The indigenous Kadazan-Dusun people refer to this mountain as 'Aki Nabalu' - the Ancestor’s Mountain. Such a grand title befits this majestic mountain at 4095 metres (above sea level), the tallest in South East Asia.
Kinabalu National Park's size of 753 square kilometres is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. It contains over 5000 species of plants (many of which are endemic), nearly 100 species of mammals and 300 species of birds.
It is also one of the easier mountains to climb due to its clearly marked trails, ropes for guidance and a gradual ascent. We suggest to bring a t least 1 walking pole or purchase a wooden one at the sundry shop at Timpohon Gate. They help with endurance and reduces wear and tear on knees especially on descent.
The entrance at Timpohon Gate to the rest point at Laban Rata resthouse (3,272m above sea level) should take 5-6 hours to reach for average fit person, after which you will check-in to dormitory style accommodation. The following morning you will leave for the ascent to the peak at 02:00 in time for sunrise and make your way back to the starting point. Ropes are fixed at difficult points and climbers should stay close to it to avoid getting lost.
Read our essential guide to climbing Mount Kinabalu here.
What do I get to do?
Hiking, Hike and Hike! Mount Kinabalu is also a birdwatching haven. Spot some of Borneo's rarest birds and elusive mammals. Discover an abundance of plant life, inlcuding orchids, rafflesia and the world's largest pitcher plants.
Adventure Rating and Remarks
5 - This is one Malaysia's best adventures. The ascent is not difficult in climbing terms but it is strenuous for people that are not very fit. The air thins out as the altitude increases, and this can cause difficulties in breathing.
Accommodation
Park chalet (1 night) and dormitory style cabins at the resthouse (1 night).
Itinerary (2 itineraries listed)
3 days 2 Night (International market) (valid 2008) (SB/KKMKC3)
Price RM1300 per pax based on twin share
includes Tours & transfers on Sit-in Coach (SIC) basis, English Speaking Guide, Entrance fees, Meals and accommodation as stated, Mountain climbing fees and certificate.
Day 1 - KK / Kundasang (Lunch, Dinner)
Pickup before 9am from Kota Kinabalu Hotel or Airport. Transfer to park HQ (88kms from KK) for check-in. Photo stops along the way . Guided walk through Poring Hotspring, canopy walkway, waterfalls and butterfly farm. Return to park HQ,and free time till dinner. Overnight at Twin Bed Cabin or similar.
Day 2 - Park HQ / Laban Rata (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Register, meet Mountain Guide, transfer to Timpohon Gate and begin trek to Laban Rata Rest house at 3000m above sea level. Overnight at Laban Rata (dormitory)
Day 3 - Summit / KK (Breakfast, Lunch)
Early rise to ascend to the summit of Mount Kinabalu to view nature’s greatness then retrace your steps back to park HQ. Receive achievement certificate and return to Kota Kinabalu.
4 Days 3 Nights (Malaysia Market) - Timpohon Trail (valid 2008) (SB/KKMKC4)
| Minimum 2pax |
Adult |
Child (2-11 years) |
Single
RM |
Twin
RM |
Extra
RM |
Twin
RM |
Extra
RM |
|
1270 |
980 |
840 |
790 |
690 |
*Child Twin rate allows children to have their own room. If sharing with parents use Child Extra rate. Maximum 1 extra bed
Includes
Return transfer from Kota Kinabalu
3 nights accommodation
Meals as indicated above
Kinabalu Park entrance fees, mountain guide fees, climbing permit, Insurance and certificate
• Peak season surcharge of RM55 per room per night from 6 – 12 Feb 2008
• Peak season surcharge of RM80 per room per night from 1-7 May 08, 16 Jul –31 Aug 08, 1-7 Oct 08, 20 Dec 08 – 4 Jan 09, 23 Jan – 1 Feb 09
Day 1 - KK / Kundasang (Lunch, Dinner)
Arrival into Kota Kinabalu airport (preferably morning arrival), meet & transfer to Mount Kinabalu. Overnight at Wildlife Mountain Lodge
Day 2 - Park HQ / Laban Rata (Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner)
Proceed to summit trails to Laban Rata passing various vegetation zones with wealth of pitcher plants, birds& other wildlife. Overnight at Laban Rata Resthouse / Gunting Lagadan Hut (whichever available).
