Tamparuli, Pekan Nabalu, Kinabalu Park & Kundasang

Posted by azuan on Jan 22, 2011 in :: All Posts ::, Featured Articles, TRAVEL | 15 comments

After a good experience flying on Firefly Airlines from KL to Kota Kinabalu, it was finally time for the holiday that I’ve been waiting for so long! A short 3 days 2 nights in Kota Kinabalu. It was a special trip since it was the first time that my wife and I treated my mother for a holiday. Nothing fancy but at least it’s within our limited budget. The most important thing is the quality time spent together with her along with my sister and her friend that tagged along with us.

In order to give fair coverage on these destinations, allow me to share our KK holiday experience in a series of few blog posts.

A) Firefly flight from KL To KK {click here to read}
B) Jambatan Tamparuli, Pekan Nabalu, Kinabalu Park & Kundasang {click here to read}
C) Manukan and Mamutik Islands {click here to read}
D) Kota Kinabalu Seafood Galore {click here to read}
E) Shop till you Drop @ Kota Kinabalu {click here to read}
F) Flying home from KK with Firefly {click here to read}

Once arrived at the airport, we were greeted by our tour guide. Prior to the trip we decided not to do the usual self-driving as the cost difference is not that much and I just don’t feel right to drive at the land of 4WD! We went on to hire a transporter along with a Toyota Unser for 2 days.

Our transporter turned out to be the by far the friendliest tour guide I’ve ever met. Not only he gets us from point A to point B in a timely manner, he also took the effort to recommend and explain each sight that we saw throughout the trip.

Just before we entered the KK-Sandakan road, we stopped at the first destination, Jambatan Gantung Tamparuli!

Jambatan Tamparuli is actually a long hanging bridge which is made famous by the song Jambatan Tamparuli, a popular Kadazandusun song that was also made famous by the beautiful Akademi Fantasia star, Marsya.

Just next to this suspended bridge is another bridge built for motor traffic. I can imagine that this other bridge can easily be flooded during rainy season.

Jambatan Tamparuli was the perfect start for our cam-whoring activities

We continued on the KK-Sandakan road heading uphill towards Taman Kinabalu and Kundasang.

Slowly we can feel the effect of higher grounds. Fresh air replaces air-con and beautiful greenery replaces buildings and offices.

The nature side of Kota Kinabalu is getting more visible

Driving can be tricky and it feels right to be seating at the left seat rather than the driver’s seat. More room for me to play with my camera as well

We made another stop at Pekan Nabalu.

The place is famous for the perfect view of Mount Kinabalu. Beautiful sights that I saw in many photos on the net. Unfortunately Mother Nature has a different plan as the peak of Mount Kinabalu was completely covered by clouds.

It was frustrating especially for me as I really want to capture the view on my camera but it was not a total loss. We spent some time taking photos as the view is still something to cherish

Pekan Nabalu is also famous for local crafts and souvenirs. This is the place to bargain for the best local souvenirs that you can bring home.

From typical keychains, t-shirts and fridge magnets…..

….to traditional items, you can find it all here.

From Pekan Nabalu, a 30-minutes drive brought us to the Kinabalu Park.

Located at the height of 1,585 metres Kinabalu Park is the gateway to Mt Kinabalu and the main starting point for the summit trail that leads to the top of Mt Kinabalu.

A nice place to enjoy fresh air and learn more about Sabah Parks through their exhibition hall located at the entrance.

After the Kinabalu Park, we finally reached the pekan of Kundasang. The Kundasang Market to be exact.

Located at the roadside of the main stretch, this is the place for locals to sell their daily harvest from nearby farms.

You can get anything ranging from fruits, vegetables, flowers, raw honey and local snacks at this market.

I love this… Kerepek Bayam.

We also had a quick stop at the nearby Masjid Jamek Kundasang for prayers. Try the tap water here for a very ‘chilling’ sensation. Hehe

Out of nowhere, the peak of Mount Kinabalu played hide and seek with us.

Kundasang and Poring have many other attractions but we had to leave early to make our way back to Kota Kinabalu as the weather was not on our side.

2-hours later we were back at the city of Kota Kinabalu for a well-deserved rest. A tiring but thrilling day 1 On my next blog post, I’ll be sharing the experience we had swimming with the fish at Mamutik and Manukan Islands.

What do you think? Have you been to these places? Share your views… Tq!

Planning for a trip to Kota Kinabalu? Not sure where to stay? Check out AGODA’s website (click the banner below) for a one-stop comparison of all hotels in KK and other places in Malaysia from budget to 5-star. I am personally an AGODA fan and have saved a lot on my accommodation cost for my travels.