Kinabalu ParkKundasang

Kinabalu Park was gazetted as the first State Park in Sabah in 1964 and declared Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site by UNESCO in the year 2000 for its outstanding biological attributes. A sprawling 75, 400 hectares, this melting pot of natural wonders is larger than Singapore.

Also the Centre of Plant Diversity for South East Asia, the Park boasts more than 5,000 vascular plant species, an estimated 1,000 orchid species, 621 fern species, nine Nepenthes species, 29 Rhododendron species and two Rafflesia species. The Park has no shortage of fauna as well, being home to some 90 lowland mammal species, 22 montane mammal species, 21 bat species, 326 bird species, 62 toad and frog species and a large population of the 850 butterfly species that occur in Sabah. Out of the 29 bird species that are endemic to Borneo, at least 17 are confined to the mountains, notably Mount Kinabalu. These include subspecies of the Red breasted Tree-partridge, Crimson-headed Wood-partridge and Mountain Blackbird. Such diversity is truly the makings of a naturalists’ paradise!

The main attraction at the Park is none other than the majestic Mount Kinabalu, one of the highest mountains in South East Asia standing at 4095.2 metres. Apart from traditional mountain climbing, visitors can also experience the Mountain Torq, the world’s highest and Asia’s first Via Ferrata or ‘iron road’ at 3,200m to 3,800m above sea level. The various routes on the northern rock faces of Mount Kinabalu consist of a ‘trail’ that is made up of iron rungs, palettes, cables and rails. Depending on the preferred difficulty level, visitors can enroll in various activities such as the intro to single pitch or multi pitch sports climbing, intro to rappelling (abseiling) and introduction to rope ascending. Mount Kinabalu attracts thousands of climbers from around world every year and is also the venue of the annual Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon.

Surrounding the Kinabalu Park is a multitude of natural attractions and enjoyable activities. The Kinabalu Natural History Gallery is a great place to familiarize with what the Park has to offer to through a fascinating exhibition on the flora, fauna and geological make-up of the

Park. Video presentations are screened daily at the Liwagu’s Visitors Centre and guided tours are also available. Approximately half an hour from the Kinabalu Park headquarters is the Poring Hot Springs, located 400m above sea level. It features hot sulphur spring baths claimed to have therapeutic values, a 41-metre canopy walk where visitors can hike among the towering canopies, the refreshing Kipungit and Langanan waterfalls, various gardens, a butterfly farm and an orchid conservation centre. In Mesilau, hike along the acclaimed Mesilau trail where you can spot various pitcher plants particularly the Nepenthes lowii, Nepenthes tentaculata and Nepenthes rajah.

A variety of accommodation is available within the Park and in its surrounding areas, ranging from basic hostels to luxury chalets.

Rates For Mountain Guide And Porter At Kinabalu Park(effective 1 st September 2011) : A. Guide Fee

Destination Number of Climber Fee per Day (RM)

Timpohon-Summit-Timpohon1 - 34 - 6

128.00150.00

Timpohon-Summit-Mesilau/Mesilau-Summit-Timpohon

1 - 34 - 6

143.00173.00

Mesilau-Summit-Mesilau1 - 34 - 6

150.00180.00

Mesilau-King George Peak (Kotal’s Route)1 - 3 (1 guide)4 - 6 (2 guide)7 - 8 (3 guide)

100.00(per guide / per day)

Others Peaks Mt. Kinabalu (Western Plateau)St. John Peak South Peak Oyayubi Iwu Peak St. Andrew St. Alexandra Victoria Peak Gurkha Hut Ugly Sister Donkey Ears Tunku Abdul Rahman Lone Tree Easy Valley

25.0015.0020.0030.0030.0030.0030.0020.0020.0020.0045.0025.00

Mt. Tambuyukon (Sub Station Monggis)

Sub Station-Tambuyukon-Sub Station

Air Terjun Kikulat (Optional)

1 - 3-

70.0040.00

Mt. Nambuyukong (Sub Station Serinsim, Kota Marudu)

Sub Station-Nambuyukong-Sub Station

Sub Station-Air Terjun Misumpak-Sub Station

Sub Station-Makam Si Gunting-Sub Station

Sub Station-Batu Lebah-Sub Station

1 - 81 - 8

1 - 81 - 8

60.0060.00

20.0040.00

Note: * For Mt.Kinabalu (Item 1-3), One Mountain Guide is allowed to take a Maximum of Six (6) climbers.

