Mt. Kinabalu

I have this impression that climbing Mt. Kinabalu is expensive.  Accounts of friends who made it there were clear on how high the expenses for travel, accommodation, food, and climbing related fees if summed up.  This would mean that I have to save some more and wait a little longer.  However, one day I stumbled into a blog telling that a dayhike is possible and permitted.  The blog entry continued to detail how to obtain the climb permit and how much the entire climb costs.  Elated after learning all these information, I booked a flight without hesitation.  The next thing I know I was in Kota Kinabalu joined by my friend Adrian with the intention of dayhiking Malaysia's tallest mountain.

Kinabalu Park Headquarter 

Convincing Power Failed

With high hopes we entered Kinabalu Heretage Park,  heading straight to the visitor's lounge. We conveyed to the staff our intention to do a one day climb.  She was quick in turning us down, telling that a new park regulation on "No More Dayhike" has been in effectivity a month ago.  I was crushed! We pleaded but she referred us to the park ranger on duty.  They were singing the same tune but an option was offered by the park ranger.  A two-day climb staying overnight at the newly built resthouse called Lamaine at a lower price to which we did not resist nor agree at first.  We told him that we'd give the offer a thought over lunch and will come back.
  

Timpohon Gate

After our lunch we headed back not to the visitor's lounge but to the park's admin office. Unfortunately, the park administrator was not around.  Nevertheless, we told his secretary of our intention and that we hoped for a favorable response from the park administrator.  Since the secretary can't decide for her boss she then referred us to the office of the senior park ranger, our last hope.  How unfortunate it was that again the person we're looking was not around.  He was in KL attending a convention.  His staff however was accommodating and tried her best to help us. However, they were strict with the new regulation and we had no other options but to succumb to the two-day climb. 



The Journey to Labanrata

Since we will doing a two-day climb, we decided to start by ten in the morning.  By this time most of the climbers already started their ascent.  After settling all climbing fees, we were ready to start when two French men arrived and asked to join us.  It would mean splitting the guide and transportation fees to the four of us.  And so we agreed of course!

The French guys on one of the staircases

By 10:20 am we were at Timpohon gate, the starting point of the climb.  This gate can be reach either by walking or by riding a car from the visitor's information center.  We did the latter to save time. The start of the trek involved a gradual ascent and after passing the Carlson Fall, staircase ensued. By 10:48 am, we reached KM 1 and from this point onward it has been mostly assaults and staircases.   We encountered a number of climbers on their way down and we also passed by climbers resting on some of the resting stations. It was sunny when we started but as we progress it turned cloudy and foggy.  Though it would not have been much of a challenge had it been sunny all the way since there were trees to provide shade. 
   

just one of the beautiful spots along the trail

By 12:40 pm we were at KM 4, two more kilometers before Labanrata, our final stop for day 1.  The massive gain of elevation had me sweating profusely.  We continued our ascent  and passed by on more hikers.  Dwarf trees along the trail also caught my attention while the two French were ahead of us and no longer in sight.    After 3.5 hours of trekking, we finally reached Labaranta (KM 6).  Our guide took us to Lamaine resthouse where we will be staying.  It has been cloudy for the rest of the day and even drizzled at times and at 3, 270 masl it was cold.  Good thing, hot food and beverages are available at Labanrata.   Not for free though.

at KM 4

Labanrata

The Assault to Low's Peak.

We agreed to start the assault by 4 am.  Our group were at the meeting place as early as 3:30 am, however, our guide was no where to be found.  We waited a little longer but he seemed to be still comfortably sleeping.  Almost all the group had started their way up. Worried that we might not catch the sunrise, we decided to go even without him. Anyway, the trail towards the summit was clear and we can follow the climbers ahead of us.  

the boulders and the summit plateau

The summit was 2 kilometers away from Labanrata.  Seemed short of a distance but the elevation gain of 825 masl  and the biting cold were really a challenge.  The trail towards the summit were mostly staircases.  There were also some rope segments before reaching the gate at KM 7 and another one at the summit plateau where our guide caught with us. The last part of the climb was on boulders of granite rocks bearing the 4,095 masl marker at the top. 

the sunrise

There were already a handful of folks at the summit eagerly waiting for the sunrise when we arrived.  It was so cold that my hands were numb.  I was praying for the sun to come out so that the temperature will somehow improve.  But I guess we arrived a little early that we have to wait a little longer.  I was thinking to go down but I can't afford to not witness the sunrise.  To my mind, I traveled long, I paid for the climb, I made it to the top, why would I let myself bothered by the cold. With mind conditioning, I was able to withstand the cold and witness the beautiful sunrise.  Standing on Malaysia's tallest mountain and witnessing the beauty that surrounded it was just awesome.  It was all worth it!  We stayed for about 30 minutes longer taking pictures.  

us at the marker

The Descent

Our way down from Low's peak to Labanrata was smooth and swift stopping occasionally at some parts of the trail that interested us.  It was still dark on our way up so we took the opportunity on our way down to take photos.  By 8 am, we're back at Labanrata and had a hearty breakfast.  At exactly 9 am, we left Labanrata and started our descent.  On our way down, we encountered climbers and porters on their way up.  We also chanced upon the Filipino crew of Living Asia Channel who did a shoot at the summit.  The crew filmed us while trekking and did a short interview.  If it was aired, we had no idea.  By 11 am we reached the Timpohon gate. We took souvenir photos before riding back to the headquarter.  

South Peak

Post Climb Realizations

We had no regrets taking the two-day climb.  In fact, it was a blessing in disguise as weather would turn awful in the afternoon during our stay.  The chance of us getting a good clearing had we done it dayhike would have been very slim.  While dayhiking would have been a fit but I'm not sure if we would have enjoyed it, even the two day climb was not easy.  We had our eyes down and knees up most of the time.  Dayhiking would have been more exhausting for sure.  

Overall it was a successful climb.  An adventure that I will surely treasure my entire life. A dream that has turned into a reality.  Thanks to my climbing buddy Adrian.  Thanks to God for the strength and guidance.   

another beautiful spot along the trail

Climb Expenses 

Permit                              -   100.00 rm
Accommodation                -   100.00 rm
Food                                 -    30.00  rm
Guide fee (37.5/4)            -     37.05 rm
Transportation (33/4)        -      8.25 rm
Insurance                          -      7.00 rm

Total (per head)                    282.75 rm

in pesos (282.75*16)              P4,524 


Tips

1.  Booking your climb directly at Mt Kinabalu Park would cost lower than booking through tour operators.
2.  Climb during lean months to avoid influx of climbers.
3.  Same day booking and climb is possible if you arrive at the park early.
4.  There are a number of inns and lodges outside the park which would cost you lower than staying inside the park.
5.  There are good restaurants just outside the park which are affordable.
6.  There are no money changer inside and outside the park.