Research Collaboration
• Flora of Kinabalu, with Prof. Dr. J.H. Beaman, MSU/RBG Kew
• Wild Orchid research, with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK
• Herpetological research, with the Field Museum of Natural History , Chicago, US
• Floristic plots along the gradient of Mount Kinabalu, with Prof. Dr. Kitayama (Kyoto University), Japan
• Insect diversity in a tropical rainforest, with the German Society for Tropical Ecology
• Montane birds of Kinabalu, with Dr. Tom Martin, University of Montana, USA.
• Lowland birds of Tawau Hills Park, with Prof. David Winkler, Cornell University, USA.

Management Plans
• Management and Developement Masterplan (1992)
• 5 strategic thrusts towards sustainable development:
1) Conserving the biological and physical resources
2) Spearheading scientific research and educational values
3) Increasing recreational and touristic activities
4) Preserving cultural and historical values
5) Instituting management procedures to support the other 4 strategic thrusts
 

Kinabalu Park as a World Natural Heritage Site.
• Why Kinabalu Park was selected as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO?, 2 December 2000
‘ABC’ reasons:
(1) Abiotic. The scenic beauty of the Kinabalu area with a panoramic view of the majestic Mt. Kinabalu, simply impressive.
(2) Biotic. The richness of natural resources – unique flora & fauna.
(3) Cultural. The best management and conservation practices- local participation.
 

ACCOMMODATION IN LABAN RATA

KINABALU LODGE

THE HILL LODGE

ROCK HOSTEL

GRACE HOSTEL

NEPENTHES LODGE

ACCOMMODATION IN KINABALU PARK

• PLANNING AN ITINERARY to climb Mount Kinabalu

Climbing Mt. Kinabalu  : The climb is normally accomplished in two days but this can be quite tough. A more comfortable option is to take it easy and make it in 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 leads you first through the montane oak, rhododendron and conifer forests, to the mossy cloud forest zone with its gnarled twisted trees covered in moss and epiphytic orchids and ferns; and finally to the alpine meadow vegetation and stunted vegetation of the scrub-like summit regions. You may chance upon the maiden's veil fungus Dictyophora, the delicate plant with the foul-smelling mucous on the outer surface of its cap. Insects feeding on this mucous unsuspectingly transport the spores that inevitably get stuck to their feet.


Complimentary Programmes : The park organizes complimentary visitor programmes for first-timers to the park. This includes multi-vision show, guided walk and mountain garden walk conducted by park naturalists. Take advantage of these to gain some informative and educational insights on the park's flora and fauna.

Poring Hot Springs : The hot springs, first developed by the Japanese during World War II, now feature several pen-air Japanese-style baths. Take a dip to rest your tired feet and aching muscles. The water contains sulphur, known for its curative properties for curing skin problems.

Jungle paths lead through lush lowland forests to bubbling mountain streams and waterfalls amidst the merry chirping of the birds and the colorful profusion of wild flowers.

• FACILITIES

The Park Headquarters at 1,524 meters above sea level, has a range of accommodation facilities, restaurants and an exhibit centre.

Kinabalu National Park (Taman Negara Kinabalu) one of the first national parks of Malaysia since 1964.

Malaysia's first World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO in December 2000 for its "outstanding universal values" and the role as one of the most important biological sites in the world.

Located on the west coast of Sabah, east Malaysia on the island of Borneo; it covers an area of 754 square kilometers surrounding Mount Kinabalu, which at 4,095.2 meters, is the highest mountain on the island of Borneo.

Kinabalu Park is one of the most popular tourist spot in Malaysia.

Kinabalu Park is situated on the Crocker Range on the eastern coast of Sabah.
It is located within the district of Ranau, within the West Coast Division.

The park headquarters is 88 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu City.

Journey at least takes 2 hours from the city airport.

There are highways and sealed roads leading towards the park headquarters from other parts of Sabah. It is situated on the southern boundary of Kinabalu Park, at an elevation of 1,563m (5,128 feet).

Established: 1964
Governing body: Sabah Parks
Location: Sabah, Malaysia
Nearest town and city: Kota Kinabalu, Ranau Town, Kundasang Town
Coordinates: 6°09'N 116°39'E? / ?6.15°N 116.65°E? / 6.15; 116.65
Area: 754 km²

This park is administered by Sabah Parks. The park's headquarters is situated on the southern boundary at an elevation of 1563m (5000ft). The Kinabalu Park HQ office is situated right at the entrance.

