- Address: Kinabalu Park, 88100 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia
- Phone: +60 88-211 881
- Website: sabahparks.org.my
- Created: 1964.
The amazing country of Malaysia is very popular among tourists. Rest here is rich, affordable and diverse. You can lazily sunbathe on local and island beaches , visit national villages and taste the cuisine of different peoples, or admire the stunning cultural heritage of the country. If you are attracted by eco-tourism - you should pay attention to the parks and reserves of Malaysia , such as the Kinabalu National Park.
The most interesting about the park
Kinabalu is the first protected national park in Malaysia, created by a special decree in 1964. The park is located in the Malaysian part of Borneo (eastern territory of Malaysia) on the west bank of Sabah Governorate. The territory of the park is 754 square meters. km around the mountain Kinabalu - the highest peak of Southeast Asia - 4095.2 m.
In December 2000, Kinabalu National Park was included by UNESCO in the World Heritage List as a special territory of "outstanding universal value". Kinabalu Park is considered one of the most important biological regions of our planet. In the vast territory of the park there are 326 different species of birds and about 100 mammals. In general, Kinabalu has over 4,500 species of flora and fauna in four climatic zones.
For the Malays, Mount Kinabalu is a sacred land. According to ancient legends, it is here that spirits live. Kinabalu National Park is very popular with tourists. Almost every traveler comes here. According to official statistics for 2004, the park was visited by more than 415 thousand tourists and more than 43 thousand climbers.
What to see?
Kinabalu is very famous for carnivorous plants growing at the foot of the mountain, as well as numerous orchids (there are more than 1000 species growing here), a giant worm and a red leech Kinabalu. Most of the park's plants are endemic, especially rare ones are fenced. From animals you can meet deer, monkeys and Malaysian bears.
On the territory of the Kinabalu National Park, those wishing to spend excursions , and experienced tourists are offered an ascent to the Kinabalu mountain. Every year, international competitions take place here for the fastest ascent to the summit of Kinabalu. The first colonel to the top was the British colonial administrator Hugh Low, he reached the highest point in 1895. Years later, the highest peak of Kinabalu Mountain was named in his honor.
For lovers of hot springs in the park built a health-improving complex Poring Hot Springs. Here you can have a good rest, alternating water procedures with walks through the ancient jungle.
Climbing
The mountain is accessible and easy for climbing, you do not need special equipment. There are no complex areas here, it becomes dangerous only during rain and fog, when it is very slippery and visibility is lost. On average, the climb takes 2 days with an overnight stay at Laban Rata, with the second exit starting very early in the morning, about 2 hours, so that travelers can see at the top of the sunrise. Hardy and experienced tourists can make the ascent and descent for a day, but this will not bring much pleasure. The youngest conqueror of the summit is a child of 9 months, and the oldest is the 83-year-old tourist from New Zealand.
How to get there?
Most of the tourists come to the park on the transport of tour operators as part of the excursion. The office of the Kinabalu National Park is located about 90 km from the city of Kota Kinabalu .
If you travel independently by car, follow highway No. 22 on the coordinates and be careful, as half way is mountain serpentine. You can also take a taxi from Kota Kinabalu.
The park can be reached by a minibus from Padang Merdeka bus station near the night market. Flights depart as you fill the minibus to leave faster, you can pay for the remaining seats. From the northern bus station of the city of Kota Kinabalu to the nearest towns there are buses daily, making a stop right near the entrance to the park.
It is recommended to take a raincoat, mountain boots and anti-pour socks.