Kinabalu Park is Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site, designated in December 2000 for its outstanding universal values. Mount Kinabalu is one of the world’s top spots for nature lovers, home to over 4,500 plant species, 326 types of birds, and around 100 different animals.
Located on the western coast of Malaysian Borneo, near the southern boundary, Kinabalu Park covers an area of 754 square kilometers, surrounding Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain on the Malay Peninsula and Borneo. The park is a protected area and has been identified by UNESCO as a Centre of Plant Diversity for Southeast Asia, housing at least half of Borneo’s plant species and pan tropical floras.
Image source: sabahtourism.com
Getting to Kinabalu Park is quite simple, especially if you are coming from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. The park is located about 90 kilometers away on the west coast of Malaysian Borneo, and the journey takes around two hours by road. The route to the park is scenic, passing through lush green hills, villages, and breathtaking mountain views.
The most convenient way to reach Kinabalu Park HQ is by private car or taxi. Renting a car allows you to travel at your own pace, stopping at scenic spots along the way, such as the Kundasang War Memorial. Taxis are also available, but they can be more expensive.
If you prefer public transport, buses and minivans heading to Ranau or Sandakan from the Kota Kinabalu North Bus Terminal (Inanam Terminal) will pass by Kinabalu Park Headquarters. Simply inform the driver of your destination, and they will drop you off at the entrance. The bus fare is affordable, making this a budget-friendly option.
The Mountain Garden, located within Kinabalu Park Headquarters, is one of the park’s most fascinating attractions. Open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, this garden serves as an outdoor research center, showcasing an impressive variety of Borneo’s plant species. For visitors who want an in-depth learning experience, guided tours are available at 9:00 am, 12:00 pm, and 3:00 pm, led by knowledgeable park guides.
The Mountain Garden also known as Botanical Garden, open from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, offers guided tours at 9.00 am, 12.00 pm, and 3.00 pm. This is an excellent spot to learn about rare and endemic plants, including orchids and Borneo’s plant species.
This garden is a must-visit for those interested in plant diversity and conservation. Here’s what makes it special:
The Mountain Garden is home to rare and endemic plants found only in Malaysian Borneo. Some of these plants have adapted to the cool, montane climate of Kinabalu Park. Visitors can see unique carnivorous pitcher plants (Nepenthes species), which thrive in the nutrient-poor soils by trapping insects.
The garden also boasts a variety of wild orchids, some of which are exclusive to Mt Kinabalu and cannot be found anywhere else.
Kinabalu Park is known for its vegetation zones, ranging from lowland rainforest to alpine scrub at higher elevations. The Mountain Garden provides a glimpse of these zones, making it an excellent place for visitors to see plant adaptations up close.
Guided tours offer insights into the ecological significance of Borneo’s plant species. Visitors can learn how plants contribute to the delicate ecosystem and the ongoing conservation efforts in this protected area.
The garden is beautifully landscaped, making it a great spot for nature photography. Visitors can capture detailed images of exotic flowers, pan tropical floras, and rare plant species against the backdrop of Mt Kinabalu.
Kinabalu Park is home to multiple nature trails, catering to different skill levels. Popular trails include:
Each trail starts from designated entry points, leading hikers through different vegetation zones, from lowland rainforest to alpine scrub.
Located about an hour’s drive from the Kinabalu Park Headquarters, Poring Hot Springs offers rejuvenating hot springs that flow naturally from the ground. Visitors can also explore the treetop canopy walk, offering breathtaking views of the lowland rainforest.
For overnight stays, Kinabalu Park accommodation offers a variety of options, from luxurious private chalets to comfortable dormitories. Visitors can book through Sutera Sanctuary Lodges for an array of choices.
At the park headquarters, visitors can find basic facilities, including:
Due to high demand, it is advisable to book your accommodation in advance, particularly during peak seasons.
Exploring Kinabalu National Park is best done with a guide, ensuring a deeper understanding of its flora and fauna.
A Park Naturalist or guide can take visitors on an educational tour through various trails, including the Liwagu Trail, Silau Silau Trail, and Kiau View Trail, offering insights into the park’s diverse ecosystems.
Kinabalu Park is one of 31 Important Birding Areas in Sabah, making it a top destination for bird watching. Visitors can spot montane birds at Kinabalu Park HQ and lowland species at Poring Hot Springs.
For adventure seekers, Mount Kinabalu climbing is a must. Starting from Timpohon Gate, climbers ascend to Mt Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia, passing through different vegetation zones. The summit offers breathtaking sunrise views.
As one of the most important biological sites in the world, Kinabalu Park is dedicated to conservation and sustainable tourism. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000, the park is home to thousands of flora and fauna species, many of which are found only in Malaysian Borneo.
To protect its fragile ecosystem, various conservation strategies are in place to ensure the survival of rare species and the preservation of plant biodiversity.
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park is committed to conservation. Efforts include:
Visitors can contribute by following park rules, avoiding littering, and respecting the natural habitat.
For photography enthusiasts, Kinabalu Park offers an abundance of breathtaking landscapes, rare wildlife, and exotic flora. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a professional, the park provides countless opportunities to capture the natural beauty of Malaysian Borneo.
Kinabalu Park is a true nature lover’s paradise, offering stunning landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, and thrilling activities. Whether you’re hiking, bird watching, or enjoying the hot springs, the park provides an unforgettable experience. Plan your trip to Kinabalu National Park today and discover the wonders of Sabah Parks while contributing to conservation efforts in this extraordinary protected area.
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Remarkable Borneo Travel & Tours is a Malaysian tour operator based in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. We offer a wide range of affordable and appealing Sabah tour packages, such as Mount Kinabalu climb, Borneo tours, Sabah diving and island packages and Sandakan tours. Our mission is to provide memorable travel experiences that allow our customers to discover the wonders of Borneo.