Overnight visitors and climbers must register at the office, before moving on to their destinations.

Accommodations in the form of chalets can be found in the park, mostly around the headquarters. But these accommodations managed by the park are expensive. Most visitors usually stay in the many cheaper accommodations few kilometers away.

Reservations for accommodation and mountain climbing guides are processed through Sutera Sanctuary Lodges.

All climbers climbing the mountain must be accompanied by a qualified guide.

The mountain summit trail begins at Timpohon Gate. An alternative route is Mesilau Trail.

A notable feature of the park is Low's Gully. It is a 1.6 kilometre deep ravine stretching 10 kilometres on the side of the mountain peak.

With an altitude of 1564 metres Kinabalu Park HQ has a cooling temperature average between 24°C to 18°C.

Accommodations, restaurants, souvenir shops and exhibition centres are some of the facilities provided at the Kinabalu Park HQ.

ECOLOGY
This botanical site contains a variety of flora and fauna that ranges over 4 climate zones; from rich lowland dipterocarp forest through the montane oak, rhododendron, to the coniferous forests, to the alpine meadow plants, and to the stunted bushes of summit zone.
The mountain is also known for its many carnivorous plant and orchid species, most notably, the Nepenthes rajah.
It is also home to a multitude of endemic animal species, including the Kinabalu Giant Red Leech and Kinabalu Giant Earthworm.
The park also plays host to a variety of birds, insects, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.
 

Kinabalu Park Entrance

The Park Headquarters at 1,524 meters above sea level, has a range of accommodation facilities, restaurants and an exhibit centre.

TRANSPORT SERVICE COUNTER at the car park of the Kinabalu Park in front the main entrance

Mini Bus and rent-a-car services available here.

Panataran Cafe

Panataran Kinabalu Restaurant
Restaurant Panataran Kinabalu
Kinabalu Park
Telephone : +6088 889 117

Simple and affordable place to dine at Kinabalu Park.
Panataran Kinabalu Restaurant is opposite the entrance to Kinabalu Park.
Name after the Panataran river which is situated on the north western side of Kinabalu Park, this restaurant is popular by Kinabalu park visitors, and passers by to Ranau and Poring Hot Spring.
The car park area in front Panataran Kinabalu Restaurant went through a major renovation in 2009.
50 vehicles, including coaches and buses, can park here at any given time.
The car park is always crowded in the early morning since the Sabah Park administration office is just above the hill.

The main cooking style here is Asian and Chinese with some simple Western food.
This restaurant serves no pork.


This restaurant has an indoor section and an outdoor section on its covered balcony. The outdoor tables on the balcony has good view of the surrounding areas.
A small sundry store for most daily necessity product is found inside the restaurant too. This sundry shop also stocks some climbing gears.
Panataran Kinabalu Restaurant is run by Koktas Sabah (a corporate of the staff of Sabah Park).


Accommodation walking distance to Panataran Kinabalu Restaurant are :
Mountain Resthouse,
J Residence,
Bayu Lodge and
D'villa Lodge, all these
All buses passing Kinabalu Park will some time drop their passengers here too.

Optional Porter Fees
Rate base on : Up to 10 Kilograms per trip
 

In accordance with the Sabah Parks Rules & Regulations, all climbers must be accompanied by a mountain guide at all times while ascending and descending Mount Kinabalu.

Mountain Guide Fees

ACCOMMODATION/SERVICE

1- 18 years and above
2- Below 18 years

1- 18 years and above
2- Below 18 years

Insurance (per accident)

Death Per Accident Only
Permanent Disablement as a result of accident
Expenses per accident only
Repatriation of remains

Certificate
1- First Class
2- Second Class

Kinabalu Park - Malaysia's first World Heritage Site, is a botanical paradise blessed with an astonishing variety of flora and fauna that ranges over 4 climate zones.

While the focus of the Park Is Mount Kinabalu, many visitors com enjoy the serenity of this place. A minimal entrance fee Is imposed at the entrance of the Park headquarters.

