INTRODUCTION

Poring Hot Springs, on the southeast boundary of Kinabalu Park area, are said to have been dug by the former Japan Army about 50 years ago. Recently, Poring has been maintained and arranged as a part of Kinabalu Park. Now we can take a bath and walk around the forest in Poring. Many people who have climbed Mt. Kinabalu (also who are going to climb and not going to climb) visit Poring.

49-60 degrees centigrade hot sulfur water from a bubbling spring is piped into many tiled open-air bathtubs. One bathtub can bathe two people, who can regulate the temperature with cold and hot water. There are also a swimming pool with flesh cold water and a locker room. (The photograph on the left shows the swimming pool.)

Visitors can explore trails leading to the forest. The hot springs are connected with the trails near the entrance to Poring. I was interested in suspension bridges among high trees across the forest. They had been built for the purpose of watching birds, butterflies and animals. It is called "Canopy Walk" to cross the bridges. The trails still lead to caves and Lagadan Waterfall. (It takes about four hours.) In 1995, the butterfly-farm was completed in Poring area.