Kinabalu Park

[3] The site has been identified by UNESCO as a Centre of Plant Diversity for Southeast Asia, as it contains representatives from at least half of all Borneo’s plant species and is extremely rich in species with elements from China, Australia, the Himalayas, Malaysia and pan tropical floras.

British colonial administrator and naturalist Hugh Low led an expedition from Tuaran to the region in 1851.

Reservations for accommodation and mountain climbing guides are processed through Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, a private company.

The cost to stay is considerably higher than at lodging just outside the park and includes a mandatory purchase of meals, etc.

This botanical site contains a variety of flora and fauna that ranges over 4 climate zones; from rich lowland dipterocarp forest through the montane oak, rhododendron, to the coniferous forests, to the alpine meadow plants, and to the stunted bushes of summit zone.

The park also plays host to a variety of birds, insects, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles.

Rajah Lodge accommodation with tree ferns in the foreground
Vegetation of the Mount Kinabalu summit plateau