Distance from Kota Kinabalu : Approx. 100 km / 2 hrs 30 minutes.

How to get there: Take bus from Padang Merdeka (between 6 am -6 pm), fare is around MR 15-19 per person, one way. or call your favorite tour operator to arrange for a day trip that can include visit to surrounding attractions such as Poring Canopy Walkway, Sabah Tea (for tour prior booking essential) and Kundasang War Memorial.

Mountain Torq Via Ferrata, a mountain path (via ferraia is Italian for iron road) was opened at Mount Kinabalu, Sabah in early January.

The Mountain Torq Via Ferrata, comprising rungs and cables embracing the mountain's rock face, is located at 3,800 meters of the 4,095-metre summit. It has also been certified by the Malaysia Book of Records as the world's highest and Asia's first mountain torq.

The mountain torq, with various alternative routes, enables people of all ages to enjoy climbing Mount Kinabalu's rock faces, giving them a chance to view the mountain from different angles.

The path allows access to scenic sections of the summit normally accessible only to rock climbers and mountaineers.

TRAILS OF WONDER  

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

So take 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.  

Mt Kinabalu Botanical Garden (Mountain Garden) - is one of the biggest attractions at the Park. 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 value too, as proven by the local Dusun community.

There are hotels, lodges, chalets and hostels at Kinabalu Park, Kundasang, Ranau and Poring to suit ones budget. For information see www.sabahtourism.com

Trail to the Top

Arrangements For Climbing

Book a guide, porter (if required) upon arrival at the park and over- night accommodation at the mountain huts, through the Sabah Park's head office in Kota Kinabalu.

Reservations 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  RM 50.00  Below 18 years RM 20.00

• Come to the Park Naturalist's free programmes at Park Headquarters. They will tell you about the climb and advise you on what to take.
• Make sure you have good shoes. Tennis or gym shoes are fine.
• Bring enough warm clothing. The temperature can fall to below freezing point at night. Pack all clothes in plastic bags to keep them dry in case of rain. Sleeping bags are provided at the mountain huts.
• Bring something wind and water-proof, gloves and a hat.
• Bring a water bottle with you.
• Bring some high-energy foods for the climb, (e.g. chocolate, nuts, raisins. Glucose sweets are good.)
• 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 a pair of sandals.

Headache tablets, paper tissues, a couple of plastic bags and some plasters for cuts or blisters are all useful.

Climbing Mt Kinabalu can be done in 2 days but a more comfortable climb in 3-days is recommended to acclimatize to the altitude and fully enjoy the rich biological diversity - the exotic rare plants, orchids, birds and many more. While it does not require special skills to do the climb, you must at least have the basic fitness level. Park regulations require climbers have to engage the services of a registered mountain guide. The numbers of guides depend on the number of climbers. Porter services are available and recommended. Book and pay for your mountain guide and porter at the Kinabalu Park.  

Two (2) trails lead to the top, the Summit Trail and Mesilau Route. The 2 trails meet at Layang-Layang at 2,740m (or Km 4 from Timpohon Gate).

The Summit Trail is the well trodden main route taken by most climbers, since the beginning. Starting from the Park Headquarters, it used to be that climbers walk the 4_ Km up to the Timpohon Gate at 1,866.4 m where the Summit Trail starts. Today most climbers opt to take the shuttle transport. Interestingly, the climb actually begins with the descent to Carson's Falls, named after the first Park Warden of Kinabalu Park. From here onward, depending on your fitness level, it is about 4 to 5-hour climb for the day  

The trail winds up a steep staircase of gnarled tree-roots to a mossy world of drifting clouds and orchid-draped trees, where pitcher plants and rhododendrons abound. There are several Pondok (or Shelters).

The first shelter is Pondok Kandis at 1,981.7m where on a clear day, a view of the road that links Kota Kinabalu to the Park can be seen.  

The second shelter is Pondok Ubah at 2,081.4m, the area where one of Borneo's most unusual pitcher plants grows - the Nepenthes lowii, so do look out for these oddly-shaped plants.

The third shelter is Pondok Lowii. The trail continues up to the mossy forest of mixed bamboos and tree ferns. More rhododendrons are seen.

