Fun @ Kinabalu Park, Sabah

Kinabalu Park which covers an area of 754 sq km was gazetted a park in 1964.The basis for the establishment of a protected areas in Kinabalu were formed after a report from the Royal Society Kinabalu Scientific expedition in 1962-1964 led by Prof. Corner. It is the first Park in the Malaysian Borneo’s state of Sabah. Its main feature is Mount Kinabalu (4,095.2 m), the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. It slope is home to a rich assemblage of plants and animal species. It is a hot spot of particularly the plant biodiversity with affinities to flora from the Himalayas, China, Australia, Malay Peninsula, as well as pan-tropical region.

The main entry point for visitors is the Park Headquarters located about 92 km on the Kota Kinabalu – east coast highway lying at an elevation 1520m above sea levels. The cool climates attracted over 250,000 visitors in 2009 with about 47,000 made the attempt to conquer the peak.

The proposed Kinabalu Geopark, in the district of Ranau, Sabah covers an area of approximately 1000 km2. The Kinabalu Park dominated by Mount Kinabalu (4,095.2m) with an area of 754 km2 is the core of the proposed geopark. It has a very wide range of habitats, from rich tropical lowland and hill rainforest to tropical montane forest, to sub-alpine forest and scrub on the higher elevations. Its complex geology consists of the oldest rock in Sabah (Crystalline Basement), highly fractured and tectonised sedimentary and metamorphic rocks (Trusmadi and Wariu Formations), ophiolite suite (Chert-Spilite Formation and associated igneous rocks) and the Crocker Formation.

The main batholith of Mount Kinabalu is composed of granodiorite. Uplifted ultrabasic rocks are also found in abundant. The Pinousok Gravels was deposited in the Pleistocene by glaciation process. Major topographical features include peaks and plateau, gullies, rivers, streams and waterfalls, hot springs, cave and granitic bodies. Unique displays of the effects of past glacial activities in the shape of "nunataks" jagged peak (such as Low's Peak and South Peak), striations, grooves and polished surfaces, the creation of cirques, U-shaped valleys and gullies, roche mountonnes and deposit of glacial moraines are worth considering for conservation. The wide spectrum of rocks such as granite intrusive, basic and ultrabasic, volcanic, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, will also compliment the conservation efforts in promoting the Kinabalu Park and its surrounding areas as a Geopark.

Getting there

Kinabalu National Park is about 90 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu, Sabah's capital city and is easily accessible by road.

Most tourists to the park arrive on private buses with tour groups, but there are several public bus routes that travel from the bus station at Kota Kinabalu to the island's east coast. Many of these routes bypass the park. When purchasing a ticket on these buses, be sure to mention that you are only travelling to Kinabalu National Park.

The bus trip can take anything from two to four hours and costs RM10-15.

Long-distance taxis are also available for hire from Kota Kinabalu, generally near the bus station. Although, many drivers will wait until they have a full vehicle before departing. The cost is reportedly about RM250 per trip.

Price Rates

From: http://sabahbooking.com/tips-22

Last Updated:2012-08-04

Mount Kinabalu

Climbing Mt Kinabalu can be done in 2 days but a more comfortable climb in 3-days is recommended to acclimatise to the altitude and fully enjoy the rich biological diversity - the exotic rare plants, orchids, birds and many more.

While it does not require skills to do the climb, climbers must at least have basic fitness level. Park regulations require climbers have to engage the services of a registered mountain guide.

The numbers of guides depend on the number of climbers. Porters services are available and recommended. Book and pay for your mountain guide and porter at the Kinabalu Park.

Two trails lead to the top, the Summit Trail and Mesilau Route. The trails meet at Layang-Layang at 2,740m (or Km 4 from Timpohon Gate).  

Other Peaks

Attractions include South Peak (3,921 metres) and St John's Peak (4,090 metres). Both may be climbed in half a day but are recommended only for more experienced climbers. St. John's is particularly tricky. Other major peaks are Ugly Sisters (4,086 metres), Alexandra (3,998 metres) and Victoria (4,090 metres).

