Mount Kinabalu Information Centre
Whether you are thinking about booking a climb or have already secured your climbing spot, be sure to read through this information to help you prepare and get the most out of your Mount Kinabalu experience.
Weather
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The weather in Sabah is tropical and whilst downpours can happen at any time of the year or the day, your climb is timed to make the most of the driest part of the day. Summit trail closures happen on average 15 to 20 times per year with most closures taking place in January, July, August and December, outside of these months summit closures are rare but can happen.
** Sabah Parks Rangers will close the summit trail if they deem it too dangerous. 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 climbing permits, accommodation, meals, guide, insurance and transfers, all of which are non-refundable. |
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PACKING LIST
Packing list
A sleeping bag is not required as blankets are provided at Laban Rata and sleeping bags are provided at Pendant Hut. Please read the luggage & porter section for details of what to do with your main luggage during the climb. |
Clothing tipsThe temperature at Timpohon gate where you will begin your climb is usually around 18 to 24 degrees and most climbers begin their climb in shorts & T-shirt. You will be sleeping at over 3000m asl and the temperature at the accommodation is usually around 8 to 12 degrees so you will want trousers, jumper / sweatshirt or fleece plus windbreaker. At the summit you can expect temperatures as low as 0 degrees with an additional windchill factor: hat, scarf & gloves highly recommended! |
ACCOMMODATION
Climbers joining us for the standard climb (non via-ferrata) will stay at Laban Rata whereas climbers doing the via-ferrata will stay at Pendant Hut. Both accommodations offer un-heated dormitories with shared bathrooms as well as private rooms for an additional charge. Generally climbers in both places will be up by 2am ready for their summit attempt so if you are concerned about staying in a dormitory just bear in mind that it will be a short night either way!
Laban Rata
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Laban Rata
DORMITORIES
PRIVATE ROOMS
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Pendant Hut (via-ferrata climbers)
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DORMITORIES
PRIVATE ROOMS
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FOOD & WATER
Food
The number of meals included in your package will vary according to which package you have booked - please consult your pdf itinerary for exact details of which meals are included. The following meals are included in the 2D1N Standard climb package:
Day 1
Day 2
Dietary requirements: Laban Rata 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.
Day 1
- Lunch - your guide will give you a packed lunch on arrival at the park which you can eat at your own leisure during the climb, the packed lunch will usually include a sandwich, boiled egg, fruit & biscuits. You may wish to bring additional snacks to supplement this, especially if skipping breakfast
- Dinner - dinner for all climbers is served buffet style at Laban Rata hut and is a substantial meal with a selection of vegetarian & meat dishes, perfect to re-fuel after a long day hiking!
Day 2
- Early morning supper is served at 2am - 3am at Laban Rata and Pendant Hut and usually consists of toast, spreads, tea & coffee. You may want to bring some snacks to eat at the summit whilst waiting for sunrise.
- Breakfast is served at Laban Rata upon returning from the summit (Via Ferrata climbers will have breakfast at Pendant Hut after the via ferrata activity, please see Via Ferrata notes below). The breakfast at Laban Rata is served buffet style and includes local & Western options as well as fruit, tea & coffee.
- Lunch is available on arrival back at park headquarters as either a sit-down or takeaway meal depending on timing
Dietary requirements: Laban Rata 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.
Water
In an effort to reduce plastic waste in Sabah we don't provide any disposable plastic bottles for your climb. There are water sources on the way up Mount Kinabalu but the water is untreated and we do not advise drinking it. Climbers should bring 1.5 - 2L of water with them in a re-usable container for the first day, water refills can be obtained at Laban Rata (RM5 per jug) and Pendant Hut (Free for via ferrata climbers).
HEALTH
Pre-existing medical conditions
Climbers with pre-existing medical conditions must consult their physician before undertaking a trek up Mount Kinabalu, especially if suffering from heart conditions, blood pressure disorders, diabetes, epilepsy or any other condition that may be exacerbated or triggered by cold, exercise or altitude.
Altitude Sickness / Acute Mountain Sickness
The summit of Mount Kinabalu is at 4095m above sea level and many climbers will feel mild symptoms of altitude sickness such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, nausea, disturbed sleep, and a general feeling of malaise. Some individuals are more susceptible to altitude sickness than others and symptoms can be more or less severe depending on the individual. It is important to proceed with caution if you have never been to altitudes above 3000m before and you may want to consider staying in Kinabalu Park (1500m) the night before your climb to help you acclimatise. Paracetamol will usually help with mild cases of altitude sickness but if your symptoms continue to worsen please alert your mountain guide so they can assist you.
Diamox is a prescription medication that may assist with acclimatisation / altitude sickness, please consult your physician for advice if you wish to take Diamox.
Climbers with pre-existing medical conditions must consult their physician before undertaking a trek up Mount Kinabalu, especially if suffering from heart conditions, blood pressure disorders, diabetes, epilepsy or any other condition that may be exacerbated or triggered by cold, exercise or altitude.
Altitude Sickness / Acute Mountain Sickness
The summit of Mount Kinabalu is at 4095m above sea level and many climbers will feel mild symptoms of altitude sickness such as headache, dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, nausea, disturbed sleep, and a general feeling of malaise. Some individuals are more susceptible to altitude sickness than others and symptoms can be more or less severe depending on the individual. It is important to proceed with caution if you have never been to altitudes above 3000m before and you may want to consider staying in Kinabalu Park (1500m) the night before your climb to help you acclimatise. Paracetamol will usually help with mild cases of altitude sickness but if your symptoms continue to worsen please alert your mountain guide so they can assist you.
Diamox is a prescription medication that may assist with acclimatisation / altitude sickness, please consult your physician for advice if you wish to take Diamox.
TRANSPORT
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All transport for our Mount Kinabalu packages is provided on a join-in basis with other River Junkie climbers unless otherwise arranged.
Kota Kinabalu to Mount Kinabalu Your River Junkie driver will pick you up from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu between 06.15 - 06.50am depending on location and the estimated arrival time at Kinabalu Park is 08.30 - 08.45am. Following registration at Park Headquarters, you will meet your guide and depart to Timpohon gate to begin your climb. Mount Kinabalu to Kota Kinabalu The departure time from Kinabalu Park is dependent on climbers descent time, our first van will depart by 3 - 3.30pm (often earlier) whilst the last van will depart after the last climbers have arrived back at park headquarters. A surcharge of RM80 per transfer applies to climbers reaching Timpohon gate after 7pm. |
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LUGGAGE & PORTER SERVICES
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During your climb you can store your luggage at Kinabalu park headquarters for RM12 per bag per night (any size), alternatively if you book the same hotel in Kota Kinabalu before and after your climb they may store your luggage whilst you are at the mountain.
Your overnight bag should contain the essential items listed on our packing list but try to avoid over-packing. If you are concerned about carrying your overnight bag during the climb then you can engage the services of a porter on arrival at Kinabalu Park, the rate is RM130 for up to 10kg and can be paid cash on the day. During your summit attempt you can leave your bag at your accommodation if you prefer and collect it when you return there for breakfast. |
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IMPORTANT NOTES FOR VIA FERRATA CLIMBERS
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f you are choosing to add a Via Ferrata activity onto your Mount Kinabalu climb then please remember that this will lengthen the time it takes you to get back to Park Headquarters at the end of your climb. For Walk the Torq please allow an additional 1.5 - 2.5 hours and for Low's Peak Circuit an additional 3 - 4 hours. To help you prepare for this:
Packing for the via Ferrata - please see the "Packing List" above and take note of the following:
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Itineraries 1st April 2020 - 31st March 2021
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Have questions? |
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