Previously, guest could cook if they stay at lodges that comes with a kitchen and that was what our family used to do whenever we stayed here every few years since 30 years ago. In fact, I distinctly remembered my mother packing a wok for one of our family holidays here back in the 1980s!
The drive up to Kundasang was uneventful for us.
There were some road construction going on but it was basically alright, and news of “tanah runtuh” (landslide) or “jalan putus” (no through road) are no longer common headlines as it was years ago.
However, the drive can be pretty challenging as some stretches are very winding. So if motion sickness is a problem, sit at the front or get the sickbag ready – both my seasoned roadtrippers daughters have no problem at all (of course it helped that they napped most of the way…)
As you get nearer to the park (1500+ metre above sea level), usually you’d get mist and it is nice when you see that your car thermometer registers a 21°.
We reached Kinabalu Park early afternoon after lunch at another nearby resort, Fairy Garden Resort (about 5 km away from the Park), which serves excellent food and very busy with tour groups.
It was drizzling when we arrived. Checking in was a breeze and maybe because the accommodations at the park are now managed by the Sutera Harbour Resort, the front office staffs were very well-groomed in their attitude (“Welcome to Sutera Sanctuary Lodges!“) and presentation (very airline-stewardess-like). This was never an impression made by the place before this and I was impressed.
There are several types of accommodations here and our family has stayed in most of them except the two-bedroom Nepenthes Lodges (RM310) which was relatively a new addition. One of my brother who’s the usual organizing committee member for the annual Climbathon event knows this park well – down to the point of knowing which lodge to take (and which to avoid).
These were actually views from the entrance of our first Lodge
And the Nepenthes Lodge that we finally moved in to was great. This lodge comes with a kitchen but since cooking is no longer allowed, all it has was a fridge and coffee/tea making facilities.
The only gripe I have with this place is their water tap system. In both the toilets (except the shower tap) and kitchen, you’d get two taps; cold and hot. So you get either very hot water (when the heater is running) or extremely cold water. Washing is done at the very minimal here…
Views from outside our balcony and living room
Besides Mt. Kinabalu, which by mid day is usually hidden by clouds, there is something else that I simply love about this place and which is the reason I prefer this place rather than the Pine Resort (which is my husband’s favorite).
Our lodge was the one on the right
Because you are practically surrounded by jungle. No unsightly sights of farms or villages which is what you’d get at most of the other Kundasang resorts.
On our first evening, we attended the Christmas Eve mass at Bundu Tuhan, a small village down at a valley and it was lovely to attend a Christmas Eve mass that was not stifling hot nor over crowded (of course we did arrive an hour earlier).
They had nice decorations and I was pleased to go to a church where mismatched outfits (think jeans and corduroy, together) raised nobody’s eyebrow. But it was fascinating to see two funky girls; one with a gorgeous-I-wouldn’t-mind-having-them-myself boots and another with a faux fur coat. I repeat, FUR COAT!
Actually they looked fabulous – except that they looked totally out of place.
Early the following Christmas morning – before 6 a.m. to be exact – while I was snug and cosy in bed, I heard a commotion among my family. It didn’t bother me until, fortunately, I heard my mother told the others to bring the chalet key because they are leaving and I was still asleep.
I had to force myself awake because ALL of them were up and ready to leave the house for a morning walk!
It was NOT even 6 a.m. mind you!
But of course, this was the best time to capture the reason why we wanted to stay here in the first place.
The majestic sight of Mount Kinabalu – as close as you can be without actually scaling it.
So there we were, outside in the cold. My daughters, being the morning persons that they are, happily posed for any photographer.
A German family who rented the next door unit told my father that they were going up the mountain. And as we walked together to the Liwagu Building, I could not help but notice their strange climbing gear. My sister who was suffering from internet withdrawal spotted the laptop bag too but actually wondering if the man knew of any wifi spot!
Imagine climbing with those loads!
My brother told me that there are folks who regularly climbed the 1700+ metres to reach Laban Rata (the last stop point) for meals – which supposedly takes around 3 to 6 hours.
We non-climbers had to be satisfied with the Balsam Cafe, which was actually a lovely near-2-km walk with many interestings sights along the way such as a field covered with spiderwebs thick with morning dew – beautiful!
The only slight challenge was the last 100m uphill walk which my mother of the I’ve-climbed-Trusmadi had fun laughing at some of us who struggled breathlessly.
So this was where we had our Christmas breakfast.
Our next itinerary exploring Kundasang roadside market and hot bath at Poring!
The roads there has been under construction since forever! Awww.. but I miss it there. I haven’t visited Kinabalu Park since ages ago.
After viewing your picture, I told myself I want something different for 2008 Christmas.
Mimi
Dazeree : I agree! There will always be some stretch that is under construction. Kinabalu Park is one of my favorite place in Sabah.
Mimi : Christmas at Whistler perhaps
wah..i never spend Christmas elsewhere than home, i mean going for a holiday on the 24th and 25th.may be because of the parties we have here..
Hey Jewelle. I still remember my younger days climbing Mt Kinabalu.hahaha. Things have changed over the years… But this post is terrific. Good guide to plan in the near future.. to take my boys for a few days stay at the Park..
Deana : I know, parties are nice but it’s also nice spending it with just your direct family where there are not stress of having open houses, visiting etcs
Senor Pablo : Welcome home! You definitely have to bring the boys there – although they might wanna bring their PSPs. Book early.