Sacred mountain – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Mount Kinabalu is not directly affected by the 2 monsoon seasons – Sabah

You can also get cheaper tickets to climb Mount Kinabalu during the wet season and have more flexibility to choose your climbing dates. While all these seem great, be prepared to take on a more challenging hike due to the slippery terrain and frequent rainfall. 

How to get to Mount Kinabalu?

 

 

Kinabalu Park Premier Chalet -Rajah Lodge, Ranau Sabah

Kinabalu Park Premier Chalet room

 

How to climb Mount Kinabalu?

 

How many trails are there to climb Mount Kinabalu summit?

The 2 trails at Panalaban Basecamp – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

 

If you’re still undecided on which trail to choose, here is a comparison guide to help you:-

Ranau Trail (Standard Route)

• Ranau trail took 3 months to complete and opened on December 2015 after the old route became unusable due to large fallen rocks after the earthquake
• This trail is slightly longer (60m) and easier than than the Kota Belud Trail, offering hikers a spectacular view of the mountain
• Ranau Trail has a total distance of 1.27km from the Panalaban Basecamp to the Sayat-Sayat Checkpoint
• No restriction on number of hikers who which to summit using this trail (climbing permit capped at 135 daily)
• Guide to Hiker ratio of 1:5, meaning 1 guide can only take along a maximum of 5 hikers
• At the start of the trail, expect to climb up the ”endless” wooden flight stairs which seem to go on forever. It may be a bit challenging due to the lower level of oxygen at this level
• Enjoy the breath-taking view at the Aki Point Viewing Platform
• As you make your descend from the summit, you will be able to see Mount Trus Madi (2nd highest mountain in Malaysia)
• On the descend, you will come across the starting point for Mount Kinabalu’s Via Ferrata routes (Low’s Peak Circuit Trail and Walk The Torq Trail)

 

Kota Belud Trail (Alternative Route)

• Uses a combination of the older and newer route (opened in December 2016)
• The newer part of the route was constructed to avoid the landslip area after the tragic earthquake incident on June 2015
• The trail is slightly shorter than Ranau Trail covering a distance of 1.1km
• Restricted to only 30 hikers per day
• Guide to Hiker ratio of 1:3, meaning 1 guide can only take along a maximum of 3 hikers
• In the event of poor weather, hikers would not be allowed to use this route as it is very slippery
• This trail requires hikers to have above average physical fitness and no fear of heights (acrophobic)
• You will encounter slopes that are inclined at 60°, requiring the use of ropes, wooden steps and walking on the igneous rock
• Throughout the trail you will have a beautiful view of Mount Trus Madi
• On the descend, you will come across the starting point for Mountain Torq Via Ferrata routes (Low’s Peak Circuit Trail and Walk The Torq Trail)

Wooden steps on Kota Belud Trail – Mount Kinbalu, Sabah

 

 

View of Mount. Trus Madi – Sabah

 

You may be wondering, what is Via Ferrata?

Well, the word “via ferrata” is an Italian word which means “iron path“. This iron path refers to a passage consisting of a series of metal rails, rungs, cables and bridges which are attached to the mountain’s rocky surface. These pathways enables access to tricky sections of the mountains, giving you an unforgettable experience. If climbing up Mount Kinabalu isn’t challenging enough for you, then we would suggest you to try taking on the Mountain Torq. 

What is Mountain Torq and how can I participate?

Located at Mount Kinabalu’s Panalaban cliff face, is Mountain Torq – the highest via ferrata in the world. Lead by an experienced mountain guide, you can choose from the 2 Via Ferrata routes; Walk the Torq (WTT) and Low’s Peak Circuit (LPC). Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned hiker, both these routes are absolutely spectacular and a “must try” if you are an adrenaline junkie. You can access the Mountain Torq only during your descend from Low’s Peak Summit to Panalaban Base. 

 

The 2 Via Ferrata routes – Mountain Torq, Sabah (Image credit: mountkinabalu)

Comparison guide between the 2 Via Ferrata Mountain Torq routes:-

 

1. Walk The Torq (WTT)

• Best for beginners to try out
• Covers a total distance of 380m
• Difficulty: Easy (French PD, Italian 2A)
• Duration: 2-3 hours
• Elevation of 3,520m/11,548ft
• Experience the Monkey Bridge and climb up the Rogimut Ladder
• Test your balancing skills on the Balancing beam

Walk The Torq – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah (Image credit: mountkinabalu)

Walk The Torq – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Rogimut Ladder, Walk The Torq – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Test your balancing skills at the Monkey Bridge – Mountain Torq, Sabah