Rates For Porter (effective 1st Sept 2008) : B. Porter Fee

Destination Weight Fee Per Day (RM)

Timpohon-Laban Rata-Timpohon 10kg 40.00

Timpohon-Sayat-Sayat-Timpohon 10kg 47.00

Timpohon-Summit-Timpohon 10kg 51.00

Mesilau-Laban Rata-Timpohon 10kg 45.00

Mesilau-Sayat-Sayat-Timpohon 10kg 50.00

Mesilau-Summit-Timpohon 10kg 57.00

Mesilau-Laban Rata-Mesilau 10kg 51.00

Mesilau-Sayat-Sayat-Mesilau 10kg 57.00

Mesilau-Summit-Mesilau 10kg 62.00

Timpohon Gate-Eastern Ridge 1kg 22.00

Timpohon Gate-Lone Tree 1kg 17.00

Timpohon Gate-Easy Valley 1kg 16.00

Timpohon Gate-Gurkha Hut 1kg 13.00

Kotal’s Route 10kg 72.00

Sub Station -Nambuyukong- Sub Station 10kg 37.00

Sub Station -Air Terjun Misumpak-Gua Kelawar-Sub Station

10kg 37.00

Sub Station -Batu Penyangat- Sub Station 10kg 37.00

Sub Station -Tambuyukon- Sub Station (Monggis) 10kg 43.00

Note: * Maximum weight is 10 kgs and additional weight will be charged base on daily rate Per Kg. (Referring to item 1-9 & 14-18)

Essentials

A good vacation is never without some must-have essentials. As Kinabalu Park is located in a hilly area, it is best to pack up warm clothing and gloves to ward off the cold. Also, don’t forget to bring a highly water resistant knapsack and a raincoat in case it rains.

The rough terrains of Mount Kinabalu require its ambitious to-be conquerors to have comfortable walking/ tracking shoes with them. Last but not least, be well prepared with energy snacks e.g. chocolate, nuts, glucose sweets and a water bottle for fuel and hydration. As a safety recommendation, bring along a torch light in case one gets lost at night.

The Summit of Borneo

Mount Kinabalu is the most dramatic feature in Sabah and the tallest peak between the Himalayas & the

New Guinea. Towering at 4,095 metres (13,435 feet), Mount Kinabalu exerts a magical quality that is

both indescribable and unbelievable. The granite peaks are constantly veiled in wisps of clouds which

sometimes resemble a graceful woman peeping coyly from behind the veil. At times during a clear day,

the summit reveals a distinct glacier carved pinnacles, rising from the smooth granite dome, exuberating

tranquility and peacefulness.

The mountain itself represents one of the world’s youngest batholiths: an old magna chamber that was

forced through the earth’s crust. Though young, it is the central focus of Kinabalu Park and the legends

of the KadasanDusun people, Sabah’s largest ethnic group. The KadasanDunsun believe that the

mountain is the sacred resting ground of the spirits of their ancestors.

Legends & Myths - Mt Kinabalu Tale

There are many folklores and fables that tell stories of how Kinabalu got its name. The local

KadazanDusun people believe that the word is derived from "Aki Nabalu", which translates into "revered

place of the dead". The mysterious KadazanDusun tribe believes that spirits dwell on the mountain top.

According to another popular folklore, the name Kinabalu actually meant "Cina Balu". "Cina Balu"

translates into "chinese widow". Legend tells a story of a Chinese prince who ascends from the mountain

in search of a huge pearl guarded by a ferocious dragon. He married a Kadazan woman upon his

successful conquest, whom he soon abandoned for return to China. His heartbroken wife wandered into

the mountains to mourn whereby eventually she turned into stone.

