A Complete Guide to Having the Best Time on Your Poring Hot Spring Trip
There are stressors in life that get too much that even your usual massage or hot bath at home can’t fix. We know the struggle, and you’re not alone. It’s no wonder Poring Hot Spring is one of the top tourist spots lately.
Known for its therapeutic hot springs, caving, and breathtaking sights, Poring Hot Spring is a must-visit for those with aching joints and tired souls. The beauty of the place and the kindness of the people there will surely refresh you.
So if you’re looking for a break, a romantic trip idea, or your family’s next destination, we made this guide just for you!
Where is Poring Hot Spring
Poring Hot Spring is located east of Mount Kinabalu, southeast of Kinabalu Geopark. It’s located in the district of Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia.
You can find the hot springs in the Poring Hot Springs Complex, which is situated between Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan.
How to Get to Poring Hot Spring
Poring Hot Spring is a 3-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu. If you’re booking the trip through an agency, they usually offer transfers to Poring Hot Spring. However, if you’re planning on DIY-ing your trip, there are also some commute options.
By bus: You can ride a bus or minivan when traveling from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan, but make sure to have them drop you off at Ranau.
A bus ride is usually the more comfortable option, but you’ll have to pay the full fare to Sandakan even if you’ll just get off at Ranau.
Once you get to Ranau, you’re only a 20-minute drive to Poring Hot Spring. You can either ride a minivan or book a ride-hailing service. Another option is to simply ask your accommodation if they have a transfer from Ranau available.
Best Time to Go to Poring Hot Spring
The best time to visit Poring Hot Spring is from February to April and from July to September. These are the months that the weather is typically drier, which helps you maximize the activities you can enjoy on your trip.
What to Do and See in Poring Hot Spring
Savor a relaxing soak at the hot springs
– Media Credit: catblackphoto
Operating Hours: Monday-Sunday (8:00 AM-5:00 PM); Last Entry: 3:00 PM
Cost:
- Slide Pool Fee/ person/ 3 hours (Malaysian): RM 3
- Slide Pool/person/ 3 hours (International): RM 5
- Open bathtub Fee: RM 10 (Subsequent hours will be RM 10)
- Enclosed Bathtub (Deluxe): RM 35
- Enclosed Bathtub (Standard): RM 25
- Lockers: RM 5/day
You can’t go to Poring Hot Springs without having a luxurious time soaking in its hot sulphur spring bath. The hot water from the springs is coursed into open-air tiled baths and indoor bathtubs.
Aside from helping you unwind, the mineral-rich waters are also thought to improve skin conditions by reducing inflammation. Hot baths here can also help soothe aching muscles, which is why people who hiked Mount Kinabalu come here to relax.
Bring your best swimsuits and make sure to have lightweight clothing you can wrap around yourself while moving around the bathing area. For convenience, they have changing rooms and lockers to store your things.
Aside from the hot baths in tiled pools and tubs, they also have normal slide pools popular among the younger visitors.
Pro Tip: The private tubs are worth the price if you want uninterrupted “me” time. The hot springs can get quite crowded, especially on weekends.
Bravely conquer the Canopy Walkway
– Media Credit: suterasanctuary
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM-3:00 PM
Pricing:
- Entrance (Malaysian), aged 18 and above: RM 5
- Entrance (International), aged 18 and above: RM 10
- Entrance (Malaysian), children: RM 3
- Entrance (International), children: RM 8
Aside from the hot springs, Poring is also known for its lush foliage and rich biodiversity. You’ll get a bird’s eye view of that through the Canopy Walkway, which is a collection of rope and steel cable suspension bridges that wind through the crowns of strong trees.
The height of the Canopy Walkway reaches around 43 meters above ground. It’s not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. It takes approximately 30 minutes to walk from one end to the other.
You’ll need lightweight clothes, water, your balance, and your sense of wonder when you go on this walkway. It may be intimidating at first glance, but rest assured that the walkway is very secure. As long as you’re following the rules, you’ll be okay.
