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 

Supporting & Boosting Sabah Tourism Through Gastronomic Experiences

By FAVSTYLE Editorial Kota Kinabalu, Sabah | 22 January 2026

In a city where sunsets melt into the sea and flavours tell stories older than time, gastronomy has become one of Sabah’s most compelling cultural ambassadors. Strengthening this narrative, MediaCraft Marketing, organiser of The Signature Food Fest (TSFF), recently paid a courtesy visit to the Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board, Julinus Jimit, reaffirming a shared vision to position Sabah as a must-visit gastronomic destination in Southeast Asia.

Leading the visit was Alfred Allen Ginsos, Project Director of The Signature Food Fest and Editor-in-Chief of FAVSTYLE Magazine, together with a collective of industry voices shaping Sabah’s evolving food landscape. Among them were Adjunct Professor Jessie Jong Chung Jin (A.S.D.K), TSFF SME Advisor; Mr Rory Richardson, Permanent Judge of TSFF; Mr Erick Teh, Regional Manager (East Malaysia) of Kitchen Shop and Gold Sponsor of TSFF; as well as Mr Andrew Lee CK and Ms Lainie Lamau, Co-Founder of Urban Tamu and Founder of So Good Market respectively, who serve as TSFF Venue Co-Organisers.

"A Festival That Tells Sabah’s Story Through Taste"

During the meeting, the TSFF team presented the framework, vision, and execution strategy for The Signature Food Fest 2026, marking its milestone 5th edition. More than a food festival, TSFF has grown into a cultural platform celebrating Sabah’s culinary identity. It champions local chefs, restaurateurs, and food entrepreneurs while inviting travellers to experience Sabah not just as a destination, but as a journey of flavours, textures, and heritage.

From street-born inspirations to refined restaurant signatures, TSFF curates experiences that connect food with place. Each dish becomes a storyteller, each venue a chapter in Sabah’s living culinary atlas.
The Signature Food Fest 2026: Dates to Know

Press Conference
29 April 2026
E West Restaurant

Signature Showcase (Opening Weekend)
1 – 3 May 2026
Riverson The Walk
An energetic opening featuring interactive activities, public games, and lucky draws designed to engage both locals and visitors.

Official Opening Ceremony
2 May 2026 | 2.00 PM
The organiser has extended an invitation to the CEO of Sabah Tourism Board to officiate the event as Guest of Honour.

Running from 1 to 31 May 2026, TSFF 2026 will span 31 days of dining discovery. A total of 10,000 copies of The Signature Food Fest Booklet Guide will be printed and distributed, inviting the public to explore signature dishes across participating outlets and take part in the Dine, Win & Vote campaign.

Throughout the festival, appointed judges will visit participating venues to evaluate signature dishes on-site. The celebration culminates in the Signature Awards Night on 5 June 2026 at Grandis Hotels & Resorts, where more than 17 Signature Awards will be presented.
A Collective Celebration of Culinary Excellence

The 5th edition of TSFF will feature over 20 confirmed participants across four categories:

Restaurant
Bistro
Café
Hotel

With TVSabah as the Official Digital TV Partner providing comprehensive coverage, and FAVSTYLE Magazine as the Official Print and Digital Magazine, the festival’s reach extends beyond dining tables into homes, screens, and international audiences.

As Sabah continues to attract travellers seeking authentic, experience-led tourism, The Signature Food Fest stands as a shining example of how gastronomy can elevate destination branding. Here, food is not just consumed. It is celebrated, shared, and remembered.

For updates on activities, lucky draws, sponsors, participating restaurants, and the Dine, Win & Vote campaign, visit:
www.signaturefoodfest.com | www.hellofavstyle.com