SABAH TOURS
Mt Kinabalu Summit Trek
Tour Code: KKA1Duration - 3 days/2 nights
This is a three day trip, however, it can be arranged in a shortened format for two days. Contact us for details (prices below).
Depart Kota Kinabalu in the morning and head across the Crocker Range to Kinabalu Park where you will be
able to learn a little about the biology and ecology
of the mountain. Your accommodation for the first night will be in one of the cabins at Park Headquarters (twin bed cabin) or similar.
Day Two
You will transfer by road to what is known as the Timpohon Gate at an altitude of 1800 m, from where the trek to the summit actually begins. From here you will then climb to Laban Rata Resthouse at an altitude of 3353 m, where you will spend part of the night. The trek is reasonably difficult, however, you will have at least 6 hours in which to cover the distance. With this much time available, you should make it to at least Laban Rata. There are not too many people who have not made it at least this far.
Accommodation is at the Laban Rata complex, and will either be in the main guesthouse, which is heated, or in one of the other smaller cabins/huts, which are not heated. You will be advised which accommodation has been allocated to you at the time of booking. If you are in one of the unheated huts, bring sufficient "layers" with you to stay warm, as it can be cool.
The day begins at 03.00 hrs when you begin the ascent to the summit, where you should arrive at dawn to experience the glorious sunrise (weather permitting).
After time spent taking in the sunrise, retrace your footsteps to Laban Rata to collect your things then head back down the mountain. You will arrive at the Park Headquarters for lunch.
After lunch, return to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu.
An alternative to this route is the Mesilau Route. The Mesilau Trail is good for anyone who is more interested in plants and wildlife. It is less disturbed than the normal summit trail which starts at Timpohon gate. Refer to our Mesilau Route trip report
The tour description is the same for Day 1, except tht the first night is spent at Mesilau, approximately 45 minutes from Kinabalu Park HQ.
Day 3 returns to Kinabalu Park HQ as per main trek.
It is possible that the trip to the summit could be completed in two days, however, we would need to determine
this possibility at the time you make your booking. You would not, however, have the time to visit the
Educational Centre prior to commencing your climb, and would be completely at the discretion of
the mountain guides.
The cost for this trip includes your permit, entrance fees, certificate, mountain guide fee, climbers'
insurance, accommodation and transfers. The rooms at Laban Rata Resthouse are dormitory style
with electric heaters. A local non-English speaking guide is compulsory on all climbs. We
will advise you at the time of booking of the necessary clothing and other articles which you
should bring with you for the trip.
| Tour Code | Destination | Duration | Inclusions | 1 Person | 2 People | 3 People |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KKA1 | Mt Kinabalu Summit Trek | 3d/2n | Full Board (at Park HQ 1st night unheated accommodation at Laban Rata) | $874 | $824 | $824 |
| KKA1 | Mt Kinabalu Summit Trek | 3d/2n | Full Board (at Park HQ 1st night heated accommodation at Laban Rata) | $923 | $873 | $873 |
| KKA1 | Mt Kinabalu Summit Trek | 2d/1n | Full Board (unheated accommodation at Laban Rata) | $678 | $628 | $628 |
| KKA1 | Mt Kinabalu Summit Trek | 2d/1n | Full Board (heated accommodation at Laban Rata) | $727 | $677 | $677 |
| KKA1 | Mt Kinabalu Summit Trek via Mesilau Route | 3d/2n | Full Board (at Park HQ 1st night heated accommodation at Laban Rata) | $971 | $777 | $777 |
All tours to the summit include a mountain guide supplied by Sabah Parks. An experienced tour guide who is able to explain the flora and fauna of the mountain as you ascend can be arranged at a surcharge of $A80 per person (minimum two people). Contact us for details.
Photographs courtesy of Kirsten Leuders and Borneo Adventure