climb Mount Kinabalu

Secure your 2021 slot for Mount Kinabalu Summit Climb at the best prices!IMPORTANT COVID-19 Update.Sabah Parks management announced that as of 5th March 2021, all climbers are required to do a swab test 3 days prior to the arrival date. Climbers with negative results are allowed to climb.Types of COVID-19 screening test accepted: RTK – ANTIGEN RT – PCR COVID-19 screening test certified by MOH (Ministry of Health Malaysia)Below are the Sabah Parks operating SOP:1. Only climbers with negative results are allowed to register and proceed with the climb 2. COVID-19 vaccinated climbers are exempted from the COVID-19 screening test 3. Climbers are required to show NEGATIVE COVID-19 screening results during climbing registrations before 10.00 am on the climbing date 4. Only climbers with NEGATIVE results are allowed to climb 5. The costs of the climbers’ COVID-19 health screening are borne by the climbers themselves2Days/1Night Mount Kinabalu Climb Online PromotionDay One Pick up from Kota Kinabalu @ 0630 hrs and transfer to Kinabalu Park (2 hours drive). Registration with our team. Meet your mountain Guide and collect your packed lunch.  Transfer to Timpohon Gate (Starting / Ending point) and set off for the climb with your mountain guide. We recommend that you take at least 6 hours to reach Panar Laban (3,272.7m). Take your lunch rest stop at Layang Layang and rest for at least 45 minutes. This slow pace will help reduce altitude sickness. Upon arrival at the Panalaban Plateau check in at your mountain hostel with communal bathroom basis.*** Kindly arrange your own hearty breakfast on this day before your early morning pick up.Meals included: Packed lunch – to be collected en-route by your driver & dinner @ Laban Rata RestaurantDay Two 0230 hrs wake up for a light supper and prepare to summit Low’s Peak (4, 095 m). Aim to reach the summit for sunrise. Take a moment to look at the stars, if its a clear night its simply stunning. 0615 hrs: Begin descent and return to Laban Rata Rest House for Breakfast. Continue your descent. Aim to arrive at Timpohon Gate (the starting and ending point of the climb before 4pm to avoid late climber fees, refer to the Important Information for Climbers). Arrive at Timpohon Gate and then transfer by Koktas to Kinabalu Park HQ. Returns by Downbelow’s Mini-bus – Shared Transfer to Kota Kinabalu.Meal includes: Supper and late Breakfast, Lunch.Check out our DOWNBELOW Adventure Lodge!  for clean, affordable and comfortable nights stay before and after your climb. Airport transfers can be included at preferential rates.The Downbelow Price Promise: When booking your trips with us you can rest assured that you are getting the best value for money. Our packages are protected under our PRICE PROMISE. This means that if you can provide us with a bona-fide quotation from elsewhere, we will match the price providing the inclusions and standard of accommodation is the same.Package IncludesPackage ExcludesThings To BringPackage Includes • Return land transfers from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park • Internal Park Transfers • 1 x Night stay at dormitory accommodation in a hostel at Laban Rata Plateau 3,272.7m ASL • Private Mountain Guide • Climbing Permit, Entrance Fees, Insurance • Certificate for your Mt Climb • Meals: 1 x Packed Lunch, 1 x Lunch, 1 x Dinner, 1 x Supper, 1 x BreakfastPackage Excludes • International and Domestic Flights • Porter Fee during your Mt. Climb – if needed • Alcoholic and Carbonated Beverages • Covid-19 Swab Test • Other Meals or Items not mentioned in the itineraryThings To Bring• Waterproof Backpack • Trekking or Running Shoes with a good grip • Warm Clothing/Long Sleeve Shirt/Hiking Trousers • Jacket/Wind Breaker • Extra Clothing (Layering is Good) and Socks • Small Towel • Hat and Waterproof Gloves • Head Torch • Personal Toiletries • Refillable water bottle (1 Litre) • High energy food such as chocolates, nuts, biscuits, sweets, energy bars • Your extra luggage can be stored at Kinabalu Park HQ. MYR 10 per piece prior to climb.Optional Extras • Medication such as headache tablets or altitude sickness tablets • Toilet roll • Sun block lotion, lip gloss, plasters • Insect repellent / Mosquito Oil • Camera with water proof bag • Sandals / Slippers for use in the rest houseImportant Information For ClimbersRoad TransfersReturn road transfers between Kota