stay at Laban Rata. The cost to stay is considerably higher than at lodging just outside the park and includes a mandatory purchase of meals, etc. The mountain summit trail begins at Timpohon. There is also an alternative route called the Mesilau Trail. A notable feature of the park is Low's Gully. It is a 1.6-kilometer deep ravine stretching 10 kilometres on the side of the mountain peak. Ecology This botanical site contains a variety of flora and fauna that ranges over 4 climate zones; from rich lowland dipterocarp forest through the montane oak, rhododendron, to the coniferous forests, to the alpine meadow plants, and to the stunted bushes of summit zone. The mountain is also known for its many carnivorous plant and orchid species, most notably Nepenthes rajah. It is also home to a multitude of endemic animal species, including the Kinabalu giant red leech and Kinabalu giant earthworm. The park also plays host to a variety of birds, insects, mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Mount Kinabalu is one of the youngest non-volcanic mountains in the world. It was formed within the last 10 to 35 million years. The mountain still grows at a rate of 5 millimetres a year Gallery References External links Sabah Parks website Tourism Malaysia - Kinabalu Park Kinabalu National Park Lonely Planet Kinabalu National Park UNESCO Crocker Range National parks of Malaysia World Heritage Sites in Malaysia ASEAN heritage parks Protected areas established in 1964 Mount Kinabalu Protected areas of Sabah