Climbing Kota Kinabalu in one day. Subscribe to news

Mount Kinabalu is the fourth highest mountain in Southeast Asia at 4095 meters. Located in the Kinabalu National Park in eastern Malaysia in the state of Sabah, among the tropical jungle. This is the highest mountain in the territory from India to the islands of New Guinea.

Rising above the surface of the island, dressed in granite and decorated with a huge halo of snow-white clouds, Kinabalu, or, as it is also called, “the roof of Borneo,” looks magnificent against the greenery of the surrounding jungle. The mountain is clearly visible from almost anywhere in the Malaysian state of Sabah. No special training is required to climb Kinabalu. Mount Kinabalu is relatively young and continues to grow even today. On a cloudless day you can see the Philippines from the top of the mountain.

For local tribes, the mountain is sacred; they believe that the spirits of their ancestors live on its top. In former times, each time the mountain was climbed, a chicken was sacrificed, but now the sacrifice ceremony is carried out only once a year, and seven chickens are believed to be enough to appease the spirits.

Due to its sacred status, the mountain was surrounded by mystery until it was conquered by British official and naturalist Sir Hugh Low in 1851. One of the mountain peaks was even named after him - Low's Peak.

The Kinabalu National Park, which includes the mountain itself, is one of the most biologically important places in the world: it is home to 326 species of birds, 100 species of mammals and more than 600 species of ferns, many of these species are found nowhere else in the world. Rafflesia Arnolda also grows here, a plant whose flower is the largest in the world and reaches a meter in diameter and weighs 11 kilograms.

Recent studies have shown that in the Kinabalu region there are from 5 to 6 thousand different plants (not counting mosses, but including ferns), this is more than in Europe and North America combined! Thanks to all this, in 2000 the park was included in the UNESCO Natural Heritage List and became the Center for Natural Diversity of Southeast Asia.

Mount Kinabalu, or, as it is also called, “the roof of Borneo,” decorated with a huge halo of snow-white clouds, looks magnificent against the backdrop of the greenery of the surrounding jungle. In the mornings, before the clouds cover its peaks, it is impossible to take your eyes off Kinabalu. The mountain is clearly visible from almost anywhere in the Malaysian state of Sabah and the islands of the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park.

Kinabalu is sacred to the indigenous people and is revered as the “abode of the dead.” It has long been believed that the spirits of ancestors live on the top of the mountain. To pacify the souls of deceased ancestors, chickens were sacrificed.

Mount Kinabalu is one of the youngest non-volcanic mountain peaks in the world. It was formed over the last 10 - 35 million years. The mountain is still growing at a rate of 5 millimeters per year. The first person to reach the top of this mountain was the British naturalist Hugh Low. He led an exploratory expedition to the region in 1895.

Even if you don’t conquer the peak of Kinabalu, the territory of the national park of the same name, which is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, can surprise you with other, more accessible beauties. It is not surprising that many visitors to Malaysian Borneo try to escape here from the high humidity and heat of the coast.

Climate

The weather at lower altitudes and Mount Kinabalu differs significantly. At lower altitudes the climate is tropical, temperature +20 °C +25 °C. Temperatures at the summit can drop below zero. Rain, drizzle and fog are common in the park and on the summit. If there is no rain during the climb to the top, expect it on the descent. The weather for climbing is best in April; November and December are accompanied by frequent precipitation.

Climbing

Mount Kinabalu is one of the easiest and most accessible peaks in the world to climb. The climb usually takes only two days and climbers do not need any climbing experience. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and willpower can climb to the top of Mount Kinabalu. There are no particularly dangerous sections on the route; you just need to show some degree of endurance.

However, a successful ascent depends on how well one has acclimatized to the thin air. In addition, climbing can be dangerous during rain or fog. The slopes become very slippery when it rains, and thick fog reduces visibility to several meters.

Although it is possible to reach the summit and back in one day, most people opt for a two-day climb with an overnight stay at Laban Rata (3,272 m above sea level). The final “rush” to the top of the mountain begins in the early hours of the second day (around 02:00-2:30 am) to catch the sunrise at the top. By mid-morning, the fog begins to thicken, obscuring the spectacular scenery.

Every day, more than 100 people attempt to reach the top of Southeast Asia's highest peak.

In addition to the main attraction (the route to the top of Mount Kinabalu), the park has several shorter routes, botanical gardens, hot springs and other interesting places.

Climbing trails

Climbing routes to Kinabalu

There are two trails used to climb the mountain - Timpohon Gate Trail and Mesilau Trail. The trails come together just above the Layang Mountain Lodges - Layang at an altitude of 2740 m (or 4 km from Timpohon Gate).

