On the rainforest-clad island of Borneo, you will find Kinabalu Park, Malaysia's first World Heritage Site and home to Southeast Asia's tallest peak, Mount Kinabalu. Revel in the wealth of rare flora and fauna and spectacular waterfalls that seem to cascade from heaven itself.
From the giant Rafflesia flower and many nocturnal creatures, to the spectacular trek through primordial jungle up misty peaks, and finally above the clouds to catch an awe-inspiring sunrise - this is the one adventure you will never forget. Kinabalu Park, a scenic two-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah, is a popular retreat from the hustle and bustle of city life, the park covers a staggering area of 754 sq km, has four climatic zones and also one of the richest collections of flora in the world.
The majestic 4,095m Mt. Kinabalu is its main attraction. The KadazanDusun, Sabah's largest ethnic group, believe that the mountain is the sacred resting ground of the spirits of their ancestors. The KadazanDusun practice shifting cultivation on the hill slopes and serve as reliable guides and porters to visitors trekking up Mt. Kinabalu. The gateway to the mountain is the Kinabalu Park Headquarters, situated 1,563m on its southern boundary.
A variety of accommodation, restaurants and exhibition centre are available here. This is also where you pay the entrance fee to the park and register if you are an overnight visitor or a climber. Popular attractions here are the Mt. Kinabalu Botanical Garden and the Mountain Garden. After viewing the slide shows on the park's rich history and biodiversity, you can explore the gardens on your own, or join the park's naturalist on a guided walk.
You do not need any real experience in mountain climbing to conquer the highest peak in Southeast Asia, but it pays to be fit. While the summit of Mt. Kinabalu can be reach in two days, a three day climb is less strenuous and allow you more time to indulge in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
However, champion mountain runners at the annual Mt. Kinabalu International Climbathon, proclaimed the 'toughest mountain race in the world', have been known to run up and down the mountain in under three hours! To reach Low's peak, the summit, climber can either follow the more popular Summit Trail or the newer Mesilau Trail which begins at the Mesilau Nature Resort.
The former, which begins at the Timpohon Gate, roughly 4.5km from the park's headquarters, is equipped with clear paths and ropes to help you in ascending the steep and rocky terrain. One the four to five-hour climb, you will pass Carson's Falls, three trail shelters and telecommunications towers before reaching Layang Layang (the place of Swallow) at 2,703m above sea level. here, the Summit Trail meets the more scenic Mesilau Trail.
From Layang Layang, the journey upwards passes the Villosa Shelter and helipad where you can catch sweeping vistas of the Summit Plateau. Further on, you will come upon the Paka Cave shelter where the first explorers slept. You will break journey and spend the night at Laban Rata which offers climbers hostel accommodation and a restaurant before they resume their climb to the peak. After a short night's rest, you need to be ready by 3:00am in order to catch the sunrise at the peak.
It takes about three hours to reach the peak and there are ladders and ropes to help you over the steeper terrain. En route, marvel at the rugged landscape of cliffs gorges, gulleys, plateaus and precipices.
At 4,095.2m above sea level and in the freezing darkness, you reach the summit of Mt. Kinabalu. In an almost sacred moment, the dawn of a new day unfolds gloriously before you. Following the vigorous descent, unwind at Poring's hot springs, the perfect antidote for tired and aching muscles.
Located at Ranau, a short drive from Kinabalu Park, the open air baths contain hot sulphuric minerals said to have curative properties. The nearby Poring Canopy Walkway provides a close-up view of the giant Menggaris treetops. Those who prefer more down-to-earth attractions can trek through the lowland forests, head for the waterfalls, or explore the Tropical Garden where deer rest in their natural habitat.
You may even chance upon the world's largest flower, the exotic Rafflesia. From the Poring Butterfly Farm and the Poring Orchid Conservation Farm, to the lofty Mount Kinabalu Golf Club at Kundasang, there is much to see and do at Kinabalu Park.
