From most itinerary, Sabah Canopy walk and Poring Hot Spring would most likely be the day’s highlights.
For us, it was definitely Kipunjit waterfall (and fish spa!)
On day 5 of our Sabah trip, we spend almost 1 hour in and around the chilling waters, dipping, catching fish or fish spa.
Quick Summary from map : From the entrance (carpark, South of Outdoor sulphur bath tub), we walk North pass Butterfly towards Canopy Walk at “B”. Section “C” was further North, and closed during our visit. After we came down from the Canopy Walk, we headed East towards Kipungit Waterfall.
(Point D) Poring Hot Spring area is about 3 to 4 hours drive away from Kota Kinabalu.
Referring to Google Map below, reference our Sabah itinerary post for point A, B and C.
We drove towards Poring Hot Spring after one night at Kinabalu Park. We arrived at the hot spring, but no dip yet.
(GPS 6.045680, 116.703435)
We do not smell much sulphur, so I guess the spring water is good and not pungent for kids. There are common bathtubs for you to dip your feet or whole body, both genders. However, I am concern that those who come later might be soaking in dead skins from other users (yucks!)
If you have been to Taiwan or Japan’s hot spring, you will not miss anything, otherwise treat hot spring like a novelty.
From the entrance, we had to do a mini hike to reach the famous Sabah Canopy Walk.
Canopy walk, sway left sway right, 40m above ground π
Joking, the sway is minimum, but some “active and cheeky” kids keep on bouncing on the canopy platform!
We were pleasantly surprised than Boon Kang and Boon Xin cross the bridge without much drama π
Boon Kang had already surprised us earlier when we zipline between Gaya and Sapi island.
After the Canopy walk (which took around 20 minutes), we headed inland towards Kipungit waterfall. This was a special request from me, and I was glad everyone enjoyed the cool (actually it is chilling) water, no leeches yeah π
A refreshing way to rub off our fatigue and perspiration.
Area is relative quiet, no changing room or toilet, so change into your wardrobe “tactically”. As with all waterfalls, rocks can be slippery and sharp, do remind everyone to thread carefully.
The fishes are hungry and quickly nibble on our toes. We had one hour of Fun at Kipunjit waterfall.
Video (link) : Fun Waterfall and Canopy Walk
Butterfly Garden is not happening, we recommend you to skip. So few butterflies fluttering around.
Slide pool for our lunch, kids wanted to swim again! Parents decided to chill by the pool side. The water here is not hot-spring, kids just enjoy more slides and water fun. (below 18 yers old, RM1 per person per hour, above 18, RM3 per person per hour)
Back to Kota Kinabalu city, we pop by Amazing Borneo’s fantastic (modern and chic) office before heading off for dinner. Lido Square offers hawker centre style food, we enjoyed some bbq Sabah streetfood.
After so many days, we really miss Singapore’s hawker centre food π
Additional tips about Poring Hot spring surroundings:
– Sabah Canopy Walk – you will be charge RM5 for any photographic equipment (x1 ticket for Smartphone, x1 your camera etc)
– Otherwise, it is relative safe to walk across
– Waterfall – Do not approach after heavy rain as there might be sudden gush of water, be careful of under current
– Hot Spring – always dip your feet to gauge your comfort level (and tolerance first). Most venue will recommend maximum 15 minutes, cool down, before attempting again
– Stay hydrated, we were perspiring profusely in the forest
– Wear comfortable covered shoe, avoid sandals. Path can be slippery and narrow (near to waterfall)
Do pop by our Sabah itinerary and photos below.
– Sabah 8D7N itinerary
– Sabah Day 1 – Street food discovery
– Sabah Day 2 – White Water Rafting!
