Mt Kinabalu is likely one of the highest mountain in South East Asia. It’s a craggy, tectonic plateau, technically a part of the Bornean Crocker Range, and looms over the encompassing Sabah jungle like one thing out of Lord Of The Rings. For lots of Malaysia travellers, that is the entire cause they go to: to stand up at 2am, drink a number of cups of sturdy espresso, and watch the solar rise over Low’s Peak.
But like most mountains over 13,000 toes, you’ll want greater than a sturdy pair of climbing boots and a sunny perspective. It pays to do your analysis beforehand. What gear do you have to deliver? What’s lodging like on the mountain? If Kinabalu is in your itinerary, do you even should climb? And what about altitude illness?
Consider this your Mt Kinabalu survival information. Everything it’s good to know earlier than tackling Gunung Kinabalu.
So, let’s begin with the mountain.
Mt Kinabalu sits on Borneo, about 4,000 metres above sea stage, which makes it the 20th most outstanding mountain on the planet. But it’s not the hardest trek going round. Most tour firms (together with us) run two-day climbs, with one evening spent in dorm lodging on the mountain (we’ll get to that later). Kinabalu is a World Heritage Site, and also you’ll cross by a number of habitats and ecosystems on the best way up: steamy Sabah rainforest, Montane grasslands, desolate rock-scapes and the well-known alpine meadows. Keep your eyes peeled too – there are 5,000 forms of crops, 326 completely different birds and over 100 mammal species on the mountain.
Only 135 climbers are allowed on the mountain every day, so it does are inclined to ebook up early. For peak season journey, we suggest locking in your spot no less than six months prematurely.
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What form of stuff ought to I pack?
Start by trying out Intrepid’s Ultimate Packing List. That’s your fundamentals coated. But Mt Kinabalu would require some specialist trekking gear, together with all of the widespread sense stuff (sunscreen, sun shades, cap and many others). Here’s a couple of different belongings you would possibly want.
- A small backpack in your jacket, drink bottle, snacks and many others.
- A water-proof jacket. It rains on Kinabalu. A lot. Pack a lightweight rain jacket and a few waterproof baggage in your gear.
- A head torch. For the morning summit hike (which begins in pitch darkness). You can choose these up simply in Kota Kinabalu.
- Water bottles. For apparent causes. Pick a sustainable, re-useable drink bottle.
- Yummy snacks. Any good path combine, chocolate or sugary deal with will do.
- Good climbing boots. Make certain you get a pair that assist your ankles, and put on them in no less than two months earlier than the journey.
- Thick climbing socks. Dry socks can be your finest buddy. Pack 3-4 pairs.
- Earplugs. Accommodation on the mountain is dorm-style. That means loud night breathing.
- Shorts. At least for the primary day, once you’re trekking by muggy rainforests. Bring pants for the summit climb.
- Money. You received’t want a lot, nevertheless it’s good for tipping porters and shopping for meals.
- Waterproof gloves. These will maintain your digits heat, however they’re additionally helpful for the Via Ferrata.
- Layers. The massive one. Pack some thermal skivvies, gentle jumpers and a jacket. Layer up or down, relying on temperature.
What ought to I put on?
What to put on on Kinabalu can change from hour to hour, by no means thoughts everyday. The mountain’s local weather is understood to be fairly temperamental. Nights get icy, afternoons are muggy, and rain storms can sweep in with out discover. Generally you need to put on a number of gentle layers, so you possibly can alter on the fly. On the primary morning, put on shorts. Trust me. It’s very steamy down within the Sabah jungle, and everybody else can be sweating into their climbing pants.
Once you’re up on the mountain correct, it will possibly get chilly, particularly at evening: swap to trousers, thick socks and a polar fleece jumper. Don’t overlook the waterproof jacket both. For the daybreak summit, the massive issues are head torch, a beanie and heat gloves. Here’s a good packing information to get you began.
EXPLORE OUR RANGE OF SMALL GROUP ADVENTURES IN BORNEO HERE
When’s the very best time to go to?
