This report provides comprehensive information on how you can climb Mount Kinabalu in one day.
Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in South-East Asia(4095 meters) - located in the state of Sabah, on the island of Kalimantan, also known as Borneo.
Basically, climbing the mountain is completed in two to three days. The first day from 8.00 to 17.00 they go to an intermediate overnight stay in Laban Rata at an altitude of 3300 meters. The second day is a climb to the 4095 meter peak, from 2.30 am to 4.00 am, to watch the sunrise over the island of Borneo. Some go down the same day, some spend the night again in order to go down the next day in the morning.
I would probably also like to go to the mountain in two days with an overnight stay, but rooms in Laban Rata shelters are very expensive, and you need to book places two to three months in advance. Therefore, our only option to reach the top of Kinabalu was to climb and descend in one day.
Kinabalu Park itself (www.sabahparks.org.my) is located in the tropical jungle 90 kilometers inland from Kota Kinabalu. You can get there either by bus from Kota Kinabalu (about $7 one way) or, like us, by rented bike. Renting a bike turned out to be very justified, since in addition to the bus, you would also have to pay for transport in the park from the main gate to the start of the track (another $6).
Bike rental in Kota Kinabalu is monopolized by GoGo Sabah, prices can be found here (http://gogosabah.com/transportation/). We rented a bike for two for 50 ringit ($16) per day, it turned out to be profitable and interesting, since the road to the mountain and back is itself an attraction for lovers of mountain serpentines.
At the central entrance to the park there is an office where they accept payment for climbing and issue special badges. Ascent and descent in one day is called one day trip and, inexplicably, but true, only 4 people per day are allowed to do such an ascent. In addition, you still need to go through an “interview” with the ranger, confidently tell him that you have experience and strength, and that going up and down in 10 hours will not be difficult. I managed to agree on the ascent the very next day, despite the fact that 4 people had already been recruited. Diplomacy:)
And I’ll tell you, there’s a lot of climbing – 2300 meters of elevation gain over 9 kilometers of distance, and then the same thing in the opposite direction. There are check times in the park that you need to meet in order to make it to the top. You need to arrive at Laban Rata no later than 12.00 (I’ll say straight away that you need to arrive earlier, otherwise you won’t be able to get to the top in time), be at the top no later than 13.00, and descend to the starting point of the trek no later than 17.00. However, you cannot start earlier than 7 am, since the park does not open earlier.
After receiving the “favor” from the ranger, you need to fill out a form and hope for the weather, since the park management reserves the right not to let you climb. Therefore, all payments are made in the morning, subject to good weather. 100 ringit ($33) costs a pass to the park and 7 ringit insurance. Another 128 ringit costs a guide, which climbers don’t need at all, since there is only one trail and a lot of signs, but the park administration needs it to keep track of the time and turn tourists around if they don’t meet the deadline. The cost of a guide can be divided among several people, the main thing is to ensure that the speed of the group is approximately equal. Our guide grumbled for a while, saying that we wouldn’t make it to the top on time (he didn’t want to go there at all), but then he resigned himself to the fact that he would still have to climb 4100.
The first 6 kilometers of the climb are continuous steps, artificial wooden or made of stones, most of them of “inhuman” height. We climb up them without trekking poles, and I have a premonition of what it will be like to descend with knees strained after climbing.
The path leads through dense jungle, which gradually thins out, turns into bushes and it becomes clear that we are already above the clouds. Every 500 meters on the trail there are signs with height and distance marks, every kilometer there is a shelter with a toilet for rest, everything is civilized
We start at 7.20 from Timpokhon Gate (1870m) and arrive at Laban Rata (distance 6 km, altitude 3300m) at 10.30, making two stops after 2 and 4 kilometers, there are still 3 kilometers and 800 meters of climb left to the top. We rest, leave extra things in one of the loggias and move on.
Here the steps finally end, and we gradually emerge onto a plateau, along which there is about 2.5 (!) km of rope, which serves as a marker rather than a safety net during the ascent.
The last two kilometers of the climb are simply stunning beauty! You walk along a plateau among the clouds and look at the bizarre stone peaks around.
We reached the summit (4095m) at 12.30, took photos and immediately it started to rain. Rains at this time of year (January) are common; we were lucky that we were able to climb in clear weather. A huge advantage for us in climbing in one day was that we found ourselves completely alone on the plateau and summit. Everyone who goes for two days has already gone down to the loggias, and we have never seen the rest of the “one-dayers.”
When descending in the rain on wet, slippery stones, the rope came in very handy; in some places it was nice to grab onto it and descend backwards.
In an hour we went down to Laban Rata and for the next hour we unsuccessfully tried to wait out the rain there, which was getting really bad. But at 14.30 we realized that like it or not, we had to go down to meet the control time.
Going down the steps along which a river of cold water flows is not a pleasant thing, and the speed of descent is almost equal to the speed of ascent. The last kilometers of descending the steps in the pouring rain were remembered by the burning desire to quickly reach and get into the warmth and dryness.
We arrived at Timpokhon Gate (the starting point of the ascent) on time, got on the bike, and ten minutes later we found ourselves in our room at the hospitable Mountain resthouse.
An alternative descent from the top of Kinabalu can be made using the via Ferrata system (by the way, this is the longest via ferrata in the world). This is a route along the rocks, with suspended ropes.