2. Low’s Peak Circuit (LPC)

• More suitable for the experienced climber
• Covers a total distance of 1.1km
• Difficulty: Moderate (French AD, Italian 3C)
• Duration: 4-6 hours
• Elevation of 3,776m/12388ft (The world’s highest Via Ferrata certified by Guinness World Records!)
• Face your fears by walking on the suspension bridge at 3,600m/11,811ft above sea level (One of the highest in the world)
• The trail takes you along the Walk the Torq route, so you can have a full Via Ferrata experience 

Low’s Peak Circuit – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah (Image credit: mountkinabalu)

Low’s Peak Circuit Briefing Area – Mountain Torq – Sabah

Walk on one of the world’s highest suspension bridge – Mountain Torq – Sabah

Low’s Peak Circuit climbers – Mountain Torq, Sabah

Not for the faint hearted – Low’s Peak Circuit, Mountain Torq – Sabah

Minimum requirements to participate in the Via Ferrata Mountain Torq:-

• No acrophobia (fear of heights), fit and healthy
• Able to hike up 3.2km in 6 hours
• Walk the Torq route (age 10 and above)
• Low’s Peak Circuit (age 17 and above)
• Minimum height of 1.3m
• Maximum of 6 hikers per group

How long is the hike to Mount Kinabalu’s summit?

The total distance from the Timpohon Gate (starting point) to Low’s Peak (summit) is 8.72km. The trek usually takes 2 days to complete. On the 1st day, hikers will need to trek 6km to reach the Laban Rata Rest House (Panalaban), which is at 3,273m/10,738 ft high. Depending on your fitness level, it should take approximately 4-5 hours to reach the rest house. 

Mount Kinabalu Summit Trail – Sabah (Image credit: Amazing Borneo)

On the 2nd day, you will need to cover another 2.72km to reach Low’s Peak just in time for sunrise and then make your way back down to Timpohon Gate. On average it should take around 3 hours to climb from Panalaban to the summit and another 6-7 hours to descend to Timpohon Gate.  

 

The summit trail from Panalaban Basecamp (Laban Rata)

If all this sounds too overwhelming, don’t worry as just about anyone can hike up Mount Kinabalu, provided they have an average physical fitness. The record for the youngest person to climb up this majestic mountain is a 9 month old baby (carried by the father) and the oldest person to ever climb up is a 83 year old New Zealander. So there’s no reason why you can’t do it! 

 

Anyone can climb Mount Kinabalu – Sabah

Now, you might wonder what’s the fastest time to climb up and down Mount Kinabalu? During the annual Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon, these world champion mountain runners have been known to accomplish this feat in just over 2 hours, covering a total distance of 26km. However due to Mount Kinabalu’s increasing popularity as an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the climbathon is no longer held since 2017 to preserve the site.

Mount Kinabalu annual climbathon – Sabah

Fastest time to scale Mount Kinabalu – Sabah

Useful tips 

• Staying overnight in Kinabalu Park/Kundasang Highlands (1,500m/4,921ft) before your climb helps you to acclimatise to the altitude changes while climbing
• Carry only the necessary items along, limiting the weight to 4-8kg
• Take along sufficient warm clothes for the summit climb
• Use proper trekking shoes
• Bring a raincoat in case it rains
• Bring along salt sticks, energy bars and sports drinks (100 Plus/Gatorade/etc) 
• Carry some cash along as you won’t be able to use credit card at Panalaban Basecamp
• Wear your ID Tags at all time
• Avoid having a large breakfast before the climb
• We suggest you to carry a trekking pole as it helps give you more grip and stability at the steeper surfaces

Energy bars

Sports drinks

How and what to pack for Mount Kinabalu climb (Image credit: borneocalling)

• Don’t rest too long if you feel tired, try to walk around or stand up
• You can refill your water bottles at each shelter, however it is not recommended if you have a sensitive stomach
• For the summit climb, you will need to carry a headlamp/torchlight and gloves to hold on to the ropes/railings
• Don’t wander too far away from your group
• The weather at the peak is around 4°C/39.2°F or lower
• Once you’re done taking your photos, give way to other hikers to take photos
• As the mountain is believed to be sacred, do not engage in public nudity/make loud noises
• On the descend, walk in a zig-zag direction to avoid slipping and to reduce joint pain
• Have your breakfast at Laban Rata before making the final descend to Timpohon Gate

Our experience climbing Mount Kinabalu

We had always talked about climbing Mount Kinabalu but hadn’t thought of actually doing it. So, after procrastinating for some time, we finally decided to go for it. As we were already staying in Kota Kinabalu, we headed to the Sabah Park HQ which is located at KK Times Square to enquire about the booking slots. At that time the slots were all taken up and we had to wait for the next session to open. 

