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 Sabah presents the
traveler with the highest challenge in Borneo
that is Mount Kinabalu (Kinabalu Mountain), rising majestically into
the sky at slightly over 4,090 meters (13,432.26 feet). With its granite
massif dominating the surrounding landscape at
the peak, often shrouded in mists and clouds,
Mount Kinabalu has an awesome mystique on its
own and it also one of the highest mountain in
southeast Asia. This famous tourist attraction
in Sabah dominates the landscape in the Kinabalu
National Park.
Photo: Kinabalu
National Park Map & Mount Kinabalu Summit Trail
Map
Located less than ninety kilometers from the capital city of Sabah, the
local natives of Kadazans/Dusuns
named it 'Aki Nabalu' meaning 'home of the
spirits of the dead'. Good thing is, no
climbing experience is required to conquer the
peak of Borneo, if you take the main route to
the summit. Depending on your fitness level,
ascending and descending its summit usually
takes about two to three days and there are
shelters available along the walking trails.
Mount Kinabalu is one Malaysia's very famous
places of interest and a top travel destination
for adventure seekers.
 Watching sunrise at the top has been
described by travelers everywhere as a
life-enriching experience and it is a once in a
lifetime opportunity. The highest point at Mount Kinabalu is known as the Low's Peak which was
named after Sir Hugh Low who made the first
recorded ascent of the mountain in 1851. The Kinabalu Park is also popular among nature
lovers Photo: Low's Peak
at Mt Kinabalu
who make their way here to admire the
many species of birds, butterflies and the flora
and fauna. Nature attractions here include rare
plants such as the nepenthes pitcher plant, wild
orchids and the Rafflesia, which has the
distinction of being the largest flower in the
world measuring more than forty centimeters
across. Some of the ways to explore this popular
tourist area include trekking up Mount Kinabalu
or along the jungle trails around the Park
Headquarters. All the trails and lookouts can be
found on the Kinabalu Park Headquarters and
Trails map. Some of the main walking trails
include trails from the Park Headquarters -
Power Station, Power Station - Layang Layang,
Layang Layang - Pondok Paka, Pondok Paka - Laban
Rata, Laban Rata - Sayat-Sayat and Sayat-Sayat -
Summit. Tourists must take note that a climbing
permit and Climber's Personal Accident Insurance
are a must for any ascent of Mount Kinabalu.
Mount Kinabalu is
the main attraction in Kinabalu National Park, which is
less than two hours' drive from Kota Kinabalu to
the park Headquarters, which is more than 1,550
meters above sea level.
The Kinabalu National Park is Sabah's main
forest reserve measuring more than 750 square
kilometers. The road cuts and winds through lush countryside
dotted with traditional village houses to give
you an unforgettable scenic journey. Once you
reach the park, rejuvenate your body and mind at the
Poring Hot Springs, a natural health spa where
you can relax in open-air Japanese-style baths
amidst a tropical rainforest setting. You may
also want to bring some warm clothing since the
temperature may dip below 100C
sometimes. The park is also known for its
diverse range of lowland rainforests to
temperate montane oaks and alpine conifers.
Accommodations are plenty whereby visitors can
choose from the many cabins, chalets and hostels
located here suiting all budgets. There is also
cheap places to stay here too. Some popular places to stay here
include the Kinabalu Nature Resorts, Hotel
Perkasa Or Zen Garden at Kundasang. The best
time to trek up Mount Kinabalu is during the
months of April, July, August and December.
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