Laban Rata

Kota Kinabalu

Lot G15 Ground Floor, Wisma Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, 88000, Malaysia

 

87%

of people enjoy staying here

3.5 our of 5 stars 33 Opinions

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13
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14
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2
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2

Our Members Say

  • barbie_sunrise profile photo
  • Reviews: 125

4 out of 5 starsUser Rating

Mount Kinabalu Accomodation

Before you can climb Mount Kinabalu you need to make reservation in Laban Rata thru Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. Its a full package - accomodation, guide, full board meals etc... I dont have problems with the people in Sutera, very accomodating. However, when I went to stay here it was dry season so there is scarcity of water. So when nature calls it will be tough. Good thing they provide a pail of water. The food is great, but there's just a few variations. Like what you eat for early breakfast might have the same menu for breakfast (post-climb).

  • Opinion of Price: about average
  • Related to: Budget Travel
Laban Rata

Laban Rata

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  • meliaz profile photo
  • Reviews: 27

3 out of 5 starsUser Rating

The Only Resort Up On Mt KK

If you're planning to climb Mt KK, you have to stay at Laban Rata. There's no other choice. Up here there are actually several hostels - the usual Laban Rata one you hear is the hostel where the rooms are located above the only restaurant up here. Aside from that one, there are actually a few others, a little further up, 10-15 mins walk away which might sound tiring about a 5 hours hike up the mountain, but I would recommend staying away from the main building. This is so you can actually get some rest and sleep, since the main building is pretty noisy all through the night. You need to get some rest if you're planning to start hiking up the mountain at 2am to catch the sunrise.
The hut I stayed in was Panar Laban and it had 6 bunk beds, no heater (room had plenty of blankets and we kept warm with our jackets) and definitely no hot water! Definitely an inconvenience, but all worth it for the sunrise up on Mt KK the next day.
The food up at the restaurant was really below average though, and expensive as well. So bring cash and bring your own food as well. Things like Milo, 3-in-1 coffee, Muesli Bars, Chocolate Bars are worth carrying up the mountain.
Important: Due to the fact there's only one place to stay up on the mountain, you have to book a place on Laban Rata first before you even buy your flight tickets, peak season (school/public holidays, summer breaks - like in August) the place is very fully booked. So book in advance, at least 6 months if you want to make sure you have a bed to sleep on. Else you could end up on a mattress on the dorm floor.

Unique Quality: Basic, but with a fantastic view.

  • Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
  • Related to: Mountain Climbing, National/State Park
Laban Rata Photo: Sunrise on Mt KK

Laban Rata Photo: Sunrise on Mt KK

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  • bladedragon profile photo
  • Reviews: 301

3 out of 5 starsUser Rating

Mid point for Mount Kinabalu

Accomodation is pretty basic, bunk beds, dining hall (they sell canned drinks too), common toilet (no hot water).

  • Opinion of Price: N/A
Laban Rata Photo: Laban Rata

Laban Rata Photo: Laban Rata

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  • dachel profile photo
  • Reviews: 46

3 out of 5 starsUser Rating

2.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Laban Rata Rest house (3,200M ASL)

Laban Rata Rest house is one of the accomadation choice at the mid point. Trekkers will rest and overnight here and continue the climbing next day 3am to catch up the sunset.

Unique Quality: The weather at this point basically is quite cool and you will need to put on more clothings. You can rent room with or without heater. The rest house provide hot water to bath at certain timing only. However, most people do not bath because it is very cool.

There is simple buffet provided for dinner and breakfast.

  • Opinion of Price: less expensive than average
  • Related to: Budget Travel, Mountain Climbing
Laban Rata Photo: Laban Rata Rest house

Laban Rata Photo: Laban Rata Rest house

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  • JamesWtc profile photo
  • Reviews: 59

4 out of 5 starsUser Rating

3.5 out of 5 starsHelpfulness

Laban Rata resthouse

Laban Rata is the only resthouse provided with heating and restorant. There are other huts avaiable but they only provide the basis facilities, withour heating.

The foods are expensive up there. But when you see the portals carrying loads of foods up hill, you have no complaints.

