The Majestic Mt. Kinabalu: Fourth Highest in Southeast Asia

Mount Kinabalu

The tallest mountain in Malaysia is Mt Kinabalu. It is located in Sabah, also famously known as "The Land Below the Wind" as geographically, it is located below the typhoon belt, and it also is part of the Borneo islands. Standing at 4,095 Meters, Mt Kinabalu is not only the highest mountain in the country but also the 4th highest in Southeast Asia. It is home to a rich and diversified flora and fauna which are unique and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Climbing Mount Kinabalu is one of the most fulfilling activities. Many local and international tourists do not want to miss the opportunity to climb this mountain when they visit Sabah. 

View of Mt Kinabalu from Kundasang

The best Mt Kinabalu view is before 10am on a bright sunny day

Mt. Kinabalu is actually the peak of the Crocker Range. It is a non-volcanic mountain, deemed to be one of the youngest in the world. The wide climatic range in the mountain is the main factor that contributes to the fertile growth of numerous and rare flora and fauna. It is home to more than half of the flowering plants in the world. It has more than 500 species of ferns, 700 species of orchids, and some unique animals that are native to the land such as Kinabalu shrews and pygmy squirrels. It also has the world's largest plant, the Nepethes Rajah; and home to over 24 species of Rhododendrons. Seventeen of the 29 species of birds endemic to Borneo live in this part of the world. The red-breasted tree partridge and crimson-headed wood can also be found here. Mt Kinabalu, already listed in UNESCO World Heritage record, is a favourite destination for both amateur and professional climbers as it not only offers climbing adventure, the wide range of botanical and biological species attract nature lovers as well as scientists from all over the world.

 

It only takes 2 to 3 days to conquer Mount Kinabalu. Climbers do not need to have any climbing experiences. However, it is advisable for anyone, individual or group, before they climb the mountain to plan ahead. They should check the weather conditions as Sabah often experiences heavy rainfalls and also be physically prepared by doing some exercises before the Kinabalu climb. You don't even need a strenuous exercise regime. Just concentrate on being healthy and fit.

The best start for anyone who is thinking of climbing Mt Kinabalu is to sign up for the mountain climbing package with an experienced and reliable tour agency. You need help from a tour agency to guarantee a smooth, enjoyable, and trouble-free climb. The Kinabalu climbing package is usually an all-in-one package which includes accommodation, meals, transportation, park entrance, transfer, climbing permit, and mountain guide fees. Package rate is quite reasonable and can also be customized according to client's preference. 

24-Hours Guarding

Entrance to Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park Office - Here is where you register yourself before you climb

Climbers start their Mt Kinabalu trip at the foothills by registering themselves at the park's office. Then they can stay for a night at one of the nearby accomodations to rest and enjoy a full day sighseeing at Kinabalu Park World Heritage Site. On day two, climbers will gather at the Timpohon Gate to start the first phase of their trekking. On the third day, from Panar Laban, they will wake-up at at 3'oclock in the morning and start their journey to the summit so that they can reach on time to enjoy the beautiful colours of the morning sunrise. The peak is at its most exquisite during the sunrise time.

This rare scenery of swirling mists and rich flora and fauna await climbers and thrill-seekers from all over the world.

Please contact: inquiry@kotakinabalutourism.com to inquire about our Kinabalu climbing package.

Leisure Walking at Poring's Treetop Canopy Walkway

I've heard about my friends' and other people's experiences at Poring canopy walkway, how they said it's an experience not for the faint-hearted and height-phobia people. One friend even told me how once a weak hearted lady almost suffered a heart-attack when a squirrel jumped on her head while she was concentrating on crossing the walkway. Before, I tried to imagine and picture myself, tried to feel what it would be like  walking on a walkway that is about 421 meters above sea-level and could feel my hair rising and my goosebumps getting goosebumps. At the time everything about Poring canopy walkway just sounded really scary. 

