Mount Kinabalu
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Looking for a challenging adventure? Mount Kinabalu towers 4,095 metres above sea level and is the highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Climbing Mount Kinabalu isn't just a physically challenging experience but is also a unique journey through the tropical jungle at the base, to the rocky sub-alpine summit plateau. It is a truly awe-inspiring experience but not one to be underestimated!
We have been organising Mount Kinabalu climbs for over a decade and only use the best mountain guides in the business to maximise your chances of succesfully reaching the summit. Join us now for one of Borneo's most challenging and unforgettable experiences! |
Mount Kinabalu climbing packages
All our Mount Kinabalu climbing packages are "fully inclusive" meaning that we take care of your scheduled transfers, accommodation, meals, entry fee, climbing permit and guide. You just need to pack your bag and tell us where to pick you up from!
2D1N Mount Kinabalu summit climbs
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With no 1 day climbs allowed, a 2D1N package is the quickest way to summit Mount Kinabalu! Head out of Kota Kinabalu city early, register and begin your guided climb to Panalaban. After a
Don't be in a rush to climb and leave, take an extra night before or after your climb and stay in Kinabalu Park to enjoy numerous hiking trails and mountain views. It is one of the best value add-ons you can find and some extra time in the park will help you acclimatise to altitude.
Mount Kinabalu summit with Via ferrata
For the more adventurous, the Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata will literally have you hanging on by the seat of your pants while exploring a different part of Mount Kinabalu only accessible to climbers on a Via Ferrata package.
Experience sunrise at Low's Peak then make your way down to the starting point of your chosen Via Ferrata route. Strap into your harness and traverse swing bridges, climb iron ladders and follow iron rungs drilled directly into the rock at over 3000m elevation! An experience you won't soon forget and one we highly recommend! No experience of rock climbing or mountaineering is required but a head for heights, decent stamina and a sense of adventure will definitely help
Experience sunrise at Low's Peak then make your way down to the starting point of your chosen Via Ferrata route. Strap into your harness and traverse swing bridges, climb iron ladders and follow iron rungs drilled directly into the rock at over 3000m elevation! An experience you won't soon forget and one we highly recommend! No experience of rock climbing or mountaineering is required but a head for heights, decent stamina and a sense of adventure will definitely help
Mount Kinabalu - Quick facts
- At 4095m above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malaysia and the highest point between New Guinea and the Himalayas, it is also one of the world's most easily accessible mountains above 4000m
- The minimum amount of time required to summit Mount Kinabalu is 2 days and 1 night, there are no day climbs permitted.
- The climb is open all year round, however, from time to time, Sabah Parks will close the summit trail if deemed unsafe.
- The climb is open to people of all ages and requires no technical climbing abilities, a good level of fitness is highly recommended for a successful summit attempt!
- A permit, licensed guide and Sabah Parks insurance are all mandatory for the climb and included in our packages.
- The average temperature changes from 24 degrees at the base to 3 degrees or less at the summit, prepare accordingly!
When is the best time to climb Mount Kinabalu?
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February to May is considered the driest time to climb and therefore the chance of summit closures is reduced during these months. The busiest time to climb are the months of March & April, especially over Easter. Keep in mind though that there are typically only 10 - 15 days per year when the weather forces the closure of the summit trail and these can occur at any time. Hikers looking for an off-peak deal may wish to consider November or December and those looking for a quieter experience should aim for the shoulder months of February, June or October.
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Who can climb Mount Kinabalu?You will find answers to this and many more questions in our Frequently Asked Questions section but in a nutshell, anyone who is in good health and decent physical condition is able to attempt the climb. Climbing Mount Kinabalu is a once in a lifetime experience for many people and the sense of achievement felt upon reaching the summit is incredible. There are no age restrictions but you know your own limits better than anyone else, read more about the trail and weigh up whether the stunning sunrise views will be worth it for you personally.
If cost is an issue, consider the 3D2N Trus Madi climb (2642m asl) or Kinabalu Geopark trekking (1420m asl) instead. Beware though, despite being the second highest mountain in Malaysia, Mount Trus Madi is renowned to be harder than Mount Kinabalu! |
Where will I stay during the climb?
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All our Mount Kinabalu climbers will stay 1 night at Laban Rata Resthouse in either a dormitory or private room (additional charges apply for private rooms) on their way to the summit, with the exception of those who have chosen to do the Via Ferrata. Via Ferrata climbers will stay nearby at Pendant Hut.
