Hiking – I
don’t like the word or thing. People ought to saunter in the mountains
– not hike! Do you know the origin of the word “saunter”? It’s a
beautiful word. Away back in the Middle Ages people used to go on
pilgrimages to the Holy Land, and when people in the villages through
which they passed asked where they were going, they would reply “A la
sainte terre”, “To the Holy Land”. And so they became known as the
Sainte-Terre-ers, or Saunterers. Now these mountains are our Holy Land,
and we ought to saunter through them reverently, not “hike” through
them. John Muir.
NEPENTHES GARDEN
Not really a garden but a 700 meter trail up a steep ridge, will take you into a relatively remote and unknown part of Mount Kinabalu National Park. Along this trail, you will be able to marvel at several species of endemic, carnivorous nepenthes or pitcher plants. You will also go past a cave where in the past native hunters have sought shelter - notice the black ceiling, evidence of their camp fires. There is a daily guided tour beginning at 11.30. Alternatively, we can arrange for a private tour anytime you feel like it. Since the garden is located within the national park, park entrance fees will apply; there is also a RM 10.00 per person charge for entering the garden. Allow at least 3 hours for this excursion.
THE MESILAU to TIMPOHON TRAIL
This physically and mentally challenging route will take you from the Mesilau Trail Head up into the wild high-country of Mount Kinabalu National PArk. Be prepared for steep ascends, spectacular views of the valleys dotted with native villages below and still unexplored mountains above. Since there are no restaurants along the way, we will pack a hearty box lunch for you, and also lend you light weight hiking poles, rain gear, and other gesar you might want to use. Bring sturdy walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, insect repellant, flash/torchlight ... and a fair amount of stamina and tdeterminations. Allow 8-10 hours for this soft adventure.
CLIMB MOUNT KINABALU
Do not underestimate this formidable, 4,095 meter high mountain, and plan your climb (physical training and conditioning!) well ahead - six months or more. First, you will need confirmed and prepaid overnight accommodation at Laban Rata Hut from Sutera Harbour Sanctuary Lodges (www.suteraharbour.com). You must present your confirmation to the staff at Sabah Parks who will then issue a climbing permit, insurance, and compulsory guide (one guide for up to three climbers). You have a choice of two trail heads leading to the summit: Timpohon at park headquarters or Mesilau just behind our home; both trails join together higher up to form a single trail to the summit. Allow 6-8 hours to Laban Rata Hut where you will spend a short night in a dormitory. At 2.00 am you and your guide will take 3-4 hours to reach the summit. Whether or not you see the sunrise depends on the weather. You should be back at Timpohon Trail Head around 4.00 pm, with enough time to collect your climbing certificate from park headquarters. We will meet you there for transfer to our home where you will appreciate a long hot soak in our bath tub, a fine dinner, and the best sleep ever! It is possible to climb to the summit and back in one day, without overnight accommodation, and without sunrise. Sabah Parks conditions apply.
BIRD WATCHING
Birds have always fascinated people. Whether common or familiar, or rare and elusive, birds have been ardently studied and watched for their behaviour, their beauty, and the many roles they play in different ecosystems. On Mount Kinabalu, 290 species of birds have been documented. This is well over half the number of species recorded for the state of Sabah (514) or just about half of that for the entire island of Borneo (579). To the birds, Kinabalu is both a home and a valuable stopover destination, for there are 265 species known to be resident within Kinabalu National Park, as well as 33 other species that visit the mountain during their migratory periods. Some 77 of these bird species may be descibed as montane specialists and therefore little seen in other, lower habitats. A visiting ornithologist has identified 12 species of birds at our property alone - in a single day. Among the best places to watch birds is at the Silau-Silau trail at park headquarters, or in the Mesilau region of the park, or even at Mount Kinabalu Golf Club, just past our backyard.
Oh, these
vast, calm, measureless mountain days, inciting at once to work and
rest! Days in whose light everything seems equally divine, opening a
thousand windows to show us God. Nevermore, however scary, should one
faint by the way who gains the blessings of another mountain day;
whatever his fate, long life, short life, stormy or calm, he is rich
forever. John Muir.
GO FOR GOLF
At 2000 meters above
sea level, Mount Kinabalu Golf Course is the highest elevation golf
course in Southeast Asia. The 18 hole, 6,369 meter, par 72 course,
designed by Robert Muir Graves, is a test of physical and mental
fitness, as well as golfing skills.
The signature hole 14, par 3, 142 meters, is
without doubt one of the most spectacular par 3 of golf. The challenge
here is to hit the ball across a 500 foot deep ravine - with Mesilau
East Creek gushing at the bottom - to a miniscule green perched on the
edge of a cliff. The skills will not only require precise calculation
of speed and line, but also of determining strength and direction of
ever changing winds and shifting fod. From tee box to green is a
supension bridge across the ravine.
Facilities: buggy and golf clubs rental, caddy,
club house, snack bar, outdoor recreation area, helicopter pad, WC, hot
showers, resident manager. Plan at least 4 - 5 hours to play the 18
holes.
COOKING DEMONSTRATIONS
Thinking of learning something new? Looking to do
"something different" during your vacation? Then awaken your inner
chef, and go stir crazy in our kitchen! Let us "wow" you with cooking
demonstrations and hands-opn sessions on a variety of subjects. Our
guests love the food we serve, but often believe it is too complicated
to make, or think they have to spend all day in the kitchen to
re-create these dishes. Often in less than one hour, our guests watch
as simple ingredients are transformed into meals that not only taste
delicious, but stimulate all other senses, completing a truly
gratifying culinary experience.
TOTAL RELAXATION
Many of our guests stay with us for only one purpose: total relaxation, Our low stress environment and country living is ideally suited for travelers who seek quiet environment and regeneration of spent physical, mental, or spiritual energies. Some bring their own reading materials; others find literary gems or local interest in our in-house library. some enjoy a daily movie classic in the privacy of their room, often with wine and cheese. Our DVD movie collection contains many international film classics (most with English subtitles). We also have yoga mats and yoga training films. Or you may want to enjoy a relaxing massage at a nearby commercial resort. The choice is yours: do nothing at all, do it all, or do it better!
At 2000 meters above
sea level, Mount Kinabalu Golf Course is the highest elevation golf
course in Southeast Asia. The 18 hole, 6,369 meter, par 72 course,
designed by Robert Muir Graves, is a test of physical and mental
fitness, as well as golfing skills. 
