Sabah is one of the place with highly abundant species of flora and fauna in the world, and the forest is much more older than the Amazon. For nature lover,visiting Ranau is a wise decision because they can enjoying nature and at the same time they can spend time with few activities. Ranau is one the district that offer many great views of Borneo. It is situated in highland of Sabah. It's easy to get to Ranau, only 2 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu (KK) by bus or other public transport.
Here are some places to visit or do in Ranau:
1) Kinabalu Park, Kundasang
- Starting point for climbing Mt. Kinabalu via Timpohon trail
- Conservation Fee for Malaysian is RM3
- There are also few chalets provided
- Other than mountain climbing, visitor can also enjoying the nature by jungle trekking
2) Kundasang Town
- A small town where you can found many accommodation; homestay, chalet, hotel etc
- The popular vegetable stall where you can buy vegetables, flower etc at reasonable price
3) Kundasang War Memorial
- A historical building facing Mt. kinabalu
- Excellent place to take pictures
- Entry Fee: RM1 (Malaysian)
4) Desa Cattle Farm, Kundasang
- Famously known as 'Malaysia's New Zealand' because of the hilly surrounding and majestic Mt. Kinabalu as background.
- As far as I know, this is the largest Cattle farm in Sabah.
- The cattle is different from the common cattle breed in other places in Malaysia.
- Learn how milk processing in the facility and see the milk extraction process (3-5 pm daily)
- Entry fee :RM5, Student RM3 (Malaysian)
5) Mesilou Nature Resort
- You have to bring 4WD or high cc car to get to this place because it is quite stiff...last time I went with some friend by Exora, all passenger have to get out from the car only then can the car going up the sloppy road.
- Another starting point for Kinabalu climbing.
- They provide chalet to stay overnight but for me its quite pricey...
- Conservation Fee: RM3 (malaysian)
6) Paragliding
- if you like extreme sport then you must try this
- Take off site is at Ranau Sport Centre (just before the junction road to Poring from KK-SDKN highway)
- Contact Captain Haznain (BorneoParagliders) to make a reservation before flying
7) Poring Hot Spring, Ranau
- other than hot spring, there are also Canopy Walk, waterfall, butterfly farm and orchid farm.
- chalet also provided
- conservation fee: RM3 (malaysian)
8) Sabah Tea
- activities to do in sabah tea including; picnic, hiking, factory tour and team-building
-they provide accommodation for those who want to enjoy and relaxing in nature like longhouses or chalet
-if you are looking for a wedding ceremony place, then you can considere sabah tea, the view is fantastic!
- no entry fee required
9) Kg. Luanti Fish Massage
- it is a great experience with the fish massaging your feet.
- Entry fee is RM5 and photography is also charged for RM3
10) Pekan Nabalu
- before end up you vacation, grab something as souvenir for friend and family in pekan nabalu.
- you can choose variety of product ; keychain, t-shirt, bangle etc
There are some other places to visit but for now I guess these are the only places I can share which I have knowledge of...
PS: One conservation fee for Sabah Parks can be used in all Sabah Parks. Eg. If you already paid conservation fee at kinabalu park, don't throw away the ticket keep it as it can be used at poring and mesilaou too...but only valid for the same day ^_^.
