Sulphur springs
Hot water to ease muscles after the climb.
CEphoto, Uwe Aranas — CC BY-SA 4.0 · shankar s. from Dubai, united arab emirates — CC BY 2.0
A small resort in lowland rainforest within Kinabalu Park, about forty kilometres from the headquarters, known for sulphurous hot springs said to ease tired muscles, which is why Mount Kinabalu climbers head here after coming down. The name comes from a local word for a kind of bamboo that grows in the area. The hot water is gathered into open tubs and private enclosed ones rented by the hour, and there is a slide pool children love. Above the forest runs a canopy walkway strung between the treetops tens of metres up, the highlight of the place, with short trails to nearby waterfalls. Entry is about fifty ringgit for foreign adults and twenty-five for children, with the canopy walkway about ten ringgit extra. An open tub costs about ten ringgit for the first three hours, a private enclosed tub twenty-five to thirty-five ringgit an hour, and the slide pool about five. It is about three hours' drive from Kota Kinabalu, so it is best paired with the Kinabalu Park headquarters in one day. Nearby villages have private gardens that show the giant Rafflesia flower when one is in bloom, for a separate fee. The private enclosed tubs suit families and anyone wanting privacy.
Hot water to ease muscles after the climb.
Bridges between the treetops above the forest.
Nearby gardens show it when in bloom.
Ranau district, about 40 km from the Kinabalu Park headquarters
Yes: the private enclosed tubs are rented by the hour and give full privacy, unlike the mixed open tubs. Book early on holidays.