Climbing Mount Kinabalu
Busy and I are not mountain climbers, in fact, we do not have any mounting climbing experience, but we love to explore and try new things. So, when we had a chance to climb Mount Kinabalu, we grabbed the opportunity without any hesitation. Continue to read on and see our experience in climbing Mount Kinabalu.
Where to Book Mount Kinabalu Climb?
We booked through Across Borneo courtesy of Sabah Tourism.
Facebook: Across Borneo
Contact No./ What’s App: +60 13-881 1271
Email Address: [email protected]
Quick Links
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Climbing Rates
- Warning and Notes for Climbers
- Gallery of More Pictures
- Happy and Busy’s Smileys
Day 1 – Climbing Mount Kinabalu
Registration
Every climber must register here before climbing. So, we went here first.
Here is what the registration looks like inside.
We accomplished the indemnity form so the park will know our basic information, emergency contact in case of emergency, and health status. This also serves as a waiver.
We stayed in Sutera Sanctuary Lodge, which is just inside Kinabalu Park. So, we were picked up by the park’s service and headed to the registration area. We also checked out and left our things for safekeeping in the registration area. Safekeeping costs RM 12 per night. But if you have a lot of things to bring, you can hire a porter who charges RM 14 minimum of 10 kilos.
Identification Cards (ID) are also required for each climber. This must be worn at all times when climbing.
Sabi nga ni manong guard “No ID no entry” haha.
Start – Climbing Mount Kinabalu
After registration, we were picked up by the shuttle service again and drive for 5 minutes to the starting point of the climb. We had high hopes, a lot of excitement, and full energy!
There is s short introduction to climbing Mount Kinabalu here given by the guides. We had three introductions already so we asked our guide, Frederick, not to give the intro to us so we can proceed. We are expecting that we will climb slowly because this is our first time, so we want to start early.
Here is the trail map of Mount Kinabal.
After the introduction area, there is another registration area, this is like an attendance checker if all of the registered climbers started their journey.
Then our journey started with lots of stairs going down, and going up. At first, the trail is mostly made out of stairs and there are thick trees around that cover the trail.
Then at some point, I was immediately tired, I do not know why, it must be my excitement or the wrong start technique. So Busy decided to continue by not stopping because he might feel tired. You will see more of me in the pictures because Busy is already far away. But it’s okay, I’m with our guide and I met a lot of friends along the way including Filipinos too.
By the way, we do not recommend separating from the group because it is always safe when everybody is together.
Trail Gets Harder…
The trail gets harder because there are a lot of rocks.
As mentioned earlier, I got tired early on the trail. But I found a technique, whenever I drink a few drops of water, I somehow get a lot of energy. So once in a while, I drink a few drops of water.
But even though I am very tired, I always manage to get a photo, just like this photo with the 2.5 KM mark.
If you are tired and want to take a rest or wanted to pee, there are shelters along the way. You can rest here so you can regain your energy. Although I opted not to rest too like Busy, I continued to climb slowly instead of resting.
TIP: Rest for no more than 5 minutes. Because if you rest for more than 5 minutes, your body will start to realize that it is tired.
In case of emergency, there are assembly points, and there is even a helipad.
Layang-Layang Shelter – Lunchtime
When we reached Layang Layang, our guide asked me if I wanted to have lunch. Even though I am not hungry, I tried to have my lunch here. There are actually a lot of climbers eating here because this is the designated lunch area.
Busy is in the picture because this was taken on the second day. I was actually worried during lunchtime because his lunch and water is with us. Frederick is kind enough to bring our water and packed lunch. Busy is climbing without water.
If you need to pee or poo, there are comfort rooms available in each shelter just like this one. They are actually clean when I tried them, the floor is kinda muddy but that’s it.
As mentioned earlier, we stayed in the very nice Sutera Sanctuary Lodge. Their packed lunch has a lot of food which will help us to maintain our energy. There are two packed of cookies, two hard-boiled eggs, an apple, braised veggies, and roasted Chicken.
I am not hungry so I just got a few bites from the Chicken, which is delicious by the way even though it is cold. Plus I ate the yummy cookies.
While resting and eating my lunch, I had a nice view of the lush trees, and I even saw some animals. Just like this Borneo Thrush (Also known as the Mountain Blackbird).
It’s so pretty and it seems that it is not bothered by the flock of people around.
There are also a lot of Squirrels around who ran so fast they are kinda hard to take a picture. This one is chubby, I think he got a lot of food from climbers.
Just a reminder, do not feed wildlife even though it is very tempting.
Second Leg of the Climb – 1st Day of Climbing Mount Kinabalu
After eating and resting for a while, I started the second leg of the first day. A few steps away from Layang Layang there are big Pitcher Plants.
According to the locals, there are bigger Pitcher plants, and this one is small.
The second leg is harder than the first because there are more rocks on the trail, the trail gets more inclined, and of course, our energy levels are not 100% anymore. Good thing I have a lightweight bag, and hiking stick from Decathlon.
