Poring is known for its wonderful and healing hot spring baths and its calming natural surroundings. Poring is often included as part of one’s Sabah travel plans, but if you are planning a quick trip and are unsure of what to do, this guide highlights the best attractions in Poring that are perfect for a half-day or full-day visit.
From rainforest trails to beautiful blooms, these easy-to-explore activities suit families, nature lovers, and anyone searching for a refreshing eco escape. If you wish to extend your stay, you can look into making Poring Hot Spring resort booking for a relaxing rainforest holiday.
Canopy walks
The canopy walks are a great way to traverse and admire the forest of Poring. Surround yourself with the sounds of nature and marvel at the flora and fauna that call this place home. As you walk along the suspended bridges, you may spot cheeky monkeys, forest birds, and various plant species that thrive in the treetops.
The Poring Hot Spring canopy walk is one of the top things to do in Poring Hot Spring. It offers gentle excitement without being too challenging and is suitable for most ages, which makes it an excellent option for families. The views are calming, atmospheric, and a wonderful introduction to Sabah’s rainforest.
Waterfalls and the Bat Cave
Why not go on a quick adventure to find the two waterfalls scattered around Poring? Kipungit Waterfall is ideal for a short adventure, with a trail that takes roughly ten minutes on foot from the hot spring area. The walk is lush, shaded, and easy enough for most visitors. Pack your swimwear, a camera, and a light picnic, then head out for a refreshing wade in the cooling waters and a nice scenic picnic surrounded by nature.
Make a quick stop at the Bat Cave. It is a short stop but an intriguing and slightly mysterious one, with cool air, rocky formations, and the soft sounds of roosting bats deeper inside. It adds variety to your outing, especially if you enjoy small pockets of adventure along your nature trails.
If you are up for something more challenging, continue your exploration with the two-hour trail to Langanan Waterfall. This route requires more stamina and your hiking shoes but many travellers say it is one of the best things to do in Poring Hot Spring. The reward is a powerful 120m-tall waterfall that is sure to take your breath away.
Raflessia: The rare giant bloom
Home to one of nature’s rarest spectacles, Poring is a popular place to catch sight of the Rafflesia, one of the largest flowers in the world. The Rafflesia only blooms for a few days, so seeing it open is a special experience. Local information boards and guides usually indicate when a bud is nearing its blooming phase, so keep an eye out during your visit. Its sheer size, distinctive colouring, and rarity make it a must-see if you are lucky enough to be there at the right time.
Orchid Conservation Centre
Beyond the famous Rafflesia, the Orchid Conservation Centre offers a peaceful escape into the world of Sabah’s vibrant orchids. Home to over 1,200 species native to Borneo, this garden showcases everything from hardy Dendrobium varieties to delicate Coelogyne orchids draped across mossy branches.
Look out for the beautifully fragrant Phalaenopsis violacea, the quirky and unusually shaped Bulbophyllum species, and the elegant slipper orchids of the Paphiopedilum family. These orchids thrive in Sabah’s cool, humid forest environment, and seeing them up close gives you a deeper appreciation of the region’s botanical richness. It is one of the most calming and underrated stops in Poring.
Butterfly Farm
Make a visit to the charming Butterfly Farm and you will find colourful butterflies fluttering among leafy plants and flowers. This space is especially enjoyable for families with children, slow travellers, or anyone who appreciates gentle interactions with nature. It is small, relaxing, and easy to explore at your own pace.
Whether you’re there for the healing waters of the hot springs or to admire the beauty of nature, Poring offers so much variety. With canopy walks, rare blooms, gentle trails, waterfalls, and small nature attractions, it is a beautiful place to unwind and reconnect with the outdoors. Regardless if you are visiting as part of eco resort Sabah stays or planning a quick adventure with family, Poring has something for every traveller.
Day trip or longer stay, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges makes your Poring Hot Spring getaway a breeze.
