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 one 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 the 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 1,563 m. (5,000 ft). Most of the Park's modern facilities are located here, from visitors' accommodation, restaurants and exhibit centres 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



TRAILS OF WONDER.

Step into Wonderland and follow any of the numerous trails around Kinabalu Park, each filled with discovery. Even as the most explored and studied place in Borneo, new discoveries of rare and endemic plants are constantly being made here.

So grab a map and set off on your own or follow Park Naturalists as they take you on guided trail walks and point out the various wonders. There are also audio visual shows featuring rare flora and fauna found here. If you are a first time visitor, sign up for these shows and you'll be thrilled when you find yourself identifying the same denizens on your walks or during your climb up Mt. Kinabalu.

One of the biggest attractions of the Park is the Mt. Kinabalu Botanical Garden (Mountain Garden). Started in 1981, this 5 acre garden is an excellent showcase of the diverse plant life on the mountain, as flora from all over the park has been replanted here. Many of these plants are not only lovely to look upon but have medicinal properties too, as proven by the local Dusun community.


KINABALU PARK HQ

Below is the schedule of the audio-visual shows and guided trail walks organised by Park Naturalists at the Park Headquarters.

Mountain Garden
Time 9:00am, 12:00 noon, 3:00pm

Guided Walk
Time: 11:00am

Slide Show
Time: 2:00pm (and 7:30pm on weekends)

Poring
Canopy Walkway
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm, guided walk at 8:00am

Butterfly Farm
Time: 9:00am to 4:00pm, guided walk at 11:00am (except Mondays)

Tropical Garden
Time: 1:30pm

Orchid Conservation Centre
Time: 11:00am & 3:00pm
Night Walk by arrangement only


Mesilau
Guided Nature Walk
Monday to Friday Time: 9:30am, 11:00am, 2:00pm
Saturday and Sunday Time: 7:30am, 10:30am, 2:00pm

There may be a nominal fee charged for some of these activities.