I was up in G-Mart Ranau on the first of March, doing some work for the company. I worked till 2am, but it was almost a nice break from the routine. Firstly, the climate in Ranau is a little cooler than in Kota Kinabalu. Not by much, but it does make a big difference as it was hot and dry in Kota Kinabalu. During the evening, the mountain air was really cool and refreshing.
I spent one night at the Pine Resort at Kundasang, and had to get up at day-break to get back to Ranau. Finished up at 2am and drove back to Kota Kinabalu arriving home just after 3.15am. The route isn’t too challenging, just a little wet and dark. There isn’t any streetlights after Ranau, and then not until you get to Tamparuli. But I was sleepy and it was tough to concentrate on driving. I know, not the wisest choice, after all I could have stayed another night but I missed my angels already.
G-Mart Store In Ranau
G-Mart opened its doors in Ranau in June of 2009, and it was one of the stores I didn’t go to when it first opened. My wife was having a baby at that time. So, I was looking forward to this store visit. Naturally, when there was a break I asked the Store Manager if any tourists ever drop by. Seems like they do frequently. G-Mart Ranau is located on the route to Poring, where the hot springs in Sabah is. It is also on the route heading to Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Tawau, a 10 hour drive away. Sometimes, the coaches stop here.
- G-Mart Store In Ranau
So tourists and out of town visitors will likely to have visited the store. Seems like red wine is a popular item in Ranau. G-Mart Ranau isn’t big but it does play a role in meeting the needs of the local community. If you are in Ranau for a short stay, the merchandise in G-Mart will meet your needs. There are food stalls just outside the supermarket, and the prices were slightly cheaper than those in Ranau town.
People Of Ranau
I found the people of Ranau to be friendly, and half of the people I met seems to be from elsewhere visiting the town. The locals are used to visitors and tend to ignore them most of the time. There are many Kadazandusuns in Ranau, a large number of them are Christians. A fair number of Chinese, and the rest are Malays and other native races. On the way to Ranau, you will pass by many chapels, as missionaries were quite active in this area. In fact, there is a retreat a few kilometers before you get to the National Park.
- A Typical Scene Of The Countryside
- Another View Of Ranau Countryside
The WW2 Memorial is close by G-Mart, and although I was looking forward to going there, I just didn’t have the time to do so. Interestingly, the Tamu (bazaar) in Ranau was underway when I arrived. They set up their stalls on the 28th of February and carried on until the afternoon on the 1st of March.
