{"id":84,"date":"2020-05-01T21:45:00","date_gmt":"2020-05-01T13:45:00","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.mysabah.com\/wordpress\/?p=84"},"modified":"2025-07-21T20:04:02","modified_gmt":"2025-07-21T12:04:02","slug":"best-things-to-do-in-kinabalu-park","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mysabah.com\/wordpress\/best-things-to-do-in-kinabalu-park\/","title":{"rendered":"Best things to do in Kinabalu Park"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Kinabalu Park (Local Name: Taman Kinabalu<\/em>) or Kinabalu National Park is the No.1 choice if you ask tour agents what’s the most recommended attraction in Sabah. Standing at 4,095.2 Metres (13,435 Feet) in Kinabalu Park, Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain of Malaysia<\/strong> and in travel list of Malaysia climbers. Besides being a must-visit destination of Sabah, the pleasing temperature from 15\u00b0C to 24\u00b0C (60\u00b0F – 78\u00b0F) already draws a lot of tourists to this highland park in Kundasang \/ Ranau district.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Location<\/a>
Location of Kinabalu Park and its Headquarter<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

To get the best experience from this UNESCO World Heritage Site (and UNESCO Global Geopark), here is a complete travel guide to show you the top things to do in Kinabalu National Park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Mount<\/a>
Mount Kinabalu is part of Kinabalu National Park, the first UNESCO World Heritage Site of Malaysia<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

About Kinabalu Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Kinabalu National Park covers an area of 754 square kilometres and became Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 2000 for its outstanding universal values<\/em> in terms of biodiversity. Kinabalu National Park is out of the world because of its many unique features not found in other parts of Malaysia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Subalphine<\/a>
Subalphine scrubs on Mount Kinabalu. Only in Sabah!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

10 Cool Things about Kinabalu Park<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
    \n
  1. Mount Kinabalu is one of the most beautiful nature attractions of Malaysia and an icon of Sabah.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  2. Kinabalu Park is hotspot of Borneo megadiversity that hosts more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna. Some are not documented.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  3. The largest pitcher plant in the world<\/a> is Nepenthes rajah<\/em>, which can trap a rat and only lives in Kinabalu National Park.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  4. Kinabalu Park is bigger than Singapore.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  5. About 1,000 orchid species are found here, and over 12% are endemic species.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  6. Located at 3,272 metres above sea level, Panalaban (Laban Rata) has the highest accommodation and highest post box in Malaysia<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  7. Rafflesia keithii<\/em>, which can grow up to one metre in diameter, is the largest flower of Sabah<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  8. Mount Kinabalu has distinct vegetation zones in different altitude, for example, lowland dipterocarp forest, montane forest and subalpine zone (only found in Sabah).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  9. Kinabalu Park is a top birdwatching site.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  10. Many interesting Borneo wildlife live in Kinabalu Park, to list a few, Wallace’s Flying Frog, Ninja Slug<\/a> that shoots love darts.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
    \n

    \u201cKinabalu is a scenic wonder, a test for mountaineers from the amateur to the skilled rock climber, a holiday from the hot lowlands, and botanically a paradise.\u201d \u2014 E.J.H. Corner<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    Kinabalu Park Headquarter<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The starting point of all activities in Kinabalu Park is its Sabah Parks<\/a> headquarters in southern boundary, situated at 1,563 metres (5,128 feet) above sea level in Kundasang. It is accessible by driving nearly 2 hours for about 89 Kilometres, from Kota Kinabalu on the road in good condition. You can walk to most facilities and accommodation from the headquarter, or drive inside the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Administration<\/a>
    Administration building (left) and ticket booth (right) at the entrance of Kinabalu Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Next to the ticket booth at the entrance, the administration building consists of reception counter for guests to check-in to their accommodation in Kinabalu Park, and registration counters for climbers to register and make payment. In early morning, you would see climbers gather around this area to meet their mountain guides and porters for final preparation, before they are transferred by vehicle to Timpohon Gate, the starting point of the climb about 5 KM away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Entrance<\/a>
    Entrance and parking area of Kinabalu Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    There are two restaurants, Liwagu Restaurant and Balsam Cafe, which serve western and oriental food, in buffet and ala carte style. The food is great but a bit expensive. More economic choices are available just outside the park.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Top Activities at Kinabalu Park<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

