The lush green tropical rainforest covers the land of Sabah like a blanket.
A tropical rainforest with an abundant of flora and fauna, the Kinabalu Park located about 90 kilometres from the Kota Kinabalu city is certainly one of the world’s most stunning natural environment. Home to one of the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu, it has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in year 2000 for its “outstanding universal value” and the role as one of the most important biological sites in the world. The Kinabalu rainforest has more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna, which includes 326 bird and around 100 mammal species, and over 110 land nail species. It is also Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO.
As one of Malaysia’s first national park, the Kinabalu Park showcases a comprehensive ecological system that is unique and unrivalled anywhere else in the world. It has a great altitudinal and climatic gradient from tropical forest to alpine condition that makes it even greater. It is certainly a huge green oasis for nature lovers all around the world. Not to forget that the park is also the main starting point for the hiking to the top of Mount Kinabalu with 4,095 metres in height. The park is also famous for its cool climate due to its location 1,585 metres above sea level. The diverse array of flora and fauna can be seen changing gradually as the altitude increases from the lower area of the park to the higher parts of the forests. With a size of 754 square kilometres, the Kinabalu Park is nothing short of a biological treasure trove.
The most expensive orchid in the world, Rothschild's Slipper Orchid
WHAT TO DO IN KINABALU PARK?
The park is administered by an organisation called Sabah Parks. Its opening hours are 9.00 am to 4.00 pm every day. Visitors can visit the area and roam around freely by themselves anytime during the opening hours. Entrance fees are RM3 for Malaysian adult and RM1 for Malaysian who are 18 years old or below whereas RM15 for non-Malaysian adult and RM10 for non-Malaysian who are 18 years old or below. There will be a conducted guided tour through the park with Sabah Park’s interpretation guide are scheduled at 9.00 am, 12.00 noon and 3.00 pm.
There are many things to see in the park including the most expensive orchid in the flower – Rothschild’s Slipper Orchid and also the largest flower in the world – Rafflesia. Other than that, Kinabalu Park also have tarsiers and Orang Utan but they are very rare to be seen by visitors. The more common animals that can be seen are squirrels, mouse deer and tree shrews. A visit to the Botanical Garden in the Kinabalu Park will let you witness the beauty of numerous flowers blooming within the garden. Extensive trails within the park also brings you to get a chance at seeing many more rare species of plants.
The largest flower in the world, Rafflesia
One of the main attraction in the Kinabalu Park is the Mount Kinabalu without a doubt. The tall and majestic granite mountain can be seen far away even in the city of Kota Kinabalu. It is simply a breath-taking view just by looking at it among the vast tropical rainforests. Every year, thousands of people take on the challenge to reach the summit of Mount Kinabalu. This is mainly due to it being one of the most accessible taller mountains. You do not need any special prerequisite mountain climbing skills or equipment to be able to reach the peak. In fact, a set of warm clothing, a pair of sturdy shoes with strong grip, a reasonable level of fitness and lots of high energy snacks and some other things, you can too climb to the peak of Mount Kinabalu which is also known as Low’s Peak. Once you reach the peak of Mount Kinabalu, you will witness an astonishing panoramic view in front of your eyes.
The Poring Canopy Walk brings you to watch the jungle in a different perspective.
If you want to add some spice during your travel at Kinabalu Park, you can visit the Poring Hot Spring which is about an hour distance from Kinabalu Park. It has many pools of warm therapeutic sulphur hot springs for visitors to dip inside to relax. There is also a butterfly farm which is an open garden that attracts many butterfly because of its flowering plants. There is also an enclosure where you can see even more butterflies inside it and some might just fly by you or even stop on your shoulders. Besides that, you can also go on the Poring Canopy Walk too. You will be walking on a rope and steel cable suspension bridge about 40 – 43 metres above the ground and 175 metres long. As most of the tropical rainforest animals spend most of their time in the forest canopy, you will get the chance to see many of them at a close range.
The Botanical Garden in Kinabalu Park.
Kinabalu Park Opening Hours:
9.00 am – 4.00 pm (Daily)
Kinabalu Park Entrance Fee:
Malaysian – RM 3 (Adult) / RM 1 (Below 18)
Non-Malaysian – RM 15 (Adult) / RM10 (Below 18)
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