Kinabalu Park National Park

Kinabalu Park, situated 94km away from Kota Kinabalu in Sabah is dominated by Mountain Kinabalu (4,101 metres above sea level). Within the park’s boundaries is a compact area that has one of the richest floras in the world. On its lower level is lowland rain-forest of the tropical zone. On its medium level are montane oaks, fig trees, rhododendron shrubs and wild berries of the temperate zone, while at its upper level are alphine meadow plants of the summit zone. Guided tours to the park are available. Set aside about 8 hours. The 83-kilometre car or bus ride to the Park Headquarters takes about two hours. Climbing Mount Kinabalu requires a permit from the Parks’ Head Office in Kota Kinabalu. It has to be made at least a week in advance. Book early during the months of April, July. August and December. Allow about 2-3 days to reach the summit. Climbing the mountain requires no special abilities except a strong physique. Poring Hot Springs. About 43km from Kinabalu Park are Japanese-style baths, filled with hot sulphur water and cool spring water. Chalets are available for overnight stay. Danum Valley Conservation Area on the eastern side of Sabah is a plant and animal research centre within an area of 435 sq km of undisturbed lowland rainforest. Danum Valley lists more than 275 species of birds and 110 species of mammals, including Asian elephant, orang utan, five species of deer, and a full house of Borneo rarities ranging from the Sumatran rhinocerous to Bulwar’s pheasant. Tree species number over 200 per hectare. Located at the edge of the Danum Valley Conservation Area is the Danum Valley Field Centre, regarded as the foremost rainforest research centre in Southeast Asia. It is run by the Sabah Foundation under the aegis of a Management Committee which also includes the Sabah Forestry Department, University Kebangsaan Malaysia-Sabah campus, the Sabah Ministry of Tourism and Environment Development and six other agencies with interests in forest research and conservation. The Danum Valley Field Centre provides accommodation and research facilities for up to 20 long-term scientists.