Kinabalu Park

A World Heritage Site

On the rainforest-clad island of Borneo lies Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site declared

byUNESCO. Kinabalu Park was established in 1964 to protect Mount Kinabalu and its plant and animal

life. The biggest attraction in Kinabalu Park would be Mount Kinabalu, one of the world’s most prominent

mountains, and the Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden. Kinabalu Park is a scenic 2-hour drive from Kota

Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah. The Park covers an area of 754 square kilometers (291 square mile), has

four climatic zones and also one of the richest collections of flora and fauna in the world.

The gateway to the mountain is the Kinabalu Park Headquarters, situated 1,563 metres on its southern

boundary. A variety of accommodation, restaurants and an exhibition centre are available here. This is

also where visitors pay the entrance fee to the park and register if they are a climber. Visitors can

explore the Mountain Garden on their own or join the park’s naturalist on a guided walk along the many

trails available.

Climbing Mount Kinabalu

Ascending Mount kinabalu requires no specialized mountain climbing skills but it pays to be fit. Locals

begin climbing the mountain from the age of three. The trail to the highest peak winds along the

southern side of the mountain. It is an 8.5 kilometre (5.25 miles) trek to the top. For most people, from a

9 month-old baby (carried by father) to an 83 years-old New Zealander, the journey takes two days.

However, champion mountain runners at the annual Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon,

proclaimed the “toughest mountain race in the world”, have been known to complete the run up and

down the mountain in less than 3 hours!

The terrain stretches upward from lowland rain forest to montane forest, cloud forest and sub alpine

meadow, before finally reaching a crown of bare granite. Only at Mount Kinabalu can you eat breakfast

in a lowland rainforest, lunch in a cloud forest, and enjoy dinner in a subalpine meadow!

A Journey to the Mountain Top

The summit of Mt Kinabalu is known as Low’s Peak. There are two (2) trails that lead to Low’s Peak.

Climbers can either follow the more popular Timpohon Trail or the Mesilau Trail. You can refer to the

Trail Map for a better understanding. The 2 trails will meet at Layang-Layang at 2,740 m (or 4 Km from

Timpohon Gate). Look at the comparison below:-

Difference between Timpohon Trail and Mesilau Trail

Timpohon Trail (4 Km):

Begins at Timpohon Gate which is 5.5 Km from Kinabalu Park HQFor beginners as it is equipped with clear paths to help in ascending the steep and rocky terrainNo valleys or plateaus – endless steps goes all the way upProper huts for refreshments every kilometre2 – 3 hours climb to reach Layang-Layang4 – 5 hours climb to reach Laban Rata

Mesilau Trail (6 Km):

Begins at Mesilau Nature Resort which is 1 hour drive from Kinabalu Park HQLess trodden as it is more challengingAbout 2 Km longer than Timpohon trailSuited for climbers who are more interested in plants and wildlife than in actual climbMore scenic as it has more flora views5 – 6 hours climb to reach Layang-Layang7 – 8 hours climb to reach Laban Rata

Timpohon - Summit Trail

Interestingly the climb actually begins at Timpohon Gate with the descent to Carson’s Fall, named after

the first Park Warden of Kinabalu Park. From here onwards, depending on your fitness level, it is about 4

– 5 hours climb for the day. 

The trail winds up a steep staircase of gnarled tree-roots to a mossy world of drifting clouds and orchird-

draped trees, where where pitcher plants and rhododendrons abound. There are several shelters (or

Pondok). The first is Kandis Shelter at 1,981.7 m, where on a clear day, a view of the road that links

Kota Kinabalu city to the Park can be seen. 

The second is Ubah Shelter at 2,081.4 m, the area where one of Borneo’s most unusual pitcher plants

grows – the Nepenthes lowii, so do remember to look out for these oddly-shaped plants with containers.

The mossy forest continues on past the Sabah Telecoms Station at Komborongoh, (2,252.2 m).

Interestingly, ‘Komborongoh’ is a type of plant used to ward off evil spirits during traditional ceremonies

and rituals by locals. 

The third is Lowii Shelter. The trail continues up the mossy forest of mixed bamboos and tree ferns.

