I’ve stumbled upon great places to stay and eat on my trip that are not listed on the internet or in Lonely Planet. It’s a strong desire of local business’s to be listed in Lonely Planet as it can really increase their business. However, there are thousands of wonderful little places that are never mentioned and every bit as good as those that are. I remember reading a comment somewhere about Lonely Planet visiting a hotel restaurant. The reviewer had a cup of coffee, nothing else and left before writing their review. They were disappointed.
I’ve also learned from those I’ve met who literally live on the road that they expect the information in Lonely Planet to be two years out of date. It takes that long for a book to be published and updated. That explained why I found room rates much higher than the listed price in LP when I visited Southern Thailand.
With that for a background, I will occasionally go look for a LP recommended establishment if it is really good. I found Cafe Libernard that way in Chiang Mai. Pong was a great hostess, roasted her own coffee and did indeed make the best banana pancake in Thailand. I bought some of her coffee to bring home with me.
Here in Sandakan, we stumbled upon a great restaurant on the waterfront. We were walking back from the street with iced drinks we bought and it was hot. Looking for shade, we pulled chairs out at a table and sat. A short time later, a man who had been fishing came with menu’s. “Maybe you’d like to look for dinner later” he said. Very polite, sincere and not the least concerned that we had brought drinks from somewhere else. That wouldn’t happen in the states.
His name is Miu (like the cat) and they are renaming the restaurant. At this moment, he is thinking of Harbour Square take away. Steve, Sam and I did return for dinner. It was very inexpensive and very good. We had the honey chicken with rice. The next night, we returned with Diego and had another great dinner before we all headed separate ways the next day. The chef made something new not on the recipe that had a Thai twist: mango chicken and rice. One taste and it was a hit.
Here are some photo’s of Miu, my friends and the view from the waterfront.
If you are ever in Sandakan, look for the KFC at the waterfront. Two doors to the left as you are facing the waterfront, grab a table and prepare for a treat!
We stayed at Sandakan Backpacker’s and it has been a treat. Safe, a great staff, clean rooms with AC and hot showers. It has a roof top where we have sat relaxing and watching the sunset. I think it might be the only waterfront hostel with a roof top like that.