Hold onto your hats because UNESCO has officially declared the Kinabalu National Geopark as a Global Geopark! So, the next time you decide to head to East Malaysia, know that there’s no better place to immerse yourself in our country’s stunning flora and fauna. It’ll be an extraordinary journey through otherworldly landscapes and fascinating geological wonders.
Nestled in the heart of the beautiful island of Borneo, the Kinabalu National Geopark is a nature lover’s paradise. It covers an extensive area that includes Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Southeast Asia, and its surrounding ecosystems. With its diverse range of plants and wildlife, cascading waterfalls, and majestic granite peaks, this geopark will leave you in awe.
So, what exactly does it mean for the Kinabalu National Geopark to be designated as a Global Geopark by UNESCO?
This means that the state of Sabah is now the owner of a UNESCO Triple Crown site. This is the third time Kinabalu Park has received a UNESCO crown, following achieving the 2000 World Heritage Site and 2014 Unesco Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve statuses.
The decision was made on 24 May 2023 in Paris by the UNESCO executive board. According to Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor, Sabah is now one of only three places in the world with three UNESCO sites, along with Jeju Island in South Korea and Shennongjia in China.
As you traverse the Kinabalu National Geopark, you’ll also have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich local culture. The geopark is home to several indigenous communities, such as the Dusun and Kadazan, who have lived harmoniously with the land for centuries.
With the addition of Kinabalu National Geopark as a UNESCO Global Geopark, there are now 195 geoparks across 48 nations.
Now that our Kinabalu National Geopark is a Global Geopark, its beauty and importance are being shared with the world. So, grab your backpack and put on your adventurer’s hat, the national park is calling.