Unique Quality: Great view of mountain with the cloud below you. Although it's a simple hut, you feel very satisfied after an exhausting climb.

  • Opinion of Price: most expensive
Laban Rata Photo: Laban Rata Resthouse

Laban Rata Photo: Laban Rata Resthouse

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More about Laban Rata

Experience of Living Above the Clouds

by bkoon about Laban Rata Guesthouse

The Laban Rata Guesthouse is situated over 3000 feet above sea-level. Almost all trekkers who are trekking up to the Summit pass-by this guesthouse and it is one of the few accommodations available at "that height". The Laban Rata Guesthouse, Gunuting Laban Rata and Warus Hut are all under the care of the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. There is no other accommodation except these 3.

There is no kitchen at the Laban Rata Guesthouse. It is dormitory-style. All dorms are installed heaters. There is a big eating place / restaurant where most trekkers pig-out on the buffet spread (RM20.60) after the tedious and strenuous hike.

Should you need to use the kitchen, walk up to the Gunuting Laban Rata just 5 minutes away.

Cost : RM 32 per pax.

They are all usually "booked out", so, please book early to avoid disappointment. Living above the clouds. Great views.

Stay at the top of Malaysia

by martin_nl about Laban Rata Resthouse

The track to the summit of Mount Kinabalu and backto the start takes two days. On the first day you walk to Laban Rata for some food and at night you continue to the top. By far the most convenient place to stay is at the Laban Rata Resthouse. It is still budget accommodation, but this is the best place to stay. Food is served here, there are hot showers and there is heating in the rooms. This place is en-route to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu.

High Above the Clouds

by drunkenmaster4 about Sutera Sanctuary Lodges - Laban Rata

This is one of the highest accomodation I have tried. At 3,230 meters above sea level- its quite astonishing how they were able to build and maintain this place. Its a welcome place after a long trek especially if coming from the longer Mesilau trail. Usually climbers spend only a short time here as the trek to the summit happens a few hours after your arrival. You usually arrive at around 3PM and you leave for the summit bid by 2 AM. I suggest you stay for a day in Laban Rata for proper rest/acclimitization and nature tripping.

Food and drinks are expensive since its had to haul the suppies to Laban Rata. By the way, all climbers stay here as Kota Kinabalu does not allow tent pitching on the mountains. Its 3,000+ Meters Above Sea Level !

Sleeping your way to the top

by hennanights about Laban Rata Resthouse

My husband spent the night at the resthouse. He tells me the accomdation was fine. There were 6 men in his room. The only complaint he had was the room became too hot durning the night. With a heater going ang 6 other men in the room it became uncomfortable.
There is a resturant at the resthouse where you can purchase your meals. The canteen at Laban Rata serves dinner from 5 to 7 pm and opens for breakfast from 2 am to 3 am.

Take a rest before conquering the mountain

by ktorrung about Laban Rata Resthouse

By far, it is the best place to stay when climbing Mount Kinabalu. It is the only place with the heater. The price per person is 34 RM. It has the beautiful mountain peaks as its background. From the restaurant, you can watch a beautiful sunset.
It claims to have hot shower. However, it is not reliable. During our trip, there was shortage of water and the hot shower was off. The water was so cold and limited for usage. The room was full of cockroach, but we were too tired to mind them. They also didn't mind us. The food price is reasonable considering how hard it is to carry the food up there.

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Forum Posts

laban rata

by ptsui

Hi,
I am staying in Laban Rata during my climb. Just want to know is there any quilt provided in the hostel, or otherwise its necessary to bring our own sleeping bags. Thanks.

RE: laban rata

by hanz079

Hello,
If you're staying at Laban Rata in any of the hostels or bunk beds, they will provide you with a basic bed and a thin blanket.
It's enough for me when I was there even during cold rainy nights.
It all comes down to personal preference, i think what they provide is suffice.
Hope that answers your question.
Enjoy your climb!!!

 
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 Great view of mountain with the cloud below you. Although it's a simple hut, you feel very satisfied after an exhausting climb. 

150 members live in Kota Kinabalu

 

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