Located approximately 90 kilometres from Kota Kinabalu, Kinabalu National Park boasts one of the most scenic and imperative natural environs in the world. This outstanding national park provides shelter to thousands of diverse types of native flora and fauna and several hundreds of them are found only in the park.  Accordingly, the park was named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2000 and was the first of its kind in Malaysia.

Identified by locals as the Taman Negara Kinabalu, the park was founded in 1964 making it the country’s first national park.  Also renowned as one of the world’s most significant biological sites, Kinabalu National Park is known for its ‘outstanding universal values’ by UNESCO.  It is situated magnificently on the island of Borneo, towards the west coast of Sabah. Surrounding the island’s highest mountain Mount Kinabalu, this botanical paradise occupies an area of 754 square kilometres.

This impressive botanical site features flora and fauna from more than 4 climatic zones.  The most famous plants in the park include Orchids, Carnivorous, Nepenthes rajah and much more. Visitors to this phenomenal park will get the chance to witness the Rafflesia, which is the largest flower in the world. Endemic animal species include Kinabalu Giant Red Leech and Kinabalu Giant Earthworm.

Today Kinabalu National Park is one of the most visited tourist attractions in Kota Kinabalu and in the entire east Malaysia. Managed by the Sabah Parks organisation, this natural haven has chalets providing accommodation for visitors. Most of these chalets are positioned in the vicinity of the park headquarters which is located about 88 kilometres from the city. Mountain climbing is possible only when accompanied by a professional or a well trained guide. One of the most prominent features of the park is the 1.6 kilometre deep canyon named, Low's Gully. Staying at a Kota Kinabalu accommodation is considered the best way to discover the wonders of Kinabalu National Park. Shangri La’s Rasa Ria Resort, Kota Kinabalu is ideally located providing easy access for guests who wish to explore this distinctive natural paradise.