Mount Kinabalu / Gunung Kinabalu

Let it never be said that Malaysia does not have enough public holidays. In the last week we celebrated the installation of a new sultan, Labour Day and Wesak Day, a Buddhist holiday. Ahhh, perfect time to get away and have a tour around Malaysia.

In East Malaysia, on the island of Borneo (Kalimantan) is the highest mountain in Malaysia, Mount Kinabalu. In February, when I began planning this trip, I found out it was impossible to get a permit to summit the mountain, so I had to be content to just go there and hike around the base. I still want to summit the mountain, which is 4,095 meters (13,435 ft.) tall and the third tallest in Southeast Asia.

The area around Kinabalu National Park is also a UNESCO World Heritage site, which is (I think) the highest honor an area can receive. Here is the list of world heritage sites. It is an important area culturally, to the Kadazandusun tribes and other tribes, geologically and diverse in flora and fauna. Even if you don't have time to summit the mountain, there are many things to see just around the base.

My only regret is that we didn't book 3 nights at the mountain. After arriving from Kota Kinabalu in a 4x4 taxi (RM15 from the bus station at Padang Merdeka) we didn't have much time to explore before nightfall. The weather was cool and rainy. Several of the lodges at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges even have fireplaces! The next morning we hiked all over the lower area, including to the power station where you start the trail that leads to the summit. We also hiked the Liwagu river trail which was very nice and not so demanding, but of course we were headed down.

If we had more time, there is Poring Hot Springs nearby which would be interesting to explore. If you are interested in going to Mount Kinabalu, especially to the summit, book well in advance. Secondarily, don't take the shuttle bus down, which is RM40 per person, just walk to the road below and wait for a bus or taxi. Soon after we stood by the road, a taxi stopped and we were able to get back to K.K. for RM20 per person.

The summit of Mount Kinabalu. Actually, as you can see, there are multiple peaks. The tallest is called Low's Peak.

I call this one 'spiny flower'.

Indigo flycatcher

Mount Kinabalu is renowned for its orchids. Just to maintain honesty, I took this picture in the botanical gardens at the base of the mountain, not in the wild. :)

On the hike we found this waterfall which originated from a pipe. I thought it looked cool so I took a picture.