Climbing Mount Kinabalu

Climbing Mount Kinabalu is a different experience for each person, but what makes most people succeed above all, is perseverance.

Although climbing Mount Kinabalu is climbing the tallest peak in South East Asia, a good state of health and moderately active life-style will enable you to reach the summit. Climbing Mount Kinabalu is a major tourist attraction in Sabah, and most who visit Sabah and are able to climb Mount Kinabalu, will attempt to do so.

Quick Fact:
Sabah Park issues only 146 permits daily!
Please book your package as soon as possible, 3-6 months ahead is a must!

Things to Bring
The following are essential but not exhaustive.

1. Lightweight Clothing
Although evenings at high altitudes tend to be chilly, the surrounding is largely humid. Light-weight clothing is recommended.
2. Walking Shoes
The best investment for any climber is a good pair of shoes to protect your feet from the mountain terrain. Shoes with a good sole and grip is recommended to prevent from accidents due to unforeseen weather conditions.
3. Raincape
Kinabalu experiences heavy rainfall despites dry inter monsoon periods.
4. Hat
Protect against sun and cold at higher altitudes.
5. Gloves
To protect hands from thorns, insects, and cold.
6. Ziploc Plastic Bags
For sealed, temporary storage of food, personal belongings, etc.
7. Leech Socks
These offer protection from leeches.
8. Warm Jacket
Temperatures can be low at night, especially at higher altitudes.
9. Lightweight Ruck Sack / Daypack
Useful for keeping essential items.
10. Drinking water
Sufficient water but not too much/heavy
11. High energy food
Chocolates, nuts raisins, glucose
12. Others
- Headache tablets/sun block/lip gloss/deep heat lotion/plasters/insect repellent
- Binoculars/camera/water proof bag for camera/torchlight/batteries
- Extra socks/towel
- Tissue paper/toilet roll
- Reading material/first aid kit
- Bring extra Ringgit Cash (No Credit Card available at Laban Rata)

Notes:
Remember to pack light. The more items you bring with you will only add to the burden on your shoulders during the journey up. Ideally, the weight of your bag pack should be less than 10kg.

Items Available for Rent at Laban Rata
- Torchlight / Blanket / Sleeping Bag - RM5.00/item
- Sweater - RM10.00/item
- Warm jacket - RM10 – RM20.00 per Jacket

Check List!
A. Timpohon Gate to Laban Rata (0800Hrs)
1. It is a day climb, usually warm and sunny. So lightweight clothing like t-shirts and bermudas/shorts is sufficient. Track bottom is okay.
2. Cap/hat.
3. Sun-glasses.
4. Raincoat, in case of rain. Disposable raincoat is easily available in Kota Kinabalu and Kinabalu Park. Umbrella, if necessary.
5. Good shoes. It is better for you to have a high cut shoes as to prevent from ankle injury. Sports shoe is adequate.
6. Rubber sandals/slippers. Some of the climbers use only open-toe rubber sandals with thick socks during the first part of the climb. It can also be used in the wet bathroom during your stay in Laban Rata.
7. Sunblock cream.
8. Face towels.
9. 1 liter water bottle. You can refill your water during the climb on each shelter.
10. Toilet tissue papers.
11. Food that is light and easy to eat - like raisins, chocolate, nuts, energy bars, glucose and some oral rehydration salts. Other food like instant noodle, instant coffee or tea, bread, canned sardines and tuna, if you would like to save some money for your meals at Laban Rata.
12. Plastic bags.
13. Insect repellent.
14. Medicines (please refer to medical advice).
15. Waist pouch. It will also be used during the second part of the climb.
16. Your backpack. Better to have a waterproof one. If not, pack everything in double plastic bag in case of rain. Try to limit it to less than 10 kilograms. It would be a burden for you to bring more than that.
17. Still or video camera. This is a must. Bring spare batteries, memory cards (for digital) or film (for manual camera). You would not want to miss anything, right?
18. Walking/hiking stick (trekking pole), but it is not necessary.
19. Towels, toothbrush and toothpaste. Soap is provided in Laban Rata. You can have your bath in a heated bathroom there.

B. Laban Rata to Low's Peak (0230Hrs)
1. It is a night climb, usually cold and windy. So, warm clothes is essential. It reaches below 5°C at the peak!
2. Torchlight. Headlight is better as most of the time you have to hold the rope in the dark.
3. Balaclava mask. It will protect your face from the cold wind.
4. Gloves. Waterproof gloves is best, but two pair of good wool gloves is necessary. It will protect your hands from rope burn and cold.
5. Wind breaker or jackets, long sleeves shirts, thick trousers/cargo pants, thick socks and good shoes.
6. Ski mask, to protect your head from cold and the wind.
7. Small water bottle (500ml bottle is enough). The only place to refill you bottle is at Sayat-sayat Hut.
8. Raincoat.
9. Some light foods.
10. Camera with enough memory cards or film and batteries.
11. Waist pack is handy at this time as you could keep your camera and raincoat inside.

