Poring Hot Spring & Nature Reserve (Poring Hot Springs)

While you can hire a car to visit, many prefer a Poring Hot Springs day trip from Kota Kinabalu, which typically includes a round-trip transfer that allows you to focus on the scenery rather than the road. Excursions usually combine free time at the springs with a guided hike in Kinabalu National Park, which sits in the shadow of Mt. Kinabalu, one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia.

• A standard admission ticket grants you access to the springs, hiking routes, and butterfly garden; the treetop canopy walkway and butterfly garden charge an additional fee. There’s also an additional charge for cameras.
• Swimwear is essential if you want to soak in the springs. Don’t forget to bring a towel and a change of clothes, in addition to sturdy shoes and insect repellant if you plan to hike.
• You'll find a restaurant and restrooms at Poring Hot Springs.
• Uneven surfaces and an abundance of steps mean that the complex is inaccessible to travelers with limited mobility.

Located 77 miles (125 kilometers) from the center of Kota Kinabalu, Poring Hot Spring and Nature Reserve (Poring Hot Springs) is a 2.5-hour drive. Shared minibuses depart from the main KK terminal once full and drop you off outside of both the national park entrance and hot springs. Or, take a guided tour with included transport.

Poring Hot Springs is opening daily from the morning until early evening. If you plan on taking one of the hiking routes, leave plenty of time to get back to the park entrance before sunset.

Poring Hot Springs is home to several nature trails that vary in difficulty and duration. The shortest route leads to Kipungit Waterfall, at the bottom of which is a natural pool home to fish that offer a free pedicure. If you want to continue to the Bat Cave and colossal Langanan Waterfall, you need to sign a register before embarking on the moderate hike.