by Chloe Tiffany Lee
GEAR UP AND GET READY for another hike! This time, we explored the new Maragang Hill, located at the foot of Mount Kinabalu. Maragang Hill is one of the new recreational destinations in Kg. Mesilou, Kundasang, officially open to public on September 16, 2017. Managed by Mesilou Volunteer Club (MEVOC) which initiated by the local community at Kampung Mesilou, developing Maragang Hill is aimed to support the locals and to make Mesilou great again by adding a hike as part of the itinerary when you travel around Mesilou.
With an altitude of 2,232m above sea level, this four-kilometres hike accompanied by experienced tour guides to Maragang Hill, ends with a scenic view of Mount Kinabalu at the top of the hill that will give sweet experiences to anyone who love hiking.
There are two hiking trails at Maragang Hill – normal and loop. For normal hiking, an average adult can reach the summit in about 1 hour and 30 minutes. For the loop trail, the hike is about 4.3 kilometres from the starting point to the summit, taking you through a river; with a 35-degree steep elevation and through 1.3 kilometres horizontal trail; taking about six hours back to the starting point.
SMB Girls’ Experience
Staying Over
Opt for an overnight stay at the local homestay to make sure your travel plan is well spent and catch a glimpse of Mount Kinabalu during sunrise from the top of Kg. Mesilou. We stayed at a house equipped with a complete kitchen. Before nightfall, we explored the mini-markets and stalls around the village to see what we can cook for dinner. Fortunately, we managed to find one mini-market selling eggs to add to our delicious ‘instant noodles’. During our little exploration, we also came across Kundasang Aquafarm, a hydroponic vegetable farm that you can harvest your own and purchase fresh lettuce.
The Hike
Backpacks ready and we were off to hike. The hike started with 600 metres light walk as our warm up to the starting point where our guide gave a short Do’s and Don’ts briefing to the group.
It was definitely a fantastic view from the top of the hill! The local community built a platform on the west wing of the Maragang Hill, a perfect view to take a selfie with a scenic view of Mount Kinabalu as the background. It’s a breathtaking view, guaranteed!
If you want to create a lifetime memory and enjoy nature, this place should be in your list.
Did you know: ‘Maragang’ is a type of monkey, red in colour.
MEVOC HIKING PACKAGES FOR MARAGANG HILL
- PACKAGE A (NORMAL TRAIL)
CHARGES
– Guide Charges for Adult = RM50.00 (1 to 5 pax hikers)
– Kids below 17 yrs = RM50.00 (1 to 2 hikers)
– Transportation charges = RM30.00 (1 to 5 pax hikers)
– Conservation = RM7.00 (Adult) – RM5.00 (below 17 years)
- PACKAGE B (LOOP TRAIL)
CHARGES
– Guide Charges for Adult = RM80.00 (1 to 5 pax hikers)
– Kids below 17 yrs = RM80.00 (1 to 2 hikers)
– Transportation charges = RM40.00 (1 to 5 pax hikers)
– Conservation = RM7.00 (Adult) – RM5.00 (below 17 years)
PACKAGE C (SUNRISE PACKAGE) and PACKAGE D (CAMPING) are available too!
Contact:
Mesilou Volunteer Club (MEVOC)
Jumaidi Lasim, Chairman
T: +60 14 678 7136
E: maraganghill160917@outlook.com
Facebook: Maragang HILL (@MaragangHill)
