A couple of weeks ago, I took a quick pre-Christmas break with Lily and head to Kota Kinabalu for a few days. My main objective of going there is, of couse, to do some retail therapy.

It's been about two years since I've been to KK and if you're an impatient person like me, you'll what I do. Which is to take the 20-minute flight there. I flew on Air Asia, the cheaper choice at about B$90. On a side note, I'm sad that Air Asia will no longer fly from Brunei to Kota Kinabalu. :(

So, it was kind of a shock when we came to our room... Because it was SMALL. I'm not saying it's bad, but just that it's such a contrast from the exteriors!

As you can see, the window on one side of the room has wallpaper behind it. Actually, I think it's wrapping paper! And our city-view window is a view of the Centrepoint's multi-storeyed carpark. And the 'best' thing about this room? The shower!

The shower has SO many knobs and dials, I had no idea how to work this thing!

I wanted to wash my feet, so I took the showerhead and started to fiddle around with the many knobs. And guess what? The knobs? They're NOT knobs!

They were nozzles! And how did I find out? By getting sprayed in the face with a gush of water. Imperial Boutec, I think you should provide an instruction manual for the shower.

How to use the shower: Turn the middle right most knob one notch clockwise, and then turn on the tap on the left.

But all in all, we ended up liking the room alot. It was cosy and homey, and for B$45 a night, we really can't complain.

Since Lily and I arrived in KK in the early afternoon, we had plenty of time to get started on our shopping spree around Warisan Square. The first store we bought something from is Lemon 03, that's on the second floor of Warisan Square, near the escalators.

When Lily saw the kitty cat pouches and totes, she was like, "Oh my God, we have to go in here!" And I was like, "Meh."

The store sells this cutesy bags and cutesy tees, and other clothes, imported from Japan. And Japanese stuff can be quite expensive. Just the simple tees with, admittedly, really cute drawings cost at an average of RM165! No way I'm going to buy a T-shirt for that much. But Lily was soooo enamoured with the kitty cat bags (because she loves cats) that she just had to get one.

Ok, I admit that this bag is cute. Lily got it from Lemon 03 at RM199, and I also got myself a pair of bra straps, but they're fashioned to be used as halter straps. Basically, you just hook them up to your bra, and tie the straps behind your neck. Best worn with a sleeveless or strapless casual top or dress.

I have no idea when I'm going to wear them, but they're awfully cute and they only cost RM8.90 each!

Oops! Sorry, as pointed out by Tiger Lim, it's iPod Touch, not iTouch.

Anyway, asides from the yummylicious drinks, Starbucks also sells their collection of tumblers and mugs. And Lily and I can't help but buying one of the 'design-your-own' tumblers.

As you can see, it was night-time when I saw the store. So I didn't have a chance to have a look. But no worries, there's another Sasa store at 1Borneo, where I did visit.

But my shopping haul from 1Borneo will be shared in another post. But until then, here's a sneak peak....

Kota Kinabalu is one of the most visited locations by Bruneians throughout the year. Due to its close proximity and inexpensive flight fares, it is not a rarity for us Bruneians to hop over for quick weekend getaway.

December 2010 saw Kota Kinabalu swarming with Bruneians, who either flew in or drove over, due to the Christmas and New Year's festivities, as well as it being the Bonus month and school holidays.

Were you in Kota Kinabalu too?