Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in south-east asia and offers a unique climb from tropical luxuriance through montane oak forest to the rocky sub-alpine summit plateau. The climb starts from Mount Kinabalu Park Headquarters, only a couple of hours drive but already more than 1500m above Kota Kinabalu on the coast. Here is ample accomodation from dormitories to comfortable two person cottages. The climb is usually done in two days from here. The use of an authorised guide is compulsory while a porter is an optional luxury.

Mt Kinabalu (4095m) is the tallest mountain in South-East Asia and is situated in the Kinabalu National Park in the province of Sabah in Malaysian Borneo. Thousands of tourists visit Kinabalu National Park each year and most come with the intention of climbing Mt Kinabalu.

Fortunately, Mt Kinabalu is one of the easiest peaks in the world to conquer. It takes just two days and climbers don't need any previous experience at mountain climbing. At sunrise, the views from the Mt Kinabalu's summit at Low's Peak are spectacular, making all the effort worthwhile.

Most climbers take two days to ascend and descend Mt Kinabalu. The eight-kilometre climb generally starts from the the Timpohon Gate near park headquarters (1800m), with an overnight stay at one of the guest houses at Laban Rata (3273m), before pushing on to the summit early next morning. Mt Kinabalu's summit is usually reached in time to view the sunrise, before returning to Laban Rata for breakfast. Climbers then descend the mountain, generally reaching the park headquarters by mid-afternoon.

Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and the willpower to push through fatigue and discomfort can climb to the summit of Mt Kinabalu. It is achievable and incredibly rewarding.
The best time to go is from February through April which is the dry season and when the conditions are best. Between August and September there are dry periods also good for Mount Kinabalu mountain climbing during Malaysia holidays. Transportation to Kinabalu Park can be had by taxi or bus from Inanam. Two hours will get you there by bus or you can hire a taxi which is only slightly faster. If your Mount Kinabalu climbing package is booked, a ride to the park will normally be included.

When planning the ascent, make sure to book well ahead. When you arrive at the park, you’ll have to pay the climbing fee permit, entrance fee and mountain guide fee. You must take a guide as there is no other option. Porters are available for an extra cost as is accommodation and food on the mountain. Other fees include your transportation to the gate where the climb starts, insurance and the certificate upon completion. It is recommended to visitors to spend three days and two nights on Mount Kinabalu to properly acclimatize. Make sure to check all rates thoroughly before committing.