Mount Kinabalu - Introduction
The Summit of Borneo
Mount Kinabalu is the most dramatic feature in Sabah and the tallest peak between the Himalayas & the New Guinea. Towering at 4,095 metres (13,435 feet), Mount Kinabalu exerts a magical quality that is both indescribable and unbelievable. The granite peaks are constantly veiled in wisps of clouds which sometimes resemble a graceful woman peeping coyly from behind the veil. At times during a clear day, the summit reveals a distinct glacier carved pinnacles, rising from the smooth granite dome, exuberating tranquility and peacefulness.
The mountain itself represents one of the world’s youngest batholiths: an old magna chamber that was forced through the earth’s crust. Though young, it is the central focus of Kinabalu Park and the legends of the KadasanDusun people, Sabah’s largest ethnic group. The KadasanDunsun believe that the mountain is the sacred resting ground of the spirits of their ancestors.
Legends & Myths - Mt Kinabalu Tale
There are many folklores and fables that tell stories of how Kinabalu got its name. The local KadazanDusun people believe that the word is derived from "Aki Nabalu", which translates into "revered place of the dead". The mysterious KadazanDusun tribe believes that spirits dwell on the mountain top. According to another popular folklore, the name Kinabalu actually meant "Cina Balu". "Cina Balu" translates into "chinese widow". Legend tells a story of a Chinese prince who ascends from the mountain in search of a huge pearl guarded by a ferocious dragon. He married a Kadazan woman upon his successful conquest, whom he soon abandoned for return to China. His heartbroken wife wandered into the mountains to mourn whereby eventually she turned into stone.
A World Heritage Site
On the rainforest-clad island of Borneo lies Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO. Kinabalu Park was established in 1964 to protect Mount Kinabalu and its plant and animal life. The biggest attraction in Kinabalu Park would be Mount Kinabalu, one of the world’s most prominent mountains, and the Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden. Kinabalu Park is a scenic 2-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. The Park covers an area of 754 square kilometers (291 square mile), has four climatic zones and also one of the richest collections of flora and fauna in the world.
The gateway to the mountain is the Kinabalu Park Headquarters, situated 1,563 metres on its southern boundary. A variety of accommodation, restaurants and an exhibition centre are available here. This is also where visitors pay the entrance fee to the park and register if they are a climber. Visitors can explore the Mountain Garden on their own or join the park’s naturalist on a guided walk along the many trails available.
Climbing Mount Kinabalu
Ascending Mount kinabalu requires no specialized mountain climbing skills but it pays to be fit. Locals begin climbing the mountain from the age of three. The trail to the highest peak winds along the southern side of the mountain. It is an 8.5 kilometre (5.25 miles) trek to the top. For most people, from a 9 month-old baby (carried by father) to an 83 years-old New Zealander, the journey takes two days. However, champion mountain runners at the annual Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon, proclaimed the “toughest mountain race in the world”, have been known to complete the run up and down the mountain in less than 3 hours!
The terrain stretches upward from lowland rain forest to montane forest, cloud forest and sub alpine meadow, before finally reaching a crown of bare granite. Only at Mount Kinabalu can you eat breakfast in a lowland rainforest, lunch in a cloud forest, and enjoy dinner in a subalpine meadow!
A Journey to the Mountain Top
The summit of Mt Kinabalu is known as Low’s Peak. There are two (2) trails that lead to Low’s Peak. Climbers can either follow the more popular Timpohon Trail or the Mesilau Trail. You can refer to the Trail Map for a better understanding. The 2 trails will meet at Layang-Layang at 2,740 m (or 4 Km from Timpohon Gate). Look at the comparison below:-
Timpohon - Summit Trail
Interestingly the climb actually begins at Timpohon Gate with the descent to Carson’s Fall, named after the first Park Warden of Kinabalu Park. From here onwards, depending on your fitness level, it is about 4 – 5 hours climb for the day.
Mesilau – Summit Trail
The Mesilau route to the summit starts from Mesilau Nature resort and leads to Layang-Layang. It was opened in October 1998 initially used mainly by scientists and researchers as it takes longer, about 5 – 6 hours to reach Layang Layang, as compared to 2 – 3 hours, from Timpohon Gate. If you wish to take this route instead of the usual Timpohon Trail, you can pre-register with us, Amazing Borneo Tours at www.Amazing-Borneo.com. An additional fee is required for the registration and logistics.
Continue Climb to the Peak at 2:00am
Descent to the Foot of Mountain
It can be very cold with strong wind at the summit. Hence, climbers are advised to descend as soon as possible. You may be lucky to have good mountain condition and able to stay longer. It is however advisable to descent before the swirling clouds could obstruct visibility. It takes about 2 hours to descent to Panar Laban/Laban Rata and after you check out of your accommodation, it takes another 4 – 5 hours to descent to Timpohon Gate. The slowest descent record from Panar Laban to Timpohon Gate is 12 hours!