From Timpohon Gate to Laban Rata

The most popular trail, 6 km long, starts from Timpohon Gate (altitude 1800 m above sea level). It's a straight climb up a well-marked trail with trail markers every half kilometer. They make rest stops about a kilometer apart from each other. As a rule, the rise begins at 07:30-10:30 am. The first section, 4 km long, has a moderate slope and the rocky trail has steps in places. The last 2 km of the path mainly passes along the surface of granite rock. It will take 3 to 5 hours to reach Laban Rata from Timpohon Gate. Laban Rata Lodges are located at an altitude of 3273 m above sea level. The vertical climb from the Kinabalu Park office to Laban Rata is more than 1400 m.

From Mesilau Nature Resort to Laban Rata

The 8 km long Mesilau Trail to Laban Rata goes through more rugged terrain than the trail described above. Start from Mesilau Nature Resort.

From Laban Rata to the top and back

From Laban Rata to the top of Low's Peak, the distance is 2.7 km, the trail follows a smooth rocky path. The vertical ascent is 800 m. The ascent usually starts at 02:00 - 02:30 in the morning so that tourists can rise and catch the sunrise from the summit (between 05:30 and 06:15 am depending on the time of year). The wind is relatively less gusty at this time of day. There are several steep sections to be negotiated, in some places climbers hold on to fixed ropes during the ascent or descent. Last place, to go to relieve yourself - the Sayat-Sayat Hut houses. Even small bushes do not grow after these houses.

At the top there is a small flat plateau. This is a relatively small site, so try to be one of the first to get there before the next groups of tourists arrive. The summit of Mount Kinabalu reveals a fascinating landscape, almost devoid of vegetation and in stark contrast to the lush rainforest at the start of the trail.

The descent down also consists of two parts. The first part is usually a return to Laban Rata, rest and breakfast. It takes from 1 to 2 hours. After Laban Rata the descent usually takes another 3-4 hours. Most tourists return to Timpohon Gate in the afternoon or later. Once you have reached Timpohon Gate, take a minibus back to the national park headquarters where you will need to register your return from the summit.

Climbing in one day

Well-developed people can climb to the top and go down in one day. This option is not widely discussed, apparently to force people to spend the night in expensive mountain lodges. To arrange this hike, you should speak with the staff at the park office. The one-day climb is more weather dependent than the two-day option, and there is a strict time limit for each stage of the climb, otherwise the hike will be interrupted and you will have to return back to the park office. In any case, you need to hire a guide.

The ascent must begin at 07:30 am and the descent back down before 17:30 – the time when the Timpohon Gate is locked. Please note that the top of the mountain will be reached after sunrise, and at this time there is a high probability of fluctuating weather conditions. Shortly after sunrise, clouds may surround the top of the mountain, making it impossible to enjoy the beautiful view from the top. It is physically difficult to overcome the climb to an altitude of almost 2300 m in one day.

Flora and fauna

Kinabalu Park is renowned for its biodiversity, with an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 vascular plants representing 14% of Malaysia's flora and approximately 2.5% of the Earth. Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, is one of the important factors contributing to the wide variety of animals, birds, insects and plants found in the park. The landscape ranges from lush green rainforest at the lowest altitudes of the park to subalpine belt at the summit. In Kinabalu Park there are:

• 711 registered orchid species;
• 621 species of ferns;
• 27 species of rhododendrons;
• 9 species of nepenthes (also called pitcher plant);
• 78 types of figs;
• 6 types of bamboo;
• 45 types of arum;
• 81 types of palm trees;
• 2 Rafflesia species;
• an innumerable number of mushrooms, mosses and lichens.

Nepenthes raja is the most famous carnivorous plant of Kinabalu National Park, found only here and nowhere else in the world. Orchids and carnivorous plants are some of the national park's most famous plants, although they are rarely found along hiking trails. Visitors have the opportunity to see them in the botanical park near the park's main office building.

The park is home to 90 lowland and 22 mountain species of mammals, 21 bats, 326 birds, 62 toads and frogs and 850 butterflies. Of the 326 bird species, 29 are endemic to Borneo (that is, found only here and nowhere else in the world). Primates include orangutans, long-armed monkeys, langurs, slow lorises and tarsiers.

The diversity of mammals does not guarantee the opportunity to see them. Many animals are nocturnal or hide in the treetops. You are guaranteed to see tupai and squirrels.

Practical information

Accommodation

More than 40,000 tourists climb the mountain every year, the vast majority staying overnight in lodges within the park. Camping is not permitted within Kinabalu National Park.

