Kinabalu Park - Heritage World Site |
Kinabalu
Park was gazetted as the first State Park in Sabah in 1964 and declared
Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2000 for its
outstanding biological attributes. A sprawling 75, 400 hectares, this
melting pot of natural wonders is larger than Singapore.
Also the Centre of Plant Diversity for South East Asia, the Park
boasts more than 5,000 vascular plant species, an estimated 1,000 orchid
species, 621 fern species, nine Nepenthes species, 29 Rhododendron
species and two Rafflesia species. The Park has no shortage of fauna as
well, being home to some 90 lowland mammal species, 22 montane mammal
species, 21 bat species, 326 bird species, 62 toad and frog species and a
large population of the 850 butterfly species that occur in Sabah. Out
of the 29 bird species that are endemic to Borneo, at least 17 are
confined to the mountains, notably Mount Kinabalu. These include
subspecies of the Red breasted Tree-partridge, Crimson-headed
Wood-partridge and Mountain Blackbird. Such diversity is truly the
makings of a naturalists’ paradise!
The main attraction at the Park is none other than the majestic Mount
Kinabalu, one of the highest mountains in South East Asia standing at
4095.2 metres. Apart from traditional mountain climbing, visitors can
also experience the Mountain Torq, the world’s highest and Asia’s first
Via Ferrata or ‘iron road’ at 3,200m to 3,800m above sea level. The
various routes on the northern rock faces of Mount Kinabalu consist of a
‘trail’ that is made up of iron rungs, palettes, cables and rails.
Depending on the preferred difficulty level, visitors can enroll in
various activities such as the intro to single pitch or multi pitch
sports climbing, intro to rappelling (abseiling) and introduction to
rope ascending. Mount Kinabalu attracts thousands of climbers from
around world every year and is also the venue of the annual Mount
Kinabalu International Climbathon.
Surrounding the Kinabalu Park is a multitude of natural attractions
and enjoyable activities. The Kinabalu Natural History Gallery is a
great place to familiarize with what the Park has to offer to through a
fascinating exhibition on the flora, fauna and geological make-up of the
Park. Video presentations are screened daily at the Liwagu’s Visitors
Centre and guided tours are also available. Approximately half an hour
from the Kinabalu Park headquarters is the Poring Hot Springs, located
400m above sea level. It features hot sulphur spring baths claimed to
have therapeutic values, a 41-metre canopy walk where visitors can hike
among the towering canopies, the refreshing Kipungit and Langanan
waterfalls, various gardens, a butterfly farm and an orchid conservation
centre. In Mesilau, hike along the acclaimed Mesilau trail where you
can spot various pitcher plants particularly the Nepenthes lowii,
Nepenthes tentaculata and Nepenthes rajah.
A variety of accommodation is available within the Park and in its
surrounding areas, ranging from basic hostels to luxury chalets.
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