Kinabalu National Park
Mount Kinabalu, Borneo's highest peak, rises in Sabah's national park, where an overnight climb crosses rainforest toward granite summit views.
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Kinabalu National Park lies in the Malaysian state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo, roughly two hours by road from Kota Kinabalu. The highlight is Mount Kinabalu, about 4,095 meters (13,435 feet) high and the tallest peak in Malaysia. The park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its habitats run from lowland forest up to high-altitude scrub, where orchids and pitcher plants grow.
Climbing the mountain draws most people here. The main trail runs from park headquarters to Laban Rata, a mountain hut, then on to the summit before dawn. Most climbers spend two days with one night at the hut. Climbs need a Sabah Parks permit, usually booked through a licensed operator, so book early for the drier months: March and April, or September and October. Shorter walks on the lower trails suit anyone who wants forest without the summit push. Plan at least two days if you climb, and one day for the lower trails.
Kinabalu National Park in five
- Book the Mount Kinabalu summit permit earlySummit climbs need a Sabah Parks permit, and daily numbers are limited, so popular dates fill. Book through Sabah Parks or a licensed operator before you book your flights.Tours and tickets
- Fill in the MDAC before you landMalaysia's Digital Arrival Card has to be completed online before arrival. Save the confirmation on your phone and keep a printed copy.Visas and entry
- Pack a warm layer for the summitThe summit is at about 4,095 m and gets cold, especially before dawn. Bring a warm jacket, gloves and a headlamp, and keep them in your daypack for the night at Laban Rata.
- Arrange the road from Kota KinabaluThe park headquarters near Kundasang is about 2 hours by road from Kota Kinabalu airport (BKI). Rent a car or book a transfer in advance, because public transport to the park is slow.Getting around
- Set up an eSIM before the mountainMobile signal is patchy on the mountain and in Kundasang. Load an eSIM or a local SIM before you leave the city, and save the park map offline.Phones and eSIM
Things to do in Kinabalu National Park
See all attractions in Kinabalu National Park
Need to know
- Currency
- Ringgit (MYR)
- Entry
- Visa-free for many passports; Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) needed Read more
- Emergency
- 999 police, ambulance and fire; 112 from a mobile
- Tipping
- Not expected
- Time
- UTC+8, no daylight saving
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryWetter, cloudy
- FebruaryShowers, mixed
- MarchDrier shoulder
- AprilDrier shoulder
- MayShowers begin
- JuneWet, cloudy
- JulyWet, cloudy
- AugustShowers
- SeptemberDrier shoulder
- OctoberDrier shoulder
- NovemberWetter
- DecemberWetter
Right now in Kinabalu National Park
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
23
- Feels like
- 28°
- Humidity
- 97%
- Wind
- 4 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Kinabalu National Park
06:38 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today26°17°100%Tuesday: Rain. High 26°, Low 17°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed26°18°100%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Thu26°18°100%Thursday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Fri25°18°100%Friday: Drizzle. High 25°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sat24°18°100%Saturday: Drizzle. High 24°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Sun26°18°98%Sunday: Drizzle. High 26°, Low 18°. Chance of rain 98%.
Updated 03:54 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 4.057 MYR
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Kinabalu National Park
Rules for Kinabalu National Park, checked
- Summit climbs need a Sabah Parks permit booked in advance; carry it with you on the trailSource
- Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card online before you arrive; you cannot enter without itSource
- Taking plants, rocks or wildlife out of the park is prohibited, and you must follow park staff instructionsSource
Plan around Kinabalu National Park
Sabah routes, towns and coast beyond the park
Read the guideWhere to stayKundasang and Kota Kinabalu options
Read the guideTours and ticketsPermits, guided climbs and park tickets
Read the guideGetting aroundTransfers and car hire from Kota Kinabalu
Read the guideVisas and entryEntry rules and the arrival card
Read the guideTravel insuranceCover for mountain injuries and evacuation
Read the guideKinabalu National Park FAQ
Do I need a permit to climb Mount Kinabalu?
Yes. Sabah Parks issues the summit permit, and numbers are limited each day. Book through Sabah Parks or a licensed operator well before your trip.
How long does the Kinabalu climb take?
Most climbers take two days, with an overnight stay at Laban Rata before the early summit push. The trail is steep, so fitness matters more than technical skill.
Can I visit Kinabalu National Park without climbing?
Yes. The park has shorter trails and lower-altitude walks, so you can spend a day there without taking the summit route.
How do I get from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park?
By road, in about 2 hours. A rental car or a pre-booked transfer is the simplest option, and public transport is slow.
Which months are best for climbing Mount Kinabalu?
March, April, September and October are the drier months in the calendar below. Rain can still fall in any month, so keep a flexible date.