During the ascent, tourists have the opportunity to stay overnight in mountain huts. They are all dormitory-style houses with bunk beds. Each has running water, electricity, shared toilets and showers. Blankets are provided in all cabins.

Laban Rata - Laban Rata is the largest and most likely the most comfortable hotel at an altitude of 3272 meters. All rooms are heated. Laban Rata Restaurant is open between 07:30 and 19:30. In the morning it is open from 02:00 to 03:30 for those who want to eat before climbing to the top. In addition to the restaurant, there is also a souvenir and grocery store where you can store excess luggage that is not needed for the hike to the top. Order rooms on the official website www.labanratamountkinabalu.com

Gunting Lagandan Hut. Gunting Lagandan Hut is 150 meters from Laban Rata. It provides a kitchen to prepare your own meals (Laban Rata offers restaurant meals). Nearby there are Panar Laban Hut and Waras Hut.

Unless you're climbing to the top of Kinabalu and want to stay overnight inside the national park, you'll need to stay at the hotels, all of which are managed by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. Housing in the form of cottages is mainly located around the park's main office. The cost of living is significantly higher than in other hotels in the immediate vicinity of the national park and includes the mandatory purchase of food and other “surcharges”.

The nearest cities near the national park are Kundasang (6 km) and Ranau (9 km), where you can rent a hotel room much cheaper.

Where to eat

There is a cafe at the entrance to the park and in the houses in front of the peak. Prices for food and provisions at Laban Rata and other mountain hotels are quite high due to the fact that they are delivered there by porters. The food quality is not bad.

To save money, you can stock up on cookies, chocolate, nuts and other light, high-calorie snacks in advance. You can also bring instant noodles and tea bags, but note that the cafe will charge you RM1 per glass of hot water. Some lodges have electric kettles where you can heat water for free.

Beverages

During the trek to the top, it is very important to drink a lot. Fortunately, at every Pondok (resting place) 1 km of the trail there is a large tank of free drinking water, which is constantly piped from clean water sources high in the mountains. Thus, there is no need to carry many bottles of water with you, one liter will be enough.

What to take with you to Mount Kinabalu

One of the main attractions of climbing Mount Kinabalu is its accessibility. Tourists do not need any experience of climbing to high altitudes or have any special equipment. However, weather conditions on the mountain often change quickly. A clear, sunny day can turn into heavy rain in a matter of minutes. Climbing participants must be well prepared for such a turn of events.

All bedding is provided at Laban Rata, so there is no need to bring sleeping bags and the like. You can eat at the Laban Rata restaurant. The ascent must be made with a small backpack with a minimum of excess weight.

Necessary clothes early on (before Laban Rata), not packed in a backpack

• shorts (or light trousers);
• T-shirt or long-sleeved shirt;
• wool socks;
• durable shoes with good grip on the surface (not slippery);
• cap or sun hat;
• sunglasses.

The rise to the top in the morning is accompanied by completely different weather conditions. The temperature difference between day and night is significant; in the morning it will be windy and quite cold, so you need to take warm clothes from your backpack.

After Laban Rata, as you climb up you need to wear additional clothes.

List of items required for each participant in the second stage:

• waterproof jacket;
• a warm, light sweatshirt (it’s better to have several pieces of warm clothing; it gets cold as you climb, the temperature at the top can drop below zero, so you’ll put on one after another, and take off as you descend);
• warm, light trousers (but not denim, as it stays cold when wet);
• spare socks (your shoes will probably get wet when it rains);
• wool cap;
• strong wool or fleece gloves (these are necessary to hold onto the ropes on the last sections of the climb);
• snacks (chocolate, dried fruits, nuts);
• water bottles (at least one liter, preferably small bottles);
• sunscreen;
• whistle (if you lost sight of the group in the dark in the morning or in poor weather and visibility conditions);
• camera;
• flashlight (a flashlight on your head is ideal for illuminating the trail in the early morning when it is still dark);
• spare batteries for the flashlight.

All items should be kept inside a waterproof plastic bag in case of rain.

How many people reach the summit?

According to statistics, more than 95% of tourists successfully reach the top of Mount Kinabalu. Ages range from teenagers to seniors over 70 years of age. About 5% of people return back unable to cope with physical activity or suffering from altitude sickness.

Exposure to high altitude

You need to climb to an altitude of 2200 m in less than two days. High altitude exhausts even physically strong people. Some suffer from altitude sickness more than others. As a rule, altitude sickness makes itself felt as you climb the mountain the last couple of kilometers before the summit. Participants experience increased heart rate even while resting, and feel short of breath at the summit and experience a slight headache. These symptoms can be easily overcome by taking paracetamol and plenty of water.

