Your Final Information To Climbing Mt Kinabalu

Mt Kinabalu at a look

• Location: Sabah, Borneo
• Altitude: 4095 metres (13,435 toes)
• Trek period: 2 days, 1 evening
• Size: 18 km (11 miles) return
• Elevation acquire: 2200 metres (7217 toes)
• Allow required: sure
• Mountain information required: sure

The UNESCO-listed Mt Kinabalu is the third-largest island mountain and the twentieth most outstanding peak on this planet. The climb takes two days and one evening spent in dorm-style lodging on the mountain – however extra on that shortly.

What to anticipate

The Mt Kinabalu trek showcases Borneo’s wealthy biodiversity, taking you thru misty rainforest, montane grasslands, desolate rockscapes and alpine meadows. After kilometre 4, search for the carnivorous pitcher plant endemic to Mt Kinabalu and neighbouring Mt Tambuyukon.

Day one begins with a check-in at Timpohon Gate. You’ll ascend an uphill path of steep, rocky steps and tree roots via lowland rainforest for about 6 km (approx. 4 to 7 hours) earlier than arriving at Laban Rata Resthouse (3272 metres). The surroundings and sunsets listed below are spectacular. Refuel with a hearty dinner earlier than heading to mattress for an early wake-up name. 

On day two, you’ll get up at 2 am to proceed your trek to the summit for dawn. There are 700 metres of steps to climb earlier than reaching steep granite slopes marked with ladders and ropes. Then, return to the resthouse for a well-deserved breakfast earlier than descending (approx. 4 to six hours). If the climate situations are too harmful, there’s an opportunity the park ranger might shut the summit path.

Are there bogs and water stations alongside the path?

There are relaxation stops with flushing bogs each kilometre or so to Laban Rata. There are additionally water stations, however because the water is untreated, we advise bringing purification tablets or two litres of water to keep away from an upset tummy. You possibly can refill with free boiled consuming water at Laban Rata.

Do I would like a mountain information and porter?

Do I would like a allow?

All hikers want a allow to climb Mt Kinabalu. Permits are issued with a lanyard and should be seen all through the trek. Permits should solely be booked on the Sabah Parks web site. Be cautious of bogus websites, as there have been circumstances of hikers rocking as much as discover their allow isn’t legit.

Round 160 permits are issued every day for worldwide climbers, and so they promote out quick. If you happen to’re travelling solo, you’ll must plan round eight months forward to safe your spot.

If you happen to’re travelling with Intrepid, they’ll handle permits, lodging and nearly all the pieces else, so there’s no must e-book to date prematurely. That stated, they’ll want your passport particulars at the very least 45 days earlier than departure to request your allow.

What’s the lodging like?

You received’t be tenting on Mt Kinabalu, however don’t count on five-star lodging both. Most hikers keep in Laban Rata Resthouse, which has dorms with bunk beds, mattresses and mattress linen. It’s fundamental however comfy. There are sockets by every mattress, bogs and (very) chilly communal showers when you’re feeling courageous.

Buffet-style meals are served within the eating space – assume: fried rice, noodles, stir-fries, omelettes, and many others. – and there’s a small store the place you should purchase snacks and tender drinks (you’ll want money).

The floorboards may be creaky and there’s an opportunity your roomies might snore, so we suggest packing a sleep masks and a pair of stout earplugs to make sure you get some much-needed shut-eye even when you’re not often a light-weight sleeper.

How match do I must be?

You want a reasonable health degree. There are lots of, many, many steps, to not point out slippery, rain-soaked rocks and uneven terrain. The second day is extra technical with a steep ascent to the summit – within the pitch darkness – at a 15 to twenty levels incline utilizing ropes that will help you. When you don’t want any mountaineering expertise, you do want sturdy legs, good steadiness and higher physique energy to haul your self up.

Descending is probably the most difficult half for many hikers. It’s tremendous intense on the quads and calves, and plenty of travellers expertise ‘jelly legs’ – that involuntary wobble in your legs after extended pressure. Some pre-departure stair climbs are a great way to acquaint your muscle groups with this repetitive motion. A mountain climbing pole can even be your finest pal on the way in which down. I don’t know what I might’ve executed with out it!

Usually, the fitter you’re, the extra you’ll take pleasure in it – though the excessive altitude could make respiration tough even for the tremendous match.

What to pack for Mt Kinabalu

What to put on can change from hour to hour, by no means thoughts everyday. The local weather is understood to be temperamental. Nights get icy, afternoons are muggy, and rainstorms can sweep in with out discover.

Usually, you need to put on a number of mild layers to regulate on the fly. On day one, we advise carrying shorts as you’ll begin within the humid rainforest. However pack some lengthy pants for when the temperature drops as you climb. Additionally, don’t neglect a water-proof jacket or poncho as rain is at all times doable.

While you get to the resthouse and your physique begins cooling down, you’ll need trousers, a long-sleeved thermal high and thick socks. Nights may be chilly, so a polar fleece or down jacket wouldn’t go amiss.

One other important is an in a single day backpack. You’ll go away your predominant bag at your lodge or the nationwide park headquarters, so your in a single day bag must be large enough to suit a jacket, change of garments (if wanted), water bottle, snacks, and many others. Attempt to maintain your bag inside 8 kilograms – you’ll kick your self for bringing pointless weight when tackling these steps!

If you must pack extra, think about hiring a porter.

Listed below are a number of different belongings you may want:

• Waterproof jacket: It rains loads on Kinabalu. Pack a light-weight rain jacket to keep away from getting drenched.
• Waterproof bag cowl or dry bag: For any necessary gadgets like your telephone, digital camera, and many others.  
• Head torch: For the morning summit hike (which begins in pitch darkness).   
• Water bottle: With a 2-litre capability.  
• Snacks: Any good path combine, chocolate or sugary deal with will do.   
• Mountain climbing boots: Make sure you get a pair that helps your ankles and has good sole tread. Break them in at the very least two months earlier than the journey – you don’t need blisters.   
• Blister plasters: Simply in case.   
• Mountain climbing socks: Thick socks (ideally made with a breathable material like merino wool) are important. We suggest turning into a clear pair if you arrive on the guesthouse. 
• Mountain climbing pole: To help your legs on the way in which down. 
• Earplugs: Lodging on the mountain is dorm-style. That might imply loud night breathing.   
• Layers: Layer up or down relying on the temperature. 
• Cash: You received’t want a lot, however if you wish to purchase snacks or tender drinks on the resthouse you’ll want it as they solely settle for money.  
• Waterproof gloves: To guard your fingers from rope burn and maintain them heat within the icy air on the summit.  

When is one of the best time to climb Mt Kinabalu?

Borneo sits in the midst of a swirling tropical vortex, so it’s at all times raining someplace. Sabah has two seasons – moist and drier – with the driest interval often from March to September. It’ll nonetheless be scorching, however the skies are (largely) clear and also you’ve acquired a greater likelihood of seeing that dreamy marmalade dawn.