Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu is the fourth highest mountain in Southeast Asia, with an elevation of 4,095 meters. It is located on the island of Borneo (Kilimantan), just 138 kilometers from the Malaysian city of Kota Kinabalu. There is nothing else like it on the island, this hulk is almost twice as high as all the surrounding mountains, and its summit is bordered by a crown of eight granite peaks, each with its own name.

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Highlights

Mount Kinabalu or, as it is also known, “the roof of Borneo”, adorned with a huge halo of snow-white clouds, looks magnificent against the greenery of the jungle surrounding it. In the morning, before the clouds cover its peaks, it is impossible to take your eyes off Kinabalu. The mountain is visible from almost anywhere in the Malaysian state of Sabah and the islands of Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.

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Kinabalu is sacred to the indigenous people and is revered as the “abode of the dead”. It has long been believed that the spirits of ancestors dwell at the top of the mountain. To appease the souls of deceased ancestors, chickens were sacrificed.

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Mount Kinabalu is one of the youngest non-volcanic mountain peaks in the world. It was formed within the last 10 to 35 million years. The mountain is still growing at a rate of 5 millimeters per year. The first person to summit this mountain was British naturalist Hugh Lowe. He led a research expedition to the region in 1895.

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Even if you do not conquer the summit of Kinabalu, the territory of the national park of the same name, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, will be able to surprise with other, more accessible beauties. No wonder many visitors to Malaysian Borneo try to escape here from the high humidity and heat of the coast.

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Climate

The weather at the lower altitudes and Mount Kinabalu is significantly different. At the lower altitudes the climate is tropical, with temperatures of +20 °C +25 °C. The temperature at the summit can drop below zero. Rain, drizzle and fog are common in the park and at the summit. If there is no rain during the ascent to the summit, expect it on the descent. Climbing weather is best in April, with November and December accompanied by frequent precipitation.

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Climbing

Mount Kinabalu is one of the easiest and most accessible peaks in the world to climb. The climb usually takes only two days and climbers do not need any climbing experience. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and willpower can climb to the top of Mount Kinabalu. There are no particularly dangerous sections on the route, you just need to show some degree of endurance.

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However, a successful ascent depends on how well a person acclimatized to the thin air. In addition, climbing can be dangerous during rain or fog. Slopes become very slippery when it rains, and thick fog reduces visibility to a few meters.

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While it is possible to climb to the summit and back in one day, most prefer the two-day ascent with an overnight stay at Laban Rata (3,272 meters above sea level). The final “dash” to the top of the mountain begins in the early hours of the second day (around 02:00-2:30am) to catch the sunrise at the summit. By mid-morning, the fog begins to thicken, obscuring the spectacular scenery.

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Every day, more than 100 people attempt to summit Southeast Asia’s highest peak.

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In addition to the main attraction (the Mount Kinabalu summit route), there are several shorter trails, botanical gardens, hot springs and other places of interest within the park.

Climbing Trails

‘ class=”fancybox” >Kinabalu climbing routes

There are two trails used to climb the mountain, Timpohon Gate Trail and Mesilau Trail. The trails converge together just above Layang – Layang mountain lodges at an elevation of 2,740 meters (or 4 km from Timpohon Gate).

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From Timpohon Gate to Laban Rata

The most popular 6 km long trail starts from Timpohon Gate (elevation 1,800 m above sea level). It is a straight uphill climb on a well-marked trail with waymarkers every half kilometer. There are rest stops about a kilometer apart. As a rule, the ascent starts at 07:30-10:30 in the morning. The first 4 km section has a moderate incline, in some places the rocky path has steps. The last 2 km of the trail is mostly on the granite rock surface. It takes 3 to 5 hours to reach Laban Rata from Timpohon Gate. Laban Rata lodges are located at an altitude of 3273 meters above sea level. The vertical ascent from Kinabalu Park Office to Laban Rata is over 1400 m.

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From Mesilau Nature Resort to Laban Rata

The 8 km long Mesilau Trail to Laban Rata is over more rugged terrain than the trail described above. It starts from Mesilau Nature Resort.

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From Laban Rata to the summit and back

From Laban Rata to the summit of Low’s Peak is a distance of 2.7 km, the trail follows a smooth rocky path. The vertical ascent is 800 meters. The climb usually starts at 02:00 – 02:30 am to allow hikers to ascend and catch the sunrise from the summit (between 05:30 and 06:15 am depending on the time of year). The wind is relatively less gusty at this time of the day. Several steep sections need to be traversed, in places climbers hold on to secured ropes while ascending or descending. The last place to go to the bathroom is the Sayat-Sayat Hut. Not even small bushes grow after these huts.

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There is a small flat plateau at the top. It is a relatively small area, so try to get there among the first before the next groups of tourists arrive. The summit of Mount Kinabalu offers a fascinating landscape, almost devoid of vegetation and in stark contrast to the lush rainforest at the beginning of the trail.

