Sweet Lechon Kawali Restaurant – Authentic Filipino Cuisine in Keningau 🇵🇭

Since opening in 2023, Sweet Lechon Kawali Restaurant has been bringing the true taste of the Philippines to the heart of Keningau, Sabah If you’re craving real Pinoy comfort food, this is the place to be!

Our star dish, the legendary lechon kawali, is all about that perfect balance — crispy on the outside, juicy and tender on the inside Every bite is packed with flavour and served the way Filipinos love it, with bold sauces and hearty sides that complete the experience.

But it’s more than just food — it’s about culture, warmth, and sharing meals together. Whether you’re dining with family, hanging out with friends, or just treating yourself, Sweet Lechon Kawali offers a cozy, welcoming space where everyone feels at home.

From classic Filipino favourites to satisfying comfort dishes, everything is cooked with passion and authenticity 🇵🇭

Keningau, Sabah

Open since 2023

Contact: Madam Ivy – +60 16-224 2387

Real food. Real flavour. Real Filipino hospitality.

Come hungry, leave happy 😋

Tag your makan buddies and let’s eat Pinoy-style!

#SweetLechonKawali #FilipinoFoodKeningau #AuthenticPinoy #KeningauEats #SabahFoodies #PinoyCuisine #SupportLocal #FoodieSabah #KeningauFoodGuide

Zuba Visit Malaysia 2026 Snap, Share & Win: A Nationwide Travel Celebration Begins

From left to right: Jin with Charlie, Dr Wong, Charis, Melissa, and Kelly during the official launch of the Zuba x Visit Malaysia 2026 “Snap & Win” Campaign and its accompanying CSR initiative, held at Banyan Valley Gallery on Sunday.
 

In conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2026, lifestyle mascot Zuba has officially launched a nationwide tourism activation titled “Zuba x Visit Malaysia 2026 Photo Check-In Campaign”, inviting both locals and international visitors to explore Malaysia through creativity, culture, and travel storytelling.

The campaign kickstarted on 1 February 2026 and will run until 30 April 2026, turning selected landmarks, malls, and tourist-friendly locations across the country into interactive photo check-in spots. These locations are designed not just for snapshots, but as vibrant touchpoints that showcase Malaysia’s diverse heritage, food scene, and creative lifestyle.

A Fun Way to Experience Malaysia

According to organizers, this campaign is more than a photo contest. It is a fresh way to encourage travellers to engage with Malaysia’s tourism experience, blending discovery with digital participation. Visitors simply need to visit designated Zuba photo spots, take creative photos, and share them online to stand a chance to win attractive prizes.

Participation is open to the public, including international tourists, making it a truly inclusive nationwide initiative aligned with the spirit of Visit Malaysia 2026.

How to Participate

Participants are required to:

1. Visit official Zuba photo check-in locations

2. Take photos with Zuba displays

3. Upload the photos to Instagram or TikTok

Tag the official hashtags including #ZubaSnapWin and 

#VisitMalaysia2026

Register and submit entries via the Zuba App using valid personal information

Download Zuba App scan here

Each participant may submit multiple entries during the campaign period.

  

Attractive Rewards Await

The campaign features a total of 48 weekly prizes and 8 grand prizes. 

Highlights include:

iPhone 17

iPad

Insta360 camera

Apple Watch

Samsung Watch7

Travel vouchers and airline tickets

Weekly awards also recognize creativity and engagement, such as:

Most Likes

Most Shares

Best Comment

Most Creative Photo

Best Video

Best Visual Storytelling

Supporting Sustainability & CSR

Beyond tourism promotion, the campaign also carries a meaningful social mission. Proceeds and brand participation support sun bear conservation efforts in Malaysia, reinforcing Ayubhouz’s ongoing commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR) and environmental protection.

Organisers emphasised that tourism today goes beyond accommodation and attractions. It is about creating experiences, stories, and shared moments that benefit communities, culture, and conservation.

A Lifestyle Movement, Not Just a Campaign

With Zuba positioned as a friendly travel companion, this initiative transforms everyday travel moments into shareable lifestyle content. From city malls to cultural hotspots, Zuba becomes a symbol of joyful exploration and connection.

As Malaysia prepares for Visit Malaysia 2026, campaigns like this reflect a new generation of tourism storytelling: visual, interactive, socially conscious, and driven by community participation.

Fundraising Appeal – Sabah Cheshire Home & Services

For decades, Sabah Cheshire Home & Services has been a place of dignity, care, and opportunity for persons with disabilities. Beyond providing shelter, we offer essential training, rehabilitation, and daily support that empower our residents to live with confidence and purpose.

