UNESCO sites in Sabah, Malaysia

The park is home to Mount Kinabalu (4,095m), the tallest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Its vast habitats range from tropical rainforests to alpine meadows, hosting diverse flora from the Himalayas, China and Australia.

The park shelters thousands of species, including rare carnivorous pitcher plants, unique frogs, and endemic birds. Rapid evolution has led to high endemism; its diverse ecosystems, shaped by tectonic activity, are the defining factor.

Beyond nature, Kinabalu Park holds special cultural significance for the area’s indigenous populations; to the Dusun people, Mount Kinabalu is a sacred place and the final resting place of their ancestors. They perform special rituals to honour its guardian spirit. 

The park showcases extraordinary geological features such as glacial valleys, granite slopes, towering cliffs and hot springs. The property has a unique scientific and cultural value, which is further increased by the rich biodiversity that exists here.

From the coast to its highest peaks, the park hosts a wide variety of habitats, its range of altitudes and climates making it a key area for conservation and research, its ecosystems supporting many rare, endemic and endangered species.

Kinabalu is also home to indigenous communities, such as the Kadazan-Dusun, who have lived sustainably with the land for generations. Their cultural traditions, including farming practices and medicinal knowledge, intertwine with the geopark’s natural heritage.

With an area of over 350,000 ha, the reserve encompasses a range of vegetation and habitats, from lowland to cloud forests, that are home to a wide variety of plant and animal species. The forests also play a vital role in the region’s hydrological system. 

The reserve integrates biodiversity protection with education and local empowerment. Courses teach sustainability, while farming and crafts support livelihoods, serving as a critical area for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.