2024 Ranau Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in November)

Mount Kinabalu - Heaven on Earth ; the best view comes after the hardest climb

#traveldiaries #malaysiatrip #closetonature #100waysoftravel Mount Kinabalu — the highest mountain in Borneo and Malaysia. With an elevation of 4,095 metres (13,435 ft), it is the third-highest peak of an island on Earth, the 28th highest peak in Southeast Asia, and 20th most prominent mountain in the world. Known worldwide for its biodiversity with plants of Himalayan, Australasian, and Indomalayan origin. It is one of the world's most important biological sites for its rich diversity.

Mount Kinabalu: A Challenging Yet Rewarding Adventure

#hikingtime #100waysoftravel Hiking Mount Kinabalu is undoubtedly a challenging but rewarding experience. The trek, which typically spans two days, demands physical endurance due to its steep inclines and high altitudes. However, the stunning sunrise views from the summit and the diverse flora and fauna along the trail make the effort worthwhile. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the peak is unparalleled, offering breathtaking vistas and a profound connection with nature. For adventure enthusiasts, the journey up Mount Kinabalu is an unforgettable achievement.

Dream island self-driving trip, a full experience of Malaysian island style

Want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and find a peaceful island paradise? A self-driving trip to the islands in Malaysia will take you to experience the dreamlike island scenery and experience the miraculous craftsmanship of nature. Here, you can dance with fish, sleep with corals, and enjoy an unforgettable island vacation. ⭐️Route recommendations 🚩Sabah→Kota Kinabalu→Tawau→Semporna 🌼Daily schedule DAY1: Cow Ranch-Kamiyama Park-Kamiyama ATV-Boring Hot Spring DAY2: Mermaid Island—Kawa Mangrove—Firefly Ecological Base DAY3: Pearl Island-Madabuan Island DAY4: Bang Bang Island-Mataking Island 🌸The total journey is about 850 kilometers, and the recommended travel time is 4 days. It is suitable for sea view lovers and water sports enthusiasts. 💖Overview of attractions ✔️ Kinabalu Park: Malaysia’s first world natural site and the highest mountain range in Malaysia, with the highest altitude exceeding 4,000 meters. It has an extremely rich variety of animals and plants. Some flowers, plants and trees have a history of hundreds of millions of years. There are more than 100 kinds of orchids alone. Here you can not only get up close to the cows on the ranch, but you can also soak in the beauty hot springs and experience exciting ATV and paragliding. ✔️Kawa Mangrove: One of the must-visit tourist attractions in Sabah, Kawa Mangrove is one of the three largest mangroves in Kota Kinabalu. Due to its late development, it retains a intact original ecological environment. You can watch the endangered proboscis monkeys. It is famous for its tidal flat sunset. It is recommended to go to the nearby Nanamon Beach in the evening to enjoy the most beautiful sunset in the world, and then go to the starry sky at night to enjoy the sea of ​​fireflies. ✔️Pearl Island: Also known as Bohai Dulang Island and Sleeping Beauty Island, it is an atoll lagoon formed by a volcanic crater. There are stretches of coral reefs along the southern edge of the volcano gate. This is the only mountain climbing route in Semporna. When you reach the top of the mountain, you can overlook the breathtaking gradient glass sea. ✔️Bang Bang Island: One of the most beautiful islands in Semporna, with blue water houses and white sand beaches, as well as tranquility and beauty comparable to the Maldives, it is an ideal paradise for travel vacations, honeymoon weddings, and diving trips. The ecological environment here is excellent, the water is clear and calm, and if you are lucky, you can even meet sea turtles and snorkel with them. ☀️Malaysia’s island scenery has always been world-famous. If you are an outdoor expert or want to enjoy a leisurely holiday on the island, feel the undulating waves ringing in your ears, and experience fish and colorful corals snorkeling right in front of you, then go You might as well choose this self-driving route, the dreamlike Semporna will never let you down. #trip # Self-driving # Car rental # Self-driving tour

