Mesilau: Where the Air is Crisp & the Views are Ridiculous! 🌄✨

#kotakinabalutrip Okay, real talk—if you think **Kundasang** is pretty, wait until you venture further to **Mesilau**. This highland paradise near Kinabalu Park is like someone turned up the "scenic" dial to 11. Rolling hills, misty valleys, and the kind of fresh air that makes your lungs throw a party. Here’s why you need to add this to your Sabah bucket list ASAP! ### **First Impressions: "Wait, Is This New Zealand?!"** - **The temperature:** A deliciously cool **16-22°C** (bye, sweat stains!) - **The scenery:** Emerald-green slopes stacked like giant staircases to the sky - **The soundtrack:** Just wind, cowbells, and the occasional "moo" from a very photogenic buffalo ### **The "Pinch Me" Moment: Sunrise at Mesilau Nature Resort** Set your alarm for **5:30AM**, grab a steaming cup of local Sabah tea, and watch as: 1) The mist lifts like a slow-motion magic trick 2) Golden light spills over **Mount Kinabalu’s jagged ridges** 3) Your camera fills up with approximately 300 near-identical (but *perfect*) shots ### **Hidden Gem: The Secret Waterfall Hike** Most tourists stop at the viewpoints, but ask locals to point you toward the **unmarked trail** to a tiered waterfall. The 45-minute hike rewards you with: - A **natural infinity pool** (bring your swimsuit!) - Butterflies the size of your hand - Absolute silence—just you and the jungle ### **Unexpected Encounter: The Friendliest Highland Cows** A herd of **Borneo’s cutest cattle** photobombed our picnic. They’re basically fluffy, horned supermodels who expect snacks (we obliged). ### **Must-Eat: Highland "Steamboat" Lunch** After all that fresh air, devour a bubbling pot of **local veggies + free-range chicken** at a hillside restaurant. Pro tip: The **wild ginger dip** will clear your sinuses in one bite! ### **Chill-Only Itinerary** ☀️ **5:30AM** – Sunrise with Mount K views 🌿 **8AM** – Breakfast with the cows 🚶♂️ **10AM** – Waterfall hike & swim 🍲 **1PM** – Highland steamboat feast 📸 **3PM** – Nap in a flower field (yes, really) 🌄 **5PM** – Golden hour at Poring Hot Springs (30min drive) ### **Local Tips:** - Pack a **light jacket**—mornings are *fresh* - Bring **cash** (limited ATMs up here) - Leave no trace (this paradise stays pristine!) **Verdict:** 12/10 would trade city life for a shepherd’s hut here. **Who’s been? Did the cows steal your snacks too? Spill below! 👇** *(P.S. If you find the secret strawberry farm, DM me—I’m still searching!)* 🍓💫