The fourth shelter at 2,515 m (8,251) is Pondok Mempening is reached with wild begonias growing nearby. Stops at these shelters give one time to observe the squirrels, tree shrews and birds that seem so unafraid of the climbers. You will also see the Layang-Layang TV station. Soon you will emerge to an open exposed ridge at Layang-Layang (previously known as Carson's Camp), at 2,702 m (8,865ft) this is where the Summit Trail meets with the Mesilau Trail.  

At this point a band of ultramafic soil, distinguished by its orange-cinnamon color, crosses the trail and the vegetation changes dramatically. The forest becomes shorter and much more open and is dominated by the second species Leptospermum that grows on Kinabalu, L.recurvum, with its tiny grey leaves and Dacrydium gibbsiae, a very beautiful conifer, both found only with the Kinabalu Park. This is also the zone of the insect-eating pitcher plants for which Kinabalu is famous. Of the 30 species of pitcher plants recorded from Borneo, around 10 grow on the mountain and at least 3 species are found nowhere else in the world. These include the spectacular Nepenthes rajah, the largest pitcher plant in the world and the beautiful N.villosa. These plants are delicate and easily damaged by trampling feet. Please look carefully where you tread,

The fifth shelter, Pondok Villosa,  at 2,690m (8,825ft) is situated at the top of an open rocky patch and soon the forest becomes even more stunted. Here are found the scurfy orange young leaves of the endemic Haviland's oak add a touch of color. Superb view can be seen of Mt Kinabalu towering above as you follow the trail upwards. More rhododendrons are seen, some species that are Kinabalu endemics. Schima brevifolia (a relative of the tea plant) with its young purple leaves and beautiful large camellia-like flowers is common from here.  

At the top of this open area at 3,050m (10,000ft), a small track leads off to a helipad on the right and it is worth making this 5-minute side trip for the dramatic view of the towering peaks from the helipad on a clear day.  

After the helipad junction, the ultramafic soil ends and the forest are again the taller trees covered with mosses and orchids cover the ground in between granite boulders. At this elevation, about 60% of the ground cover is orchids. Within a few minutes you arrive at the sixth shelter, Pondok Paka at 3,080m (10,105ft), named after Paka Cave nearby, made famous because it is here that the very first summit expedition led by Sir Hugh Low sheltered, rested overnight before J climbing to the summit on the morning of llth March 1851. The Paka Cave, on the edge of a small stream is nothing more than a large overhanging rock.

The thinning air makes it harder to breathe. Finally, the various accommodations for overnight stop is reached, at Waras Hut, Laban Rata, Panar Laban or Gunting Lagadan Hut. The most comfortable is Laban Rata which equipped with running water, electricity, a restaurant, indoor showers and toilets.  

Panar Laban 'the place of sacrifice' was where Sir Hugh Low and his local guides performed a ritual sacrifice to appease the ancestral souls for their 'disturbance' to the spirit world and to seek safe passage. This same sacrifice is still performed each year and when there is a major expedition or event on the mountain.  

The trail is a good one for people who are more interested in plants and wildlife than in the actual climb to the summit of the Mt Kinabalu. Conifers, climbing bamboos, superb Agathis trees grow in the area. Near the ridge crest at about 2,000m (6,500ft) the forest becomes stunted, with rocks, tangled tree roots, covered in spongy mosses and liverworts. There are many delicate orchids and beautiful orange-coloured Rhododendrons.  

Some little streams are crossed before reaching the Kipuyut Bridge across the swift-flowing West Mesilau River that cascades from the precipitous slopes. Near the 3 Km mark, a tributary of the river is again crossed. From here the trail follows the ridge, rising steeply and continuously, up and up and up in an almost never-ending series of steps for about 2_Km. From here another 500 metres of trail contouring around the massif bring you out to the Summit Trail, a little way above Layang-Layang. The whole Layang-Layang is 5.7Km (3 1/2 miles).

After a night's rest, most climbers leave at about 3.00am for the 3-hour trek (pending on fitness level) to the summit and to catch a magnificent sunrise, weather permitting. In the dark, you can see the beams of torch lights as the procession of climbers trudge higher and higher. There are ladders, hand railings and ropes to help you over the steeper slopes.  

