Mt. Kinabalu Summit Trek | 2 Days, 1 Night | from KOTA KINABALU, MALAYSIA

Overview:

Looking for a challenging yet epic adventure? Conquer the majestic Mount Kinabalu! The crown jewel of Kinabalu National Park and the tallest mountain in Malaysia, Mt. Kinabalu beckons thrill-seekers to its rugged, awe-inspiring heights. Soaring over 4,000 meters, the summit trek promises an exhilarating challenge. With Let’s Climb Kinabalu, you’re in safe hands. Expert mountain guides ensure your safety and every detail is covered. Soak in the breathtaking views and relish the challenge of the climb worry-free! 

This trip can only be booked less than 30 days before the date of your climb, so it’s an excellent choice if you’re looking for a last-minute opportunity to embark on an epic adventure! 

Itinerary

Day 1

• 07:00 – Pick up from your accommodation in Kota Kinabalu and journey to Kinabalu National Park HQ. Journey Time: 2-3 hours. 
• 10:00 – Arrive at Kinabalu National Park HQ. Register with the national park and meet your climbing guide. Then begin your trek to Laban Rata – basecamp for Mt Kinabalu summit climbs. 
• The trek usually takes 4-6 hours, depending on your fitness level. 
• Upon arrival, you’ll receive a briefing from a mountain guide before being taken to Laban Rata Resthouse.
• Dinner will be served at Laban Rata Resthouse.

Day 2

• 02:00 – Wake up for an early supper before beginning your climb to the peak of Mt. Kinabalu. 
• The climb usually takes 2-3 hours. If you want to witness sunrise from the summit, you’ll need to get there before 05:30. 
• 08:30 – Breakfast is served at Laban Rata Resthouse. Speak to your guide if you fear you won’t make it back in time. 
• 09:30 – Begin the trek back down from Laban Rata basecamp. Upon reaching the bottom, you’ll have lunch and receive your certificate of completion. 
• 14:00 – Return to Kota Kinabalu. Journey time: 2-3 hours. 

Difficulty

Despite being the highest mountain in Malaysia, journeying to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu is beginner-friendly. You don’t need climbing or hiking experience to take on the challenge. But it’s not easy! Day one involves four to six hours of walking. Day two requires up to twelve hours on your feet. 

If you suffer from medical issues or disabilities such as hypertension, diabetes, palpitation, arthritis, heart disease, severe anaemia, peptic ulcers, epileptic fits, obesity (overweight), chronic asthma, muscular cramps, hepatitis (jaundice) or any other disease which may hamper your climb, this may not be the trip for you. 

Children tackling the climb need to be at least twelve years old. There is no upper age limit on climbing Mount Kinabalu – as long as you’re fit and healthy enough, you’re young enough. 

Accommodation

Accommodation is shared dormitories in the Laban Rata Resthouse. It’s basic, with no hot water or heating – prepare accordingly! 

All accommodation on Mt. Kinabalu is simple. If you want to tackle the summit of this epic massif, expect a no-frills sleeping arrangement!

Food

Food is provided to climbers over the two-day trip. Meals included:

• 1 x packed lunch on day one
• 1 x buffet dinner at Laban Rata Resthouse on day one
• 1 x early supper at Laban Rata Resthouse before your summit attempt
• 1 x breakfast at Laban Rata after your summit attempt
• 1 x lunch before heading back to Kota Kinabalu

Dietary requirements can usually be catered for. Please let us know in the ‘additional information’ box when making your booking. 

If you want extra snacks, make sure to pick some up in Kota Kinabalu before starting the trip.

Guide

All mountain guides are employed and licensed by Sabah Parks, the organisation responsible for the management of all national parks in the Sabah region of Malaysian Borneo. You will be assigned a mountain guide when you reach the park.

What’s Included

Includes:

• Transport from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu National Park
• Return transport after the climb
• 1 x night’s accommodation at Laban Rata Resthouse
• 5 x meals (packed lunch, dinner, early supper, breakfast, lunch)
• Entrance fees
• Mountain guide
• Climbing permit
• Climbing insurance
• Certificate of achievement 

Does Not Include:

• Personal expenses
• Driver and mountain guide overtime charges (applicable from 16:00 onwards at 15MYR per hour)
• Luggage storage fees
• Camera/video fees
• Beverages at Laban Rata Resthouse
• Tips
• Personal travel insurance (recommended in case of cancellations)
• Porter services (if required)
• Tourism tax of 10MYR per night in Kinabalu National Park

FAQs

• What should I pack? You’re hiking in the mountains, so you’ll need a good quality backpack to carry your gear – make sure it’s waterproof or includes a pack cover to keep everything dry. You’ll also need hiking shoes with good grip, warm clothing, waterproof coat, hat and gloves, a small towel, personal toiletries and medications, head torch, reusable water bottle, snacks, extra clothes and socks. You’ll need your passport or Malaysian ID card to register at Kinabalu Park HQ.   

• What is the best time of year to climb Mt. Kinabalu? March to September is the best time of year to climb Mount Kinabalu because the weather is at its most predictable. This is also the busiest time of year on the mountain. Be aware, the weather can be bad at any time of year, so always pack warm, waterproof layers. 

• Can I leave my luggage somewhere while I climb Mount Kinabalu? Yes, you can store your luggage near the Kinabalu National Park HQ for 10MYR. 

• Can I hire a porter to carry my bag? Yes, if required, you can hire a porter to carry your gear up Mt Kinabalu. The price is 14MYR per kilogram with a minimum of 10kg. This means the minimum fee is 140MYR. 

• I’m a vegetarian/vegan and/or I have an allergy or a specific diet, can I be catered for on this trip? This trip can usually cater for dietary requirements. Please inform us at the time of booking of any needs you have. 

Liability and Travel Insurance

• We strongly recommend getting travel insurance before taking on a Mt. Kinabalu Climb. Make sure your insurance covers trekking at this altitude. 
• Let’s Climb Kinabalu and South East Asia Backpacker are not liable for:
  • Your personal belongings – safe keeping of them is your responsibility
  • Any delay, additional expenses or inconvenience caused directly or indirectly by events outside of the control of each company, such as late arrival of domestic or international flights, civil disturbances, fire, floods, unusually severe weather, acts of God, acts of Government, or the failure of any machinery or equipment. In the unlikely event such as bad weather conditions, the local authority (Sabah Park) withholds the right to cancel the summit climb, no refund in part or full will be given.
  • Any injury, property losses, accident, or damage incurred for any reason whatsoever, whether through activity booked through us or caused to you by third parties, during your stay or during participation in any activity.
• All guests are required to read and sign an Indemnity Form before the tour commences.