Ramadan is always a special time of the year when families, friends, and colleagues gather to break fast and enjoy meaningful moments together. For those looking for a memorable iftar experience in Kota Kinabalu, the Taste of Borneo Dinner Buffet at the beautiful Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel offers a delightful culinary journey inspired by the rich flavours of Sabah and Borneo.

Located at Kitchen, Level 8, the hotel’s signature dining venue, the buffet not only showcases an impressive spread of dishes but also offers diners a relaxing ambience complemented by a stunning view of the sea and the Kota Kinabalu skyline. The setting itself already creates a wonderful atmosphere for a meaningful Ramadan evening.

A Feast of Flavours

Guests can look forward to a generous selection of dishes that celebrate both local and international flavours. The buffet begins with a variety of appetisers and fresh salads, perfect to start the evening after breaking fast.

From there, diners can explore an array of flavourful hot dishes, carefully prepared by the hotel’s talented culinary team. Each dish reflects the diverse culinary heritage of Borneo, highlighting rich spices, comforting flavours, and traditional cooking techniques.

One of the highlights of the buffet is the live action stations, where chefs prepare dishes fresh on the spot. These stations not only add excitement to the dining experience but also showcase the impressive culinary skills of the Marriott team. Watching the chefs at work while enjoying freshly prepared dishes truly enhances the overall buffet experience.

Dining with a View

Another feature that makes this Ramadan buffet special is the location itself. Kitchen, located on Level 8, offers a beautiful sea view overlooking Kota Kinabalu, creating a relaxing and elegant dining environment.

As guests enjoy the wide selection of dishes, they can also take in the calming view of the ocean and the evening lights of the city. The ambience is warm, welcoming, and perfect for sharing meaningful moments during the holy month.

Taste of Borneo Dinner Buffet Details

⏰ 6:00 PM – 10:00 PM

📍 Kitchen, Level 8 – Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel

Buffet Rates

Adult: RM178 nett

Children: RM89 nett

Adult: RM158 nett

✨ Children aged 6 – 12 years old enjoy 50% off

For Reservations, guests are encouraged to make early reservations due to the popularity of Ramadan buffets.

📱 +6016 969 1393

A Great Ramadan Discovery

With its impressive spread of dishes, exciting live cooking stations, and beautiful dining ambience overlooking the sea, the Taste of Borneo Dinner Buffet at the Kota Kinabalu Marriott Hotel is certainly worth exploring this Ramadan season.

For anyone looking to enjoy a delightful iftar experience with loved ones while discovering the flavours of Borneo, this buffet offers a satisfying and memorable option in the heart of Kota Kinabalu.

And as always, this is indeed a great discovery by Jomtaralets, a foodie and travel blogger you can trust.

 

With the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan, many hotels and restaurants begin showcasing special culinary experiences to celebrate the spirit of togetherness during iftar. 

One of the dining destinations that recently caught our attention is Swatches Restaurant at Fraser Place Puteri Harbour, located in the beautiful waterfront area of Iskandar Puteri, Johor.

Situated on Level 2 of Fraser Place Puteri Harbour, Swatches Restaurant offers a comfortable and welcoming dining environment, making it an ideal spot for families, friends, and colleagues to gather for a meaningful buka puasa experience. 

This Ramadan season, the restaurant presents its specially curated “Nusantara Ramadan Buffet 2026,” a culinary spread that celebrates traditional flavours inspired by the rich heritage of the Nusantara region.

The buffet, available until 20 March 2026, features an impressive variety of dishes ranging from appetisers and traditional Malay delicacies to international favourites and exciting live cooking stations.

A Refreshing Start with Appetisers and Seafood on Ice

Guests beginning their iftar journey will immediately notice the beautifully arranged appetiser section displayed at the central buffet area. Among the highlights are traditional ketupat served with various types of serunding, offering a nostalgic taste that many Malaysians enjoy during festive occasions.

