Malaysia States & Federal Territories (Sabah)

- Sabah’s Mount Kinabalu


    

             Sabah’s Mount Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu in Bahasa) is Borneo’s and Malaysia’s tallest peak.

Soaring to 4,095 meters (13,435 feet), it’s the highest point between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea.

Travelers to Sabah immediately notice Kinabalu featuring on the state flag. It holds both deep ties to local Kazadan-Dusun indigenous people and ancient paganism.

Climbing Mount Kinabalu is a two-day affair. Day one involves hiking 3,272 meters (10,735 feet)  The second day starts at 2:00am to reach the summit in time for the sunrise.

Keep your eyes open for the changing landscapes, flowers, and wildlife. Bring warm clothes for the higher altitudes.

Mount Kinabalu only permits a limited number of climbers each day. Places sell out months in advance.  Climbing Kinabalu in Sabah needs preparation to guarantee a spot

  - Kinabalu Park 

     

     Kinabalu Park became Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000.

Covering an area of 754 square kilometers, the national park surrounds Mount Kinabalu in northwest Sabah. The tropical park is a biodiversity melting pot forming thousands of habitats.

More than 5,000 plants grow inside its borders including the carnivorous pitcher plants and colorful orchids. Kinabalu Park also houses the Rothschild slipper orchid  This stripy flower is among the world’s rarest and most expensive orchids.

Over 300 birds, 100 species of mammals and several species of monkeys call Kinabalu Park home.

When combined, this makes the area one of the most important ecological zones on Earth

  - Bornean sunset

  

         Borneo has a reputation for jungles, beaches, and an almost guaranteed spectacular sunset.

As the sun dips, the horizon lights up with a blend of reds, oranges, and purples. Watching on the beach is even more mesmerizing.

Kota Kinabalu’s Tanjung Aru is a short drive from the city center near the airport. The copper-orange sanded beach stretches against a border of bendy palm trees. Islands dominate the horizon.

 - snorkeling and hiking on Kota Kinabalu’s

    

  

     Visiting Kota Kinabalu and skipping Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park is like missing the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur.

Five islands (Gaya, Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi and Sulug) form the chain off the coast of Kota Kinabalu.

If you want beaches and snorkeling, head to the most popular Manukan Island. For light jungle trekking and to explore a floating village, visit Gaya.