Poring Hot Spring

Developed by the Japanese during the WWII, Poring Hot Spring is a nice place to relax your body, especially after hiking Mt Kinabalu ❤

• Opening hours varies from 8 am to 2/3pm (for the last entry), everything closing at 4pm

• Located ~40 km away from Kinabalu Headquarters, many hikers do this detour after hiking Mt Kinabalu to relax their body and relieve the muscular pain. It takes about 1h by car and there's no public transportation, but many tours include this stop on the tour

• The baths aren't very nice to be honest. But if you decide to go, there are inside and outside baths to choose from, which are available at an additional costs apart from the entry ticket of 50 RM (or "free" if you already went on Mt Kinabalu as you already paid the national park fee)

•  There is a small pool with cold water as well if you decide the hot water is not for you

• Apart from the hot springs, there are several other things to do in the area including a canopy walk which takes about 1h to complete (not for the fainted heart), a rafflesia garden (but there is rarely a flower in bloom), an ethnobotanical garden, a butterfly garden, a bat cave, and two waterfalls (Kipungit and Langanan).

• If you decide to stay overnight in the area there are several accommodations to choose from (the cheapest one, dormitory, starts with 30 RM per night). If you need more details and suggestions drop me a message.

• On the way to Poring hot springs you may notice some signs with rafflesia flowers. You should stop and check as there may be some flowers in bloom. Rafflesia is the biggest flower in the world and it cannot be planted, so finding one is truly a blessing for the eyes. • Kinabalu Park is the first established national park of Sabah and Malaysia's first world heritage site designated by Unesco in December 2000

• The flora of Kinabalu Park (where the Hot Springs are as well located) is one of the richest and most diverse in the world, with a high level of endemism. It is actually home to many species of plants, mammals, birds, some of which are endangered or vulnerable

• If you're looking to discover more of this amazing national park, looking for some adventure or just want to be alone on a trail for a few hours, Poring hot springs has a nice trail for you.

• While Kipungit waterfall is close by and relatively easy to reach, Langanan waterfall is only for the well equipped hikers as it's not an easy or relaxing trek. It is located 3860 metres from the entrance, it may be slippery if it rained and there are leeches as well! I got a few myself, one actually bit me and I had to remove it by pulling it out, which made me bleed for a while. I had to use a cream with antibiotics to ensure it won't get infected. So be prepared with long socks and a lot of repellant spray on, or wear leeches socks. But once you reach the waterfall all the pain will be forgotten. A majestic view, a serene atmosphere, a remote place. This route is not much transited especially during weekdays, so let somebody know where you are heading for safety reasons. Get a lot of water and some snacks too. But most important, get ready for the adventure. Keep your eyes and ears wide open and embrace nature. Hidden treasures can be discovered If you look deeper into the forest.

More info, photos and videos on my insta iuliaalexandraciobanu