My friends dared me when we made a trip to Poring but I balked, telling them I was not ready and would rather spend time enjoying myself dipping in the sulfuric mineral bath. But just recently, on a lovely Friday, there I was with my family, wearing a T.shirt and a skirt and carrying a handbag...which makes me look more like joy walking than preparing for a 'live or die' experience. Funny, this time all the scary stories did not bother me at all. I was just, you know, feeling more relaxed and although I was not at my fittest condition (yea, thanks to no exercise, I've gained weight and I panted almost all the way up and stopped a few times, probably every 10 minutes or so, even rested at one of the the gazebos there) I was, I think, ready for the experience amid going there in a very unsuitable gear.

Nabalu Lodge

We started our journey from Nabalu Lodge, our lodging at Kundasang, at about 12.00 noon time. On the way to Poring, we passed by some very well known resorts such as the Kinabalu Pine Resort and Mountain Kinabalu Heritage Resort (used to be Perkasa Hotel), Sabah Tea Garden, the Luanti Fish Spa, Ranau town and we also noticed many new homestays along the way. We arrived at Poring about 45 minutes later. 

The Poring canopy walkway is a visit not to be missed by anyone especially foreigners who are first-time visitors in Poring Hot Springs. Just take a stroll amidst the lush canopy of the Menggaris tree, the tree which is known as 'king of the forest'. The walkway is about 157.8 meters long. It took us about one and a half hour to complete our canopy trip, starting from the bathing center and then back to there.

Signboard...Choose where you want to go

Trek to the Canopy Walkway...fairly easy ehhh

If you feel comfortable trekking in skirt...why not huhu

Beware of any falling things...branch, fruit, animals etc

Menggaris tree

Resting at one of the gazebos

I was not the only one who needed a rest...

Pondok Manggas is the starting point of the Canopy Walkway

Canopy Walkway

We're on a suspension bridge under the Menggaris Canopy

Menggaris is a huge tree...see if you can wrap your hands around it

Yahuuu...can't wait to dive-in the sulfuric bath!!

Of course, when we arrived at the sulfur bathing center, we wouldn't in the world miss the opportunity to dip our achy legs in the hot sulfuric baths. We chose the enclosed bathtub and spent about one and a half hour dipping and relaxing to soothe our achy muscles, also hoping for the sulfur to work its miracles on our skin (they say the sulfur kills all the harmful germs on your skin). The rate is RM20.00 per hour for a deluxe size bathtub which includes a jacuzzi and RM15.00 per hour for a standard size bathtub. It is on  first come first serve basis, you cannot pre-book the enclosed bathtubs.

Enclosed bathtub - standard type

Poring Hot Springs' daily opening hours is from 7am to 6pm. The conservation fee is RM5.00 for adult and RM3.00 for students (below 18 years-old). There is also an additional fee of RM5.00 for every camera and video that you bring with you.

Petagas War Memorial Garden

In January 1942, the Japanese Imperial Army successfully occupied North Borneo (now called Sabah). A very patriotic youth named Albert Kwok and some other three hundred men from all over the state fought against the Japanese military. Albert, being the Commander-in-Chief, organized the underground imperial force. He was helped by Kong Su Pui whom he chose as his deputy and Ling Keng Fatt became Albert's advisor. They used the plantation at Mansiang, Menggatal, a land owned by Liew Loi Kui as their secret training ground and headquarters.

Albert even risked his life once when he met the United States Armed Forces in Tawi-Tawi to request for military and other supplies. In September 1943, Albert received information that the Japanese military suffered a heavy defeat at the battle front in other countries in South-East Asia and they wanted to enlist 2,000 Sabahan youth to strengthen their front-line defense. It was at that stage that Commander Kwok suggested a plan to curb the move and to start taking action to disrupt the backside of the enemy army. The plan consisted of a strategy geared at weakening and de-stabilizing the enemy's strength, an attempt to help the Allied Forces to fight against them.

Without wasting any time, Albert immediately launched a surprise attack on the Japanese police station and the military police headquarters in Jesselton (now Kota Kinabalu). Armed with parang, they slashed to death a few scores of the enemy and started a fire at the Customs godown on the night of 9th October, 1943. The Japanese were considerably discouraged and their intention to enlist Sabahan youth eventually failed to materialize.