An hour from Panar Laban, you'll see the Sayat-Sayat Hut (3,668m), this is the highest shelter on the mountain for Park use only. From here, you will walk across the bare granite slabs that stretch endlessly ahead, in an eerie moonscape of stone. The vegetations are stunted shrubs and tough grasses in the crevices.  

By about 6.00am, you reach your final destination; the highest point on Mt Kinabalu, the summit of Borneo at 4,095.2m is Low's Peak! As you wait in the cold, dawn gradually creeps over the horizon, illuminating the darkness with the light of a new day. In clear weather, you can almost see all of Sabah spread out below ...

From this vantage point, you'll also see a dramatic drop more than 1,000m down ... this is the Low's Gully. In 1998, a joint Malaysian-British expedition successfully descended into the Gully. Expedition members believe that it was not so much a 'conquering' of the Gully, as an acceptance by the mountain to let them through, perhaps due to the spiritual rituals before and after the expedition.  

A chasm stretching 16Km in length, it separates the summit plateau into the Western and Eastern Plateaus. Other peaks on the mountain are Victoria's Peak(4,090m), Donkey Ears Peak (4,054m), South Peak (3,921.5m) and St John's Peak (4,090.7m) on the Western Plateau. On the Eastern Plateau, stand King Edward Peak (4,086m), Mesilau Peak (3,801.3m) and King George Peak (4,062.6m). These peaks are only for experienced climbers as it is a challenging climb. Special Permits from the Park authorities is required.  

It can be very cold with strong wind at the summit. Hence, climbers are advised to descent as soon as possible. You may be lucky to have good mountain condition and able to stay longer. It is advisable to descent before the swirling clouds could obstruct visibility. It takes about 2 hours to descent to Panar Laban/Laban Rata. Check-out time is 1 Cam. The descent to Timpohon Gate takes about 4 to 5 hours. The slowest descend Record from Panar Laban to Timpohon Gate is 12 hours!

• STUNNING FLORA AND FAUNA

Kinabalu Park is Borneo's botanical paradise. It is home to about 1,200 species of orchids, 26 species of rhododendrons, 9 species of Nepenthes pitcher plants, over 80 species of fig trees, over 60 species of oaks and chestnut trees, 100 species of mammals, 326 species of birds - the list goes on! The Park has continually attracted top naturalists and botanists from around the world and been proclaimed an area with the richest diversity of flora and fauna.

FLORA The park is known for the abundance and diversity of its plant life, within one of the most ancient vegetations in the world. 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 with blooms ranging in hue from deep red to pale pink and white! Masses of moss and ferns weigh down the trees of the Montane oak forests of the upper regions. Flowers are to be seen everywhere-on the trees, in the shrubs, along the banks on the forest floor and even peeping out of the rocky crevices of the summit. Orchids such as the white necklace orchids are as delicately beautiful as their namesake.

The forest of Kinabalu are some of the richest in the world with an estimated 5,000 flowering plants, and this does not include the innumerable mosses, ferns and fungi. Wild orchids grow in abundance and range in size from a pinhead to huge stems over 2m. in length. Look out for the beautiful Slipper Orchids, which command much commercial interest with the Rothchild's Slipper Orchid so preciously coveted it is considered the "Kinabalu Gold".  

The world's largest pitcher plant can also be found in Kinabalu Park, The insect-eating Rajah Brooke's Pitcher Plants have pitchers that can hold up to 3.5 litres of water! 19 species of the beautiful Begonia plants have been documented, with probably half that number being endemic. The Begonia Chongii, a rare Begonia plant found on the west side of the mountain, is a recent discovery. It was named in honour of the then Chief Minister of Sabah, YAB Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat in recognition for hi enthusiastic support for the natural environment, conservation and protection of Sabah's Parks.  

FAUNA The Bornean mountain ground squirrel Dremomys eve are often spotted scampering about in the scrub vegetation while the mountain tree shrew Tupaia montana are easily spotted along the mountain trails. You may even come across a red-necked keelback snake sunning itself along your path. The variety of birds range from mountain black eye, mountain black bird, Borneo eye bright, Euphrasia borneensis, and the now 'not-so-friendly' nor so easily sighted Friendly Kinabalu Warbler.

This Wonderland features some of the most amazing creations of nature. Since animals are not easily seen, patience is virtue — that you will be blessed with rare and captivating sights!  

