4 Aesthetic Cafes to Visit When You’re in Sabah

Many Malaysians unfortunately still underestimate the beauty of East Malaysia, especially the state that is known as the Peal of Borneo. Home to the enormous rafflesia flower, tropical islands with crystal clear waters, fresh seafood, and of course, the country’s tallest peak, there’s no shortage of charms that Sabah has to offer.

On top of the endless things you might already have on your Sabah to-do list, there are also some trendy hangouts to add to it that you should visit while you’re in town:

Flow Coffee, The LUMA Hotel

Some of you may be familiar with the Insta-worthy Lucky Coffee Bar at KLoé Hotel right in KL. The LUMA Hotel, which is the state’s first creative design hotel also has a chic café worth visiting.

The hotel perfectly harmonises elements of Sabah’s culture and nature into its modern designs which is inflected in the interior of this café which has hanging plants, wooden panels, and perfectly placed warm lighting.

Have a sip of their espresso-based beverages and coffee mocktails like ‘Summer Sparkly’ that are created inspired by Sabah’s tropical weather.

Address: Lot 2-5, Block A, Sutera Avenue, Jalan Sembulan, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Tamaha Cloud Kitchen

Even if you’re an adult, there’s something in our inner child that gets excited at the sight of slides and this one is actually located inside this two-storey café!

Add neon lighting, 70s inspired seats, and a contemporary chandelier to the mix and what you get is a great place to hit up with friends. Come here for brunch to take advantage of the light streaming through the massive windows at this café.

Address: 1st Floor, Shop No. 6, Lot 10731, Jalan Masjid Lama, Bandaran Berjaya, 88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Sandagen Kopitiam

Located on the ground floor of Nak hotel, this gorgeously designed kopi tiam invokes a sense of nostalgia with its black & white tiles and vintage biscuit tins, with a modern twist. Make sure to order their salted egg French toast and UFO tart, a specialty of Sandakan, which are served on beautifully patterned plates.

Address: Lebuh Dua, Pusat Bandar Sandakan, 90000 Sandakan, Sabah

Caro Café

This is probably one of the prettiest cafes in KK! Ladies will especially love the aesthetic interior from the menus in gleaming gold to strategically placed dried flowers and modern furniture with gold accents. Their lattes with cute latte art are also must try.

Address: 5, Jalan Kilang, 88450 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

Image source: thelumahotel.com, tripadvisor.com, @flowcoffee.sabah, @aboutsabah, @justfooooooooood199321, @ericwongkokwui, @jijitankyy