Mount Kinabalu

Nestled in Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO Global Geopark, the iconic Mount Kinabalu stands tall at 4,095.2 meters above sea level. Kinabalu Park has two other UNESCO titles, which are the UNESCO World Heritage Site and the UNESCO Crocker Range Biosphere Reserve, earning it triple crown accolades.

Mount Kinabalu is among the sought-after mountains worldwide. As the highest mountain in Malaysia, it is also the highest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Mount Kinabalu is also conveniently accessible, being just 90 km away from the Kota Kinabalu City Centre and strategically located en route to several popular districts in Sabah – Kota Marudu, Sandakan, Tambunan to name a few.

What is intriguing about the landscape of Mount Kinabalu is its 6 levels of different vegetation. While this may not be immediately apparent to many, those with a keen interest in nature elements will be able to distinguish the various vegetation types at their respective altitudes. Otherwise, the most obvious change comes after the Layang Layang Hut, whereby the rocky alpine starts, and bonsai plants keep you company for the last leg before reaching the Panar Laban area, where you would rest before the summit ascends. With over 4500 kinds of plants and animals, it also has some of the world’s highest biodiversity. Local communities regard this mountain as sacred due to their legendary folklore tales.

Taking on the Summit Trail

Climbing Mount Kinabalu is usually offered as a 2 days 1 night package. On the first day, climber will trek to Panalaban and stay overnight. The summit climb will start very early the next day in order to reach the summit for the most anticipated sunrise view.

The current quota of climbers per day is 165 pax. Regardless if you are a single climber or in a group, it is advisable to book ahead because it is among the most sought-after activities to do in Kinabalu Park. It is important to understand that while it does not require any special skills to climb this mountain, climbers must at least have a basic level of fitness.

Before you start your journey, regardless of which trail you have chosen, the Ranau Trail, Kota Belud Trail or Via Ferrata, all climbers will convene at the Kinabalu National Park Headquarters to get registration done. You will be introduced to your assigned guides and porters (if you need such services). This occurs between 8am to 9am. You will then be transported to the Timpohon Gate, where you will check in once again before starting the hike. If you did not book your tour via an agent, you could catch a ride in the shuttle van for a small fee to the starting point.

Mountain Guide
Regardless of how many summits you have accomplished, it is compulsory to have a local mountain guide. For the Ranau Trail, which is the common trail taken to the summit, the ratio is 1 guide for 5 climbers, and as for the Kota Belud Trail, it’s 1 guide for 3 climbers.

Porter
The porters are not your mountain guides. They will take a good lead time with your bag and leave it at the hostel up at Panalaban. So, if you opt for this service, do have a small carry-on for your water, snacks, and raincoat.

Along the way, remember to take pictures as memories. There will be a sign at every kilometer, so it is worth documenting your milestones. As you continue your ascend, the trail will be more intense, remember to take a slow pace to allow your body to acclimatize to the low level of oxygen at high altitude. Stop for a sip of water, but don’t stop for too long. Keep up with the consistent momentum. Ideally, try to reach Panalaban by 4.00 pm.

Once you have checked in at Panalaban, you will be directed to your accommodation for the night. There are 3 accommodation providers at Panalaban, which are Sabah Parks, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges and Mountain Torq. Meals though are served only at Laban Rata Resthouse. Enjoy early dinner between 4.00pm and 8.00pm, and make sure to rest well for another intense hike the next day.

Summit Climb
Summit climb will start as early as 2.00 am. The surrounding temperature will be very cold and windy. Temperature may drop as low as 1 degree Celsius. Hence, it is important to pack warm clothes. For safety, each climber is required to check in at the Sayat Sayat Checkpoint. From here on, the granite landscape is your route toward the Low’s Peak.

Once you reach Low’s Peak, congratulations! You have reached the highest point in Malaysia. Take a photo with the iconic sign at the peak. Enjoy the view and reflect on your strong ability to conquer the mountain.

When they say, conquer Mount Kinabalu, it really should not be merely getting yourself up but also the challenges of going down. Embrace the journey and finish strongly.

Kota Belud Trail
The Kota Belud trail is another trail beginning at Panalaban, leading to Sayat-Sayat Checkpoint. It is a completely different experience, and one would definitely require a higher level of fitness to take on the 1.1km trail that meets at the Sayat Sayat Checkpoint. You will be using more ropes to assist your ascend and sectional parts with some wooden steps. Climbers are required to obtain permission from Sabah Parks to take on this trail.

Via Ferrata

Situated on the Panalaban rock face of Mount Kinabalu, Mountain Torq is the highest via ferrata in the world and the first in Asia. Via Ferrata at  Mount Kinabalu, begins at 3,200 meters above sea level and finishes at 3,776 meters.

Mountain Torq is the provider of the Via Ferrata activities at Mount Kinabalu and has two routes – Low’s Peak Circuit and Walk the Torq. Both routes are open to all climbers without the need to have professional mountaineering expertise.

Anyone with strong will and a sense of adventure will love this alpine activity as you push yourself with the flying planks and tightrope walks that resemble thread. Surrounded by breathtaking views, enjoy the rush of adrenaline while climbing the mountain in a safe and supervised setting with climbing aids anchored along the meticulously prepared Via Ferrata paths.

Regardless of which trail you decide to take, make this trip memorable one!

You should know:
If you reach the Low’s Peak, your certificate will be in full color
If you do not, your certificate will be in black and white.
If you conquer your fear with Via Ferrata, you will receive a special certificate of Via Ferrata.
Malaysia’s Highest Post Box is located at the Pendant Hut. Buy a postcard from there or have them prepare before your trip. Mail and postmarked it with their signature stamp.

Mount Kinabalu climbing tour can be booked directly from the accommodation providers -Sabah Park, Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, and Mountain Torq, or through any licensed travel agent offering this tour.

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