Kinabalu Park

Kinabalu Park is a protected area in Sabah, Malaysia, centered on Mount Kinabalu, which rises to 4,095 meters and is the highest mountain in Malaysia. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site recognized for its exceptional biodiversity.

The park is best known for mountaineering to Mount Kinabalu’s summit, a multi-stage hike that typically requires an overnight stay at a mountain hut and a licensed guide. In lower elevations visitors can use trails, canopy walks, and the Poring hot springs area to experience tropical rainforest, waterfalls, and a wide range of plant and animal species.

The park was established in the 1960s to protect the mountain and surrounding ecosystems and later received UNESCO World Heritage status in 2000 for its conservation value. Over decades it has developed visitor facilities, trails, and a regulated permit system for summit climbs.

Kinabalu Park is located inland on the west side of Sabah’s central mountain range on the island of Borneo, approximately a two- to three-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, the state capital.

• Climbing rules: Climbers must register in advance, use a licensed mountain guide for the summit ascent, and expect basic accommodation at the mountain huts on overnight climbs.
• UNESCO status: The park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its biodiversity; many visitor trails and gardens demonstrate the area's unique plant life and ecosystems.

What to See #

• Mount Kinabalu: The island's highest peak at 4,095 meters, a popular multi-day climb that requires a permit and a licensed guide for summit attempts.
• Poring (hot springs and canopy walk): A lowland area with hot springs, canopy walkways, and trails that provide access to rainforest habitats and visitor facilities within the park area.