Borneo sits in the midst of a swirling tropical vortex, so it’s at all times raining someplace. Really dangerous climate can typically shut the Kinabalu summit (verify the Mt Kinabalu residence web page for latest climate updates). It often pays to ebook within the dry season. The temperatures are delicate, the skies are (largely) clear, and also you’ve received a greater probability of seeing that marmalade dawn. Best months are usually March and April, though June to September will be positive too (it simply will get extremely popular). Check out our Malaysia Season Guide for more information.
Do I must be match?
You’ll want a sure base stage of health: there are lots of, many, many steps on Mt Kinabalu, to not point out slippery, rain-soaked rocks, uneven terrain and excessive altitudes (which make respiration tough). The mountain climb takes two days. On the primary day you’ll climb about 6 kilometres value of steps, up by the lowland jungle, to round 11,000 toes above sea stage. The second day is extra technical: you’ll stand up early and climb to the summit. This stretch is rocky and steep, about 15-20 levels incline. For some tips about preparing in your trek, take a look at this helpful information.
LOVE TREKKING? EXPLORE OUR FULL RANGE OF HIKING ADVENTURES HERE
The Via Ferrata: Explained!
CHECK OUT THE VIA FERRATA ON OUR 9-DAY BORNEO: HIKE, BIKE & KAYAK ADVENTURE
If you need to add some Tomb Raider-style journey to your Kinabalu climb, take a look at the ‘Mountain Torq’ by way of ferrata (we’ve received a complete information over right here). It’s one in every of two by way of ferratas on the mountain; mainly a sequence of ropes, ladders and walkways which were nailed into the rockface. This is an optionally available route, so there’s no stress to participate. For those that are eager, you descend the by way of ferrata on Day 2 of Intrepid’s Borneo: Hike, Bike and Kayak journeys, fastidiously hooked right into a climbing line with a number of carabiners. You don’t want any mountain climbing expertise to offer it a go (though there’s a minimal peak requirement of 1.3 metres and weight restrict of 100 kilos, it’s important to attend an hour-long security briefing, and you could guarantee your insurance coverage supplier will cowl this exercise). Mount Kinabalu has all of the related data over right here.
READ MORE: WHAT IT’S ACTUALLY LIKE TO CLIMB THE VIA FERRATA ON MT KINABALU
What’s the lodging like?
You received’t be tenting on Mt Kinabalu, however don’t count on 5-star lodging both. Intrepid keep in dorms with bunk beds, and all of your sleeping baggage, pillows and sheets are supplied; it’s clear, cosy and comfy. There are bogs and (very) chilly communal showers, too. If you wrestle sleeping in dorm rooms, we suggest packing a sleep masks and a few stout earplugs.
Do I really want a porter?
You don’t have to rent a porter when climbing Mt Kinabalu, nevertheless it helps. You’ll additionally get to satisfy some wonderful native folks and assist stimulate the financial system. If you’d like a porter on the climb, simply let your Intrepid chief know they usually can organize all the pieces. Porters are at all times paid straight, and in money. The charges differ relying how a lot gear you’ve received, and the actual climb route you are taking, however your chief can advise on how a lot you possibly can count on to pay once you’re there.
READ MORE ABOUT INTREPID’S PORTER POLICY HERE
What if I don’t need to climb?
That’s completely positive! Intrepid has three journeys that provide non-climbing choices: Sabah Adventure, Sabah Discovery and Essential Borneo. Just let your agent know once you’re reserving that you just don’t need to summit the mountain, they usually’ll make it easier to organise an alternate. Some folks want to stay to decrease altitudes, and there are nonetheless improbable views of Mt Kinabalu from the smaller ridges. You’ll discover a good round-up of the low-altitude day walks right here.
Mt Kinabalu FAQ’s
How excessive is Mount kinabalu?
The summit of Mt Kinabalu is 4095 meters (13,435 toes) tall, above sea stage.
How to ebook Mount Kinabalu Climb?
We have excursions masking Mount Kinabalu which you’ll ebook right now
When is the very best time to climb Mount Kinabalu?
The finest time to climb Mount Kinabalu is March and April, though June to September generally is a good time too.
Find out extra about our small group adventures in Borneo now.
All pictures by Melissa Findley.