Alongside these are selections of fresh ulam-ulaman, served with locally inspired sauces made from ingredients sourced in Malaysia. The refreshing herbs and vegetables provide a light and flavourful start before moving on to the heartier dishes.

Seafood lovers will also appreciate the Seafood on Ice station, which showcases a generous selection of fresh prawns, mussels, oysters, and clams. Chilled to perfection, this section offers a refreshing option for diners who enjoy the natural flavours of fresh seafood.

Adding even more variety to the buffet are fried favourites such as curry puffs, roti john, and other savoury bites, perfect for those who enjoy traditional street-style snacks.

Aromatic Hot Dishes and Local Specialties

The hot dishes section is where the buffet truly shines. Guests are welcomed by the enticing aromas of a wide variety of dishes commonly served during festive gatherings and special occasions.

The menu highlights a delightful combination of local Malaysian flavours and Chinese-inspired fusion dishes, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. From rich curries to savoury stir-fried selections, each dish reflects the comforting flavours that many diners associate with traditional home-style cooking.

One standout dish that continues to impress is the restaurant’s Siput Sedut, a popular local delicacy. The dish is prepared with a well-balanced spice profile that is flavourful yet not overly spicy, making it enjoyable for many diners.

Exciting Live Cooking Stations

One of the most enjoyable aspects of the Nusantara Ramadan buffet is the presence of several live cooking stations, where chefs prepare dishes fresh right in front of diners.

The Pasta Station is a popular choice, especially among younger guests. Here, diners can watch the chef cook pasta directly in the pan while combining sauces and ingredients to create comforting dishes such as creamy Carbonara. The live preparation adds an interactive element to the dining experience while ensuring each plate is freshly made.

Another crowd favourite is the Live Murtabak Station, where a dedicated chef skillfully stretches the dough, adds the savoury filling, and folds it before cooking it on a hot griddle. The result is a freshly prepared murtabak with a crispy exterior and flavourful interior, served hot for diners to enjoy.

Right beside it is the Sup Kendi Berempah Station, where aromatic spiced soup is prepared on the spot. Diners can choose their preferred ingredients, and the staff will assist in preparing a warm bowl of comforting broth filled with rich spices and fragrant flavours—perfect for breaking the fast after a long day.

Grilled Delights and Signature Ramadan Highlights

No Ramadan buffet would be complete without grilled specialties, and the Live Grilling Station here features an assortment of marinated meats such as beef, chicken, and lamb, along with seafood selections like prawns and salmon. Watching the chefs grill these items fresh adds excitement to the buffet experience.

Another highlight is the Kambing Golek station, where beautifully roasted lamb is served together with fragrant Nasi Briyani, creating a satisfying combination that many diners look forward to.

Sweet Treats and Refreshing Beverages

To conclude the meal on a sweet note, diners can explore the colourful dessert display filled with jellies, bite-sized cakes, and traditional local kuih. The variety offers a delightful mix of textures and flavours, making it hard to resist sampling a little bit of everything.

A unique highlight of this buffet is the fresh sugarcane juice station, where sugarcane is pressed on the spot to extract its natural sweetness. This refreshing drink is rarely found in hotel buffets and adds a special touch to the dining experience.

A Value-for-Money Ramadan Dining Experience

Overall, the Nusantara Ramadan Buffet at Swatches Restaurant offers a satisfying selection of dishes that cater to different tastes while maintaining a strong focus on traditional flavours.

The buffet is priced at:

• RM188 per adult
• RM98 per child
• RM98 for senior citizens

With its comfortable dining atmosphere and extensive buffet spread, Swatches Restaurant at Fraser Place Puteri Harbour provides a wonderful setting for those looking to gather with loved ones and enjoy a memorable iftar experience.

For anyone seeking a well-rounded Ramadan buffet in the Iskandar Puteri area, this dining experience is certainly worth exploring.

