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Trekking
Trekking within the Park is generally restricted to shorter trails taking no
more than a day. The majority of trails take less than half a day. These
generally require no special abilities, but it is wise to check with the Park
authorities in advance in case longer trials are blocked by landslides or broken
bridges. Good footwear is essential, especially in wet weather.
Climbing
Climbing Kinabalu is within the reach of most visitors as long as they are
reasonably fit and well prepared. Kinabalu’s other peaks are not for the average
visitors and should only be climbed by those with experience, or at least by
those who have experienced climbers in their group. The climb to the eastern
plateau, while not requiring specialist knowledge, can be quite challenging and
demands a good head for heights. The park requires all climbers to be
accompanied by Park guides. This is particularly important if you are using
trails other than the standard climb to Low’s Peak, but even for this a guide is
compulsory.
Camping
Camping is encouraged only at Poring Hot Springs. Tents, pillows and blankets
can be hired at Poring, or you can bring your own. Food is available at the
restaurant on the other side of the Mamut River or from the stalls just outside
the park entrance. It is also possible to camp at both the Sayap and Serinsim
stations, but you will need a 4-wheel drive to reach them and must bring all
your own gear, including food, as there are no visitor facilities at either
place. Camping is not permitted elsewhere in the Park.
Wildlife watching
Larger animals are rare and difficult to see but a lot of interest and pleasure
can be had watching smaller creatures, particularly insects. Butterflies, moths
and beetles are particularly diverse and colorful and can be examined closely
clustered on walls or brushes under lamps in the early morning.
Both Kinabalu Park HQ and Mesilau Nature Resort are excellent places for
watching birds, especially in the early morning when many birds are hawking
insects around the lamp posts. Poring Hot Springs is good for lowland species,
such as spider hunters and sunbirds. Over 300 species have been recorded from
the park.
Plant spotting
Kinabalu is one of the richest centers of plant diversity n the world and is an
excellent place to observe a wide range of plants. Orchids, rhododendrons and
pitcher plants are particularly showy. The pitcher plants Nepenthes villosa and
Nepenthes rajah are not found anywhere else in the world but easily visible on
Kinabalu. Likewise, many orchids are found only on the mountain. The mountain
garden at the Park HQ and the Orchid Conservation Centre at Poring are good
places for more detailed observation of Kinabalu’s plants, where many rare
species are easily seen. Kinabalu is one of the few places in Borneo where the
Rafflesia is easily accessible. The Sabah Parks staff at Poring should know
whether any are blooming at the time of your visit.
Photography
The Kinabalu Park provides endless opportunities for the photographer-from the
changing views of the mountain to the thousands of plants and animals that live
there. You will almost certainly need more film than you think. White or pale
flowers are particularly difficult to take with flash and a useful item is a
light reflector to reflect the sunlight onto the object you are photographing.
Golf
In addition to enjoy the attractions of the natural environment, a visit to
Kinabalu also has something for the golf enthusiast. The 18-hole Kinabalu Golf
Course on the Pinosok Plateau above Kundasang is Malaysia’s highest and must be
one of the world’s most spectacular, set as it is beneath the majestic peaks and
pinnacles of the mountain. The Mesilau resort, almost backing the Golf Course is
the best place to stay. Transport can be arranged through the resort too. |
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