Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain between New Guinea and the Himalayas and reigns over an astonishing variety of scenery. While the lower reaches of the mountain serve as a botany fanatic’s dream, it is the upper reaches that captured the hearts and imaginations of climbers. Mount Kinabalu is known to be one of the most accessible peak and no specialized mountain climbing skills are required to ascend it. Thousands of tourists visit Kinabalu National Park every year with the intention of reaching the summit (number of visitors at park headquarters now hovers around 200,000 per year).
Most people take 3 days 2 nights to ascend and descend Mount Kinabalu, although it is doable in 2 days 1 night. The 8 kilometers ascend starts from the Timpohon Gate near park headquarters (1800m) at least before 11am, then another estimated 6 hours to reach the rest point Laban Rata (3273m). An overnight stay at one of the guest houses at Laban Rata is required if you intend to see the sun rise at Mount Kinabalu summit – you depart next morning at around 2am and it will take another 3 to 4 hours to reach the summit. Climbers then descend back to Laban Rata for breakfast before making their way down to the park headquarters by mid afternoon.
The distribution of flora on the mountain is a classic example of altitude and temperature-related zonation. From the warm lowland rainforests to the near-freezing alpine conditions at the summit, each zone is characterised by a quite different assemblage of plant species.
The best time to come to Mount Kinabalu is during the dry season from February to April, when walking and climbing is much more enjoyable. The temperature ranges from a comfortable 20-25 degrees Celsius at the main park to something approaching freezing near the top (depending on the weather).
1. Good Boots: Bring boots with good ankle support. Make sure they fit properly and are broken-in enough to ensure they are comfortable, because well-fitting boots can make the difference between an entertaining and a painful trip. Waterproof is a plus. Make sure it has good grip! Do not wear sneakers since they don’t support your ankles like boots do. The number one injury hikers face is twisted or broken ankles especially on during descend.
- If packing space permits, pack in an open-toed sandals for your descending trip. It will be easier for the descend trip without pressing your toes against your boots all the time! Use it after Laban Rita and only if the ground is NOT slippery.
2. Water bottle: You can refill it on each shelter along the trail (rain water). I suggest reusing the plastic bottled water bottles; they’re a good size and very lightweight when empty.
3. Torchlight: Head-mounted is ideal for the night climb to the summit, as most of the time you have to hold the rope in the dark.
4. Personal First Aid
- Panadol / Paracetomol
- First aid kit with moleskin and bandages designed to cover blisters
- Sunscreen lotion
- Energy snacks: Trail mix or dried fruits are recommended but anything with high carbohydrate and low sugar will do. Also avoid snacks with a lot of salt as salt makes you thirsty.
- Bug Repellent
5. Plastic Bags: To hold your rubbish / keep clothes dry
6. Spare batteries: For torch light and camera
7. Smaller Bag / Waist Pouch: For the night climb
8. Waterproof jacket / Raincoat
The technical difficulty of the final summit stretch and the temperature at the top came as a surprise to most of the climbers on our trip, and few were prepared. The climb is not considered difficult in good conditions, but can rapidly become treacherous if the weather deteriorates. Mountain weather is notoriously volatile, as is tropical weather, and the two together pose a real threat to the safety of climbers and should never be underestimated. Make sure you have proper clothing prepared for the morning climb.
2 different sets of clothes for the Day climb, and Night climb.
- Night Climb:
- Warm, lightweight jumper
- Warm, lightweight pants
- Woolen socks
- Beanie/woolen hat
- Gloves: To protect from cold and rope burn
- Day Climb: It will usually be warm and sunny during the day climb, so lightweight clothing (t-shirts and Bermudas) is sufficient.
From the store at Laban Rata you can rent the following items:
• Sleeping Bag @ RM10 each;
• Jackets @ RM10 each (limited numbers of these);
• Blanket @ RM10 each;
• Towels @ RM5 each;
• Torch lights @ RM15 each (with battery) or RM5 without battery;
Entrance Fees:
- Malaysians – Adult RM3, Below 18 RM1
Non-Malaysians – Adult RM15, Below 18 RM10
Compulsory Guide:
- (Timpohon Gate / Peak / Timpohon Gate)
1-3 Climbers RM70
4-6 Climbers RM74
7-8 Climbers RM80
- (Timpohon / Peak / Mesilau Trail)
1-3 Climbers – RM80.00 per trip
4-6 Climbers – RM86.00 per trip
7-8 Climbers – RM92.00 per trip
- (Mesilau Trail / Peak / Mesilau Trail)
1-3 Climbers – RM84.00 per trip
4-6 Climbers – RM90.00 per trip
7-8 Climbers – RM100.00 per trip
Climbing permit: This will be checked at both Laban Rata and the Sayat-Sayat hut.
- Malaysians: Adult RM30, Below 18 RM12
Non – Malaysians: Adult RM100, Below 18 RM40
Insurance: RM7
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