I am using Sketchers Trail shoes, but I do not recommend this one. Even though they said this is for trekking, I do not think so. I slipped a few times especially when we were climbing down. There are no usual spikes that I see in some hiking shoes.
Then I reached the 4.5KM marker. I think I can reach Laban Rata before the cut-off.
There are more rocks along the way.
Near Laban Rata
The first indicator that we are near Laban Rata is this 700M mark.
My mind is thinking that I just have to suffer a few more meters away hahaha. But this made my climb harder because I was asking all the time “Are we there yet?” I am so tired that I just want to rest.
Good thing the scenery is nice and I saw more birds.
Laban Rata
Finally, I reached Laban Rata at around 3:00 PM. I also saw Busy there and he said he reached Laban Rata at 1 PM. He doesn’t have water so he just ate an Apple that he brought. I packed his bag and I did not place any Apple there, he just thought of it before we checked out. So, I was relieved that he get to eat somehow
This is the building where we get to stay for the night. It is simple but has everything that we will be needing.
Upon check-in, the receptionist will give warm towels and the key to the room. Busy checked-in already so all I have to do is get to the room and rest.
We got the room for four people which we shared with two climbers. We forgot to get their Facebook accounts to stay connected. So if you guys see our blog, please comment below or add us. Hahaha
The person sleeping there is Busy, when we arrived in the room he is resting like that.
I forgot to get a picture of the comfort room because whenever I go, there are people around, so I can’t take a picture of it. Anyway, the comfort rooms are shared by everybody but it is always kept clean. Hot shower is available but most of the climbers do not take a bath, just like us. Because it is very cold here, it’s kinda hard to take a bath. We just brushed our teeth and washed our faces.
This is the dining hall where we mingle with everyone and of course, use it for eating.
Outside the dining area, there is a nice porch where we can relax and see Mount Kinabalu.
Food in Laban Rata
Food served in Laban Rata is always buffet style. We had two buffet sessions during our stay, first is the early supper which starts at 5 PM. Then the next one is early breakfast which starts at 1 AM the next day.
There are a lot of dishes in all of the buffet service! You won’t be asking for more because there is a lot of choices.
But they usually serve Chicken and Beef because there should be Halal food.
Dessert is also available, and unlimited coffee and tea. I always make my hot meilk tea during our stay here.
Just look at this, aside from there is a lot of food, the presentation is also nice. It’s like we are eating buffet in a fancy hotel.
There is really a lot of choices for both of the buffet services.
If ever you would like to order different food, feel free to order from their menu. They also have alcoholic drinks here, but as advised it is not good for mountain climbing.
Time to Rest
After early dinner, everybody is getting ready to rest. But there is a nice sunset view from the dining area, so I went out of the room and went down to take a picture.
Busy started to rest and I asked him if he wants to take a picture, he said no because he is already resting. So, I just went to take a picture of myself.
After taking this picture, I went to the room and rest. Generators are off after 8 PM, but it’s okay because most of the climbers are already sleeping to regain their energy.
Day 2 – Climbing Mount Kinabalu
Going to Sayat Sayat Checkpoint
We woke up at 1 AM so we can have our breakfast already. We wanted to chill before starting the climb. When it was 2:15 AM we went out and look for Frederick already because we want to start early. It is colder so I used my bubble jacket already. Plus we used our gloves already because aside from the cold, there are a lot of ropes that we need to hold onto.
It is recommended to have thermal clothing, your usual clothing above it, then a bubble jacket. I just remove the bubble jacket whenever I feel hot because my tolerance for cold temperatures is high. At this time a headlamp is needed because it is pitch black outside because there are no lamp posts on the trail.
We left some of the things that we won’t be needing going up because we will come back here later.
We went to the start of the trail, at the gates, but there is a line already. Climbers woke up early and wanted to start early. Gates open at 2:30 AM
When the gates opened the climb is slow because there is a line of people going up, then it started to become fast which I can’t keep up with. So, Busy again climb ahead of me, and I am with Frederick again.
According to the locals, the trail is easier now because there are a lot of stairs compared to the trail before the massive earthquake back in 2015. But even though it is easier I got super exhausted! Imagine going up the stairs continuously.
Sayat Sayat Checkpoint
At around 3:45 AM I passed by Sayat Sayat Check Point and showed my ID tag. There is a 5:30 AM cut-off, if you arrive at the check point at 5:30 AM onwards, you can’t continue anymore and you have to go back to Laban Rata.
After the checkpoint, I rested for a while and continued after 5 minutes. There are more challenges on the trail after the checkpoint, there are slippery rocks, ropes to hold onto because the elevation is 60 degrees, etc. Then, I reached the 7 KM mark.
Finally, I reached the famous 8 KM mark. I am really exhausted and I feel my body is already giving up, but I have to continue to reach the peak. Busy is already at the peak I think, because he is a fast climber. I breathe so hard, Frederick said my breathing is like a dying person. Well, that’s true, I was ashamed actually ’cause I was like out of breath and I breathe loudly. Just really imagine a dying person.