More rhododendrons are seen. At 2,518 m is the fourth shelter, Mempening Shelter has wild begonias

growing nearby. You can stop at these shelters to observe the squirrels, tree shrews and birds that seem

so unafraid of climbers. Soon after the Layang-Layang TV station, you will emerge to an open exposed

ridge at Layang-Layang (previously known as Carson’s Camp). Layang-layang (Place of Swallows) is

where the Timpohon Trail meets the more scenic Mesilau Trail at 2,740 m. 

From Layang Layang, the journey upwards passes the

fifth shelter, Villosa Shelter, at 2,690 m, which is situated at the top of an open rocky patch and soon the

forest becomes even more stunted. Superb view can be seen of Mt. Kinabalu towering above you as you

follow the trail upwards. As you climb higher, you will pass a forest of bent and twisted silvery-grey

trunks with peeling bark. 

At the top of this open area at 3,050 m, a small track leads off to a helipad on the right where you can

catch a magnificent view of the Summit Plateau. Further on, you will come upon the sixth shelter, Paka

Shelter, at 3,080 m. Look around for Paka Cave, which is sited on the edge of a small stream, and it is

nothing more than a large overhanging rock where the first explorers slept. 

The thinning air makes it harder to breathe. Finally, the various accommodations for overnight stop are

reached. The accommodations include Waras Hut, Panar Laban Hut, Gungting Lagadan Hut, Pendant

Hut and Laban Rata resthouse. You will break the journey and spend the night in one of these huts,

which offer climbers hostel accommodation and a restaurant for hot meals before they resume their

climb to the peak.

Panar Laban - ‘the place of sacrifice' - was where Sir Hugh Low and his local guides performed a ritual

sacrifice to appease the ancestral souls for their 'disturbance' to the spirit world and to seek safe

passage. This same sacrifice is still performed each year and when there is a major expedition or event

on the mountain.

Mesilau – Summit Trail

The Mesilau route to the summit starts from Mesilau Nature resort and leads to Layang-Layang. It was

opened in October 1998 initially used mainly by scientists and researchers as it takes longer, about 5 – 6

hours to reach Layang Layang, as compared to 2 – 3 hours, from Timpohon Gate. If you wish to take

this route instead of the usual Timpohon Trail, you can pre-register with us, Amazing Borneo Tours at

www.Amazing-Borneo.com. An additional fee is required for the registration and logistics. 

The trail is a good one for people who are more interested in plants and wildlife than in the actual climb

to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu. Conifers, climbing bamboos, superb Agathis trees grow in the area. Near

the ridge crest at about 2,000 m, the forest becomes stunted, with rocks, tangled tree roots, covered in

spongy mosses and liverworts. There are many delicate orchids and beautiful orange-coloured

Rhododendrons. 

Some little streams are crossed before reaching the Kipuyut Bridge across the swift-flowing West

Mesilau River that cascades from the precipitous slopes. Near the 3 Km mark, a tributary of the river is

again crossed. From here the trail follows the ridge, rising steeply and continuously, up and up and up in

an almost never-ending series of steps for about 2 Km. from here another 500 m of trail contouring

around the massif bring you out to join the Timpohon – Summit Trail, a little way above Layang-Layang.

Continue Climb to the Peak at 2:00am

After a short night’s rest, you will need to be ready by about 2:00 am in the early morning in order to

catch the sunrise at the peak. It takes about 3 hours depending on fitness level to reach the peak and

there are ladders and ropes to help you over the steeper terrain. In the dark, you can see the beams of

torch lights as the procession of climbers trudge higher and higher. Along the trail to the summit, marvel

at the incredible mountain backdrop of teeth and fangs, rugged landscape of cliff, gorge, gulley, plateau

and precipice and whatever you name it, the mountain has it!

An hour from Panar Laban, you’ll see the Sayat-Sayat Hut (3,668m), this is the highest shelter on the

mountain. Your permit will be checked once again at this Sayat-Sayat Checkpoint for access to the

summit and to ensure you will get your coloured climber certificate at the end of the climb. From here,

you will walk across bare granite slabs that stretch endlessly ahead, in an eerie moonscape of stone. 

