Being one of the highest mountains in the region, Mount Kinabalu is one of the best outdoor destinations in Southeast Asia. Every year thousands of people come to Sabah, Malaysian Borneo to conquer this beautiful peak. Locally called Gunung Kinabalu, it sits at just over 4,000 meters above sea level.
Kinabalu is an imposing mountain. It can be seen from various parts of the Sabah archipelago, including the city of Kota Kinabalu, which has become its main access point. The mountain is the centerpiece of Kinabalu National Park. If you decide not to climb to the top, you’ll find the park’s lush surroundings a worthwhile travel destination. At the base of the mountain is the rainforest where you can enjoy the cooler weather and the various easy walking trails.
Mount Kinabalu has become a popular climbing destination due to its accessibility. You don’t need special mountain climbing equipment or advanced mountaineering skills to climb to the top. However, the Kinabalu trek is not a walk in the park. It requires good physical shape and dedication, but of course, reaching the top in the end is worth all the preparation, guaranteed!
It usually takes two days to ascend and descend Mount Kinabalu. It is possible to do this hike even if you have no previous mountain climbing experience. The ascent begins at the Timpohon gate, near the park headquarters. Climbers then usually have to spend the night in one of the guesthouses at Laban Rata, which is about 3,000 meters above sea level and less than 3 kilometers from the peak.
After spending the night, your climbing group will need to get up at dawn to try to reach the top of Low’s Peak before dawn. This is the best time to see the spectacular scenery from the top. After enjoying the sunrise view, your climbing group will head back to Laban Rata for breakfast. After which, you will descend and hopefully arrive at the park by mid-afternoon.
Since Mount Kinabalu is such a popular climbing attraction, it is actually difficult to organize travel, accommodation and climbing on your own. It is very common for prospective climbers to purchase Kinabalu climbing packages offered by tour companies operating in the area. A pack can cost about 360 USD or RM1,020; and covers accommodation, transportation, food, climbing permit, mountain guide, insurance, equipment and other expenses. Taking an organized tour will take the hassle out of your climbing vacation.
The best time to climb the mountain is between the months of March and August, which is Sabah’s dry season. During this period, you will have more chances to avoid heavy downpours on the mountain, which will make the trek difficult and risky. However, the busiest time to climb Kinabalu is usually from April to June. The rainiest months are December and January. Please note that a refund is usually not given if bad weather prevents you from climbing the mountain on your chosen date, so plan accordingly. Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture your adventure.