Hidden within the peaceful neighborhood of Horizon Hills in Iskandar Puteri lies a charming bakery that is quietly winning the hearts of bread lovers. PanKobo Bakery is a Japanese-inspired bakery that offers freshly baked breads crafted with passion, patience, and authentic techniques.

For food explorers and café hunters, this bakery is truly a delightful discovery worth visiting.

A Japanese Baker Bringing His Craft to Johor

One of the highlights of visiting PanKobo Bakery is meeting Baker Tomo, a Japanese baker who has made Iskandar Puteri his home after marrying a local Malaysian. With years of baking knowledge and dedication to traditional techniques, Baker Tomo brings a touch of Japan’s baking culture to Johor.

Every bread produced at the bakery reflects his commitment to quality and craftsmanship. The breads are prepared using carefully selected ingredients and a natural fermentation process, giving them a distinctive texture and flavour that stands out from mass-produced bakery items.

Freshly Baked Breads Made with Love

PanKobo Bakery offers a wide variety of breads and buns that appeal to both locals and visitors. Each item is baked fresh daily, ensuring that customers enjoy soft textures and rich flavours in every bite.

One of the seasonal highlights currently available is their Hot Cross Buns, which are especially popular during the Easter season. These buns are made using a delightful combination of ingredients such as:

• Nutmeg
• Cinnamon powder
• Raisins
• Whipping cream
• Unsalted butter
• Fresh milk
• Lemon zest
• In-house natural yeast

The result is a soft, fragrant bun with subtle spices and a balanced sweetness, making it a comforting treat perfect for breakfast or tea time.

Beyond the Hot Cross Buns, visitors will also find a variety of other breads and pastries waiting to be discovered. From soft Japanese-style buns to unique baked creations, every item reflects the bakery’s dedication to quality baking.

A Cozy Bakery Worth Discovering

What makes PanKobo Bakery special is not only the bread but also the warm and welcoming atmosphere. The bakery offers a relaxed setting where visitors can browse through freshly baked selections while enjoying the aroma of bread coming straight out of the oven.

For residents in Iskandar Puteri and those exploring Johor’s growing food scene, PanKobo Bakery is a hidden gem that deserves a spot on your food discovery list.

Plan Your Visit

PanKobo Japanese Bakery

📍 5, Jalan Hijauan 3, Horizon Hills, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor Darul Ta'zim

🕖 Operating Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM

📞 Contact Number: +6012-783 6168

Whether you are a bread lover, café explorer, or simply someone who enjoys discovering unique food spots, PanKobo Bakery offers a delightful experience that combines Japanese baking tradition with local hospitality.

This is indeed a great discovery by Jomtaralets, a foodie and travel blogger you can trust.

Ramadan is always a special time for gathering, reflection, and of course, indulging in meaningful iftar moments with family and friends. This year, LEGOLAND Malaysia Hotel elevates the Ramadan dining experience with its highly anticipated buffet themed Flavours of Nusantara 2026.

Located in Iskandar Puteri, Johor, this family-friendly destination is not just about theme park adventures it is also home to one of the most exciting Ramadan buffet spreads in the region.

A Family-Friendly Dining Concept

Before diving into the impressive food lineup, what truly stands out is the thoughtful family-oriented concept arranged by the hotel. Dining tables are set up with colourful colouring activities, allowing children — and even adults — to stay entertained while waiting for buka puasa.

For families with little ones, this initiative creates a more relaxed and enjoyable dining atmosphere. It’s a simple yet meaningful touch that enhances the overall Ramadan experience.

Over 200 Dishes Inspired by the Nusantara Region

The Flavours of Nusantara 2026 buffet features more than 200 dishes, celebrating the rich and diverse culinary heritage of the Nusantara region.

Appetisers & Fresh Greens

Guests can begin their culinary journey with traditional favourites such as:

• Rojak Pasembur
• Rojak Buah
• Rojak Sotong Kangkung
• Pecel Jawa

At the centre court, a vibrant display of fresh ulam-ulaman and garden greens offers a refreshing and healthy start to the meal.

