Saturday, August 13, 2011

Poring Hot Springs - Spa sojourn at foot of Mount Kinabalu

Shops at the entrance of Poring Hot Springs

Mamut River

Natural beauty of the tropical forest

Suspension bridge across the Mamut River

Open bath tub

Main source of the hot springs

Photos courtesy of and Copyright to Risyia Lee and Brunei Press Sdn Bhd.



By Risyia Lee

Our drive from Kota Kinabalu to Poring Hot Springs in Ranau took us about three hours during which we travelled across the Mount Kinabalu lowlands.

Poring Hot Springs is 40 kilometres or 25 miles from Kinabalu Park Headquarters where climbers begin their ascent of Mount Kinabalu.

It is believed that millions of years ago, Mount Kinabalu was an active volcano. And today, Poring Hot Springs is the only evidence of this occurrence.

Every year, over 150,000 people visit Poring Hot Springs. "Poring" is the Kadazan word for bamboo.

After passing the entrance, you walk deep into a tropical forest to reach the hot springs. Along the way, you cross the Mamut River along a suspension bridge.

Visitors are strictly forbidden from taking away any of the area's flora or fauna.

Poring Hot Springs covers an area of 1 ¼ hectare and the hot springs' water temperatures range from 49°C to 60°C. The main source of the hot springs is so hot that it can boil an egg.

During the Second World War, the Japanese ordered prisoners to develop the site and build Japanese-style wooden hot tubs. Now, they have been replaced with tiled pools and tubs.

There is a large open bath tub built near the main source of the hot springs as well as indoor bath tubs, "slide" pool and rock pool.

The hot water of the hot springs flows in pipes into the tubs. A tap which provides cold water is also located at the side of every tub.

It is believed that this hot steamy water can cure any skin problems.

Beyond the hot springs, there are two jungle tracks that take you to a 100-metre high waterfall.

Other attractions at Poring Hot Springs are Butterfly Garden, Canopy Walkway, Ethino Botany Garden, Rafflesia Research Centre, Tropical Garden, Bamboo Garden, Orchid Conservation Centre and Poring Conservation Centre.

As for accommodation, there is a 75-bed hostel there. The prices range from RM46 per person per night to RM380 per unit for the Rajawali Lodges.

There is also a restaurant near the pools known as the Jungle Restaurant.

If you go to Porings Hot Springs, don't forget to buy a memento at the souvenir shop located near the pools. At the entrance, there is also a row of shops selling souvenirs, as well as local handicrafts and fruits.

Courtesy of Borneo Bulletin Weekend
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