At 4,095.2m above sea level and in the freezing darkness, you reach your final destination – the summit

of Mount Kinabalu. In an almost sacred manner, the dawn of a new day unfolds gloriously before you. It

is a guaranteed awesome and magical moment of your life! From this vantage point, you’ll see a

dramatic drop more than 1,000m down, this is Low’s Gully.

Descent to the Foot of Mountain

It can be very cold with strong wind at the summit. Hence, climbers are advised to descend as soon as

possible. You may be lucky to have good mountain condition and able to stay longer. It is however

advisable to descent before the swirling clouds could obstruct visibility. It takes about 2 hours to descent

to Panar Laban/Laban Rata and after you check out of your accommodation, it takes another 4 – 5

hours to descent to Timpohon Gate. The slowest descent record from Panar Laban to Timpohon Gate is

12 hours!

Types of Mt Kinabalu Climbers Certificate

Kinabalu Park CertificateVisited Kinabalu National Park, 

A World Heritage Site

Mt. Kinabalu Climber CertificateSuccessfully summit Low's Peak at 4,095.2 m above sea level

Kinabalu Park Accommodation

Kinabalu Park accommodation offers a variety of options to suit all budgets ranging from super luxurious

private chalets to comfortable dormitories and suites.

Chalets and suites are equipped with excellent amenities and locally crafted, rustic furniture. Guests can

relax in peaceful, picturesque surroundings or snuggle up beside the fireplace on cooler nights.

AccomodationNo. of Unit

Typeof Facilites

Rock Twin Share

4 Units

Common Lounge, Common Bathroom, Pantry

Rock Hostel20

BedsFireplace, Common Lounge, Common Bathroom, Pantry

Grace Hostel20

BedsFireplace, Common Lounge, Common Bathroom, Pantry

The Hill Lodge10

UnitsAttached Bathroom, Heated Shower

Liwagu Suite4

Units1 Bedroom, 1 Bathroom, 1 Toilet, Living Area, Heated Shower

The Peak Lodge4

Units2 Bedrooms, Dining & Living Area, Fireplace, Bathroom, Pantry, Heated Shower

Summit Lodge 1 Unit2 Bedrooms, Dining & Living Area, Fireplace, Bathroom, Kitchen, Heated Shower

Garden Lodge 1 Unit2 Bedrooms, Dining & Living Area, Fireplace, Bathroom, Kitchen, Heated Shower

Nepenthes Lodge

8 Units

2 Bedrooms, Dining & Living Area, Fireplace, Bathroom, Pantry, Heated Shower

Kinabalu Lodge 1 Unit3 Bedrooms, Dining & Living Area, Fireplace, Bathroom, Kitchen, Heated Shower

Rajah Lodge 1 Unit3 Bedrooms, Dining & Living Area, Fireplace, Bathroom, Kitchen, Heated Shower

Rock Hostel

The Hill Lodge

The Peak Lodge

Nepenthes Lodge

Activities within Kinabalu Park

Visit Mount Kinabalu Botanical Garden (Mountain Garden)

One of the biggest attractions at Kinabalu Park, this 5-acre Garden is an excellent showcase of the

diverse plant-life on the mountain, as flora from all over the Park has been replanted here. Many of these

plants are not only lovely to look upon, but have medicinal value too, as proven by the local Dusun

community. 

Guided Trekking

Follow any of the numerous and interesting nature trails within Kinabalu Park and discover rare and

endemic plants today! Follow Park Naturalists or our guide as they take you on a guided trail walks and

educate you on the various wonders.

Trails Distance (metres) Duration

Liwagu Trail 5620 2 hours

Silau Silau Trail 3057 1 hour 30 minutes

Bukit Burung Trail 1082 1 hour

Kiau View Trail 2544 1 hour 30 minutes

Bundu Tuhan View (Sunset) 465 15 minutes

Pandanus Trail 598 20 minutes

Bukit Ular Trail 997 30 minutes

Mempening Trail 2516 1 hour 30 minutes

Bukit Tupai Trail 345 15 minutes

Important Notice : Guests wishing to trek along these trails must be accompanied by either a Sabah

Park Ranger, a Park Naturalist or a licensed Tour Guide. We will not be held responsible for any death,

injuries, loss and/or damage howsoever caused to trekkers. All guests trek at their own risks.

