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Kinabalu National Park

Visit Kinabalu National Park, Borneo

Visit Kinabalu National Park, Borneo

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Rearing up over 4,000 meters, the jagged granite peaks of Mount Kinabalu slice into the skies above Sabah.

Just two hours' drive through from Kota Kinabalu, this immense national park is home to diverse flora and fauna as the tropical lowlands gradually shift into alpine meadows.

Santa Claus Orchid, Mountain Garden, Kinabalu National ParkFamous as the location of Southeast Asia’s highest peak, there are also many lowland trails through the rainforest, an area boasting more than 1,000 species of orchids, carnivorous pitcher plants and rare rafflesia — the largest flowering plant in the world.

We recommend that your bring comfortable walking shoes, sun block, raincoat or umbrella, insect repellent, a light jacket or cardigan.

The park trails begin around 1,500 meters and as such the area is cooler than Mount Kinabalu. Saying this, the rainforest does keep humidity levels high so take plenty of water and appropriate clothing for any treks you do.

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who's been there
Audley Travel specialist Jack

Start planning your tailor-made trip to Kinabalu National Park by contacting one of our Borneo specialists

Suggested itinerary featuring Kinabalu National Park

This sample itinerary will give you an idea of what is possible when you travel in Kinabalu National Park, and showcases routes we know work particularly well. Treat this as inspiration, because your trip will be created uniquely by one of our specialists.

Map of Kinabalu National Park

Places & hotels on the map

    Places in and around Kinabalu National Park

    Photos of Kinabalu National Park

    • Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park, Malaysian Borneo
      Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park, Malaysian Borneo
    • Kinabalu National Park, Malaysian Borneo
      Kinabalu National Park, Malaysian Borneo
    • Mount Kinabalu
      Mount Kinabalu
    • Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park
      Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park
    • Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park
      Mount Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park
    • Heading to the summit of Mount Kinabalu overlooking KK
      Heading to the summit of Mount Kinabalu overlooking KK
    • Climbing Mount Kinabalu
      Climbing Mount Kinabalu
    • Mount Kinabalu
      Mount Kinabalu

    Our expert guides to exploring Kinabalu National Park

    Written by our specialists from their own experiences of visiting Kinabalu National Park, these guides will help you make the most of your time there. We share both our practical recommendations and the best ways to appreciate Kinabalu National Park at its best.

    • Climb Mount Kinabalu
      Mount Kinabalu

      Climb Mount Kinabalu

      Climb Mount Kinabalu

      Climbing Mount Kinabalu is an unforgettable adventure, one Audley can arrange with experienced guides. The reward of standing on Malaysia's highest peak, seeing dawn break from the summit, is well worth the aching muscles.

      3 min read

      Read this guide
    • What to see in Borneo: our highlights guide
      Proboscis monkeys, Sandakan, Borneo

      What to see in Borneo: our highlights guide

      What to see in Borneo: our highlights guide

      This guide features recommendations for things to do in Borneo. It focuses on the states of Sabah and Sarawak in Malaysian Borneo, which offer a lot of variety in a smaller radius than Indonesian Borneo.

      7 min read

      Read this guide
    • Activity vacations in Borneo
      Canopy Walkways, Danum Valley, Malaysian Borneo

      Activity vacations in Borneo

      Activity vacations in Borneo

      If you're planning an activity vacation in Borneo we can ensure you get the most out of your trip. From a night safari in search of local wildlife, to climbing Mount Kinabalu.

      7 min read

      Read this guide
    • Walking & trekking in Borneo
      Herd of Pygmy Elephants

      Walking & trekking in Borneo

      Walking & trekking in Borneo

      Smothered in a blanket of lush rainforest leading right up to the coast, Borneo is an island best explored on foot. From a gentle afternoon walk along the lofty canopy walkways of the Danum Valley to a challenging hike down into the lost world of the Maliau Basin, the landscape offers experiences that will appeal to every level of fitness.

      9 min read

      Read this guide

    Accommodation choices for Kinabalu National Park

    We've selected a range of accommodation options for when you visit Kinabalu National Park. Our choices usually come recommended for their character, facilities and service or location. Our specialists always aim to suggest properties that match your preferences.

    Ideas for experiencing Kinabalu National Park

    Our specialists seek out authentic ways to get to know the places that could feature in your trip. These activities reflect some of the experiences they've most enjoyed while visiting Kinabalu National Park, and which use the best local guides.

    • Rafting on the Kiulu River
      Whitewater rafting, Sabah

      Rafting on the Kiulu River

      Rafting on the Kiulu River

      The rafting will take approximately two hours and you will then have lunch before returning to Kota Kinabalu. The rafting here is grade 1-2.

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