Good thing, Frederick is our guide, he is really helping me muscle my way through the trail. Running is not allowed but we ran a little bit, then stop, then tried another climbing technique just to help me go on. But the real technique that helped me is to walk slowly but surely and drink a little bit of water once in a while.
Low’s Peak Summit
After a very tiring climb, I finally reached the line for the picture-taking opportunity at Low’s Peak. I think I reached it around 6 AM. Yeah, it took me a lot of time to get here because I am really raelly super duper exhausted.
I saw Busy at the side of Low’s Peak waiting for me. I had a funny experience while pushing through my climb to the peak. As I mentioned earlier we made a lot of friends along the way, those who are already descending told me “Your husband is at the top already waiting for you for hours!” Haha yeah Busy is there already waiting for me.
Finally, we reached Low’s Peak! We reached the summit! This is the highest elevation at 4095.2 meters. We waived the Philippine flag and took a picture with our tarpaulin. Actually, we forgot to take a video, ’cause the line is so long and there is a little bit of pressure to finish taking a picture.
Mt. Kinabalu is the highest mountain in South East Asia, imagine climbing this without any previous experience.
Descending Mount Kinabalu
Busy is scared of heights, so when the Sun rises, he saw the trail and was shaken a little bit. He was thinking that if we slipped during the climb, we will roll down and pass away. Well, that is true, that’s why it is important to be together with your group and climb safely. Just look at the people beside us, that is the way up, just going up the rocks and using the rope to climb.
Of course, we are here already so we took a lot of pictures even though we are very tired already. Also, we were thirsty and rationing our water because we brought 500ml of water only, which we thought is enough. We should’ve brought the litters of water that we left in Laban Rata.
We also took a picture with South Peak, the famous peak in Mount Kinabalu. This is famous because this can be found at the back of 100 RM. We actually do not know that until we ended our Mount Kinabalu climb haha. This peak is also usually mistaken to be the highest peak in Mount Kinabalu.
Then, we also took some creative shots while going down, Frederick told us where to stand and where to take a picture.
The Trail Going Down
As mentioned we now see what the trail really looks like. There are a lot of 60-degree parts where we need a rope to hold onto. I actually slipped once but I have a good grip (Thanks to the gloves from Decathlon) so I did not roll down.
After a lot of 60-degree parts, there are a lot of stairs going down. Just look at our back in the picture below.
We were not catching up on any urgent cut-offs anymore so we had more time taking pictures along the trail. This area has a breathtaking view.
Back at Laban Rata
We arrived at Laban Rata at 9 AM, so we still have 1 hour to rest before we check out. But first, we refilled our water first because we were really thirsty.
We also took a selfie outside the dining hall because we did not get to do this yesterday.
Checked Out Laban Rata and Continue Descending
Busy stayed with me this time during the descend so we can bond together. I descend slowly too, I didn’t expect that descending is hard too especially on the feet and knees.
Before we forgot to show you, we saw a lot of porters who carry heavy items. Here is one sample, he is carrying a gas tank, oil, and chillis. We salute them because without them we do not have anything in Laban Rata.
While going down, I slipped a few more times maybe because I am very exhausted. Then Frederick also assisted me in going down, literally holding my hand like an old lady walking in the mall.
Anyway, I managed to push through and luckily in our two days in Mount Kinabalu, luckily it only rained a little bit. Because if it rained hard, we will not be allowed to climb to the summit, and the trail will be harder.
There is also a cut-off at the finish line, we have to be there by 5 PM because the shuttle service is available until 5 PM only.
Then we got our certificates, Whooooo!!!! We got colored certificates. We would like to thank everyone who made this possible. The Lord, our families, Across Borneo Travel Agency, Sabah Tourism, Decathlon, and Frederick our guide.
Climbing Rates
Here are the rates effective from January 1, 2023. This usually increases every year, so if you want to climb, do it now.
If you want to challenge yourself more, you can climb Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata route which is the highest Via Ferrata route in the world.
Warning and Notes for Climbers
Gallery of More Pictures
Yeah, I know there are a lot of pictures already, but we wanted to share more. So, here are more pictures from our climb.
Thank you Decathlon for our hiking bags, hiking sticks, and gloves.
The rocks on the trail. Yeah, we have to climb those.
Foggy portion, I think we are inside the clouds haha.
Happy and Busy’s Smileys for Climbing Mount Kinabalu
This experience will be remembered for a very long time. We had a great time even though this activity is very tiring. Everything is well maintained, there is no garbages, the comfort rooms are clean, and the ladders and ropes are still intact.
Location
Ambiance
Perfect! We can not fully express how good all of the scenery is. Plus we also saw some wildlife.
Value for money
It is a bit expensive to climb Mount Kinabalu but it is worth every penny.
Fun
Even though we were tired, we had a lot of fun and meet new friends.
More exciting activity reviews at https://happyandbusytravels.com/category/activities/
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