Hearty Local & Regional Hot Dishes

The hot dishes section showcases a wide variety of comforting classics and regional specialties, including:

• Kampung Fried Chicken with Herbs
• Kampung Chicken in Coconut Gravy
• Smokey Duck with Toasted Coconut & Curry Gravy
• Buffalo Kalio
• Boiled Beef Tendon in Turmeric Coconut Milk
• Paru Berlado Merah (Crispy Beef Lungs with Red Chili)
• Fried Beef with Green Chili Paste
• Lamb Kerutup
• Siput Sedut Lemak Putih
• Sautéed Prawns with Tapioca Leaves
• Fried Fish with Herbs

For those who enjoy Middle Eastern flavours, the Kabsah Rice with Whole Lamb (Kambing Golek) is a definite highlight and crowd favourite.

Live Stations That Steal the Spotlight

One of the most exciting elements of this buffet is its impressive lineup of live cooking stations.

Signature Brick Mee Tarik

Guests can witness the chef skillfully hand-pulling noodles before cooking them on the spot. Served with rich beef broth and assorted condiments, this authentic Mee Tarik experience is both interactive and delicious.

Satay Minang Station

Freshly grilled beef and chicken satay fill the air with irresistible aromas. Served with thick yellow gravy and keropok mawar, it’s a must-try for satay lovers.

Roti Canai & Murtabak Corner

Prepared fresh upon order, this station offers crispy roti served with chicken curry, dhal, vegetable curry, and pickled onions — guaranteeing freshness in every bite.

Charcoal Grill Section

The charcoal fire grill features a generous selection of items such as prawn skewers, otak-otak, chicken pepes, buffalo wings, red tilapia, beef, lamb, vegetables, potatoes, and assorted seafood.

A Buffet for All Ages

Adding a fun twist to the buffet is the giant Grana Padano cheese wheel, where creamy Mac & Cheese is prepared. This section is especially popular among children — making the buffet truly suitable for all age groups.

Japanese Corner Delights

The Japanese section further elevates the dining experience with offerings such as:

• Tonkatsu
• Unagi
• Yakitori Chicken
• Okonomiyaki
• Seafood Yakisoba
• Live Chicken Teppanyaki

Additional selections include Chawanmushi, Japanese Cheesecake, Mapo Tofu, Japanese Chilled Tofu, Eggplant Miso, and Spicy Edamame.

Dedicated staff are present to assist diners at the live stations, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable experience.

Entertainment & Special Highlights

Beyond the extensive food selection, the buffet also includes:

• Live band performances serenading diners during iftar
• Weekend lucky draw sessions with exciting prizes

These added touches make the dining experience even more memorable for families and groups.

Pricing & Promotions

The buffet is priced as follows:

RM188 (Adult)

RM138 (Senior Citizen)

RM88 (Children aged 5–11)

RM228 (Adult)

RM178 (Senior Citizen)

RM128 (Children)

Guests are encouraged to check out the Early Bird Promotion for exclusive discounts.

A Sweet Ending

No Ramadan buffet is complete without desserts — and the impressive dessert display here is the perfect way to end the evening on a sweet note.

Looking for an exciting indoor playground in Johor Bahru where your kids can play, explore, and burn off energy in a safe environment? Our latest discovery brings us to Bouncetopia by Kiztopia located inside Toppen Shopping Centre and it’s truly a paradise for little adventurers!

Strategically located in Toppen JB, Bouncetopia is one of the newest indoor playground attractions in the city. Designed with vibrant colors and interactive elements, this indoor theme park creates a welcoming and energetic atmosphere the moment you step inside.

It’s not just about play, it’s about learning, movement, creativity, and social interaction all rolled into one exciting experience.

