Kinabalu Park is the main protected area around Mount Kinabalu and Malaysia's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climbers come for the two-day ascent, but you do not need a summit permit to enjoy the lower trails around park headquarters, where montane forest, orchids, pitcher plants, squirrels, and birds are much easier to reach.
The park entrance is only a short drive from Kundasang. Even on a non-climbing day, it is worth coming early for clearer mountain views and cooler walking weather.