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Home > Destinations > Mount Kinabalu > Planning your climb

Packing for Mount Kinabalu


Packing everything you need and nothing that you don't is the key to keeping your backpack weight under control. Make sure you check the list below at least a few days before your climb and again after packing your bag to be sure you have everything you need. 

Packing tips

1. Carry a small backpack weighing no more than 7kg, including 2L of water. Each extra kilo that you pack will be weight on your back for every single one of Mount Kinabalu's many many steps so do yourself a favour and leave any non-essentials behind!

2. If you have any concerns about carrying your bag or have to travel with extra equipment, don't be shy to engage the services of a porter, this will benefit both yourself and the porter's family who rely on their income.

3. If you are travelling with additional luggage that you don't need for the climb, use the luggage storage room at Mount Kinabalu Park Headquarters to store your belongings for RM12 per bag (any size).

4. To keep the contents of your bag dry, use a correctly-fitting waterproof cover, bring a poncho big enough to river both yourself and your bag or simply pack all the contents of your bag inside a large plastic bag (your bag will get wet but the contents should remain dry).

5. Remember to save some space in your bag as you will need to add-in your packed lunch before setting off on your climb.

Packing list

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  • Your original passport or Malaysian IC is required for registration at park HQ
  • Head torch - you will make your summit attempt before daylight
  • Basic first aid kit (plasters, blister plasters, paracetamol and rehydration salts can all be useful)
  • Clothing for both warm & cold temperatures (please see "clothing tips")
  • Comfortable sturdy hiking boots or trainers
  • ​Extra socks (in case your feet get wet)
  • Small lightweight toiletries – the showers at Laban Rata & Pendant Hut are cold but you may still fancy freshening up after your climb. Towels are available to rent at Laban Rata.
  • High energy snacks: nuts, chocolate, trail mix, bananas or similar are good
  • 1.5 – 2L of drinking water – see food & water section
  • Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses, hat)
  • Tissues / toilet paper
  • Face mask to wear in transport, during registration and at your accommodation
  • Some cash in case you need extra snacks or for guide tips / overtime

A sleeping bag is not required as blankets are provided at Laban Rata and sleeping bags are provided at Pendant Hut.
During your summit climb, you can leave anything you don't need at the accommodation and just bring warm clothes, head torch, water, snacks & camera/phone. After sunrise, you will head back down to the accommodation for breakfast and can collect the rest of your belongings before continuing back down to Park HQ

Clothing tips

Pack layers that you can keep adding on as the temperature cools down and remove as you descend and warm up. Lightweight thermal layers are perfect for saving weight and space whilst keeping you warm.

The 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 or leggings and a 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, a fleece plus a wind and water-proof jacket.

At the summit you can expect temperatures as low as -3 to 5 degrees with an additional windchill factor: thermal layers, wind-proof jacket, hat, scarf & gloves are highly recommended.
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Be prepared for the temperature change!

Packing notes for Via Ferrata climbers

In addition to the above, Via Ferrata climbers should take note of the following:
  • Gloves are mandatory for all Via Ferrata climbers. The best type of gloves to bring are basic lightweight gardening gloves to help you grip the metal cables. 
  • You must wear lace-up running shoes, trail runners or hiking boots for the Via Ferrata, no other shoe types are permitted (i.e rubber boots, sandals and rubber shoes are all not permitted, please ask us in advance if you are not sure).
  • Bring snacks! If you are doing Low's Peak Circuit then you will leave Pendant Hut around 2am after a light supper and return for a late breakfast around 11am. In between, you will be summiting Mount Kinabalu and spending 4+ hours on the via ferrata so you will appreciate some high energy snacks. 
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Quick reference

Planning your climb
Mount Kinabalu climbing packages
​Mount Kinabalu trail notes
Mount Kinabalu accommodation

Wildlife

Kinabatangan River
Danum Valley
​
Tabin Wildlife 
​Longer packages

Trekking

Mt Kinabalu 
Maliau Basin
Mount Trus Madi

Day trips

Diving & snorkelling
Cultural village
River cruise
Jungle  trekking

Others

Contact                
About Sabah
Terms & Conditions

Company Details

River Junkie Tours Sdn. Bhd.                      
Email -  info@river-junkie.com                                     

Lot 105 (first floor)
Wisma Sabah,  
Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.                                     
Phone (+60) 0111 2658581

Whatsapp (+60) 0111 2658581

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  • Home
  • Most popular
    • Mount Kinabalu >
      • Mount Kinabalu climbing packages
      • Mount Kinabalu Information centre
      • West to East Shuttle
    • Kinabatangan River
    • Danum Valley
    • Tabin Wildlife Reserve
    • Turtle Island
    • Mulu National Park
    • Maliau Basin
    • Day trips from Kota Kinabalu >
      • Proboscis Monkey River Cruise
      • Kinabalu Geopark Trekking
      • Kiulu river rafting
      • Snorkeling KK Marine park
      • Scuba diving in KK Marine park
    • Multi-destination itineraries
  • All destinations
  • About
    • Covid-19
    • About Sabah
    • About Us
    • Scuba Junkie Locations >
      • Scuba Junkie Kota Kinabalu
      • Scuba Junkie Komodo
      • Scuba Junkie Penida
      • Scuba Junkie Sipadan
      • Scuba Junkie Sangalaki
    • Terms & Conditions
  • Contact