Taman Negara Kinabalu Travel Guide

  The hill lodge at Kinabalu National Park
by Deng249
 
  • The hill lodge at Kinabalu National Park
      The hill lodge at Kinabalu National Park
    by Deng249
  • The view of Mount Kinabalu from the hill lodge.
      The view of Mount Kinabalu from the hill...
    by Deng249
  • A view seen on one of the trails.
      A view seen on one of the trails.
    by Deng249
  • Mt. Kinabalu from Kg. Mengkabong
      Mt. Kinabalu from Kg. Mengkabong
    by syetan
  • Clear Skies
      Clear Skies
    by gibreel
 

Pro

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  Spectacular view 


Con

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  A moderately tough climb 


In a nutshell

yuet29 profile photo

  still must go! 

 

Explore Taman Negara Kinabalu

Things to Do  

Laban Rata

Laban Rata, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 livethedream Says:  At 1:34 pm, I finally reached Laban Rata. That's about 5.5 hours after the bus dropped us off at Timpohon Gate. The blob on the balcony to the left is my cousin who arrived waaay ahead of me.Laban Rata resthouse is located at 3272m above sea level. It's the biggest... 

Register yourself at park headquarters

Register yourself at park headquarters, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  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... 

Timpohon Gate

Timpohon Gate, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  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... 

Hike in the dark

Hike in the dark, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  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... 

Laban Rata to Low's Peak

Laban Rata to Low's Peak, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  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... 

Take many many many pictures!!

Take many many many pictures!!, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  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... 

Plants along the way

Plants along the way, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  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. 

Hike

Hike, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  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... 

Restaurants  

Laban Rata Guesthouse Cafe: Cafe

Laban Rata Guesthouse Cafe: Cafe, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  When I was there in Oct 2007, the price of Buffet Dinner was RM33, Buffet Breakfast (Light) was RM16. Buffet looks nice with variety of dishes (about 5 dishes if I remember corretly) to choose from. But don't expect anything like your typical buffet in a hotel. Remember, you... 

Transportation  

Air Asia to Kota Kinabalu from Johor Bahru

Air Asia to Kota Kinabalu from Johor Bahru, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 kelnsha Says:  Airasia has flights to Kota Kinabalu twice a day, often much cheaper than Malaysia Airlines because they are budget airline.A rule of thumb, the earlier you book, the cheaper it is (prices varies for weekdays and weekends)! 

Van from Kota Kinabalu

Van from Kota Kinabalu, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  From KK, the best option I found was the UNSER van. Take the UNSER minivan (to Ranau) from the bus station at Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman (near Merdeka Field). It cost RM15 (same as the non-aircond minivan) and it only takes 7 passengers. The journey to Kinabalu Prak HQ takes... 

Shopping  

Laban Rata Guesthouse: Shop at Laban Rata

Laban Rata Guesthouse: Shop at Laban Rata, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  Surprise surprise! Yes, you can get some souvenir at the Cafe. They sell t-shirts, key chians, snacks, and etc. Just want to point out that climbers can buy postcards from the counter and they can mail it for you at the cost of RM5 for international mailing. The most... 

Warnings Or Dangers  

Start Climbing Early, Reach Laban Rata before dark

Start Climbing Early, Reach Laban Rata before dark, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  I don't think there is a time limit as when to start the climb. However, the earlier you start, the better because you should allow yourself enough time to arrive at Laban Rata before dark. And if you are not staying at the main heated hotel(Laban Rata Guesthouse), it is... 

Running

Running, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 hafidzajis Says:  Dont start runnning even if you're too excited you have reach the top. It just like driving a car downhill using 5th gear. Hard to stop.Few tips. If your tour guide is good. As him if he knows any route that easier to go up and down. Mine, he show me a route which far a bit... 

Hike on a raining day

Hike on a raining day, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  If unfortunately it rains heavily during your hike, be careful! Chances are you might not be able to climb beyond Sayat-sayat because heavy rain will create a few strong waterfalls on the granite surface. It will be too dangerous to cross them. You have no way to go around... 

What to Pack  

Muscle patches

Muscle patches, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  Travel light. You don't need much at the top. layers of clothes, from t-shirt, to long sleeve shirt, jacket (better be waterproof), and rain coat (poncho). I was there on a raining day, I used my umbrella, wrapped my backpack with my rain coat. I suggest you bring these... 

Sports & Outdoors  

Conquering Mt Kinabalu

Conquering Mt Kinabalu, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 SUN_69 Says:  It is a 2.510m climb that is 8.72 km long trek. I would breakdown the climb to 3 stages - Stage 1 - Kinabalu Park HQ (1,585m) to Laban Rata Resthouse (3,272m) - 6km trekClothing should be light - cotton T-shirt and shorts. Have a poncho on standby, as rain can be frequent... 

Favorites  

Very Informative Brochure

Very Informative Brochure, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  Try to get your hands on a copy of the brochure from tourist information center. I got mine when I touched down at Kota Kinabalu Airport (Terminal 2). It has detail information about the Park, time of Guided Tour, explainations of the trail, shelters information, map of... 

Climbing Seasons

Climbing Seasons, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  As told by my climbing guide, the best time to climb Mt Kinabalu is March and April. The rainy season falls from August until early October. (I went there at the end of October and it is still raining!) However, weather in the mountain is unpredictable. So, it really depends... 

Certificate

Certificate, Taman Negara Kinabalu

 travelpug Says:  Yes, everyone who reaches the summit and check-in at Sayat-sayat Check Point is entitle to buy this certificate. Ths coloured certificate costs RM10 and it is a proof that you have made it to the top. The guard at Sayat-sayat checkpoint will ask you if you would like to... 

The Place

Plan a Taman Negara Kinabalu vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Taman Negara Kinabalu locals

Experience Taman Negara Kinabalu
  •   297 Tips and Reviews
  •  541 Photos
  Share your Travels  
Map of Taman Negara Kinabalu
 

The People

 
Our Members Say
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 Guardians or climbers are to ensure that they are physically fit, properly attired (especially footwear) and are aware of the risks in adventure activities.... 

 

Questions and Answers

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Q:  How can I reserve room? 

din2x profile photo

A: All accommodation in Kinabalu Park (or Taman Negara Kinabalu, 2 names, but same place) can only be made through Sutera Sanctuary. If you book through travel agent or... 

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Top Taman Negara Kinabalu Writers

1

Mount Kinabalu

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  I hope you will enjoy reading this page! Please leave me a comment what you think about it! :-)) Please read this page in 'authors order' as I mostly write my pages not only as separate tips, but... 

2

Mt Kinabalu

muddybok profile photo

 This page will include only things that happen or found in the Kinabalu National Park. Anything about how to get there or other attractions near Kinabalu will have to refer to Kota Kinabalu page or... 

3

Finally, Mount Kinabalu!

livethedream profile photo

 After waiting for 6+ months, my cousin and I finally climbed Mt Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia. Did I reach the summit? Yes, and stood there for a grand total of 1 min. Did I see the sunrise from the... 

4

Kinabalu National Park

jicki profile photo

 This page is basically about my Kinabalu hike & it is not too steep when you hike it, but not easy. I will include some of the vegetations that I saw on the way up. If you need further clarification... 

5

Mount Kinabalu - Highest point in Malaysia

victorwkf profile photo

 Mount Kinabalu is part of the crooker's range in Borneo and it is the highest moutain in Malaysia at 4095 metres above sea level. The mountain and surrounding areas are part of the national park named... 

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