1. Liwagu River Trail

Distance : 5,620 metres

Duration : 2 hours 

The trail starts from Kinabalu Balsam Restaurant located at the Park Headquarters. The trail leads to

Silau-Silau but does not cross until the Liwagu junction. Follow the Liwagu upstream before reaching the

Power Station road near Timpohon Gate. It is a steep, narrow and varied trail through a ridge forest, cool

stream valley, rattan palms and Liwagu.

2. Silau Silau

Distance : 3,057 metres

Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

Follow the river from its source below Kiau Gap which junctions with the Liwagu River near the

overhanging rock of Liwagu Cave. The trail is linked with other trails at various points, including Bukit

Burung, Bukit Tupai and Kiau view.

3. Bukit Burung Trail

Distance : 1,082 metres

Duration : 1 hour

Start from the road, cross the Silau-Silau stream and trail, then proceed up the ridge side to Bukit

Burung shelter for a spectacular view of the Park Headquarters, Lower Liwagu Valley and Mount

Kinabalu. Attractions include easy access to a hill forest, cool stream valleys and dry ridge tops.

4. Kiau View Trail

Distance : 2,544 metres

Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

From the arch at the park entrance, proceed along a wide undulating ridge trail. Finish just after the 1.5

km mark along the Power Station Road opposite the entrance to Silau-Silau Trail. Attractions include

scenic views of the west coast and an assortment of local tree species.

5. Bundu Tuhan View (sunset)

Distance : 465 metres

Duration : 15 minutes

Take the loop road below the staff quarters near the Conservation Centre. The trail reaches shelter at a

ridge top above the main Ranau Highway. Obtain spectacular views of Bundu Tuhan village and

southern mountains including Malaysia’s second highest peak, Mount Trusmadi (2,642 metres). Follow

the ridge down to Liwagu Trail.

6. Pandanus Trail

Distance : 598 metres

Duration : 20 minutes

A broad well graded trail offering refreshing views. The Pandanus Trail opened in September 1999 for

the World Mountain Trophy Race, starting near the car park of the Park Headquarters administration

building joining the Kiau View Trail at ridge crest.

7. Bukit Ular Hillside Trail

Distance : 997 metres

Duration : 30 minutes

A fairly steep trail takes hikers through a journey along a winding road around Bukit Ular from the top of

Power Station Road and finally emerging just behind the Power Station. Attempt a challenging 30-minute

detour from the top of Bukit Ular for excellent views of a waterfall and mountain.

8. Mempening Trail

Distance : 2,516 metres

Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

Start half way up Power Station Road, trek down the ridge through dense oak chestnut forest to Bukit

Tupai and Silau-Silau stream. Good view of Park Headquarters and Liwagu Valley.

9. Bukit Tupai Trail

Distance : 345 metres

Duration : 15 minutes

From Multi-purpose Hall, cross Silau-Silau stream and trail, going straight up to ridge crest and Bukit

Tupai Shelter. Splendid view of Park Headquarters and tree canopy area. On clear days, breathtaking

view of Mount Kinabalu. Ridge crest links to Mempening and Bukit Burung Trail.

MESILAU NATURE RESORT

Within the World Heritage Site, Mesilau Nature Resort is a tranquil retreat amongst the foothills of

Mount. Kinabalu and provides an alternative and more challenging trail for the climb up Mount. Kinabalu.

An additional 1 hour past Kinabalu Park and 2000 metres above sea level, Mesilau Nature Resort

promises to enchant visitors with its cool temperate climate and serene surroundings as an amazing

nature’s paradise. Home to exotic species of fauna and flora, Mesilau Nature Resort is the best place to

find the giant pitcher plant, the “Nepenthes Rajah” which grows in abundance here.

