Series 2: Living at Its Finest Luxury - Editorial for FAVSTYLE

Luxury, at its highest expression, is not designed to impress.

It is designed to endure.

At The V by Jesselton, living spaces are conceived with a quiet understanding of modern refinement. Here, architecture recedes just enough to allow light, space, and proportion to take the lead. The result is a residential experience that feels composed rather than curated.

Each suite unfolds with a natural sense of flow. Interiors are open yet intimate, structured yet relaxed. Floor-to-ceiling glazing draws the outside in, framing panoramic views of the bay and city as part of daily life rather than distant scenery. Light moves freely across the space, softening edges and elevating every moment within.

This is living defined by clarity.

Materials are selected for their tactility as much as their beauty. Finishes speak in measured tones, allowing residents to imprint their own rhythms and rituals onto the space. There is no excess to distract, no ornamentation to overwhelm. Only a sense of calm permanence that settles in quietly and stays.

At The V, home is not an escape from the city.

It is a refined vantage point within it.

Mornings begin in stillness, accompanied by shifting skies and the gentle cadence of the waterfront. Evenings transition effortlessly into moments of reflection, gathering, or repose. Every detail supports a lifestyle that values balance, discretion, and comfort without compromise.

This is not living defined by trends or statements.

It is living shaped by intention.

Because true luxury is not about how a space looks on arrival.

It is about how it continues to feel, day after day.

At The V, living reaches its finest expression not through spectacle, but through thoughtful restraint and enduring elegance.

A Must-Try Local Delight Offering Sumptuous Flavours - DAYA Signature Mee

Laksa lovers, this one’s calling your name.

At DAYA Signature Mee, one bowl is never enough

DAYA Nyonya Laksa

Rich, spicy, thick gravy with indulgent lard notes.

Deep flavour, full satisfaction till the very last spoon.

Nyonya Mee Siam

Bold and punchy spice with a light finish.

Comforting, addictive, and dangerously easy to crave again.

Best enjoyed hot and fresh.

One bite, and you’ll know why people keep coming back

Tag your noodle-loving friends and meet them at

DAYA Signature Mee

Location: Jalan Pantai, infront of OCBC Bank. KK.

#DAYA

#DAYASignatureMee

#NyonyaLaksa

#MeeSiam

#KotaKinabaluFood

#GayaStreet

#SabahFood

#JomMakan

#MakanSedap

#FoodHuntingKK

One Meeting, Many Milestones Where Learning Meets Legacy

Some afternoons linger longer than expected.

This gathering was more than a meeting. It was a celebration of knowledge, service, and shared purpose. An engaging session led by Dr Eugene Wong offered valuable insights into blocked nose conditions and rhinoplasty, blending medical expertise with thoughtful dialogue. Learning, in its finest form, felt generous and accessible.

Pride filled the room as PHF certificates and pins were presented to six distinguished contributor members: Datuk Aminah, Dr Charlene, Dr Sylvia, Lucy, Christy, and Siti. Each name represented commitment, generosity, and a quiet leadership that continues to shape the club’s impact.

The afternoon also marked a meaningful beginning. Bonnie and Li Li were warmly welcomed as newly inducted members, officially inducted by our supportive AG Dr Asohan. Their arrival signaled not just growth in numbers, but growth in energy, ideas, and future possibilities.

Adding to the atmosphere were cherished guests whose presence brought vibrancy and connection, turning the gathering into a true fellowship moment. Conversations flowed easily. Purpose felt shared.

At its core, the meeting stood as a reminder of what Rotary represents. Service above self. Generosity without fanfare. Commitment with heart. With momentum like this, the journey toward Gold status no longer feels distant. It feels inevitable.

A club growing not just stronger, but more meaningful with every step.

#MeaningfulMoments

#OneMeetingManyMilestones

#ServiceAboveSelf

#RotaryInAction

#GrowingStrongerTogether

#ProudRotarians

#OnTheRoadToGold

Heritage in Every Cup: The Story of Hainan Café - Story by FAVSTYLE

 

In an age where trends change faster than taste, true heritage remains unmistakable.