While we receive limited assistance from state and federal agencies, our annual operating cost of RM2.5 million is largely sustained through the generosity of the public. Every contribution, big or small, helps keep our doors open and our services running.

To continue this vital mission, we are organising a Raffle Ticket Fundraising Campaign, and we warmly invite you to be part of this meaningful cause.

How You Can Support

Purchase or Sell Raffle Tickets

Support us by purchasing raffle tickets or helping to sell them to friends, family, and colleagues.

Ticket Price

RM10 per ticket

RM100 per booklet

Tickets available at:

Sabah Cheshire Home & Services

• Jalan Vokasional, Likas

• Jalan Sibuga, Sandakan

All proceeds go directly towards supporting our residents and daily operations.

Sponsor a Raffle Prize

Individuals and organisations are most welcome to sponsor raffle prizes and be recognised as partners in compassion and community care.

Bank-in / Donation Details

Persatuan Rumah Dan Perkhidmatan Cheshire

(Sabah Cheshire Home & Services)

Alliance Bank Malaysia Berhad

Account No: 100390010131411

Swift Code: MFBBMYKL

Gaya Street, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Tax Receipt Available for Cash Donations

Please provide:

• Name / Company Name

• IC No / Company Registration No

• Address

Kindly send your payment slip to:

Jennifer Liew (Manager) – 019 813 2800

Suziah Wan (Assistant Manager) – 013 899 4432

Together, We Make a Difference

Your generosity helps us sustain essential care, create opportunities, and continue nurturing a safe and supportive home for those who need it most.

Thank you for standing with Sabah Cheshire Home & Services and for being a part of a kinder, more inclusive community

A Season of Giving, Wrapped with Heart - Christmas Shoebox Gift Campaign Update

On 17 January 2026, the spirit of Christmas lingered beautifully as the Happy Team paid a heartfelt visit to Pusat Jagaan Rumah Kebajikan Makatip Sabah. What unfolded was not just a delivery, but a moment of shared warmth, intention, and quiet joy.

Each Christmas shoebox gift was prepared with care, lovingly labelled with a child’s name provided by the Sister, thoughtfully wrapped, and securely packed to arrive safe and dry. Beyond the boxes, generosity multiplied. With the support of kind-hearted friends, additional dry and frozen food supplies were sponsored to help sustain daily needs at the home.

Adding a deeply personal touch to the visit, Mr Shone Majimbun and Kathie Majimbun were both present, personally participating to ensure the visit was meaningful and successful. Their presence brought a special energy to the day, as the children gathered with bright eyes and open hearts, receiving their blessings directly from the founders. A simple gesture, yet one that carried lasting warmth and reassurance.

In true Favstyle fashion, this was about more than giving. It was about connection, dignity, and showing up with sincerity. Small shoeboxes became vessels of hope, kindness, and shared humanity.

Stay tuned as the journey continues. More Christmas Shoebox Gift delivery updates are on the way, because joy, when shared, always finds a way to return

#HappyPlaceRestaurant #HappyChristmas #HappyCampaign #ChristmasGiving #ShoeboxCampaign #SpreadJoy

Lampoopalooza 2026 lights up Valentine’s Night

This 14 February 2026, the heart of Kota Kinabalu glows brighter than ever as Lampoopalooza 2026 takes over Sabah Tourism Board Building, Gaya Street from 5.00pm to 11.00pm.

Expect an immersive evening of glowing upcycled art installations, stunning projection mapping, and a FREE open-air concert featuring Sabah artists. Add in irresistible street food and festive vibes, and you have a Valentine’s night designed to delight the senses.

One night only.

Come for the lights, stay for the magic.

#Lampoopalooza2026 #HelloSabah #ExploreSabah #VisitMalaysia2026

A Scenic Brew Escape: Fatt Choi Coffee Cabin, Tenom

 

In Tenom, mornings arrive softly. The mist lingers over coffee hills, the air cools the senses, and the road from Kota Kinabalu feels less like a drive and more like a gentle reset. This is where Fatt Choi Coffee Cabin makes its mark. Recently established and already drawing quiet buzz, it is Tenom’s newest reason to slow down and sip deliberately.

The journey matters here. As the city fades behind you, the landscape opens into rolling greenery and mountain silhouettes. By the time you arrive, the reward is immediate: panoramic hill views, the unmistakable aroma of freshly roasted Tenom coffee, and a café experience that feels rooted in place rather than trend.