Scenic Dining: Liwagu Restaurant

#winhkflight Liwagu Restaurant at Kinabalu Park offers a culinary oasis amidst the stunning natural beauty of the UNESCO World Heritage site. With its panoramic views of Mount Kinabalu and the surrounding landscapes, it's the perfect spot to enjoy a meal while marveling at the breathtaking scenery. The diverse menu features both local and international dishes, catering to various tastes and providing nourishment for adventurers exploring the park's trails. The relaxed ambiance and friendly staff create a welcoming atmosphere for diners. Conveniently located within the park, it's an ideal place to meet fellow travelers and share experiences after a day of trekking. Overall, Liwagu Restaurant is a must-visit destination for those seeking delicious food, remarkable views, and a memorable dining experience in Kinabalu Park. Hope to win flight to Hong Kong and hike the mountain ⛰️

Follow my footsteps: Malaysia (Eight)

Malaysia·Asia Mount Kinabalu On the way back to the hotel, I chatted with the white-haired Chinese old man. Their taxi company also provides a chartered service to the sacred mountain, 450RM, which is almost the same as the one contacted online, so I asked him to come to the hotel at seven o'clock the next morning. At six thirty in the morning, the famous Fuyuan near the hotel finally opened. Before setting off to watch the proboscis monkey firefly sacred mountain, the temptation of Mount Kinabalu, which is as high as 4095 meters, is particularly great to me. The morning wind carries a cool feeling. It takes about two hours to leave Yabi. The car starts to go uphill in the bend. The large clouds slowly spread in the pine forest, gather in the mountain concave, and the flowing beauty makes me excited. I said to the driver: I want to take pictures of the sea of clouds, and he slowly brought a kind smile: There are many above, many. The car is estimated to be about a kilometer away, the white clouds are still lingering at the foot of the mountain, the mountain situation begins to appear, there is no possibility of a sea of clouds above, my regret, for a long time to come back, with his Chinese level is not he simply do not know what is called the sea of clouds? These sceneries are nothing strange to him, and the sea of clouds? The car continues to move upwards, thick dark clouds begin to gather and roll, the peak is hidden in the clouds from time to time, the sun is hidden behind the mountain, the nearby mountains present a green-black color, reaching the viewing platform at 1500 meters, except for the nearby pink mandala swaying in the wind, the peak is already in the deep clouds. On the other side of the mountain, a fully armed team is heading towards the top of the mountain. I have been muttering for a long time that the registration has not been realized. To climb this highest peak in Southeast Asia, you need to make a reservation about three months in advance. Along the way, you can see from the tropical rainforest at the foot of the mountain to the cold needle forest on the mountain top to the shrub on the top of the mountain. This huge and ancient plant gathering place has become one of my wishes. At this time, a small squirrel magically appeared, she suddenly jumped to the railing of the viewing platform in the pine branches, her eyes were shining at me, the girl was rare, said she was hungry must be hungry, she took out her treasured chocolate bar, I broke a little biscuit layer at the end, sure enough, this little thing quickly held up with both hands, small mouth chewing like flying cute, eating and flying charming eyes, and then shyly ran to the side to continue eating, I held the camera left and right to follow, the girl was even more excited, even the military brother took off his hat to let her in. When her other little friend called from the tree, she quickly climbed up, the clouds and mist came up, you can hear their happy running. When we arrived near Poring Hot Springs, it started to rain in the sky, and the Chinese food in Dongling Restaurant made us feel at home. Most of the people in the hot springs are locals. They all wear clothes and go directly into the hot springs. The colorful clothes make this place surrounded by green plants full of brilliance. On the island of Donggong Abdul Rahman in the future, the girl and I went directly into the sea, then wet and waited on the shore to the dock speedboat for a round, the clothes were dry. Along the mountain path, we walked deep into the mountain, the slope began to increase, the lush branches and leaves covered the sky, there were sporadic raindrops falling, the feeling of hot and stuffy, the military brother was a little breathless, the road ahead was still far away, the military brother hesitated a little, I suggested to accompany him down, he let us go first, said if not, just go down, then call us, but when we arrived at the entrance of the rainforest suspension bridge soon, the military brother came up, he still did not give up this rare trip. This longest rainforest suspension bridge in the world is built between huge trees, with wooden boards two feet wide and a net on the side, about forty meters above the ground. We have not yet set off, a little girl walked backwards, with the help of security, pulled a big locust from her foot, looking at the girl's somewhat frightened eyes, we helped her apply insect repellent water, but as soon as she stepped on the shaking suspension bridge, she shrank back, this is the rain gradually increased, looking up, fine water arrows fell from the green leaves full of eyes, the sound of brushing slowly spread... Only six people are allowed on the bridge at a time, the people blocked by the rain on this suspension bridge slowly increased, under our encouragement, the girl took the first step, the suspension bridge looked far away, a misty rain, the clouds rose in the distance, the surrounding leaves were green and shiny, before the fifth section of the suspension bridge was finished, this wonderful journey has made the girl reluctant to stop, and another little girl went back and forth is another round trip.

