Located within the boundaries of Kinabalu National Park in Sabah, Borneo, the Poring Hot Springs is a recreational complex with a handful of natural attractions. The main draw to Poring, aside from the verdant setting, is the volcanic hot spring which attracts a crowd of locals on weekends and public holidays.
The Poring Hot Springs is the perfect place to relax and recover for a couple of days after the arduous challenge of climbing nearby Mount Kinabalu.
One of the few positive contributions left by the Japanese during their occupation of Borneo, the Poring Hot Springs baths are reminiscent of the tiled public baths found in Japan. Visitors expecting a serene, spa-like setting will be sorely disappointed; the baths can get crowded and are not always the cleanest. Patrons are responsible for changing the water in the rounded individual tubs.
Despite the complaints, taking a dip in the sulphuric, mineral-rich water is a relaxing and therapeutic way to make peace with sore muscles after climbing Mount Kinabalu!
More than just volcanic pools, the Poring Hot Springs is actually an entertainment complex of many small attractions. Each facility operates independently; many charge additional entrance fees on top of the park entrance.
Accommodation at the Poring Hot Springs - once simple and run by Sabah Parks - has been turned over to a private group. While standards have improved, the prices that once made backpackers happy have increased exponentially. Rooms now include cable television, radios, and phones. Budget travelers should inquire to see if the hostel with bunk beds and shared bathrooms is available.
Make reservations in advance by visiting http://www.poringhotspring.com.
Visitors to the Poring Hot Springs are occasionally treated to the rare site of a rafflesia flower in bloom. Famous for their foul smell that attracts insects, the rafflesia is the world's heaviest flower. Rafflesia flowers bloom unpredictably for only a few days each year. The Sabah Parks Office can verify if any flowers are in bloom before your visit to the Poring Hot Springs.
The Poring Hot Springs is actually located within the boundaries of Kinabalu National Park, but only one bus a day runs the 27 miles from park headquarters to the hot springs. The usual way to visit the Poring Hot Springs is via the small town of Ranau - approximately three hours from Kota Kinabalu.
A taxi from Ranau to the Poring Hot Springs takes only 20 minutes, but the tourist-inflated fare is often around $10 each way.
Many people choose to visit Ranau and the Poring Hot Springs when crossing from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan to explore East Sabah. Read more about getting around Sabah.
For more information about the Poring Hot Springs, visit the Sabah Parks Office in Kota Kinabalu or call +60 88-878801.
The Poring Hot Springs is the perfect place to relax and recover for a couple of days after the arduous challenge of climbing nearby Mount Kinabalu.
The Hot Springs
One of the few positive contributions left by the Japanese during their occupation of Borneo, the Poring Hot Springs baths are reminiscent of the tiled public baths found in Japan. Visitors expecting a serene, spa-like setting will be sorely disappointed; the baths can get crowded and are not always the cleanest. Patrons are responsible for changing the water in the rounded individual tubs.
Despite the complaints, taking a dip in the sulphuric, mineral-rich water is a relaxing and therapeutic way to make peace with sore muscles after climbing Mount Kinabalu!
Other Sites at the Poring Hot Springs
More than just volcanic pools, the Poring Hot Springs is actually an entertainment complex of many small attractions. Each facility operates independently; many charge additional entrance fees on top of the park entrance.
- Butterfly Farm: The butterfly farm inside of the Poring Hot Springs claims to be Borneo's first. The farm focuses on conservation and research efforts rather than serving as a tourist trap. Be on the lookout for the Rajah Brooke's Birdwing - Malaysia's endangered national butterfly. Entrance: $1.33.
- Canopy Walkway: Rising over 130 feet above the ground, the canopy walkway allows visitors a chance to see birds and other wildlife that call the rainforest canopy home. The narrow walkway stretches for over 500 feet through the treetops; people afraid of heights should skip this one! Entrance: $1.70.
- Tropical Garden: A small tropical garden houses a few species of exotic birds in an aviary. Mousedeer - the world's smallest deer - can be seen inside. Entrance: $1.
- Waterfalls: Two waterfalls can be visited near the Poring Hot Springs. The Kipungit Waterfall can be reached in 30 minutes, while the larger Laganan Waterfall requires around an hour and a half of walking.
- Orchid Conservation Centre: The 10-acre orchid park is home to the largest collection of orchids in Sabah. Over 500 species of rare and endangered orchids can be viewed inside. Entrance: $3.33.
- Monkeys: Monkeys regularly make appearances around the Poring Hot Springs; even orangutans have been spotted on rare occasion. The center has rehabilitated five endangered orangutans in the past. Read about monkey safety.
Visiting the Poring Hot Springs
- Entrance Fee: Adults cost $5; children cost $3.50.
- Camera Fee: Bringing a camera inside each attraction costs an additional $1.75. Mobile phones are sometimes considered cameras - keep them out of site!
- Open Hours: Most attractions inside of the Poring Hot Springs are open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Food: Restaurants at the Poring Hot Springs are run by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, the same company that manages accommodation. Bring your own food to save money or eat in Ranau where there is more variety.
- What to Bring: Visitors should bring rubber sandals for walking around the pools and proper trekking shoes for hiking to the waterfalls or enjoying the canopy walk. Towels are not provided, bring your own. Smart travelers bring a change of clothes to survive the freezing air conditioning on the bus ride home.
Poring Hot Springs Accommodation
Accommodation at the Poring Hot Springs - once simple and run by Sabah Parks - has been turned over to a private group. While standards have improved, the prices that once made backpackers happy have increased exponentially. Rooms now include cable television, radios, and phones. Budget travelers should inquire to see if the hostel with bunk beds and shared bathrooms is available.
Make reservations in advance by visiting http://www.poringhotspring.com.
Rafflesia Flowers
Visitors to the Poring Hot Springs are occasionally treated to the rare site of a rafflesia flower in bloom. Famous for their foul smell that attracts insects, the rafflesia is the world's heaviest flower. Rafflesia flowers bloom unpredictably for only a few days each year. The Sabah Parks Office can verify if any flowers are in bloom before your visit to the Poring Hot Springs.
- Read more about the rafflesia flower.
Getting to the Poring Hot Springs
The Poring Hot Springs is actually located within the boundaries of Kinabalu National Park, but only one bus a day runs the 27 miles from park headquarters to the hot springs. The usual way to visit the Poring Hot Springs is via the small town of Ranau - approximately three hours from Kota Kinabalu.
A taxi from Ranau to the Poring Hot Springs takes only 20 minutes, but the tourist-inflated fare is often around $10 each way.
Many people choose to visit Ranau and the Poring Hot Springs when crossing from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan to explore East Sabah. Read more about getting around Sabah.
Contact
For more information about the Poring Hot Springs, visit the Sabah Parks Office in Kota Kinabalu or call +60 88-878801.
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