WHOA is proud to announce Mountain Torq's(MT) unique adventure in Kota Kinabalu's UNESCO world heritage site, Mount Kinabalu. Professionally managed by a team from Malaysia and Singapore, they have established new records in Malaysia:
- At 3,800m, Mountain Torq has the world’s highest via feratta
- Establishing South East Asia’s first mountaineering training center - launching 2008
Whether you have been to Mount Kinabalu or not, MT now has another reason why you should be heading up there. You don't need to be an experienced mountain climber to go up the Via Feratta. We just need you to have an adventurous spirit and have little fear of heights. The paths up to Laban Rata base camp are now a little wider and the rest areas along the trek have been spruced up with bricks and new roofs.
Alpne rock/sports climbing available now!
The air upthere...
Having experienced the adventure first hand, I can pledge to its WOW factor. Battling the early morning chill, initial fear of the heights and mild altitude discomfort, the activities offered are not for the weak-hearted. If you are afraid heights then this adventure may not be for you as you will be walking on vertical surfaces as well as crossing valleys on cable lines. All this done possibly in wretched weather conditions. Although you will be led by an experienced guide (Ratio 1:6 Lows Peak Circuit/Preamble and 1:10 Walk the Torq), there will be responsibility to yourself and other participants as all of you will be linked together with each person having the task of handling their own safety mechanism.
Proper mountain attire allows you to endure the weather.
Check out the map of VIA FERATTA ROUTES!
What do I get to do?
Experience the highest peak in South East Asia at the break of dawn and then top it up by walking the highest Via Feratta in the world.
Is it Safe?
Besides a helmet and training before the activity, you have double safety on the climb. A climber wears a harness clipped to a steel cable along the route and a second line is clipped to the next climber or the guide.
The steel cables that line the route can hold up to 3,000kg of weight. The ladder rungs and footholds can withstand up to 300kg of weight. The routes have been set up by the best via feratta builders from Europe and its no wonder that MT has been been awarded a certificate of compliance based on European safety standards for Via Feratta.
The routes will go through a full maintenance check. every 3 years.
The company only takes on a maximum of 30 guests per day. The ratio is one trainer to ten(10) guests (Walk the Torq), and one to six(6) for Low’s Peak Circuit/Preamble. LPC and Preamble are basically the same depending on which direction you go.
Adventure Rating and Remarks/ Requirements
A
must do actvity if you aren't afraid of heights. Go to Low's Peak for the sunrise then spend the later morning on
Walk the Torq or
Preamble/Low's Peak Circuit. VIA FERATTA ROUTES
REQUIREMENTS: Participants must be less than 100kg and at least 1.3m tall.
Accommodation
Mountain Torq offers you their own brand spanking new dorm accommodation, Pendant Huts, if you are taking up their activities. Only 30 bunk beds available.
They have also taken over management of final check point Sayat Sayat Hut for future alpine climbing activities. 10 bunk beds.
If you intend to stay a night at either Kinabalu Nature Park(Timpohon Trail) to Mesilau Nature Park(Mesilau Trail) before the climb, here are the optional rates
Kinabalu Nature Park
Check-in before 10pm, Climb registration 7.30am-5pm
RM90 per pax dorm
(below per room/lodge unit)
RM250-350 for twin share room at different lodges, subject to availability
RM470-600 for 4pax lodge, subject to availability
No 6pax
Mesilau Nature Park (about 30minutes from KNP)
Check-in before 10pm, Climb registration close 7.30am-5pm
RM90 per pax for dorm
(below per room/lodge unit)
RM250 for twin share room
RM640 for 4pax lodge
RM690 for 6pax lodge
RM760 for 6pax lodge with kitchen, satellite TV & living room
*times listed above may be inaccurate, best to arrive earlier.
ITINERARY & RATE 2008
2 Day 1 Night Mount Kinabalu Summit and Low's Peak Circuit or Preamble (SB/KKMKVFA2)
SPECIAL RATE!! RM590 per pax (international rate). RM570 per pax (Malaysian Citizen). Minimum 2 traveler and above
This is an independent traveler package where you will find your own way to the park and arrange your own permit, insurance, park fee and mountain guide. The dawn summit will be organised between yourself and the mountain guide. The package includes VF guide, 1 activity of Low's Peak Circuit or Preamble route, Non heated Dorm Accommodation at exclusive Pendant Hut with sleeping bag, 1 Buffet Dinner at Laban Rata Restaurant, 1 Simple breakfast
2 Day 1 Night Mount Kinabalu Summit and Low's Peak Circuit or Preamble (SB/KKMKVFB2) WITH PRIVATE TRANSFER
SPECIAL RATE!! RM730 per pax for Minimum 4pax (Timpohon trail)
Inclusive of Private 2 way transfer KK-KNP(direct to Timpohon Gate - no waiting for others), Via Feratta Guide/Trainer, 1 activity of Low's Peak Circuit or Preamble, Non heated Dorm Accommodation at exclusive Pendant Hut with sleeping bag, 1 Buffet Dinner at Laban Rata Restaurant, 1 Simple breakfast
PACKAGES ABOVE EXCLUDES the standard summit climbing registration at Sabah Parks: climbing permits, mountain guide, insurance, certificate which you can easily arrange at Kinabalu Park or Mesilau Nature Park Office before climb. See the fees at bottom page here
