Sights and experiences to enjoy in Sabah

Mt Kinabalu seen from Kota Belud

Walking or driving around in Sabah, the Land of the Sacred Mountain brings many pleasant surprises and constant discovery for visitors. I like the driving part. A friend and I once drove from Kota Belud to Ranau and then to Sandakan, and I loved every moment of it.

I especially like the gigantic trees along meandering roads, intermittently dotted with villages surrounded by small patches of tapioca, yams and sweet potato gardens under shades of various types of fruit trees and flowers. Such quaint sights. They never fail to enchant me. I always gush 'its like going home!'

My village, Kampung Bambangan Inanam in the 1950's and 60's was like that, I recall...sadly. Now its just rose-tinted memories.

Anyway, a drive towards Kiulu in Tuaran is such a place where you will be able to see sights of local villages in its quaint settings. These settlements seem to be part of the greeneries and forests. Of course there are big ultra modern houses there too, but the more traditional settings are more interesting.

The destination in this area should be the Kiulu White Water Rafting, at Kg Pukak, which is recommended for those who want a moderately adventurous and relaxing trip.

Slow walks with many pauses should be the order of the day when visiting the Kinabalu Parks, in Kundasang, one and a half hour drive from Tamparuli.

This beautiful piece of botanical paradise covers an area of 754 square kilometres and encompasses Mount Kinabalu.

There are several trails at this park that are recommended for those admire the diversity of nature. Morning walks are commendable as this is when the invigorating air is crisp and clear. Early birds and nocturnal animals hurrying home are a wonder to behold. And then the treat of looking at the peak of Kinabalu slowly being lighted by the morning sun is of course a definite plus.

Drive on a bit and you will come to Kg Nalapak, Ranau where the Sabah Tea Garden is. This is where your Sabah Tea comes from.

Anyway, its beautiful surroundings are an experience for walkers. With its beautiful backdrop, Mount Kinabalu, walking along the trails available there is just an experience not easily forgotten.

Walking on the trail towards the peak of Kamunsu Hill is a good experience as the jungle is pristine. The trail is also used in the Sabah Tea Adventure Race, a few years ago.

Kundasang Township

The Sabah Tea Garden offers a getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life, while allowing one to see how tea is processed.

And then, of course there is Mesilau, Kundasang. This is a beautiful spot to walk around and enjoy the flora and fauna. Walk along the stream there and look at the plants there.   About 2 kilometres from Kinabalu Park; it is home to pitcher plants and wild orchids and various types of ferns.

The Mesilau Trail, alternative to the Summit Trail, should be enjoyed as this is where nature at its best can be seen and felt. You don’t have to go all the way up if you can’t, for even the few hundred yards towards the summit trail can be invigoratingly intense.

However, if you are not too familiar with the terrain, a guide is recommended.

Before you leave Kundasang, walk around the Kundasang War Memorial. This site was established in 1962 and has undergone a few face-lifts since then. It commemorates the Australian and British Prisoners of War who died in Sandakan and during the infamous death marches to Ranau during World War II. The memorial also remembers the people of North Borneo who risked their lives to help the POWs.

There is a beautiful garden there and a pool. They call it the Contemplation Garden and Pool, an apt name for a sombre place where one can think of the atrocities of war and the pledge to have no more war.

From this area, drive towards Kota Kinabalu and go through a road towards Kota Belud District, the hometown of the Bajau ‘cowboys’ whose claim to fame is in their rearing and handling of horses.

The drive towards the township is very interesting where the road cut through forested hills and hillocks, with quaint villages and bubbling streams rushing by.

The atmosphere is peaceful and tranquil, the villages along the road thriving as they always have since long time past.

The quaint and lively little town of Kota Belud is very interesting if a bit clustered. There is a tamu held there weekly and some people go to this town  just for the tamu.

The best feature there however will always be nature, the river and the people.

From Kota Belud, you can return to Kota Kinabalu passing by Tuaran, Telipok, Menggatal and Inanam along the way. Or you can go from Kota Belud, to Kundasang, to Ranau and then to Sandakan. Coming back you can go from Sandakan to Tambunan and then Keningau and then back through the Crocker Range, to Kimanis Papar and then back to Kota Kinabalu. No contest for the wild side there!

Whatever decisions you make...just enjoy!-AV