Frequently asked questions
About Mount Kinabalu
Where is mount kinabalu?
Mount Kinabalu is located in the Malaysian state of Sabah, on the island of Borneo. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International airport and it takes approximately 2 hours to drive from Kota Kinabalu city to Mount Kinabalu.
WHAT IS THE temperature at mount kinabalu?
The temperature at Timpohon gate where you will begin your climb is usually around 18 to 24 degrees. On your way to the summit you will sleep at Panalaban, over 3000m asl and the temperature will drop to 8 to 12 degrees. At the summit you can expect temperatures around 0 - 3 degrees with an additional windchill factor. Ice can often be seen on patches of water at the summit but snow is very rare.
How high is mount kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu is 4095m above sea level and is the highest mountain in Malaysia and on the island of Borneo. It is one of the world's most easily accessible mountains over 4000m high.
IS MOUNT KINABALU THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN IN SOUTH EAST ASIA?
The highest mountain in South-East Asia is Hkakabo Razi in the Himalayan sub-range in Myanmar (5881m asl). Mount Kinabalu is the highest peak between New Guinea and the Himalayas.
how hard is climbing mount kinabalu?
The total trail length from Timpohon gate to Low's Peak summit (4095m) is 8.5km. The lower part of the trail up to Panalaban has a lot of steps, the first part of the summit trail has steep wooden staircases and the final stretch comprises steep granite slopes with a guide rope to assist you. You can learn more about the trail here: The trail up Mount Kinabalu
Climbing to the summit of Mount Kinabalu requires no prior experience of mountain climbing and no specialised equipment. It is a physically challenging experience and climbers are advised to do aerobic exercise such as walking, hiking or running at least twice a week in the lead up to their climb. If you rarely do exercise or go on long walks then you may want to consider starting with something easier like our Kinabalu Geopark trekking trip.
Climbing to the summit of Mount Kinabalu requires no prior experience of mountain climbing and no specialised equipment. It is a physically challenging experience and climbers are advised to do aerobic exercise such as walking, hiking or running at least twice a week in the lead up to their climb. If you rarely do exercise or go on long walks then you may want to consider starting with something easier like our Kinabalu Geopark trekking trip.
is it worth going to mount kinabalu if i'm not climbing?
Yes! Kinabalu Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and there is a network of trails surrounding the base of Mount Kinabalu that you can explore in your own time or with a guide. The temperature in the park is a pleasant 16 - 24 degrees and offers a welcome relief from the heat of the city. If you plan to explore the park on your own then we recommend to stay 1 night either in or just outside Kinabalu Park rather than rushing there in a day from Kota Kinabalu.
what other mountains can I climb in sabah?
Mount Trus Madi, located in the Trusmadi forest reserve around 4 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu, is Malaysia's second highest mountain. The climb to Trus Madi's summit (2642m) is renowned to be harder than Mount Kinabalu due to the less well-established trail and more basic sleeping conditions. There are no dorm beds and buffet dinners here, just stretcher hammocks and filling meals cooked by your local guide. Some big positives of embarking on a 3D2N Mount Trus Madi climb are there are far less people on the trail than at Mount Kinabalu and it is quite a bit cheaper!
Planning your climb
when is the best time to climb?
The driest months to climb are typically February to May and the quietest months to climb are October to January. Rain can happen at any time of year and is extremely unpredictable, "dry periods" rarely last more than a week at a time. When it does rain, it tends to rain in the afternoon (after you have reached your accommodation) and stops before you make your summit attempt but global weather patterns have fluctuated a lot in recent years and there is no guaranteed "best time to climb".
who can climb mount kinabalu?
Anyone can climb Mount Kinabalu subject to being in good health and physical condition, there is no age restriction to climb Mount Kinabalu. There are different guide ratios for climbers under 16 years old, please refer to the mountain guide section for further information.
Regulations are subject to change and whilst we make every effort to keep up to date, please email us to check in case there have been any recent changes.
Regulations are subject to change and whilst we make every effort to keep up to date, please email us to check in case there have been any recent changes.
can my kids climb mount kinabalu?