Should you climb Mount Kinabalu?

Yes you should! Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in South East Asia and it has one of the most beautiful view that you can ever imagine. The climb require averagely physically and mentally fit person and it takes about 2 days to reach up to the top. The climbing hiking starts from Timpohon gate at 6am in the morning and 6-8 hours of hike to Laban rata hill camp. After staying a night in Laban Rata, climbers are required to start the next climb as early as 1-2am. So that the ascend could arrive at the summit by 6am to catch the sunrise. Bear in mind, always climb safely and do not attempt to do funny things at the top as there have been fall cases and climber loses their life. So should you climb mount Kinabalu? YES! you must. #awesomepic #tripblazers

Conquering Mount Kinabalu!

Climbing Mount Kinabalu was a test of both physical and mental strength that I will never forget. From the very beginning, the odds seemed stacked against me. The flu had left me feeling weak and fatigued, and as I ascended higher, the symptoms worsened. AMS with its nausea and dizziness, added another layer of difficulty. Not being the fittest person in the group, I often lagged behind, struggling to keep up with my buddies. The steep and rocky terrain of the mountain was relentless, demanding endurance and determination I didnt know I possessed. Every step was a struggle, but I was determined to push through. Despite the hardships, the breathtaking views and the camaraderie with the fellow buddies kept me going. The sunrise from the summit was a reward beyond words, and the sense of accomplishment was overwhelming. My climb up Mount Kinabalu was far from easy. However, it taught me that determination and sheer willpower can overcome even the most challenging cicumstances. It was an experience that tested my limits and left me with a profound sense of achievement and appreciation for the beauty of the natural world. #adventure #hiking #mountain #mountkinabalu

Kedamaian River Rafting

When it comes to white water rafting in Sabah, most people have heard of the exiciting Kiulu and Padas experiences, but only a select few are in on the thrilling secret of the Kedamaian River rafting in Kota Belud. Its like a hidden gem waiting to be explored! Here we came, having embarked on a weekend adventure with jusy about a 2 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu city. Graded 1-2 and was moderately adventurous and relaxing, spanning about 10 kilometers in length. The water was crystal clear and refreshing cool as its flow from the Mount Kinabalu. The experience here was an absolute blast! #trip #adventures #rafting #holiday #fun

Misty town with Mount Kinabalu view

Such a wonderful place to visit before die! The cold weather and mist are both makes your vacation even more memorable! Fascinating view of Mt. Kinabalu are the best out of the best. We woke up 5.30am for those views which we never regret for. *The journey from Kota Kinabalu to Kundasang will take about 2 hrs 30minutes if you drive by car. *Above photos were taken from Jabez Resort, Kundasang Sabah #sabah #kundasangtrip #vacation #mountkinabalu #coldweather #sabahtrip