However, some people inevitably suffer from altitude sickness and cannot bear the nausea. Mountain sickness is difficult to bear if a person is prone to it. The only cure for altitude sickness is returning to a lower altitude. Unfortunately, there is no magic pill for it. The more physically developed a person is, the more likely he is to cope with the situation. It is better to rise slowly so as not to exhaust the body with excessive stress.

National Park Entrance Fee

• citizens of Malaysia: adults 3 ringgit, persons under 18 years of age 1 ringgit;
• foreign tourists: adults 15 ringgit, persons under 18 years old 10 ringgit.

Permits for climbing Mount Kinabalu

All climbers must purchase a permit from the national park headquarters prior to departure. Permits are checked at Laban Rata and Sayat-Sayat Hut. The cost of the permit is lower:

• citizens of Malaysia: 30 ringgit, persons under 18 years of age 12 ringgit;
• foreign tourists: 100 ringgit, persons under 18 years old 40 ringgit.

Insurance

Those intending to make the climb to the top must purchase insurance worth RM7 from the national park office.

Guides

The use of a guide to accompany you during the climb is mandatory. The cost ranges from RM100 to RM150 depending on the size of the group (the larger the group, the cheaper). But please note that the group cannot exceed more than 8 people.

Additional charges

• souvenir certificate: 10 ringgit;
• luggage storage: 10 ringgit;
• portable oxygen cylinder: RM35;
• porter services. A porter will carry your luggage to Laban Rata and back. Tariff: 8 ringgit per kilogram of luggage.
• Transport (round trip). From the entrance to the park, Timpohon Gate can be reached by car or minibus: RM16.50 one way (1-4 people) or RM4 per person (5 passengers or more). If you want to get to the Mesilau Trail trailhead, this service will cost significantly more.

To minimize costs, use the following tips

• Join a tour group so you can all chip in for a guide.
• don't take the souvenir certificate. It must be abandoned in advance. On the way down from the summit, you must indicate to the staff at Sayat-Sayat huts (at 7 km of the trail) that you do not want to take the certificate, otherwise they may give it to you automatically.

Mount Kinabalu is the highest point in Borneo, sometimes it is also called the highest point in Southeast Asia, but this is an ambitious title and requires reservations (on the island of New Guinea and in Burma there are several peaks above 6 thousand meters, but for different reasons are not considered part of Southeast Asia).

One way or another, this is no longer a hill, but a serious event. The highest point is 4095m. It is the 20th highest mountain in the world.

The Kinabalu National Park, larger than Singapore, is located around the mountain. The park is protected by UNESCO and the Malays are especially proud of it and annually organize Climbothon - a high-speed ascent to and descent from Kinabalu.

This is what the mountain looks like from a satellite.

The mountain is a granite massif with a small plateau at the top and several peaks, the highest of which Low Peak is named after the first person to (officially) conquer Kinabalu, Hugh Low, a member of the British colonial administration in Sabah in the 19th century.

Kinabalu looks monumental even from the foot. During the ascent she grows and commands even more respect, it becomes clear why the local population of Kadazan deified and feared her.

About 50 people start climbing the mountain per day, as a rule, they all climb along the Summit trail: registration at the park administration (height 1563m), then they are transported by bus to the starting point Timpohon gate (height 1866m), ascent of the 1st stage and overnight at Laban Rata (height 3270m), 2nd stage ascent to Low Peak (4095m).

Already in the park itself, which I reached by taxi together with 3 Malayas, it is a little cool and one can feel the freshness of the mountain.

The main enemy of an inexperienced “climber” is height. If you don’t spend the night in the park, but come like me from Kota Kinabalu in the morning and go straight to the mountain, then the daily altitude gain before spending the night in Laban Rata is 3260m, and this is not a little... and many begin to feel altitude sickness.

The first stage takes 4-5 hours, the second 3 hours. The complete descent takes 6-7 hours; usually, we also stop for a break (breakfast) in Laban Rata.

In general, the guide's functions are not clear, and the services are not intrusive. After passing the gate, I saw my guide only sporadically.

Climbing Kinabalu is a very popular event among Asians, so if you try to book a hotel for an intermediate overnight stay, say, a month in advance, you most likely will not be able to do this.

There are daredevils who do the entire ascent and descent in one day, I had the opportunity to see this, I don’t know what these guys are made of, in fact they do everything 2 times faster and it’s hard for me to imagine.

At the entrance, the trail passes through a waterfall.

The trail passes its first kilometer through a dense forest; the silhouette of the mountain is almost not caught behind the treetops.

