Kinabalu Highland Experience

Sabah is the easternmost state of Malaysia and is situated on the northern part of the Island of Borneo. Located south of the typhoon belt, this state is called “The Land Below the Wind”, and is an idyllic place where people can cycle around and literally feel which way the wind is blowing.

Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in the Malay Archipelago with a height of 4,095m, and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

We hopped on the pick-up truck before riding at the foothills of Mount Kinabalu.

Tun Mustapha Tower

The truck ride along the seaside Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen started the day just fine before we made our first stop at 1. Tun Mustapha Tower, one of the six hanging structures in the world constructed with a central core supported by high tensile steel rods. As the tallest tower in Sabah, the 30-storey structure houses state offices. It is also the host venue for sky jumping in Sabah.

Pekan Nabalu

After almost two hours in the truck, we arrived at 2. Pekan Nabalu, 1,024m elevation, for our first break at Gerai Pekan Nabalu. If you do not plan to conquer the summit of Mount Kinabalu, this is the place where you should stop to snap the spectacular views of the mountain. Tourists who fancy native delicacies, such as wild mango, wild ginger, Jeruk Ikan Sungai (Bo Sou), and Jeruk Tuhau, as well as handicrafts, will love Gerai Pekan Nabalu.

Mount Kinabalu was declared as a UNESCO World Nature Heritage Site in 2000. Covering a geographical area of 754sq km, it is larger than Singapore.

Kundasang

For mountain bikers and downhillers, it is time to ride at 3. Kundasang. We began the cycling tour on tarred roads before heading off-road around vegetable farmlands. After ten kilometers, the hard trail through mountain ranges was upon us. Thank Goodness, we managed to do several climbs and and falls coupled with stone trials. Be equipped with your protective gears as these are challenging to even experienced riders.

Cycling through kampongs and farmlands on the highland brought us to Portes du Soleil in France. There were many similarities between the two mountain ranges without the cable cars that carry cyclists with their bikes together to the hilltops.

There were many resorts and guesthouses in the surrounding areas. For mountain bikers, spending a night or two to explore the striking beauty of the mountain ranges in the fresh cool air is an experience of a lifetime.

Kota Kinabalu City Floating Mosque

After enjoying lunch at Celyn Hill Resort while appreciating the beauty of Mount Kinabalu, we returned to Kota Kinabalu for the 4. Kota Kinabalu City Floating Mosque. Built in 1992 on a 2.47 acres site at Likas Bay, this mosque is an exemplary Islamic contemporary architecture. Situated near the sea on a man-made lagoon, this majestic white mosque resembles the design of the Nabawi Mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

This Kinabalu Highland Experience tour is arduous with mixed terrains that it is not recommended for beginners. Experienced riders should be prepared for some challenging-but-fun ride uphill and downhill.

Cycling Route – Kinabalu Highland Experience