Get your lungs cleansed at Sabah park
TAMBUNAN: The lush greenery and cool temperatures of the Crocker Range Park is making Gunung Alab one of Sabah’s best “lung cleansing” destinations.
With temperatures ranging from 11°C to 18°C, this place has become an alternative destination for those seeking a temperate climate nature adventure getaway.
Sabah Parks ranger Benidict Joseph Busin said trekking trails from the Gunung Alab substation lead to several waterfalls that provide visitors with a rich “forest bathing” experience – a term and concept used in Japan to mean spending mindful time in nature to improve health and well-being.
There are three waterfalls along its 1.5km trail, namely Kitomoling Sokid, Kitomoling Tengah and Kitomoling Siba.
To reach the Mahua waterfall, you’d need to trek and climb through a 12km trail, passing Minduk Sirung peak that sits 2,075m above sea level, he said, adding that the trail to Mahua substation would take about eight hours.
“Many locals and international tourists have trekked this trail to enjoy the fresh air and nature. There are camping grounds along the trail and some trekkers will opt to camp in the forest,” Busin said.
He briefed state Tourism, Culture, and Environment Assistant Minister and Sabah Tourism Board chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai, who visited the area as part of efforts to open up more tourism products in Sabah.
Busin, who manages the Gunung Alab substation, said visitors could also go on a short tour to learn about orchids at the Wild Orchid Garden managed by Sabah Parks.