*extra transport charge for Mesilau Trail
**Rate & Itinerary subject to change without prior notice.
|
Day
|
Low's Peak Circuit
(LPC) |
The Preamble
|
Walk the Torq
(WTT)
|
|
Day 1 early morning to early afternoon
|
6-7 hr hike up to your Laban Rata accommodations with Sabah Park’s Mountain Guides via Timpohon Trail or Mesilau Trail (1.5km longer)
|
|
Day 1 early afternoon
|
Via Ferrata familiarization
|
Walk the Torq
|
Day 2
2 - 3 am |
Hike up to Low's Peak with your Sabah Park Mountain Guide
|
Sleep
|
Hike up to Low's Peak with Sabah Park Mountain Guide
|
|
Day 2
6 am
*LPC cut off 7am
*WTT cut off 7.30am
MT is very strick on cut off times.
|
Meet MT Trainers at Sayat Sayat, start Low's Peak circuit
|
Meet MT Trainers at Laban Rata for Preamble circuit
|
Back up day for Walk the Torq circuit
|
Day 2
late morning |
Complete via ferrata, meet your Sabah Park Mountain Guides and descend to Park HQ
|
Individual Activity Cost
Walk the Torq (SB/KKMKWT)
Price TBC
Take your first steps on the world's highest via ferrata and learn how to walk the Torq.
Who is it for?
An initiation for those who want to build their confidence in via ferrata climbing.
Grading - Easy - Everyone between 10 to 70
Duration 2 hours
The Low’s Peak Circuit (SB/KKMKWLPC)
Price TBC
Hike up to Low's Peak, Mt Kinabalu's highest point at 4,095m. On descent, take a via ferrata detour to see stunning views and explore hidden corners of the mountain plateau.
Who is it for?
Physically demanding, for those who are sure-footed, not fearful of heights, want to scale Southeast Asia's highest point and the World's highest via ferrata.
Grading Intermediate - Everyone between 10 to 70
Duration 4 - 5 hours (Walk the Torq included)
The Preamble (SB/KKMKPR)
Price TBC
Explore areas normally accessible only to rock climbers. Traverse vertical rock faces on the via ferrata and take in a bird's eye view of the Kinabalu forest.
Who is it for?
For those who want the full via ferrata experience
Grading Easy to Intermediate - Everyone between 10 to 70
Duration 3 - 4 hours (Walk the Torq included)
What does it include?
Via Feratta Guides/Trainers, training and Via Feratta climbing harness
What does it exclude?
Standard summit climb registration at Kinabalu Nature Park or Mesilau Nature Park (
rates at bottom page here) - this is easily arranged when you arrive. Other items not included: Gratuity tips, meals not listed, snacks. Please note that food at Laban Rata is more expensive. You may carry your own food up. Kitchen facilities are basic.
Please provide yourself additional travel insurance and know your physical and mental limits before exerting on high-altitude activites.
What to wear/bring?
Keep yourself light.
Wear breathable/quick-dry clothing, good condition hiking/trekking shoes preferably waterproof, hat/woolen cap, sunblock, Running shoes not suitable for slippery-when-wet surfaces on summit.
Important to have waterproof(preferred) tough gloves to hold cable/rope and head lamp (preferred over handheld).
Bring walking stick (a wooden stick can be purchased at Timpohon gate and may be at Mesilau) for hike up and down Laban Rata, personal medication, sunglasses, small first aid kit, water bottle (can be refilled with mountain water - use purification tablets if you need), a warm sweater, raincoat/windbreaker, towel, energy bars/snacks/drinks (especially if you do not want to purchase food in Laban Rata), extra batteries for camera(There are electrical points at Laban Rata to recharge batteries) and a waterproof daypack to hold everything. For additional warmth, bring your own sleeping bag/blanket/extra clothing.
**During Low's Peak Circuit or Preamble activity, bring your daypack to carry your own snacks & drink.
***Mobile/Cellular network coverage may be available at certain spots at Laban Rata.
Best time to visit
Available year round. Weather is usually better during non monsoon periods (Mar-Sept).
Getting Here
From Kuala Lumpur, you can choose to either fly via Malaysia Airlines (MAS) or AirAsia to Kota Kinabalu.
There are taxi and mini-buses (or van) from the open-air Kota Kinabalu Bus station to Kinabalu Nature Park. The station is located in the heart of town. Kota Kinabalu town is a compact town where almost every location is in walking distance.
Responsible Tourism practices
This is a responsible operator who employs Kinabalu mountain guides and equips them with professional mountain climbing skills and customer service training. The equipment used are world class standards and constantly checked for safety.
They have invested substantially into contructing the Pendant Hut at Laban Rata and taken over the management plus improved the conditions of the old final checkpoint hut, Sayat Sayat. These accommodations will ensure the guides and guests are provided with a comfortable rest before the strenuous activities.
Non biodegradable waste are taken down to Kinabalu Nature Park.