Founded in 2014 in Miri, Sarawak, Hainan Café is a living tribute to the enduring legacy of Hainanese coffee culture. Established by a brother and sister originally from Kuching, the café was born from a journey that began in 2005, when they relocated to Miri in pursuit of new opportunities and a shared vision.

Raised within the rhythm of a traditional Hainanese family coffee shop, they inherited more than recipes. They absorbed a philosophy of patience, precision, and respect for tradition. Those early lessons became the foundation of Hainan Café, where ancestral knowledge is carefully preserved and thoughtfully presented for a modern audience.

At its core, Hainan Café is defined by authenticity. Signature dishes such as Hainan chicken rice, traditional coffee, milk tea, curry chicken, and other classic favourites are prepared using time-honoured methods passed down through generations. Each offering reflects a commitment to original flavours, untouched by shortcuts or compromise.

What began as a neighbourhood café quickly grew into a culinary landmark. Today, Hainan Café is woven into the daily life of Miri, cherished by locals and sought after by visitors, including patrons from neighbouring regions such as Brunei. Its reputation travels not through noise, but through consistency, trust, and taste.

For FAVSTYLE, Hainan Café represents more than a dining destination. It is a reminder that true luxury often lies in heritage, where stories are brewed slowly, flavours carry memory, and tradition is not reinvented but respectfully sustained.

In every cup poured and every plate served, Hainan Café continues its quiet promise: to honour the past, serve the present, and preserve a legacy for generations to come.

Series 1: Where the City Begins Luxury Editorial for FAVSTYLE

 

Every iconic city carries a moment of origin.

A place where movement gathers, where vision takes form, where identity quietly announces itself.

For Kota Kinabalu, that moment rises at the bayfront.

Along this coveted stretch of coastline stands The V by Jesselton, a development that does more than occupy a prime address. It defines one. Here, the city’s relationship with the sea is reimagined through architecture that feels deliberate rather than declarative, confident without excess.

The V does not compete for attention.

It commands presence through restraint.

From its elevated vantage, the city unfolds in layers. The open horizon ahead, the urban rhythm behind, and in between, a lifestyle shaped by balance. Residents experience a rare duality: the calm of the waterfront paired with the immediacy of city life. Mornings begin with light reflecting off the bay. Evenings settle into a skyline alive with movement and possibility.

This is not a location chosen by chance.

It is a position defined by intention.

Within moments, the city’s commercial, cultural, and social nodes are effortlessly accessible, yet the experience of returning home feels distinctly removed. The V understands that true luxury is not about distance, but about control. Control over pace. Over perspective. Over how one engages with the city.

Here, proximity is elevated into privilege.

Access becomes advantage.

And everyday living takes on a sense of quiet significance.

At The V, the city does not press in from all sides.

It opens outward.

It begins anew, from a place of clarity and confidence.

This is where Kota Kinabalu introduces its next chapter.

Not louder.

Just unmistakably refined.

Book Your Viewing Today Experience Elevated Living at The V by Jesselton International

 

Project Highlight

Service Suites | Retail | Corporate Suites

Tower A

Premium suites for urban professionals and short-term stays.

Tower B

Luxury serviced suites with seafront hospitality.

Tower C

Sophisticated commercial suites featuring sunset and sea views.

Corporate

Prestigious office spaces with skyline views designed for business stature.

Shoppes

Curated street mall with boutique brands, gourmet dining, and wellness offerings

For more info:

088 233 238

Jesselton International sales gallery

An Evening of Thoughtful Flavours Awaits

Come and join us for a sumptuous Vegetarian Buffet Dinner, lovingly prepared by our Head Chef, Chef Nirwan, together with his dedicated culinary team. Curated with care and quiet precision, this exquisite dining experience presents an array of flavoursome, thoughtfully composed dishes that celebrate the depth, balance, and natural richness of vegetarian cuisine.

Held every Saturday night, the buffet is designed as a relaxed yet refined evening, where guests can slow down, savour each course, and appreciate ingredients at their freshest. From comforting classics to creative interpretations, every dish reflects the kitchen’s dedication to quality, wellness, and mindful dining.

