| Mt.
Kinabalu - Sumit of Borneo
 Imagine being surrounded by wonders
of nature’s lush garden dating from the dawn of time. Stand at the
highest summit of Borneo as dawn peeks over the horizon to reveal
Sabah’s splendours far and wide. Reflect the quiet, sacred moment
when you experience the most magnificent sunrise of your lifetime.
Stroll amidst the treetops at the rainforest canopy walk and gaze
up close at centuries-old wonders. Soak in the healing balm of a
magic spring as colourful butterflies flutter around you. Admire
the world’s largest flower at your feet. Or lunch next to plants
that lunch on insects.
You’ll find it all in the Kinabalu Park – Malaysia’s first World
Heritage designated by UNESCO in December 2000 for its
“outstanding universal values” and role as one of the
world’s most important biological sites.
The focal point of the park of course is the majestic Mt. Kinabalu.
Such is the importance of this mountain to Sabah that the capital
was renamed Kota Kinabalu (Kinabalu Fort) in 1964. The highest
mountain between the Himalayas and the Snow Mountains of Papua Barat
(New Guinea Island), this magnificent granite massif stands at 4,095.2m
(13,435 ft) tall.
 Kinabalu
Park
- Malaysia’s First World Heritage
The Kinabalu Park covers a staggering area of 754 sq. km
(291 sq. mi). Translated, it is bigger than Singapore Island! Established
as a state park in 1964, this botanical paradise is blessed with
an astonishing variety of flora and fauna that ranges over 4 climate
zones, from the rich lowland dipterocarp forest through the montane
oak, rhododendron and coniferous forests to the alpine meadow plants.
And stunted bushes of the summit zone. Kinabalu Park has
probably on of the richest flora collection in the world.
Highways and sealed roads have made the park easily accessible.
Now it’s an easy 2-hour scenic drive from Kota Kinabalu. It is a
popular getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city where visitors
can enjoy the cool invigorating air. Or for the more intrepid to
explore the forest trails or conquer Mt. Kinabalu itself. While
focus of the park is the mountain, about 80% of the visitors don’t
climb all the way to the peak but come simply to enjoy the serenity
of this place.
The gateway to the summit of Borneo is the Kinabalu Park Headquarters,
situated on the southern boundary, at an elevation of 1,563m (5,000
ft). Most of the Park’s modern facilities are located here, from
visitors’ accommodation, restaurants and exhibit centers to the
Park’s offices where overnight visitors and climbers must register.
A minimal entrance fee is imposed at the entrance of the Kinabalu
Park HQ.
|
