UNESCO World Heritage Site home to Mount Kinabalu (4,095m), the highest peak in Southeast Asia. Stunning biodiversity and mountain trails.

About Kinabalu National Park

Kinabalu National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site protecting one of the most biologically diverse places on Earth. Mount Kinabalu itself is the centerpiece — a massive granite dome rising to 4,095 meters, visible from Kota Kinabalu on clear days. The mountain is sacred to the indigenous Kadazan-Dusun people, who believe it is the resting place of their ancestors\' spirits.

Climbing Mount Kinabalu is the park\'s premier activity, a challenging but non-technical two-day ascent. Day one involves climbing from Timpohon Gate (1,866m) to Laban Rata rest house (3,272m), and day two is a pre-dawn summit push to witness sunrise from Low\'s Peak. Permits are limited, and the climb must be done with a registered guide — book months in advance through Sutera Sanctuary Lodges.

Even without climbing the summit, the park offers extraordinary experiences. The mountain garden showcases over 1,500 orchid species, carnivorous pitcher plants (including the famous Nepenthes rajah, the world\'s largest), and the parasitic Rafflesia flower (the world\'s largest flower, blooming unpredictably). The Poring Hot Springs, a short drive from park HQ, offer natural thermal pools, a canopy walkway, and butterfly and orchid gardens. The Kinabalu via ferrata (iron road) is the world\'s highest.

Nearby Landmarks

Mount Kinabalu Poring Hot Springs Mountain Garden Timpohon Gate Canopy Walk

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost RM200-350 (~$45-80)
Time 2-2.5 hours

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost N/A
Time 2-2.5 hours

N/A

Step-by-Step Directions

Grab/taxi to Inanam Bus Terminal, then bus or minivan to Kinabalu Park.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi RM200-350 (~$45-80) 2-2.5 hours Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare N/A 2-2.5 hours Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

There is no public transport to Kinabalu Park after dark. The mountain road should only be driven during daylight (it has no street lighting and wildlife may cross). If arriving at KK Airport in the evening, overnight in KK city and depart early the next morning. Pre-arranged transfers to the park typically depart around 7:00-8:00 AM.

Luggage Tips

For the mountain climb, pack only essentials in a daypack (warm layers, rain jacket, headlamp, water, snacks). Leave main luggage at your KK hotel or at Kinabalu Park HQ storage. Temperatures at Laban Rata can drop below 5°C. For day visitors, a normal daypack with rain protection is sufficient.

Accessibility

Kinabalu National Park HQ has some accessible paths around the garden and visitor center, but the park is fundamentally a mountain wilderness with steep, uneven terrain. The summit climb is physically demanding. Poring Hot Springs has some accessible paths. The canopy walkway is not wheelchair accessible. The drive from KK is comfortable in a standard vehicle.