Accommodation at Mesilau Nature Resort

AccomodationNo. of Unit

Type of Facilites

Bishop’s Head Hostel

64 Beds Common Lounge, Common Bathroom

Crocker Range Lodge

36 RoomsLiving Area, Room Heater, Attached Bathroom, Heated Shower

Witti Range Lodge 4 Units3 Bedrooms , Living Area, Room Heater, Attached Bathroom, Heated Shower

King Edward’s Peak Lodge

1 Unit2 Bedrooms , Living & Dining Area, Room Heater, Bathroom, Heated Shower, Kitchen

Donkey’s Ear Peak Lodge

2 Units2 Bedrooms , Living & Dining Area, Room Heater, Bathroom, Heated Shower, Kitchen

Ugly Sister’s Peak Lodge

1 Unit2 Bedrooms , Living & Dining Area, Room Heater, Bathroom, Heated Shower, Kitchen

St. John’s Peak Lodge

4 Units3 Bedrooms , Living & Dining Area, Room Heater, Bathroom, Heated Shower, Kitchen

Low’s Peak Lodge 4 Units3 Bedrooms , Living & Dining Area, Room Heater, Bathroom, Heated Shower, Kitchen

Bishop's Head Hostel

Witti Range Lodge

Activities within Mesilau Nature Resort

Guided Walk Trail

Duration : 30 minutes

This trail may be taken without a guide. Starting from Bishop's Head Hostel, the trail leads into the lush

oak-chestnut forest of Mesilau's sheltered valley. Trees are taller and more mossy than at Park

Headquarters. Mosses and epiphytes, notably the long leafed Bird's Nest Fern, are abundant. Fallen

acorns and chestnuts cover a path flanked by thick growths of wild gingers. Large conifers Dacrydium

are an interesting feature. The path crosses a little stream that flows under the restaurant before

entering Mesilau River.

Large species of the mountain ginger Alpinia Havilandii and pink blossomed Kinabalu Balsam thrive by

the stream. Liverworts and mosses clad trees on the other side of the stream.Ginger flowers attract

several species of bees including the Mountain Honey-bee, Apis Nuluensis. Borneo has 5 of the world's

8 known species of honey bees, more than anywhere else on earth. As the trails open out, climbing

bamboo of the species Bambusa Gibbsaii can be seen draping the trees. The walk concludes as the

path re-enters the oak-chestnut forest near the restaurant complex.

Nepenthes Rajah Nature Trail

Duration : 20 minutes

This trail involves a 10 minute trek to West Mesilau River and another 10 to reach the top of the trail.

From Crocker Range Lodge, the trail passes the Mesilau cave down a low ridge above a stream. The

landscape is lush with ferns, liverworts and orchids amidst mossy rocks and boulders. After crossing a

suspension bridge over Mesilau River, the trail rises steeply on the opposite bank. Shrubby grasses,

rhododendrons and orchids are in abundance. Many are unique to the ultramafic soil.

Mesilau is known for the easy access to its carnivorous pitcher plants that trap insects for food. Attracted

to the plant's nectar, insects fall into pitchers which are formed from leaves. An enzyme-rich digestive

fluid drowns the victims which are digested and absorbed. Pitchers found in Mesilau include the rare

Nepenthes Rajah, the largest pitcher plant in the world. Thriving in ultramafic soil, this has a large

magenta coloured pitcher with up to 2 litre capacity. Frogs, centipedes and even rats have been found in

its pitchers. Some pitchers are mini ecosystems supporting lifeforms immune to the enzymes. These

include spiders, crab ants, tadpoles, larvae and others forming a food chain.

Reaching the top, the trail enters lush vegetation with small trees and a range of outstanding pitcher

plants including the giant Nepenthes Rajah, the tall Nepenthes Lowii and tiny Nepenthes Tentaculata.

The return journey offers spectacular views of the montane forest canopy along Mesilau River, jagged

rock faces, cascading waterfalls and the Mesilau Pinnacles.

To protect the rare pitcher species and to prevent illegal collecting, visitors are not allowed in unless

accompanied by an official guide.