Kinabalu Park

A very popular tourist attraction in Sabah, Malaysia. The air here is very fresh and the temperature was very cold. Make sure to bring thick clothes as I am sure you will feel like freezing when being around here. The view of mount Kinabalu was so mesmerizing. The are some guide provided if you are interested to climb the mountain. Surely a very nice place to visit when you are in Sabah! #travel #2023travelwish

🛌 Laban Rata Guesthouse at Mount Kinabalu

#wecreate Located at 3,272 meters above sea level, Panalaban is the final pit stop before ascending to the summit of Low’s Peak on Mount Kinabalu. There are several accomodation choices at this midhill pit stop, but the largest has to be the Laban Rata Guesthouse. 🏨 This Guesthouse provides climbers with comfortable lodgings, hot showers and hot meals served buffet style. 💦 Free water is provided from the tap. Remember to fill your bottles up before lights out at 8pm, it can get quite dark downstairs! 🍝 If you have a special diet (vegan etc), the friendly chefs will happily serve separate dishes to cater to your needs. However, ala carte food & drink prices are very pricey here. 💡 My suggestion is to book a 2 night stay at this guesthouse. You'll get more time to recharge your body before making the descent, and a extra climbing window as buffer, just in case of bad weather. #mountkinabalu #kinabalunationalpark #sabah #panalaban #suterasanctuarylodges #malaysia

Sky biking in Ranau Rabbit Farm

Skybiking in Ranau Rabbit Farm, Ranau, Sabah is an experience that will leave you breathless, both figuratively and literally! Picture this: you're suspended high up in the air on a specially designed bike, pedaling your way through a sky-high trail, surrounded by lush greenery and stunning mountain views. The wind rushing past you, the sun on your face, and the thrill of adventure coursing through your veins. It's an experience that is sure to get your heart pumping and your spirit soaring. Here's some tips: make sure to wear comfortable clothing that is suitable for outdoor activities, follow safety guidelines, be prepared for weather change, take breaks and enjoy the moments. #mytripvlog #skybiking, #Sabah, #Malaysia, #adventure, #outdoorfun, #mountainviews, #thrillseeker, #bucketlist, #travelgoals

Kundasang Mount Garden.

I think everyone know about attraction that Kundasang has. I just want to share this nice place yo stay if you want to holiday in Kundasang. As usual if you want to get here just google map it. The area is so clean and well manage. They have big house, room and also RV to rent. You also can camping here. Be mindful if you are driving up to the parking area be extra careful cause the road is quite steep. So far KMG also one of my favorite plce to stay in Kundasang.

AMAZING HILLTOP VIEW!

⛳️ Sosodikon Hill, Kundasang A must go if you’re planning to visit Kundasang. This place have the clearer views of Kundasang and reveal a spectacular view of Mount Kinabalu (depend on the weather). Worth the hike for sure. Trekking trail was not difficult, just a short one but would recommend proper shoes. Tips: An early morning hike are preferable as the mount will be more clearer around 7.30am-9.00am. Extra information: 1. Fee: RM5/person 2. The road quite extreme and steeped. Just be careful and drive safe. Provided: 1. Parking space 2. Toilet 3. Shop ( To buy drinks or foods) #sosodikonhill #Sosodikon #sabah #kundasang #mount #mountkinabalu

BREATHTAKING TREETOP WALK

One of the most placed you should go if visit Ranau Sabah is their Poring Hot Spring. By drive, its takes almost 3 hour to arrive this place. Suggest to reach this place as early as you can cause parking slot is limit and hard to find but still can park outside or along the road by your own risk. Ticket for entry is RM5 for canopy. High of the canopy from the ground level is 43 meter and the track is almost 1 hour to be done. Opening hour start from 8.00am till 5.00pm for every single day. Please wear proper attire and shoe as you gonna be sweat and step on wet land. #awesomepic #valentinescape #mytripvlog #tripblazers