    Besides Mt. Kinabalu, the recreational and accommodation zones inside the park offer a wide range of nature-based activities to nature lovers, whether they want something leisure or adventurous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    1. Climbing Mount Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Conquering Mount Kinabalu is the highlight. More than 45,000 tourists climb this granite mountain every year, and most of them love the scenery and challenge. The view along the summit trail is breathtaking. Imagine the feeling you stand above the cloud like the king of the world. It’s really a once in a lifetime experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"group<\/a>
    Climbing Mount Kinabalu is the most popular activity of Kinabalu Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Normally the climb takes two days and one night. In day one, you ascend 6 KM to Panalaban (previously known as Laban Rata), where you spend a night, then continue the last 2.7-Kilometre climb to the summit at 2am next morning. The accommodation on the mountain is always full, so you must book 6 months in advance<\/strong>. For Sabahans, they can register with Sabah Parks<\/a>. For other climbers, they can book the climb with Sutera Sanctuary Lodges<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"ladies<\/a>
    On the summit (Low’s Peak) of Mount Kinabalu. Behind us is the Low’s Gully.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    FYI, you can send a postcard from the highest postbox of Malaysia<\/a> at Panalaban. \u00bb Read more about How to Climb Mount Kinabalu<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Via Ferrata<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    For those daredevils who are not afraid of height and want more spectacular view, the must-try is Mountain TORQ, the world\u2019s highest and Asia\u2019s first Via Ferrata<\/a>. Put on the gears and take the \u2018iron road\u2019 at 3,200m to 3,800m above sea level to move to the peak. Or you may sign up for an alpine rock climbing course<\/a> too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Via<\/a>
    Via Ferrata, the Iron Road on Mount Kinabalu<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    2. Hiking or Night Walk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    Kinabalu Park is more than just Mount Kinabalu. What makes Kinabalu Park truly shines are the eco-treasure in its forest. There are 326 bird and around 100 mammal species live in Kinabalu Park. In the vicinity of Kinabalu Park Headquarter is dense lower montane forest, a mossy cloud jungle which looks like an alien world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Jungle<\/a>
    Jungle trekking in mountain forest of Kinabalu National Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Walk into this playground of naturalist and plant enthusiasts and you would spot animals such as mountain squirrel, gliding lizard, lantern bug, pitcher plant, rhinoceros beetle and trilobite; and endemic plant such as pink Kinabalu Balsam, gigantic tree fern, snowy white Borneo Rhododendron and jewel orchid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Nature Trails of Kinabalu Park<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    You are free to explore the nine nature trails in Kinabalu Park HQ, which take 15 minutes to three hours one way. For a casual walk, Personally I recommend Silau-Silau trail that starts from Multi-Purpose Hall. Liwagu Trail (5.5 KM one way) is the longest but the most rewarding. If you want the shortest trail, Bundu Tuhan View Trail is only 224 metres one way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Layout<\/a>
    Layout and trail map of Kinabalu Park Complex<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    A few trails such as Bukit Ular has leeches, in case you mind. Hire a knowledgeable tour guide to go with you, they are good at spotting birds and critters. \u00bb Read more about Jungle Trekking in Kinabalu Park<\/a>. If you are into night walk or herping, you can read more about my herping \/ night walk guide in Sabah<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    Bird Watching<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

    Kinabalu National Park is internationally recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA)<\/a>, especially for mountainous (montane) birds, a total of 58 species with 17 are endemic, and 262 of other residents bird species. Take a binocular and walk in Silau-Silau and Bukit Tupai trails in the morning, you would spot special birds such as Bornean Treepie and Chestnut-crested Yuhina. Sometimes you would find a group of Crimson-headed Partridge (wild chicken) forages next to you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Wildlife<\/a>
    Wildlife of Kinabalu Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    High on the bucket list of birdwatchers is sighting of endemic birds like Sunda Whistling Thrush, iridescent green Whitehead\u2019s Broadbill, Whitehead’s Trogon, Mountain Serpent-eagle and Bornean Green Magpie. The best birdwatching location of Kinabalu Park is along the road towards Sabah Electricity Board’s Power Station at 1,800 M (6,000 feet).<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    3. Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    This garden behind Liwagu Restaurant is really underrated. Kinabalu Park has more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna and many are endemic to this park only. A visit to Kinabalu National Park is incomplete if you can’t even name 3 special plant there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Nepenthes<\/a>
    Nepenthes rajah<\/em> is the largest pitcher plant in the world and only found in Kinabalu Park<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden has very interesting and representative collection of plant, flowers and herbs from Kinabalu Park. The garden offers daily guided tours at 9am, 12pm and 3pm<\/strong> (for a small fee). The guide (can speak English and Malay) will share some cool stories on selected plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Rothschild<\/a>
    Rothschild slipper orchid (left) is also known as Gold of Kinabalu<\/em>, and “Santa Claus” orchid (right)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    You definitely don’t want to miss the rare plant such as Rothschild Slipper Orchid<\/a> and Nepenthes rajah<\/em>, which can fetch very high price in black market. \u00bb Read more about Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

    4. Staycation in Nature Resorts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The accommodation inside Kinabalu Park Headquarter is managed by a private company called Sutera Sanctuary Lodges<\/a>. You can choose different type of rooms, from chalet, villa, lodge to hostel, depends on your budget. The price ranges from RM125 for a hostel room to RM14,400 for the most lavished Rajah Lodge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \"Variety<\/a>
    Variety of accommodation in Kinabalu Park. Photo Credit: Sutera Sanctuary Lodges<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

    You can book the room in their booking website<\/a>. Just key in the date and it will show you the availability and rate of the accommodation. Below is a quick look of the price range (Room \/ Lodge for 2 to 6 guests). Prices may vary depend on season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n