🏡 *Step Back in Time at Agnes Keith House: Kota Kinabalu’s Colonial Gem* ☕

#kotakinabalutrip ### **First Impressions: "Wait, Did I Just Teleport to 1930s Borneo?"** Walking up the hill to this **whitewashed colonial bungalow**, I half-expected Agnes Keith herself to greet me with a typewriter and a stiff gin cocktail. The wraparound verandah, creaky wooden floors, and vintage furniture scream *"old-world charm"*—with a side of tropical humidity. ### **The "Oh Wow" Moment** Found Agnes’ **original writing desk** where she penned *"Land Below the Wind"**—cue me dramatically pretending to type my own novel (*spoiler: it was just my grocery list*). ### **Hidden Gem** The **quiet back garden** with towering trees and a view of the sea. Perfect spot to imagine 1940s expat life… until a squirrel throws a nut at you. 🐿️ ### **Local Bite** The onsite **English Tea House & Restaurant** serves *scones with Sabah tea*—colonial vibes with a side of *kaya toast* (because Asia always wins). ### **Blunt Review** ✅ **Time-capsule vibes**—original furnishings, photos, and Agnes’ quirky personality everywhere. ✅ **Cool escape** from KK’s heat (thank you, shady verandah). ✅ **History + views**—learn about WWII in Borneo while overlooking the ocean. ❌ **Small**—you’ll be done in 45 mins unless you’re a *hardcore history nerd*. ❌ **RM15 entry fee**—worth it, but budget travelers might grumble. ### **Quick Guide** ⏰ **Open daily, 9AM-5PM** (last entry 4:30PM). 📍 **Jalan Istana**, uphill from the Sabah State Museum. 🚗 **Grab/Taxi needed**—it’s a steep walk from downtown KK! ### **Verdict** **🌟🌟🌟🌟 (4/5)** For: **Bookworms, history lovers, and anyone who’s ever dreamed of being a tropical expat writer**. Skip if: You think "colonial" just means *Pirates of the Caribbean*. **#agneswashere #sabahstorytime** **PS:** Pair with a visit to the **Sabah State Museum** next door! 📚 --- **PPS:** The **tea house’s mango chicken sandwich**? *Chef’s kiss.* 🤤