The Roof of Borneo

A tropical, jungle-clad, cloud enveloped and rugged mountain terrain with multiple micro climates hosting mesozoic mosses, prehistoric fungi, Jurassic tree ferns, dwarf shrubs, colourful orchids, carnivorous primeval pitcher plants, gigantic parasitic flowers which stink of rotting flesh, a multitude of unique and uncategorised flora and fauna with mysterious rugged trails leading through dense and unexplored forests up to the towering heights of massive mountain peaks and ridges. 


This could be the screenplay setting of a movie such as The Lost World or even Jurassic Park but in fact is a description of Mount Kinabalu National Park in Borneo. This UNESCO world heritage site remains once of the least explored parts of the world and is home to one of the richest and most bizarre diversity of animal and plant life you will find on this planet. 


This book covers 3 separate visits to the Mount Kinabalu National Park and the following key points of interest:

Mesilau Trail
Napenthes Garden Trail
Poring Canopy Walk & Rafflesia flower
Timpohon Trail to Summit of Mount Kinabalu
Mitraville Meditation Centre
Mount Kinabalu Golf Club



Mount Kinabalu National Park is located on the west coast of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo, covers an area of 754 km2 and incorporates two mountains, Mount Kinabalu (4095.2 m) and Mount Tambuyukon (2,579 m). Mount Kinabalu National Park was gazetted in 1964 to protect Mount Kinabalu and its plant and animal life. Mount Kinabalu National Park is the first World Heritage site in Malaysia, declared by UNESCO in December 2000 for its “outstanding universal values” and the role as one of the most important biological sites in the world. 


Mount Kinabalu National Park has four climatic zones and boasts one of the richest collections of biodiversity in the world, housing and protecting more than 4,500 species of flora and fauna, including 326 bird species, an estimated 100 or more mammal species, over 110 land snail species, and its biggest attraction, Mount Kinabalu. 


From Kota Kinabalu it is about a 2 hour drive (88 km) to the Kinabalu Park HQ which is close to the town of Kundasang in the district of Ranau. Temperatures here are much cooler than at the coast ranging from 15 - 24 oC


Mount Kinabalu (4,095.2 m) is the highest mountain on the island of Borneo and the 20th most prominent peak in the world. The gateway to climb Mount Kinabalu is the Kinabalu Park Headquarters, situated 1,563 m on its southern boundary. Kinabalu Park HQ is where registered climbers pay the entrance fee to the park. There are many thousands of visitors who come to Sabah annually to climb Mount Kinabalu. 


The Kinabalu Park HQ features a variety of accommodation, ranging from hostels with only basic facilities to more luxurious individual chalets with ensuite bathrooms, living rooms and a fireplace. 

There are numerous walking trails ranging from 20 minutes to 2-3 hours duration and there are also guided walks with the park’s naturalist which you can take.


Mount Kinabalu National Park was discovered in 1895 by British administrator and naturalist, Hugh Low, who is also the first recorded man to reach the peak of Mount Kinabalu. The highest peak of the mountain, Low’s Peak, is named in his honour.