Jalan Sabah Bah! Part 3

With the trusty Saga and a tank full of petrol, we headed to the highlands. The trip to Kundasang was supposed to be roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes...on a good day. Google Maps or Waze did not take into account the possibility of getting stuck behind a very SLOW lorry. For the 1st quarter of the journey, the road was decent with most of the stretch having 2 lanes. Once you get past Tamparuli, the road can get messy. It's riddled with potholes and we were stuck behind huge lorries most of the time. Furthermore, I wouldn't be doing radical manoeuvres in a rental car. I really wished I had my CRV at the time.

Snail's pace

Still happy :)

We reached Kundasang around noon and stopped by Mount Kinabalu Visitors Center. The conservation fee was RM 3 per adult. There are a whole lot of other fees if for climbers such as permit fees which is RM 100. Accommodation is provided and varies according to budget. I stayed at the dorm with a few others back in 2002 and it was a wonderful experience. We were on a budget then, and the place provided enough amenities and comfort for climbers on a budget. However, the place was not as cold as it used to be. It used to be very very cold, or sejuk sampai ke tulang, even though my fat natural insulations were really thick!

Brrrr....cold!

Mount Kinabalu covered by thick fog

Mount Kinabalu Trail map

After having some packed lunch (prawns from the previous night),we headed straight to Kinabalu Pine Resort. Kinabalu Pine Resort is a famous spot for travellers. It is a well managed place, and affordable. For RM 240 per night, we stayed in a spacious chalet with a balcony and King size bed. Dinner and breakfast is provided. The food is certified Halal too. Our unit had a view of the valley. Units facing a Mount Kinabalu cost more.

The Balcony

A decent TV

King size bed

There is also a mini rabbit farm within the resort complex. Its not big but it kept Alyssa happy. A walk around the area is really pleasant, especially at dawn and dusk.

After a short break, we set off for Desa Dairy Farm. This was an accidental destination. We were trying to find our way to Poring Hot Springs but stumbled upon this place. The Saga struggled to climb the steep hill up to Desa Dairy Farm. To make it worst, the tarmac was riddled with potholes. I don't know how a Kancil will manage. 

This place will make you feel like you are in a Dutch Lady commercial. Unlike typical Malaysian cows, the cows here are the black and white type (I don't know the name of the breed). The grass was green like the meadows in the commercials. Its a working farm and visitors can see how cows are milked. Its not a slaughter house though, so its very "People Who Are Obsessed With Animal Rights" friendly. You can get up close to calves and feed them too. Somehow, Alyssa was terrified of cows. She wouldn't even come close to the enclosure. Even at home, she would run away if we showed her these pictures.

Clinging on for dear life!

Really close up 

Feeding area

Next stop was Poring Hot Springs. The journey was supposed to take less than an hour. It was raining and traffic was bad. We were stuck behind slow lorries most of the time and the road was slippery. By the time we reached Poring, it was already dark. I didn't think it was safe to venture into the forest with a baby at that time.

Rates

Park layout

I expected Kundasang to be chilly at night but it was barely cold. Nevertheless, the air was fresh. After dinner at the resort's cafe, we just relaxed in our room. The balcony was a great place to relax while enjoying a warm cup of hot chocolate, perfectly made by my darling wife :) It was a joy!

Dinner: Fried Vegetables, Chicken Soup, Chicken and squid dish

Chilling out

Tasty hot chocolate