There are several shelters along the trail where you can rest. On the first such crosses I did not stop to maintain the pace.
Height 1981m. Pondok Kandis shelter.

2081m Pondok Ubah shelter. Here I read that you can find pitcher flowers endemic to Borneo that can hold half a liter of water. I couldn't find them.

For some, climbing is fun, but for others it is everyday work. Locals carry everything up the mountain, from food for tourists to construction materials.

At least during the climb I was lucky with the weather, then I didn’t know that I could only take pictures of the climb.

Kinabalu is gradually starting to show itself.

Porters carry boards.

Basically, the trail is very well maintained; there are even railings from time to time.

The granite cap can already be seen in more detail.

Shelter Pondok Lowii 2267m.

2515m Pondok Mempening, impudent squirrels prowl here.

Almost all tourists have walking poles, apparently a useful thing...

In some places the forest opens up.

Layang Layang 2702m. Here the Summit trail and Mesilau trail merge, the latter is longer and is used by scientists to study nature.
It was getting cooler and near the shelters I sat down on the rocks to bask in the sun.

Field 2700m the color of the soil changes, it becomes orange, and the vegetation changes along with it. Trees are becoming rarer and lower.

The trail leads to a small ridge, from where the Kinabalu granite plateau can be viewed in more detail.

Although you have to photograph against the sun, the views are excellent.

Mindful of the effects of altitude, I deliberately chose a very slow pace of ascent, but at the same time tried to maintain it. At this altitude, the consequences of the miner became obvious. It became much more difficult to walk, breaks were required, my head ached and my pulse went through the roof.

Pondok Vilossa 2960m. Beautiful. But the area is open and begins to blow heavily.

At 3050m the orange soil ends and the quaint forest begins. The trees are taller, but covered with some kind of moss.

Pondok Paka 3080m, named after the nearby Paka Cave where Hugh Low spent the night before the climb. This is the last refuge before stopping at Laban Rata.

The road goes through stones, as if you are walking along the mouth of a mountain river. It is clearly visible that it is granite, there are many inclusions.

The pulse goes off scale and every effort goes to the head; this is where you have to take breaks most often.
Here they are - mossy trees.

The cloud boundary has been crossed. Serious winds are already raging here; gusts made movement very difficult. Sometimes the clouds rush right through you, beautiful, but piercingly cold. The temperature, judging by the forecast from the park administration, should be 6-8 degrees at this altitude.

This is Laban Rata, altitude 3270m, and we had to spend the night here.

In Laban Rat there is no heating or hot water, but they are fed for slaughter. The accommodation is simple, dorm-type, rooms for several people.
The sun disappears behind the mountain and it becomes dark before sunset; it becomes cold outside. There’s nothing to do in Laban Rat either, and it’s also not particularly hot, I tried to sleep under 3 layers. If you put everything on top of altitude sickness, the hours until the second stage seemed like an eternity to me.

Lights up at 20-00, there is already silence in Laban Rat, but how to sleep so early, in a dubak, and even when you are rushing from altitude sickness and have a headache is completely unclear. As a result, I was able to sleep for 2 hours until 3-00, when everyone drinks tea and leaves for the second stage.
Oddly enough, in the morning the miner let go, at least the headache stopped hurting and even inspiration appeared. At 2:40 I was one of the first to go up. Before leaving, the guide told me that if it rains, I will have to go down. Then I thought that he was delusional or lazy, but did not argue.

For the first 600-700m you walk along steep steps and stones, then a granite rock begins along which a rope is stretched, sometimes the rope just serves as a guide, sometimes you can’t climb without it. The granite is wet and slippery, the rope is also wet. Gloves (and you can’t do without them) instantly get wet. Looking down, you can only see a string of flashlights, pitch darkness all around and the howling of the wind.

The height is 3668m - the last checkpoint of Sayat Sayat Hut, where everyone climbing the mountain is recorded. After this, there is no longer any vegetation around, the fog and wind intensify. The ascent is already on bare rock and ropes.

Once on the plateau, you become open to all bad weather, at some point the wind reaches such strength that it knocks down skinny Chinese tourists who are crawling holding a rope. You can’t hear or see anything; the flashlight only illuminates a wall of spray half a meter ahead. Now it’s clear what the guide meant, it’s not even rain, it’s dense clouds that, when the wind gusts, drench you from head to toe. The thought came to me that if the flashlight died from the rain, then I could get into a big mess.
Despite the fact that I had a rain poncho, I was already completely wet. After walking another 700m (1km left, approx. min. 50) at an altitude of about 3850m, I realized that I could not continue and that I was not prepared for such weather. Wet, at a temperature of 4 degrees, I risk being left without continuing my trip. Some started to turn back and the guide asked "Home?" and I agreed, although I was dumbfounded that I didn't make it to the top.

