Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
happen to pass through on a market day (Tuaran is likely named for the Malay word
tawaran
, or 'sale', reflecting its history as a trading post), but the surrounding area con-
ceals a few cool sights. You'll see signs for
Mengkabong Water Village
, a Bajau stilt
village built over an estuary, but development and pollution has diminished this spot's
charms.
Sights & Activities
Rumah Terbalik
(The Upside Down House; 088-260263;
www.upsidedownhouse.com.my
/; Kg.
Telibong, Batu 21, Jln Telibong Tamparuli; adult/child RM18/5; 8am-10pm Mon-Sun;
)
Sabah has many great sights of the natural beauty sort, but very few that we'd call
'quirky'. And then there's Rumah Terbalik: the Upside Down House. Which is like a
modern, tastefully designed and decorated house, but...wait for it...upside down! Crazy.
Even the furniture and the car parked in the
garage sticks to the ceiling
. This is an amus-
ing spot to visit, as much for the reaction of local Malaysians (who seem to find this place
the funniest thing under the sun) as the actual novelty of the place.
HOUSE
Sleeping & Eating
Given the town's proximity to KK (with its heaps of accommodation options), you prob-
ably won't need to stay in town. However, if for some reason you need a room, try
Orchid Hotel
( 012-820 8894, 088-793789;
http://www.orchidhotel.netmyne.com
/
; 4
Jln Teo Teck Ong; r from RM80; )
. It's somewhat overpriced but it'll do the trick for a
night. Just a few doors away is
Tai Fatt
(Jln Teo Teck Ong; meals RM4; 7am-10pm)
,
which has the best
kedai kopi
in Tuaran. It excels at
char mien/mee goreng
, the local,
mouth-watering take on Chinese fried noodles, overflowing with vegetables, pork, oil,
pork, egg, pork, wheat noodles and, yes, pork.
Shangri La Rasa Ria Resort $$
( 088-792888;
www.shangri-la.com
; Pantai Dalit; r from RM450; )
This sister resort of the Shangri La Tanjung Aru Resort in Kota Kinabalu occupies a fine
stretch of peach-hued dunes about 45 minutes north of the KK airport. It's a sprawling re-
sort complete with its own 18-hole golf course, several fine restaurants, an amoeba-esque
pool and a relaxing spa. The resort's best feature is the small nature sanctuary.
RESORT
