.

Towering 15-foot illuminated installations, crafted from upcycled plastic gallons and accented with batik fabrics, stood like luminous sculptures across the venue. These striking creations will later be donated as part of the Sabah Tourism Board’s CSR initiative, giving the art a second life beyond the festival.

The historic facade of the Sabah Tourism Board building became a spectacle of its own as large-scale projection mapping animated the architecture with moving visuals, turning the structure into a storytelling screen.

Music, Energy, and a Grand Launch

The open-air concert quickly became the heartbeat of Lampoopalooza. A dynamic lineup of Sabah artists delivered energetic performances that kept the audience engaged throughout the evening. The concert, offered complimentary to the public, proved to be one of the festival’s most anticipated attractions.

At 7:30pm, the event was officially launched by YB Datuk Jafry Arifin, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment, in the presence of YB Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, Chairman of the Sabah Tourism Board, and Julinus Jeffery Jimit, CEO of the Sabah Tourism Board.

A Festival for Everyone

Lampoopalooza 2026 also stood out for its inclusive spirit. Members of the Sabah Society for the Deaf joined the celebration, with interpreters present so that everyone could enjoy the performances and announcements together. It was a reminder that festivals shine brightest when everyone is part of the light.

A Night to Remember

With music drifting through the air, colourful lights dancing across the venue, and the aroma of street food lingering into the night, Lampoopalooza once again proved why it has become one of Kota Kinabalu’s most anticipated lifestyle events.

A celebration of light, music, art, and community, Lampoopalooza 2026 turned Valentine’s evening into a vibrant gathering where creativity and culture shared the same stage.

Photo Courtesy to CEO Sabah Tourism Board

CNY Night Market 2026 Brings Festive Energy to Sandakan City Centre

 

Sandakan’s city centre came alive with colour, flavour, and celebration as the CNY Night Market 2026 transformed Jalan 2 into a vibrant festive street filled with visitors, performances, and traditional delights.

The event was graced by the President of the Sandakan Municipal Council (MPS), the Member of Parliament for Sandakan, the Chairman of the Sandakan Chinese Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from the United Chinese Community Association, reflecting strong community support and unity.

The night market received an enthusiastic response from both local residents and visiting tourists who gathered to experience the joyful atmosphere of Chinese New Year in Sandakan. Families, friends, and travellers moved through rows of stalls offering festive treats, traditional snacks, and a variety of goods, while colourful lantern decorations illuminated the streets in a warm celebratory glow.

Adding to the excitement were cultural performances, including energetic lion dances that echoed through the crowd, creating a rhythm that felt like the heartbeat of the festival itself.

The Sandakan Municipal Council expressed sincere appreciation to all organisers, participating agencies, traders, and members of the public whose collective effort made the event a success.

Events like the CNY Night Market continue to play an important role in strengthening community bonds, stimulating the local economy, and promoting Sandakan as a unique cultural and tourism destination.

“MPS Memudah Cara, Sandakan Terus Maju.”

Whole Lamb Catering in Kota Kinabalu: A Feast That Turns Every Gathering into a Celebration

 

In Sabah, food is rarely just food. It is the heartbeat of celebrations, the centerpiece of gatherings, and often the spark that brings stories, laughter, and community together. For those planning weddings, private parties, festive reunions, or corporate events in Kota Kinabalu, a whole lamb roast has become one of the most impressive and memorable dining experiences to offer guests.

At Grub N Vine RestoBar in Foh Sang, whole lamb catering is prepared with attention to both flavour and presentation. Slowly roasted over fire, the lamb develops a rich aroma and tender texture that instantly sets the tone for a warm and festive atmosphere. It is not only a meal, but a culinary performance that guests can see, smell, and anticipate as it roasts to perfection.

Hosts can choose from a selection of marinades, each offering its own personality. Moroccan Spiced brings a fragrant blend of herbs and spices, Salt and Pepper highlights the natural richness of the meat, while Rosemary and Garlic delivers a classic, comforting profile that many guests love. Each lamb is served with mint sauce, with the option to add garlic or black pepper sauces for extra depth of flavour.

