Climbing the unique Mount Kinabalu, a 4,095-metre high granite massif, is a highlight of many visitors to Borneo.
There is a relatively easy, if physically demanding, trail leading up to the top, allowing you and other hikers to watch the sunrise on this unique peak.
Although the climb up Mount Kinabalu may be appealing to many travelers and is undoubtedly a unique experience, reservations need to be made many months in advance and the famous climb also gets very expensive.
How is the climb up Gunung Kinabalu?
Most trekkers opt for a two-day climb up Mount Kinabalu, which involves one day climbing to the lodge with an overnight stay, then climbing to the summit for sunrise and descending. The classic ascent is via the Timpohon Trail, which is the easiest option.
The more adventurous natures can also ascend via via ferrata, via ferrata ascents are usually more expensive.
Price for climbing Gunung Kinabalu
Only 163 permits are issued each day to climb Mount Kinabalu, so you need to book well in advance, especially if you want to opt for one of the more economical options.
You can organise the climb yourself, or purchase an official package at mountkinabalu.com/.
You will pay the following fees for the climb:
| International visitors | Malaysians | |
| Permit | 400 myr | 100 myr |
| National Park Entrance | 50 myr/day | 10 myr/day |
| Guide | 350 myr/5 pers. | 350 myr/5 pers. |
| Carrier to the top | 200 myr | 200 myr |
If you opt for a package, the cheapest option for 2 days and 1 night costs 1 350 myr per person.
Accommodation on Gunung Kinabalu
When booking a package, transfer from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu to the start of the trek will be included. So choose your accommodation there.
Top 10 hotels in Kota Kinabalu
If you want to be in close proximity to the start of the trek, book accommodation at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges***.
During the trek, you have a choice of several accommodations that vary in price:
- Laban Rata Resthouse - A comfortable mountain guesthouse with private rooms with en-suite facilities.
- Pendant Hut - Mountain hut with shared bedrooms without heating.
- Panalaban Hostel - Simple shared bedroom accommodation, within walking distance to Laban Rata Resthouse.
- Lemaing Hut - Mountain hut with shared bedrooms.
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