by Geena Roslyna
In the quiet days of Malaysia’s first Movement Control Order, a young Sabahan lawyer found unexpected joy, not in legal briefs, but in the curious eyes of a chinchilla and the affectionate nuzzle of a prairie dog.
Aaron Mark Pius had no intention of opening a pet café. A practising litigation and corporate lawyer since 2015, his life was far removed from raccoons and meerkats. But everything changed during the pandemic when he welcomed his first exotic pets into his garage. As the animals became a part of his daily routine, so did the neighbourhood kids, stopping by almost every evening just to catch a glimpse.
That’s when an idea sprang to life: what if more children could experience this joy?
What started as a humble hobby quickly evolved into a purpose. Aaron wasn’t just collecting animals; he was creating a sanctuary of education and delight. By 2022, he had transformed a former rabbit farm in Penampang into a petting zoo called The Hamin. And not long after, he unveiled a more intimate concept: a cosy indoor pet café originally called Mark Baba Pets Café, now rebranded as The Noah.
The First Exotic Café of its Kind in Sabah!
The Noah isn’t your ordinary pet café. It’s a thoughtfully curated space where visitors can interact with capybaras, hand-feed raccoons, and adore animals that most likely have only seen in movies.
Not Without Challenges
Building something so rare in Sabah didn’t come easily. Importing exotic animals is heavily regulated, with strict monitoring from both the Veterinary Services and the Wildlife Department. Add to that the cost of safe animal transportation, often equal to an entire month’s revenue, and the uncertainty of animal health, and it’s clear that this dream required more than love; it demanded grit.
Still, Aaron persevered, fueled by passion and a genuine commitment to animal welfare. He travels across Asia, learning from similar establishments in Japan, Korea, China, and beyond. He hires dedicated staff, including a pet nanny, to ensure the animals are cared for like family.
Because to him, they are family.
Moments That Touch the Heart
Ask Aaron about his favourite memory, and he’ll tell you about Lele, his prairie dog, who once snuck upstairs and fell asleep beside him the whole night. It’s in these moments that Aaron sees the heart of his work: not a business, but a bond built on trust, love, and mutual comfort.
The animals at The Noah are treated with love and respect. If they’re tired, they rest. If they’re curious, they explore. The team knows each of them intimately; their quirks, their moods, their favourite snacks. This connection doesn’t just keep the animals happy; it makes the experience magical for every guest who walks through the doors.
An Experience That Will Never Be Forgotten
Families laugh together, children learn without even realising it, couples develop a deeper love for animals, and possibly, for each other at The Noah. As you bid your farewells, you’re not just leaving with photos, but with stories to share.
The dream is to make The Noah a cornerstone of Sabah tourism, a destination that tourists hold close to their hearts and locals are proud of.
You might wonder, “I wonder what’s in store for me when I step foot into The Noah?”
Simple. Laughter.
Because that’s where everything begins.
The Noah Entrance Admission Fees
The Noah’s Operating Hours
Open every Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 6:00 PM. (Closed on Mondays).
Reservations are required. Please contact +6012 579 8223 to make a booking.
For the latest information and updates, follow The Noah on their socials!
Facebook: The Noah
Instagram: thenoah_kk
Website: markbabapets.com
