Climbers can soon experience Low’s original trail
KOTA KINABALU: Locals and foreigners alike will soon be able to experience the original trail taken by Sir Hugh Low up to Mount Kinabalu.
This was made possible by Sabah Society’s Minitinduk Homestay Project at Kinabalu Park, a simple camp facilitated with a kitchen and toilet, built to accommodate 16 people.
Its President George Hong said the community based project is aimed to revitalise the original track and to also help the villagers of Kg Kiau to get involved in tourism activities.
“We want to provide a diversified path to the mountain and this trail is both historical and beautiful. People can walk a few hours and find a scenic river canyon.”
Hong said the project first came about with a simple idea to open a booth to educate people of the trail and slowly morphed into building a camp.
“We had no money to build this project so we went around and managed to get contributions from corporate companies as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). Some of the companies we received contributions from are Sabah Credit Corporation and Eco-Oil.
“However, the money we received was not enough but Borneo Eco Tours, as part of their CSR agreed to cover the outstanding cost and run the operation.”
Meanwhile, at the same time, they will also train the villagers with the intention that after they get back their money, they will slowly let the villagers run the project themselves.”
He added that the cost of the construction itself came to about RM220, 000 and while the homestay is not fully operating as yet, it should start within the next two months.
The Sabah Society led by Hong made a courtesy call to Chief Minister, Datuk Seri Musa Aman at Sri Gaya on Monday to brief him on its ongoing projects and activities.
At the visit Musa lauded the initiative taken by the society in implementing the project adding that Kinabalu Park is a vast area and more efforts should be made to create awareness of the different parts of the World Heritage Site.
He also said while promoting such attractions, people must be mindful of protecting the still pristine environment in the area.
Source: Daily Express