Time to take on the challenge – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

The roads here have the best view of Mount Kinabalu – Sabah

Fast forward 8 months later, and we were on our way to Kinabalu Park a day before our climb. A few days before we were supposed to climb Mount Kinabalu, there was a tremor at Ranau area. The tremor rekindled memories of the 2015 earthquake which hit Sabah. At that time, all the roads were inaccessible due to the severe damage the earthquake caused. Medical and rescue teams raced to Mount Kinabalu to carry the injured and bodies of those who perished during the climb. It was definitely a tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers goes to the unsung mountain guide heroes that day.

 

The 2015 earthquake which affected Mount Kinabalu – Sabah (Image credit:borneopost)

The roads in Ranau area in 2015 after the earthquake – Sabah

Rescue units rushing to evacuate climbers in 2015 – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Comparison before and after the 2015 earthquake – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

At that time when we were travelling to Kinabalu Park (2018), the roads were just slightly damaged and the trails to the summit was not affected. After taking all things into consideration, we still decided to go on with the climb, even though Sabah Parks offered to postpone our trip. We had been waiting for this opportunity for ages and it would be a waste not to go for it.

 

During our time, the road conditions was not that bad – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

As we didn’t want to tire ourselves driving early in the morning before the climb, we decided to come a day earlier to check out the area. We stayed at a nearby resort in Kundasang which is located around 10 minutes away from Kinabalu Park. A lot of locals travel to this area for quick getaway and to enjoy the cool weather here ranging from 16 °C to 26 °C.  

Day 1 – Excited and ready to take on Mount Kinabalu!

We started off the morning with a beautiful view of Mount Kinabalu from our resort. After having our breakfast, we headed to the Kinabalu Park around 7 am to register our attendance and collect our ID Tags. We then attended the safety briefing and met up with our designated mountain guide. At around 9 am, we took the park’s shuttle bus from Kinabalu Park HQ to Timpohon Gate, which is located around 5.5km away. 

 

A misty morning – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Wear your ID Tags at all time – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Kinabalu Park HQ – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Timpohon Gate – starting point (Mount Kinabalu, Sabah)

The starting point of the trail started off with a descent towards Carson’s Fall, which was named after Kinabalu Park first warden. We made a quick stop here for some photos before resuming our journey on the Timpohon Trail. The first 4km of the Timpohon trail is quite easy going as the paths are made up with steps to assist your ascend. 

As you make your way up, you will pass by several shelters (Pondoks), where you can sit down to rest or refill your water bottles. Kandis Shelter is 1st stop after close to 1km of hiking at 1,981m/6,500ft.

 

Kandis Shelter – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Borneo pitcher plants (Nepenthes lowii) – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

 

Drenched in sweat and rain, we continued on to the 4th shelter, Mempening Shelter at 2,516m/8,254ft. Along the way you will spot the beautiful rhododendrons shrubs and wild begonias growing beside the trails. After admiring the plants and wildlife here, we pushed on to Layang-Layang (Swallow’s Place) which is located 4km on the Timpohon Trail. As you trek here, you will come across a pathway leading to the old, Mesilau Trail. This trail is closed indefinitely as many of the paths are inaccessible due to the earthquake which occurred a few years earlier.

 

Rhododendrons – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Look out for the rhododendrons shrubs – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Still in high spirits – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Still in high spirits – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

The closed Mesilau trail – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Layang – Layang Shelter – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

As it stopped raining, we kept our raincoats and proceeded to the 5th shelter, Villosa Shelter at 2,691m/8,828ft. From here onwards, the forest appears to have a stunted growth and you can clearly see how high Mount Kinabalu really is. After having our energy drinks again, we continued hiking till we reached the 6th shelter, Paka Shelter (3,080m/10,104ft). If you still have the energy to do some exploring, check out the Paka Cave located nearby. It is at this huge overhanging rock, where the first Mount Kinabalu explorers spent the night. 

 

Villosa Shelter – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Paka Cave – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Trek another 500m to 1km and you will arrive at Panalaban Basecamp (3,272m/10,734ft), where you will reach your accommodation for the night. It is at this spot, “Panar Laban” – sacrifice place, where Sir Hugh Low and the local guides performed a ritual ceremony to seek for safe passage and pacify the ancestor spirits for their disturbance at the sacred mountain. This tradition is still carried on every year, especially when there is a huge expedition or event here. There are currently 3 different accommodations to choose from in Panalaban; Laban Rata Resthouse, Pendant House and Lemaing Hut. 