Came down quickly. I was not in the mood and decided not to stay for breakfast in Laban Rat and go further down as soon as it became light. Almost all my things turned out to be wet, and even someone stole my dry socks... The descent in general was not a joy. We met joyful tourists who were starting to climb, in T-shirts and shorts, but I walked angry and wet, in a hat and three sweaters and a windbreaker. I went down in 3 hours (this is considered fast). There were not a single photo from the last part of the ascent or descent; taking out the camera meant ruining it.

Around 13, I was already in Kota Kinabalu and the altitude sickness finally went away. After I slept off, I was tormented by a feeling of disappointment and muscle pain, for 3 days I could not go down the stairs (although I was physically preparing to climb the mountain), my throat, nose, and chapped face were burning.
Despite the failure, overall it was a positive experience: to test what the body is capable of, to visit an interesting place, to see amazing views of the mountains.

We'll probably be back again...

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The mountain is officially recognized as the fourth highest peak in all of Southeast Asia. Its height is a mind-blowing 4095 meters above sea level. From its top there is a simply divine view of the tropical jungle and the endless ocean. Such tours are only gaining popularity, but have already become known all over the world. It is precisely because of its uniqueness, unusual impressions and vivid memories that such a trip leaves behind that more and more lovers of active recreation and just beginner tourists are interested in the services of companies that are ready to provide such pleasure.

Path to the top

In addition to the banal ascent to Kinabalu, the expedition participants will visit some interesting places that will come across along the way. You need to set off from the capital, where, by boarding a plane, you will fly to the island of Borneo, and from the local airport you will be taken simply to the very foot of the famous mountain in the area.

What awaits you

The first thing that catches your eye when you find yourself in Borneo is the ever-green jungle. Sometimes it seems that it will be impossible to squeeze through the tightly intertwined “web of vines”, and the thicket itself will seem impenetrable.

Remember the movie "Avatar"? So, you yourself find yourself in approximately the same conditions. The forest is filled with the cries of birds and a wide variety of animals, and here and there danger may await you. It seems quite natural that the jungle wants to swallow you up.

But let's not deviate from the route! After all, we came here to conquer the Kinabalu mountain peak. No one will promise that the ascent will be easy. But all the difficulties and hardships will seem like only minor troubles that will easily cancel out the impressions that the views from the insane height will give.

In addition to the green jungle, travelers will have a view of the blue sea with snow-white beaches, as well as villages located in close proximity. The mountain itself is one of the most revered places in Malaysia. It is to the top of Kinabalu, according to local legends, that the soul is transferred after death.

On average, the ascent takes up to two days. A group of tourists will have the opportunity to fight their way through the jungle, test the strength of shaky suspension bridges and fragile stairs, plunge into the icy water of a waterfall, and also try on the role of a real climber who truly overcomes gorge after gorge and takes the next height.

After this, travelers are welcomed with open arms at the hospitable tourist complex. Here we are pleased to offer massage services, swimming in real sulfur-containing springs, as well as extreme rafting on mountain rivers.

Tour program. The first day

As mentioned earlier, the journey begins from the capital's airport. It is here that the expedition participants will receive their first instructions and meet their escort. In principle, there are other options for flying to Malaysia. But this already depends on the personal preferences of travelers and the scale of services provided by the organizing company.

In any case, after arrival you will be accommodated in a comfortable hotel in Kota Kinabalu, where you will have to gain strength for one night before the upcoming ascent. In principle, this is how almost all the first days of any excursion group go. Having rested from the flight, taken a shower or plunged into the pool and had plenty of food, you have to begin preparations for one of the most exciting ascents of your life.

Second day

The conquest of the summit begins early in the morning. Therefore, take care not to oversleep this solemn moment. Having collected your bags and backpacks, take a seat in the minibus, which will already be waiting for you at the threshold of the hotel complex. Next you will drive to Kinabalu National Park. The journey will take no more than 2 hours.

As you understand, conquering a distance of more than four kilometers is not so easy. Therefore, it will not be possible to see the peak on the same day. Instead, another overnight stay awaits you at an altitude of 3300 meters. This height is your first goal. This time you will have to recuperate in a small shelter, which was carefully built on the path of tourists.

The ascent will take approximately 6-7 hours. Everything depends on the preparation of the expedition participants and on various “emergency situations”.

Day three

This time the rise will be extremely early. But it's not scary at all! After all, you want to watch the sunrise at the very top of the mountain! After all, this is exactly what you flew thousands of kilometers for!

