3 Days Mount Kinabalu
Trek through diverse vegetation zones and climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, Borneo’s highest peak. This three-day adventure combines scenic mountain trails, vibrant local markets, and rich ecosystems, with an overnight stay on the mountain. Experience sunrise at the summit and take in unforgettable panoramic views before descending back to Kota Kinabalu.
Day-to-Day Itinerary
Our journey takes us to Kinabalu Park, Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the world’s most important biological sites. Leaving in the morning, our leisurely drive stops at Nabalu Market where locals gather to sell local produce, fruits, home-grown vegetables and handicraft souvenirs.
We continue to drive to Kinabalu National Park some 1,500 metres above sea level on the slopes of the impressive Mount Kinabalu that showcases lowland, mountain and alpine vegetation on a scale unrivalled elsewhere in the world. Here, we see rare butterflies and vegetation, and if we are lucky, catch a glimpse of the largest flower in the world, the Rafflesia.
Please note: There are many trails in the park and there is the option to follow these with guidance from a park ranger.
Overnight at Hill Lodge Cabin (or similar).
Reach new heights with a climb to the top of Mount Kinabalu, Borneo’s highest mountain. Leaving early, we refuel with breakfast at the park, collect our packed lunches and then proceed to the park headquarters to register for the climb, meet our assigned mountain guide and apply for our ID TAG that must be worn at all times.
We then transfer to the starting point at Timpohon Gate where our journey and quest to the summit of Mount Kinabalu begins and should take about four to five hours. The trek passes different vegetation zones from oak, chestnut, mossy and eventually to alpine vegetation types. In the late afternoon, we arrive and check-in to accommodation in a non-heated dormitory. Dinner is at the lodge.
Please note: Original passports are required to be presented at the registration desk for verification purposes.
Overnight at Laban Rata.
Our ascent to the summit of Mount Kinabalu starts at around 2am as we wake for a meal before continuing our journey to the top. The journey to the lower peak at 4,095 metres will test our fitness and determination and depending on our trekking speed, we might be able to experience the glorious sunrise over the majestic Mount Kinabalu, weather permitting.
At around 7am we descend to Laban Rata for a late breakfast and to check-out, before continuing our trek down to Timpohon Gate to transfer back to the Kinabalu Park Headquarters to collect our certificate of achievement. We then transfer to Kota Kinabalu City, taking about two hours. Lunch is at a local restaurant.
Route
- Booking Conditions:
- Booking made and confirmed 32 days or more prior to arrival date must be for a minimum of 3D2N stay. Upon booking confirmation, a 30% non-refundable and non-transferable deposit must be made within 9 working days, failing which we reserve the right to release your booking without any prior notice if such deposit payment is not received in a timely manner and will not be liable for any claims may arise.
- In compliance with the Personal Data Protection Act 2010 (PDPA), we require all guests to produce their identity cards or valid international passports upon check-in. A copy of guests’ valid passport must be submitted at least 16 working days prior to arrival to facilitate a smoother check-in process.