A stroll past the road-side lamps at the Park Headquarter on dark wet nights or at dawn will reveal moths, beetles and other insects in all shapes, sizes and colours. Some are camouflaged in delicate mossy greens and greys, while others flaunt bright contrasting colours or red, black and white. There are 'twigs' that walk and 'leaves' that fly! Look closer and you'll find that they are actually insects.

This abundance of insects and plants play a big hand in supporting a thriving bird population. Over 300 species have been recorded in the Park. There is the Grey Drongo with white eye-ring and forked tail, and the heavy, long-tailed Malaysian Treepie are two of the commonest at the Park Hq. Higher up, you will find the small green Mountain Blackeyes and the larger red-breasted Mountain Blackbirds.

PORING HOT SPRING

A visit to the Kinabalu Park is not complete without a jaunt to Poring. "Poring" is Kadazandusun word for the bamboo species growing in the area. Situated 40 Km (25 miles) away slightly northeast of the Parks HQ, Poring is in the lowlands, a complete contrast to the Parks HQ. Soak away the sores and aches of muscles in the hot sulphuric minerals of this spring, claimed to have curative powers and very popular with the locals.  

BUTTERFLY  FARM Here you will find several species of colourful and striking butterflies. Borneo's first, this farm features a garden, nursery and hatchery for purpose of research, education and the preservation endangered species.  

PORING ORCHID CONSERVATION CENTRE  

With 1,200 species of orchids found with Kinabalu Park, the Centre has the largest live collection of the Sabah Orchid and rare endemic wild orchids.  

TROPICAL GARDEN

Mousedeers and deers relax under the gaze of colourful birds in the aviary.

PORING CANOPY WALKWAY  

A must-visit! Stroll amidst the canopy of the Menggaris tree - the King of the Forest. The Walkway is 157.8m long and 41m high!  

THE RAFFLESIA  

The world's biggest flower, Rafflesia is one of the hardest to find. Fortunately, Sabah is known to have the largest concentration of the Rafflesia population. This rare and exotic flower takes up to 15months to bud but only lasts 7 days in bloom. The Park will post a Notice to announce a Rafflesia in bloom or bud.

• ACCOMMODATION

At Kinabalu Park : The Park charges different rates for accommodation on weekdays and weekends.

• Nepenthes Villa

(2 bedrooms / 4 persons) -1 unit

• Rajah Lodge

(5 bedrooms/10 persons)

• Kinabalu Lodge

(4 bedrooms / 8 persons) -1 unit

• Double Storey/Deluxe Cabin

(3 bedrooms / 7 persons) - 1 unit

• Single Deluxe/Cabin

(2 bedrooms / 5 persons) - 1 unit

• Duplex 2-Bedroom/Chalet

(6 persons in each ) - 4 units

• * Two-roomed/Annex Suite

(4 persons in each) - 4 units

• * Twin Bed Cabin

(2 persons in each) - 10 units

• New Fellowship/Hostel

(52 persons in dormitory room)

• Old Fellowship/Hostel

(46 persons in dormitory room)

The above cabins are provided with a fireplace, kitchen, shower, gas- cooker and a refrigerator and cooking and eating utensils.

Visitors intending to cook must bring their own food.

Simple meals (both western and local) are available at the Clubhouse and Canteen in the Administration Building.

• No fireplace and kitchen facilities are provided for 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.
Tel: 6-088-243629/245742
Fax: 6-088-242861

At Poring Hot Springs

• Poring Chalet

2 units (6 persons per unit)

• Old Cabin

(3 bedrooms - 6 persons)

• New Cabin

(2 bedrooms - 4 persons)

• Youth Hostel

(there are two blocks with a capacity of 24 and 40 person in each block)

• Camp Ground

(30 persons)

Tents, blankets and pillows can be rented.

There are facilities such as restaurant to cater for visitors intending to stay overnight at Poring Hot Springs.

Reservations for accommodation can be made at:

Kinabalu Gold Resort Sdn. Bhd.

Tel: 6-088-243629/245742
Fax: 6-088-242861

AROUND KINABALU PARK

When visiting the Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Springs, do take the opportunity to visit the many places of interests along the way ...  