Day 3 - Summit / KK (Breakfast, Lunch)
Ascend to the summit before sunrise & enjoy the spectacular view from the peak. Return Park. Transfer to KK Overnight at Hyatt Regency Kinabalu.
Day 4 - KK (Breakfast)
Transfer to K.K airport for flight home or extension stay can be arranged.
Alternatives
Please write in to us for alternative itineraries such as Mesilau Trail. From time to time our partners have promotions. Be sure to check with us.
If you are interested to combine with Via Feratta activities, there is an exclusive new non heated accommodation available with that package. This is easier to arrange.
What does it include?
Meals as stated, accommodation (with bed sheets, blanket, pillow), land transfers, guide and activities, entry fees into park,certificate and climbing permits.
What does it exclude? What to wear/bring?
Walking pole/stick, Headlamp, sleeping bag. May exclude transfer cost from Kinabalu Nature Park HQ to Timpohon Gate.
Suggest to bring suitable warm clothing, waterproof gear (jacket,hat & shoes), good traction shoes/boots, sunglasses, water purification tablets for mountain water at refill stations long trail, personal medication, snacks or instant meals (hot water available at park & base camp), medical kit, water bottle,
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Kinabalu is during the drier seasons between February to April. The rainy season is usually from November to January and from May to July although global warming is blurring all of this. If bad weather persists while at base camp, you may not be allowed up to the summit.
Getting here
KK International Airport can be reached direct from a number of International cities. Alternatively, there are daily flights from Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) which can be booked via Malaysia Airlines (www.mas.com.my) or AirAsia (www.airasia.com), the region's low cost carrier.
Mount Kinabalu Climbing Costs 2008 listed at Kinabalu Nature Park Headquarters
ENTRANCE FEE
Malaysian: Non-Malaysian:
Adult: RM 3.00 per person RM 15.00 per person
Below 18 years RM 1.00 per person RM 10.00 per person
MOUNTAIN GUIDE FEE (Timpohon Gate / Peak / Timpohon Gate)
1-3 Climbers - RM70.00 per trip
4-6 Climbers - RM74.00 per trip
7-8 Climbers - RM80.00 per trip
MOUNTAIN GUIDE FEE (Timpohon / Peak / Mesilau Trail)
* Starting and ending at different point
1-3 Climbers - RM80.00 per trip
4-6 Climbers - RM86.00 per trip
7-8 Climbers - RM92.00 per trip
MOUNTAIN GUIDE FEE (Mesilau Trail / Peak / Mesilau Trail)
1-3 Climbers - RM84.00 per trip
4-6 Climbers - RM90.00 per trip
7-8 Climbers - RM100.00 per trip
CLIMBING PERMIT (Timpohon Gate / Mesilau Gate)
Malaysian: Non-Malaysian:
Adult: RM 30.00 per person RM 100.00 per person
Below 18 years RM 12.00 per person RM 40.00 per person
INSURANCE
RM7.00 per person
CERTIFICATE
RM 10.00 per person
TRANSFER TO TIMPOHON GATE (KNP HQ - KOKTAS buses)
Less than 5 persons RM 15.00 per way
5 persons & above RM 4.00 per person per way
*you will need this transfer as Timpohon Gate is several km from park HQ
PORTER FEE (OPTIONAL)
* Mesilau Trail / Timpohon Gate
To Laban Rata - RM76.00 / trip (10 Kg)
To Sayat-Sayat - RM88.00 per trip (10 Kg)
To Summit - RM100.00 per trip (10 Kg)
* Timpohon Gate / Timpohon Gate
To Laban Rata - RM66.00 per trip (10 Kg)
To Sayat-Sayat - RM80.00 per trip (10 Kg)
To Summit - RM88.00 per trip (10 Kg)
* Mesilau Trail / Mesilau Trail
To Laban Rata - RM88.00 / trip (10 Kg)
To Sayat-Sayat - RM100.00 per trip (10 Kg)
To Summit - RM110.00 per trip (10 Kg)