Borneo Island ~ Poring Hot Springs

Poring Hot Springs visitors swimming pool

There are two lovely, cool pools for all visitors to have a swim located next to a comfortable changing facility. Nearby, there are a number of small bathing pools filled hot sulphur water, fresh from the springs. They are located behind wire fencing, so I couldn't get clear pictures of them.

Interior of change rooms at Poring Hot Springs

The interior changing rooms (and restrooms) were quite lovely here at Poring, and typical of the style seen in some Sabah resort spas.

The change rooms have free lockers to stow your packs etc.

The walls are finished in stone set in mortar, and the sinks are fashioned from one long piece of stone cut into a kind of trough.

Be sure to carry water with you -- you can buy more at the gift shop on site. You can also buy fresh coconuts for coconut water. Baby Durian fruits were sold, too, 5 for about $3 USD/ CAD.

Small River at Poring Hot Springs

As you leave the swimming pool and hot springs area, you cross this small river to take the trail up the hilllside. A fenced area near the pools has a butterfly conservatory.

The land around Poring Hot Springs is still fairly low, and it was very hot on this April day. A drizzly rain that broke out in effusive downpours from time to time had followed us most of the day. But here at Poring, just after noon, the sun had come out in full force.

Poring Hot Springs Canopy Walk

The trail leading up the hillside from the lower pool areas is fairly wooded and shaded by the lush, jungle-y growth.

It is also steep enough that cameras are set aside so climbers can concentrate of the task at hand -- getting up to the canopy walk area.

There are three suspension rope bridges to cross, all similar to the one shown here. We crossed, one person at a time, so bouncing is kept to a minimum. Even one fellow, who really didn't like heights, had no trouble getting across. The sides are high, and give a feeling of security.

Sandakan area apartments

These upper apartments, with balconies barricaded, were close by the main street, and were fairly typical of many we passed.

We'd stopped here for a break after the river boat ride in from Libraran lodge where we'd stayed to be closer to Turlte Island.

It was spitting rain still, after early morning downpours. But a nearby restaurant, we were welcome to use the restrooms.

Sandakan street scene

This is the main street where we stopped for a rest break, around the corner from the above apartments.

[Our van is the middle white one, parked in front of a barber shop. With just three guests, including me, and a driver and our cheerful guide, Rose, we had plenty of room to stretch out.]

One fellow on our tour got his hair cut here, and was thrilled with the result, and that it cost him only $3 US.

Coming soon ~ what to pack for a trip to Borneo. For now, see my general travel tips pages here. If you have a question, please ask it in the Comments section below.

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