Attractions in Malaysia

Location

Poring Hot Springs is about 13 kilometers from Ranau or about 40 kilometers from the Kinabalu National Park Headquarters in Kundasang. The hot springs is actually part of the huge Kinabalu National Park. The Poring Hot Springs was first developed by the Japanese during World War II and has progressed gradually to become one of the top tourist destinations amongst foreigners and locals alike. The hot waters of the spring contains sulphur are piped into open-air Japanese style baths where you can rest your tired limbs after the long hours and strenuous climb up the Mount Kinabalu.

Overview

It is never a complete to hike up Mount Kinabalu but not swing by at the Poring Hot Springs. This hot springs is situated about 40 kilometers slightly northeast from the Kinabalu Parks Headquarters. Poring is situated in the lowlands which are contrasting with the Park's headquarters. Poring Hot Springs is the best place to distress and soak away all the sores and aches in your muscles. The water of the hot springs contains sulphuric minerals w hich have been deemed to have special healing properties and is very famous among the locals.

Other than the natural hot spring as the main attraction at Poring Hot Springs, there are also other interesting areas in the park which is worth visiting. There is a butterfly farm, the Poring Orchid Conservation Center, the tropical garden, the Poring canopy walkway and the Rafflesia flower site.

The butterfly farm is the first butterfly farm in Borneo. It features a vast garden, nursery and hatchery for the purpose of education, research and preservation. The Poring Orchid Conservation Center is the house of the largest collection of Sabah orchids as well as the rare endemic orchids. There is a staggering 1200 species of orchids in this center. It is at the tropical gardens where you get a chance to glimpse at mousedeer and deer sauntering in the garden in the company of some flamboyantly colored birds in the aviary. The Poring canopy walkway is a must visit for those who has ever set foot in the Poring Hot Springs as you can take a stroll amidst the lush greenery of the Menggaris tree. The walkway is 157.8 meters long and is 41 meters high. You also have the opportunity to see the largest flower in the world, the Rafflesia. With this many places to visit just at one area, there is a must to stay as long as you can in Sabah to visit more places here. Accommodation in Sabah is more than you can imagine and there is for sure one that will suit you.

Transport

To get there from Kota Kinabalu, just drive in the direction to Kota Belud town. After an hour, you will arrive a roundabout, just follow the brown signage that says 'Jeti ke Pulau Mantanani' (Jetty to Mantanani Island). Then you will see second roundabout (Kuala Abai), follow the junction at the left, and you will arrive the entrance of Usukan Cove Lodge within 10 minutes.