Mount Kinabalu - World Heritage Site.

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The ecosystems of Mt Kinabalu are very special with climatic zones ranging from tropical lowland forests to polar type summit zones.
This great mountain has become an icon of natural history and successful conservation whilst maintaining its position as the most accessible of high mountains to climb. For more images of the area please visit our Mount Kinabalu page in Photo Collections. Many people visit the mountain on Bird Watching Trips as the variety of bird life is extraordinary, please visit our Borneo Birds section to view images.

Rising to 4,101m it is the highest peak between the Himalayas and Irian Jaya (new Guinea). Protected within the Kinabalu Park of some 753.7 sq.km, its biological diversity has captivated scientists the world over.

The park was established in 1964 before the droves of tourists began to visit. Restrictions were put in place which kept general visitation to only some parts and routes, which to this day has kept human activities in the area to a minimum but still offers the visitor plenty to see. Kinabalu National Park or Taman Negara Kinabalu in Malay, is Malaysia's first World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO in December 2000 for its "outstanding universal values" and the role as one of the most important biological sites in the world.

Geologists reveal the story of the mountain began 40 million years ago, when the north-western area of Sabah was still part of the sea basin, at this time marine sediments were accumulating and forming layers over the earths crust. Zones of weakness allowed molten granite material to be puched upwards at the same time forming what is now known at the Crocker Range and Trus Madi Highlands in Sabah.  Mount Kinabalu was born only 1.5  million years ago; when this mass of granite rock began to rise and break through the overlying  crusts of softer rocks. It is thought that 100,000 years ago the mountain was probably several hundred metres higher than today when ice-caps crowned the summit. Erosion by heavy rains, by ice and glaciers shaped the new mountain. Kinabalu itself is still  rising, one estimate is 5mm per year and the landslides on its slopes and rock debris beneath its peaks are evidence of the  still-continuing erosion.

Together with the  summit pinnacles, the other major feature of Kinabalu's massif is  the awe-inspiring chasm of Low's Gully, falling almost 912 metres  from the summit plateau. Most of Kinabalu's stunning flora and fauna is unique to the area and found no where else in the  world. Such as the Rafflesia, the largest flower in the world and certain Nepenthes (pitcher plant) and more than 1,000 species of orchids.

Please visit our Borneo Flora section in Photo Collections to view images.



Climbing Mount Kinabalu ....
We have climbed Mt K twice, in November 2004 and May 2006, during this time period one major change took place, a massive hike in prices. Most people climb in two days staying overnight at Laban Rata Resthouse, this works well as the summit climb is completed just before sunrise.

Its very straightforward to organize the trip yourself but for an easy life you could approach one of the many tour operators in the Wisma Sabah building in KK, of course this will cost you a little or a lot more money. Alternitively contact us and we'll endevour to put you in touch with a good agent.

For those intrepid explorers the first thing you need to do is book your accommodation at Laban Rata (pictured to the right) as its pretty full year round, try to book at least one month in advance. You can book through their website www.suterasanctuarylodges.com or visit them in the Wisma Sabah. Note the Laban Rata Resthouse itself is heated, the others huts are not.  If you're restricted to certain dates and the huts are full its worth planning the climb and turning up at the park on the day as there are often last minute cancellations.  Permits and guides are organized on the day of the climb at the Kinabalu Park HQ.

Raja Lodge (pictured above left) and Nepenthes Lodge (pictured below left) are two accommodation types at the Park. Many people stay in this area the night before the climb which helps acclimatize, at 1,525 m it's a beautiful place to relax and if you're not climbing to the summit there are some excellent trails within the park, some are tough some flat and easy, maps can be found at the park HQ office. A visit to the botanical garden is a must, conceptualized on a conservation method in which plants are extracted from the wild for conservation, research and education purposes. The park itself is a great day out even if climbing the mountain is not on the agenda.


The climb itself is very hard but not technical, an element of fitness is a real help. Transport is available to the Timpohon Gate which is where the climb "officially begins", there is a small charge to get you there but it's well worth it, the last thing you need is to add another 8K to your hike! The climb to Laban Rata takes between 4-6 hours, it's 99% uphill, unrelenting and the steps are seemingly endless, you'll be dreaming steps for days !  Most people set off between 8-9am but up to 11am is ok. The secret to climbing is take it slowly, unless you're competing in the Climbathon its not a race. Signboards are placed at the rest stops which are spaced at regular intervals, here you find adequate squat toilets and water although we always take our own water for the hike as what’s provided isn’t treated. Food at Laban Rata is quite expensive but someone has had to carry it up there so fairs, fair !

When packing your bag take warm clothes, it's about 6 degrees around the huts and 2 degrees with sharp winds on the summit.  Remember though you have to carry everything (unless you opt for a porter) and everything feels 10k heavier after about 4K. The summit (pictured left) ascent starts at 3am, take a good torch as the ones for rent usually don't last the climb. If it’s a clear night take a moment to look a the sky as its simply stunning.  The summit itself is ........ well you have to go and find out, its worth it !!

The descent takes 5-7 hours. !!  If you opted for the bus service to and from the park HQ and Timpohon Gate, you will be very thankful at this point. Many people report the descent being the hardest part as their legs simply give way, we've observed people not able to walk the last 3K with their guide almost carrying them.  For us the hardest is the night at Laban Rata, Jo struggles with the altitude and Richard knows what he has to do the next day !!

Guides are mandatory not only for the summit climb, they are now required even if your climb will take you only to Laban Rata. You may however climb to Layang Layang a 2-3 hour hike at 2,621m for just 10RM GBP1.50, we do this quite regularly as a day trip from KK. Keep an eye out for the The Mountain Treeshrew (pictured here) is found only in the Mountains of North East Borneo, usually above 900m. Click here to view images of Borneo Mammals.

One more tip, there is a very good local resturant & small shop opposite the park entrance its half the price of anything within the park. For more info and current park, permit and guide fee visit: www.sabahtourism.com

Getting There.
Kinabalu Park is located 88km from Kota Kinabalu (KK) the Headquarters within the park sits to the immediate right of the entrance. All buses and minivans running between KK and Ranau or Sandakan pass by the main entrance to the park, from where its 100m walk to park HQ. Air-con coaches leave from the long distance (LD) bus station in KK between 7-9am everyday we would recommend buying a ticket and checking timetables the day before you wish to travel, tickets can be purchased from the LD bus station.

When returning to KK, just wait on the road opposite the park entrance and a minivan will pass by soon enough, sometimes people share taxi's that have previously dropped people off. Getting a taxi from KK to the park is quite expensive but possible, long distance taxi's (yellow cars) are available form the LD bus station. For a KK city map click here.

For an account of a day trip to Mt K please visit our News and Events page.

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