Mount Kinabalu is Borneo’s tallest mountain. You can climb to the top of Low’s Peak (4,095.2m or 13,435.7ft above sea level). The height of the mountain is often given as 4,101m but recent satellite imaging has proven this to be incorrect.

Mount Kinabalu is known to be one of the most accessible mountains in the world. No specialized mountain climbing skills are required to ascend it, though along certain sections on the summit trail, hikers will need to rely on guide ropes to make the ascent and descent. The trail that most tourists use is described as a ‘trek and scramble’. Locals are reported to begin climbing the mountain from the age of 3 and the oldest person to reach the peak was 80 years old. However, how much one enjoys the climb depends strongly on how fit you are and how well you acclimatise to the thin air at the higher levels.

Nevertheless, the mountain can be a dangerous place, especially during the rain or when there is mist. On average, every year one person gets into severe difficulty out of the estimated 20,000 people who attempt the climb. The higher slopes can be very slippery when it rains and dense fog reduces visibility to a few feet.
Although it is possible to climb to the top and back in less than four hours, most climbers take two days, with an overnight break at Laban Rata (3,272.7m above sea level). The final attack on the peak takes place in the early hours of the second day (most begin at 2:30AM) in order to catch the sunrise at the top. By mid-morning the mist begins to roll in, obscuring the breath-taking views.

Climbing weather is good all year round. The temperature ranges from a comfortable 20-25°C at the main park to something approaching freezing near the top (depending on the weather). Bring appropriate warm clothing and windproof gear. If possible, climb during the full moon as it helps illuminate the white rope that marks out the climbing path.

History
The mountain, called “Aki Nabalu” by the Dusun tribe, is sacred to locals and thought to be the “revered abode of the dead”. Local tribes believe that spirits of their ancestors inhabit the top of the mountain. Previously, a chicken was sacrificed at the peak every time a climb was made but these days this ceremony only happens once a year during which only seven chickens are sacrificed to appease the spirits.</>

Itinerary 2D/1N
Day 1:
Pickup from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu around 06:30hrs and depart for a 2 hours drive to the Kinabalu Park. On the way we take a stop for a picture stop and a drink. After we arrive in the Park, I will arrange all your reservations and meals and also your mountain guide. This very experienced local guide, is going to make the climb together with you.
On the first day, you climb from 1889 meters to 3300 meters. It will take a 4 to 6 hours, depending on the weather and your condition. Overnight in the Laban Rata Resthouse (or similar hut, all are mixed dormitory). (packed lunch, dinner).

Day 2:
At 2am in the morning, early breakfast and at 2:30am you start climbing to the summit of the mountain, where you will see the sunrise which is a spectacular event with breathtaking views (also very cold). Then you descent to the resthouse for your well earned breakfast and onward to the starting point. After lunch transfer back to Kota Kinabalu and checkin to your hotel for hot shower and overnight. (early and late breakfast, lunch)

Itinerary3D/2N
Day 1:
Depart Kota Kinabalu at 0830am. Scenic 2 hours drive to the Kinabalu Park. Stop in Pekan Nabalu for photostop or souvenir bargaining. In the Kinabalu Park, we do a small guided trekking and also bring a visit to the Botanical Garden. Lunch in a hotel outside the Park. After lunch, checkin for overnight in the Park, and register for the climb for tomorrow. Overnight in Kinabalu Park Hill Lodge. (lunch, dinner)

Day 2:
After breakfast, make yourself ready for the climb, meet your guide at the registration office. Start climbing, see Day 1 from 2D/1N program. (breakfast, packed lunch, dinner)

Day 3:
See day 2 from 2D/1N program.

Rates: On request and to be reconfirmed
Reservation
Please note that accommodation on the mountain is very limited.
Reservation can be made for the following packages:

2D/1N climbing packages is only for bookings withing 1 month.
Reservation can only be made for 3 days, upon you need to confirm or cancel.
After your booking is confirmed, no cancellations or refunds possible.

3D/2N climbing packages for bookings further away then 1 month.
Reservation can only be made for 7 days, upon you need to confirm or cancel.
After your booking is confirmed, no cancellations or refunds possible.