The descent down is also in two parts. The first part is usually the return to Laban Rata, rest and breakfast. It takes 1 to 2 hours in terms of time. After Laban Rata, the descent usually takes another 3 to 4 hours. Most hikers return to Timpohon Gate in the afternoon or later. Once you have reached Timpohon Gate, take the minibus back to the main office of the national park where you need to register your return from the summit.

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Climbing in one day

Well-physically developed people can climb to the summit and descend back down in one day. This option is not widely publicized, apparently to force people to spend the night in expensive mountain lodges. To organize this hike, you should talk to the staff at the park office. Climbing in one day is more weather dependent than the two day option, and there is a strictly allotted time limit for each stage of the climb, otherwise the hike will be cut short and you will have to go back to the park office. In either case, a guide must be hired.

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The climb should start at 07:30 am and go back down until 17:30 – the time when the Timpohon Gate is locked. Keep in mind that the top of the mountain will be reached well after sunrise, and at this time there is a high chance of fluctuating weather conditions. Shortly after sunrise, clouds may surround the top of the mountain and then it is impossible to enjoy the beautiful view from the top. Overcoming a climb of almost 2,300 meters in one day is physically demanding.

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Flora and fauna

Kinabalu Park is known for its biodiversity, with various estimates ranging from 5,000 to 6,000 vascular plants, which make up 14% of Malaysia’s flora and about 2.5% of the Earth’s flora. Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, is one of the important factors contributing to the wide variety of animals, birds, insects and plants found in the park. The landscape ranges from lush green rainforest at the lowest elevations of the park to a subalpine belt at the summit. Kinabalu Park counts:

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  • 711 recorded species of orchids;
  • 621 species of ferns;
  • 27 species of rhododendrons;
  • 9 species of Nepenthes (also called pitcher plant);
  • 78 species of figs;
  • 6 species of bamboo;
  • 45 species of aronnica;
  • 81 species of palm trees;
  • 2 species of Rafflesia;
  • innumerable fungi, mosses, and lichens.
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Nepenthes raja is the most famous carnivorous plant of Kinabalu National Park, found only here, and nowhere else in the world. Orchids and carnivorous plants are some of the most famous plants in the national park, although they are rarely seen along hiking trails. Visitors have the opportunity to see them in the botanical park near the park’s main office building.

The park is home to 90 lowland and 22 mountain mammal species, 21 bats, 326 birds, 62 toads and frogs, and 850 butterflies. Of the 326 bird species, 29 are endemic to Borneo (that is, found only here and nowhere else in the world). Among the primates are orangutans, long-armed monkeys, langurs, fat loris and longhorned loris.

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The diversity of mammals does not guarantee the opportunity to see them. Many animals are nocturnal or hide in the treetops. You’re guaranteed to see tupai and squirrels.

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Practical information

Accommodation

Over 40,000 tourists climb the mountain each year, the vast majority staying overnight in lodges within the park. Tented accommodation is not permitted within Kinabalu National Park.

During the climb, hikers have the opportunity to stay overnight in mountain lodges. All are dormitory style lodges with bunk beds. Each has running water, electricity, shared toilets and showers. Blankets are provided in all lodges.

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Laban Rata – Laban Rata is the largest and most probably the most comfortable hotel at an altitude of 3272 meters. All rooms are heated. Laban Rata restaurant is open between 07:30 and 19:30. In the morning, it is open from 02:00 to 03:30 for those who want to eat before climbing to the summit. In addition to the restaurant, there is also a souvenir and grocery store, you can deposit excess luggage unnecessary for the trek to the summit. Make reservations on the official website www.labanratamountkinabalu.com

Gunting Lagandan Hut. Gunting Lagandan Hut is 150 meters away from Laban Rata. It provides a kitchen to prepare your own meals (Laban Rata offers restaurant meals).Panar Laban Hut and Waras Hut are nearby.

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If you are not climbing Mt. Kinabalu and want to stay overnight within the national park, you will need to stay at the inns, each run by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. The accommodation in the form of cottages is mostly located around the park’s main office. Rates are significantly higher than other hotels in the immediate vicinity of the national park and include the mandatory purchase of meals and other “extras.”

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The nearest towns near the national park are Kundasang (6 km) and Ranau (9 km), where you can get hotel rooms much cheaper.

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Where to eat

There are cafes at the park entrance and in the lodges in front of the summit. Prices of food and groceries at Laban Rata and other mountain hotels are quite high due to the fact that they are taken there by porters. The quality of food is not bad.

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To save money, you can stock up on cookies, chocolates, nuts and other light but calorie-dense snacks in advance. You can also bring instant noodles and tea bags, but note that cafes will charge you 1 ringgit for a glass of hot water. Some lodges have electric kettles where water can be heated for free.

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Drinks

.While hiking to the summit, it’s important to drink a lot. Fortunately, at every Pondok (resting place) after 1 km of trail, there is a large container with free drinking water that is constantly piped from clean water sources high up in the mountains. Thus, there is no need to carry many bottles of water, one liter will be enough.

