Photo essay: Markets in Kota Kinabalu

One thing which I really like about Asian countries is that there's almost always an open-air market nearby, wherever you are. They could be selling food, household appliances, antiques, vegetables- whatever it is, you're guaranteed an interesting experience.

Kota Kinabalu in Sabah has several markets. Among these are the main night market which is packed with food stalls, the so-called Filipino Market which sells souvenirs and jewellery and the various produce and fish markets in the city itself or further out.

Grilled fish at the KK night market. We ate this with steamed rice and a hot and sour sauce

Never knew tomatoes could be so pretty. Also at the night market

Giant doughnuts at the Donggongan Tamu, or market

Fresh seaweed, usually eaten with rice

Colourful bead necklaces for sale at the Donggongon Tamu

That's right, you're seeing correctly- blue fish. They taste like normal fish, apparently

And if you're lucky, you may even get to hear some local music 

Why do I love Asian markets again? They're great for people-watching, chatting with the locals and if it's a food or produce market, everything is always fresh, cheap and tasty.

Riding the rails- The North Borneo Railway

This was a train on which time stood still. Not figuratively speaking, but literally.

Jual, the Head Steward on the North Borneo Railway, was going from carriage to carriage. "Ladies and gentlemen, we are not leaving Papar yet. We need another five minutes for the engine to heat up." He turned to leave, then stopped and grinned: "You must remember, this is an old train."

"That's okay. We're not in any hurry," shouted one of the passengers. Nope, we certainly weren't.

Collecting tickets at the counter

Established in 1896, replaced by petrol-powered locomotives in 1971 but re-launched in 2000, the historic steam train known as the North Borneo Railway is back and riding the rails.

This train was originally used by the British to transport sugar, tapioca and rice from the interior regions of Malaysian Borneo to the port at Jesselton (present-day Kota Kinabalu in Sabah), but now it's become its own tourist attraction.

Get ready for old-style travel here, for the route from Tanjung Aru to Papar uses a Vulcan steam locomotive built in the United Kingdom in 1954. Just like Australia's 'Puffing Billy' and India's Darjeeling 'Toy Train', the North Borneo Railway (which doesn't have a nickname yet), is one of the few steam trains left in the world.

I felt the atmosphere even before I boarded the train. Happy, 1950s music which made me feel like dancing blared from speakers on the platform. Train stewards in period-style white and khaki uniforms complete with pith helmets showed us to our seats.

One of the best things about the ride on the North Borneo Railway are the people you'll see along the way. You'll see farmers, vendors selling fruits by the roadside and children waiting at their windows just to see the train. Children and adults will stop what they're doing and wave to you. Make sure you wave back! I can't remember the last time I had fun waving to complete strangers.

The carriages are cozy, with dark wood panelling and brass fittings. There are also Western-style bathrooms in every carriage.

Fresh pastries and croissants for breakfast

Tickets: RM250 (US$80) for adults, RM150 (US$47) for children aged three to 12, while children below two ride for free.

Don't: Come on a full stomach! Prices are inclusive of a Continental breakfast and a Tiffin-style lunch.

Do: Sit back, relax and have fun.

Travel days: Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10am sharp. This is a popular ride, so book in advance.

Duration: About four hours, from Tanjung Aru to Papar and back.

Expect to see: The South China Sea, villages, schools, rice fields and buffaloes.

More information, including on where to buy tickets, can be found on the official North Borneo Railway website here.