Kids of any age are allowed to climb Mount Kinabalu but as a parent, you know your kids best. Read our notes about the climb and the trail and weigh up how much you think you will all enjoy this experience together.
If your children have prior experience of cold, mountainous environments and/or regularly go hiking then there is a good chance they will find Mount Kinabalu easier than you! If they were born and raised in the city and have never been on a hike longer than an hour or two then you may wish to start with something a bit easier!
If you are bringing a young child and intend to carry them, we strong advise taking a porter to help with your & their belongings so that you can lighten your load.
If your children have prior experience of cold, mountainous environments and/or regularly go hiking then there is a good chance they will find Mount Kinabalu easier than you! If they were born and raised in the city and have never been on a hike longer than an hour or two then you may wish to start with something a bit easier!
If you are bringing a young child and intend to carry them, we strong advise taking a porter to help with your & their belongings so that you can lighten your load.
which Mount kinabalu climbing package should I book?
All River Junkie Mount Kinabalu climbing packages are "fully inclusive" packages meaning that we take care of your 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.
The main questions to consider are whether you would like to do the climb as fast as possible or whether you would like to spend an extra night or more in Kinabalu Park and/or Poring hot springs before or after your climb and whether you would like to add-on the Via Ferrata activity after the summit.
The main questions to consider are whether you would like to do the climb as fast as possible or whether you would like to spend an extra night or more in Kinabalu Park and/or Poring hot springs before or after your climb and whether you would like to add-on the Via Ferrata activity after the summit.
HOw do i book a climb?
The first step is to contact us via email or whatsapp to check availability for your preferred Mount Kinabalu climbing package and dates. A 25% deposit will be requested to secure your booking and the balance is due 45 days prior to your climb. If you are booking a climb a short notice (within 45 days) then full payment will be required to secure your booking and payment details will be provided by our sales team.
What happens if I need to cancel my mount kinabalu climb?
Mount Kinabalu climbing packages are fully non-refundable. You may request to postpone your booking but this is subject to approval by the accommodation provider. In most cases, a postponement will be granted if you can provide proof that you are injured or unwell and are not fit to climb (a medical report will be required) or if your flight is cancelled at the last minute and you are unable to reach Kota Kinabalu (a copy of the flight cancellation email from your airline will be required). Date changes due to other reasons are not usually permitted.
what happens if the summit is closed due to bad weather?
Sabah Parks Rangers will close the summit trail (from the accommodation at Panalaban up to Low's Peak) if they deem it too dangerous due to heavy rain and/or strong winds. In the event that the weather is not at its best and the trail is closed we will unfortunately not be able to offer any refund as the money you have paid has gone towards your Mount Kinabalu climbing permits, accommodation, meals, guide, insurance and transfers, all of which are non-refundable.
what time will I get picked up?
If you have booked a 2D1N Mount Kinabalu climb then you will get picked up from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu between 6.20 - 6.50am on the day of your climb. You will receive an email one day prior with details of which vehicle to look out for and at what time. Climbers staying 1 night in Kinabalu park first (3D2N Mount Kinabalu climb) can choose to transfer early around 6.30am or be picked up between 12 - 1pm. Later unscheduled transfers are available upon request and subject to additional fees.
what time will i get back to kota kinabalu from mount kinabalu
Most climbers joining a standard climb or joining Walk the Torq Via Ferrata will arrive back in Kota Kinabalu between 4.30 - 6pm. Climbers joining Low's Peak Circuit will often arrive back later, between 5.30 - 7.30pm. Ultimately it will depend on the speed of your descent and whether you are delayed by tiredness, weather, or any other factors. We don't recommend booking a flight on the same day as you descend just in case you arrive back much later than planned.
Transfers back to Kota Kinabalu are provided on a join-in basis with other River Junkie climbers meaning that climbers who are quick to descend, may need to wait a little while for other climbers to arrive. We aim to minimise waiting time as much as possible and our first van will leave by 3pm. If you arrive much earlier and would like to leave immediately then our driver can assist you to book a private transfer at your own cost.
