Location | Travel Guide
Adventure Activities | Places Of Interest

Adventure : Climbing Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu, which lies in Kinabalu Park, Sabah is at 4095 meter in height. From Rose Cabin, it takes just 2 minutes drive to KInabalu Park which is situated at the foot of Mount Kinabalu, of the highest peak between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea. Despite its height it is very easy to climb and does not require any special equipment or training. Anybody with sufficient stamina can climb the mountain.

The Journey

The mountain is one of the easiest to conquer as there are a number of well-marked trails all the way to the summit. For the easiest route, one can take the South Ridge Route (The Summit Trail) which is the standard climbing route. What is needed is a reasonable level of fitness, mental discipline and physical endurance by regular brisk walking or jogging.

The Summit Trail measures a distance of 8.85 kilometers (5.5 miles). The starting point of the climb is at Timpohon Gate (1866 meters/6122 feet), located 5.5 kilometers (3 miles) from the Park Headquarters entrance. The climb usually takes two days to complete. First climbers must register at the Park Headquarters in the morning and many of them would have stayed the night before at the Park Headquarters. Most climbers after the first day's trek would put up for the night at Panar Laban (3270 meters/10728 feet) staying either at the 54-bed Laban Rata Resthouse equipped with heating, hot water shower and a restaurant or the 12-bed Waras, Panar Laban huts or the 44-bed Gunting Lagadan hut.

Most climbers should arrive at Panar Laban by 6.00 pm, just in time to dusk would take over. Take a rest after dinner before the final assault to the summit at 3.00 am. Almost to the summit, climbers would have to cling onto the fixed ropes when making the ascent.

The upper summit area is both heavily strung with ropes to guide climbers so that they would not lost their way during foul weather or when the mists envelope the air. A condition that can be life threatening.

Just after the break of dawn, one should reach Low's Peak, watching sunset. Standing on Low's Peak gave anyone a top-of-the world feeling. A sense of achievement can be felt. The journey to the top of the majestic mountain will be an exhilarating experience for anyone.