Taman Negara Kinabalu Things to Do

First thing to do before climbing is to take care of registration, hire climbing guide, and check-in for your accomodation (yes, it is done here before your climb!) at the headquarters. After all these, you will be transported by a van to Timpohon or Mesilau gate to begin your climb.

Park Entrance Fee: RM15 (Foreigner) RM3(Malaysian)
Climbing Permit: RM100 (Foreigner) RM30(Malaysian)
Mountain Guide: RM70 (For group of four climbers or less) + RM10 extra if you wish to take Mesilau Trail
Insurance: RM7 (Foreigner & Malaysian)
Transportation from park headquarters to Timpohon Gate: RM15 (round trip)

Most climbers start climbing from Timpohon Gate (4km from Park HQ). From the park headquarters, minivans (they are considered the "shuttle service") will transfer climbers here. It is the beginning of the Summit Trail. There is a check point at the gate. There is a place that climbers can get some snacks and food before they climb. The price is not too high considering this is in the national park. I believe they sells climbing sticks too.

The second part of the hike which is 2.7km long, begins at 02:30am in the morning. I spent 2hours and 30 minutes to reach the top. I don't think I was the slowest this time. Dress warm, bring your torch light (or flash light), drink a cup of warm water before you start your journey will help.

MUST bring your climbing pass!!! If you forget about your pass, you won't be able to check in at Sayat-sayat check point!!!! That would be a huge bummer!! At Sayat-sayat, each climber will be given a whistle to hang around your neck for safety reason. You have to return it when you come down.

The road up to the summit is more difficult from Laban Rata onwards. After about 500m, there is no more vegetation. You will start to hike/ climb on granite rocks surface. You will start to see ropes to guide you. At some parts of the climb, especially after Sayat-sayat, I found it is easier to pull yourself up with your hands on the rope than to climb with your feet. It sounds strange, but ture! The part after Sayat-sayat is the most dangerous! Be careful!

Finally, I made it to the top!!! Yes, the highest point of the whole southeast asia!!

Once you reach the top of Low's Peak, take as many pictures as possible. Just snap it away!! With digital camera, you can always choose to delete the bad ones. But I bet you won't delete them once you take them. I was a bit unlucky that when I was up there, it was foggy and misty. Can't see most of the peaks! So sad...

Along the way, you will see different types of plants. They change as you go up higher and higher. At the begining, you are surrounded by rain forest type tall trees. After Layang-layang, the plants become low trees and foggy.

The trail from Timpohon Gate to Laban Rata is 6km long. I started at 11:30am, and arrived at Laban Rata at about 5:30pm! Gosh! It might be the slowest record in the history of Kinabalu N.P.! Haha!

Along the way, there are rest area along the way. Each rest area has a restroom, a shelter to rest, and a big tank of untreated water. Each shelter is marked with the name, and the distance to the next shelter. My guide advice me not to rest too long as our body will need more time to get back to action.

The descent is not as easy as one may think. It actually put more weight on our knees.

From the summit to Laban Rata (2.7km), I spent 2 hours. From Laban Rata to Timpohon Gate (6km), I spent 5 hours! It was more difficult as I got closer to the end. My knees and thigh muscles were killing me. Word of advice: training before your Mt. Kinabalu trip is essential!!