Transfers back to Kota Kinabalu are provided on a join-in basis with other River Junkie climbers meaning that climbers who are quick to descend, may need to wait a little while for other climbers to arrive. We aim to minimise waiting time as much as possible and our first van will leave by 3pm. If you arrive much earlier and would like to leave immediately then our driver can assist you to book a private transfer at your own cost.
what fees / OVertime charges are not included in my package?
The following fees are not included in your package:
- Climbing certificate (optional) RM10 , to be requested on your descent day
- Malaysian tourism tax - for private room only (RM10/night)
- Guide overtime: RM20 per hour for climbers reaching Timpohon gate after 4pm on descent day
- Unscheduled transfer surcharge of RM300 per van for climbers reaching Timpohon gate after 7pm on descent day or requiring unscheduled transfers to / from Mount Kinabalu.
How can I get to sandakan after my climb?
Aside from renting a car and driving, there are 3 ways that you can use to reach Sandakan after your Mount Kinabalu climb:
You can also choose a longer package which already includes a Mount Kinabalu summit climb, overland transfer to Sepilok and a Kinabatangan river tour such as our 7D6N Sabah Adventure.
- Return to Kota Kinabalu and fly to Sandakan airport (SDK) the following day, flights are usually quite cheap and take 45min.
- Overnight in Kinabalu Park or Poring hot springs after your climb then join our West to East shuttle which passes through Kinabalu Park, Poring hot springs and Sabah Tea Plantation before dropping you off at your hotel in Sepilok or Sandakan.
- Travel by public bus. Take a taxi to Ranau bus station after your climb, depending on seat availability and what time you arrive you may be able to travel same day or you may need to book for the following day. Another option is to wait at Kinabalu Park entrance nearby the main road and try and get a bus from there but this can result in a very long wait as buses originate from Kota Kinabalu and are often full.
You can also choose a longer package which already includes a Mount Kinabalu summit climb, overland transfer to Sepilok and a Kinabatangan river tour such as our 7D6N Sabah Adventure.
Guides, porters and luggage
what is the guide to climber ratio for mount kinabalu
Under current Sabah Parks regulations, one mountain guide may take up to 5 climbers aged 16 years old or above.
If climbers are aged 15 or below then the maximum group size is 3 per guide with a maximum of 2 children in the group i.e:
2 adults + 1 child under 16 OR 1 adult + 2 children
Please advise us of your children's ages at the time of booking so that we can work out the best option for your group.
If climbers are aged 15 or below then the maximum group size is 3 per guide with a maximum of 2 children in the group i.e:
2 adults + 1 child under 16 OR 1 adult + 2 children
Please advise us of your children's ages at the time of booking so that we can work out the best option for your group.
Do I have to have a guide to climb mount kinabalu
Yes, it is mandatory to have a guide and your guide is included in your climbing package.
Will i get my own private guide?
As much as possible we will allocate separate guides to each booking but in case of a shortage of guides, you may be asked to join together with other River Junkie climbers up to the maximum ratios stated above.
where do I store my luggage during the climb?
There is a luggage storage room at Kinabalu Park Headquarters inside the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges reception building. Bags can be stored there for RM12 per bag (any size) and collected again after your descent.
Aim to keep the backpack you intend to carry with you below 7kg including 2L of water. You are also able to leave items in your room at Panalaban before setting off for your summit attempt and collect them again when you return for breakfast. Refer to Packing for Mount Kinabalu for further details of what to bring.
Aim to keep the backpack you intend to carry with you below 7kg including 2L of water. You are also able to leave items in your room at Panalaban before setting off for your summit attempt and collect them again when you return for breakfast. Refer to Packing for Mount Kinabalu for further details of what to bring.
how do I request a porter for my climb?
If you would like to engage the services of a porter then we recommend letting us know 1-2 days in advance so that we can request one early on the day of your climb. the following fees apply:
Mount Kinabalu porter service: Timpohon gate - Panalaban - Timpohon gate
A porter is not required for the summit climb (Panalaban - Low's Peak - Panalaban) as you are able to leave your bags at the accommodation.
Mount Kinabalu porter service: Timpohon gate - Panalaban - Timpohon gate
- RM140 for up to 10kg
- RM14 per additional kg.
- To be paid in cash at the porter counter on the day of your climb
A porter is not required for the summit climb (Panalaban - Low's Peak - Panalaban) as you are able to leave your bags at the accommodation.
