Mesilau Park

Kundasang, Malaysia

is on the slopes of Mount Kinabalu, accessible by a tarred road from Kundasang. They conduct guided 40-minute walks through a protected area which abounds with pitcher plants and orchids at 7am and 11am, and sometimes in the afternoon too. The morning walk is best for seeing wildlife. It is also possible to climb the initial section of the route up Mount Kinabalu, or to walk the whole way to the summit along an alternative route to that taken from the Park HQ. At 2,000m, it is a very cool, temperate climate with a lovely landscape, and quite different flora and fauna to the lower regions of Mount Kinabalu. There is a very nice (albeit slightly expensive) cafe with good views (coffee Rm11, lunch Rm15+), and it's possible to see lots of birdlife from your table. Rm15 conservation fee is charged at the entrance for foreigners (Rm3 for Malaysians). Accommodation is available from Sutera (Rm135 - Rm2600 per room/lodge per night - 2-6 people).