 Sabah
Nature, Kinabalu Park
 The
Kinabalu Park, covering an area of 754 sq. kilometres including
Mt. Kinabalu, Mt Tambayukon and the foothills was gazetted
to preserve the valuable natural environment. The mountains
have a fascinating geological history, taking a million years
to form. This granite massif was later thrust upwards through
the crust of the surface.
Subsequent erosion removed thousands of feet of the overlying
sand and mud stone, exposing this massif. During the Ice-Age,
glaciers running through the summit smoothed it out but the
jagged peaks that stood out above the ice surface remained
unaffected, retaining the extremely ragged surfaces. This
rugged mountain is the focal point of the National Park.
Kinabalu Park: Flora and Fauna
There are over 1,200 species of wild orchids and 40 varieties
of oak in its forests, not to mention the countless varieties
of rhododendrons. Moss and ferns weigh down the trees of the
Montane oak forests at the upper region, and flowers are to
be seen on trees, in shrubs, along the banks on the forest
floor and even peeping out of the rocky crevices of the summit.
The Bornean mountain ground squirrel Dremomys eve is often
spotted scampering about the vegetation area while the mountain
tree spots Tupaia Montana easily. You may even come across
a red-necked keelback snake sunning itself along your path.
Bird sightings range from mountain black eye, mountain black
bird, Borneo eye bright, Euphrasia borneensis, and the not
'not-so-friendly' Kinabalu Warbler.
Kinabalu Park: Planning an Itinerary
Climbing Mt. Kinabalu
The climb can normally be accomplished in two days but it
is not easy. A more comfortable option is to take it slow
and stretch the climb to three days, spending two nights in
mountain huts along the trail. It gives you the chance to
look around and absorb the sights and sounds of your surroundings,
see the clear mountain streams, observe the subtle changes
in vegetation as your trail closer to the peak - from montane
oaks, rhododendrons and conifer forests to the mossy cloud
forest zone with its gnarled, twisted trees covered in moss
and epiphytic orchids and ferns. If luck is on your side,
you may encounter the maiden's veil fungus Dictyophora, a
delicate plant that has the foul-smelling mucous on the outer
surface of its cap that attracts insects.
Arrangement For Climbing
Book a guide, porter (if required) upon arrival at the park
and arrange for overnight accommodation at the mountain huts
through the Sabah Park's head office in Kota Kinabalu.
Reservation cannot be made at the Park Headquarters.
You also need to book transport to take you to the end of
the Power Station Road where the climb starts.
* A climber's permit is required to climb Mt. Kinabalu. This
is available at Kinabalu Park.
Rates are charged as follows :
Adult - RM50; Below 18 years - RM20
* Visit the Park Naturalist's programme at Park Headquarters
and they will inform you about the climb and provide necessary
advise. The program is free, so do take advantage of them.
* Make sure you have good shoes. Tennis or gym shoes are fine.
* Bring along warm clothing. The temperature can fall to below
freezing point at night. Pack clothes in a plastic bag to
keep them dry. Sleeping bags are provided at the mountain
huts.
* Bring something wind and water-proof, gloves and a hat.
* Bring along a water bottle.
* Bring high-energy food for the climb (e.g.: Chocolate, nuts,
raisins).
* Bring a good torchlight.
If you get wet on the way up, you will need a complete set
of dry clothes and a second pair of shoes or sandals.
Headache tablets, tissues, a couple of plastic bags and plasters
will come in handy.
Complimentary Programmes
The park organises complimentary visitor programmes for first-timers.
This includes multi-vision show, guided walk and a mountain
garden walk conducted by park naturalists. Take advantage
of this option and gain informative and educational insight
about the park's flora and fauna.
Poring Hot Springs
The hot springs, introduced by the Japanese during World War
II, features several open-air Japanese-style baths. Take a
dip to rest your tired feet and aching muscles. The water
contains sulphur that is famously known for its curing skin
problems.
Kinabalu Park: Accommodation
The Kinabalu Park rates for accommodation changes
on weekdays and weekends.
* Nepenthes Villa (2 bedrooms / 4 people) - 1 unit
* Rajah Lodge (5 bedrooms / 10 people)
* Kinabalu Lodge (4 bedrooms / 8 people) - 1 unit
* Double storey/Deluxe cabin (3 bedrooms / 7 people) - 1 unit
* Single Deluxe/Cabin (2 bedrooms / 5 people) - 1 unit
* Duplex 2-Bedrooms/Chalet (6 people) - 4 units
** Two-roomed/Annex Suite (4 people) - 4 units
** Twin Bed Cabin (2 people) - 10 units
* New Fellowship/ Hostel (52 people in dormitory room)
* Old Fellowship/Hostel (46 people in dormitory room)
The above cabins are provided with a fireplace,
kitchen, shower, gas-cooker, a refrigerator, and cooking utensils.
Visitors would need to bring their own food if they intend
to cook. Simple meals (both western and local) are available
at the Clubhouse and Canteen in the Administration Building.
* No fireplace and kitchen facilities are provided
in these cabins.
Electricity, piped water and firewood are all provided free
of charge.
All accommodation fees are subject to 5% Government Tax.
Reservations for accommodation can be made at:
Kinabalu Gold Resort Sdn. Bhd.
Phone: 6-088-243629 / 245742
Fax : 6-088-242861
Accommodation Facilities on the Mountain
The park also provides lodging facilities for climbers. These
facilities are situated on the mountain at two altitudes;
3353m and 3810m. It acts as an overnight pit stop prior to
the ascent to the summit.
Rest House / Mountain Huts at 3353m
* Laban Rata Rest House - 3322m; Rest house (10 bunks). Canteen
and shower facilities are provided
* Gunting Lagadan Hut - 3353m; 1 hut (44 bunks)
* Panar Laban Hut - 3353m; 1 hut (12 bunks)
* Waras Hut - 3292m; 1 hut (12 bunks) Mountain Huts at 3810m
* Sayat-Sayat Hut - 8810m; 1 hut (8 bunks)
The mountain huts provide wooden bunks with mattresses, gas
cylinders, cooking utensils and a limited supply of eating
utensils. Climbers must bring their own food for cooking.
Kinabalu Park: Facilities
The Park Headquarters at 1,524 metres is above sea level
and has a range of facilities, restaurants, accommodation
and an exhibit centre.
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