Departure from the camp will take place at 2 am. The remaining journey will take no more than 3-4 hours. The last push and you will stand at an altitude of more than four kilometers and with pleasure “absorb” with your eyes the wonderful view that opens before you. You will personally see how a new sun is born in Malaysia.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the experience and taken a phenomenal number of photographs, the group sets off on the return journey. Again you have to go to the shelter, where you will be fed a delicious breakfast, and then down to the very foot of the mountain. By evening, the whole group will be in their rooms, happily recalling their recent adventures. Well, all the details and nuances can be discussed over a friendly dinner in the local restaurant.

The remaining time can be spent at your own discretion. By the way, there is something to do here. Some will be happy to soak in the crystal clear water of the pool, others will go to the sandy shore, while others will prefer active recreation in the form of rafting down a mountain river.

Day four

Finally, before heading back, you will be offered a choice of one of the excursion routes. Particularly popular is the tour to the village of Mari-Mari. In addition to meeting local attractions, tourists can visit the huts of indigenous tribes and get acquainted with customs and traditions. If you're lucky, you can even take part in one of the ancient rituals or holidays.

Well, when dusk comes, one of the most exciting discos in the world awaits you! And the name of these wild dances is Bamboo Dance.

Fifth and sixth days

To cap off this unique trip, you will be able to visit the hot springs of Malaysia. Clean cool water, dense forests around the springs and the pristine beauty of nature - you can see all this with your own eyes. There are not many such places left on the map anymore.

We have to get ready for the return journey on the seventh day. It is here and now that this exciting week-long adventure will end, which, without any doubt, will be written in red letters in the hearts of all participants in the amazing tour.

What does the tour include?

An exciting trip to Malaysia with a climb to the top of Kinabalu includes:

• five nights with one meal (breakfast) in a four-star hotel in the middle of the endless jungle
• full support from the airport to the hotel and back
• guide who speaks English and Russian
• transfer from the hotel and back during all kinds of excursions
• one night on the mountain in a shelter
• full sustenance during the climb to the top
• gift certificates to all group members, confirming a successful climb to the top

What is not included in the tour

Depending on the company’s offer, the excursion tour services will not include:

• the cost of a flight from Moscow to Malaysia (as well as a flight to Moscow from any airport in Russia and other countries)
• insurance cost
• additional meals and expenses for visiting excursions and using services that are not provided for in the contract
• supplement for accommodation in a separate room
• cost of all excursions

Final instructions

It is strongly recommended to stock your personal first aid kit in advance with the supplies your body needs. It is not a fact that in the event of an allergy attack or exacerbation of a chronic disease, you will be able to receive full medical care. Therefore, you need to take care of your health yourself.

To enter Malaysia, Russian citizens only need to have a passport. A visa is not included in the list of required documents, which makes the trip more accessible.

Well, don’t forget about additional costs. Souvenirs, gifts for family and work colleagues, additional food and excursions - all this will require additional financial investments from each tourist. Therefore, it is recommended to clearly think through your budget and provide for an expense item for such nuances.

Regarding communication with family - a separate conversation. Due to its special geographical location, Malaysia time is 4 hours ahead of Moscow. This should be taken into account during communication sessions. And don't forget about safety. Despite the fact that the locals are warm and hospitable, leaving valuables in the rooms is highly discouraged. Use special safes to store things.

Companies that organize tours

Since extreme tourism is only gaining popularity in Russia, we cannot boast of the variety of offers for tourist ascents to the top of Kinabalu. But there are several companies whose specialists will be happy to go with you on this exciting journey.

Each company offers something unique. Let's briefly go over the main proposals that exist in Russia today.

Tyumen Regional Mountaineering Federation

He will go to the island of Borneo; the Tyumen Federation of Mountaineers invites everyone into the thicket of the jungle. As the name implies, the staff includes professional mountain climbers who boast impressive achievements. You can get acquainted with all the delights, advantages and variety of the company’s tours on the website.

The approximate cost of the tour will be 1150-1400 dollars per person. The price depends on the time of booking the trip. A 50 percent prepayment is also provided. Although this is one of the most expensive offers in Russia, its popularity should not be questioned. After all, the tour includes a 7-day trip to Malaysia and a stay in one of the best hotels on the island of Borneo. The hike to the mountain peak will take 2 days, and for the rest of the time you will be able to immerse yourself in the wonderful world of local traditions and the life of the aborigines, rafting along turbulent mountain streams and visiting local attractions.

