Gunung Kinabalu National Park - Discovering Malaysia

Travelling to Gunung Kinabalu National Park

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Gunung Kinabalu National Park, a pretty good destination in Malaysia (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Gunung Kinabalu National Park and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Gunung Kinabalu National Park, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through Malaysia, here's everything to know about Gunung Kinabalu National Park for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Gunung Kinabalu National Park

Gunung Kinabalu National Park is located in Sabah, Malaysia. It is Malaysia's first UNESCO World Heritage site and is known for its biodiversity, scenic vistas, and Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia. The park covers an area of 754 square kilometers and is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including hundreds of species of orchids and pitcher plants, as well as clouded leopards, orangutans, and other wildlife. Visitors to the park can enjoy hiking trails, hot springs, and cultural and educational activities. The park is easily accessible by road from Kota Kinabalu, the capital city of Sabah.

What to visit in Gunung Kinabalu National Park

Here are some of the popular tourist attractions in Gunung Kinabalu National Park in Malaysia: 1. Mount Kinabalu: As the main highlight of the park, Mount Kinabalu is a must-visit attraction for adventure enthusiasts. The peak is the highest in Malaysia, and climbers can enjoy scenic views from the summit. 2. Poring Hot Springs: Located within the park, Poring Hot Springs is a popular attraction for tourists seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. The area also features a butterfly farm, orchid conservation centre, and canopy walkways.
3. Kundasang War Memorial: The memorial serves as a tribute to the fallen soldiers during the World War II Borneo campaign, forming an important part of Sabah's history. The beautifully maintained gardens and memorials are breathtaking to visit.
4. Desa Cattle Dairy Farm: Located near the park, this farm is home to some beautiful cows and you can see the milk processing units. Entry to the dairy farm is typically free.
5. Sabah Tea Garden and Factory: This tea garden is another attraction located near the park and is known for its scenic beauty, tea plantations and tea production factory.
Visitors can also enjoy trekking and hiking through the park's forests, visit botanical gardens, and explore the local villages to experience the rich cultures and traditions of the Sabah region.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in Malaysia, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.

When to go on holiday to Gunung Kinabalu National Park

The best time to visit Gunung Kinabalu National Park in Malaysia is from March to September, as the weather is generally dry and sunny during these months. It is important to note that rain can occur at any time of the year in this area, but the probability of experiencing clear skies and comfortable temperatures is higher during these months. If hiking is your primary activity, it is recommended to avoid the rainy season between October and February, as trails can become slippery and dangerous.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Gunung Kinabalu National Park

There are a few ways to get to Gunung Kinabalu National Park: 1. By Air: The closest airport to the park is Kota Kinabalu International Airport. You can take a domestic flight from Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Penang, Singapore, or Hong Kong to Kota Kinabalu. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to the park.
2. By Road: If you are already in Sabah, you can take a bus or taxi from Kota Kinabalu or other nearby towns to the park.
3. By Train: Unfortunately, there is no train station close to Gunung Kinabalu National Park.
Once you arrive at the park, you can take a shuttle bus or taxi to the starting point of the hike up Mount Kinabalu, which is one of the main attractions in the park.
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Gunung Kinabalu National Park, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Gunung Kinabalu National Park

1. Sabah Vegetable Soup: This soup is made from vegetables grown in the park and is usually served with rice. It's a simple dish, but it's full of nutrients and is perfect for a cold day.
2. Hinava: Hinava is a traditional Sabahan dish that's made from raw fish. The fish is marinated in lime juice, chili, and shallots, and is usually served with rice.
3. Nonsom: Nonsom is a type of wild mushroom that's commonly found in the park. It's usually cooked with chicken or beef and is served with rice.
4. Tenom Noodles: Tenom noodles are a popular dish in Sabah that's made from wheat flour. They're usually served with chicken or beef broth and are garnished with vegetables and herbs.
5. Bamboo Chicken: Bamboo chicken is a traditional dish from the Dusun people that live in the park. The chicken is marinated in spices and is cooked inside a bamboo shoot over an open flame.
6. Sinalau Bakas: Sinalau Bakas is a smoked wild boar meat that's cooked over an open flame. It's a popular dish in Sabah and is usually served with rice.
7. Ambuyat: Ambuyat is a traditional Sabah dish that's made from sago starch. It has a sticky texture and is usually eaten with a dipping sauce made from fish or meat.
8. Tuhau: Tuhau is a type of wild ginger that's commonly found in the park. It's usually chopped up and mixed with vinegar, garlic, and chili. It's a popular condiment that's served with many dishes.
You can find general info about typical foods in Malaysia here.

Is Gunung Kinabalu National Park an expensive destination for tourists?

The cost of visiting Gunung Kinabalu National Park in Malaysia can vary depending on the type of activities you plan to do and the length of your stay. The park entrance fees start from RM15 per person for Malaysians and RM30 for non-Malaysians. For climbing the Mount Kinabalu, the fees can range from RM1,800 to RM2,500 per person depending on the package and season.
Accommodation within the park can also be quite expensive and start from RM150 per night for a basic dormitory-style room. However, staying outside the park or in nearby towns can be more economical.
Overall, Gunung Kinabalu National Park can be considered a relatively expensive destination for tourists. It is recommended to plan and budget accordingly before visiting.

Where to find accomodation in Gunung Kinabalu National Park

The best areas to find accommodation when visiting Gunung Kinabalu National Park in Malaysia are: 1. Kundasang: located about 5km away from the park, it offers a variety of hotels, guesthouses, and resorts with stunning views of Mount Kinabalu.
2. Ranau: located about 16km away from the park, it offers a mix of budget and mid-range accommodation options, as well as access to hot springs and other attractions.
3. Kota Kinabalu: located about 80km away from the park, it offers a wide range of options from budget hostels to luxury hotels and resorts. However, the distance may add an extra hour on your day trip to the park.
Ultimately, Kundasang is the most preferred area as it is the closest and has stunning views of Mount Kinabalu.
You can check hotel prices at Gunung Kinabalu National Park here:
Booking.com

Is Gunung Kinabalu National Park a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Gunung Kinabalu National Park is generally considered a safe place for tourists. However, like any destination, it's important to take some precautions to ensure your safety while you're there. Here are some tips to keep in mind: 1. Always be aware of your surroundings, and keep an eye on your belongings.
2. Stick to well-traveled areas of the park, and avoid going off-trail.
3. If you're planning to hike the mountain, make sure you're well-prepared with appropriate gear and supplies.
4. Be aware of the weather conditions, and don't take unnecessary risks.
5. Finally, if you're not familiar with the local language or customs, take some time to learn about them before you travel to the park - this can help you avoid any misunderstandings or cultural faux pas.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in Malaysia here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Gunung Kinabalu National Park.

What type of travelers will enjoy Gunung Kinabalu National Park the most?

Gunung Kinabalu National Park in Malaysia is a great destination for all types of travelers, including couples, young people looking for fun, and families.
Couples can enjoy the beautiful mountain views, stunning sunrises and sunsets, and the peaceful atmosphere of the park. There are also a variety of romantic activities to enjoy, including hiking, jungle walks, and relaxing in the hot springs.
Young people looking for fun can find a variety of exciting activities in and around the park, including rock climbing, mountain biking, and white-water rafting. The park also offers a variety of nightlife options, including bars and clubs.
Families can enjoy the rich biodiversity of the park, including hundreds of species of birds, plants, and animals. There are also many family-friendly activities to enjoy, including nature walks, bird watching, and picnics.
Overall, Gunung Kinabalu National Park offers a unique and unforgettable experience for travelers of all types, making it a great destination to consider for your next trip.

How to get around Gunung Kinabalu National Park

The main modes of transportation to move around Gunung Kinabalu National Park in Malaysia are by foot/hiking, shuttle bus, or taxi. The park is designed to encourage visitors to hike and explore on foot. However, shuttle buses are available for transportation between various locations within the park. Taxis can also be hired for transport to nearby towns or destinations further away from the park.

What to see around Gunung Kinabalu National Park

Here are some nice places to visit in a day trip from Gunung Kinabalu National Park: 1. Poring Hot Springs: Relax and rejuvenate in the natural hot springs of Poring Hot Springs.
2. Desa Dairy Farm: Experience the beauty of the countryside and visit cows and calves in Desa Dairy Farm.
3. Kundasang War Memorial: Pay your respects to the fallen soldiers of World War II in the Kundasang War Memorial.
4. Sabah Tea Garden: Learn about how tea is grown, harvested, and processed. And also enjoy a cup of tea at Sabah Tea Garden.
5. Kinabalu Park Canopy Walkway: Take a walk at the Kinabalu Park Canopy Walkway and appreciate the scenic forest view. 6. Nabalu Market: Shop local souvenirs and fresh fruits at the Nabalu Market.
7. Kiulu River White Water Rafting: For adventure lovers, experience the thrill of white water rafting at Kiulu River.
For every travel information about Malaysia you can click here.

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