Venue

Green Table Cafe, Ground Floor

Time

Every Saturday | 6.30pm – 9.30pm

Price

RM28 – Adults

RM18 – Senior Citizens & Children (5–11 years old)

Reservations

Call: +6015-487 61941

WhatsApp: 017-858 4100

Email: sales@skyhotelandresorts.com

An ideal weekend gathering for families, friends, or anyone seeking a nourishing and satisfying dining experience in a welcoming ambience.

Congratulations to Yi Jia Kopitiam on the soft opening of its BSA Kolombong Branch - 20.12.2025

Rooted in Sabah’s timeless flavours, Yi Jia Kopitiam proudly welcomes diners to its newest outlet at Kompleks BSA, Kolombong. Marking the occasion with a soft opening on Saturday, 20 December 2025, this new branch continues the brand’s commitment to comforting, well-loved local dishes in a welcoming kopitiam setting.

Location: Lot 23A, Ground Floor, Kompleks BSA, Kolombong

Operating Hours: 7:00am – 8:00pm (Temporary)

Contact: 014-386 0919 | 011-648 9619

Serve No Pork

Wishing Yi Jia Kopitiam continued success as it brings familiar flavours and warm dining experiences to the Kolombong community.

Yen Ai Dessert & Herbal Tea | Now Open at Kolombong BSA

Established in 1988, Yen Ai Herbal Tea has been serving the Sabahan community for over three decades, building a legacy rooted in tradition, family values, and genuine care. What began humbly as a small, family-oriented herbal tea business is now proudly entering its third generation, carrying forward the same sincerity that shaped its name.

From an early menu of just a few herbal drinks crafted to cool inner heat, Yen Ai has grown organically through the years. Today, the menu offers a dozen comforting dessert selections, alongside newly introduced food options thoughtfully added to meet evolving local tastes and demand, without losing sight of its roots.

At the heart of Yen Ai is a simple philosophy:

“Drink for health, live happily.”

Every cup reflects a commitment to wellness, offering herbal teas and desserts known for their cooling, detoxifying, immune-boosting, and metabolism-supporting properties. By blending Cantonese herbal traditions with modern lifestyles, Yen Ai continues to make authentic herbal culture accessible and relevant today.

2025 marks an important milestone with the opening of a brand-new outlet. From the original shop in Foh Sang, followed by the second outlet at Lintas, Yen Ai now proudly welcomes you to its 3rd outlet at BSA Kolombong.

The trust of generations has been earned through unwavering consistency. From sourcing the finest ingredients to honouring traditional boiling and cooking methods, Yen Ai’s dedication to authenticity continues to win local hearts.

The BSA Kolombong outlet offers a more spacious and relaxed setting, inviting guests to unwind and enjoy Yen Ai’s herbal teas, desserts, and comfort food throughout the morning, afternoon, and evening.

武洱蛋茶 Mou Yi Dan Cha/ Herbal Tea Soup with Egg

Now Open: BSA Kolombong

Traditional Herbal Tea, Desserts & Comfort Food

Yen Ai

(Yen Jian Yen Ai)

People Healthy, People Love

How to Redeem Starbucks Free Merchandise with 500 Stars

How to Redeem Starbucks Free Merchandise with 500 Stars (Malaysia)

Starbucks Rewards members in Malaysia can now turn their collected Stars into something tangible. With 500 Stars, you are eligible to redeem one selected merchandise item for free, with no additional cash payment required.

This reward allows members to choose from a curated list of Starbucks merchandise, including tumblers, cold cups, reusable cups, and recycled glassware. Once Stars are converted into a reward, the redemption must be completed within 30 days.

How the Reward Works

500 Stars = 1 free merchandise item

Valid for one selected item only

In-store redemption only at Starbucks Malaysia outlets

Not applicable for delivery or mobile ordering (MOP/MOT)

Reward is non-transferable, non-exchangeable, and non-refundable

Important Things to Note

Kota Kinabalu International Airport - KKIA Starbucks

Stock availability varies by store. Members are strongly advised to check item availability in-store before converting their Stars, as once the Stars are converted, they cannot be refunded even if the item is unavailable later.