Kinabalu Hotels and Kinabalu Park are provided by Downbelow in our licensed mini-vans on a shared basis with other climbers that day (for our clients only). This is a door-to-door service with multiple pickups & drop-offs throughout the journey. We may change the pick up time the day prior to your climb to minimize the waiting time so please ensure you are contactable for such notice. We suggest buying a local SIM card while in Sabah, please advise us your contact telephone number.Our group rates are quoted with one pick up and one drop off point, meaning the group is transferred at the same time.The standard pick up time from your hotel in Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park is set at 0630hrs.Climbers are encouraged to stay a night in Kota Kinabalu City before departure transfer to Kinabalu Park the next morning. Should climbers not be ready during the standard pick up time, a private transfer from Kota Kinabalu Hotels only no later than 1400hrs can be arranged at MYR 300 per vehicle (Pick up at Kota Kinabalu International Airport is subject to surcharge).For your transfer from Kinabalu Park to your hotel in Kota Kinabalu, after your climb you may have to wait for other climbers to descend the mountain before we bring you back. Our last shared transfer from Kinabalu Park to Kota Kinabalu departs at 1800hrs. Should you or other climbers not be ready to depart by 1800hrs a private transfer fee of MYR 250.00 must be paid by the late climbers.Should you prefer to not wait for other climbers that day and have a private transfer for your return from Mt Kinabalu back to Kota Kinabalu City Hotels only this can be arranged at a cost of MYR 250.00 per vehicle.Please state which option you require upon booking. (Drop off at Kota Kinabalu International Airport is subject to surcharge).Single supplement transfers are not classified as private transfers and are subject to the standard pick up times and private transfer charges stipulated. Should a single traveler with single supplement transfers not be ready to depart the park by 1800hrs, a private transfer fee of MYR 250.00 must be paid.Check out Time at Mountain HutsCheck out time is at 1030hrs. A fee of MYR 50 per half hour for stays at Panalaban hostels, will be levied for late check outs and is to be paid directly to the Resthouse / Hut.Your Mountain GuideYour booking includes a private mountain guide for the Mt Climb (maximum of 5 climbers to 1 Mountain Guide). The mountain guides are compulsory and are with you to keep you safe, ensure that you stay on the correct summit path and should visibility reduce due to rain or fog, ensure that you do not become lost or disorientated. Also should you need assistance or evacuation they will summon it for you. We have our own licensed mountain guides. However on occasion especially at peak times our own mountain guide may be with other climbers and it may happen that your guide can not speak English very well. Rest assured however all mountain guides that we use are fully licensed and are expert mountain guides and your safety remains their priority. Children 16 years and below require a 2:1 ratio of climber to mountain guide. Therefore a child surcharge will apply.Climbing ConditionsThe government authority of Sabah Parks will assess the weather conditions for your summit ascent in the early hours whilst you are at the rest house. Should they deem the summit to be unsafe due to strong wind, rain or storms they will not permit climbers to attempt the summit ascent. Should this be the situation there will be no refund in part or full for your climb.Cut Off Time at CheckpointOn the morning of the summit climb, according to Sabah Park’s regulation, climbers must reach Sayat – Sayat Checkpoint latest by 5AM, failing which climbers are not allowed to proceed to the summit.Cut Off Time at Timpohon GateOn your final descent, as per the Mountain Guide Associations regulation, climbers must reach Timpohon Gate (the starting/ending point) by 4pm. Failure to meet this cut off time will result in a late climbers fee of MYR 15.00 per hour to be paid directly to your mountain guide.FoodFull board meals are included for your trip and provided by the mountain operator. The food is basic and probably not what you are used to eating, mostly simple Asian buffet style with a packed lunch for your first day ascent. We suggest taking extra sources of food such