Unfortunately, the Japanese military soon received help from Kuching. They then conducted a massive search and captured the suspected members of the underground guerilla. The Japanese also stopped all food and other supplies to their secret hideout. With no reinforcement and proper supplies of food, the guerilla force suffered terribly and when the Japanese threatened to kill innocent children and women, within two months' time, almost all its members surrendered to the Japanese.

Then, On 21st January 1944, 176 men of the guerrillas (including sympathizers, followers and supporters) were transported by railway cargo wagons from the 'Batu Tiga' prison camp. Another group of 131 men were sent to Labuan to serve their imprisonment but 117 of them died of starvation, maltreatment, torture and the inhumanity living conditions. Some of the guerrilla members were known to have been tortured, killed and buried in other places and at other times.

After the war, a special committee was formed by the few remaining living members of the guerrilla force and their families. They re-buried those who had been brutally murdered together with the remains of the dead which were removed from Labuan, in this common burial ground. A monument was built over the grave and the surrounding was made into a beautiful garden in everlasting memory and in honour of their gallantry and selfless sacrifice for their country. The names of all those whose remains were buried here and all other known guerrilla force members who had been murdered by the Japanese military forces and buried in other places were engraved on this plaque. A yearly memorial service is held on the 21st January in memory of those brave men who fought against the Japanese occupation Forces.

 

Petagas War Memorial Monument

Here is the resting place for KK fallen heroes

Names of the Kinabalu Guerrillas inscribed on this plaque

Pictures are copyright@2012 kotakinabalutourism.com. All rights reserved.

Unduk Ngadau Videos 2012

Try Deep Sea Fishing in Sabah

 

Third Place in the Sabah International Fishing Tournament

There are many fishing spots in Sabah but one that is near to Kota Kinabalu and is a favourite spot for many anglers here is the sea near Pulau Mengalum, also called the "Mysterious Island". It is called a mysterious island because not many locals have been to that place and the sea there is said to be always calm.

I have interviewed one of the KK anglers. His name is Liborius Kasun and currently works full time helping his family supervise their family-owned rubber plantation at Kimanis, Papar. Fishing is his favourite hobby and together with some friends who themselves are 'part-time' anglers will plan for their fishing outing whenever they can afford to take a few days off from their work.

Second Place in the Discovery Anglers Tournament

The conversation below is based on Liborius's fishing experience in the deep sea off the coast of Sabah.

One of the big catches

KKTCom: Where is the fishing spot? (referring to the video posted here)

Lib: I'm not sure of the exact location but we went past Pulau Mengalum (Mengalum Island). So, I would say maybe a few miles away from that island. Pulau Mengalum is on the northwest of Kota Kinabalu.

KKTCom: How many days is the fishing trip?

Lib: We spent 3 days and 2 nights enjoying our fishing adventure.

KKTCom: Where do you hire your boat?

Lib: We have a friend who has a boat. He charges between RM2,800.00 to RM4,000.00 depending on the size of the boat and number of days of the trip.

KKTCom: When is the best time of the year to go for fishing?

Lib: It is usually between May - July when the sea is calm and less rainy. But it is difficult to say now because the weather is becoming very unpredictable. So I advise it is best to check the weather forecast first.

KKTCom: Can you recommend the best fishing spot in Sabah?

Lib: I am planning to go fishing at Pulau Layang-Layang with my friends. I heard there's an abundant of fish in that part of the sea. Other places I've heard are Pulau Mantanani near Kota Belud, and Pulau Tiga (the Survivors Island). There are also other many good fishing spots in Sabah but are less known.

Another big catch - a Red Snapper

KKTCom: Can you share with us some of your best fishing experiences?

Lib: In one of my deep sea fishing trips, I used a small live Baraccuda fish as a bait. We were fishing at night and to my surprise I caught one big Garouper weighing 13kg (shown in the video in this posting). It was very exciting and I had to struggle for more than 10 minutes to pull a fish of that size out of the sea. It was awesome and a very fulfilling experience.


KKTCom: Did you ever participated in any of the local fishing tournaments?

Lib: Oh yes! many from kampung (country) to state level, I have done that. The biggest win I and my angler friends have achieved so far was our participation in the Sabah International Fishing Tournament, which was held in 2010. We were placed third and we received RM5,000.00 cash reward.