MOUNT KINABALU CLIMB TOUR DETAILS
Mount Kinabalu is an experience you’ll never forget. Located on the tropical island of Borneo, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers breathtaking beauty and world-class mountain climbing. With the two-day trek up to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, there are seven shelters along the way for refreshment breaks.
After completing the 6km journey, check into Laban Rata Hut for a chance to relax and enjoy its restaurant patio with a view of the sunrise horizon. There’s also an option to upgrade to a private room with its own ensuite bathroom – just speak to our tour expert for details!
DAY 1 – Kota Kinabalu / Kinabalu Park HQ – Ascend / Laban Rata
- The adventure begins with pick-up around 6:30 am in Kota Kinabalu (depending on accommodation and other guests) and proceeds to Kinabalu Park traversing the Crocker Range with panoramic views of the surrounding hills; the focal point of which is Mt Kinabalu.
- Upon arrival at Mount Kinabalu Park Headquarters (estimated 8:30-9:00 am), collect your packed lunch and proceed to register for your Mount Kinabalu summit climb and meet your guide for the trip. After registration, you will be transferred 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 or the cheeky Kinabalu Mountain shrews, endemic to Mount Kinabalu. The average time to get to Panar Laban Hostel 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.
Meals: Packed Lunch and Buffet Dinner
DAY 2 – Laban Rata / Summit / Kinabalu Park HQ – Descend / Kota Kinabalu
- Depending on the time your guide has told you, wake up around 2:00 am to have a quick supper at Laban Rata 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 Panalaban Hostel as you enjoy the views of the Crocker Range plateaus, valleys, and nearby villages.
- Upon arrival at Panalaban Hostel, enjoy a well-deserved breakfast before checking out and meeting 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 3 – 4 pm depending on other climbers, arriving back to Kota Kinabalu around 5-6 pm.
- Meals: Early Supper, Breakfast, Lunch
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.