as nuts and energy bars.WaterWe suggest that you prepare yourself by ensuring that you have 2-3 litres of water at the beginning of your climb. At Laban Rata Resthouse, bottled mineral water, coffee, tea and other hot drinks are available for purchase at the grocery counter. Coffee and tea is complimentary during breakfast and supper. Drinking water is NOT available free of charge.Your PassportPlease remember your passport. It is required to validate your climbing permit applied for by us on your behalf.Mount Kinabalu Climb PromotionOur Mount Kinabalu Climb Promotion is based on a first-come-first-served basis which means full payment if required to secure your place.Climbing PreparationPhysical preparation for my Mt Kinabalu Climb.Although you do not need to be super fit, you do need to be in good physical condition.Here are some suggestions from the Alpine Guides Association:A good amount of outdoor cardiovascular exercise  (power walking, cycling, running, mountain biking etc) and getting out for long days in the hills whenever possible is great preparation for your climb.We recommend all climbers take cardiovascular sports at least twice a week, with each session being a minimum of 2 hours in duration at a medium intensity.Fitness training should begin 2-3 months leading up to your trip, this way you should be well prepared.Ensure you are medically fit tooIt is recommended that all climbers should have themselves medically checked before attempting any mountain climb. If you have a history of suffering from the following ailments, it is highly recommend that you should refrain from climbing: Hypertension, Diabetes, Palpitation, Arthritis, Heart Disease, Severe Anemia, Peptic Ulcers, Epileptic Fits, Obesity, Chronic Asthma, Muscular cramps, Hepatitis (jaundice); or any other disease which may hamper the climb.Packing ListYou will not need your bikini ! Here is our suggested packing list.With good preparation your mountain climb will be more enjoyable and packing plays a key role in preparation, we suggest you keep your backpack around 6kg in weight. This 6kg will feel like 16kg after 1 km ! To make your packing easier we have split the requirement into the climbing sections. Panar laban (waiting point in the local Dusun language) is the location of the overnight waiting huts.Ascent from Timpohon Gate  (1800m) to Panalaban Plateau  (3,200m)  Time: 1st Ascent 10:00 hrs – 15:00 hrsTemperatures at Kinabalu Park range from 15°C to  24°CTimpohon Gate along the Summit trail and up to Pana Laban range from 6°C-14°C and can reach 2°C.Wear lightweight clothing and layer up so you can put on and take off the layers as you sweat. T-shirts & lycra sports wear are good optionsSuitable walking / hiking boots with good angle support and a good grip. Training shoes can be worn if you do not have walking boots.Waterproof backpack or buy a waterproof cover to keep items inside dry as the chances are it will rain at some point.A small lightweight towel.Refillable 1 – 1.5 litre water bottle. (Most climbers need only about 1.5-2L to reach Pana Laban)High energy food such as chocolates, nuts, biscuits, sweets, energy bars.Personal toiletries such as soap, toothbrush and toothpaste.Change of clothes and extra socks for sleeping.Waterproof jacket or disposable raincoat.Note: Bedding is provided and extra sleeping bags can be rented if required. Towels are provided for stays at Laban Rata Rest House only. You must bring your own for stays at Pendant Hut.Ascent from Panalaban Plateau  (3,200m) to Lows Peak Summit  (4,093m)  Time: 2nd Ascent 02:00 hrs – SunriseThe Summit itself is around 2°C but the wind chill can make it feel below freezing.Waterproof wind breakerFleece jacket, long sleeves shirt or jumper, thick trousers/hiking trousers, thick socks and your hiking shoesHead torch so that your hands are free to climb and hold onto the ropes when required.Warm hat or balaclava mask.Gloves, ideally waterproof.Small water bottleWaterproof jacket or disposable raincoat.Your overnight bag can be kept at your room without additional charges since you will return to the accommodation after the summit climb.Additional general items.Headache tablets or required medicationToilet rollSunglass, sunblock lotion, SPF lip balm, plastersInsect repellentCamera with waterproof bagLightweight rubber sandals/slippers incase you do not want to wear your heavy boots at the