Laban Rata Resthouse

• Operated by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges
• Very convenient as the resthouse is located above the main cafeteria and briefing hall
• Offers a variety of lodgings from private rooms to unisex dormitory

 

Laban Rata Resthouse – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Private rooms – Laban Rata Resthouse, Mount Kinabalu – Sabah

Dormitory – Laban Rata Resthouse, Mount Kinabalu – Sabah

Pendant Hut

• Located around 7-8 minutes away from Laban Rata Resthouse cafeteria
• The accommodation is prioritized for Via Ferrata climbers
• Offers a variety of lodgings from private rooms to unisex dormitory bunk beds
• Home to the world’s highest post box at 3,289m/10,790ft above sea level 
• Has its own lounge area and mini library

 

Pendant Hut – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Pendant Hut lounge area – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Pendant Hut facilities – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Lemaing Hut

• Located 5 minutes away from Laban Rata Resthouse cafeteria
• This is the most basic accommodation among the 3
• The lodgings here contains a unisex dormitory bunk bed a shared toilet 

 

Lemaing Hut – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

The bunk beds in the dormitory – Lemaing Hut, Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Since we were on a budget, we took the standard package which comes with the Lemaing Hut accommodation. Once we reached Panalaban Basecamp, we went to our dormitory to freshen up and relax. The temperature here ranges from a comfortable 16 °C during the day to a chilly 6 °C at night, so make sure to change to a warm clothing.  

After relaxing for a few hours, we decided to do a bit of exploring at the basecamp. There is only one cafeteria at Panalaban Basecamp, and it is located at the Laban Rata Resthouse.

All of the packages to climb Mount Kinabalu is inclusive of accommodation and meals, so you won’t have to worry about bringing extra food. However, if you want to have something different other than the buffet meals provided, then you will have to fork out a bit of extra cash. We had an early dinner at the cafeteria and then went back to the dormitory for some rest. 

Day 2 – Trekking in darkness to Mount Kinabalu’s summit

We didn’t really sleep that night due to the constant chatter and snoring from the other guests at the dormitory. It rained again throughout the night, which made us doubtful on whether scaling the summit was possible. According to our guide, usually if it continues raining up till 3 – 4am, there is a very high possibility that the summit attempt will be cancelled due to poor visibility and strong winds. 

Panalaban Basecamp at night – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Since we were unable to sleep, we repacked our bags instead and only carried what we needed to the summit. The briefing for the final leg up to the summit usually begins at 2am, so make sure you set your alarm to avoid oversleeping. Fortunately for us, the rain subsided and the summit attempt for that morning was permitted. We were excited and got ready for the briefing. 

Briefing before the climb – Mountain Torq, Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Before you go for your briefing, make sure to eat something as the final hike begins right after that. Take along your warm clothes, gloves and headlamps with you as they will be required to the ascend. At around 3am, we began our slow ascend to Low’s Peak. We could barely feel our fingers and toes as it was really windy and cold during our ascend. 

You can’t really see much during the hike, except for the light beams of the hikers in front of you trekking higher and higher the mountain. After about an hour hiking, you will reach final shelter, Sayat-Sayat Hut at 3,668m/12,034ft. At this hut, your permit will once again be checked and recorded to ensure that you receive your Mount Kinabalu climber certificate. 

 

Can’t see much in the dark – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

The summit attempt begins – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

From this point onwards, the terrain changes into a rough granite slab and becomes steeper. Ropes and railings are attached to the tricky parts of the terrain for you to hold on to. Do watch your steps as the surface here can get slippery. A fall here could spell disaster for your summit climb. As we ascended to the summit, we found ourselves taking deeper and longer breaths due of the lower oxygen levels. We took multiple breaks along the way to catch our breath and gaze at the beautiful starry night.  

 

After hiking close to 3 hours in the dark, we finally reached Low’s Peak, the summit of Mount Kinabalu. It seemed unreal to be standing above the clouds, looking at the mesmerising sunrise from the summit. We’d even found bits of ice near the summit, as a result of the heavy rain the night earlier. As it can be quite windy and cold at the the peak, it is not recommended to stay too long here.   

 

Sunrise at Mount Kinabalu – Sabah

Sitting at the edge of the summit – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Don’t get too close to the edge – Summit Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Low’s Peak Mount Kinabalu – Sabah

Unique rocks at the summit – Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Ice on Mount Kinabalu – Sabah

Standing on top of the world – Summit Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

Once we were done taking photos, we started our descent to Panalaban Basecamp. It was definitely easier to descend than climb, however since it was already bright and sunny, we could clearly see the steepness of the terrain. To ensure that we didn’t slip down the mountain, we walked in a zig-zag pattern and used our trekking poles for more support. 2 hours later and we were back at the basecamp, having our breakfast and replenishing our energy before the final descent to the foothill.

 

We took another 4 hours for the descent and finally reached the Timpohon Gate around 1pm. Even though our bodies were aching and exhausted from all the trekking, we were ecstatic as we had finally accomplished one of the most challenging hikes in our lives. After at that hard work, don’t forget to collect your climbers certificate before you leave at the Kinabalu Park HQ. 

So there you have it! Everything you need to know about Mount Kinabalu is all in your fingertips now. Hopefully we managed to inspire you to climb Mount Kinabalu the next time you make your way to Sabah.