Pagoda Ling San Tuaran: Stairway to Heaven & the Best Noodles You’ll Ever Cry Over🏯🍜

#kotakinabalutrip Let’s get one thing straight: the **387 steps** to the top of Pagoda Ling San Tuaran? Brutal. My thighs were screaming, but the view? **Absolutely criminal**—rolling green hills, mist clinging to the mountains, and the pagoda’s golden spires glowing like they’ve been plugged in. ⚡ (Pro tip: Go early before the tropical sun turns you into a sweaty mess.) The **smell** hit me first—wood polish, jasmine offerings, and a faint whiff of **wok hei** from the food stalls below. Inside, the air hummed with murmured prayers and the *clink* of fortune sticks. I tried shaking one for fun… and immediately dropped it. The monk just *nodded* like, *"Yeah, tourist, we know."* 😅 **Hidden gem**: Behind the main hall, there’s a **mini-forest path** lined with stone lanterns. Follow it to find a hidden **Kuan Yin statue** draped in vines—pure *Indiana Jones* vibes. But the **real star**? The **Tuaran Mee** at the foot of the hill. Springy noodles, crispy pork lard, and a runny egg that’s basically a hug for your soul. I inhaled it so fast, I choked. (Worth it.) **Speedy Itinerary**: ⏰ **7:00 AM**: Hike before the heat. Pant dramatically at the top. ⏰ **8:30 AM**: Explore the pagoda’s murals (look for the sneaky cat paintings!). ⏰ **9:30 AM**: Shovel noodles into your face like it’s your job. **Survival Kit**: - Water. **So much water.** - RM5 for the donation box (and extra for noodles). - Your best "I didn’t just cry on the stairs" face. Pagoda Ling San Tuaran is equal parts workout and wonder—just bring a napkin for the noodles (and maybe your dignity). 🙏🔥