Redemption is also not combinable with other promotions or discounts, and all items are subject to availability while stocks last.

Why This Reward Is Worth It

Many of the eligible items, such as large-capacity cold cups, reusable tumblers, and eco-friendly glassware, often retail at a higher value than the cost of 500 Stars. This makes the free merchandise reward one of the most practical and rewarding options within the Starbucks Rewards programme.

Final Tip

If you’re aiming for maximum value, visit your preferred Starbucks outlet first, confirm the merchandise in stock, then proceed to convert your Stars. That way, you enjoy a smooth redemption experience with no surprises.

A small habit of collecting Stars can turn into a stylish, functional Starbucks keepsake. Sometimes, loyalt

Madam Kwan’s, Imago Mall A Timeless Malaysian Classic, Anchored in Consistency

Madam Jan Luk

Branch Manager, Madam Kwan’s Imago Mall

Review by Alfred Allen

Editor-in-Chief, Mejarasakk

After an afternoon moving through the energy of Imago Mall, I gravitated toward something reassuringly familiar. Madam Kwan’s has long occupied a respected place in Malaysia’s culinary landscape, and its Imago Mall outlet in Kota Kinabalu delivers that legacy with calm confidence.

The space feels composed and welcoming. Warm lighting, polished finishes, and a dining room that manages to feel lively without becoming overwhelming. Despite the steady flow of weekend diners, service remained attentive and measured. It is the kind of professionalism that quietly elevates the experience.

Ordering via QR code was seamless, a modern touch that did not interrupt the restaurant’s classic sensibility. Within minutes, the table began to fill.

The Nasi Lemak arrived first. Fragrant coconut rice, balanced sambal, and well-executed fried chicken. Nothing overstated, nothing rushed. Each element spoke of discipline and familiarity, comfort food refined through consistency rather than experimentation.

The Curry Laksa followed, aromatic and generous. Its coconut-rich broth carried depth and warmth, coating the palate without heaviness. It lingered just long enough to invite another spoonful, a quiet indulgence that reminded me why this dish remains one of Madam Kwan’s most beloved signatures.

The Char Kway Teow rounded out the meal. Glossy noodles, generous prawns, and that unmistakable hint of wok-hei. It delivered the soulful character of street heritage, carefully translated into a dining-room setting.

What stands out most at Madam Kwan’s Imago Mall is reliability. In a city where dining options continue to expand, this outlet remains an anchor. The flavours are faithful, the service steady, and the environment consistently composed.

Madam Kwan’s does not follow trends. It holds its ground. And in doing so, it continues to earn its place.

In Conversation

Madam Jan Luk

Branch Manager, Madam Kwan’s Imago Mall

Mejarasakk: Madam Kwan’s has a long-standing reputation across Malaysia. How do you maintain consistency at the Imago Mall outlet?

Madam Jan Luk:

Consistency starts with respect for the recipes. We follow Madam Kwan’s original standards very closely, from ingredients to preparation. At the same time, we focus heavily on training. Every team member understands that guests come here with expectations, and our responsibility is to meet them every single time.

Mejarasakk: Kota Kinabalu has a unique dining culture. How does this outlet connect with local diners?

Madam Jan Luk:

Sabah diners appreciate authenticity and warmth. Many of our guests are regulars, families, professionals, travellers. We aim to make them feel comfortable, familiar, and well taken care of. That personal connection matters just as much as the food.

Mejarasakk: What would you like guests to take away after dining here?

Madam Jan Luk:

A sense of comfort and trust. When guests leave feeling satisfied and confident to return, that is our greatest achievement.

Final Note

At Imago Mall, Madam Kwan’s continues to deliver Malaysian classics with discipline and grace. It is a reminder that longevity in dining is built not on reinvention, but on getting the fundamentals right, every day.

Sabah marked a stylish new chapter in regional travel with the arrival of Batik Air Malaysia’s inaugural flight connecting Kuching and Kota Kinabalu.

The maiden landing was welcomed with a ceremonial water cannon salute, a polished gesture signalling the beginning of a fresh air link between two of Borneo’s most dynamic gateways.

