On the return trip to Kota Kinabalu, a light snack is served in period-style stacking tiffin boxes, and the visuals outside the train are replayed in reverse.

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For something a bit less strenuous, the entrance area of Mount Kinabalu park is beautiful and features some easy walking trails that showcase alpine Borneo flora and fauna.

BBC: Borneo��s Sabah off the permit path

Visitors to Kota Kinabalu, capital of the state of Sabah in eastern Malaysia, can take a trip back to colonial times on the newly refurbished North Borneo Railway.

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For information on vehicle rental, talk to the folks at GoGo Sabah in Kota Kinabalu, who can help you contact the park directly so you can visit independently.

BBC: Borneo��s Sabah off the permit path

Although tamer and less technical than other mountains in the region, like Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia or Mount Kerinci in Indonesia, Mount Apo has its own set of challenges and should not be underestimated.

BBC: Climbing to the top of the Philippines

Kota Kinabalu, capital of eastern Malaysia's Sabah state is very close to the line at which a near-full eclipse will be visible, as is the eastern Indian city Calcutta, though monsoon clouds may intrude.

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