Seven Reasons to Visit Mt Kinabalu, Malaysia

Standing majestically at 4,095m (13,435 ft) above sea level, the famous Mount Kinabalu is situated in Sabah, Malaysia. It is the highest mountain in Southeast Asia as well as the entire area between the Himalayas and New Guinea.

Home to the world’s highest and Asia’s first Via Ferrata at 3,200m to 3,800m above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is the perfect destination for adrenaline junkies. But Mount Kinabalu is also one of the safest and most conquerable mountains in the world! Of course, you will have to be fit and healthy if you want to reach the summit.

The name Kinabalu originates from the Kadazan Dusun world “Aki Nabalu”. Loosely translated, Aki means ancestor or grandfather while Nabalu means mountain. The name Aki Nabalu means “the revered place of the dead”. It is a sacred and beloved place for the locals.

Aside from the extreme sports, legends and folklore surrounding the mountain, here are 7 reasons you should visit Mount Kinabalu.

1. Serene Atmosphere

Mount Kinabalu is the perfect getaway if you are seeking tranquility. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, the people here live their days slow, relaxed and in harmony with nature. Paired with temperate weather and lush greenery, the place is just right for unwinding and relaxing.

2. Amazing mountain views

Mount Kinabalu offers you amazing mountain views everywhere you look:

Whether you are staying in one of their unique resorts, budget stays, having a stroll at the cattle farm, playing with the rabbits at the Rabbit Village or standing at designated look outs, you will be served with a breathtaking tropical rainforest mountain view. In the mornings and late afternoon, you will be able to see a clear view of the summit of Mount Kinabalu - if the weather permits it, that is.

3. Primordial Rainforest

This exceptionally luscious tropical mountain rainforest is estimated to be 130 million-years-old. Because of this, the Kinabalu Park in Mount Kinabalu is dubbed as Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and designated as a Centre of Plant Diversity in Southeast Asia.

A recent botanical survey estimated more than a staggering 5,000 plant species found in Mount Kinabalu; in this small area is more than all of Europe and North America (except tropical regions of Mexico) combined!

You do not have to trek deep into the jungles to see these unique plants. As you approach Kinabalu Park, you will be able to see exotic plants all around you.

4. Home to the world’s largest flower

Rafflesia. It is only fitting if the wondrous slopes of Mount Kinabalu are decorated by the world’s largest flower. Out of 55 species of Rafflesia, 9 of them are found in Borneo, where Mount Kinabalu stands proudly.

The only visible part of this fascinating parasitic plant is its flower. It takes about 9 months for the Rafflesia to mature and it only blooms from 8 to 10 days!

There are several locations in Mount Kinabalu you can visit if you would like to see Rafflesia blooming. For example, Vivian Natural Rafflesia Garden, Kokob Rafflesia Conservation Garden and Adenna Rafflesia Garden. Blooming signs are usually put up to let people know if there are any blooming flowers at the time and they are usually closed when there are no flowers blooming.

5. A variety of unique resorts & lodges

Mongolian yurt, cute huts with catchy names, farm-stays, chalets, villas and hotels: all the varieties you can choose from. All of this unique accommodation comes with an amazing landscape and 5 star view of a well-preserved mountain forest.

If you would like to enter Kinabalu National Park without paying the entrance fee, you can opt to stay in one of their accommodations which range from budget friendly hostels, suites, chalets and villas.

6. Hike at your own pace

Mount Kinabalu is not just a place for mountain climbers and adrenaline junkies.

If you are a beginner hiker, looking for casual nature strolls with your friends and family, it is still a place for you.

For climbers, you are offered two climbing trails that would normally take 2 days to reach Low’s Peak, the highest point of Mount Kinabalu.

For hiking enthusiasts to beginner hikers, Kinabalu Park offers several hiking trails with different difficulty levels to cater to all types of hiker.

For families with young children, the botanical garden is a perfect place to enjoy a walk with your loved ones.

7. Natural hot springs

Fancy a warm dip in a natural hot spring? Head on to Poring Hot Springs in Ranau town where you can choose to soak yourself in the big hot spring pool or individual open bath tubs.

The water from the individual tubs still comes from the natural hot spring despite the tubs being man made. Unlike the Japanese hot springs, you can wear your favourite swimsuits or even t-shirts and shorts to Poring Hot Springs.

Your visit here will not be complete without visiting the Poring canopy walkway, butterfly farm, Poring Orchid Conservation centre, the tropical garden and Rafflesia flower site.

If we have to list all of the reasons why you should visit Mount Kinabalu, we will have to write a much longer essay! Whatever kind of traveller you are, Mount Kinabalu is a worthy place for you to add into your travel destinations list.

Check a variety of Mount Kinabalu tours to customize your next adventure.

Happy touring!