The terrain on Western Plateau is rocky but smooth, showing the effects of glaciation. The trail calls for use of ropes to negotiate the challenging climb.

20 minutes from Low's Peak is a small shelter known as the Gurkha Hut. Perched on smooth rock at 3,839 metres above sea level, this stop-over is for seasoned climbers who wish to spend more time on the plateau and are fully equipped to do so on their own.

Via ferrata is a mountain path consisting of a series of rungs and cables embracing the rock face, creating a protected pathway that everyone can walk on. It allows access to scenic sections of the mountain normally accessible only to rock climbers and mountaineers.

The Mountain Torq via ferrata offers all participants the excitement of coming up close with Mt. Kinabalu and experiencing stunning views of its peak and valleys. Mountain Torq is the world’s highest and Asia’s first via ferrata. Rising from 3,200 to 3,800m, the via ferrata is located near the summit of Mt. Kinabalu.

Mount Tambuyukon

Mt. Tambuyukon is located on the Northern Part of Sabah. With It's highest elevation of 2,580m (8,462ft), Mount Tambuyukon is the third highest mountain in Malaysia after Mount Kinabalu and Mount Trusmadi.

Mount Tambuyukon is situated at the centre of Kinabalu Park. Being isolated with limited accessibility, this area is yet to be explored extensively. Located separately but adjacent to the majestic Mount Kinabalu make this area an interesting and exclusive research site. Attractive research fields include variety aspects of biology, phytochemistry, geology, hydrology, socio economy and eco-tourism potential.

Ascent route to the top most of Mount Tambuyukon provides an interesting experience as the route crosses a large altitude range, starting from lowland of about 200 meters and ended in mountain elevation of more than 2,500 meters above sea level. This ascent track also cuts across various type of rocks and soils including the ultra-basic, giving a vest variety of biodiversity tht could be discovered along the way.

Flora of Kinabalu

Kinabalu is a hot spot of plant biodiversities. It is estimated between 5,000 to 6,000 vascular plant are found in this park. These plant which comprise of 200 families and 1000 genera made up 14 percent of the flora in the Malesia phytogeographical region or about 2.5 percent of the flora of the Earth.

• 711 documented species of orchids
• 621 species of ferns
• 27 species of Rhododendrons
• 9 species of Nepenthaceae
• 78 species of figs
• 6 species of bamboo
• 45 species of wild gingers
• 81 species of palms
• 2 species of Rafflesia

unaccountable number of fungi, mosses, liverworth and lichens.

Fauna of Kinabalu

Wildlife ranges from mammals, birds, fishes, amphibians and reptiles to insects and other invertebrates. Some montane mammals such as pygmy squirrels and fruit bats are almost endemic to Kinabalu. Others like Thomas' Pygmy-squirrels, Black Shrews and Kinabalu Shrews are found no where else.

Of 29 bird species unique to Borneo, at least 17 are confined to the mountains, notably Kinabalu. These include subspecies of the Red breasted Tree-partridge and the Crimson-headed Wood-partridge. A common sight on the summit is the Mountain Blackbird. Kinabalu is home to over half of Borneo's 518 bird species, including Rhinoceros Hornbills.

Over 1,000 moth varieties, numerous small reptiles, insects and spiders are endemic to Kinabalu. Of the 900 known butterfly species in Borneo, some 600 are found here. Diversity - with over 100 species of mammals alone - does not guarantee sightings. Many animals are nocturnal or tree top dwellers. The most obvious are tree shrews and squirrels, of which 28 species are noted. Primates include Orang Utans, Borneon Gibbons, Leaf Monkeys, and two distinctive nocturnal species, the Slow loris and the Tarsier.

Poring 

Poring is named after a species of giant bamboo that grows abundantly in the area. It lies in the eastern boundaries and situated some 40km (25miles) from the Kinabalu Park Headquarters. Poring is about 400m above sea level and is dominated by the lowland forest with huge dipterocarp trees easily seen in the trails .