Kundasang is 6Km (4miles) from the Kinabalu Park HQ, renowned for temperate vegetables. A long row of wooden stalls 'geraF bustling with vegetable whole-sellers. Pick-up trucks fully laden with vegetables from farms around the valley deliver and unload their goods at the stalls. Bulk-buyers come from all over Sabah, even Sarawak and Brunei. Passing travellers also stop to purchase. Nearby are a few rows of shops, seemingly sleepy except on Fridays, the weekly Tamu, market day.  

Kundasang War Memorial and Gardens is like a fort on a hill, located immediately behind the rows of shops.  

Major G.S. Carter, D.S.O. (Toby Carter) a New Zealander employed with Shell Oil Co. (Borneo) initiated the building of the Memorial to remember the 2,428 Australian and British prisoners of war who died during World War2 at  

Sandakan POW Camp, the 3 infamous forced death marches from Sandakan to Ranau, and as tribute to the many local people who risked their lives to help the prisoners of war. Only six Australians survived to tell the horror. There were no English survivors.  

The 'fort-like' design of the Memorial was by local resident architect, J.C. Robinson. It has 4 interlocking but separate Gardens to represent the homelands of those who died: an Australian Garden, a formal English Garden of roses, a Borneo Garden with wild flowers of Kinabalu and at the top level is the "Contemplation Garden" with a reflection pool and pergola.  

To commemorate the 60th Anniversary of the end ofWW2, the Memorial was and beautifully restored in 2005 privately. The Gardens are now replanted with flowers, roses and rare orchids including the much sought and valuable Rothchilds slipper orchids. ANZAC Memorial Service and private Memorial Services are welcome with prior arrangements. The Memorial is open to visitors with minimal Entrance Fee charged.  

Agro T Nursery is situated just a few metres from the Kundasang War Memorial on the left. At a small fee, it is possible to tour the nursery's gardens of flowers, such as roses, , orchids, hybrid hibiscus, tomatoes and other vegetables.  

Mount Kinabalu Golf Course. This 18-hole course, at 1,500m above sea level offers stunning views and some unique golf on some steep fairways where occasionally swirling mists. A Club house and restaurant offers a chance for relaxing meal  after a satisfying game.

The Mesilau Nature Resort is situated at 2,000m in the eastern part of Kinabalu Park. It offers an attractive restaurant and a range of accommodations. Visitors must not miss the Information Centre and the guided walk to the Nepenthes Garden, a mountain slope covered with naturally growing pitcher plants, including the giant Nepenthes rajah. It is really, really amazing.  

Ranau Town. This is the commercial and administrative centre for the District of Ranau, with the District Police Station, Hospital, restaurants, retail shops, petrol stations and car repair workshops.  

Gereja SIB Pekan Ranau, on the Church Ground are:  

- The Oath Stone. After the bridgge with the Tamu by the river banks, in the grounds of the Borneo Evangelical Church (or Gereja SIB Pekan Ranau) is an important historical site. Here sits the Oath of Loyalty sworn by the natives of Ranau after the colonial North Borneo Chartered Company put down a rebellion led by Mat Salleh in 1893.  

- Rafflesia at Kampung Kokob Baru>. 5 Km after Ranau, on the main road to Sandakan and en-route to the Poring Hot Springs, keep a look-out for a roadside sign announcing "Rafflesias Blooming". Or you may phone villager Kundang Ransigi (088-875-114/013-879-4154).  

- Sabah Tea Plantations (www.sabaahtea.net) Located 800m on rolling hills near Kg Nalapak, 11m from the Poring Road Junction, this is Sabah's only tea plantation, over 2,500 ha and producing both regular and certified organic tea. Visitors can enjoy a meal and splendid view of Mt Kinabalu from the Tea House, followed by a guided tour of the processing factory and plantation. The Plantation offers comfortable bungalows. Guest House and a typical Rungus Longhouse.

- The Ranau Memorial. This Memorial marks the site of a Prison Camp of the survivors of the first Death March from Sandakan to Ranau from January to April 1945. On this actual spot Gunner Albert Neil Cleary, Royal Australian Artillery of East Geelong, Victoria was chained to a stake, brutally tortured and starved for 11 days before he finally died on 20 March 1945, aged 22 years.