– Sabah Day 3 – Twin Islands Hopping
– Sabah Day 4 AM – Desa Cow Farm
– Day 4 PM – Kinabalu Park
– Day 5 – Poring Hot Spring + Waterfall + Canopy walk
– Day 6 – Gaya Island Resort – Luxury Villa
– Day 7 – Gaya Island Resort Family Activities
More photos have been uploaded on our Fanpage album :
– Day 1 and 2 – Klagan hotel, White Water rafting
– Day 3 – Water sports, Island hopping
– Day 4 – Desa Cow Farm and Kinabalu Park
– Day 5 – Poring Hot Spring and vicinity
– Day 6 – Gaya Island Resort
– Day 7 – Snorkeling and private beach
– Day 8 – Hiking, Home sweet home
My husband would never agree to go on the canopy walk. He has fear of heights! Great tips for any family wanting to explore Sabah!
Michelle recently posted…Things to Consider While Selecting a Stroller for Traveling
Hi Michelle, just “remind” the kids not to tailgate (and JUMP) from behind :p
Try Macritchie’s Tree Top walk first, more spacious, just see infront and walk π
Your family is always so adventurous – so inspiring! =D I was thinking of going to KK too and NOT climb KK too. Isaiah thought I was a little boliao. =P Looks like it’s a doable trip!
Kless @ The J Babies recently posted…Family-Friendly Hotels In Bangkok: Pathumwan Princess Hotel
Go Klessis! Food is not exceptional, Sabah folks do not really like to talk but everything else was above our expectation.
Island hopping got some clear water and nice corals (comparable to Krabi etc)
(Gaya island Day 6 to 8 was even more fantastic, stay tune)
I think you have cover it all or almost on what to do in sabah. would love to travel there in the future if possible. So many places we would like to go!
Phoebe recently posted…Blossom Beats @ Gardens by the Bay
Yes Phoebe. Our Sabah trip was a big discovery and exploration for us π
Tried so many fun stuffs together as a family.
After reading your post, I realized I’ve never been into a hot spring before! I must put that on my list and hopefully soon! This is an adventure. You are always on a rugged adventure with the family.
May recently posted…of Helmets and Excavators at the Diggersite
Yes to hot spring, May, But please skip Poring (like public swimming pool).
Taiwan and Japan more options π
Yup, my kids are pretty adventurous, but you will be surprised I conquer my fear of height through their “dare”.
(still hate roller coaster though)
I went to KK to climb Mt Kinabalu as a student! I would say it is a must-do really. Amazing experience even if it did push my limits then. I didn’t know KK has so much more to offer though! You sure have an adventurous family π The natural fish spa made me smile!
Mummybean recently posted…A Run On the Wild Side At The Safari Zoo Run
Good for you Vera π
Mount K will always be a challenge, not only the climb but the acclimatisation.
Thanks for sharing such wholesome family adventures in Sabah. The canopy walk, the soak in hot spring and waterfalls….I think every child should get to experience this with their parents! Would be unforgettable experiences to cherish for a lifetime and exciting stories to share with their friends.
Angie.S recently posted…The Majestic Hotel, KL β Luxurious, Timeless, Unforgettable
Morning Angeline, I do hope the kids will not forget the experience too soon π
Among all the activities, the white-water rafting on day 2 was the most memorable.
Did you just get a free foot spa? Lol… I think I would skip everything and just spend all my time eating street food.
Bumble Bee Mum recently posted…Blossom Beats – Sakura (Cherry Blossom) @ Gardens by the Bay Singapore
The street food in Sabah are pretty common, you will enjoy better ZhiChar in SG or West Malaysia π
I really enjoy your Sabah travelogue series!! This is the 2nd post I have read and I still think that Sabah looks really gorgeous and it’s a unique getaway for families.
Jacqualine recently posted…Derm-A-Renew Treatment at Annabelle Skin
Thank you Jacqualine, glad you find our itinerary and adventures Fun π
Wah… they charge for bringing in equipments up the Canopy Walk? I’m already scared of heights… won’t have the energy to snap photos while “crawling” across, haha!
Danessa Foo recently posted…KidZania Singapore Opens April 2016
Always a first time for everything, Danessa π
Hi,
may I know how do you all travel around from places to places?
example: from the airport to the city, from city with 2 hour drive to Desa and Mount KK, etc.? Thank you.
Hi, our package comes with the van.
cheers, andy