Kinabalu Park, Protected mountain park in Sabah, Malaysia
Kinabalu Park is a protected mountain area in Sabah covering 754 square kilometers and dominated by Mount Kinabalu at 4,095 meters, the highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea. The terrain features distinct ecological zones that change dramatically with elevation, from dense tropical forests at lower levels to bare alpine landscape near the summit.
The park was established in 1964 following scientific expeditions between 1962 and 1964 led by Professor Corner that documented the mountain's rich biological diversity. These research efforts provided the foundation for protecting the area and eventually led to its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The mountain holds deep spiritual meaning for the Dusun people and other indigenous communities who have called this region home for generations. Local guides and residents continue to share their knowledge of the land, and their presence shapes how visitors experience the park today.
The park has visitor facilities and lodging options located near the base camp at around 1,520 meters elevation. The best time to visit is during the drier months when conditions for hiking are more pleasant and visibility from the summit is better.
The park is home to more than 4,500 plant and animal species, many of which show connections to distant regions like the Himalayas, China, and Australia. This unusual mix of life developed over millions of years through geological processes that linked the area with different climate zones.
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