Carrying 119 passengers, the flight touched down to a warm Sabahan reception. Traditional garlands and a cultural welcome set the tone immediately, introducing visitors to a destination where heritage, hospitality, and modern rhythm coexist with ease.

Leading the welcoming delegation was YB Datuk Jafry Bin Ariffin, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, alongside YB Dr. Andi Md Shamsureezal bin Mohd Sainal, Assistant Minister of Tourism, Culture and Environment Sabah, and Mr Julinus Jeffery Jimit, Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board. They were joined by the Director of Tourism Malaysia Sabah, the Senior Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Sabah Tourism Board, and the Head of Marketing of Batik Air, underscoring the strategic importance of this new route.

Beyond the runway, Kota Kinabalu reveals itself as a destination of contrasts done right. Just minutes from the city, travellers can escape to the crystal waters of Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park, where island-hopping, sunset sails, and barefoot luxury define the pace. Inland, Mount Kinabalu rises with quiet authority, offering one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic natural silhouettes. In the city, waterfront dining, vibrant local markets, and a growing contemporary café culture shape an urban lifestyle that feels relaxed yet refined.

This new Batik Air route strengthens inter-Borneo connectivity while positioning Kota Kinabalu as a gateway to nature, culture, and understated luxury, aligning seamlessly with Sabah’s tourism vision as the nation moves towards Visit Malaysia 2026.

#SabahTourism #ExploreSabah #VisitMalaysia2026

TripZilla Excellence Awards 2025

Sabah is deeply honoured to be named Best Nature & Wildlife Conservation Destination at the TripZilla Excellence Awards 2025.

This distinguished recognition, shaped by the voices and votes of travellers across the region, reflects Sabah’s unwavering commitment to protecting its extraordinary biodiversity and elevating responsible travel as part of its identity. It is a reminder that conservation is not just a duty here; it is a living culture carried through our forests, oceans, and communities.

The award was presented by TripZilla General Manager, Mr. Benjamin Phey, to Sabah Tourism Board CEO, Mr. Julinus Jeffery Jimit, a moment that captured Sabah’s continued leadership in nature-driven tourism. The ceremony offered a refined pause in a fast-moving world, celebrating a destination that lets travellers rediscover wonder in its purest form.

To everyone who voted and continues to support Sabah’s conservation-focused journey — thank you. Your belief fuels our mission to protect the wild places that make Sabah a rare treasure for generations to come.

photo courtesy of Sabah Tourism Board social media page

Gleam of Joy: A Radiant Prelude to the Season at Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu

There are festive evenings, and then there are moments when December feels as if it opens a hidden door and lets its first wave of wonder into the room. 

Beautiful Christmas tree after the lighting up 

Mr. Suresh, General Manager of Le Méridien, extended a warm welcome to all attendees at the ceremony.

At Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu, the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony returned with the elegance of a winter soirée and the warmth of a gathering meant to kindle the holiday mood.

The lobby shimmered with red baubles, golden glints and the soft perfume of pine, creating an ambience that felt like the season whispering its arrival. The towering tree stood dressed in luminous ornaments, glowing gently as if carrying stories from Christmases past.

When the lights came alive in a warm cascade, the space shifted into something enchantingly serene. The Seventh-Day Adventist Choir filled the evening with carols that unfurled like velvet ribbons, adding a sense of intimacy and nostalgia that only Christmas melodies can summon.

The celebration continued at Latest Recipe, where the festive buffet was presented like a curated holiday tableau — colours reminiscent of winter markets, flavours echoing the season’s generosity, and plates arranged with a quiet touch of indulgence. It felt less like dining and more like tasting the month of December itself.

Beyond the glow and the gourmet reverie, the night captured the essence of Christmas: people gathering under gentle light, sharing warmth, creating memories stitched with sincerity. A moment where joy didn’t shout but glowed.

Thursday, 11 December 2025

6pm–7pm: Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony

7pm–10pm: Festive Buffet Review at Latest Recipe

Le Méridien Kota Kinabalu’s “Gleam of Joy” offered more than a seasonal celebration. It opened the festive calendar with elegance, heart and a touch of holiday enchantment that lingered like the final sparkle on a perfectly dressed tree. ✨