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Sabah, Malaysia
Photo: User: (WT-shared) Tiger at wts wikivoyage, CC BY-SA 1.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Poring is a small town 19 km east of Ranau and 39 km east of Mount Kinabalu in the state of Sabah in Malaysia. It is mainly visited for the Poring Hot Spring and Nature Reserve which houses both open-air and private cabin baths whose water contains sulphur that is known for its skin-curative properties. The natural hot spring is perfect to soothe tired and aching muscles after the long climb up Mount Kinabalu.
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A short walk within the park en route to the canopy walk (entrance fee). Note this closes at 4pm, earlier than the rest of the park.
The world's largest flower known to reach almost a metre in diameter. Its bud takes a full year to grow until it finally blossoms, but then withers after only one week in bloom. The interior of the blossom smells like rotten meat, attracting flying insects that then pollinate it.
Bathe in the Japanese-style baths. The thermal pools are available as open air style tiled baths with taps to fill with fresh water. For those who are modest or are wanting privacy, enclosed baths inside little chalet-like shelters are available (RM 15 per hour). There is also a small water pool/slide which is used by locals as a bathing area, it is closed on Mondays for cleaning after the weekend. A small shop is available for cold drinks.
Experience a bird's eye view of the surrounding rainforest from about 30 metres above the ground (entrance fee & camera fee, RM5 for a mobile phone camera). The walking path from the ticket booth to the beginning of the canopy walk is about 500m up hill and is moderately aerobic. It is a circular route.This pathway is not suitable for those who have mobility restrictions. If you are afraid of heights then do not attempt this Canopy Walk. The canopy walk is enjoyable, if you are tall you need to take extra care as the rope hand rails are very low. There are no guides or enforcement of how many people walk on the canopy at any one time, however no more than 6 persons should use the bridges at once.
For those keen to explore, trek through the lowland forest 13 km to the waterfall. The nearer pool is 8 km. You do not need a guide for either trek.
A 20-min walk north of the hot springs.
Larger and more impressive than Kipungit waterfall. 1.5h hike away from Poring. The trek closes at 14:00.
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges manages the various accommodation facilities and the food and beverage outlets at Poring Hot Spring & Nature Reserve.
Basic guest house with accommodation ranging from dorms to family rooms.
Public buses from Kinabalu Park are available but make only one trip daily. Alternatively take a taxi from Ranau at about RM30 for the ride (thus, travelling in a group this can be cheap).
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Kota Kinabalu · International · BKI
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