Coffee First, Always

At Fatt Choi Coffee Cabin, great coffee comes naturally. Brewed from Tenom’s own celebrated beans, each cup carries depth, warmth, and a sense of origin. This is coffee enjoyed without rush, best paired with fresh mountain air and an unhurried afternoon.

Stay Where the Coffee Grows

What elevates the experience is the stay. Cozy cabin houses sit among lush coffee trees, offering guests a rare luxury: waking up to the scent of roasting beans drifting from the nearby coffee factory. Mornings here are unfiltered and deeply comforting, where nature and craft meet before breakfast.

New Opening: Fatt Choi x Lemon Tree

Adding a fresh layer to the destination is Fatt Choi Coffee x Lemon Tree Kitchen & Bakery, now officially open. Designed for lingering, it invites guests to come for the coffee and stay for the vibes. From daytime café moments to relaxed evening dining, it extends the Fatt Choi experience into a full-day affair, effortlessly blending Tenom’s calm rhythm with warm, welcoming hospitality.

Visitor Details

Fatt Choi Coffee Cabin

Entrance fee: RM2

Children 8 years old and below: Free

Daily, 9am – 5pm

Fatt Choi Coffee x Lemon Tree Kitchen & Bakery

Monday, Wednesday – Sunday (Tuesday off)

Open on Public Holidays

9am – 9pm

Kampung Tenom Lama, 89908 Tenom, Sabah

In a town known for its coffee heritage, Fatt Choi Coffee Cabin feels like a quiet love letter to Tenom. Come for the brew, stay for the hills, and let the journey itself become part of the flavour.

#fattchoicoffee

#lemontreebakery

#tenomcoffee

#tenom

#sabah

#fattchoixlemontree

#coffee

#local

#event

#outdoors

#party

A Reunion Written in Gold Chinese New Year Reunion Set Menus at Marco Polo Hotel Tawau

Chinese New Year is not merely a celebration. It is a return. A return to family, to heritage, to flavours that carry generations of meaning. This festive season, Kublai’s Catch Seafood Restaurant invites families and loved ones to gather around the table for a sumptuous Chinese New Year Reunion Set Menu, thoughtfully curated to honour tradition while indulging modern palates.

Set against the elegant backdrop of Marco Polo Hotel Tawau, each menu is a symphony of auspicious symbolism, premium ingredients, and refined culinary craftsmanship, turning reunion dining into a ceremonial experience.

Prosperity Begins at the Table

Every reunion begins with the timeless ritual of Prosperity Yee Sang, where vibrant colours, fresh textures, and hopeful wishes are tossed high in the air, ushering in abundance, longevity, and success for the year ahead. This joyful opening sets the tone for an evening of indulgence and meaningful connection.

Three Curated Reunion Experiences

 Reunion Set Menu RM 668

An inviting balance of comfort and celebration, perfect for intimate family gatherings. Highlights include hearty seafood soup with bean curd and crab meat, tender steamed corn chicken, black pepper lamb, and fragrant Nyonya-style steamed fish. The meal concludes on a refreshing note with mixed fruits, leaving diners satisfied yet light-hearted.

 Reunion Set Menu RM 838

Designed for those seeking elevated indulgence, this menu introduces premium flavours such as Beijing Duck, buttery prawns, sea cucumbers with mushrooms and broccoli, and delicate steamed garoupa fish. Each dish is crafted to symbolise prosperity, harmony, and abundance, ending sweetly with silky coconut pudding.

 Reunion Set Menu RM 1108

The pinnacle of festive dining. This luxurious set showcases treasured delicacies including abalone, sea cucumbers, shark fin soup with crab meat, soya prawns, and sweet-and-sour garoupa. The experience culminates with double-boiled snow fungus and longan dessert, a gentle nod to wellness and longevity.

Yee Sang à la Carte

For those who wish to add more festive flair, Yee Sang is also available separately:

• Medium RM 68

• Large RM 98

Perfect for multiple toasts and shared blessings.

A Celebration of Togetherness

More than a meal, the Chinese New Year Reunion Set Menu at Kublai’s Catch is a celebration of togetherness, heritage, and hope. It is where laughter echoes, stories are retold, and the future is welcomed with open arms and full hearts.

Reservations

For table bookings and enquiries:

010-914 0775

This Chinese New Year, gather those who matter most and celebrate prosperity the way it was meant to be shared, around a table filled with meaning, flavour, and love.

Sabah Strengthens Its China Market Vision Through Strategic Industry Unity

Sabah’s tourism ambitions received a confident boost as the Sabah Tourism Board reaffirmed its long-term commitment to working closely with Chinese tourism stakeholders during the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association Sabah Chapter’s 2026 Anniversary and Chinese New Year fundraising dinner.