6 Exciting Zones to Explore

1. Inflatable Obstacle Course

Perfect for energetic kids, this section allows children to jump, bounce, climb, and slide their way through inflatable challenges. It’s a fantastic way for them to stay active while having endless fun.

2. Interactive Wall

This engaging zone helps develop motor skills through movement-based games and activities. It encourages coordination, quick thinking, and physical interaction in a playful setting.

3. Role Play Area

One of the highlights of Bouncetopia is its imaginative role play section. With themed setups like a kitchen and supermarket, children can engage in pretend play, enhancing creativity and encouraging social interaction with other kids.

4. Sand Pit

The sand pit provides a sensory-rich experience that supports motor skill development. It’s a simple yet exciting activity that younger children especially enjoy.

5. Trampoline Area

The trampoline zone is a major favorite! It promotes balance, coordination, and physical confidence while allowing kids to bounce freely in a safe and supervised space.

6. Party Room

Planning a birthday celebration? Bouncetopia also offers a dedicated party room suitable for birthday parties and special events, making it a convenient venue for memorable celebrations.

While the kids are busy having the time of their lives, parents and guardians can relax at the spacious and comfortable resting area provided. It’s thoughtfully designed so adults can unwind while still keeping an eye on their little ones.

This balance between fun for children and comfort for parents makes Bouncetopia a truly family-friendly destination.

Why You Should Visit?

If you’re searching for:

• Indoor playgrounds in Johor Bahru
• Kids-friendly attractions in JB
• Birthday party venues for children
• A weekend family activity spot

Then Bouncetopia by Kiztopia at Toppen Shopping Centre is definitely worth adding to your list.

It’s a place where children can stay active, build confidence, enhance motor skills, and make new friends — all while having a blast.

Ramadan in Johor Bahru is always something special, and this year we had the opportunity to explore the Ramadan Bazaar located inside Toppen Shopping Mall. Known for its vibrant community atmosphere and family-friendly environment, Toppen has once again transformed into a lively hub of flavours, fashion, and festive cheer.

Unlike the typical outdoor roadside bazaars, this one offers a more comfortable setting within the mall compound. Visitors can stroll through neatly arranged stalls without worrying too much about unpredictable weather, making it a convenient option for families with children and elderly members.

The highlight of any Ramadan bazaar is, of course, the food — and Toppen does not disappoint. From smoky grilled delights and traditional Malay kuih to refreshing beverages and hearty main dishes, the selections here cater to a wide range of tastes.

While some visitors may find the prices slightly higher compared to neighbourhood bazaars, this could be attributed to operational and rental costs within a mall setting. That said, the variety, presentation, and overall experience add value to your visit. It’s a great spot for those who prefer comfort, accessibility, and a well-organised layout.

What makes this bazaar stand out is that it goes beyond just culinary offerings. As you walk through the space, you’ll also find clothing stalls selling Raya outfits for adults and children. From modern baju kurung designs to comfortable festive wear for kids, it’s a pleasant place to browse while waiting for iftar.

The combination of food and festive shopping under one roof creates a wholesome Ramadan atmosphere perfect for families, groups of friends, and even casual visitors looking to soak in the seasonal vibes.

Located right inside Toppen Shopping Mall in Johor Bahru, this bazaar is easily accessible and offers ample parking within the mall premises. It’s ideal for those who want to grab their favourite dishes and head home, or simply enjoy the festive ambience before breaking fast.

For anyone wondering where to go in JB during Ramadan 2026, this is definitely one of the places worth checking out. This is indeed a great discovery by Jomtaralets, a foodie and travel blogger you can trust.

In conjunction with the upcoming Ramadan season, New York Hotel Johor Bahru once again brings back its much-anticipated Ramadan buffet, themed “Ramadan Iftar Ala Bazar 2026.” 

Inspired by the vibrant atmosphere of local Ramadan bazaars, this year’s concept gathers a wide variety of Malaysian favourites under one roof making it a convenient and flavourful destination for buka puasa gatherings.