For a spectacular view if the mountain, take the 7am flight from Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan (home of the orang-utans and turtles). That early the air is clear for an uninterupted view.

We enjoyed taking the canopy walkway near the Poring hot springs,to stroll through the treetops.

The brilliant orchid flowers made a colourful display in the forest.

Buses from Kota Kinabalu and Sandakan stop at the park entrance, but the it is such a large area that you really need you own transport to get around.