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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.
Famous 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.
who's been there
Start planning your tailor-made trip to Kinabalu National Park by contacting one of our Borneo specialists
- 617-223-4130
- Make an inquiry
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.
Places in and around Kinabalu National Park
- Mount Kinabalu Kinabalu National Park
- Kota Kinabalu 49 kilometers away
- Gaya Island 58 kilometers away
- Manukan Island 61 kilometers away
- Garama Wetlands 106 kilometers away
- Deramakot Forest Reserve 123 kilometers away
- Sepilok 157 kilometers away
- Maliau Basin 158 kilometers away
- Kinabatangan River 163 kilometers away
- Sandakan 169 kilometers away
- Danum Valley 194 kilometers away
- Brunei 216 kilometers away
- Tabin Wildlife Reserve 258 kilometers away
- Mulu National Park 284 kilometers away
- Sipadan Mabul and Kapalai Islands 294 kilometers away
- Kapalai Island 312 kilometers away
- Mataking Island 312 kilometers away
- Miri, Niah Caves & Lambir Hills National Park 342 kilometers away
Photos of Kinabalu National Park
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.
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Climb 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.
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What to see in Borneo: our highlights guide 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.
Read this guide -
Activity vacations in 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.
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Walking & trekking in Borneo 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.
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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.
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Laban Rata
Kinabalu National Park -
Hill Lodges
Kinabalu National Park
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.
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Rafting on the Kiulu River 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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