Kinabalu Park covers an area of 754 sq km and was gazetted in 1964. It was the first national park in Sabah. The park is dominated by Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia at 4,095 metres.
Different elevations of the park and their micro climates support distinct habitats. The lower slopes are covered in lowland dipterocarp forest; above 1,200 m there is lower montane forest and at elevations above 2,600 m the cloud forest is characterized by a diversity of flowering plants. Above 3,300 m there is a sub-alpine meadow zone with stunted trees and shrubs. Above 3,700 m the strong winds and rain make it hard for plants to survive.
The slopes of Mount Kinabalu are home to an incredible variety of plants and animal species. 5,000-6,000 plant species are found in the park, including 1,000 types of orchids, 60 species of ferns and 78 species of ficus. A rich diversity of wildlife is found in Kinabalu Park, including 90 species of lowland mammals, 22 mammal species living in the montane zone and 326 bird species. Incredibly, the majority of Borneo’s amphibian, invertebrate, mammal and bird species are known to live within the park’s boundaries.
Owing to its unique and varied ecology the park was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000.
The main entry point for Kinabalu park is located 90 km from Kota Kinabalu at an elevation of 1,520 m above sea level. Facilities at the park include range of accommodation, restaurants, retail outlets and an information centre, a botanical garden and a number of nature trails that suit various levels of fitness. There are short 20-30 minute walks, 2-3 hour treks and the climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu.
Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea and attracts thousands of climbers each year. The dry season months from March to September are the best time to climb Mount Kinabalu.
Borneo Adventure offer a range of day tours and overnight trips to Kinabalu Park.