What to take with you to Mount Kinabalu

One of the main attractions of climbing Mount Kinabalu is its accessibility. Tourists don’t need any experience climbing to high altitude or have any special equipment. However, weather conditions on the mountain often change rapidly. A clear, sunny day can turn into heavy rain in a matter of minutes. Climbers should be well prepared for this turn of events.

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All bedding is provided at Laban Rata, so there is no need to take sleeping bags and the like. Meals are available at the Laban Rata restaurant. The climb should be done with a small backpack with a minimum of extra weight.

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Necessary early clothing (before Laban Rata) not packed in a backpack

  • Shorts (or light pants);
  • t-shirt or long-sleeved shirt;
  • woolen socks;
  • sturdy shoes with good grip on the surface (not slippery);
  • a cap or sun hat;
  • dark sunglasses.
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The climb to the summit in the morning is accompanied by very different weather conditions. The temperature difference between day and night is significant, it will be windy and quite cold in the morning, so you need to get warm clothes from your backpack.

After Laban Rata, additional clothing should be worn as you climb upwards.

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List of items needed by each participant on the second stage:

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  • waterproof jacket;
  • warm, lightweight sweatshirt (it’s best to have several pieces of warm clothing; it gets colder as you climb, the temperature at the summit can drop below freezing, so you’ll be wearing one after the other, taking them off as you descend);
  • warm, lightweight pants (but not denim, as it stays cold when it gets wet);
  • spare socks (shoes will surely get wet when it rains);
  • a woolen beanie;
  • sturdy woolen or fleece gloves (you will need them to hold on to the ropes on the last parts of the climb);
  • snacks (chocolate, dried fruit, nuts);
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  • water bottles (at least one liter, preferably in small bottles);
  • sunscreen;
  • whistle (if you lose sight of the group in the dark in the morning or in poor weather and visibility);
  • camera;
  • flashlight (a head flashlight is ideal for illuminating the trail in the early morning when it is still dark);
  • spare batteries for the flashlight.
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All items should be kept inside a waterproof plastic bag in case of rain.

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How many people conquer the summit?

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Statistics show that more than 95% of hikers successfully reach the summit of Mount Kinabalu. The ages range from teenagers to seniors over 70s. About 5% of people return back unable to cope with the physical exertion, or suffering from altitude sickness.

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Exposure to high altitude

You need to climb to an altitude of 2200 meters for less than two days. High altitude wears out even physically strong people. Some people suffer from altitude sickness more than others. Generally, altitude sickness makes itself felt as the mountain is climbed for the last couple of kilometers before the summit. Participants experience increased heart rate even while resting, and feel short of breath at the summit and experience mild headaches. These symptoms are easily overcome by taking paracetamol and plenty of water.

However, some people inevitably suffer from altitude sickness and cannot bear the nausea. Altitude sickness is hard to bear if one is prone to it. The only cure for altitude sickness is to return to a lower altitude. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill for it. The more physically developed a person is, the more likely he or she is to cope with the situation. It is better to climb slowly, so as not to exhaust the body with excessive loads.

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National Park Entrance Fee

  • Malaysian citizens: adults 3 ringgit, persons under 18 years old 1 ringgit;
  • Foreign tourists: adults 15 ringgit, persons under 18 years of age 10 ringgit.

Mount Kinabalu Climbing Permits

All climbers must purchase a permit from the national park headquarters prior to departure. Permits are checked at Laban Rata and Sayat-Sayat Hut. The permit cost is as follows:

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  • Malaysian citizens: 30 ringgit, persons under 18 years of age 12 ringgit;
  • Foreign tourists: 100 ringgit, persons under 18 years 40 ringgit.
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Insurance

Those intending to climb to the summit must purchase insurance costing 7 ringgit from the national park office.

Guides

The use of a guide to accompany you during the climb is compulsory. The cost ranges from 100 to 150 ringgit depending on the size of the group (the bigger the group, the cheaper). But note that the group cannot exceed more than 8 people.

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Additional fees

  • souvenir certificate: 10 ringgit;
  • luggage storage: 10 ringgit;
  • portable oxygen tank: 35 ringgit;
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  • porter service. The porter will carry the luggage to and from Laban Rata. Tariff: 8 ringgit for each kilogram of luggage.
  • Transportation (round trip). You can take a car or minibus from the park entrance to Timpohon Gate: 16.50 ringgit one way (1-4 people) or 4 ringgit per person (5 passengers or more). If you want to get to the start of the Mesilau Trail, this service will cost significantly more.
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To minimize costs, use the following tips

  • Join a hiking group so that you can all chip in together for the guide’s services.
  • Do not take a souvenir certificate. It should be discarded in advance. On the way down from the summit, you must indicate to the staff at Sayat-Sayat huts (at the 7km trailhead) that you don’t want to take the certificate, otherwise they may give it to you automatically.
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