Most climbers opt to spend an additional night at Kinabalu Park as part of their package and will stay at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges inside Kinabalu Park in either Rock Twin Share, Hill Lodge or Liwagu Suites. Upgrades to other room types and Premium Lodges can be arranged subject to additional charges. At Poring hot springs climbers can choose between Sutera Sanctuary Lodge's comfortable 2 to 4 bed dormitories, private twin rooms and premium lodges, all just a short walk from the major attractions in Poring such as the canopy walk, butterfly garden, orchid garden, swimming pools and trails to further away waterfalls. |
What is included and what should I bring?
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Our Mount Kinabalu packages are designed to take the hassle out of planning your climb and include your transfers on a join-in basis with other River Junkie climbers, accommodation, meals, park entry fee, mandatory Sabah Parks insurance, climbing permit and guide fee. Bedding is also included so there is no need to bring a sleeping bag, but you do need to provide your own warm clothes for the summit as well as a head torch, hiking poles are availble to rent if needed.
Check out our packing section to learn more about what to pack, what to leave behind, luggage storage and porters. |
How does transport work?
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Return transfers to Kota Kinabalu are included in your climbing package and are done on a join-in basis with other River Junkie climbers. If you are starting your ascent on the same day then your pick up time will be between 6.15am - 6.45am, guests staying overnight in Kinabalu Park before their climb have the option of a later departure around 12pm.
On the way back, our first van will leave by 3pm and later transfers will be provided for guests descending later, additional fees apply for guests needing transfers after 7pm on their descent day.
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What should I do after my climb?A popular option is to grab a seat on our West to East shuttle to Sepilok & Sandakan, explore the wildlife sanctuaries, then head down to Hornbill Lodge on the banks of the Kinabatangan river for some wildlife-watching.
If you plan to return to Kota Kinabalu after your climb then consider white water rafting, a proboscis monkey river cruise or some diving & snorkeling in the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park but you may wish to allow for some recovery time between climbing Mount Kinabalu and starting your next tour! |
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Climbing Mount Kinabalu can be the highlight of a long weekend in Borneo but it can also form part of a much longer adventure. To take the headache out of planning your trip, we have combined all the best bits of Mount Kinabalu with Sepilok and the Kinabatangan river for a true "Sabah Adventure". Our 7D6N Sabah Adventure starts from Kota Kinabalu and includes 1 night each at Kinabalu Park, Laban Rata Resthouse and Poring Hot Springs. From there you will travel overland via Sabah Tea Plantation to spend the night in Sepilok. After a chance to explore Sepilok sanctuaries, continue onwards to the Kinabatangan river for 2 nights with river cruises and wildlife galore! Contact us to start planning your Sabah Adventure today!
Quick links
- Mount Kinabalu climbing packages
- Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata routes
- Trail information
- Packing, luggage & porters
- Accomodation at Mount Kinabalu
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Kinabalu Geopark history & biodiversity
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Testimonials"I went up Mount Kinabalu with River Junkie Tours. They picked me up from my hotel and drove me to Kinabalu Park HQ. The ride was smooth. At the HQ, i met my guide Saiheng. He was very helpful and patient with me throughout the whole of my climb. I am very grateful to him and river junkie for granting me such an unforgettable experience climbing mount kinabalu." Aiman Aziz
"Had really good experience with River Junkie from initial enquiry till completion of our trip. They were very responsive and helpful. The M. Kinabalu mountain guide, Effrey that was assigned to us was fantastic. He is knowledgeable of the route and very friendly. Most importantly, he helped me down the mountain almost the entire way as I was facing weakness due to altitude sickness. Thank you!" S Wong "Though we didnt make it at the last stretch , mountain guide name Christopher Peter Ebi was extremely helpful, patient and easy going with us throughout the journey. He shared his knowledge,insights and experience as a mountain guide which make us reflect and ponder. Sometimes its not about the destination, it's about journey! 💯💯💯 Riverjunkie all the way!" |
How to book
Choose your preferred package and dates and contact us using any of the methods listed below to check the availability. Once your booking is confirmed, we will send you an email with details of how to make payment, a 25% deposit is required to secure your Mount Kinabalu summit climb and the remaining balance will be due 45 days prior to arrival. Please keep in mind that once your dates are secured, changes are only permitted in very limited circumstances and we recommend taking out appropriate insurance to cover you in the event you need to cancel your booking.
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Contact usHave questions or want to book? We'd love to hear from you!
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