Mount Kinabalu Climb Via Ferrata with Walk The Torq
The word “via ferrata,” taken from an Italian expression, literally translates as “Iron Road,” and refers to mountain pathways made up of permanent cables, ladders, and bridges. Sabah’s Via Ferrata, at 3,800m above sea level, is the highest in the world and Asia’s sole via ferrata, clinging to the slopes of Mount Kinabalu’s less-traveled paths. There is no prior rock climbing or mountaineering experience necessary, but a head for heights, reasonable stamina and a sense of adventure are essential.
There are several routes available to meet various climbers’ skills and degrees of endurance. Walk the Torq circuit offers beginner-friendly routes as well as the challenging Lows Peak circuit for intermediate-level excursions with above-average fitness.
Walk the Torq
The Walk The Torq via Ferrata route is geared toward beginners. Families can also participate in the 3D2N Via Ferrata Walk The Torq, as children as young as ten years old are permitted. Over 60-year-olds are welcome to join this safe and enjoyable adventure.
The trail takes around 2-3 hours to complete and provides breathtaking vistas of the mountain that only Via Ferrata can offer.
Walk the Torq route
Climbers descend from the summit of Low’s Peak along the standard hiking track to the start of the Walk the Torq via Ferrata at 3,520m above sea level.
The path is 430m long and has a 109m vertical height climb; it concludes at 3,411m altitude.
Disclaimer: Image taken from Mount Torq
DAY 1 – Kota Kinabalu / Nabalu Market / Kundasang Resort
- Your Mount Kinabalu Climb Via Ferrata will normally begin with a pick-up around12noon onward (depending on accommodation and other guests.
- Upon arrival at Kinabalu Park HQ, we will register you for the climb the following day; Proceed to check in to your accommodation (Kundasang Highland Resort).
- At your own pace, enjoy dinner at the restaurant, and be sure to get an early night’s sleep for your climb the following day.
Meals: Dinner
DAY 2 – Kundasang Resort / Kinabalu Park HQ – Ascend / Pendant Hut (Dorm)
- Wake up for a breakfast at the restaurant. Check out & proceed to Kinabalu Park HQ. Meet your guide and our driver around 8:30 – 9:00 am), collect your packed lunch for the day, and wait for your transfer to Timpohon Gate (1,829m).
- From here you will begin your climb to PanaLaban Hostel (3,353 m), your accommodation for the evening. Along the route to your accommodation, you will pass through four different elevation zones with notable vegetation and mammals.
- Keep your eye out for the famous pitcher-plants plants or the cheeky Kinabalu Mountain shrews, endemic to Mount Kinabalu. The average time to get to Pendant Hut will take about 5 hours, this may vary depending on stops and your fitness level.
- Upon arrival, you will check into your accommodation for the evening and rest before your buffet dinner where you can enjoy the sunset from above the clouds. Once you finished, head to bed for an early night’s sleep after a long day of climbing.
- Around 3.30 pm, Via ferrata climbers are required to attend compulsory via Ferrata safety briefing at Pendant Hut and get to know their Mountain Torq Trainer. This safety briefing is compulsory as there will be NO repeat briefing. Climbers who failed to show up via ferrata safety briefing will NOT be allowed to do Via Ferrata activity the next day. Cut off time for Via Ferrata Briefing will be at 4.00 pm.
- Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, and Buffet Dinner
DAY 3 – Pendant Hut (Dorm) / Summit / Walk the Torq Activity – Descend / Kinabalu Park HQ / Kota Kinabalu
- Wake up around 2:00 am to have a quick supper before continuing the climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu (4095m).
- Your head torch will guide you through the dark as you make your way before sunrise. Reach Low’s Peak around the time the sun begins to make an appearance (weather dependent).
- Congratulations! You’ve successfully reached the highest point between the Himalayas and New Guinea, also the most prominent peak in S.E. Asia. With your guide, begin your descent back to sayat-sayat to meet your Mountain Torq Trainer @ 3,668m
- Begin your Walk The Torq via ferrata experience (introductory via ferrata, French grade PD). All climbers must arrive at the Via Ferrata starting point before 7.15 am, a climber who misses the cut-off time will not be allowed on the Via Ferrata.
- After completing the Walk The Torq Activity you may return to your accommodation at Pendant Hut for a well-earned breakfast
- Check out and meet with your guide to begin the descent back to Timpohon gate. Once you reach back to Timophon gate, meet our driver who will transfer you to Park Headquarters where you could collect your certificate saying you’ve successfully conquered Mt Kinabalu
- Have lunch at Balsam Café while waiting for any other climbers to return to Park Headquarters before departing together back to Kota Kinabalu.
- The normal departure time from Kinabalu Park is around 5 – 6 pm depending on other climbers, arriving back to Kota Kinabalu
Mountain Guide Overtime Charges
Overtime charges for mountain guides depending on arrival at Timpohon Gate on the descent day = MYR 15 per guide for every extra hour beginning at 4 p.m. (count as a group).
Transportation Overtime Charges
Transportation Overtime Charges [RM300/way/vehicle] will be applied for the following: pick-up from the airport/hotel in Kota Kinabalu city to Kinabalu Park/Poring Hot Spring after 6pm on climbing date (Day 1) AND return transfer from Kinabalu Park HQ to Kota Kinabalu city after 7pm on descent day due to climber late arrival.
About Drinking Water / Hot Water
Balsam Cafe and Laban Rata Restaurant no longer offer climbers with hot water/drinking water. Mineral water may be purchased at the grocery counter for MYR 7 for 500ml and MYR 14 for 1.5 litres. Coffee and tea will be available exclusively during the Breakfast Hour and Supper.
No Heated Shower
The power supply in Panalaban is provided by a generator set that is shared by all accommodations in Panalaban; consequently, the available produced electricity is quite restricted. As a result, hot shower is not available at all mountain hut.
