Mount Kinabalu and Semporna

Overview

In Sabah and standing at 4,095 metres, Mount Kinabalu is among the highest peaks in Southeast Asia and joined the World Heritage List in 2000. The summit climb takes two days with a night on the mountain, and the park below protects many endemic plants and animals. Semporna in the south-east is the gateway to Sipadan, famous for wall diving and schools of barracuda and turtles, considered one of the world's top dive sites.

History

Kinabalu Park was established in 1964 and inscribed in 2000; Sipadan has capped daily dive permits since 2004 to protect the reef.

Highlights

• •The Mount Kinabalu summit climb
• •Montane forest and pitcher plants
• •Wall diving at Sipadan
• •Island hopping and turtles at Semporna

Practical tips

• •Summit climbs need a booked hut and guide well ahead
• •Sipadan permits are limited; book months in advance

Practical information

Best time

March-September

Tickets

Climbs from about MYR 1,500; Sipadan dives about MYR 800 per day

Opening hours

By arrangement

Local food

Sabah bak kut teh, seafood, noodles

Getting around

Kota Kinabalu has an international airport; fly to Tawau and drive an hour to Semporna.

Visa

Visa-free for stays up to 30 days with a valid passport.

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