The Park Headquarters is located at 1,550 metres and your aim on the first day is to reach Laban Rata (where all accommodation is located) at around 3,200 metres. You are accompanied by your guide who is assigned at the Park Headquarters. You can buy snacks including chocolate and biscuits here as well as cheap ponchos which are strongly recommended.
The climb is not technically difficult but it is long and steep. You begin in temperate rainforest passing waterfalls and thick forest, gradually ascending through rhododendron trees, and eventually reach the stunted vegetation and mosses found toward the end of the day's trek. On the way there are several shelters to stop off for a toilet break (portaloos are found every kilometre or so) and rest weary legs or dig in to your packed lunch. The total distance covered on day one is approximately six kilometres and can take anywhere between three hours and seven depending on your pace, as a closer estimate the average for our clients seems to be around five hours.
It gets cold (possibly below freezing) and we recommend that you take appropriate clothing for wet, cold and windy weather as well as a head torch. It is a good idea to take a large plastic bag or buy a poncho for your day pack to protect it from any rain. You may also like to take snacks with you for stops throughout the day.
Rising at around 3am (your guide will advise you the night before) you begin the second steeper leg of the climb to the summit which can take anything from three to five hours. Before you go a light breakfast of toast and tee/coffee is available. A torch is necessary to negotiate the trail today, you can rent head torches (strongly recommended) from Laban Rata but it is always advisable to have your own just in case there are none available. After a steep roped and laddered section through the final section of vegetation that lasts around an hour, you will show your mountain pass at the ranger's post and reach the exposed, granite summit plateau.
Wind can make the temperature here really chilly, so warm clothes, hat and gloves are an absolute must. You will see several 'false peaks' on your way up as you spot South Peak (3,933 m), Donkey Ears Peak (4,054 m), St. John's Peak (4,091 m), Alexandra's Peak (4,003 m) and Ugly Sister Peak (4,032 m). There are ropes strung out along the rock face most of the way for you to follow the trail and use for grip. As you reach the last 50 m or so, the path becomes filled with boulders and you will need to clamber your way up to the 4,095 m summit at Low's Peak, remember to grab a photo to prove you've done it!
The journey back to the lodge is easier but can be very slippery so watch your step and don't try and go too fast. It should take around two hours to reach Laban Rata where you can have a well deserved breakfast. From here you begin the journey back to the base which can take anything from three to five hours, you have lunch included at the Balsam restaurant on your return.
Start planning your tailor-made trip by contacting one of our Borneo specialists
These activities are designed to give you the most authentic experiences around where you're staying. We work with local guides, who use their knowledge and often a resident's eye to show you the main sights and more out-of-the-way attractions. Our specialists can suggest tours and activities that will introduce you to the local ways of life.
Helicopter trip to Mount Kinabalu
This flight takes you on an unforgettable journey around the mighty Mount Kinabalu, standing at 4,095 metres, where you will enjoy stunning views of the endless Crocker Range, home to some of the world's oldest rainforests.
You can enjoy this activity as part of the suggested tour below, or we can weave it into a trip shaped entirely around you.
