Poring’s new Reflexology Park
Published on: Wednesday, January 22, 2020
By: Clarence Dol
RANAU: The National Park celebrated its 56th anniversary on Jan 16 at the Poring Hot Springs Sub Station.
The ceremony was officiated by Sabah Parks Director Dr Maklarin Hj Lakim, who also introduce Poring’s new attraction, the Reflexology Park (foot massage).
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The location near the Poring landmark makes it easy for visitors to stop for foot therapy before doing other activities.
The 70-met therapeutic route took three months to complete since October under the Landscape and Sanitation Unit.
Head of the unit, Senior Park Ranger Palimin Bin Barantis @ Jasli said the idea for creating of the Reflexology Park was proposed by Assistant Park Manager Jane Tapuong and improved by Senior Park Manager Yassin Miki.
The foot massage route is special in the design because it mirrors the logo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (Unesco) and uses small stones taken from several riverbanks around the foot of Mount Kinabalu (Kipungit River, Langanan River, Nalumad River, Mongolis River, Mesilou River Kundasang and River Melangkap Kota Belud).
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A total of 55 students from SK Poring Ranau were involved in the Environmental Education Programme (EE Programme) run by five staff members of the Interpretive Unit, led by Magrate Minsun.
The students were briefed on the environment, which was then divided into five groups for environmental concept game activities.
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Before the EE programme activities are completed at 10.30 am, students have the opportunity to feed the deers in the Tropical Garden.
Meanwhile, the community comprised booth operators, Kampung Poring and Nampasan Baru villagers and several staff who carried out a gotong royong collecting rubbish in several areas inside and outside the park.
Dr Maklarin in his speech touched on the vision that the people of Sabah live in harmony with nature, and referred to Kg Poring as a world-renowned example and a part of the Unesco world heritage site.
The villagers are now experiencing economic growth as the Sabah State Park has developed the area as a tourist attraction for the past 28 years. He also called on the efforts of the struggle to conserve nature as it was not only beneficial to everyone, but also a model to make other areas of its kind all over Sabah.
The ceremony was also attended by Village Head of Poring, Headmaster Sk Poring and two Sabah Parks retirees to honor their commitment and contribution as a community around Taman Kinabalu.
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After the cake cutting ceremony and presentation of souvenirs to the Director of the Sabah Parks and Recreation Board, lunch and lucky draw activities continued before the ceremony ended at 1.32pm.