Mount Kinabalu National Park is undoubtedly the top pick for every thrill-seeker and nature enthusiast during their Malaysian vacation. The Kinabalu National Park surrounding Mount Kinabalu offers a plethora of natural attractions, leading to a continuous increase in the number of visitors to this destination. Situated at an altitude of approximately 4095 meters, the magnificent Mount Kinabalu holds the title of being the tallest mountain on the third largest island in the world, which is regarded as the highest point between the Himalayas and New Guinea.
About Mount Kinabalu National Park
Located on the west coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, Mount Kinabalu serves as the highest mountain on Borneo Island. The establishment of Kinabalu National Park, also known as the Mount Kinabalu National Park, dates back to 1964, making it one of the earliest national parks in Malaysia. With a total area of approximately 754 square kilometers, Mount Kinabalu National Park holds immense importance as one of the world’s significant ecological sites and serves as the central hub of diverse plant species in Southeast Asia.
With a staggering number exceeding 4500 flora and fauna species, Mount Kinabalu National Park proudly stands as Malaysia’s inaugural UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its remarkable “Outstanding Universal Value” led to its recognition as a World Heritage Site in 2000. The national park boasts an impressive assortment of over 1200 species of orchids and around 40 species of oak trees, distributed across its six distinctive vegetation zones.
These six zones encompass the Lower Mountain Forest, Upper Mountain Forest, Ultrabasic Rock Forest, Lower Granite Boulder Forest, Upper Granite Boulder Forest, and Summit or Subalpine regions. Within the Mount Kinabalu National Park and its surroundings, you can encounter approximately 326 bird species, over 100 mammal species, and nearly 110 land snail species.
Activities at Mount Kinabalu National Park
1. Immerse Yourself in the Poring Hot Springs
The Poring Hot Springs stands as another popular attraction within the national park. These hot springs, enriched with sulfur, are renowned for their therapeutic properties, offering relaxation for fatigued nerves and rejuvenation for the mind.
2. Visit The Butterfly Farm
Closer to the Poring Hot Springs, one can also discover the orchid garden and the butterfly breeding site. The orchid garden is renowned for cultivating and conserving many uncommon species of Orchids. Additionally, the suspension bridge through the forest canopy is quite captivating, which is very near to the Poring Hot Springs.
3. Explore The Kundasang War Memorial and Gardens
In the remembrance of the British and Australian soldiers, who died in the Sandakan POW camp during their death marches to Ranau, the Kundasang War Memorial and Gardens has been established in the Kundasang. The memorial is situated approximately 7 kilometres from the Kinabalu National Park’s gate and has around 4 splendid gardens within its premises.
4. Spot A Rafflesia
The world’s largest flower, Rafflesias, which is challenging to locate, is another popular attraction in Mount Kinabalu National Park. Rafflesias take nearly a year to reach its full bloom and the fully blossomed flower only lasts for 6 days. Only a fortunate few get the opportunity to catch a glimpse of this unique flower, which is a once in a lifetime experience.
5. Enjoy Hiking At Its Best
Although the entire island has numerous things to offer, hiking on Mount Kinabalu is the most popular activity at Kinabalu National Park. The trail to Mount Kinabalu is very steep and therefore requires extensive preparation before attempting the summit. Trails such as Silau Silau, Bundu Tuhau View, Mempening, Liwagu River, Bukit Burung are the most renowned paths in all of Malaysia.
6. Explore The Kipungit Waterfall
The Kipungit Waterfall and the Langanan Waterfall are located a few kilometers away from the Poring Hot Spring. It is the top spot for picnics in Kinabalu and is also renowned for activities like camping, swimming, etc. all year round.
How To Reach Mount Kinabalu National Park
Before embarking on the journey to Mount Kinabalu National Park, it is advisable to plan the trip via Kota Kinabalu. It is the most convenient and cost-effective way to reach the national park from Kota Kinabalu. Kota Kinabalu is well connected to the national park, offering numerous transportation options to reach the final destination as well as other connecting areas.
From the Night Market near Citi Centre or Jalang Padang, one can take a shared mini-van that charges 20 RM per person for a one-way ride. Buses or coaches from Citi Centre are also available. All buses heading towards Ranau, Sandakan, or Tawau pass by the entrance of the National Park, making it a popular mode of transportation. The one-way trip costs approximately 10 RM to 15 RM and takes 1-1.5 hours.
Another popular choice is to rent a vehicle from Kota Kinabalu Airport for a self-drive option. Non-sharing taxis are also easily accessible from Kota Kinabalu, providing exclusive service for a whole day at a cost of around RM150 to RM200.
Where To Stay
Since Kota Kinabalu is often considered the base camp for Mount Kinabalu, there are numerous hotels and restaurants available, including hotels, resorts, guest houses, homestays, and villas. Some popular places to stay include Avangio Hotelli and Celyn Resort in Jalan Lintas, as well as the Kinabalu Daya Hotel in Gaya street Market, among others.
Located in the mountainous area, it is recommended to bring warm garments and waterproof coats during your excursion to Mount Kinabalu and its neighboring regions. Since there is a daily limit of 135 climbers, it is advisable to make reservations and obtain all necessary authorizations at least six months in advance for your journey to Malaysia!
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