Last time, we went to Pinipat Hill, it was an exciting and wonderful experience that left all of us with memories that will stay with us forever. Today, I would like to share with you the story of that amazing day from the perspectives of myself, my wife Ayee, my children Rex, Rez, and Eiona, my niece Ivy, and my mother-in-law, Randiwas.
Piniapat Hill is located at Kampung Dingai in Pitas District, Sabah. This is the very first time that I have ever been to this hill. Although my wife and her younger brother have been to this location before, she is unable to recall which of the junctions on the right to take in order to get to Piniapat Hill. Consequently, I rely on the sign board that is positioned on the side of the road.
We start our journey in the Kota Marudu District, and after travelling for forty kilometres in the direction of the Pitas District, I locate the intersection to our right. We continued travelling in a straight direction from that intersection until we found the sign for Piniapat Hill on the left. It informs us that the distance to Piniapat Hill from the signboard is 800 metres.
When travelling by truck, 800 metres is not a very far distance; however, the road that we travelled on was not paved. Therefore, there were some sections of the road that were quite muddy and slippery. Because we were travelling by truck, we encountered no obstacles on the way to our destination.
Parking is available for free. 60 metres ahead, of course, for visitors to Piniapat Hill only. You cannot simply park your car in the parking area for any purpose other than hiking to Piniapat Hill.
When we get to the parking area, there is not a single other car there. It has a decent amount of space, but it is rocky and muddy.
We started our journey on foot from the parking area and made our way to the registration counter, where we purchased our tickets.
The price of the ticket is extremely reasonable, coming in at only MYR 2.00 per individual (about 0.23 USD or 1.68 Hives at the current price). Free admission is granted to adults over the age of 60 as well as children who are younger than 7 years old.
My youngest daughter, Princess Eiona, is the one who is most thrilled about this. She can't contain her excitement about catching up to her brothers.
Her brother raced more quickly in the direction of the hill. The hiking is made a lot less difficult by the paved walkway. There is a long road, but there is no walkway that is paved, and there is a trail that goes through the forest. We opt to take the more direct and child-friendly route.
Even though it seems as though she has been to this location before, my niece Ivy is actually here for the very first time on this trip. This plant was grown in the shape of a heart on purpose while it was being grown. Because of the red dirt and the wet conditions, you should probably watch where you step.
As the first one to reach the peak, Rex is the one to declare victory. He actually called out "Papa!" to me when he saw me. "Kasi gambar saya capat!" He wanted me to snap a picture of him while he struck that pose as quickly as possible.
Rez rushes toward Rex, interrupting his enjoyment of the view from where he stands. "ARRGHH! Tidakk... Saya mau! He wanted to take pictures at that top too, with his brother.
That's their moment. One with gun and the other with peace. This is a battle of peace versus gun.
Then, next one.. One still with his gun and the other one claiming victory pose.
This mysterious underlying infrastructure. Today it appears that there is no one working here. I'm curious to know what its purpose is.
This is familiar to me. Perhaps at a different time. The idea of having a barbecue right now was not on our agenda.
Aha! A mini cafe, Sono Cafe. However, batender was not present. Right now, I'd really enjoy sipping on something ice cold.
We proceed onward with our trip to the crest of the hill on the other side. This time, we should go in the opposite direction of the hill. It was much simpler to do thanks to this paved staircase, which was also the safest option for the children.
The wind whips around our bodies as we take in the breathtaking view from up here to the far ocean. It's truly stunning and amazing view.
There are no paved walkways the entire distance. It was not finished yet. We have to walk on the red ground. Eiona has a lot of fun.
Haha, they are taking turns lying down on the hammock and taking pictures for great throwback memories in the future.
Meanwhile, Rex is preoccupied with his newly captured grasshopper. For the time being, Rex and Rez are busy catching grasshoppers. From the top of the hill until down here.
Jangan merokok (Don't smoking) and tandas (toilet to the right).
This will be our last stop before ascending back to the top of the hill. The branches of a large tree are used to support a long cradle. There is a statue in the shape of a heart, as well as a large picture frame for pictures.
Eiona has a wonderful time in the cradle. As soon as she's on it, she's not giving her brothers a chance.
Look at her energy. She doesn't appear to be tired at all.
That's the lads taking a break there. They are tired. Actually, we're all exhausted. Meanwhile, the two boys are still busy capturing grasshoppers.
I suppose that brings us to the end of the story for today. I can't express how grateful I am that you took the time to read my story. Thank you so much!