Secret Gardens & Kaya Toast: My Chill Morning at Puh Toh Si Temple 🌸☕

#kotakinabalutrip I wasn’t ready for how *alive* Puh Toh Si Temple felt the second I walked in—like someone turned up the saturation on real life. 🔥 Golden dragons coiled around pillars, the smell of sandalwood incense clung to my clothes, and the *ting!* of prayer bells mixed with the rustle of wind in the banyan trees. Total sensory overload (in the best way). **Plot twist**: I got *adopted* by a temple cat 🐈—a chubby orange floof who followed me like I owed him money. (Spoiler: I paid the cat tax in chin scratches.) The **real hidden gem?** The **back courtyard** with a miniature "mountain" of moss-covered rocks and a tiny waterfall. It’s like a fairy village for spirits—so peaceful, I almost missed the old uncle napping on a bench. 😴 Post-temple, I hit a streetside stall for **steamed *kueh* (glutinous rice cakes)**—sticky, sweet, and *way* messier than I expected. (RIP my white shirt.) **Speedy Itinerary**: ⏰ **8:00 AM**: Beat the crowds. Marvel at the main hall’s giant Buddha. ⏰ **8:30 AM**: Hunt for the secret courtyard (hint: left of the incense tower). ⏰ **9:30 AM**: Fuel up on kueh and iced coffee. **Pro Tips**: - Dress for sweat (no AC, just karma). - Whisper—the vibe is *serene*, not theme park. - Bring small bills for offerings/snacks. Puh Toh Si isn’t just a visit; it’s a *moment*. And possibly a cat’s emotional support human. 😉