Kinabalu Park, in the State of Sabah on the northern end of the island of Borneo, is dominated by Mount Kinabalu (4,095 m), the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. It has a very wide range of habitats, from rich tropical lowland and hill rainforest to tropical mountain forest, sub-alpine forest and scrub on the higher elevations. It has been designated as a Centre of Plant Diversity for Southeast Asia and is exceptionally rich in species with examples of flora from the Himalayas, China, Australia, Malaysia, as well as pan-tropical flora.
Mount Kinabalu
4,095m or 13,455ft and still growing about 5mm per year. it is Malaysia first world heritage. Located in Kinabalu National Park area(754sqkm)-larger than Singapore. Youngest granite massif on planet-10 million years. 7th March 1851,first time a foreigner reached the summit-Sir Hugh Low at 27 years of age.Tooks about 3 weeks and made it as far as the Summit Plateau. 1910, first women made it to Lowa Peak-Lilian Gibbs(a british botanist).
Climate
Sabah experiences a tropical climate throughout the year with temperatures between 28 degrees celcius to 32 degrees celcius. Average rainfall is 250cm - 300cm with the wettest months between November and February. For visitors, light clothing is advised and warm garments need to be worn only at hill resorts.
Language
Bahasa Malaysia is the national language although English is widely spoken. Mandarin and other Chinese dialects are also widely spoken.
Religion
Islam is the national religion but freedom of worship is guaranteed under the Malaysian constitution.
Currency
The Malaysian Currency is the Malaysian Ringgit (RM) which is available in RM1, RM2, RM5, RM10, RM50 and RM100 note. Credit cards are accepted in major shopping centres and established stores. Malaysian currency is advisable in smaller towns and markets.
Banks
Business hours for banks are 9.30am - 4pm from Mondays to Fridays. All banks are closed on weekends, Sundays and public holidays.
Licensed Money Changer
Located at major shopping centres in the city and major urban centres, Hotels and airport also offer money changing services.
The main post office provides telex, courier (Pos Laju), local and international services. The business hours are 8am - 6pm (Monday to Friday ), 10am - 1pm (Sunday). International calls can be made from public phone booths. Major hotels have quiet and convenient cardphone booths. Cybercafes with internet services are easily found in urban areas.
Public Utilities
There is ample electricity (240 volts 50 cycle system) and piped water supply throughout the country.
Time Difference
The standard Malaysian time is eight hours ahead of GMT.
Airlines
All the Malaysian states are accessible by air throughout the country using Malaysia Airlines or Air Asia
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