Action Way Company

The Action Way company does not lag behind its extreme colleagues. The cost of tourist services will be approximately 52 thousand rubles. The main advantages of the service from this company can be considered:

• inclusion of lunches during excursion programs in the tour price
• free entry into the territory of the National Park
• English speaking guide

Club "7 Summits"

Well, the “7 Summits” tourist club is ready to make another interesting proposal to conquer the highest peak in Malaysia. Its activities extend to Moscow and St. Petersburg. The cost of the trip will be $1,000 (approximately 56 thousand rubles). In addition, you will have to make an advance payment of $500, which will be used to book hotel rooms. The entire amount will need to be paid no later than 30 days before departure to Malaysia.

You should also know: if you cancel your trip later than 30 days in advance, the amount paid for the tour is non-refundable. Please note that the excursion tour with this company will only take 4 days. Thus, the tour includes:

• two nights in a 3 star hotel with breakfast
• full support

As you can see, climbing to the top of Malaysia will cost a pretty penny. At the same time, you will become a direct participant in a bright and interesting journey, expand your own horizons and be able to enjoy the incredible beauty of this distant eastern country.

Undoubtedly, it is better to choose an expedition tour in which you will be under the supervision of an experienced guide. This is much more reliable and reduces the risk of getting into an unpleasant situation. And on the way it will be more fun if your best friends and reliable comrades are next to you. It is these small companies of 5-8 people who most often order such services from travel agencies.

Well, we wish you a successful journey, new emotions and bright impressions during this wonderful journey!

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Mount Kinabalu (Malay: Gunung Kinabalu) is located on the island of Borneo (Kalimantan) in Southeast Asia, Malaysia in the state of Sabah, the place is protected and has the status of Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Kinabalu is the highest peak in Borneo's Crocker Range, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, and the 4th highest mountain in the Malay Archipelago after Indonesian Papua's Puncak Jaya, Puncak Trikora and Puncak Mandala.

Name of the peaks of Mount Kinabalu

* Sir Hugh Low's Peak, 4095 meters
* St. John's (St John Peak, 4098 meters, no one is allowed on it)
* Donkey Ears (Donkey Ears Peak, 4055 meters)
* Tunku Abdul Rahman
* Ugly Sister Peak, 4032 meters
* King Edward Peak
* Alexandras Peak, 4033 meters
* South Peak (3933 meters)

Geographically speaking, Kinabalu is very young. It’s interesting, but the mountain rises a year at a rate of five millimeters.

In 1997, a re-survey using satellite technology (the so-called Lowe's Peak) was 4,095 meters (13,435 ft) above sea level, about 6 meters (20 ft) lower than previously thought.

The mountain and its surroundings are one of the most important "biological sites" in the world, containing a natural habitat with more than 4,500 species of plants, 326 species of birds and 100 species of mammals. Among this rich collection of wild animals are famous species such as the giant plant - Rafflesia. Mount Kinabalu, as mentioned earlier, has UNESCO World Heritage status.

The main peak of the mountain (Low Peak) can be climbed quite easily. However, the climb can be very difficult, despite the lack of climbing equipment required. Other peaks along the massif require climbing skills.

From the history of Mount Kinabalu, the name comes from the Kadazan word "Aki nabalu", which means "venerable place of the dead". This name echoes the local axiom that the spirits of ancestors linger at the top. Every year, local mountain guides perform religious rituals to appease the spirits while touring Malaysia. The first person to make the first ascent of Mount Kinabalu was the British Colonial Secretary's colony in Labuan. In 1851, Sir Hugh the Low began his ascent to the summit at the head of a mountaineering expedition and was named after him upon completion of the first ascent.

Motto: “Take nothing but photographs.” Leave nothing but footprints. Keep nothing but memories" (from English: "take only photographs; leave only footprints; take only memories").

Some time after the first ascent, the roads cut through a densely forested area into Mount Kinabalu, opening up an easier route. In 1964, the area was included in the tourist directory as a national park, after which millions of travelers went to Mount Kinabalu.

The best time to climb is from February to April, the dry season. For transport in Kinabalu Park, you can choose a taxi or bus from Inanam. In two hours you will be there by bus or you can hire a taxi, which is only slightly faster.

The ascent plan must be well thought out. When you arrive at the park, you will have to pay a climbing permit fee, an entry fee and a mountain guide fee. You must take a guide with you as there is no other choice. Accommodation and meals on the mountain are available for an additional fee. Other costs include your travel to the gate where the lift begins, insurance and certification. It is recommended that all participants and visitors spend three days and two nights on Mount Kinabalu to acclimatize.

Climbing to the top of Mount Kinabalu is one of the most interesting and memorable experiences in Malaysia.