Desa Dairy Farm

Here you can enjoy more benefits and experience at Kota Kinabalu Sabah Here is at Kundasang, which is the place named Dairy Farm Little did you know, you can have an experience like New Zealand only in Malaysia! See the unique cows that looks a like with oversea cows! What an amazing view and best place also deal at heree Enjoyyy there also a lot of other place in Kundasang that you can go too

Mini New Zealand in Malaysia

Just like my first post, Sabah is my favourite place to travel . I won't get bored even I went there many times. For all of you who are about to visit Kundasang,Sabah, never ever missed to visit Desa Cattle Dairy Farm at Kundasang. The view there is very magnificient. As you can see the mighty mountain. Nobody will never love the view there. The best time to visit this place is at 8 am. Don't wear thin cloth because temperature here is a bit low. Don't forget to try their yogurt ice cream, I love natural with oreo topping, seriously can give you happiness. Cake, bread, pizza, all of the food that related to dairy product you should try. Everytime I went there, I never missed to buy their coffee. There's several activity you can do here. You may feed the cow with milk or grass . The entrance fee here only Rm5/person. My suggestion here is do come here in the morning. Thats all I want to share with all of you. Thank you for reading.#2023travelwish #mytripvlog #tripblazers #mountainview

Desa Farm Kundasang, Sabah

#newyearadventure #desafarm #kundasang #sabah Desa Farm is located at Jalan Cinta Mata Mesilou, 89308 Kundasang, Sabah, Malaysia. It offers amazing beautiful scenery on the Kinabalu Mount and cold fresh air like at the mini New Zealand of Malaysia. Desa Milk is very popular in local cow milk industry, which most Sabahans, Sarawakians, and even Malaysians growing up drinking fresh milk from Desa Dairy Farm. The Farm is about 2.5 hour drive from the city of Kota Kinabalu.

KINABALU PARK

The mountain located in Ranau District West Coast division sabah. National Park is another side for close up view of the kinabalu mountain. The national park is a heritage site and offers hiking trail, botanic garden, lodge for stay and snacking place. If you are not climbing the mountain or interested in bird watching there is nothing much for visitors to do. Rm3 entrance fee for Malaysian. #sabah #mytripvlog

Moowing with a view

Went here for the second times and I'm still in love with this place. This is a very nice place with beautiful view to enjoy the cattle from afar and up close they’re roaming freely within the fenced up meadow. Also one of the few places to see the real size and black and white colored cows in Malaysia! The view with mountain backdrop is marvelous when the sky is clear during good weather. The weather here is so cool with the fresh air. There is also ice-cream made from the fresh milk from the cattle. Do try their gelato, it fits perfectly with the vibe and weather there. However, it is too crowded and rowdy with tourists to enjoy the beautiful scenery. The area is huge with alot of activities such as calf and goat feeding as well as cow milking. The entrance fee is just rm5 per person. Overall, it is reasonably a good place to visit in Kundasang for a short few hours. This place is almost a 3 hours driving from KK. #sabah #kundasang #kinabalu #summervacation #desadairyfarm

POLUMPUNG KOTA BELUD

About 2hours drive from Kota Kinabalu if there's no traffic jam or roadwork. Some are might be misty and as reach the place few dogs and cattle would chill out on road so be careful. The river overlooking the majestic view of Mount Kinabalu by 10am plus the mountains would shy away and cover itself with thick clouds. This pace is run by few families and keep place really clean. There's ample of parking space. Now one thing I don't like the river is rocky painful to the feet also the river is very shallow. Weekend is crowded with people. #sabah