Types of Mt Kinabalu Climbers Certificate
|Accomodation||No. of Unit||Typeof Facilites|
|Rock Twin Share||4 Units||Common Lounge, Common Bathroom, Pantry|
|Rock Hostel||20 Beds||Fireplace, Common Lounge, Common Bathroom, Pantry|
|Grace Hostel||20 Beds||Fireplace, Common Lounge, Common Bathroom, Pantry|
|The Hill Lodge||10 Units||Attached Bathroom, Heated Shower|
|Liwagu Suite||4 Units||1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, 1 Toilet, Living Area, Heated Shower|
|The Peak Lodge||4 Units||2 Bedrooms, Dining & Living Area, Fireplace, Bathroom, Pantry, Heated Shower|
|Summit Lodge||1 Unit||2 Bedrooms, Dining & Living Area, Fireplace, Bathroom, Kitchen, Heated Shower|
|Garden Lodge||1 Unit||2 Bedrooms, Dining & Living Area, Fireplace, Bathroom, Kitchen, Heated Shower|
|Nepenthes Lodge||8 Units||2 Bedrooms, Dining & Living Area, Fireplace, Bathroom, Pantry, Heated Shower|
|Kinabalu Lodge||1 Unit||3 Bedrooms, Dining & Living Area, Fireplace, Bathroom, Kitchen, Heated Shower|
|Rajah Lodge||1 Unit||3 Bedrooms, Dining & Living Area, Fireplace, Bathroom, Kitchen, Heated Shower|
The Hill Lodge
The Peak Lodge
Activities within Kinabalu Park
Visit Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden (Mountain Garden)
One of the biggest attractions at Kinabalu Park, 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.
Follow any of the numerous and interesting nature trails within Kinabalu Park and discover rare and endemic plants today! Follow Park Naturalists or our guide as they take you on a guided trail walks and educate you on the various wonders.
|Liwagu Trail||5620||2 hours|
|Silau Silau Trail||3057||1 hour 30 minutes|
|Bukit Burung Trail||1082||1 hour|
|Kiau View Trail||2544||1 hour 30 minutes|
|Bundu Tuhan View (Sunset)||465||15 minutes|
|Pandanus Trail||598||20 minutes|
|Bukit Ular Trail||997||30 minutes|
|Mempening Trail||2516||1 hour 30 minutes|
|Bukit Tupai Trail||345||15 minutes|
Important Notice : Guests wishing to trek along these trails must be accompanied by either a Sabah Park Ranger, a Park Naturalist or a licensed Tour Guide. We will not be held responsible for any death, injuries, loss and/or damage howsoever caused to trekkers. All guests trek at their own risks.
1. Liwagu River Trail
Distance : 5,620 metres
Duration : 2 hours
The trail starts from Kinabalu Balsam Restaurant located at the Park Headquarters. The trail leads to Silau-Silau but does not cross until the Liwagu junction. Follow the Liwagu upstream before reaching the Power Station road near Timpohon Gate. It is a steep, narrow and varied trail through a ridge forest, cool stream valley, rattan palms and Liwagu.
2. Silau Silau
Distance : 3,057 metres
Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes
Follow the river from its source below Kiau Gap which junctions with the Liwagu River near the overhanging rock of Liwagu Cave. The trail is linked with other trails at various points, including Bukit Burung, Bukit Tupai and Kiau view.
3. Bukit Burung Trail
Distance : 1,082 metres
Duration : 1 hour
Start from the road, cross the Silau-Silau stream and trail, then proceed up the ridge side to Bukit Burung shelter for a spectacular view of the Park Headquarters, Lower Liwagu Valley and Mount Kinabalu. Attractions include easy access to a hill forest, cool stream valleys and dry ridge tops.
4. Kiau View Trail
Distance : 2,544 metres
Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes
From the arch at the park entrance, proceed along a wide undulating ridge trail. Finish just after the 1.5 km mark along the Power Station Road opposite the entrance to Silau-Silau Trail. Attractions include scenic views of the west coast and an assortment of local tree species.
5. Bundu Tuhan View (sunset)
Distance : 465 metres
Duration : 15 minutes
Take the loop road below the staff quarters near the Conservation Centre. The trail reaches shelter at a ridge top above the main Ranau Highway. Obtain spectacular views of Bundu Tuhan village and southern mountains including Malaysia’s second highest peak, Mount Trusmadi (2,642 metres). Follow the ridge down to Liwagu Trail.
6. Pandanus Trail
Distance : 598 metres
Duration : 20 minutes
A broad well graded trail offering refreshing views. The Pandanus Trail opened in September 1999 for the World Mountain Trophy Race, starting near the car park of the Park Headquarters administration building joining the Kiau View Trail at ridge crest.
7. Bukit Ular Hillside Trail
Distance : 997 metres
Duration : 30 minutes
A fairly steep trail takes hikers through a journey along a winding road around Bukit Ular from the top of Power Station Road and finally emerging just behind the Power Station. Attempt a challenging 30-minute detour from the top of Bukit Ular for excellent views of a waterfall and mountain.
8. Mempening Trail
Distance : 2,516 metres
Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes
Start half way up Power Station Road, trek down the ridge through dense oak chestnut forest to Bukit Tupai and Silau-Silau stream. Good view of Park Headquarters and Liwagu Valley.
