MOUNT KINABALU

PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOURISM MALAYSIA


Kinabalu Park
Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
(Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site)

Introduction

Standing majestically at a height of 4,095.2m, Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Southeast Asia. It is situated in the Kinabalu Park, a wonderland of ecological treasures covering some 754sq km.

The diversity of plant life in Kinabalu Park ranges over four climatic zones. Over 5,000 types of flowering plants including 1,200 species of orchids, 26 species of rhodendrons, over 80 species of fig trees as well 60 species of oak and chestnut trees are found here. About 100 species of mammals and 326 species of birds are also known to reside in the sprawling park.

Ascending and descending Mount Kinabalu’s summit takes two to three days, depending on the weather ane’s fitness level. There two popular trails to the peak, one from Timpohon Gate and the other from Mesilau. Climbers can ascend up to Laban Rata at an elevation of 3,273m and spend a night at the rest house before setting off to the peak early the next morning. Climbers must register at the park head office.
The Mount Kinabalu international Climbathon is dubbed as the “World’ Toughest Mountain Race”.


Getting There

Because of Sabah's remote location, just about everybody will arrive by air through the Kota Kinabalu International Airport in the capital city (tel. 088/238-555), about a 20-minute drive south of the central part of the city.

A surprising number of direct international flights connect Sabah to the region. Malaysia Airlines flies from Hong Kong, Manila, Osaka, Seoul, Shanghai, Singapore, and Tokyo, among others (tel. 1300/883-000; www.malaysiaairlines.com), and AirAsia flies from Bangkok (tel. 1300/889-933; www.airasia.com). Australian Airlines, operated by Qantas (tel. 131313; www.australianairlines.com.au), flies from Sydney.
Malaysia Airlines also has direct domestic flights to Kota Kinabalu from KL, Johor Bahru, Kuching, Sibu, and Miri, with in-state service to Sandakan and other towns. AirAsia has direct domestic flights from KL and Johor Bahru.

Arrangements can be made at the time of booking with the for a private van operator to pick you up at Kota Kinabalu International Airport into the park.