Thursday, May 7, 2009

KINABALU- Land Below the Wind



The Kinabalu region is on the west coast of Sabah, 'The Land Below the Wind'. Here sits South-East Asia's highest peak, the mystical Mount Kinabalu, rising a 4,101 meters above sea level. Kinabalu holds the promise of many exhilarating moments for its visitors.

Tour Kota Kinabalu, the bustling capital city of Sabah, or retreat to Kinabalu Park, a paradise for naturalists, botanists, bird watchers, mountaineers or just about anyone who wants to be close to nature. The park is home to an incredibly diverse range of flora and fauna including the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower. Scale the ‘home of a dragon’, Mount Kinabalu or indulge in some thrilling white-water rafting action down fast-flowing turbulent rivers. Whatever you choose, excitement awaits you right here in Kinabalu.





Mount Kinabalu (Malay: Gunung Kinabalu) is a prominent mountain in Southeast Asia. It is located in Kinabalu National Park (a World Heritage Site) in the east Malaysian state of Sabah, which is on the island of Borneo in the tropics. It is the tallest mountain in the Malay Archipelago.[1]

In 1997, a re-survey using satellite technology established its summit (known as Low’s Peak) height at 4,095 metres (13,435 ft) above sea level, which is some 6 metres (20 ft) less than the previously thought and hitherto published figure of 4,101 metres (13,455 ft).[2]

The mountain and its surroundings are among the most important biological sites in the world,[3] with over 600 species of ferns, 326 species of birds, and 100 mammalian species identified. Among them are the gigantic Rafflesia plants and the orangutan. Mount Kinabalu has been accorded UNESCO World Heritage status.[4][5]

The main peak of the mountain (Low's Peak) can be climbed easily by a person with a good physical condition, and requires no mountaineering equipment. Other peaks along the massif, however, require rock climbing skills.

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