The catering service offers both fresh New Zealand lamb, suitable for medium-sized gatherings, and Australian Dorpers lamb for larger celebrations, making it flexible for different event scales. Whether for an elegant wedding reception or a lively company event, the presentation of a whole roasted lamb creates a focal point that naturally draws guests together.

In today’s event culture, experiences matter as much as the menu. A whole lamb roast offers both. It brings people closer, invites conversation, and adds a sense of occasion that stays in memory long after the last plate is cleared. For hosts looking to create an unforgettable dining moment in Kota Kinabalu, this is one culinary tradition that continues to impress.

Fresh NZ Lamb (up to 16kg)

Aus Dropers Lamb (up to 26kg)

Comes with Mint Sauce – add Garlic or Black Pepper too

Sandakan Heritage Trail: A Journey Through Time, Culture, and the Soul of a Historic Town

 

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 into life in pre-war North Borneo, St. Michael’s and All Angels Church, one of the oldest stone churches in Sabah, and Sam Sing Kung Temple, a testament to the early Chinese community that helped shape the town. Historic mosques, monuments, and colonial-era structures further enrich the journey, each standing as a silent witness to the passage of time. Although the trail can be completed in one to two hours, many visitors find themselves lingering, drawn in by the atmosphere and the sense of stepping into another era.

Photo courtesy to Nicholas Chong

The purpose of the Sandakan Heritage Trail goes beyond preserving buildings. It exists to preserve stories, to protect cultural memory, and to ensure that the past remains accessible to future generations. By keeping these landmarks visible and meaningful, the trail helps educate both visitors and local communities while promoting heritage tourism in Sabah. More importantly, it nurtures appreciation for history among young people, encouraging them to see heritage not as something distant, but as something alive and relevant.

Heritage plays a vital role in today’s rapidly changing world. It acts as an anchor, keeping communities grounded while cities grow and modernize. Sandakan itself has experienced remarkable chapters, from its early days as a trading port to the devastation of war and its eventual rebuilding. These stories are not merely historical records; they are lessons in resilience, unity, and hope. Walking the trail allows visitors to understand that progress does not have to erase the past, and that preservation and development can exist side by side.

For the younger generation, places like the Sandakan Heritage Trail hold particular importance. Understanding local history helps build a sense of identity and belonging, allowing young people to appreciate the diverse cultures that shape Sabah. Experiencing history in real locations brings learning to life in ways textbooks cannot, turning dates and events into vivid, memorable experiences. Heritage also fosters pride in community and inspires creativity, from photography and storytelling to design, tourism, and cultural projects. When young people engage with heritage, they become the storytellers who carry these narratives forward.

The Sandakan Heritage Trail is more than a pathway through town. It is a bridge between generations, connecting the wisdom of the past with the promise of the future. In every preserved landmark and every quiet corner of the trail lies a reminder that a town remembers when its people choose to remember, and sometimes, the simplest way to begin is by taking a walk.

PESTA SELERA KK 2026 Livens Up the 26th Anniversary Celebration of Kota Kinabalu City Hall

  

The vibrant spirit of the city came alive as Pesta Selera KK 2026, held in conjunction with the 26th Anniversary of Dewan Bandaraya Kota Kinabalu (DBKK), drew an enthusiastic response from the public. Throughout the festival period, an estimated 8,000 visitors attended, turning the grounds around the DBKK building into a lively tapestry of flavours, colours and community energy.

The festival was officially launched on 6 February 2026 by Dato’ Sri Dr. Haji Sabin bin Samitah, Mayor of Kota Kinabalu, marking the beginning of a city programme rooted in community lifestyle, social engagement and local economic development.

A New Name, A Broader Vision

Previously known as Fiesta Makan-Makan, the event has been rebranded as Pesta Selera KK to reflect DBKK’s refreshed direction in designing urban programmes that are more inclusive and impactful.

