Tran-Mesilau

By Anna Vivienne

The winding road meandered through hillocks and hamlets towards the Blue Mountains, like a silvery passageway in the evening sun. The hills on each side of the road, gently sloping in some places and steep at some, were dotted by vegetable patches.

The green patches remind one of patched quilt; only they were predominantly green. All hues of green.

As the road went higher and higher into the mountains, the air became crispy and fresher. There vegetations were denser and pine trees grew lushly. The little farms were no longer visible; instead the natural environment dominated the scenery.

Then the road meandered through a golf course; interesting.

The golf course was cleverly infused into the environment that one almost believed that it had always existed. Perhaps the ‘little people’ tended that green … but then again there were the tracks.. so.

A couple of miles afterwards, I saw a bridge over a poster-pretty stream that flowed from higher up the mountain.

And there as I looked up is the Mount Kinabalu Ridge... I was 2000 kilometres above sea level right on the East Ridge of Mount Kinabalu, I was at Mesilau Nature Resort. Wow!

I felt euphoric for a while.

I was with a couple from the Peninsula Malaysia and they were as awed as I was. In fact they seemed more awed because it was their first time. I would not be surprised if they make a return visit. In fact I am sure they will.

Personally, I can never get enough of Mesilau. I have visited this resort a number of times, and I am still awed by the natural environment there; the broody mountain ridge, the forests, the cascading streams and the cool air, among many others.

This place is where you want to be , if possible forever.

The cool temperate climate, the serene surrounding and beautiful lodges available here make it a haven for honeymooners and those who wish to get away from the hubbub of city life. It is also a good place for naturalists because the flora and fauna available there.

For those who wish to climb Mount Kinabalu from a different route, Mesilau Trail is an alternative trail to climb.

The train starts from the Resort, to Layang-Layang on the Summit Trail. The climb takes longer than the route taken from the Timpohon Gate, at Kinabalu Parks.

Anyway, more information can be acquired from the Kinabalu parks for any climbs.

The Mesilau Nature Resort is a beautiful place to stay in and can be an ideal avenue for activities such as seminars, gatherings, meetings, motivational meetings and even just to get in “contact with your inner self.”

The Resort, managed by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges located at Wisma Sabah, has fantastic accommodations that will suit just about everybody.

The accommodations available are the Bishop’s Head Hostel which offers 96 Beds and 12 units of Crocker Range Lodge, while the Witti Range Lodge boasts four units.

There is one unit called King Edward’s Peak Lodge, two unites of Donkey’s Ear Peak Lodge, one unit called Ugly Sister’s Peak Lodge and one unit called St. John’s Peak Lodge while one unit of Low’s Peak Lodge.


These lodges have beautifully furnished rooms, with ample closets, good bathrooms and a nice living room. Each room is furnished with a room heater; so if you can’t stand the cold, switch that on and be warm.

Food is not a problem in Mesilau. Even though you cannot cook in the lodges, the restaurant there called kadamaian Restaurant will look into your every need. Just ask them. The resort manager Shazril Ahmad Shah stresses that their guests’ comfort is very important and that his staff will accord them information and assistance where necessary.

If you like playing golf, you can ask the reception for information on how to use the 18-hole golf course they have there. The people there are quite friendly and will be happy to assist you in any way.

So if you want a complete rest, except to meander within nature’s bower, Mesilau should be top on your ‘must go’ list.

Enjoy!

Courtesy of: New Sabah Times 'In' Sites - Sabah Travel and Leisure Guide