Mount Kinabalu: All You Need To Know

When it comes to visiting Sabah, the best thing you could possibly do is to challenge yourself on a hike in Mount Kinabalu. The majestic Mount Kinabalu sits on the Crocker Range, at 4,095 meters tall, on the west coast of Sabah, Borneo. Furthermore, it’s the tallest mountain in Malaysia and lies within the Kinabalu National Park.

The 8.72 kilometres trek to the summit can be taken on by any reasonably fit and healthy person, with adequate preparation. Therefore, many have taken up the challenge to conquer Mount Kinabalu, and most do succeed. If you’re interested in climbing this grand mountain, read on!

How To Get To Mount Kinabalu?

From Kota Kinabalu City Centre:

©Photo by Rustam on Adobe Stock

It takes about 2 hours to reach Kinabalu Park from the city of Kota Kinabalu, the capital of Sabah.

You can catch a shared taxi or minivan from Padang Merdeka. The shared taxis and mini-vans don’t have a fixed schedule and will only leave when the vehicle is full. However, you can pay for the remaining slots if you wish to leave immediately. 

Alternatively, take the coach from the Bus Terminal bound for Ranau, Tawau, or Sandakan in Inanam. These coaches pass by Kinabalu National Park but you’ll have to tell the bus captain to drop you off at the park entrance.

From Kota Kinabalu Airport:

© Photo by Tomiqta on Wikimedia Commons

Firstly, take the airport shuttle bus (for a fee) to reach the city center, and get off at Padang Merdeka. Then, catch a minivan or a shared taxi to Kinabalu National Park.

Opening Hours Of Kinabalu National Park

The National Park is open from 9 am to 4 pm daily.

However, you have to register for your climb by 10.30 am latest at the Park HQ (earliest at 7 am). After 11 am, you will not be allowed to trek up Mount Kinabalu.

Duration Of The Mount Kinabalu Climb

The standard or quickest time travelers take to reach Mount Kinabalu’s summit and back down is 2 days and 1 night. You can’t do a 1-day hike up and down Mount Kinabalu as it’s temporarily suspended by Sabah Parks for safety reasons. As a result, you have to stay overnight on the mountain.

It takes around 5 hours to reach Panalaban Base Camp (where accommodations are) from Timpohon Gate (the starting point of the trek). After staying overnight at Panalaban, it takes another 3.5 hours to reach the summit. To be on time to watch the sunrise at the peak, you have to leave the base camp by 2 am.

After that, trek back down to the base camp. You will then stay longer if you have plans to do Ferrata climbing. Otherwise, you can start your descent.

The Starting Journey to Mount Kinabalu – Day 1

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There’s only one starting point – at the Timpohon Gate, just before Carson Waterfall. It’s best if you get an early start so you can rest enough for the trek up the summit the next day, and to account for any unexpected delays along the way.

From the Timpohon Gate, you’ll take around 5 or so hours (depending on your physical fitness) to trek around 6 kilometres up to Panalaban Base Camp. There are many, many steps, and you can also expect steeper and rockier terrain the higher you go.

There are also several shelters or rest stops along the way that are pretty evenly spaced out. So don’t worry if you feel like you need to take a breather before marching on. You should also stop for a light packed lunch. Furthermore, there is an abundance of vegetation and a variety of flora surrounding the trail. You can take the chance to observe the wildlife during your rest stops.

By the time you reach Panalaban Base Camp, it should be in the late afternoon between 2 pm to 4 pm. Subsequently, check into your lodging and note the three meal times. Once you have your dinner, get an early rest for the climb the next day.

Reaching the Peak of The Mount Kinabalu – Day 2

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You have to wake up the next day around 2 am or earlier. After supper, make the final leg of your journey to Mount Kinabalu’s summit. It’ll take you around 3.5 hours to climb up the remaining 2.72 kilometres through the Ranau Trail. This is the toughest part of the ascent because of the dark and there’s a section where you’ll have to climb with ropes and ladders that are there.

When you finally reach the top, you’ll be treated with the breathtaking sight of the sunrise along with an overwhelming sense of achievement. Be sure to take lots of photos!

The Descent of Mount Kinabalu

When you’re done marveling at the beautiful landscape, you can start your descent back to Panalaban. There’s breakfast at Panalaban for you too and afterward, you can continue to make your way down Mount Kinabalu. The time taken to trek down should be a little lesser compared to your ascent, assuming relatively calm weather. Your ending point is the same as your starting point – the Timpohon Gate.

