KINABALU PARK – MALAYSIA ‘S FIRST WORLD
HERITAGE
The
Kinabalu Park covers a staggering area of 754 sq km (300 sq mile) from the Park
Headquarters area all the way to Poring Hot Springs 40 km (25 miles) away and
northwards to Mandalon, almost reaching the Kudat Highway. It is bigger than
Singapore Island! Established as a state park in 1964, this botanical paradise
is blessed with an astonishing variety of flora and fauna that ranges over 4
climate zones, from the rich lowland dipterocarp forest through the montane
oak, rhododendron ; the coniferous forests, to the alpine meadow plants and to
the stunted bushes of the summit zone.
Kinabalu Park has probably one of the
richest flora collections in the world.
Highways
and sealed roads have made the Park easily accessible. It’s an easy 2 hour
scenic drive from Kota Kinabalu and is a popular getaway from the hustle and
bustle of the city where visitors can enjoy the cool invigorating air. In 2004,
more than 415360 visited the park with more than 43430 climbers. While the
focus of the park is the mountain, about 80% of visitors don’t climb all the
way to the peak but come simply to enjoy the serenity of this place
KINABALU
PARK HEADQUARTERS is situated on the southern boundary, at an elevation of
1563m (5000 ft). Most of the Park’s facilities are located here including
visitor’s accommodations, restaurants, exhibit centers, park offers where
overnight visitors and climbers must register.
A minimal
entrance fee is imposed at the entrance of the Kinabalu Park.
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