Kinabalu Park

Fyaz Hamzason
Apr 12, 2017
2 min read

Kinabalu Park - a World Heritage Site is situated on the northern end of Borneo Island, in Sabah. It is the main entrance to mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Borneo and Malaysia. It was established as one of the first Malaysia's national park. Kinabalu Park is the starting point of the summit trail that leads to the top of Mount Kinabalu. The property has been identified as a Centre of Plant Diversity for Southeast Asia. The park contains representatives from at least half of all Borneo’s plant species and is exceptionally rich in species with elements from the Himalayas, China, Australia, Malaysia, and pan tropical floras.

Accommodations ranging from basic hostels to luxury chalets can be found in the park, mostly around the headquarters. Surrounding the Kinabalu Park is a multitude of natural attractions and enjoyable activities such as mountain biking, golf, birding, farm tours and canopy walk. As Kinabalu Park is located in a hilly area, it is best to pack up warm clothing and gloves to ward off the cold. Apart from that, don’t forget to bring along a highly water resistant knapsack and a raincoat or umbrella in case it rains.

The distance to the park entrance is just under 100km and by car, it is less than 2 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu. This place also can be reached by taxi or bus from the city center. Car rentals can be arranged through major hotels. From Minivans and share taxis from Kota Kinabalu leave Merdeka Square bound for Ranau and pass Kinabalu Park. Inform them to drop you off at the park entrance. Large buses depart Kota Kinabalu bound for Sandakan, Lahad Datu and Semporna and pass Kinabalu Park from the North City Bus Terminal at Inanam. Yet smaller minibuses and share taxis are more recommended. Watch the video below to see what Kinabalu Park has to offer!