Will the porter stay with me during the climb?
Your porter will usually go ahead of you up to your accommodation and your bag will be waiting for you when you arrive. For this reason, it is best to pack water and any essentials in a small daypack to carry with you on the trail, you can also use this bag for the summit climb in the early hours the following day.
Health & emergency assistance
WHAT HEALTH CONDITIONS ARE CONTRA-INDICATED FOR CLIMBING MOUNT KINABALU?
It is recommended that all climbers should have themselves medically checked before attempting any mountain climb. If you are pregnant or have a history of suffering from the following ailments, it is highly recommended that you should refrain from climbing: Hypertension, Diabetes, Palpitation, Arthritis, Heart Disease, Severe Anemia, Peptic Ulcers, Epileptic Fits, Obesity (Overweight), Chronic Asthma, Muscular Cramps, Hepatitis (Jaundice)
If you intend to do the Via Ferrata and have any pre-existing medical conditions, you must declare these at the time of booking and receive medical clearance from your doctor prior to undertaking the via ferrata.
If you intend to do the Via Ferrata and have any pre-existing medical conditions, you must declare these at the time of booking and receive medical clearance from your doctor prior to undertaking the via ferrata.
Should I be worried about Altitude sickness?
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), more commonly known as altitude sickness can occur above altitudes of 2500m. Most climbers visiting Mount Kinabalu will experience some shortness of breath and/or may develop a slight headache due to the altitude. It is rare for altitude sickness to force climbers to abort their climb but it does happen. It is important to know the signs & symptoms and inform your guide as soon as you start experiencing anything beyond mild altitude sickness. Climbing higher will only worsen your condition whereas it can be easily resolved by descending.
A good way to help prevent altitude sickness is to stay 1 night before your climb in Kinabalu Park (1500m asl), this will allow your body to adjust a little before continuing on to Panalaban and the summit.
To learn more about the signs, symptoms and risks of altitude sickness, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/altitude-sickness/
A good way to help prevent altitude sickness is to stay 1 night before your climb in Kinabalu Park (1500m asl), this will allow your body to adjust a little before continuing on to Panalaban and the summit.
To learn more about the signs, symptoms and risks of altitude sickness, please visit: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/altitude-sickness/
how does emergency evacuation work?
Accidents & incidents are unlikely but in case one does happen, the dedicated MOSAR (Mountain Search & Rescue) unit at Mount Kinabalu will assist you.
If an accident, injury or sudden deterioration of your condition (including due to altitude sickness) renders you unable to descend unassisted, your mountain guide will alert MOSAR who will arrange for your evacuation via stretcher to Timpohon gate. You will then be transferred by road to Ranau hospital (closest public hospital). At your discretion and subject to your condition, you may opt to be transferred to a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu. In the most severe cases, helicopter evacuation may be arranged from the Helipad at Laban Rata and will be coordinated by MOSAR.
If an accident, injury or sudden deterioration of your condition (including due to altitude sickness) renders you unable to descend unassisted, your mountain guide will alert MOSAR who will arrange for your evacuation via stretcher to Timpohon gate. You will then be transferred by road to Ranau hospital (closest public hospital). At your discretion and subject to your condition, you may opt to be transferred to a private hospital in Kota Kinabalu. In the most severe cases, helicopter evacuation may be arranged from the Helipad at Laban Rata and will be coordinated by MOSAR.
should I take out insurance to climb mount kinabalu?
Yes, always take out travel insurance that covers all aspects of your trip, including the climb. Your Mount Kinabalu climbing package booked through River Junkie includes the mandatory Sabah Parks insurance but the coverage limit is quite low (max RM5000, please ask for full policy details). It would be enough to cover evacuation via stretcher to Ranau hospital and basic medical treatment but you need your own insurance to cover any more extensive medical treatment, especially if transfer to a private hospital is required.
is the water at mount kinabalu safe to drink?
The water sources along the trail are untreated and not safe to drink unless treated with water purification tablets or similar. Water refills are available at Laban Rata Resthouse and Pendant Hut so we recommend taking 2L with you for the climb and refilling on arrival and after the summit.
