Mt. Kinabalu

Mt. Kinabalu – a majestic mountain standing tall at 4095 masl, is the highest elevation in Malaysia. Known for its unique craggy peaks and gigantic glacier-like granite rocks, it is one of the best and mostly sought hikes of mountaineers and mountain lovers alike! Considered a World Heritage site and protected under Kinabalu Park, Mt. Kinabalu also features a diverse wildlife along with an abundance of flora and fauna. And as the locals here say, you could not describe how surreal the mountain is – you just have to go there yourself.

Now it’s a different story when it comes to hiking Mt. Kinabalu. Regardless of the trail you wish to pursue, It presents a slightly difficult ascend; and the extreme cold accompanied by changing weather conditions add to the challenge. Moreover, with the high altitude, most people would probably feel dizzy because of the big pressure drop and limited oxygen at the top. Regardless, it’s always the thrill of the hunt that many climbers attempt to glimpse the beauty of Mt. Kinabalu.

HOW TO GET THERE

Getting to Kota Kinabalu Park is relatively easy, the difficult item to consider is actually the climb bookings and reservations (which will be discussed in the next section). Below is an outline for all transportation considerations going to the Park.

From Manila (Philippines)

Fly to Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Airasia and Cebu Pacific have alternate flight schedule.
At the airport, you can either take a public bus or rent a van/car taking you to Kinabalu National Park. (2 hours)
- BUS: All express and minibuses between Kota Kinabalu and Ranau or Sandakan pass the entrance of the park. Rate is 20RM per pax
- TAXI: Taxis going to KK Park from the airport would be adviseable if you are in smaller groups (4 or less). Note that they consider your luggage as a passenger if it’s a very bulky and heavy. Rates typically are around 270RM (up to 4 pax and easily negotiable because of competition)
- RENTALS: This is your best bet especially if you arrive late at the airport. Buses going to Kinabalu Park are very rare during the wee hours. Car/Van rentals can be arranged through major hotels in Kota Kinabalu. You could even arrange it with Kinabalu Park (though at a high cost). We rented a van online (for 11 pax) thru Bimaz Tours & Travel (reservation@bimaztours.com). Rate is 350RM for 11 pax since we did it online beforehand (which was easy and fast). Typically though, rates would be 30RM each.
At Kota Kinabalu Park, pay the entrance, arrange fees on the reception, wait for a shuttle to your hotels (since we took Sutera Lodges), and get ready for the hike the next day.
When going back to the airport from KK Park, you have many options
- You could take a public bus just outside the park entrance
- You could let KK Park arrange a transportation for you as they do have an office for transport but closes early (around 5pm).
- You could also talk to van drivers at KK Park (they usually come from different companies) and arrange your pick up time. Resort to this option if you would be departing late from the hike.

IMPORTANT ARRANGEMENTS

Before even attempting to create your itinerary and book flights, here are the important considerations of the climb. We would also be placing our recommendations based on experiences collated.

CHOOSE YOUR CLIMB DATE
- You can climb Mt. Kinabalu all year round. Peak seasons (usually during summer) start at April to June. The Dry Season starts at March till August. December to January will be the wettest season because of the North East Monsoon.
- We climbed Mt. Kinabalu at December (wet season), but had a great sunny weather at the top. Personally, thinking that it’s a rain forest, and the weather conditions are literally unpredictable, and knowing that Malaysia (Borneo region) only experience the tail end of typhoons; it’s ok to climb Kinabalu during this season. Another pros to this decision will be the small number of climbers and uncrowded accommodations at the top.
BOOK A CLIMB PERMIT AND CLIMB PACKAGE AT LEAST 6 MONTHS BEFORE. Why? Climbers are only limited to 135 per day so better reserve first before getting a flight.
- Book thru Sutera Sanctuary Lodge (highly recommended)
  Sutera Sanctuary Lodge manages the accommodation inside the Kinabalu Park including Laban Rata (the most popular hotel at the top of Mt. Kinabalu). The great thing about choosing this option is that once you get in KK Park, you only need to settle bills and go straight to your rooms. For those of you wondering what package we took see below as well.
  - Accommodation Arrangement:1 x night stay at Room / Lodge – Kinabalu Park
    1 x night stay at Laban Rata 11,000 feet
  - Meals Arrangement:
    Day 1 – Dinner at Balsam Café – Kinabalu Park
    Day 2 – Breakfast & Packed Lunch at Balsam Café – Kinabalu Park, Dinner at Laban Rata Restaurant – Laban Rata
    Day 3 – Early Supper & Breakfast at Laban Rata Restaurant – Laban Rata and Lunch at Balsam Café – Kinabalu Park
  - Contacts
    - Email: sales@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
    - FaceBook: Sutera Sanctuary Lodges
    - Tel: +6088 487466 | Fax: +6088 487566
    - Address: B-9-G, Signature Office, KK Times Square, 88100 Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
- Book with other Travel Agencies – There are lots of agencies that offers climb package online, just
  make sure it is licensed. Check Sabah Tourism website here
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT. If coming from the Philippines, Airasia or Cebu Pacific offer flights to KK Airport

THE BUDGET

Well, since accommodations and climb package differ depending on season, group numbers, and preference, below budget would only include the miscellaneous expenses, transfers, accommodations, and other fees that the group encountered for the hike as of Dec 16, 2016.

Entrance to Kinabalu Park
- 3.00 RM/adult (Malaysian)
- 15.00 RM/adult (International)
- 1.00 RM/child (18 yo below)
- 10.00 RM/child (18 yo below)
Climbing Permit
- 50.00 RM/adult (Malaysian)
- 200.00 RM/adult (International)
  30.00 RM/child (18 yo below)
- 80.00 RM/child (18 yo below)
Climbing Insurance
- 7.00 / adult (both for local and international)
Mountain Guide Fee (Compulsory) Timpohon – Peak – Timpohon
- 230.00 RM/Guide (1-5 Climbers – 16 yo and above)
- 230.00 RM/Guide (1-2 Climbers – below 16 yo)
Porter Fee (Optional)
- Timpohon to Laban Rata – 65.00 RM/porter
- Timpohon to Sayat-Sayat – 75.00 RM/porter (this is closest to summit)
- Timpohon to Summit – 80.00 RM/porter
  ***NOTE: Maximum weight is 10 kgs and additional weight will be charged on daily rate per kg
Transportation (To Timpohon Gate)
- for 1 – 4 (+Guide) – 17.00 RM/way
- for 5 persons and above (+guide) – 4.50 RM/person/way
Locker Fee
- 12.00RM per bag per day (at Kinabalu Park only)
Climbing Certificate
- 10.60 RM/pc (Summit)
- 1.60 RM/ pc (Laban Rata/South Peak)
3D2N Packaged Deal from Sutera Lodge
- 900.00 RM per pax

THE HIKE TO MT. KINABALU

After the long wait, tiring itinerary making (and a little training), and exhaustive preparation – the big day of hiking Mt. Kinabalu comes! Regardless of the trail route that your group has decided, we would be reaching the same summit and rediscover the “unexplanable unless you go there” beauty of Mt. Kinabalu.

***Note that below pictures are not in order of the climb. Forgive me for posting so much photos, believe me I tried not to!***