- Effective from 1 September 2017 onwards, a Tourism Tax of MYR 10 per room per night will be levied directly to the non-Malaysian guests at the hotel upon check-out;
- Not suitable for guests who have a history of heart disease, hypertension, chronic asthma, peptic ulcers, severe anemia, diabetes, epilepytic fits, arthritis, palpitation, hepatitis (jaundice), muscular cramps, obesity or any other illness that may be triggered by severe cold, exertion and high altitude. Temperatures at Park HQ is about 24°C and at the summit the temperature may drop to below 0°C;
- Extra luggage can be stored at Kinabalu Park HQ at a nominal fee of MYR 10 per piece prior to your climb;
- Child rate (age 2-11 years old): 85% of adult rate based on respective pax range (accompanied by 2 adults). However, an additional charge as above for a separate MT Guide (compulsory for climbers 15 years old and below) will be required. Parents or guardians will have to sign a liability forms for their accompanied children;
- For 16 years old and above; one mountain guide is allowed to take maximum of five (05) climbers. For 15 years old and below; one mountain guide is allowed to take a maximum of two (02) climbers. This means, adult and children will have separate mountain guides. e.g.: 2 adults + 2 children OR 2 adults + 1 child OR 1 adult + 1 child – will require 2 separate mountain guides;
- For climbers who reach Timpohan Gate after 4 pm, a fee of MYR 15 per hour/guide is chargeable and to be paid directly to the mountain guide on the spot;
- Water at Laban Rata is not treated. For safe drinking water, bottled water is available for sale at Laban Rata shop;
- Check in time at Laban Rata is 1 pm and check out time is 10.30 am. Surcharge will apply for any check out later than 10.30 am;
- Total climbers to Mount Kinabalu in a day are 135 pax and the allocation are divided between Sabah Parks, Sutera Sanctuary Lodge and Mountain Torq;
- It is not advisable to have guest departure flight booked on the same day as they are ascending from the mountain. The Kinabalu Park is approximately a two (02) hours drive from the city and there is a risk/possibility of missing your flight due to unforeseen circumstances such as landslides, traffic congestion, vehicle breakdown and etc. It is recommended for the guest to have at least a night’s stay in the city before catching their departure flight;
- We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this tour; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant;
- We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the tour in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests;
- Guests traveling over and during local holidays may experience longer waiting times than normal, may see certain sites being closed down, and this program may be subject to supplementary charges;
- Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this;
- Tours and excursions often include obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users or guests with limited mobility;
- The protection of the country’s flora, fauna and its historical and cultural treasures is of immense importance for us. We will not pursue any activities that are not in line with our animal, wildlife and environment protection principles;
- Please ensure that you bring waterproof backpack, trekking / running shoes with good grip, warm clothing / long sleeves shirt / hiking pants, jacket / wind breaker, extra clothing and socks, small towel, hand gloves and winter hat, disposable raincoats, head-torchlight, personal toiletries, refillable water bottle (0.5 – 1 litre), high energy food (chocolates, nuts, biscuits, sweets or energy bar), medications, sun block and mosquito repellent, camera with water proof bag, sandals /slippers & plastic bags;
- All mentioned times, durations and stops are based on approximations and may change due to unforeseen circumstances, weather and traffic conditions beyond our control;
- Seat-in-coach tours operate daily with English-speaking guide; minimum 2 pax required unless stated otherwise.
- Tours and transfers with licenced English-speaking guiding services / assistance. Other languages are on request and are subject to availability;
- Return transfer from Kota Kinabalu city to Kinabalu Park and return transfer between park headquarters and Timpohan Gate;
- Transportation for tour and transfers by air-conditioned vehicle, unless otherwise stated;
- All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the programme;
- Sabah Park Mountain guide;
- Climbing insurance, permit and certificate;
- Accommodation at Kinabalu Park (Hill Lodge Cabin or similar) and Laban Rata (bunk bed, non-heated);
- All meals as indicated in the programme (food only);
- All applicable taxes and service charges.
- Personal expenses such as other meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours/ visits, unless otherwise stated;
- Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement;
- Any domestic / international airline tickets, airport taxes, visa fees, specific camera / video fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general pick-up / drop-off regions (such as airports, out-of-town resorts, ports, harbours and accommodation in surrounding towns);
- Any accommodation expenses of a personal nature. This includes (compulsory festive) meals and drinks, mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program;
- International travel and medical insurance coverage for customers;
- Voluntary carbon emission compensation: USD 1.50 per person per day.
This is one of our Sustainable Trails, an excursion that maximises positive impacts on local communities and minimises negative impacts on the environment in the following ways:
- Eat locally – Meals are cooked by local communities using delicious locally-sourced ingredients;
- Stay eco-friendly – Stay overnight at a simple lodge or dormitory for a low-impact experience that brings you closer to nature;
- Transport alternatively – Much of the tour is spent hiking, getting you up close and personal with nature.
