Introduction to today's journey
Today's journey takes me for a tour around the Dusun village before heading further around the mountain to the mysterious jungle valley of Mesilau, from where one of the tracks to the summit starts, and where we discover some of the world's largest carnivorous plants before we head half way back to the Dusun Village to a lodging at the start of the main track to the summit.
Today's Journey
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As the morning dawns, the amazing Mount Kinabalu appears, towering over two kilometres above us. It looks impossible to climb, and I wonder how we will ever make it up to its summit in a couple of days' time. The summit is a peak hidden behind the highest rounded dome. This view is a great reminder of the villagers here considering themselves to be the guardians of the mountain. |
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Following breakfast, we hike the steep and narrow trails up and down the spurs exploring the village. The houses are very rustic being built of whatever materials the villagers could get hold of at the time. |
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There are plenty of chooks and other animals which are used as food. A couple of coconut palms grow here as well, and most houses have very good vege gardens. |
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After lunch we follow the rocky road back to the main road. A dangerous snake sits on the road as we drive by. |
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Returning to the main road, we head up to a restaurant, which for some reason has hardly any food in it. We do eventually manage to order something they do have. |
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After lunch, we head further around the mountain following a remote valley up to the Mesilau Nature Resort around one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet. |
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Following a track up the misty hill, we reach some giant Nepenthes rajah, the world's largest naturally occurring carnivorous plant which grows in the swampy soil of the mountainside. |
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A huge pitcher well over a litre in volume. These pitchers normally trap insects, but these often trap rats and have been known to trap small monkeys. |
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Thick cloud comes in and rain starts falling as we head back down the hill. |
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The rain is heavy by the time we return to the resort. From here we head to our accommodation back around the mountain at the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges near the start of the track up the mountain. |
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