Mount Kinabalu is a prominent mountain on the Island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. It is located in the east Malaysia State of Sabah and is protected as Kinabalu National Park, a world Heritage Site. Kinabalu is the tallest peak in Borneo's Crocker Range and is the 4th tallest mountain in Malay Archipelago after Indonesian Papua's Puncak Jaya, Puncak Trikora and Puncak Mandala.
In 1997, a re- survey using satelite technology established its summit (known as Low's Peak) height at 4,095 metres (13,435 ft) above sea level, which is some 6 metres (20 ft) less than the previously thought and hitherto published figure of 4,101 metres (13,455 ft).
The mountain and its surroundings are amoung the most important biological sites in the world, with over 4500 species of plant, 326 species of birds, and 100 mammalian species identified. Among this rich collection of wildlife are famous species such as the gigantic Rafflesia plant and the orangutan. Mount Kinabalu has been accorded UNESCO World Heritage status.
The main peak of the mountain (Low's Peak) can be climbed quite easily by a person in peak physical condition. If not fit enough, though, the clim can be very hard despite there being no need for mountaineering equipment at any point on the main route. Other peaks along the massif, however, require rock climbing skills.
