The prime attraction here is the Hot Springs, first developed by the Japanese during World War II and now piped into several open-air Japanese style baths. For visitors with more time there are graded paths leading through rich lowland forest to mountain rivers, waterfalls and the tumbled bat caves.
Situated 39 km from the Kinabalu Park Headquarters, the Poring substation at the southern end of the Kinabalu Park."Poring" is a Kadazandusun word for the bamboo species growing in the area. Situated 40km (25 miles) slightly north east of the Kinabalu Park HQ, Poring is in the lowlands, a complete contrast to the HQ.
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). From Ranau there are very few, if any, public buses making the run to Poring.
For those who are self-driving, the Hot Springs are accessible via Ranau. The road is sealed with adequate sign posting. There is ample free parking inside the main entrance. An entrance fee is charged to visit the Hot Spring Park. If you think this place has the feeling of your basic tourist trap, it is a tourist trap complete with all the tackyness.
Poring is known for its hot springs and the popular recreation and tourist complex is known as Poring Hot Springs. The springs are known for their therapeutic properties and the waters with their sulfuric minerals are reputed to ease aching muscles. The baths are favoured by returned climbers of Mount Kinabalu.
Features of the area include the:
- Butterfly Farm
Here you will find several species of colorful and striking butterflies, Borneo's first butterfly farm features a garden, nursery and hatchery for the purpose of research, education and the conservation of endangered species.
- Poring Orchid Conservation Centre
With 1,200 species of orchids found with Kinabalu Park, the centre has the largest collection of Sabah's endemic orchids.
- Kipungit Waterfall
Kipungit Waterfall is a 30 minute walk from Poring Hot Springs. Signboards and a well-marked path through the forest will lead you to your destination. The waterfall is smaller than the Laganan Waterfall, which is a 90 minute walk from Poring Hot Springs. With its shady canopy and beautiful rocks, the area is private, peaceful and a great place to spend a lazy afternoon with family and friend.
- Poring Canopy Walkway
Visitors can stroll amidst the canopy of the Menggaris tree - the King of the Forest. The Walkway is 157.8m long and 41m high.
- Accommodation
Poring Hot Spring features accommodation which used to be run by Sabah Parks under Kinabalu Nature Resorts in a very minimalist approach. Since then, the management has been taken over by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, which on the one hand has significantly modernised the accommodation facilities, but on the other, rocketed the prices of especially the refurbished accommodations.
Affordable options include the Serendit Hostel as well as the Kelicap Hostel which is a series of twin-share rooms with shared facilities. These two units have not been refurbished and are thus still economical. The two Rajah Lodges are well equipped and also in their original state, and can accommodation up to 6 people in 3 bedrooms.
The two units which have recently been refurbished, in fact, virtually totally rebuilt from scratch, includes the Jungle Lodge and the River Lodge. Suitable for Honeymooners, the bathrooms are exotic with marble surfaces and outside, covered areas, while the bedrooms are large, air-conditioned and spacious.
The units feature living rooms with satellite televisions as well as pantries with equipped with a fridge and coffee/tea making facilities. The prices and more details can be obtained from their website listed below.
For more information, contact Sutera Sanctuary Lodges :
Sales & Reservations Office:
Lot G15Ground Floor
Wisma Sabah
88000, Kota Kinabalu
Sabah Malaysia
Phone: +60 88 243629
Fax: +60 88 259552
Email:info@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my