Will make my second attempt to conquer Mt Kinabalu in March 2009.
Mt Kinabalu (Gunung Kinabalu) is located at Kinabalu National Park, a World Heritage Site in the state of Sabah, Malaysia. At 4,095 metres, it’s the highest summit in Malaysia and the fourth highest in South East Asia.
The hiking requires reasonable fitness though… I couldn’t make it to the top last time in March 2006; not much excuses beside the fact that I was under-prepared.
I have vowed to climb the mountain again since then, but kept on procrastinating until being invited by an old buddy a couple of months ago. If everything happens as planned… we’ll be attacking the summit in early morning of March 9, 2009.
To think that I am now 10 kg heavier then the hike in 2006… it might not be a wise idea to make the climb with just a few months of preparation lol. Well, time to start training; need to lose some weight and build up my stamina… would be a bit embarrassing if couldn’t make for the second time in a roll.
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I’m planning to do the same thing in March 2009 too. Maybe a few days later than you do but it will be my first time there. Read your topic then think I should prepare myself before it’s too late to conquer the summit. :)
Well, many sources said the good time to go to Kinabalu is during Jul-Sep. You’ve been there in March, was it good to go and weather without rain?
March was supposed to be the beginning of the relatively dry season, but then Mt K is infamous for its frequent rains… it doesn’t really matter which month we go in my opinion, just be prepared.
Last time I was soaked in the rain for almost the entire journey up to Laban Rata… but it was clear in the morning, so the folks still managed to get to the top.
Thank you very much for that. I’m surprised you were soaked trekking. big wow!
I also enjoy surfing your journal. You are doing great on what you like. Will you have any chance visiting Thailand? I could be helpful when you do so.
Will visit Thailand someday… not in 2009 though, already have plans for other places.
Hi, me and my sis had booked the air ticket to KK and still doing homework on conquering Mt Kinabalu.. do u mind share with us yr plan?
cheers..
Ashley… the most important thing is to secure your accommodation at Laban Rata; the rest can be planned rather easily.
Basically you need at least four days to climb Mt K…
Day 1 – arrive in Kota Kinabalu.
(go to Kinabalu Park on D1 or early D2)
Day 2 – make the climb to Laban Rata.
Day 3 – early morning (~2-3am) climb to summit, then back to LR and back to the park HQ. Back to KK (or make it on D4)
Day 4 – going home.
If you have extra days, consider white water rafting or island hopping. Let me know if you need more info… can’t tell much without knowing your basic plan.
Hi..
Thanks for your info.. Will going there on 17 Mar for 5 days. Most likely will take the 2d1n package to climb the mountain. Can noe which travel agency u booked thru? some info was too old and some agency charging very high.. The rest of the day will go for island hopping..
I booked directly with Sutera Lodge which runs the Kinabalu Park operation exclusively…
http://www.suterasanctuarylodges.com.my/
You can try to book directly with them, but it’s likely that all rooms are taken for March… most of the rooms are actually booked by the travel agencies which are trying to make some $.
Direct booking would cost ~ RM300-350 (permits and guide not included yet)… from travel agencies I think would be ~ RM500-600 (assuming transportation to/from Kinabalu Park included).
Hi Yein Jee
I finally set my plan during the end of this June. ^^
Flight is booked first from undeniable price. Then I need to secure the accommodation as you mentioned. Well, if I want to stay a night for water activities after trekking. What do you suggest to start and to end the route?
If 5 days, it’s pretty straightforward…
Day 1 – arrive in KK, go to somewhere near Kinabalu Park and stay overnight
Alternatively, stay overnight in KK… and go to Kinabalu Park next early morning.
Day 2 – make the climb
Day 3 – descend, transport back to KK
Day 4/5 – do whatever you want
The Suterasanctuary offer me only the package, 3 day 2 night with meals, in the unacceptable price. I don’t think it’s the good solution for customer or climber. I called to Malaysia and tried to reserve the hut that costs around 20~40 MR/night but they said now they have only package to sell!
Do you have any idea or same experience?
Yes, they only sell in package now; most of the info you get from other websites are outdated.
But they should have 2D1N package that cost around RM280-330 (entrance and guide fees not included yet); haven’t heard of them forcing customers to get a 3D2N deal… miscommunication perhaps? Or does it include an overnight stay the night before you begin the initial climb?
Contact them again to clarify the matter… their price might not be reasonable, but the staff are mostly nice people.
Btw, I’ll be leaving to Sabah tomorrow ;)
Hi Yein Jee, I’ll be leaving to Malaysia Friday, June 26. All things are planned, prepared, and packed. Thanks for your suggest and I’ll come back to post how was my trip. :)
Good luck :)