The refreshing temperatures and spectacular scenery make a journey to Kinabalu Park, a Unesco World Heritage Site, more than worthwhile. Even if you avoid the vigorous climb to the mountain?s summit, the scenery, plants and wildlife close to the park?s headquarters are rewarding. Looming huge and dark in the light of dawn, the peak is revealed in its full splendour, but morning clouds often sweep upwards again to shroud it in mist. Standing majestically at a height of 4,095.2m, Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak in Southeast Asia.

Kinabalu Park has the world?s largest variety of nepenthes, the carnivorous pitcher plant. The diversity of plant life in Kinabalu Park ranges over four climatic zones. Over 5,000 types of flowering plants including 1,200 species of orchids, 26 species of rhododendrons, over 80 species of fig trees as well as 60 species of oak and chestnut trees are found here. About 100 species of mammals and 326 species of birds are also known to reside in the sprawling park.

Ascending and descending Mount Kinabalu?s summit takes two to three days, depending on the weather and one?s fitness level. Every year, participants from around the world gather here to take part in the Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon. It is dubbed as the ?World?s Toughest Mountain Race?. Despite the challenging route and distance, mountain runners take less than four hours to reach the peak and return to the finish line.

The park covers 754 sq km (291 sq miles), with temperatures far cooler than on the coast. They ease to a gentle 20?C (68?F) at park headquarters and can drop to freezing point at the resthouse where climbers spend the night prior to their assault on the summit, so warm clothing is a must, as well as rainproof clothing for those climbing the mountain.

Opening hours: 7.00am - 7.00pm (Park Office)

Admission fee:

Malaysian = RM3 Adult, RM1 (below 18 years)

Non-Malaysian = RM15 Adult, RM10 (below 18 years)