If you
are intrigue by a unique national park vacation in Borneo, then you
must not miss out on a chance of a lifetime to catch a closer
glimpse of the mystical Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in South
East Asia. One perfect location where you can do this is at the more
popular Kinabalu National Park. But the other equally excellent
location is at the less known Mesilau Nature Park.
Mesilau Nature Park is located within the Kinabalu National Park
area on the Pinosok Plateau near Kundasang town, about 67 miles or
roughly 2.5-hours drive from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah,
Malaysia Borneo. It is only about 30 minutes by road away from
Kinabalu National Park.
The stretch of the road from Kundasang to Mesilau Nature Park, which
is approximately 6,560 feet above sea level, is extremely steep and
winding but the road condition has improved immensely in recent
times that the ride will be a breeze.
On the way, you will surely be captivated by the spectacular views
of the Kundasang valley with terraced hill slopes planted with
highlands vegetables, and parts of the scenic beauty of the
Kundasang Mount Kinabalu Golf Course, a challenging 18-hole golf
course for avid golfers and undeniably, the highest golf course in
South East Asia.
But once you get to Mesilau Nature Park, you will notice that the
place is more natural and "virgin" than the now "commercialized"
Kinabalu National Park. As the Park lies at the base of Mount
Kinabalu, the mountain will look even more spectacular with a sheer
wall of granite towering a few thousand meters from the virgin
forest floor and ending in jagged peaks. This is the so-called
breathtaking Mesilau Pinnacles.
Mesilau Nature Park is the starting point for the alternative and
more challenging route up Mount Kinabalu. Trek the route up to the
first shelter or two even if you are not planning to climb Mount
Kinabalu. Since the Mesilau Summit Trail is relatively newer and
less crowded than the old summit trail, your chance of encountering
(tamed) wildlife is also brighter. One prominent feature of the
route is the seemingly abundance of orchids such as the
Rhododendrons and pitcher plants.
But to experience the best of what Mesilau has to offer, you will
need to spend a night or two at the eco-friendly Mesilau Nature
Resort, which is nestled amongst the trees at the foot of the
mountain within the Park. The Resort itself is amazing since it was
carefully planned and built to blend into its natural surrounding.
The chalets are on slopes surrounded by trees with the full view of
the Mesilau River flowing below. And for food, the Kedamaian
Restaurant is famous for its piping hot steamboat, and barbecue
dinners if you are staying overnight.
Mesilau will enchant you with its cool temperate climate
(temperatures vary around 62-70 degree Fahrenheit during the day and
50-59 degree Fahrenheit at night) and serene surroundings as a truly
amazing nature’s paradise. The world’s largest pitcher plant, the
“Nepenthes Rajah”, is recorded to grow in abundance here. A guided
nature walk around the Park is recommended and will leave you with
lasting "natural" memories.
Mesilau Nature Park and its Resort is an ideal venue for relaxation
or retreat. The bio-diversity of the flora and fauna found here
makes Mesilau a haven for naturalists. It is one of the best
locations for a memorable national park vacation in addition to the
more well known Kinabalu National Park.
Given the many
nature treks and trails in this nature paradise, Mesilau Nature Park is also a wonderful
location for an unforgettable family adventure vacation or nature
tour.
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About the Author:
e-borneo.com is one of the leading Borneo-based
Borneo Travel and
Trip Advisor
web sites, which also serves as a Borneo travel gateway and tour
intermediary for the best and cost-effective custom/full-package
vacation deals to Malaysia Borneo (Sabah and Sarawak) and Brunei
Darussalam. Check out some of
Sabah
Tourism packages or visit our sister site
Borneo
Tropical Vacation for more information on Sabah.
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