Poring Hot Spring is proof that Sabah's beauty isn't limited to beaches and coral reefs. Sulphur-rich waters bubble up from the earth here at nearly 60 degrees Celsius, piped into open-air baths where tired hikers have been soaking their legs since the Japanese first developed the site during the Second World War.

These days, Poring is as much about the jungle around it as the water itself. Butterfly gardens, waterfalls, orchid trails, and the odd rare Rafflesia bloom all sit within a short walk of the springs, making it an easy add-on whether you've just conquered Mount Kinabalu or you're simply passing through Ranau on the way to Sandakan. Here's everything worth knowing before you go.

Poring packs a surprising amount into one compact reserve, so it's worth setting aside half a day rather than rushing through. Here's a quick look at what's waiting for you once you're through the gate.

The headline act, with water channelled from five natural springs into open-air tiled pools and private tubs tucked among the trees. You can choose a shared open-air soak or book a private enclosed tub if you'd rather have some quiet.

If you fancy a bit of a trek, the park features trails leading to two beautiful jungle waterfalls. Kipungit Waterfall is a relatively easy, flat 20-minute walk from the main bathing area, perfect for a refreshing dip. For the more adventurous, a challenging two-hour uphill hike deeper into the rainforest will reward you with the dramatic, towering cascade of Langanan Waterfall. 

Home to hundreds of species, this is the spot for wildlife and plant lovers keen to see Sabah's biodiversity up close without a long trek.

Try your luck catching a glimpse of the world's largest flower, which blooms unpredictably in the surrounding forest depending on the season.

Before you plan your visit, here's the latest on timings and prices so you're not caught out at the gate.

Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Daily, including public holidays)

Gate Last Entry: 3:00 PM

Butterfly Farm: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM (Daily)

Admission

Admission (Malaysian): RM 10 (adults), RM 5 (children aged 17 and below), free for Malaysians aged 12 and under, 60 and above, or with disabilities 

Admission (International): RM 50 (adults), RM 25 (children aged 17 and below)

Bathtub and Pool Fees: from RM 3 (slide pool up) to RM 35 per hour (deluxe private tub)

Poring Canopy Walkway: RM 5 (Malaysians), RM 10 (International adults), Last ticket sold at 3:00 PM

Rafflesia Blooming Observation: RM 15 (Malaysian), RM 30 (international) per person, if a bloom is available

*Admission fees and opening hours are subject to change without prior notice. Please check the official website or contact the attraction directly for the latest ticket prices before your visit. 

Read More: 9 Best Beaches in Sabah You Need to Visit in 2026

Poring Hot Spring is located in Ranau District, 89308 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia. Getting the logistics right makes all the difference at Poring, since it sits a fair distance from Kota Kinabalu and the weather up here can shift quickly.

How to Get There

Poring Hot Spring sits within Kinabalu Park, Sabah's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, roughly 136 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu and about 40 kilometres from the main Kinabalu Park Headquarters in Kundasang. 

By car: The drive from Kota Kinabalu takes around 2.5 to 3 hours along the Ranau Highway; once you reach Ranau town, it's a further 19 kilometres east, well signposted the whole way. Free parking is available right at the main entrance. 

Public Transportation: Shared minivans and buses run regularly between Kota Kinabalu and Ranau, from where you can grab a taxi or arrange transport for the final stretch to Poring, though joining an organised day tour from Kota Kinabalu is by far the easiest option if you'd rather skip the logistics altogether.

Best Time to Visit

Aim to arrive as early as possible, ideally right at 8:-- AM opening, both to beat the crowds and to make the most of cooler morning temperatures before the jungle humidity sets in. 

Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends and school holidays, when the pools can get busy with local families. 

Sabah's dry season, roughly March to October, offers the most reliable weather for trekking to the waterfalls, though Poring's lowland location means it stays warm and occasionally rainy year-round, so packing a light rain jacket is never a bad idea regardless of when you visit.

A little preparation goes a long way at Poring, since it's a working nature reserve rather than a polished resort. Here are a few practical pointers to make your visit smoother.

1. Bring your own towel, swimwear, and rubber sandals. These aren't reliably available for rent on-site, and the paths between pools can be slippery.

2. Pack a change of clothes. The sulphur smell tends to linger, and you'll want fresh clothes for the drive back.

3. Bring cash. While some facilities may accept cards, smaller fees like locker rental and bathtub charges are far easier to settle with cash in hand.

4. Wear proper shoes for the waterfall trails. Flip-flops work fine at the pools, but Kipungit and especially Langanan Waterfall call for proper trekking shoes.

5. Check the Canopy Walkway status beforehand. With it closed for maintenance, don't count on it being part of your itinerary until Sabah Parks confirms a reopening.

Read More: Things to Do in Sabah: 7 Unforgettable Adventures to Explore

Since Poring sits inside Kinabalu Park's wider boundaries, there's plenty to explore nearby if you've got extra time on your Ranau leg of the trip.

Around 22 km away from Poring Hot Spring, roughly a 32-minute drive. One of the highest tea plantations in Malaysia, offering guided tours, a canopy walk of its own, and sweeping views over the surrounding hills.

About 19 km away, roughly a 27-minute drive. A quirky but genuinely relaxing local experience, letting you dip your feet in a river while tiny fish nibble away dead skin.

Around 28 km away, about a 40-minute drive, near the Kinabalu Park entrance. This site offers a moving tribute to Allied prisoners of war with beautifully kept English-style gardens.

Around 34 km away, roughly a 45-minute drive. Home to Mount Kinabalu itself, this is worth combining with your Poring visit if you're keen on mountain views, botanical gardens, or even a full summit climb.

Whether you want to wake up steps from the springs or prefer a comfortable base nearby, here are 3 solid picks across every budget.

This is about as close as you can get, sitting right within the Poring Hot Springs reserve itself, meaning you can walk to the pools in minutes. Expect a rainforest restaurant, garden surroundings, and the convenience of skipping the drive entirely after a long day of trekking. Room rates at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges at Poring Hot Springs typically average around RM 336 per night. 

Set on a hilltop around 40 minutes' drive from Poring, Perkasa Hotel Mt Kinabalu is a long-standing resort that offers commanding views towards Mount Kinabalu along with a restaurant, spa, and recreational facilities suited to families. Room rates generally fall between RM 337 and RM 601 per night. 

About 5 to 10 minutes from Poring Hot Spring, Kinabalu Poring Vacation Lodge - Hostel offers simple, clean rooms, free Wi-Fi, and free self parking, making it a practical choice for backpackers or independent travellers watching their spending. Rates typically start from around RM 161 to RM 176 per night. 

*Please note that all prices mentioned in this article are accurate at the time of publication. Prices are subject to change at any time depending on the season, availability, and the hotel's policies. 

Read More: 6 Best Hotels in Kota Kinabalu (5-Star and Luxurious!)

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