10 Malaysian mountains and highland destinations to check out

Mount Kinabalu is visible from many parts including the islands near Kota Kinabalu city. -- Photos: DAVID BOWDEN

In 2003, the United Nations declared that Dec 11 would be recognised as International Mountain Day. With the world celebrating so many “days”, like World Naked Day (Feb 4), World Mosquito Day (Aug 20), and World Book Day (April 23), International Mountain Day could easily have come and gone before the world paid it the attention it deserves.

However, UN backing has enabled the day’s prolonged existence, especially with its focus not just on the physicality of mountains but also on sustainable development, the inclusion of minority groups, and alleviating poverty for those whose lives are dependent on mountains.