Poring

Poring is a small tourist resort in Sabah, Malaysia. Located 40 km south-east of the Kinabalu National Park Headquarters, in the district of Ranau, Poring is situated in lowland rainforest, contrasting with the montane and submontane rainforest of Kinabalu National Park. The name "Poring" comes from a Kadazandusun word for a bamboo species found in the area.

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 sulphuric minerals are reputed to ease aching muscles. The baths are favoured by returned climbers of Mount Kinabalu.

Features

* Butterfly farmHere you will find several species of colourful 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 CentreWith 1,200 species of orchids found with Kinabalu Park, the centre has the largest collection of Sabah's endemic orchids.

* Kipungit WaterfallKipungit 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 friends.

* Tropical GardenMousedeer and other deer are exhibited with colourful birds in the aviary.

* Poring Canopy WalkwayVisitors can stroll amidst the canopy of the Menggaris tree - the King of the Forest. The Walkway is 157.8m long and 41m high.

* AccommodationPoring 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.

External links

* [http://www.sabahparks.org.my/ Sabah Parks website]
* [http://www.arcbc.org.ph/AHP.htm ASEAN Heritage website]