Standing at 6,401 feet, Gunung (Mount) Alab is the highest peak on the Crocker Range. The bumpy drive up to the top is a challenge, the corners are sharp and it may seem like the road is made for just one vehicle to pass! Once at the top, be awed by the ambience, where serenity and silence live . The air is cool and crispy clean, you wont want to leave.
Best thing after a long drive, is that the toilets are clean and useable.
For the curious and adventurous, a drive or walk to the peak to where the telecommunications tower is is somewhat exciting and unpredictable, you may run into a huge winged predator or a four legged creature, like we did. Best to go in groups and never alone. This is what makes Gunung Alab different from the other Sub Stations that i have been to - it's that exciting feel of 'mystery and magic'.
Gunung Alab has some good trails worth exploring. One is the Minduk Sirung Trail that connects to the Mahua Sub Station (post on Mahua coming soon), 12 kilometers away in Tambunan as well. I have never gone on this trail, but would love to one day. Leech socks and good old 'minyak kapak' are a must i heard ! ** Minyak kapak is an aged old herb oil that is used by many to heal ailments such as headaches and toothaches - and an excellent leech repellent. Leeches are an important part of the eco-system, so we do our best to keep them off our bodies so as not to kill them.
Slide to see photos
Beautiful and almost untouched wildlife, include exotic looking birds and plants such as the Nepenthes (Pitcher or 'Monkey's Cup'), that can only be seen in Borneo are found on trails and alongside the chalets and park's office.