Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu experiences a varied range of climates. In the lower reaches, the climate is tropical, generally with afternoon showers, and temperatures of 20-25°C. At the summit, the weather can become very cold and at times freezing. Temperatures on the summit range from 3-12 °C from June to September, and −4-8 °C from December to January. In the colder months, sometimes frost, ice or even snow can be experienced at the summit.

Between March and August is the best time to climb Mount Kinabalu because of the dry season. But there may still be unpredictable showers because of the tropical rainforests through which the trail passes. The weather in the morning is generally better than the latter part of the day. Climbing on full moon days is easier as it helps to illuminate the white rope that marks out the climbing path in the dark morning of the second day.

Rain:  Hikers must be mentally prepared to hike in the rain at all times of the year, although in rare cases summit attempts will be forbidden if the rain is very heavy. For most hikers, the biggest nuance due to rain will be wet and slippery paths (hiking poles and gloves for extra grip can help), and soaked clothes or back-packs (making it important that you bring rain ponchos and waterproof bag covers). Rest stops along the terrain on the first day offer covered shelters to stop if the rain gets heavy.

Wind:  Winds pick up speed in the upper altitudes, and are the strongest in the early hours of the morning on the second day. Climbers must hold on to Wind-breakers and scarves come in handy in these times, especially if they can be taken off and worn around the waist when the sun comes up.”

Altitude:  Climbers should climb slowly and steadily instead of hurrying through the path so they can accustom themselves with the conditions as they go up. This is especially important in the higher altitudes where the air is dry and thin.

Fatigue and pain:  Bringing along muscular ache relief cream and knee/ankle supports can help make the climb up easier. On the way down, especially on the flat rock in the summit block, it is advisable to walk slowly without locking your knees.

Slips and falls:  On the summit trail, climbers are advised to follow the guide and stay close to the guide ropes. If a climber loses sight of the rope when it is dark, he/she should blow a whistle or shout. Since the thin air and the echo of the mountain might dampen the voice, it is better to have a climbing partner or follow a group to ensure help is at hand.

The Kinabalu hike is popular and in most sections climbers will find fellow climbers or guides who are willing to help. While the risk of crime or theft is negligible, it is still advisable to not to leave expensive personal belongings such as cameras and passports unattended.

Many solo women travelers do the climb on a regular basis. No special precautions beyond any that one may observe elsewhere in Malaysia are necessary.

There are 6 rest stops on the first section of the trail: Pondok Kandis (1,981m), Pondok Ubah (2,095m), Pondok Lowii (2,286m), Layang-Layang (2,702m), Pondok Villosa (2,690m), Pondok Paka (3,080m). The summit block on day 2 does not have any rest stops. These rest stops offer sheltered areas with seating benches, that are suitable to catch your breath along the way, wait out periods of heavy rain, stop and eat your lunch, and get climbing tips from fellow climbers going in the other direction.

Most climbers spend the night before the summit at the base camp at Laban Rata, located between 3,230 and 3,323 meters above sea level. There are a number of accomodation options with different price points, suitable for climbers with different preferences. Since the number of rooms is limited however, climbers must make prior reservations for accommodation as it is not possible to stay overnight on the mountain except in designated sleeping reservations. Camping is not permitted.

Sabah Park safety regulations make it necessary for climbers to engage a licensed mountain guide from the local Mountain Guide Association. Each mountain guide can take up to 5 climbers on a trip. It is advisable to book a guide before arriving for the climb.

A number of tour operators market their services online at competitive prices. With a little bit of research, it is easy to find a reliable guide to suit your specific preferences.

• known to the guide if appropriate how you heard about them and offer to write a review if you like the experience. This might give them the extra incentive to be attentive to your needs.
• To reduce costs, look to join groups and share their guide. Some tour operators may also provide discounts on guides during certain months for climbers.
• Check if the guide can speak good English before you start, so they can engage with you along the journey.
• Ask for the guide’s ID proof before beginning the trek.

Porters are not required for most climbers. This is primarily due to the quality of facilities at the base camp, which makes it unnecessary to carry up heavier or bulkier items such as tents or sleeping bags.

If required, porters can be arranged directly from tour operators or guides.

For climbers that only wish to carry essential items needed during the trek, porters can help carry other belongings that are not needed during the hike and walk non-stop to Laban Rata, before waiting for the climbers to arrive.

There is a restaurant at the Park entrance gate which offers a filling breakfast before the start of the hike on day 1. This is included in the tour fee for most tour operators.

Natural drinking water is available at rest stops, fed by pipes coming down from natural sources in the mountain heights. This allows climbers to carry smaller bottles that can be refilled at rest stops. Most tour operators will offer packed lunches to be consumed along the way, consisting of a sandwich, egg, local snack, fruit and a bottle of 500ml mineral water. Both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options are generally available, although for any dietary restrictions climbers are advised to check beforehand. Climbers may also wish to carry some high-calorie dry food items such as chocolates and energy bars along for extra nutrition.

The base camp at Laban Rata has a restaurant that offers hot, cooked food, both for dinner at the end of day 1, and breakfast in the morning on day 2. These meals are also generally included in the tour fee. Meals and other food items can also be purchased, although these will be more expensive compared to prices at nearby towns since the raw materials have to be carried by porters regularly.

There are multiple options to get to the starting point of the climb in Kinabalu Park, ranging from public buses and minivans, private taxis, rental cars if you want to drive yourself, or pre-arranged transport through your tour operator. Depending on the transport and traffic, it can take 2-3 hours to cover the 88 km distance from the Kota Kinabalu airport (or shorter if coming from the city) to Mount Kinabalu Park.