The evening gathered a dynamic mix of tourism leaders, government representatives, and international travel partners, setting the stage for meaningful dialogue, shared aspirations, and future-facing collaboration within Sabah’s tourism ecosystem.

Sabah Tourism Board Chief Executive Officer Julinus Jeffrey Jimit highlighted the value of STB’s partnership with the Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association, describing it as a collaboration grounded in practical outcomes rather than theory.

According to Julinus, the alliance enables local operators and overseas agents to experience Sabah beyond glossy brochures. Immersive exposure to the state’s natural beauty, multicultural heritage, and genuine hospitality builds trust and confidence, making Sabah easier to sell and more compelling to promote. He also emphasised that sustainable inbound growth relies on aligned industry players, credible tourism offerings, and shared market intelligence, expressing optimism for deeper cooperation and expanded market reach ahead.

Echoing this sentiment, MCTA National President Patrick Law commended the Sabah Chapter’s steady evolution, noting that its anniversary celebration symbolised unity, professionalism, and forward momentum.

He pointed to key milestones including the establishment of new offices, the appointment of a full-time secretary, and the expansion of services across East Malaysia, covering Sabah, Sarawak, and Labuan. These developments, he said, reflect the chapter’s growing organisational strength and readiness for a more impactful role in regional tourism.

Patrick also underscored Sabah’s strong international appeal, from the iconic Mount Kinabalu and pristine islands to world-class diving spots and rich cultural traditions, positioning the state well for both inbound and outbound tourism growth.

Organising Chairman Tommy Wong expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Sabah Chapter leadership, committee members, sponsors, and industry partners for their unwavering support. He described the dinner as more than a celebration, calling it a moment of collective alignment and strategic planning for the year ahead.

By fostering stronger partnerships and developing innovative tourism products, Wong said the industry aims to elevate Sabah’s standing as a world-class destination. He also acknowledged Tourism Malaysia for sponsoring the 2026 Truly Visit Malaysia Year mascot, adding festive energy to the occasion.

The evening unfolded with cultural performances and the symbolic tossing of yee sang, a gesture of prosperity, shared success, and optimism for the Year of the Horse. As leaders and partners came together in celebration, the night stood as both a tribute to past achievements and a confident step toward innovation, regional collaboration, and sustainable tourism growth for Sabah.

Taste Sabah, Feel the Tradition Celebrating the Flavours of Borneo at Idola Station 3

Sabah’s culinary heritage is more than food. It is memory, land, and community served on a plate.

This January, a new chapter begins at Idola Station 3 Cafe, where tradition takes centre stage and local flavours are celebrated with pride. Officially opening on 22 January 2026, Idola Station 3 Café at Plaza 333 invites diners to reconnect with the soul of Sabah through its thoughtfully curated Sabah Traditional Linopot Buffet.

Inspired by generations of indigenous cooking and the rhythms of village life, the café’s philosophy is simple yet meaningful:

Taste Sabah. Feel the Tradition. Celebrate the Flavours of Borneo.

A Celebration of Sabah on Every Plate

At Idola Station 3, food is prepared with respect for heritage and community. The Sabah Traditional Linopot Buffet highlights authentic local dishes traditionally wrapped and served with heart, reflecting Sabah’s diverse cultures and time-honoured practices.

Each spread is a reflection of Borneo’s natural abundance. From comforting kampung-style flavours to beloved indigenous favourites, the buffet offers a soulful journey through Sabah’s culinary landscape. It is food that tells stories, evokes memories, and brings people together.

Open Daily, Made for Everyone

One of the most refreshing aspects of Idola Station 3 Café is its welcoming, everyday approach. This is heritage cuisine made accessible, meant to be enjoyed regularly rather than reserved for special occasions.

Sabah Traditional Linopot Buffet Details

Price: RM15.00 per pax

Time: Open Daily | 11.00 AM – 4.00 PM

Location: Idola Station 3 Café, Plaza 333

Whether you arrive for a leisurely lunch or a late afternoon meal, the extended hours allow diners to enjoy Sabah’s traditional flavours at their own pace.

More Than a Café, A Cultural Gathering Place

Idola Station 3 Café is more than a dining spot. It is a space where traditions are kept alive, conversations flow naturally, and cultural appreciation happens effortlessly. Elders rediscover flavours from their youth, while younger generations experience the richness of Sabah’s food heritage in a modern, comfortable setting.

In a fast-paced city environment, this café offers a moment of grounding, where food becomes a bridge between past and present.