Permits, Guides & Porters
Permits and guides are compulsory for the Summit Trail and for all climbing routes including the Gunung Namboyukon Trail at Serinsim and for any area of the park outside the normal trails. Entry fees are payable at Park Headquarters and at Poring Hot Springs, except when accommodation is pre-booked with fees included. Fees to specific local facilities and guided walks are payable at respective park administrative centres.

Permits
Permits to climb Mount Kinabalu may be obtained upon arrival at Kinabalu Park Headquarters.

Guides
You must engage a licensed guide to climb Mount Kinabalu. Fees are charged on per group basis, ranging from RM35 to RM40 per day per group depending on the size of the group. Charges vary according to choice of starting and ending point. (Timpohon to Mesilau and vice versa).

Porters
Porters are also available for hire at established rates.

The Climate
Average temperature range from 15°C-24°C (60°F-78°F) at Kinabalu Park HQ at 1,563m (5128 feet), where it can be quite hot during the day but much cooler at night. At Laban Rata at 3,270m (10,728 feet) on the summit trail, average temperatures vary from 6°C-14°C (41°F-58°F), but can sometimes reach almost freezing at night.

Best Time to Climb
The best time to come to Mount Kinabalu is during the dry season from February to April, when walking and climbing is much more enjoyable. Dryer periods of several days also often occur in the inter-monsoon season, between August and September.

Health Preparation
Climbing Mount Kinabalu is usually a "once in a lifetime" experience for most people, so is vital that proper preparations are made beforehand. With superior information and sufficient time to prepare, you stand an extremely good chance of reaching the summit. You have prepared all the necessary climbing preparation earlier, but what about your health and fitness? Are you fit enough to climb the highest mountain in South East Asia?

Although the majority of routes leading to the summit of Kinabalu require no technical climbing skills, some kind of training beforehand is important. It is important to remember that you will be hiking on surfaces with varying angles which may put lots of stress on your ankles and knees. It is also worth remembering that most of the injuries which occur on Mount Kinabalu happen on the way down.When climbing Mount Kinabalu, take a slow pace to allow your body to acclimatize to the altitude, as at 3000 meters, you only have 70% of the oxygen you would normally have at sea-level.

Although Mount Kinabalu is not a technical mountain climb, it is a major challenge and the rigors of altitude should not be underestimated. The ascent is not difficult in climbing terms, but it is very strenuous, especially for those who are not very fit. The pace of your ascent coupled with good acclimatization will help you on the climb but it is essential to be mentally and physically prepared before you start. Regular hikes are one of the best ways to prepare, increasing frequency and length as you get closer to the trek. All aerobic exercises such as; cycling, running, swimming and funnily enough aerobics are good for strengthening the cardiovascular system. Generally, any exercise that increases the heart rate for 20 minutes a day is helpful but don't over do it just before the climb.

The following steps are a guide to achieving acclimatization:
1. Water : A fluid intake of 4 - 5 liters per day is recommended. Fluid intake improves circulation and most other bodily functions, but does not increase fluid leakage from the body. Thirst should not be an indicator of proper fluid intake, if your urine is clear then you are drinking enough. During the climb, drinking water is taken from mountain streams.
2. Slow Walk : Pace is a critical factor on your climb. Unless there is a very steep uphill section your breathing rate should be the same as if you were walking down the street. If you cannot hold a conversation you are walking too fast. Walk "softly" allowing your knees to gently cushion each pace. "Pelan-pelan" (go slowly) is the phrase of the day.

Many people suffer from headaches, nausea or disorientation due to mild altitude sickness at the overnight hostel at Laban Rata (3,262 meters/10,703 feet). Headache tablets and anti-nausea medications may help, but if symptoms are severe do not continue the climb. Never underestimate the mountain.

Tips on Mount Kinabalu Climb
- If unavoidable, be extra careful with your steps during the wet spell
- No red meat or heavy meal before climbing
- Noodles and eggs are recommended before the more challenging second ascent from Laban Rata
- Never sit or lay down on high altitude (just stand still)
- Cover your nose (and mouth) with a scarf in windy condition on high ground
- Make extra sure your feet and hands are warm and dry during the final ascent
- When descending, try to walk sideway if you are feeling the pinch
- Do not bring valuable item

Trekking Duration
Fit Climber trekking duration (3 to 3 ½ hrs) from Timpohon Gate to Mountain Hut (Laban Rata)
Not Fit Climber trekking duration (5 to 6 hrs) from Timpohon Gate to Mountain Hut (Laban Rata)
Fit Climber trekking duration (3 ½ to 4 hrs) from Mesilau Trail to Mountain Hut (Laban Rata)
Not Fit Climber trekking duration (4 hrs to 7 hrs) from Mesilau Trail to Mountain Hut (Laban Rata)

~ Believe It Or Not ~
1. Respect the mountain and 'nature spirits' even if you are a skeptic.
2. When you need to relieve yourself, tell the "nature spirits" (say aloud) that may be lying on your path to give way to avoid offending them
3. Don't shout or make too much noise or you might disturb the "nature spirits"
4. When lost, talk aloud to the "spirits" to "set you free" and apologize for anything that you might have done wrong.
5. Never take what doesn't belong to you from the Mountain - "Take nothing, leave nothing but your footsteps"

Mt Kinabalu Mountain Trail