A visit to Kinabalu National Park, about 2 hour’s drive north east of Kota Kinabalu, is a highlight for many when on holiday in Sabah. The cooler air, stunning natural habitat and immensely diverse flora and fauna make this one of Asia’s most impressive National Parks.
Whilst an extremely pleasant day-trip should not be discouraged, a night or two in the park lends itself to a far more complete experience, with two nights allowing an opportunity to ascend Mt Kinabalu itself. Every day up to 150 climbers make the ascent of Mt Kinabalu with the assistance of guides and porters, most using the Laban Ratan huts near the mountain’s peak for an overnight stop before completing their ascent at the crack of dawn. The climb (4095 m) is not considered to be particularly testing although a good level of basic fitness is required, as well as good walking gear and waterproofs.