Kinabalu – Kundasang – National Park and Heritage

We decided to make a trip to the Kinabalu National Park located some 6,000 ft up Mount Kinabalu and about a 2 hours drive out of the city in a district called Kundasang. Shaffik got a map, the children ready and excited and off we went leaving the hotel at about 9.00am. As usual traffic was heavy in the city but once we were out in the country road traffic became less and less but there were more heavy vehicles for us to overtake as we go along. The road up the mountain was winding, slow single lanes up and down, with heavy vehicles slowing us further.

The mountain rose beyond the clouds and noticed a waterfall cascading from way up high, shimmering white, giving the impression that the clouds had cascaded down in a single line to the bottom. I had my camera, took some pictures, but they did not come out right for lack of light, distance and improper positioning. Imagine, green, grey and brown, a myriad of colors covering and blanketing the mountain sides and somewhere there was a wide streak of white flowing down the side in a cascade. It was a beautiful sight. Even the kids asked what that was.

We moved on up the mountain road overtaking the slow vehicles now and then and overtaken by faster vehicles now and then. Many agricultural activities on the mountain sides, as there were rows and rows of vegetables being planted and ‘green houses’ dotting the undulating fields. Little huts and makeshift stalls dot the roadsides too displaying various local agricultural products on sale. They were very cheap, even cheaper than those we saw in KK dry market.

The sun was shining and the air cool when we arrived at the park. We had to pay a conservation fee at the entrance, a minimal amount really if it was for conservation of the park and the forest. We drove around the park to make one full circuit before parking the car. As it was close to lunch time and the children were already hungry we stopped for lunch at a café serving dishes of local vegetables. I checked out the surroundings, the toilets and took a peep into the kitchen; they were clean, an indication of a well managed café. The food was good and the rates charged were very reasonable. The café was located on a slope with overhanging patios. We chose a seat on the patio. The view was breathtaking; the cool air invigorating and combined with the aroma of food being prepared in the cafe hunger began to take charge. We ordered our food. The portions served were large but all of us, including the kids, finished all the food. It must be the environment and the cool air that stimulated our gastro activity.

After lunch we walked along the roadside, following the circuit route that we drove around earlier, and stopped now and then at various buildings along the way where there were various displays connected to the park and mountain activities. There were also hostels, hotels, lodging houses and chalets available for rent. We checked and they were all full. Apparently reservations were months ahead. There were marked trails and jungle trekking routes for the more adventurous and for those who prefer to trek higher up the mountain guides, were available. I was told that a guide is a must for those who wanted to go higher. There are two more stations, one at 11,000 ft. and the last one at 16,000 ft. reachable only on foot!!

The route we walked through was nicely landscaped and appeared properly maintained. It was nice, relaxing and pleasing to the senses. However it could have been better if there were no cars passing by us every now and then. I am not against the cars going by but when the cars emit smoke when going by that was obnoxiously nauseating!! And when every third or fourth car that passed by emit smoke from their exhausts, thick black ones too when they ‘struggle’ uphill, that defied and nullified the pleasures of enjoying the cool mountain air!! It would be better if the park management had provided shuttle services around the park, at nominal charge of course or maybe built into the entrance fee, and not allow private vehicles into the site, something like electrically operated buggies or a park train or anything similar. That would have made it more pleasant.

We visited the Heritage Museum and display of available flora and fauna in the mountain region. We took time, at a relaxed pace, to enjoy the facilities provided, and also admire the beautiful and peaceful surroundings. While walking around we could hear the sounds of the jungle and imagined the ‘unheard’ of the mountain. We saw what was to be seen and also imagined the ‘not seen’. It was a very pleasant afternoon but it ended too soon. The time came for us to leave the place and reluctantly did so.

We left at about 4.00 pm and stopped at one of the cluster of stalls selling local produce, vegetables and fruits mostly. Ram and Mini just could not resist buying in bulk simply because they were very cheap and fresh too. I love salads and fruits and there were plenty to eat for the next few days!!

Half way downhill rain started to fall. Lucky enough for us we had sunshine while we were at the park. The children slept almost all the way. It was dark by the time we reached the hotel in KK. We had dinner in our rooms, yes plenty of fresh salads and fruits, and then tucked the children to sleep. A little later we went around the area and the nearby shopping malls to see the going-ons as it was the 23rd, two days to Christmas. It was already 9.00 pm but the place was still crowded with people. After about an hour going around the mall we returned to the hotel for an early night as we had a long journey to make the next day. More on this later……….

MKI Ramblings Unlimited
Petaling Jaya