Bird Watching in Kinabalu Park

If you are a keen bird watcher, why not consider a whole new experience of bird watching in an utterly different destination? Borneo, the elusive nature and adventure-based destination is increasingly earning recognition as a bird watching hotspot. One of the most acclaimed bird watching sites here is none other than the UNESCO's listed World Heritage Site, Kinabalu Park.

Gazetted in 1964 and covering an area of 754 square kilometers, this flora and fauna paradise also boasts the fabled Mount Kinabalu, which peaks at 12, 455 feet above sea level. The Park encompasses a wide range of habitats, with lowland rain forest found in the Poring Hot Springs region (around 550 meters above sea level), and lower montane forest around the Park Headquarters (1,500 meters). On the eastern part of the park (2, 000 meters), you can also find mesmerizing montane forest enveloping the area around Mesilau Nature Resort.

At 1500 meter above sea level, the cool climate of Kinabalu Park makes it ideal for bird watching without very much hassle from the sunny heat. Enthusiastic birdwatchers are intrigued with the facts that 326 bird species were recorded in the park, which include 58 montane birds and 17 of which are endemic Bornean species. What is more, Kinabalu Park is also reputed to be populated by 77 per cent of the total bird species in Borneo.

You can start watching and photography as early as six every morning. Get your watching gear ready and look out for the Mountain Blackbird, Mountain Leaf Warblers, the endemic Mountain Blackeye and many other species of birds!

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Kota Kinabalu: Perfect Destination

Kota Kinabalu is the capital of Sabah state in Malaysia. It got its name from Mount Kinabalu. It is a major tourist destination and serves as a gateway for travelers going to Sabah and Borneo. The Kinabalu National Park has many tourist attractions. When you book for cheap flights to Kota Kinabalu, you can witness what makes it one of the fastest growing cities in Malaysia. There are numerous paradise islands with white sand beaches and amazing coral reefs. Its tropical rainforest boasts of a diversity of flora and fauna.

Travel agents help travelers in providing the best and high quality hotel accommodations. Located just near the airport, you will discover verdant golf courses, first-class holiday resorts and reputable spas. Be sure to include in your itinerary your visit to Tun Mustapha which is a landmark of the state of Sabah.

With cheap flights, you can go to the Tunkul Abdul Rahman Park. This is a marine park which has five exotic and breathtaking islands: Gaya, Mamutik, Manukan, Sapi, and Sulug. These islands have fine sandy beaches with crystal clear waters. The shallow coral reefs under the waters create a colourful garden. The Pulau Sapi or Sapi Island have exotic marine species like mantis shrimps, cuttlefish, blue starfish, and spotted rays. Honeymooners and couples looking for romantic escapades can go to Pulau Gaya. This island also has a sandy beach with verdant and shady palm trees.

There are so many things to do at Kota Kinabalu. You can book for activities with travel agents. If you like mountain climbing, the Mount Kinabalu is worth the climb for the brave-hearted. If you are a nature lover who loves eco theme parks with beautiful plant species, the Green Connection is the perfect place. The Kinabalu Park guarding the foothills of Mount Kinabalu is great for nature tripping. It is also a cozy place to stay. For adventurous encounters, the Manukan Island is full of activities not fit for the faint-hearted. You can have the ultimate island hopping experience with shadow snorkeling on the waters.

More activities are also in store when you book for cheap flights to Kota Kinabalu. Golf enthusiasts can visit the famous Sutera Harbour Golf and Country Club and the Mount Kinabalu Golf Club. Indoor climbing can also be done in the Sabah Indoor Climbing Center. The Floating Mosque is for the religious traveler. More wildlife attractions such as the Tabin Wildlife Reserve, the Kota Kinabalu City Bird Sanctuary, the Lok Kawi Wildlife Park and the Tabunan Rafflesia Reserve are worth the viewing of your binoculars. Travelers who are looking for hot springs can visit the Poring Hot Springs. You can also appreciate the beautiful architectural structure of the Aroma Villa Spa.

You will have an experience of a lifetime when you visit Kota Kinabalu. Now is the right time to book for cheap flights to this amazing destination.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Phil_Durell

Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu, located in Sabah, Malaysia is the highest peak in Malaysia and Borneo island's highest peak height 4,095 meters from sea level. Mount Kinabalu is also the sixth highest mountain in Southeast Asia behind Hkakabo Razi in Myanmar (5881 m), Puncak Jaya (4884 m), Trikora Peak (4730 meters), Puncak Mandala (4700meter) and Puncak Yamin (4595 meters) in Indonesia.

There is some dispute about the height of Mount Kinabalu position in Southeast Asia, depending on how height of the mountain is defined. Mount Kinabalu has a hill dipterocarp forest, dipterocarp forest Upper Montane Forest and Forest Ericaceous or mountain forest.

Mount Kinabalu is a symbol of grandeur to every people who lives in Sabah. For some local people, Mount Kinabalu is a mountain that can give a fighting spirit and a unified people of Sabah. According to the belief Kadazan Society Sabah, Mount Kinabalu is the place which accommodate their spirit after death.