The plane ticket to Semporna has been refunded because I came here instead……

To be honest, I was worried about running into trouble before I came, but it turned out to be amazing! I highly recommend friends from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai who want to escape the heat and enjoy water activities to just copy my itinerary. All the food, fun, and entertainment are along one route with no wasted detours. 💫 Here’s a 2-day itinerary overview: Day 1: Arrive in Xianju → Start with wild creek trekking at Danzhu Longtantou → Have a great lunch at Weixianju → Spend the afternoon at Kuta Water World → Stay overnight at a guesthouse at the foot of Shenxianju Mountain. Day 2: Take the “south up, south down” easy hiking loop at Shenxianju → Stop by Xianjing Village for coffee and a break → Head back home. Now, let me share some highlights of the fun spots: 🌊 Danzhu Longtantou (free top-tier creek trekking) Drive along the Bailong route all the way in to reach this free natural wild pool! The water is unbelievably clear and blue, perfect for cooling off. Take my advice and get there around 8 AM to avoid crowds—once it gets busy, it feels like you’re in a crowded pool. Remember to bring a paddleboard; you can also rent one there. Lying flat on the board and zoning out on the water is incredibly relaxing. 💦 Xianju Kuta Water World (natural mountain spring water park) This place is unique—it channels mountain spring water directly into a modern water park, way more refreshing than city pools treated with bleach. In the afternoon, there’s electronic music wave-making, flash mobs, and bubble parties. In the evening, you can watch traditional face-changing performances. Kids could play here all day and never want to leave. 🏔️ Shenxianju (a must-see for the laid-back traveler) If you’re with kids or, like me, prefer to avoid strenuous hiking, definitely take the “south up, south down” small loop. Enter from the south gate, take the Nantian cable car up, stop at Foying Lianyun for misty photos (super ethereal), walk across Ruyi Bridge, then take two escalators, cross Nantian Bridge, and reach the Nantian Peak viewing platform to see Guanyin Peak. It’s really easy on the legs! (That said, the lines on holidays are crazy long. I usually avoid queues, so I missed several popular photo spots because I didn’t want to wait, but I just enjoyed the stunning scenery instead, which was a different kind of perfect 😢) 🍃 Xianjing Village (slow life in the mountains) Hidden near the north gate of Shenxianju, this village feels like a little artsy retreat. It’s small, with a cozy café and a campsite. When you’re tired, just sit here for an afternoon, sip a drink, and zone out without the crowds. It’s a great way to recharge after a day of exploring. 🍽️ About food: After playing at Danzhu and heading toward Shenxianju, be sure to stop at Weixianju near the scenic area entrance. This local favorite has been around for over ten years, serving fresh dishes cooked to order with no pre-made ingredients. Many locals eat here after hiking. You can enjoy authentic Xianju flavors for just a few dozen yuan per person. Whether you want a light meal when you arrive or a hearty feast after hiking, it’s a perfect stop. This is my honest experience from this trip to Xianju. I truly think choosing this spot beats going abroad and dealing with crowds. If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments!