[2025 West Coast Division Attraction] Travel Guide for Kinabalu National Park (Updated May)

Mt Kinabalu is one of the highest mountains in South East Asia. It’s part of the Bornean Crocker Range, and looms over the surrounding Sabah jungle. It is a do-able 2D1N hike, but I would definitely encourage to practice stamina exercise and be physically fit before the attempt. Here's a recap of my hike on Day 1. 09:30 - Started the hike at Timpohon Gate 13:30-14:00 - Stopped at KM4.0 Layang-Layang station for a quick lunch break 15:10 - Reached KM5.0 17:00 - Arrived at Panalaban (3272.7m elevation) Just in time for dinner! The route on the first day transitioned from beautiful forest jungles to desert terrain. I was slightly taken aback when it started raining at KM2.0, though the forecast said the weather would be good. You would need good Waterproof shoes and an extra pair of socks, because the steps turn into mini slippery waterfalls when it rains. KM5.0 to 6.0 was by far the toughest to hike, with the muddy desert terrain. Be prepared to be challenged mentally and physically. Also, you will need a thick jacket, and perhaps a pair of Kampung Adidas 😆 #wecreate #mountkinabalu #kinabalunationalpark #sabah #hiking #nationalpark #malaysia

#kotakinabalutrip As a Malaysian, we all know Mount Kinabalu at 4095m is our highest peak (and also one of the highest in Southeast Asia). So I had always been thinking about making a climb, but little did I know it could cost a fortune to do that, especially if you’re doing it through a tour. However, if you want a cheaper way to climb Mount Kinabalu, there is a way: book directly with Sabah Park. Every year towards the end, Sabah Park releases about 20 public slots on their website, and the prices are way cheaper — several hundred, sometimes even over a thousand ringgit less than booking through third-party companies. But during my trip, all of such slots were taken, so I had to do it through Amazing Borneo. On the day itself, early in the morning, we hopped onto Amazing Borneo’s van, leaving Kota Kinabalu for the mountain base. After nearly two hours of foggy, bumpy mountain roads, the hiking journey officially began. Since Mount Kinabalu’s summit is over 3000 meters above sea level, the risk of altitude sickness is pretty high. So the climb is divided into two parts: first day, hike from Timpohon Gate to the halfway point (during the day); second day, summit attack from the halfway point (before dawn). The first part is about 6km long, with an elevation gain of roughly 1400 meters (from 1866m to 3300m). It’s a long walk, sure, but the weather is pretty cool and you have plenty of time — looking back, this part can totally be done at your own chill pace. Honestly, there’s not much scenery along this stretch, so no worries if you go slow — you’re not missing anything. Plus, taking it easy can help keep altitude sickness symptoms at bay. Even if you get to the halfway lodge early, like I did before noon, there’s not much you can do anyway. Mobile signal up there is basically nonexistent (or very choppy depending on the time), so you’d be pretty much just lying around and resting anyway. Whether you’re going up or coming down, this stretch is all about patience — if you can prepare some music or audiobooks to listen to while hiking, it’ll help a lot with the boredom. Also, from my own painful experience, here are two must-bring items: 1) A proper raincoat: a water-resistant/water-repellent windbreaker is not enough. Waterproof is a whole different level. 2) Trekking poles: ideally bring a pair. Also, make sure you learn how to properly use them — the technique for going up and down is different. If used wrong, they can hurt your knees instead of helping. If you usually do squats as part of your workout, focus more on using your glutes and hamstrings during the climb instead of relying entirely on the (This is just part 1. Check out part 2 and 3 for the journey of climbing mount kinabalu)

[Trip Moment Delivery.🗞️] Let's go explore Mount Kinabalu on this trip!!✈️ 🛄ㅣKinabalu National Park⛰️ Mount Kinabalu is also a designated World Natural Heritage site. As someone who loves nature, I've always wanted to visit this place, and I was so excited to finally walk through the forest.😆 When we left our accommodation early in the morning and arrived at the entrance to the forest, the sky was very cloudy and it soon started to rain. At first, it was a light drizzle, but as time passed, the rain gradually got heavier and it rained so much that my clothes got wet even though I was wearing a raincoat. The rainy forest had a different atmosphere from a sunny day. The dirt road was slippery, so I had to be careful while walking, and the surrounding fog and rain made the view blurry, but thanks to that, the forest felt more mysterious. The sound of raindrops falling between the leaves, the scent rising from the soil and moss, and the water droplets sparkling on the wet branches felt like gifts from nature!!🌧 While walking along the forest path, I arrived at the section where I could experience the Canopy Walk. It was a little scary to cross the suspension bridge shaking in the rain, but the view of the forest in the rain from high up was truly overwhelming. The trees, which were all covered in deep green, took on even deeper colors as they were hit by the rain, and the fog and clouds flowing over the forest created a fantastic scene.☁️ I had to be careful with my steps because of the rain, but I think it actually allowed me to feel nature more slowly and deeply. Walking along the forest path in the rain was not just a simple tour, but an experience that felt like quietly conversing with nature, and it was a time when I could feel deep peace in my heart!!😃 This forest exploration on Mt. Kinabalu was even more special and an unforgettable memory thanks to the weather. If I visit again next time, I would like to experience the scenery on a clear day and feel another charm~🫠 ✅️ What to prepare | Since the weather changes a lot, you must bring raincoats, non-slip shoes, bug repellent, etc. 📌ㅣAddress: 5, Jalan Poring, 89300 Ranau, Sabah, Malaysia #Southeast Asia travel #Kota Kinabalu travel #Kota Kinabalu #Kota Kinabalu free travel #Kinabalu Mountain #kinabalu

#kotakinabalutrip If you love discovering new and refreshing experiences during your travels, a trip to Kundasang and Kinabalu National Park won’t disappoint — it’s anything but boring! Honestly, I wish we had two full days to explore. The landscapes here are nothing like mainland Malaysia — more like a tropical version of New Zealand. From paragliding, to visiting a cute dairy farm, and even chasing the elusive Rafflesia (corpse flower) — there's something for every type of traveler. Since we really wanted to catch the sunset, we narrowed our itinerary down to just two main spots. Here’s how our Kinabalu day trip went: 🕖 7:10 AM — Hotel pickup by our local guide ⛰ 9:30 AM — Arrived at P3 Kinabalu Viewpoint This spot has local fruit markets and souvenir stalls — perfect for a quick browse. 🪂 11:00 AM — Paragliding Base Paragliding + insurance + GoPro = RM240 (cash preferred, Alipay exchange rate was high). Totally worth it for the views and thrill! 🍲 1:30 PM — Lunch at a local restaurant We had local-style beef rice and Tom Yum noodles — surprisingly delicious! 🐄 2:00 PM — Desa Dairy Farm Unfortunately, it started pouring when we arrived, so the cows were all indoors. Still, we explored a bit and snapped a few pics. Must-try: their fresh milk and milk ice cream — soooo good!! 📷 3:00 PM — Started descending the mountain Took our time stopping at random scenic spots — and honestly, it was these wild, unplanned views that left the biggest impression. Post-rain sunshine + misty valleys = pure magic. #travel

Mount Kinabalu (Malaysia's Sacred Mountain) stands at 4,095 meters, making it the highest peak in Southeast Asia. Climbing this mountain allows you to experience the grandeur of nature and challenge your own limits. However, remember to bring enough water and food, or you might feel like a lazy cat that can't climb. This mountain is not only known for its stunning scenery but also for its rich geography and ecology, making it a dream destination for climbing enthusiasts.

#getgoing2025 Kinabalu Park, located in the Malaysian state of Sabah on Borneo, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its incredible biodiversity and the towering Mount Kinabalu. Covering over 400 square kilometers, the park is home to a range of ecosystems, from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows, making it a haven for wildlife and plant species. Mount Kinabalu, Southeast Asia’s highest peak, attracts climbers from around the world, offering a challenging yet rewarding ascent with stunning panoramic views. The park is also a sanctuary for a diverse array of flora and fauna, including rare orchids, carnivorous plants, and various species of birds, including the Bornean ground cuckoo. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, visit botanical gardens, or explore its numerous trails, including the famous summit trail to the peak. Kinabalu Park is a must-visit for nature lovers, trekkers, and those interested in exploring Borneo’s unique ecosystems and wildlife. #KinabaluPark #MountKinabalu #BorneoAdventure #UNESCOHeritage #EcoTourism #NatureLovers #WildlifeSanctuary #Trekking #ClimbKinabalu #TravelMalaysia

There are many viewing platforms near Mount Kinabalu in Kota Kinabalu, one of which is Kinabalu Park, but in addition to seeing Mount Kinabalu, there are actually many places worth discovering in the park🍃 In the middle of the walk there is a plantanical garden, it is like walking into a forest, there are large and small plants and trees, you can see not too many kinds, I do not know if it is because of the season 🥹 but here the water is gurgling, very comfortable to walk 🌸 #globaltravel #sabah #malaysia

Great experience first time climbing mount kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. Sadly, when we reach checkpoint, summit was closed and we cannot reach to the peak. Have to make plans to climb in 2025!

#mountkinabalu