Plus, the view is just amazing. Ever wondered what birds see when they fly from treetop to treetop? You’ll get a glimpse of that here.
Pro Tip: Wear sturdy, high-quality footwear with a good grip when you do this activity. This will make it easier for you and a lot safer for your feet, too!
Enjoy the view of Kipungit Waterfall and Langanan Waterfall
– Media Credit: tompinai_
Kipungit Waterfall is just a 15-minute walk from the hot springs, making it a convenient yet exciting addition to your itinerary at Poring.
The waterfall is about 10 meters high and surrounded by a rainforest, making it a beautiful backdrop for photos or a family picnic.
You can also swim here. The water is cold but not disturbingly so; it’s a great way to cool off after your time in the hot springs or after a long walk.
Another waterfall found near the area is Langanan Waterfall, which stands at an impressive 120 meters in height. It’s the tallest waterfall in Poring.
Unlike Kipungit, which is accessible on foot, Langanan will take you around 2 hours to walk.
Register at the ticket counter before heading off, and ensure that you reach Langanan before 2 PM, in time for the cut-off.
Pro tip: Bring anti-leech socks with you before you walk to Langanan Waterfall.
Spot rafflesia at the Adenna Rafflesia Garden (if you’re lucky!)
– Media Credit: clairey_356
Operating Hours: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, daily
Contact: +60 19-801 1602
This is not guaranteed, but depending on your chances, you might be able to see Rafflesia in person at the Adenna Rafflesia Garden. It’s very rare to see because it typically blooms for just seven days after growing for about 6-9 months.
It’s the largest flower in the world and is known for its smell, similar to that of rotting flesh. This scent attracts flies, which aid in its pollination.
Pro Tip: The best way to check if a rafflesia flower is in bloom is actually through word-of-mouth. You can also ask your tour guide.
Where to Eat and Drink in Poring Hot Spring
Poring Station Restaurant
– Media Credit: travelkudos
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM-5:00 PM, daily
Contact: +60 19-308 4903
This place offers the full local experience with delicious homemade cooking. Whether you want simple Mi Goreng or stir-fried vegetables, it’s a good place to visit. The staff are friendly and the food is reasonably priced.
Rainforest Restaurant
– Image Credit: suterasanctuary
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM-8:00 PM
Rainforest Restaurant has great outdoor seating, tasty Western Asian dishes, and local desserts. The portions are hefty, and the food is very filling. The only con is that the food can be quite expensive, but with food this great, it’s worth it.
Koktas Kalibambang Restaurant
– Media Credit: kalibambangporing
Operating Hours: 7:00 AM-4:00 PM, daily
Contact: +60 11-5333 1024
It’s so convenient because this restaurant is near the Poring Gate. They serve delicious curry chicken rice, ginger onion fish, and tom yum soup. They have a wide range of dishes to choose from, including fresh seafood!
Where to Stay in Poring Hot Spring
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges
Contact: +60 17-833 5322
Sutera offers different kinds of accommodation options for varying budgets and kinds of travelers.
Here, there are two Palm Villas that can accommodate six people each. These are perfect for families, having three bedrooms and bathrooms, a common toilet, dining area, pantry, and even a living area to lounge about.
The River Lodge, which is slightly smaller than the Palm Villas, can only accommodate four people. The rest of the available rooms are just good for solo travelers or couples. The packages will just vary based on bed size.
If you’re on a budget, they also have a hostel-type accommodation with twenty slots. It has a common bathroom and living area. The place is clean, and there are fans to keep you cool during the hotter months.
Kinabalu Poring Vacation Lodge
Number: +60 12-829 6923
Kinabalu Poring Vacation Lodge offers family rooms with private bathrooms and air-conditioning. The rooms are fully equipped with a refrigerator, a television, a dining table, and a work desk.
There are other convenient facilities as well, such as a shared kitchen and a mini market. This is great if you’re on a budget and want to save on food costs.