Enjoying Sabah

This weekend we found ourselves in Kota Kinabalu. After a hefty brunch, we set off in our Ford Explorer on a two-hour journey for a river cruise to see the famed Proboscis monkey. We got onto the Beaufort Highway and from there, travelled another 25km through lush greenery to Kampung Garama. Once we arrived, we stopped for a tea break, before starting our journey along the river. 

We cruised slowly down the river while taking in the sights and sounds of the environment.  

We saw some lizards running up the tree trunks and various coloured birds nestling in the greenery. Suddenly, we spotted some movements in the trees and I pulled out my binoculars. It was a family of long-nosed, long-tailed Proboscis monkeys jumping from tree to tree! They looked inquisitively down at us as we gawked up at them.  

Spectacular Mt Kinabalu

The Proboscis monkeys are an endangered species and are found only in the island of Borneo. The males have a large protruding nose. The purpose of the large nose is unclear, but it is suggested that it is used to court the female species. The pot-bellied creatures live in groups of 10 to 32 and are considered shy animals.  

We tried to entice them with leaves and branches while they continued to stare at us. Obviously, they were used to visitors’ silly antics as they studiously ignored our overtures of friendliness. We spotted a little baby with its mother under a small tree. After a while, the mother got tired of gazing at us and made a bounding leap up into the trees and disappeared from view.  

Towards the end of the cruise, we spotted a herd of water buffaloes bathing near the riverbank. Females weigh up to 800kg while males weigh in at 1,200kg. They are known to be very defensive creatures so we kept a respectful silence as we passed them. We did not want to risk a cold plunge into the river if these animals were to attack!  

As we reached the end of our journey, we were treated to a spread of local cuisine amidst the lush vegetation. As we dined, we were enchanted by the flickering lights from the fireflies and the off-note music of the frogs. It was indeed a beautiful end to a well-spent day.  

We rose early the next day to a breakfast fit for a king; there was a spread of Western and local treats to satisfy our appetites. After a quick breakfast of Nasi Lemak, we scurried on to our next adventure: Kinabalu Park.  

As we drove on the Tuaran highway, we passed small towns and villages on the way to the Kundasang Valley. After two hours of scenic driving, we reached Kinabalu Park.  

Poring Hot Springs

We were equipped with our raincoats, insect repellents and good walking shoes. As we stepped out of the car, we could feel the cool and refreshing mountain breeze. We also got our first glimpse of Mt Kinabalu, the highest mountain in South-East Asia. After much thought, we signed up for the guided nature trail. 

We walked through the park, ooh-ing and ahh-ing in unison. We were amazed with the variety and size of the trees, array of wild orchids and brightly coloured butterflies. According to the guide, the Kinabalu Park boasts 4,500 species of plants which includes 1,500 species of orchids, 77 of which are common to Kinabalu. The park also supports 289 species of birds and 290 different types of butterflies.  

After our trip through the depths of the park, we jumped onto the tour bus, which took us 47km away to the Poring Hot Springs. During the ride, the guide told us that the sulphur hot springs provide a therapeutic bath.  

Upon our arrival, we headed for the Japanese Baths. As we got in, we could feel the balmy heat of the bubbling water and its soothing healing powers. After the short but exhilarating soak in nature’s bathtub, we changed and headed for the canopy walk. 

The canopy walk lifts you up 41m and offers a spectacular view of the rainforest flora and fauna. The forest canopy was constructed high up in the trees and is used by scientists to conduct research on the plants and animals. We saw many insects, birds and different types of plant life. As invigorating as it was, all good things came to an end and it was time to depart. We packed up to return to the hotel. With a heavy heart, we bid adieu to our stint with nature.  

This article is brought to you by Ford Malaysia.