Can you cater for climbers with dietary restrictions?
Please advise us in advance if you have any food allergies or require vegetarian or vegan meals so that we can prepare an appropriate packed lunch for you. Meals at Panalaban are prepared buffet style and include both meat and vegetarian dishes. Vegan meals may need to be prepared separately on request if the standard buffet is not suitable.
The accommodations at Panalaban will do their best to cater for guests with specific dietary needs but due to the remote nature of the accommodation on Mount Kinabalu and the number of climbers that need to be catered for, they cannot guarantee that all dietary requirements can be met Guests will dietary restrictions are advised to bring plenty of snacks to supplement the meals provided.
The accommodations at Panalaban will do their best to cater for guests with specific dietary needs but due to the remote nature of the accommodation on Mount Kinabalu and the number of climbers that need to be catered for, they cannot guarantee that all dietary requirements can be met Guests will dietary restrictions are advised to bring plenty of snacks to supplement the meals provided.
Via Ferrata
what is the mount kinabalu via ferrata?
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The term via ferrata means "iron path" and the via ferrata on Mount Kinabalu is both the highest via ferrata in the world and the only via ferrata in Asia! Your ascent to Low's Peak (4095m asl) will be made on the same trail as all climbers but after sunrise you will take a detour via a series of rungs, cables, bridges & ladders drilled into the rock face on Mount Kinabalu and access a whole different side of the mountain.
NOTE: This is an additional activity on top of what you would do for the standard climb, you don't miss any of the actual climb itself |
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who is the via ferrata suitable for?
No prior experience of mountain climbing or via ferrata activities is required but we recommend that you have a decent level of fitness and a good head for heights to join the Mount Kinabalu via ferrata. In addition you must be:
Certain medical conditions may prevent you from joining this activity, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions please ask for advice at the time of booking to ensure you are able to do the climb.
- Over 10 yrs of age (Walk the Torq) or over 16 year old (Lows Peak Circuit)
- Over 1.3m tall and under 100kg.
Certain medical conditions may prevent you from joining this activity, if you have any pre-existing medical conditions please ask for advice at the time of booking to ensure you are able to do the climb.
what is the difference between "walk the torq" and "low's peak circuit"
Walk the Torq is a shorter Via Ferrata route designed for those who want a "taster" of what it is like to do a Via Ferrata activity. It takes around 1.5 - 2 hours to complete. You must be over 10 years old to join this route.
Low's Peak Circuit is a longer, more challenging and exciting Via Ferrata route which takes around 3 - 5 hours to complete. You must be over 16 to join this route.
Low's Peak Circuit is a longer, more challenging and exciting Via Ferrata route which takes around 3 - 5 hours to complete. You must be over 16 to join this route.
WHAT else should I know about THE mount kinabalu VIA FERRATA?
The Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata safety briefing starts daily at 3.30pm at Pendant Hut, climbers arriving after this time will not be permitted to join the activity the following day and there will be no refund provided.
Climbers joining Low's Peak Circuit will need to be at the start point by 6.30am
Climbers joining Walk the Torq will need to be at the start point by 7.15am
If you miss the start of the activity, you will not be allowed to participate.
Your mountain guide will be on hand to help set the pace and get you where you need to be on time, it does still depend on your own physical capabilities and it's a great idea to do some aerobic exercise in the weeks leading up to your Mount Kinabalu climb.
Don't forget to read Packing for Mount Kinabalu to ensure you have everything you need for the climb and the Via Ferrata and most importantly, have fun!
Climbers joining Low's Peak Circuit will need to be at the start point by 6.30am
Climbers joining Walk the Torq will need to be at the start point by 7.15am
If you miss the start of the activity, you will not be allowed to participate.
Your mountain guide will be on hand to help set the pace and get you where you need to be on time, it does still depend on your own physical capabilities and it's a great idea to do some aerobic exercise in the weeks leading up to your Mount Kinabalu climb.
Don't forget to read Packing for Mount Kinabalu to ensure you have everything you need for the climb and the Via Ferrata and most importantly, have fun!
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Contact usHave questions or want to book? We'd love to hear from you!
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