Poring is known for its hot sulphur spring bath which was first developed by the Japanese during world war II. The hot waters of the spring are piped into open-air baths. Indoor bath-tubs is also available for those who preffered privacy. At Poring you could experience the breathtaking treetop walk on the 43m tall canopy walkway. Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world is one of the main attractions here.

Ex-Situ Garden

In-situ gardens had been setup to meet the rising demands of visitors for additional attractions in Poring Hot Springs. In-situ garden were also useful for research and monitoring of wild species. Among garden which had been established were:

• BUTTERFLY FARM (Open to public since 1994)
• LOWLAND TROPICAL GARDEN (Open zoological Garden)
• PORING ORCHID CONSERVATION CENTRE (Largest collections of orchids of Kinabalu) Also a Tissue culture lab to support the propogation of orchids and nepenthes seedling.
• ETHNOBOTANICAL GARDEN (Display of useful and medicinal plants ) (Under repair)
• MINI BOTANICAL GARDEN ( Under construction ) (General lowland ornamental herbs)
• BAMBOO GARDEN (Under construction) (display of live bamboo species)
• RAFLESIA GARDEN (Under construction) (Life cycle of the world largest flower)

Canopy Walkway

It is estimated that 75% of tropical rainforest animals spend most of their time in the forest canopy. The canopy layer is situated more than 20 meters above the ground and is a convenient natural hideout for many animals. The canopy walkway is the best ways to observe such animals. Animals on the canopy appear less fearful to human compared to when observed on the ground.

The canopy walkway is essentially rope and steel cable suspension bridges that zig-zag through the crowns of the tallest strongest and long lasting trees such as "Menggaris" (Kompassia excelsa) and 'Seraya' (Shorea sp). The walkway is composed of a series of 5 meters aluminium ladders bolted together and suspended horizontally from cables. Laced with polyester ropes, the open rungs of ladders are covered with walking boards. Netting enclosed both sides to add saftey.

There are 3 circuits of canopy walkways with a total length of 373.6 meters and a height of up to 41 meters depending on the slope of the land below. The walkway is open to the public in May 1990. The first circuit has a 'Y' shape with a total length of 157.6 meters, and has been established as a tourist walkway. It is open from 9.00am - 4.00pm everyday.

Waterfall

Kipungit Waterfall

This is the nearest waterfall from Poring Hot Spring & Nature Reserve. It takes approximately 15 minutes walk (1km). The waterfall is about 10 metres in height and suitable for group and family picnics.

Langanan Waterfall

This is the highest waterfall in Poring. It is more than 120 metres in height and takes approximately 2 hours trekking through the lowland tropical forest (3.4km).

Bat Cave

30 minutes walk from the main entrance of Poring Hot Spring and along the way to Langanan Waterfalls.

Swimming Pool / Sulphur Bath

To reach Poring's hot pools and swimming pools which are located in a clearing in the forest, one needs to cross a short suspension bridge over the Mamut River. From there, a path leads past some old trees and a grove of Gigantochloa levis , a giant bamboo species from which Poring got its name.

Water temperature in the 5 hot springs ranges between 49 to 60 degrees celcius. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing dip in the swimming pool (slide pool/rock pool) or soak in sulphurous water channelled from the hot springs into tiled pools and tubs.

Facilities

Recreation/Picnic/Camping

Outdoor social gathering such as picnic and overnight camping (designated site within the Poring Hot Springs hq) can be done in many of the existing shelters. These shelters are equipped with tables and seating of varied design and materials. They can also be lighted at night. These facilities are quite close to the river stream. Others facilities are public toilet, shower room, hanging bridge and life guards for security purposes.

Soccer Field

There is a soccer field on Poring Hot which is regularly used by sabah parks staffs. However, visitor that keen to use it, please obtain permission from park warden / officer in-charge.

Surau

Surau were available for muslim visitor.

