The first time Kathy and I went to Poring Hot Spring, we were only able to hike up to KIPUNGIT Waterfall because we thought our legs will not be able to make it through that additional 2 hours uphill trek to the LANGANAN Waterfall. That was four years ago. Our minds and bodies were not trained as mountaineers yet back then. Fast forward to March 2015, we’re now back in Kota Kinabalu to climb the mountain of our dream! Since we have one day before the climb to relax and arrange our climb permits, we decided to do a bit of exercise and trek that 150 meter falls. And boy it wasn’t just a bit of exercise that we did! Langanan waterfall has a distance of 3.4 km from Poring Hot Spring entrance and on the way you’ll pass by the smaller waterfall (Kipungit), where one can enjoy a Fish Spa. Well, some of them did. I certainly couldn't bear having those tiny fishes touch even a tip of my barefoot. I squealed and screamed. (The horror. Lol. )
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| On our way up :) |
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| Passed by a Bat Cave along the way. |
Anyway, we started our hike past 10 AM and arrived at the foot of the
great waterfall before 1 PM. Even though the hike was more than what we
expected (because there was MORE assault than rolling hills), the moment we stepped
out of that last stretch of the uphill where you can see the sign of the
Langanan Watefall, it was pure bliss. It was the waterfall of my dream when I
used to make up stories in my mind when I was a kid. I’ve never seen a
waterfall that tall and stunning – up close and personal! I have seen the great
Niagara Falls and was only overwhelmed by its strong current. It was impossible
to bathe in it. But this falls! Not only can you view it closely, you can
submerge yourself in the cold waters at the foot of the falls or meditate in
one of the rocks while getting a water spa from the soft spray of the waterfalls.
Mind you, the water was freezing indeed. How could one skip that? Getting there was challenging
as it is so indulge yourself. It will be worth it. Even the trekking shoes of Iloisa gave in.
And we haven't even climbed Mt. Kinabalu yet. (Part 2)
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| We heard the sound of cascading waters from afar and our steps were quicker (even though it was uphill)... and alas, we saw the sign and our breaths were taken away (by the spectacular view and from being out of breath from the hike) |
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| Behold the beauty of this waterfalls. |
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| The water was freezing cold but we don't care! |
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| Dana trying not to freeze :) |
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| The 2015 Kinabalu Team (minus Brian) |
Travel info and advice:
Langanan waterfalls is located inside Poring Hot Spring Resort which is about 39 km away from the Kinabalu Park. Based on wiki, the Hot Spring itself is an open-air and private cabin baths whose water contains sulphur that is known for its skin-curative properties. The natural hot spring is perfect to soothe tired and aching muscles after the long climb up Mount Kinabalu. Our group, however, decided to go here first since we have a one day spare time before the climb. Also, we don't really advice bathing in the so called hot spring pools since it's almost always crowded. There are, however, other "photo-op" spots in the area which might be of interest such as: the Canopy Walk (it's just a bridge, actually. But they require a fee to take a picture or record a video, which is quite ridiculous. So just be ready to take the shot while no one is looking. ^^;) , see the biggest flower - Rafflesia (also, with a ridiculous fee just to take a photo of it. It just looked like Vileplume from Pokémon. Big deal. :P), Butterfly garden, and of course, the small waterfalls - Kipungit. In short, the main attraction is really just the majestic Langanan waterfalls. :) Take note, if you are choosy with food then bring some because there's only 1 small local eatery outside the Resort. This is quite an improvement since there was none before. Also, it is advisable to bring a packed lunch if you decide to do the trek to the larger falls.
Cost/Fees:
Poring Hotspring entrance = RM15.00 / Php210.00
Minivan from Park to Poring = RM28.57 / Php400.00
(leaves at 12 nn)
Enclosed bath = RM15.00 / Php210.00
Day 1 ITINERARY - MAR 14 (SAT)
7:00 AM 2-3 hours travel to Kinabalu Headquarters
9:00 AM Estimated time of arrival at Kinabalu Headquarters. Register/Secure Climb Permits and Guide
10:00 AM Start trek to Langanan waterfalls
1:00 PM Lunch and enjoy free time at the foot of the waterfalls
5:00 PM Arrived at Poring Resort/Wash up
http://www.sabahtourism.com/destination/poring-hot-spring-phs
