SCENIC
Kinabalu Park
Contact Info
Sabah Parks
Lot 45 & 46, Level 1-5, Block H Signature Office KK Times Square Coastal Highway 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
- Tel: 6088 523 500
- Fax: 6088 486 434
- E-mail: sabahparks@sabah.gov.my / sabahparks@gmail.com
- Website: www.sabahparks.org.my
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges
Block B, Lot 9, Ground Floor Signature Office, KK Times Square Off Coastal Highway 88806 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah
- Tel: 6088 487 466
- Fax: 6088 487 566
- E-Mail: info@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
- Website: www suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
Kinabalu Park, a scenic two-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu – the capital of Sabah, is a dream come true for nature lovers. 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 Mount 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 practise shifting cultivation on the hill slopes and serve as reliable guides and porters to visitors trekking up Mount Kinabalu.
The gateway to the mountain is the Kinabalu Park Headquarters, situated 1,563m on its southern boundary. Accommodation, restaurants and an 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 include the Mount Kinabalu Botanical 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 of Southeast Asia, but it pays to be fit. While the summit of Mount Kinabalu can be reached in two days, a three-day climb is less strenuous and allows you more time to indulge in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Following a massive earthquake in 2015, visitors only have access to Mount Kinabalu via the new Summit Trail (along Timpohon Gate).
The new trail will take climbers from Laban Rata situated at an altitude of 3,272m, to Sayat Sayat at 3,668m before they continue on the summit trail to Low’s Peak at 4,095.2m. The new trail is slightly longer but offers beautiful views of the picturesque Ranau Valley. The terrain is also more challenging but ladders and steps are in place to help climbers. The alternative trail, is called the Kota Belud route. It takes a westerly course from Panalaban, but eventually leads to Sayat Sayat.
Climbers will pass Layang-Layang Hut (the Place of Swallows) at 2,703m above sea level and pass the Villosa Shelter and a helipad where one can catch sweeping views of the Summit Plateau. Further on you will come upon the Paka Cave Shelter, where the first explorers slept. To break their journey, climbers will spend a night at Laban Rata, which is equipped with a hostel and a restaurant.
After a short night’s rest, you need to be ready by 2.30am 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 hours of early dawn, you reach the summit of Mount Kinabalu. In an almost sacred moment, the dawn of a new day unfolds gloriously before you.
Following the vigorous descent, unwind at Poring 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.
Mount Kinabalu is the location of the world’s highest via ferrata (3,800m), Mountain Torq. It is also the first via ferrata in Asia. It is certified as the first-of-its-kind by the Guinness World Records. Via ferrata comes from an Italian word, meaning ‘road of iron’. It is a protected climbing route consisting of a series of rungs, rails and cables to help climbers move safely against the mountain face. There are more than 300 via ferrata routes around the world. Via ferrata offers a whole new experience as participants can enjoy views that were previously limited to expert and seasoned climbers.
Kinabalu Park is situated about 92km from the international gateway of Kota Kinabalu. It is accessible by car, van, coach, four-wheel drive, taxi and even chartered helicopter. There are also regular buses and minibuses plying between Kota Kinabalu and the park. About seven kilometres from the park’s main entrance, you will find the town of Kundasang, home to the local Dusun farmers. Here you will find stalls selling everything from vegetables to souvenirs and handicraft items.
Tips
All climbers up Mount Kinabalu must engage the services of a registered guide on their climb. You can hire a guide and porter by registering at the park headquarters managed by Sabah Parks. Walk-in bookings at the park are subject to availability, so pre-booking is encouraged.
