Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu, known in Dusun as Gayo Ngaran or Nulu Nabalu and in Malay as Gunung Kinabalu, is the tallest mountain in Malaysia and all of Maritime Southeast Asia. It stands on the island of Borneo in the state of Sabah. Rising to 4,095 metres (13,435 feet), it is the third-highest peak on an island anywhere on Earth.

In 1997, scientists used satellite technology to measure the mountain again. They found that its highest point, called Low's Peak, is a little shorter than earlier measurements had shown — about 6 metres (20 feet) less than previously believed.

Mount Kinabalu is home to an amazing variety of plants and animals. The area around the mountain has between 5,000 and 6,000 different kinds of plants, 326 types of birds, and more than 100 kinds of mammals. Some of the most famous species found here include the large Rafflesia plants and orangutans.

People in good physical shape can climb to the top of Low's Peak without special climbing gear, following the main path. However, climbers must always be with approved guides because of park rules and the possibility of getting altitude sickness.

Geology

Mount Kinabalu is a large rock formation made from granodiorite. This rock pushed up through older layers of sediment and other rocks millions of years ago. It is a relatively young mountain, with the rock hardening only about 10 million years ago.

During a cold period about 100,000 years ago, ice covered the mountain and shaped its surface, creating deep valleys. The mountain’s rocky peaks show evidence of this icy past. In 2022, it was recognized by the International Union of Geological Sciences for its important geological features.

Climate

The climate on Mount Kinabalu changes from warm and humid at the bottom to very cold at the top. At the summit, temperatures can drop as low as −4 °C (25 °F) in winter and rise to about 12 °C (54 °F) in summer. Occasionally, frost and ice can appear at the peak, and snow has been seen a few times—in 1975, 1993, and 2022.

Biology

Mount Kinabalu is famous for its many different kinds of plants and animals. It has plants from places far away, like the Himalayas, Australasia, and Indomalaya. Scientists think there are between 5,000 and 6,000 plant species on the mountain, including many ferns. The mountain's height gives special plants a cool place to live.

The plants on Mount Kinabalu change depending on how high you go. Lower areas have tall forests, while higher areas have shorter trees and bushes. There are many types of orchids and special plants called carnivorous plants that catch insects. Some plants only grow on Mount Kinabalu and nowhere else in the world.

The mountain is also home to many birds and animals. There are around 326 kinds of birds, including some that only live on the mountain. Mammals like orangutans and different kinds of deer live in the forests. The mountain’s many plants give animals good homes to live in.

History

British explorer Hugh Low reached part of Mount Kinabalu's top area in 1851 with help from a local guide. He did not reach the very highest point. Later, in 1888, another explorer named John Whitehead became the first person to reach the mountain's highest spot. In 1910, a woman named Lilian Gibbs was the first woman and plant expert to reach the top.

Important science trips to the mountain happened in 1961 and 1964, led by E. J. H. Corner. In 1964, Kinabalu National Park was created, and in 2000, it became a special World Heritage Site.

2015 earthquake

Main article: 2015 Sabah earthquake

On June 5, 2015, a strong earthquake shook the area around Mount Kinabalu. The shaking caused damage and a large landslide, which sadly led to the loss of many lives, including hikers and guides. The earthquake affected Ranau and parts of Sabah's West Coast.

Before the earthquake, some visitors had behaved in a way that many local people found very disrespectful toward the mountain, which many consider sacred. This incident caused upset and led to some visitors apologizing afterward.

Climbing the mountain

Climbing Mount Kinabalu requires special guides and permits. There are two main paths to start the climb: one from Timpohon Gate and another from the Mesilau Nature Resort. Only 130 people can climb each day because of limited space at mountain huts.

Most climbers spend one night at a resthouse before reaching the top. The final part of the climb is very steep and takes a few hours. Some climbers might feel unwell because of the high altitude, but resting before climbing can help.

Meaning of name

The name "Kinabalu" has a few different explanations. Many believe it comes from "Aki Nabalu," which means "Grandfather Nabalu," the spirit said to guard the mountain. Another name used by the Liwan tribe of the Kadazandusun people is "Gayo Ngaran," meaning "The Great Name." Each year, the Kadazandusun people visit the mountain in a special journey called "Kakakapan id Gayo Ngaran," which means "Visiting the Great Name."

There is also an old story that "Kinabalu" means "Chinese Widow" in Malay. However, this story is debated because it tries to interpret the Kadazandusun language using Malay words. In Kadazandusun, the word for "Chinese" is "Kina" or "Sina," but the word for "widow" is "nopuod," not "balu."