The new identity signals more than a name change. It represents an expanded scope that now embraces small entrepreneurship, urban lifestyle culture, social interaction and community development, giving the festival a wider role in shaping the city’s creative and economic landscape.

A Culinary Map of Experiences

A total of 90 booths were curated, offering a rich variety of flavours divided into five main zones:

• Western & Grill Zone

• Artisan Zone

• Ethnic Food Zone

• Viral Food & Fruits Zone

• Food Truck Zone

This zoning approach ensured smoother visitor flow, improved comfort, and stronger standards of cleanliness and public safety, allowing guests to wander from stall to stall like travellers moving through a culinary atlas.

Empowering the Next Generation

One of the highlights of this year’s edition was the introduction of the “Ruang Orang Muda” (Youth Space), a dedicated platform for young entrepreneurs and creatives to showcase products, promote ideas and express talents in arts, innovation and business.

This initiative reflects DBKK’s commitment to nurturing youth as active partners in city development, not merely spectators but contributors to the urban story.

More Than a Festival

Beyond celebrating food, Pesta Selera KK 2026 served as a catalyst for local economic growth, community participation and cultural appreciation. The festival illustrated how a shared public space can become a stage where heritage, enterprise and lifestyle meet, creating a city atmosphere that feels both dynamic and welcoming.

DBKK extended its appreciation to all parties who contributed to the success of the festival, including organising committees, participating traders, supporting agencies and the public whose presence brought the celebration to life.

Prepared by:

Information Unit, Office of the Mayor, DBKK

Bella Berhaman

Information Officer

Mohd. Asruddey Rusli

Photographer

courtesy for DBKK official facebook page 

MejaRasaKK - Dining Feature Celebrate Chinese New Year 2026 in Grandeur with an Auspicious Prosperity Feast

  

When the season of reunion arrives, the dining table becomes more than a place to eat. It turns into a stage for laughter, blessings, and the quiet ritual of welcoming fortune into the year ahead. This Chinese New Year, Metropot Bistro & Pub invites families and friends to gather for an indulgent Auspicious 8-Course Prosperity Feast, thoughtfully curated to honour tradition with a touch of contemporary flair.

A Feast Designed for Prosperity

Each course in this festive menu reflects abundance, harmony, and celebration. Guests can expect a generous selection including:

• Imperial Double-Boiled Chicken Consommé with Sacred Lotus

• Four Seasons Prosperity Platter

• Golden Honey-Ginger Glazed Roasted Chicken

• Supreme Teochew-Style Steamed Coral Garoupa

• Emerald Lime Butter Prawns

• Jade Pak Choy with Braised Mushrooms & Chicken Pearl

• Premium XO Sauce Fragrant Fried Rice

• Heavenly Hot Sea Coconut & Longan Elixir

To complete the festive experience, diners may also enjoy a vibrant Yee Sang with Smoked Salmon, available at RM88++, perfect for the symbolic toss that ushers in good fortune.

Early Bird Privilege

Guests who plan ahead are rewarded with special festive pricing:

• RM388++ (5–6 persons) for bookings made before 11 February 2026

• RM458++ (5–6 persons) for bookings made from 12 February 2026 onwards

With reunion dinners often filling quickly, early reservations are highly recommended.

Celebration Period

The promotion runs from 30 January 2026 to 10 March 2026, offering ample time for reunion dinners, corporate gatherings, and festive meet-ups throughout the season.
A minimum of 3 days advance booking is required to ensure the best dining experience.

A Setting for Reunion and Joy

Chinese New Year is not merely a festival. It is a moment suspended between memory and hope, where the clink of glasses and the fragrance of festive dishes weave stories that linger long after the last course is served. Metropot Bistro & Pub brings this spirit to life with a welcoming atmosphere and a menu crafted for meaningful gatherings.

Reservations & Enquiries
WhatsApp: 016-839 1921

For families seeking a refined yet joyful place to celebrate, this prosperity feast offers the perfect beginning to a bright and abundant year ahead.