RAFFLESIA FLOWER KG PORING SABAH

Only one rafflesia was blooming at the time of us visit the quantity relies on the weather conditions as the staff was told. How to know whether it is blooming or not? At entrance you will find the banner was hanging out by park that flower is blooming. Blooming by 7 day alive only. You cannot touch flower or seat next to it is forbidden but you can take pictures. Some time there are few flowers blooming same time. The entrance fee a bit pricey RM20. #sabah #travel

DESA DAIRY FARM KOTA KINABALU

Definitely a must place to visit when you come to sabah. Went there with all excitement until we saw a notice saying that the barn is closed due to biosecurity issue. It was ahuge disappointment for us especially we travelled. It could better if they can update the kind of issue in their page or Google.Now ticket you need to book online and limited visitor per day. You can choose morning or evening sessions. Great scenery with Mount Kinabalu background. Don't forget to get the gelato and fresh milk from their shop. #sabah

please come to this place! the yogurt very nice. feels like in Switzerland but this one can called “Malaysia swiss 😜” the whether very nice, feeling like oversea people. but swear its fantastic. must go to this place when you are flying to kota kinabalu.

📍 Mt. Kinabalu, Sabah

Mt. Kinabalu - The highest mountain in Borneo and Malaysia ⛰️ Its my second time climbed Akinabalu and I still cant get over how breathtaking and beautiful the scenery was 🤎 We started at Timpohon gate and climbed to the resthouse (Panalaban) which was around 6km uphill hike. took me 5 hours 🤣 After we had a good rest, at 1:30am we continued to climb from resthouse to Sayat-Sayat checkpoint (arrived around 4am) and then to the summit (arrived 6am). get enough training and it will be easier to climb 🤭 Take your time and enjoy the view. After the climb, you will surely gonna miss it and might repeat again #mountkinabalu 😎

Highest mountain in Malaysia! Gunung Kinabalu

have you ever reached peak of Gunung Kinabalu? if not, you better make it. Its now or never!😆 make sure you are fit enough! be prepared! #kinabalu #sabah #gunungkinabalu #highestmountain #nowornever

NEW ATTRACTION IN KUNDASANG

Sosodikon Hill is one of the top attractions in the small rural town of Kundasang. It has an ideal location and an altitude of 1465 metres for splendid views of the surrounding valley and the looming giant, Mount Kinabalu, on a clear day. Once on the viewing platform, you are treated to a breathtaking 360-degree view of the rolling Kundasang hills, farmland and, if you’re lucky, Mount Kinabalu. so beautiful view in kundasang. You must try reach here…walkway.#spooktaculartrip #cuticutimalaysia

Kinabalu chick inn

Lets us coming here.. Mount kinabalu.. Claimbing the mountain.. If u want to planing come here.. Just book early via online or tour company.. But dont forget to wear some warm cloth becoz here so cold... Cold like ice.. Very cold.. N if raining its very cold n cold.. I like jere i can forget my stress n coming wth nature like baby.. Huhu.. Wth hubby.. Tht heaven to us haha..... #spooktaculartrip

it was a great experience . kundasang it a must place to visit . love the weather, food & people there . definitely will come again . #sabah #kundasang

Sosodikon Hill, Kundasang

Still in Kundasang, Sabah 😁 Now we go to Sosodikon Hill, one of the tourist attraction in Sabah. Wonderful 360 degree view of Kundasang with Mount Kinabalu. Trekking up the hill was not difficult but would recommend proper shoes. This is not really a challenging trek so even if you are fat, you still canclimb. The view is very pleasure up there, especially when you climb in the morning (6am) because you still can see the Mount Kinabalu very clearly. For those driving to the foothill of Sosodikon, parking is available but if you are there at a peak time then parking may be a bit tricky. The access road to Sosodikon is also a bit of a bumpy ride. I forget how much the entrance fee but it's affordable (below rm5). Overall worth it! #awesomepic#tripblazers#staycation#urbanexplorer#mytripvlog#bucketlistreboot