Introduction

Mount Kinabalu or the summit of Borneo is located in the East Malaysian state of Sabah. Visible from anywhere on the west coast of Sabah, the mountain stands out like a beacon and seems to call out to the adventurous to come and visit her. Standing at a height of 4,095 meters, it is the highest point between the Himalayas and Irian Jaya, and also among the youngest non-volcanic mountains in the world. The mountain forms the main focal point of the Ki9nabalu Park and draws visitors from all walks of life-trekkers, botanists, bird watchers, rock climbers and anyone seeking cool, refreshing climate. The Kinabalu Park, which covers an area of 7,537sq.km, abounds with a wealth of flora. Plants from various parts of the world can be found here. Over 1,200 species of orchids are found in the Park together with many endemic species of rhododendrons, oaks, chestnuts and other plants. It is the center for the curious pitcher plants.

History
The mountain is a sacred place to the local Dusun people. The older folk believe that when you die, their soul ascends to Kinabalu to rest and because of this, it is called Akinabalu or revered resting place of the dead.
Although there were earlier treks up Kinabalu, the official record of the first ascent is attributed to Sir Hugh Low, a former British Resident of Malaya, who scaled the mountain in 1851. He, however, did not make it to the summit. This feat was accomplished by John Whitehead, a zoologist who reached it in 1888. The highest point, Low's Peak and numerous plants and orchids have, however, been named in Low's honor.

What to See and Do
Situated at a height of 1,500meters, the Park Headquarters is delightfully cool and lacks the humidity of the lowlands. Daily temperatures average around 20?c. The main activity in the Park is trekking, with the trek to the summit of Kinabalu being the ultimate experience.

Trails around Park Headquarters
There are a number of trails around the Park Headquarters which will take you through mountain oak and chestnut forests with colorful rhododendrons, orchids and pitcher plants. The 11km network of trails is well laid out and sign-posted with trail maps. As such, climbers need have no fear of getting lost.