Welcome to Idola Station 3 Café

Welcome to Idola Station 3 Café, Plaza 333. Come and experience our Sabah Traditional Linopot Buffet, served daily with warmth and authenticity.

WhatsApp to book your table: 010 397 8773

Opening 22 January 2026. Taste Sabah, feel the tradition, and celebrate the flavours of Borneo.

Kebersamaan Ramadan: A Celebration of Togetherness at Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu

           

As the holy month of Ramadan approaches, Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu invites guests to gather in the spirit of reflection, unity and shared traditions through its much-anticipated “Kebersamaan Ramadan” iftar experience at Latest Recipe.

True to its name, Kebersamaan, meaning togetherness, this thoughtfully curated Ramadan buffet is a celebration that transcends background, culture and generation. It is a table where families reunite, friends reconnect and colleagues share meaningful moments as the sun sets.

Available daily from 19 February to 20 March 2026, the iftar buffet features over 300 selections of main dishes, pastries and condiments, brought to life through vibrant live cooking stations that fill the space with the sights, sounds and aromas of Ramadan evenings. Offering a leisurely and immersive dining experience.

A Culinary Journey Rooted in Heritage

The culinary showcase is led by Executive Chef Abraham bin Lingcorn, alongside Executive Sous Chef Kelvin Kilin, Pastry Chef Cecilia Pei and Banquet Chef Juma Abudin. Drawing from years of experience both locally and abroad, the team presents a menu that harmoniously blends East and West Malaysian flavours with authentic Sabahan specialities.

Among the standout dishes are the much-loved Aneka Rempah Sup Daging Borneo, slow-cooked with specially adjusted Sabahan spices, and the iconic Berempah Sup, a returning favourite cherished by loyal guests. Other highlights include Ekor Daging Assam Pedas Daun Selasih, assorted grilled seafood, and the impressive Kambing Golek Warisan 30 Rempah Ratus, a Mediterranean-style whole roasted lamb infused with 30 spices.

Live cooking stations add an element of theatre, from seafood nasi goreng served on banana leaf to comforting classics such as Bubur Lambuk Kampung Baru by Abang Boba, evoking familiar flavours of Ramadan past. The buffet is further complemented by selected Chinese Muslim cuisine, reflecting Malaysia’s rich and diverse culinary heritage.

Nostalgia, Sustainability & Meaningful Moments

Adding a nostalgic touch is the return of “Kedai Runcit Uncle Suresh”, a charming mini grocery store inspired by traditional neighbourhood sundry shops. Guests can enjoy childhood favourites and take part in “tikam-tikam”, a lucky draw game beloved across generations.

In line with Marriott International’s Serve 360 sustainability commitment, the hotel continues to prioritise responsible sourcing, using fresh, locally sourced ingredients from Sabah to support local producers while maintaining quality and authenticity.

As shared by Suresh Ramasamy, General Manager of Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, the Kebersamaan Ramadan buffet is more than an extensive spread. It is about creating meaningful moments around the table, fostering generosity, reflection and inclusivity throughout the holy month.

Pricing & Ramadan Packages

RM178 nett per person – Walk-in

RM140 nett per person – 5-day deal voucher (19–23 February 2026)

RM150 nett per person – Club Marriott members & Early Bird

RM60 nett – Children

For guests who prefer to enjoy iftar at home, the Ramadan di Hati takeaway set is available at RM388 nett per set, serving up to four persons.

Group and banquet packages are also available, including:

Ramadan Al-Falah Package – Dome set at RM138 nett per person (minimum 30 persons)

Ramadan Al-Mubarak Package – Buffet at RM165 nett per person (minimum 70 persons)

Ramadan Al-Kareem Package – Buffet at RM138 nett per person (minimum 70 persons)

All food offerings are halal-certified by JAKIM, with the hotel also recognised by the Muslim-Friendly Tourism and Hospitality Assurance and Recognition (MFAR) Gold award.

In the spirit of celebration and gratitude, Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu also took the opportunity to share the joy and abundance of a Yee Sang Tossing session with media partners and invited guests. 

The auspicious ritual, rich in symbolism, marked a collective wish for prosperity, harmony and forward momentum. As the city looks ahead to 2026, the Year of the Fire Horse, the gathering carried heartfelt wishes for greater success, vibrant energy and enduring good health in the year to come.

Media friends taking the opportunity to have a group photo 

LIFT Media (Dino) & FAVSTYLE (Alfred Allen)

Sabah Food Fun Travel 

Natasha & friends 

The Borneo Post & Friends 

Hello Sabah