Blogs from Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia, Asia

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Asia » Malaysia » Sabah » Ranau September 23rd 2022

We then spent the next 2 nights at the Poring hot Springs- we knew what to expect. Built in WWII for Japanese soldiers, the hot springs are a series of outdoor tubs with taps dispensing sulphur water. I just dipped my feet it, and then me and Bill set off for the butterfly farm where we saw a few butterflies and enjoyed the air conditioned indoor exhibit, and then we set off for the canopy walkway which is the highest in Sabah. To our chagrin, more stairs!! We climbed approx 43 metres up to the canopy and walked the 4 rocky canopy walkways amongst the lush trees and just looked at the views, it was pretty great! After lunch, we had a beer and headed back to the hotel so I could get a much needed ... read more
Canopy walkway
Rafflesia flower
Pygmy Elephant on wildlife cruise

Asia » Malaysia » Sabah » Ranau March 27th 2016

Ranau 24-25 March 2016 Our hotel in Ranau offered a wholesome breakfast after our big Mt Kinabalu climb. We were all nursing sore quads, hamstrings and calves. Several were really struggling. It took me longer to get out of bed, trying to get the muscles going. We all found it better to walk down stairs either backwards or sideways. We had to laugh at each other. However, the exhilarating thought of our achievement was still high in the mind which helped (mentally) overcome the pain. We were staying in the middle of suburbia so were waken up at 4.00am by roosters crowing and dogs barking. Oh the variety travel offers!!! We were looking forward to a day around Poring and Ranau. First we visited the Sabah Tea Plantation and Factory. We had a jovial guide to ... read more
Poring Hot Springs - 4 baths per hut
Poring Hot Springs near Ranau - our bath which we filled with thermal water
Walking backwards down stairs with very sore legs from Mt Kinabalu climb (2)

Asia » Malaysia » Sabah » Ranau April 2nd 2015

The rape of the rainforest Do you buy cheap biscuits or Doritos products from Tesco and processed food? The chances are that you are contributing to the demise of the rainforest and it's creatures! Sadly there is no primary rainforest left in Borneo - apart from an area in Temburong National Park in Brunei which we plan to visit later. Oil palm plantations Since 1970 much primary and secondary rainforest in Sabah, Sarawak and Kalimantan has been cleared for oil palm production which is the world's most productive food crop producing up to 10 times more oil per hectare than sunflower seed, soybean or rapeseed. 85% of the world' s palm oil is grown in Malaysia and Indonesia and it's rapid expansion has devastated natural habitats and reduced bio diversity. This says it all According to ... read more
Bunches of oil palm fruit
Secondary planting on terraces.
Massive logs awaiting uplift by purchaser

Asia » Malaysia » Sabah » Ranau March 31st 2015

Jungle Adventure Our real adventure begins. It is organised by a tour company which specialises in adventures off the beaten track. Carole is good at researching interesting places off the tourist trail. We read the Lonely Planet for advice. Sun cream, mozzie repellent, leech socks, a set of wet clothes which never dry properly, a set of dry clothes stored in poly bags and waterproof bags to keep our cameras, iPods and iPads dry. A 10am pick up at a local cafe in Poring. We meet our guide Michael (from Edinburgh!) and Alson, his Malaysian brother in law, our driver. We head for the supermarket for our choice of food for 3 days. Mainly veggie meals as it is difficult to keep meat although we did eat chicken on the first evening and oats, coconut milk, ... read more
Rainforest sunrise
Bottom saver.
Pangolin, flying lemur, slow loris & tarsier

Asia » Malaysia » Sabah » Ranau February 4th 2014

We spent the night of 3 Feb 2014 at the long house on the Sabah Tea Plantation. I say spent the night as I don't think anyone slept much as it was hot and stuffy. The long house had been sectioned up into rooms (unlike a proper family long house) and although there were no rooves air flow was at a minimum. The bamboo floor was very springy so during the night trips to the toilet block bounced all the beds as people walked by. As is often the way the toilet block was very interesting late at night for those interested in insects and I was fascinated to see a Praying Mantis as well as some lovely moths - Sian was not so fascinated!! There were loads of dead mosquitoes on the floor and the ... read more
Mount Kinabalu
inside the long house
our accommodation inside the long house




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