Exhibition Centre

An exhibit centre can be found in Poring Hot Springs. It is open daily from 9.00am to 4.00 pm. It could accomodate 20-30 people. A video show is also available for visitors.

Accommodations & Restaurants

The SSL cater the accommodations and the ‘KALIBAMBANG’ restaurant inside the park while other reasonably cheap accommodations, restaurants, souvenir and fruits stalls, convenient stores and even a cyber café is available just across the road from the Park’s entrance. Booking and more information about the resort can be found in the section or by contacting Sutera Sanctuary Lodges.This page is under development.

Mesilau

Started in 1994 completed in 1998 Mesilau station is part of the Kinabalu Park. It is situated some 14km east of the Park Headquartes and also known as Mesilau Nature Resort. Lying at and elevation of 2,000m above sea level it is about in the middle of the Kinabalu montane forest with oak, chestnut and tree ferns dominating the surrounding.

The cool climate and ultrabasic soils by the Mesilau river is home to various Pitcher plant particularly the giant sized Nepenthes rajah.

Nepenthes Garden

This 20 minute walk ( one way ) involves a 10 minute hike to West Mesilau River and another 10 to reach the top of the trail. From Crocker Range Lodge the trail passes Mesilau Cave down a low ridge above a stream.

The landscape is lush with ferns, liverwortsand orchids amidst mossy rocks and boulders. After crossing a suspension bridge over Mesilau River, the trail rises steeply on the opposite bank. Shrubby grasses, rhododendrons and orchids are in abundance. Many are unique to the ultramafic soil.

Mesilau is known for the easy access to its carnivorous pitcher plants that trap insects for food. Attracted to the plant's nectar, insects fall into pitchers which are formed from leaves. An enzyme-rich digestive fluid drowns the victims which are digested and absorbed.

Pitchers found in Mesilau include the rare Nepenthes rajah, the largest pitcher plant in the world. Thriving in ultramafic soil, this has a large magenta coloured pitcher with up to 2 litre capacity.

Frogs, centipedes and even rats have been found in its pitchers. Some pitchers are mini ecosystems supporting life forms immune to the enzymes. These include spiders, crabs ants, tadpoles, larvae and others forming a food chain.

Reaching the top, the trail enters lush vegetation with small trees and a range of outstanding pitcher plants including the giant Nepenthes rajah, the tall Nepenthes lowii and tiny Nepenthes tentaculata.

The way back offers spectacular views of the montane forest canopy along Mesilau River, jagged rock faces, cascading waterfalls, and the Mesilau Pinnacles.

To protect the rare pitcher species and to prevent illegal collecting, visitors are not allowed in unless accompanied by an official guide.

Facilities

Exhibition Centre

An exhibition centre can be found in the research building at Mesilau. It is open from 8.00am to 5.00 pm. Entrance is free and could accommodate 30-40 people. A video show is also available for visitors.

BBQ Pit

Outdoor social gathering such as barbeque (designated site within the Mesilau substation hq) can be done in many of the existing shelters. These shelters are equipped with tables and seating of varied design and materials. They can also be lighted at night. These facilities are quite close to the river stream. Others facilities are public toilet, shower room and visitor car park.

Mesilau Meeting Room

There is a meeting room in Mesilau substation which is regularly used by sabah parks staffs. However, visitor that keen to use it (rent), please contact park warden / officer in-charge.

Surau

Surau were available for Muslim visitor .

Accommodations & Restaurants

The Mesilau Nature Resort was built with careful planning and the result is a resort that blends into its natural surrounding so well that visitors staying there feel themselves at one with nature. Chalets are built into slopes surrounded by trees with the Mesilau River flowing past below.

Enjoy breathtaking views of the Mesilau Pinnacles in the mornings as you have breakfast at the restaurant built above the fast flowing Mesilau River.

The Resort's chalets, duplex lodges, and hostel can accommodate 220 persons a night. Surrounded by trees on the secluded river bank, each self catering chalet can sleep 4 to 6 guests. The chalets and lodges are heated. Facilities in the hostel are, however, more basic. The restaurant serves both western and local food.

