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I was quite apprehensive at my first attempt to scale Gunung Kinabalu. Lots of questions kept lingering in my mind since I just recovered from cancer after undergoing 27 rounds of chemotherapy. Fortunately the support and inspiration from my fellow hiking group members all along the way to Kota Kinabalu coupled with a strong mind, I kept on challenging myself to brave the idea of setting foot onto Gunung Kinabalu.
My journey started from Kota Kinabalu International Airport and our group which consisted of 30 avid hikers were transported to Kundasang where we were supposed to spend the night before ascending to the highest point in South East Asia in the morning. We were met upon arrival in Kundasang with clouds of thick fog and visibility was narrowed to 1 to 2 meters only which was quite spine-chilling as scores of vehicles on both sides were zooming on the wavy road at nerve-wracking speed. I gave a huge sigh of relief when the van slowed down to take a turn into a slip road which I believe was our accommodation.
We were greeted by the signboard Happy Garden Chalets. The facade of Happy Garden Chalets was humble but the most beautiful sight for the eyes to behold took place when we took a short tour before unpacking our belongings. Our group members were greeted at the reception by ever-smiling staff who could communicate well in Bahasa Malaysia, English, Chinese dialects and of course in their local dialects too, and they patiently persevered in entertaining all our queries. Amidst the chill and cloudy surroundings, various types of resort-type accommodations such as family king, 3-bedroom house, 3-room suite, male dormitory room, triple-double room, deluxe twin room, female only dormitory with futon, family suite 2-bedroom and bed in the female dormitory were nestled amongst the descending valley. Guests are at liberty to choose mountain, outdoor or nature view that is refreshing and soothing for our eyes to gaze at. It was akin to stepping foot in a European country.
All the accommodations are equipped with on-site internet, a modern bathroom with hot showers, a kitchenette and most importantly a restaurant which is strategically located in the center of all the chalets for easy access for guests.
The restaurant serves both local and western meals at affordable prices. As a recreation, Happy Garden offers various facilities such as barbecue pits and some interesting attractions for shutter-happy guests to record their eventful stay in Happy Garden as their memento.
So wait not, Gunung Kinabalu hikers should head over to Happy Garden which is located at Simpang Kg Tenompok, Bundu Tuhan, Kundasang. Guests can conveniently do online booking via Agoda, Planet Hotels, Booking.com, Trip.com and various other sites. Happy hiking guys.
Location: Near Kampung, Bundu Tuhan, 89300 Tenompok, Sabah
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