Via Ferrata

© Photo by Travelmate Holidays Sdn. Bhd. on flickr

However, if you’re engaging in the Ferrata activity, you’ll do it after you return to Panalaban. There are two types of Ferrata activity – Walk the Torq and Low’s Peak Circuit. They’re more challenging than your usual climb on Mount Kinabalu due to the vertical incline.

Walk the Torq is comparatively easier as opposed to Low’s Peak Circuit. In addition, it takes around 3 hours and 5 hours respectively to complete the activity. However, there are several attractions in each course that will definitely make the experience worthwhile.

Certainly, you can choose to go through with just the Ferrata route on Mount Kinabalu. It’s less common as most people prefer to climb to the summit and if feeling adventurous, do the Ferrata as an additional activity afterward.

Pro-tip: Plan your timings ahead of time or with enough time to spare in case there are unexpected delays.

Preparations Before Your Mount Kinabalu Climb

Get a Climbing Permit

A climbing permit is absolutely necessary for your Mount Kinabalu climb. There are only a limited number of permits issued for each day so do get them as early as you can. The climbing permit is tied to accommodation so you have to secure an accommodation first.

Buy Climbing Insurance

You have to buy the compulsory climbing insurance too. It’s also recommended for you to buy your own travel insurance in addition to this. This is part of the booking fee when you book a permit.

Accommodation

Because of the limited number of climbing permits issued, you have to book your accommodation for at least 6 months in advance.

If you aren’t booking a climbing package with a tour operator, you can still book lodging in Laban Rata Resthouse via Sutera Sanctuary Lodges who own the lodgings there.

What To Expect On Mount Kinabalu

© Photo by HK.Colin on flickr

There are three places climbers can stay overnight on Mount Kinabalu: Laban Rata Rest House, Pendant Hut, and Lemaing Hut. They’re all located at the Panalaban Base Camp. 

Note: The prices listed below are for 2 Days 1 Night stay and include meals, and are also subject to changes. The 3 Days 2 Nights packages tend to have an extra day stay at Kinabalu National Park before your climb.

In Kinabalu National Park:

There are also accommodations available in the park itself. You can choose to stay in the park a day before your Mount Kinabalu climb or if you would like to explore the park prior to the climb. 

Hire A Mountain Guide

Unlike other mountains, Sabah Parks has also made it compulsory for every climber to have a (shared) guide if you want to climb Mount Kinabalu. However, one mountain guide is only allowed to take a maximum of 5 climbers above 16 years; a maximum of 2 climbers below 16 years. This is to be paid via cash in Kinabalu National Park.

Park Entry / Conservation Fee

Mount Kinabalu is in the National Park, thus, to enter the park, you’ll need to pay an entry fee. This is also to be paid in cash in the park.

TL;DR: Total mandatory costs for international adult travellers = from RM 1,761 (422.45 USD)

Though optional and largely unnecessary, especially if you’re on a budget, you can also hire a porter to carry your bag(s) up Mount Kinabalu. The rate starts from RM 65 (15.55 USD) per way (for the maximum weight of 10 kg). The cost also varies depending on your destination.

You’re also free to opt-out of the climb certificate that cost RM10 (2.40 USD).

© Photo by Cody Black on Unsplash

Booking A Tour For Mount Kinabalu

You can book a tour for Mount Kinabalu from any licensed tour operators such as Amazing Borneo and River Junkie Tours, either online or physically. Additionally, most tour packages come with a Mount Kinabalu climbing permit, accommodation, climbing insurance, and a (shared) mountain guide.

This option, though more expensive, is generally more convenient as the agencies handle everything for you. Most also provide transport for you and will bring to and from Kota Kinabalu to Mount Kinabalu.

However, you should still check the details carefully and make sure that everything is accounted for. This is because some of the more simple tour packages may not include a mountain guide.

Best Time To Go

Between March and September is the best time to climb Mount Kinabalu due to the drier period. If you decide to go during the wetter season, be prepared for the heavy rainfall and slippery slopes. However, due to the tropical climate of Sabah, Borneo, there’s still a chance of rain even during the drier period.

These cover all the essential things you need to know if you want to climb Mount Kinabalu. While it’s important to enjoy yourself, it’s equally important to follow your guide’s instructions (they are experienced and know the best!).