7 July 2022
The town of Poring is situated approximately 40 kilometers from the Kinabalu Park HQ and is known for its hot sulphur spring bath which was first developed by the Japanese during World War II. It also has a butterfly farm, orchid garden, several bird-watching spots, opportunities to view the rare Rafflesia flower and a breathtaking treetop walk on a 43-meter tall canopy walkway.
Poring is located about 400 meters above sea level in a humid, lowland forest with large rainforest trees. This is in contrast to Kundasang or Kinabalu Park which are less humid and cooler at 1800 meters above sea level.
We arrived at Poring Hot Spring site shortly after viewing the rare Rafflesia Flower. These were three activities that we did at this place:
- exploring Kinabalu Park’s treetops on the Canopy Walk (approximately 150 meters long rope walkway suspended 43 meters above the ground).
- soaking in the all-natural mineral-rich hot springs water in open-air bathtubs.
- have lunch at the Rainforest Restaurant located inside the ground.
There were fees to be paid before entering Poring Hot Spring Park. At the same time, tickets for the Canopy Walk (and other activities like Butterfly Farm) have to be purchased at the entrance. Non-Malaysians have to pay a much higher fees compared to Malaysians. Gabin, our guide, took care of the tickets since these are included in the price of the 2D/1N tour package we paid.
Upon entering the park, we crossed a small stream where sounds of rushing water from a waterfall could be heard.
The name “Poring” comes from a native Kadazan Dusun word which means bamboo. Bamboo is abundant in this area, including the area within the site.
At the entrance of Poring Hot Spring with bamboo trees in the background.
Canopy Walk
The first thing we did was to do the Canopy Walk, taking advantage of the good weather which may change at any moment. Gabin led us to the Canopy Walkway ticket inspection and registration counter that is located after the hot spring area and Butterfly Farm. We paid a 5 MYR camera fee. This was in addition to the entrance fees which were included in our tour price.
Good walking shoes and some level of fitness needed to climb the 500 meters to the starting point.
A 500 meters steep uphill hike is needed to reach the starting point of the Canopy Walkway. Gabin led the way and the three of us tried to keep up with him. The hike is on a well trodden path, flanked by lush rainforest with tall trees and thick undergrowth, couple with plenty of jungle noise (thanks to the cicadas). Along the way, one can see a very tall and large tree.
After about 10 to 15 minutes of exertion, we arrived at the starting point of the walkway. Our tickets were checked by an attendant who also ensures that there are no more than 6 persons on the walkway at any one time. We were the only party doing this activity. No danger of overloading.
Starting point of the Canopy Walk.
The Canopy walkway is a suspension bridge constructed with ropes, steel cables, narrow aluminum ladders, walking planks to cover the open rungs of the ladders and netting at both sides for safety.
The first section of the canopy walk is always the most frightening (fear of the unknown perhaps).
For those with fear of heights, it would take a leap of faith to take the first steps onto the suspended walkway.
Way above the rainforest canopy below us. Not for those with a fear of heights.
The suspension bridge would bounce and sway a little with people on it. Best to walk slowly and placed our feet at the center of the plank. Anyway, a signboard was posted to forbid running or jumping on the walkway.
After completing the first section, Gabin, our guide, told us there would be 3 more. There is no turning back after completing the first section as it is one-way traffic only.
We took a breather somewhere at the middle of the journey, where a wooden platform had been erected around a large tree. From this vantage point, Gabin pointed out the next taller mountain after Mount Kinabalu that is visible in the distant mountain range.
Viewpoint from a station at the middle of the journey.
Once completed, we trekked down through the rainforest back to the hot spring area. I was hoping to spot some monkeys (such as Borneo's indigenous proboscis monkeys) but the only critters we saw were some boring termite mounds and a harmless millipede.
Lunch at the Rainforest Restaurant
After our canopy walk, our guide brought us to the Rainforest Restaurant. Our lunch was included in our 2D/1N Kundasang tour.
Our pre-ordered set lunch.
Our lunch consist of a soya sauce chicken dish, fried egg plant, stir fried cauliflower dish and a sweet and sour fish dish, with steamed rice, a piece of papadum and a dessert.
It was nice to have a meal, surrounded by the lush green forest.
Hot Spring
After lunch, it was time for a soothing sulphur bath in the Japanese-styled open air tubs with all-natural mineral-rich hot spring water.
This was the last activity for the day. Our guide told us to take our time to enjoy the facilities and contact him via Whatsapp once we are done.
Natural source of the hot spring water.
The hot waters of the natural spring are piped into open-air baths, as well as indoor baths. Once we are in the park, the outdoor bathtubs could be used free of charge.
The Poring Hot Spring outdoor bath areas with tubs for soaking and foot baths.
The first thing we did was to soak our feet in one of the larger common bath.
Soaking our feet in the hot spring water. Water temperature ranges between 49 to 60 degrees Celsius.
I went to try one of the bathtubs. There is cold water tap and a hot water tap for each bathtub. The flow rate was not good. It sure took a long time to fill the tub. I gave up halfway and went back to just soaking the feet.
Trying out one of the many bathtubs.
There are Indoor bathtubs for those who preferred to soak in privacy. There are ten standard and five deluxe indoor bathtubs at Poring Hot Spring. Rates are at MYR 15 per hour for the standard indoor bathtubs and MYR 20 per hour for the deluxe indoor bathtubs. These are subject to availability on a first come first serve basis. We did not try these.
Indoor bathtub is also available for those who preferred privacy.
There is also a cold water rock pool nearby for those who wanted to try a cold dip. The water is icy cold, probably taken from one of the nearby waterfalls.
A refreshing dip in the rock pool.
My son and I went for a dip in this pool. It felt cold only for the first 15 seconds or so. Once acclimatised, the water was actually very comfortable and refreshing.
It was about 4 PM when we decided that we had enough. We had brought towels and a change of clothes. The changing room facility was well maintained and clean.
From Poring, it was a 30 minutes drive back to Kundasang. Our dinner and accommodation for the night was at the Kinabalu Pine Resort.
Next post: Our stay at the Kinabalu Pine Resort.
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