KINABALU PARK BOTANIQUE

Kota Kinabalu is a treasure trove of adventure and wonder. Established in 1964 and recognised as the first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malaysia, Kinabalu Park Botanique promises an invigorating getaway for outdoor lovers giving them one of the breathtaking sights in the region. Stretching over 75,000 hectares of thick rainforest and towering mountains covered in mist, the park is full of wonders that will leave you in awe.

Pekan Nabalu
To begin the day, journey 2 hours overland to the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu which is 1500 metres above sea level. En route to Kinabalu Park, you will have a quick stop at a market at Pekan Nabalu (Nabalu Town). Back then, Pekan Nabalu used to be a small resting area catering to travelers – one where they can have a break or have breakfast before heading towards Kinabalu Park.

With only 12 kilometres away from Kinabalu Park, it’s not hard to figure out why this is an ideal spot for visitors for a quick recharge before heading there. While you’re here, savour the local fruits that are in season. Local grocery shopping is the best activity to expect in Nabalu Town – rice, local sauces, honey, home-made chips, locally grown vegetables and fruits, and so much more can be found here. A tasty local gastronomic product such as honey coated cassava chips awaits you to savour them.

Kinabalu Natural History Gallery
Next, you will proceed to the Kinabalu Natural History Gallery. Housed in the Kinabalu Conservation Center building above the park headquarters, lies the Natural History Gallery.

This gallery at Kinabalu Park is notably a museum which showcases the nature, ethnography and geology of the region surrounding Mount Kinabalu. It’s a great introduction for locals and foreigners alike. Inside, you can see stuffed animals, mounted insects, research equipment and dried leaves at the natural history wing; musical instruments, cultural items of bamboo and rattan origin, miniature homes and traditional fishing equipment at the ethnography wing; and rocks, stones and slabs of different colours and textures at the geology wing.

Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden
Moving on to the next highlight is the Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden. The Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden gives a sampling of about 5-6000 flora species; making the natural landscape all lush and green.

With a network of 16 trails, it brings you through the endemic jungle which is filled with many species, the experienced guide will show you plenty of these rare and unique species. There’s just so much to see; ranging from elegant orchids, to Showy Asian Grapes, and pitcher plants! Along the way, there are also informative signs sharing the information on the garden’s plants and animals. Though, it’s nothing quite like having an expert explaining to you the wonders of each plant. If weather permits, take a guided walk on one of the trails in the cool surrounding to explore the montane forest before calling it a day.

In conclusion, this tour combines all the good things that nature has to offer. You will love the sense of adventure of exploring the rugged trails and staring up into the massive towering trees. Like any great destination, Sabah will always have more places still under the radar that you must simply discover. This could be a start for you to unearth Sabah’s hidden gems!