accommodation.Bags for wet clothesTrekking/Hiking PoleExtra Baggage & Porters There is a luggage store at the Kinabalu Park HQ reception area where you can safely leave any items not required for the climb, the rate is currently MYR 12.00 per case and subject to change.Porters are available and can be organised at the KNP HQ. The minimum weight required is 10kg. Should your bag weigh less than 10kg, the charge will still be calculated based on 10kg. On average you can expect to pay MYR 130.00 per round trip Timpohon – Laban Rata – Timpohon for a 10kg bag.Climbing FAQFrequently Asked Questions1Q. What happens if the weather prevents me from climbing, do I get a refund.A. No. Unfortunately we are bound by the climbing operators T&C and there is no refund offered for climbs cancelled due to weather. Usually you will still manage to climb to the Panalaban Rata Rock Face at 3,200m which is still a great achievement. It will be the final ascent that may be cancelled due to poor weather and strong winds. You will only know this in the early hours of the morning when the mountain guides conduct their final environmental check. The policy is “Safety First”2Q. What is the suggested time to begin my climb?A. If possible, its a good idea to stay overnight at Kinabalu park the night before your climb. This way you avoid the 2 hour drive from KK to KNP the day of your climb and can begin climbing at your leisure. If you are unable to stay overnight at the park HQ the night prior then we will pick you up from your accommodation in KK City between 0630hrs – 0700hrs. This means that you will begin your climb around 09:30 hrs.3Q. Do you include insurance for the climb?A. Basic Climber’s Personal Accident Insurance is provided by Sabah Parks who is a state governing body for national parks in Sabah. This covers accidents only between your ascent and descent from Timpohon Gate (the starting point & the Summit). Accidents that occur through climber negligence are not covered. In addition to this climbing insurance, you are advised to purchase personal injury and travel insurance prior to your trip as mentioned in our Terms and Conditions which covers for cancellation, lost money, personal baggage, medical coverage, trip interruption, emergency travel service and provides coverage for all incidentals.4Q. Can I request an English speaking Mountain Guide ?A.  We have our own licensed mountain guides. However on occasion especially at peak times our own mountain guide may be with other climbers and it may happen that your guide can not speak English very well. Rest assured however all mountain guides that we use are fully licensed and are expert mountain guides and your safety remains their priority.5Q. Will i be sharing a Mountain Guide with other climbers that day ?A. Yes with a maximum of 5 climbers to 1 guide.6Q. Are full board meals included ? A. Yes, full board meals are included for your trip and provided by the mountain operator. So for example per overnight stay you will enjoy 1 x Lunch, 1 x Dinner, 1 x Breakfast. The food is basic and probably not what you are used to eating, mostly simple Asian buffet style with a packed lunch for your first day ascent. We suggest taking extra sources of food such as nuts and energy bars.7Q. Is water provided ?A. En-route, there are rest stops with water tanks however water held in these tanks are not purified (un-treated) and taken directly from natural resources – Hence, we do not recommend drinking from them.We would suggest bringing your own stock of 1 or 2 (1.5 litre) bottles of water per person on your ascent day. At Panalaban where you will have your meals during the climb you can purchase mineral water at your own cost at around MYR 14.00 per 1.5 litre bottle.8Q. What is the weather like at Mount Kinabalu ?A. At Kinabalu Park HQ day time temperatures range from 20 – 26 degrees, night time 18 – 22 degrees. At Layang Layang (the halfway climb point) 15 – 20 degrees. At the Panalaban Plateau 8 – 12 degrees, on the summit around 2 degrees, however the windchill on the summit can make it feel quite a few degrees colder. Daily from around 11am the mountain tends to cloud over and rain can be expected, however the majority of the time the cloud & rain will have dispersed by around 5pm.9Q. Do i need to bring my passport or will a copy of my passport be sufficient ? A. You must bring your passport, a copy will not be sufficient.