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6 THINGS TO DO IN TUARAN, FROM SUNRISE TO SUNSET


September is a month blessed with public holidays that fall on three consecutive Mondays, if you’re residing in Malaysia. This calls for a long weekend getaway. 


Riding into the weekend


Tuaran is really a great getaway option if you’re working in the bustling (bustling is really an overstatement over here in Sabah) city of Kota Kinabalu and you’re looking for somewhere nearby to spend your weekend productively, even just for one day. Just quietly tucked away in a district up north of Kota Kinabalu, this town has more to offer than just a plate of Tuaran Mee noodles.


1.       Catch Sunrise at Mengkabong Bridge

Mengkabong Bridge is a popular spot for photography enthusiasts to capture sunrise shots with the majestic Mount Kinabalu view in frame.   
 We arrived at around 5.45 am and there was already another group of avid photographers setting up their tripods, waiting for sunrise.

Sunrise at Mengkabong Bridge with Mount Kinabalu shying away from us.


Location: Jalan Sulaman, 89200 Tuaran, Sabah



2.       Have a plate of authentic Tuaran Mee

This Tuaran trip will not be complete without its eponymous dish. After the sunrise at Mengkabong Bridge, having a plate of the authentic fried egg noodles for breakfast checks an item off from the ultimate checklist of a typical tourist in Tuaran.  


We tried the Tuaran mee in Kedai Kopi Wang Heng, instead of Lok Kyun as it was closed on that day. If you’re in Kota Kinabalu, you may get your fried egg noodles cravings fixed at Tuaran Mee Restaurant, Inanam.


Operating hours: 8am-6pm daily
Location: Block 2, Lot 7, Jalan Teo Teck On, Tuaran, 89208 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah



 3.       Horse riding at Sabandar Cowboy Town

Want to have a cowboy experience but Texas is too far away? Y’all needn’t have to worry. There’s a cowboy town here in Tuaran, giving leisure rides within paddock or even on Sabandar beach.

 I have always wanted to experience horse riding at least just once, probably just to get some Arya Stark vibes.  


Former race horses from the nearby turf club spend a pretty decent retirement life giving leisure rides to excited hoomans.  It was barely a glimpse into actual horseback riding but good enough just for the fun rides.

Check pricelist at their website here
Location: Jalan Shah Sabandar, Tuaran, 89200 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah


 4.       Reaching the Peak of Hope

Peak of Hope, Tuaran is fairly a recent hype among the attractions in this town. Living up to its name, it’s situated at an elevated ground in Kampung Mosung.

Peak of Hope is commonly known for the instaworthy photo spots, as well as the amazing sunset view with Mount Kinabalu in sight.

If you are not into feeding your gram, there are also fun and adventurous activities such as ATV rides and paragliding.

 It’s unfortunate that the weather was scorching hot at the time of our visit. I really wish they will open earlier than 10am. Some photo spots look pretty decent, some weren’t well-maintained, and some are still in progress. 



Not to get your hopes up, but there are probably more upcoming photo spots in the future. Visitors are offered a drink, a variety of umbrellas or hats to choose from, either to use as props or as sun shield.

To get to the Peak is an interesting journey itself. Basically you’ll have to wait at the ‘foothill’ located at road side with their signboard, for a four wheel drive to transport you to the peak. Brace yourself for the roller coaster ride!


Entrance Fee: RM20
Operating Hours: 10am-5pm



5.       Lunch @ Kedai Kopi Yung Siong

So I’ve heard that this is where you get the best soto in town. Apart from soto, they are famous for their sup tulang and rojak.
Beef Soto

Soto basically consists of rice vermicelli and beef/chicken, cooked in broth, while rojak is made up of noodles, slices of cucumbers, egg, a choice of chicken or beef, served with peanut sauce.

Rojak Ayam


Operating hours: 6am-4pm daily
Location: Lot 13, Jalan Teo Teck Ong, 89200 Tuaran, Sabah



6.       Sunset at Sabandar Beach

Sabandar is basically the Tg. Aru of Tuaran. It offers one of the best sunset views in Tuaran and it is crowded with people, mostly locals.


Most probably most of the tourists watch sunset at Shangri-La Rasa Ria. The weather was kind enough to allow us to enjoy the golden hour until the sun sets below the horizon before we leave Tuaran.


Location: Jln Perumahan Laya - Laya, 89150 Tuaran, Sabah




Till next time,







Comments

  1. The most important thing is that you enjoy your travels and get new experience, knowledge and joy from what you do.

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