|
Climbing Kinabalu - Mount Kinabalu trekEver dreamed about climbing the highest mountain in Southeast Asia? Gunung Kinabalu is the pride of Sabah and its majestic peak soars out high above the jungle and is usually surrounded by a veil of clouds. Your Kinabalu trekking adventure starts out in the tropical rainforest and continues across winding paths through various vegetation zones on your way up the mountain. At the end of the day you'll spend the night in a basic mountain cabin. Early in the morning you'll be awakened by your guide and you'll continue to set course for the top. Just before sunrise you'll trek to Mount Kinabalu's peak and you'll see the first beams of sunshine will spill out above the horizon... an incredible view. Reaching the top is overwhelming and will leave you with an intense feeling of freedom and pride. After all, it isn't everyday you climb a mountain! |
| Duration: |
3 days /2 nights Please note: availability is limited during peak travel season, July - September |
Accommodation: |
Dormitory room in rustic mountain cabin Accommodation category 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Price: |
from $799 per person - based on 2 people sharing |
Includes: |
Transfer Kota Kinabalu - National Park and vice versa - park entrance fee and permit - English speaking guide - 1x breakfast - 2 x lunch (of which one is a packed-lunch) - 1 x dinner |
| Transport: |
(mini)bus |
Day 1 - Kota Kinabalu - Mount KinabaluThis morning you'll be picked up at your hotel for a 2 hour drive to Kota Kinabalu National Park. The entrance of the park is located at an altitude of 1600m, so you won't have to start the Mount Kinabalu trek at the base of the mountain. After you fill out your personal contact information, you and a guide will walk through the national park gardens filled with unique plants and flowers. In the afternoon you'll have time to go out and explore the park on your own and in the evening you'll spend the night in a rustic park chalet. |
|
|
Day 2 - Mount KinabaluAfter breakfast you'll be picked up at your hotel for a 30 minute drive to the 'power station' at 1830m. This is where you and your guide will start out on the first segment of your trek to the highest point of South East Asia; Mount Kinabalu's peak at 4102m. A slowly winding path up the mountain will allow you to slowly adjust to the altitude. As you climb, your natural surroundings will begin to change. Within a few steps an entirely different world will open up to you. Trees, plants... everything is new and different.As you continue on the Mount Kinabalu trek, the air will become thinner and you'll notice that climbing will become more exerting. The mountain cabins you encounter as you climb the mountain are the perfect place to rest up for a bit. Have a bite to eat from the lunch bag that was prepared for you and let your eyes feast on your breathtaking suroundings. Depending on how quickly you walk, you can reach the Laban Rata guest house at 3550m within 4 to 6 hours. The guest house is actually an enormous ski hut which also offers a scrumptious buffet starting at 5pm. If the weather is clear, you could have dessert while watching the most spectacular sunset outside. It won't be long until you fall into a deep, yet short sleep in the dormitory filled with other climbers in the sleeping bag provided for you. |
Day 3 - Mount Kinabalu - Kota KinabaluBe prepared for a 2:00 - 2:30am wake-up call from your guide. This may seem quite early; however the excitement for the last day of your Mount Kinabalu trek will definitely act as an instant rejuvenator. Before heading out we suggest dressing up for cool temperatures. Wearing a warm (fleece) sweater and a gore-tex coat should keep you nice and warm. The wind at the top of the mountain keeps temperatures low and if it rains you'll be happy you brought along a sturdy raincoat. Once you leave your accommodation you'll meet up with other climbers just waiting to climb the last leg up to the top of the mountain; everyone will be heading towards the large granite rock plates. Iron stairs and ropes have been attached to the mountain to make the more difficult areas easier to climb. The thin air will make this last part of your climb more difficult than the rest of the climb. No worries though, you won't have to rush and can finish the climb at your own pace. After about two hours you'll reach the cold, dark summit. You'll have front row seats for the most spectacular orange and gold sunrise. An incredible proud feeling of freedom and accomplishment will surely sink in when you reach the top. The view is simply incredible, especially if you're lucky enough to have a reached the top on a cloudless day.
Then it's time to go back down the mountain, which will be much easier to do. At around 8am you'll be back at the Laban Rata Rest House where a hearty breakfast will be waiting for you. After all of the effort you're sure to enjoy it. One last cup of coffee or tea and you'll start back down the mountain. As you reach lower altitudes, you'll start to notice the return of plants and bushes and the temperature will start to climb. After about three hours you'll be back in the tropical forest near the park entrance where a bus will be waiting to take you to Kota Kinabalu. As you look back upon the mountain you've just climbed, you won't help but feeling quite proud and satisfied by what you've accomplished. You'll find it hard to believe that only several hours back you were at its peak.... |
Once you return to Kota Kinabalu you can choose to spend several days here to relax after your adventurous trip or live out your tropical getaway dream on Pulau Tiga.
Accommodation images
Poring Hot Springs and Kinabalu National ParkDuring peak travel season (July through August) this Mount Kinabalu trek module can be fully booked, since accommodation is limited on the mountain. An interesting alternative is the following two day adventure in Kota Kinabalu National Park: |
|
|
TipsBest time to take the Mount Kinabalu trekAnytime between January and October; but to be sure you get clear skies during your climb, March and April are the best months to climb Mount Kinabalu. Avoid travel during the weekends, school holidays and local holidays (see our holiday calendar). Health Anyone who is physically fit can reach the top of this mountain, but don't underestimate the climb. Weather conditions at 4102m can change minute to minute. It can get cold and paths can be slippery during or after rain. Some travellers experience altitude illness. Naturally our professional guides know exactly what to do in these situations. What to bring along Since it can be quite cold at the top, don't forget a warm (fleece) sweater, a waterproof, gloves, a scarf and a warm hat. These can also be rented at your accommodation. Actual walking shoes are comfortable, but you can also wear other types of shoes. We recommend closed shoes with a good tread, sneakers for instance. Bring along an extra warm sweater and a pair of dry socks in your daypack. If it rains and you get wet, you'll be glad to have dry clothing at the top. Make sure to also bring along enough water to drink, some chocolate and cookies or other food. Don't forget to bring along a flashlight or a headlight, toilet paper, sunscreen, soap, a towel, insecticide and aspirin in case of headaches. Naturally you can purchase all of this on location; however at a higher price. You can also buy what you need in Kota Kinabalu or bring it along from home. |
or
For inspiration check out our suggested itineraries