Located in Sabah, Malaysia, Kinabalu Park is renowned for its ecological, geological, and cultural significance. Established in 1964 as Malaysia’s first national park, it spans 754 square kilometers and was declared the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. The park is home to Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia and the centerpiece of the park, standing at an impressive 13,435 feet (4,095 meters). As an ultra-prominence peak, it ranks as the 20th most prominent mountain in the world, a major draw for climbers and nature enthusiasts.

Kinabalu Park encompasses a variety of habitats, ranging from tropical lowland forests to montane and alpine ecosystems, earning its designation as the Centre of Plant Diversity for Southeast Asia. It boasts one of the world’s richest biodiversities, with over 4,750 plant species, 326 bird species, and 100 mammal species, including many endemic to the region. The park’s unique geology, including its granite massif and ultramafic soil, supports rare flora and fauna found nowhere else.

Recognized for its outstanding universal value, the park is considered one of the most distinctive ecological areas in the world. It also holds cultural significance for the indigenous Kadazan-Dusun people, who view Mount Kinabalu as a sacred resting place for spirits. As part of the UNESCO Triple Crown of Recognition, Kinabalu Park is not only a World Heritage Site but also a UNESCO Global Geopark and part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves, underscoring its global importance in conservation and sustainability.