9. Bukit Tupai Trail
Distance : 345 metres
Duration : 15 minutes
From Multi-purpose Hall, cross Silau-Silau stream and trail, going straight up to ridge crest and Bukit Tupai Shelter. Splendid view of Park Headquarters and tree canopy area. On clear days, breathtaking view of Mount Kinabalu. Ridge crest links to Mempening and Bukit Burung Trail.
MESILAU NATURE RESORT
Within the World Heritage Site, Mesilau Nature Resort is a tranquil retreat amongst the foothills of Mount. Kinabalu and provides an alternative and more challenging trail for the climb up Mount. Kinabalu. An additional 1 hour past Kinabalu Park and 2000 metres above sea level, Mesilau Nature Resort promises to enchant visitors with its cool temperate climate and serene surroundings as an amazing nature’s paradise. Home to exotic species of fauna and flora, Mesilau Nature Resort is the best place to find the giant pitcher plant, the “Nepenthes Rajah” which grows in abundance here.
Accommodation at Mesilau Nature Resort
|Accomodation||No. of Unit||Type of Facilites|
|Bishop’s Head Hostel||64 Beds||Common Lounge, Common Bathroom|
|Crocker Range Lodge||36 Rooms||Living Area, Room Heater, Attached Bathroom, Heated Shower|
|Witti Range Lodge||4 Units||3 Bedrooms , Living Area, Room Heater, Attached Bathroom, Heated Shower|
|King Edward’s Peak Lodge||1 Unit||2 Bedrooms , Living & Dining Area, Room Heater, Bathroom, Heated Shower, Kitchen|
|Donkey’s Ear Peak Lodge||2 Units||2 Bedrooms , Living & Dining Area, Room Heater, Bathroom, Heated Shower, Kitchen|
|Ugly Sister’s Peak Lodge||1 Unit||2 Bedrooms , Living & Dining Area, Room Heater, Bathroom, Heated Shower, Kitchen|
|St. John’s Peak Lodge||4 Units||3 Bedrooms , Living & Dining Area, Room Heater, Bathroom, Heated Shower, Kitchen|
|Low’s Peak Lodge||4 Units||3 Bedrooms , Living & Dining Area, Room Heater, Bathroom, Heated Shower, Kitchen|
Bishop's Head Hostel
Crocker Range Lodge
Witti Range Lodge
Activities within Mesilau Nature Resort
Guided Walk Trail
Duration : 30 minutes
This trail may be taken without a guide. Starting from Bishop's Head Hostel, the trail leads into the lush oak-chestnut forest of Mesilau's sheltered valley. Trees are taller and more mossy than at Park Headquarters. Mosses and epiphytes, notably the long leafed Bird's Nest Fern, are abundant. Fallen acorns and chestnuts cover a path flanked by thick growths of wild gingers. Large conifers Dacrydium are an interesting feature. The path crosses a little stream that flows under the restaurant before entering Mesilau River.
Large species of the mountain ginger Alpinia Havilandii and pink blossomed Kinabalu Balsam thrive by the stream. Liverworts and mosses clad trees on the other side of the stream.Ginger flowers attract several species of bees including the Mountain Honey-bee, Apis Nuluensis. Borneo has 5 of the world's 8 known species of honey bees, more than anywhere else on earth. As the trails open out, climbing bamboo of the species Bambusa Gibbsaii can be seen draping the trees. The walk concludes as the path re-enters the oak-chestnut forest near the restaurant complex.
Nepenthes Rajah Nature Trail
Duration : 20 minutes
This trail involves a 10 minute trek to West Mesilau River and another 10 to reach the top of the trail. From Crocker Range Lodge, the trail passes the Mesilau cave down a low ridge above a stream. The landscape is lush with ferns, liverworts and orchids amidst mossy rocks and boulders. After crossing a suspension bridge over Mesilau River, the trail rises steeply on the opposite bank. Shrubby grasses, rhododendrons and orchids are in abundance. Many are unique to the ultramafic soil.
Mesilau is known for the easy access to its carnivorous pitcher plants that trap insects for food. Attracted to the plant's nectar, insects fall into pitchers which are formed from leaves. An enzyme-rich digestive fluid drowns the victims which are digested and absorbed. Pitchers found in Mesilau include the rare Nepenthes Rajah, the largest pitcher plant in the world. Thriving in ultramafic soil, this has a large magenta coloured pitcher with up to 2 litre capacity. Frogs, centipedes and even rats have been found in its pitchers. Some pitchers are mini ecosystems supporting lifeforms immune to the enzymes. These include spiders, crab ants, tadpoles, larvae and others forming a food chain.
Reaching the top, the trail enters lush vegetation with small trees and a range of outstanding pitcher plants including the giant Nepenthes Rajah, the tall Nepenthes Lowii and tiny Nepenthes Tentaculata. The return journey offers spectacular views of the montane forest canopy along Mesilau River, jagged rock faces, cascading waterfalls and the Mesilau Pinnacles.
To protect the rare pitcher species and to prevent illegal collecting, visitors are not allowed in unless accompanied by an official guide.