Booking and more information about the resort can be found in the section or by contacting Sutera Sanctuary Lodges.

Sub Station

The Kinabalu Park boundaries stretches over 100km long in 3 districts and monitoring it would be an exasperating task for enforcement officers. Sub-stations were setup at strategic locations around the park's boundaries. Beside serving as a ranger outposts, substations are gaining popularity due to its unique natural attractions and easy access for local visitors. Substation were also frequently used by the Sabah Parks research unit conducting floral and faunal inventories.

There are four sub-station in Kinabalu Park :

• Sayap sub-station in Kota Belud District
• Nalapak and Serinsim sub-station in Kota Marudu District
• Monggis sub-station in Ranau District.
• The Serinsim and Monggis sub-station were being develop for eco-tourism destinations.

Equipment for climbing Mt Kinabalu

One of the main attractions of climbing Mt Kinabalu is its accessibility. Prospective climbers don't need any previous experience at high altitude, nor do they require any specialised equipment.

However, weather conditions can change rapidly on the mountain. A clear, warm day can suddenly turn into heavy sleeting rain in a matter of minutes. Climbers must be well prepared for any eventuality.

All bedding requirements are provided at Laban Rata, so there's no need to take sleeping bags and the like. Meals can be purchased relatively cheaply at Laban Rata, so climbers need only provide snacks and lunch on the first day (if it's not provided by a tour group).

As such, the trip can be completed comfortably with a small backpack of about 35-40L. A larger pack will be fine, but keep weight to a minimum. After all, it's hard enough climbing the mountain without lugging any unnecessary weight!

Here's a list of items and equipment that every climber should carry:

Clothing

• Waterproof jacket
• Warm, lightweight jumper (polarfleece or windfleece is ideal)
• Warm, lightweight pants (not denim, as it remains cold when wet)
• Spare socks and underwear
• Beanie/woollen hat
• Sturdy woollen or fleece gloves

Miscellaneous

• Snacks (chocolate, dried fruit, nuts, jelly beans) for the climb
• Water bottles (at least one litre, preferably in small bottles)
• Water purification tablets
• Sunscreen cream
• Small first aid kit
• Headache tablets
• Bandaids
• Antiseptic cream
• Crepe bandage
• Triangular bandage
• Safety pins
• Cotton buds
• Plastic bags (large black garbage bags are good)
• Whistle (in case of emergency in bad weather and visibility)
• Camera
• Torch (head-mounted is ideal for the night climb to the summit)
• Spare batteries

All your gear should be packed inside waterproof plastic bags in case of rain on the mountain. The last thing you want when you arrive tired and sweaty at Laban Rata is for all your clean, dry clothes to be soaking wet!

Keep in mind that the above list of equipment does not include what you wear on the trail as you set out from park headquarters. What you wear on the trail is really a matter of personal preference. Some climbers prefer to go light and just wear a t-shirt and shorts for the early stages, adding a jumper as they reacher higher altitude. Others prefer to wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt - it's up to you. The climb is strenuous and you will get very warm, simply through your exertions. Layering of clothes is always a good strategy, so you can adjust your clothing depending on the situation.

Suggested walking clothes for early stages (not carried in pack)

• Shorts (or lightweight pants)
• T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt
• Woollen socks
• Sturdy shoes with good grip and ankle support - runners or sneakers are far from ideal
• Cap or hat to keep the sun off your face
• Sunglasses

It's a different story for the early morning trek to the summit. It gets very windy and quite cold at Low's Peak, so you'll need to rug up with the gear you've carried up in your backpack.

Wear your warm socks, pants, shirt, warm jumper and waterproof jacket when you head off. Gloves and beanie are also essential. Carry a litre of water, snacks and a camera in your jacket, or in a very small day pack. You may get quite warm in the early stages of the climb after Laban Rata, but you'll be glad of the protection as you trek above the tree line.

Official Webside

Mount Kinabalu Tripadvirsor

Climbing Mount Kinabalu