The tourist is given all the equipment, system, helmet, belays, etc. and a guide, accompanied by whom you can walk along all these railings. The pleasure is quite expensive and there is no point in paying for it for people who have been on real mountain hikes.
You need to take drinking water, food for the whole day (sandwiches, chocolate), a jacket or rain cape with you to the mountain. We also took warm clothes (polar), thinking that it might be cold at 4 thousand, but they were of no use.
Fun fact: there is a race up Mount Kinabalu every year. Athletes from all over the world compete along our ascent route, which took us 10 hours. The record belongs to the Spaniard Agustu Roc Amador - 2 hours 44 minutes in 2008.
Climbing Mount Kinabala (4095m) is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Borneo. And all because climbing a mountain with a height of more than 4000 meters does not require any special skills; it usually takes two days with a comfortable overnight stay in a hotel; a guide leads you to the top along almost the road.
To make the climb, you need to buy a tour in Kota Kinabalu and no longer care about anything, or... decide which side to climb to the top (the easiest way is to climb along the classic route from the main gate of Kinabalu National Park), get to the entrance to the national park. park, agree on the date of the ascent and the guide, book a place in a lodge on the mountain, find a place to spend the night near the park on the eve of the ascent.
The two-day option allows for better acclimatization and gives people with less physical fitness the opportunity to climb. However, it is quite expensive due to an overnight stay of 3000 in the lodge. Although there are different types of rooms, including dorms.
We decided that we had enough strength to climb in one day, without spending the night on the mountain. No travel company offers this option and you have to do everything yourself.
While visiting Poring Hot Springs, we stopped by to arrange a climb with the head ranger. We agreed on a date and start time.
On the eve of the ascent to Kinabalu, we arrived from Kota Kinabalu to the park and settled in the Mountain Resthouse, 300 meters from the entrance to the national park. a park. The weather on the eve of the ascent was not encouraging - it rained all day and there was thick fog and we began to doubt whether it was worth trying at all.
The morning saddened us with even thicker fog, but by the time we ate and reached the entrance to the national park. In some places the blue sky began to appear in the park. Doubts still remained, because even for a one-day climb you have to pay a lot of money.
As a result, it was decided that only Pasha would go up the climb; his pace was higher and he had a better chance of seeing something, because Even in good weather in the morning after lunch, the summit is covered with clouds.
Having paid all the fees and received a guide, Pasha went to the top.
The trail starts from the Timons gate, and the trail is transported by bus. At Timons Gate we saw that all the clouds remained below, above us there was a cloudless sky and an open mountain top.
We started at 7:30 am. From the gate to the top it is only 8.5 km, but the elevation gain is about 2300m. A wide path leads through the jungle to the top. Part of the trail consists of wooden and stone steps, or a scattering of stones. The path up the trail is easy and my guide and I were ahead of schedule.
To be allowed to the top, you need to go up to the lodges at 3000m before 12, but we were there at 10 in the morning. After drinking a mug of tea in a local canteen and taking some more with us, we continued our way to the top.
From the lodges the trail becomes steeper and soon comes out onto bare rocks. Along the path there is a rope hung over the stones. By 12 o'clock we reached the top.
Since no one except me climbed in 1 day today, the peak was completely deserted. All those ascending in 2 days have already descended below.
Gradually the clouds from below rose, but the top still remained open. After taking a few photos, admiring the beautiful scenery and having a snack, my guide and I began our descent.
Going down the steps is more tiring than going up. On the way, we overtook many people descending, all of them descending after a 2-day climb. Many were limping and walking very slowly, apparently the steps were making their presence felt.
At 15:40 we went to Timons Gate, and at 16:00 we were downstairs at the entrance to the national park. So if you are confident in your physical fitness and you are lucky with the weather, then climbing in 1 day is quite possible.
Price information:
Climbing in two days in travel agencies from 800 ringit
The climbing permit is 100 ringgit for regular and 200 ringgit for expedition; for a 1-day climb they charge 200 ringgit.
Guide services 150 ringit group 1-3 people, if there are more people, then a little more expensive
Mandatory insurance 7 ringit
Travel to Timons Gate one way from the park entrance 17 ringit
Directions Kota Kinabalu - nat. park 20 ringit
Accommodation in Mountain Resthouse double room with amenities 60 ringit, with shared shower and toilet 50 ringit.
Login to the national park for a walk 15 ringit
Walk from Timons Gate to Mesilau Gate 10 ringit (without climbing to the lodges)
If you are tired of carrying your backpack, the guide can carry it for only 5 ringit/kg
Kinabalu Park ("Taman Kinabalu" in Malay) is one of the first national parks in Malaysia, founded in 1964. Located on the west coast of the Malay state of Sabah on the island of Borneo. The park covers a total area of 754 km² surrounding Mount Kinabalu, the highest mountain on the island of Borneo.
brief information
The park's main feature is Kinabalu, the highest mountain (4,095 m) between Everest in the Himalayas to the north, and Puncak Jaya in New Guinea to the south. The slopes of the mountain serve as a natural habitat for many plants and animals related to the flora of the Himalayas, China, Australia, the Malay Peninsula and several other subtropical regions of Asia. Due to its wide biodiversity, the national park was included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2000 (the first in Malaysia).
Mount Kinabalu is one of the easiest and most accessible peaks in the world to climb. The climb usually takes only two days and climbers do not need any climbing experience. Anyone with a reasonable level of fitness and willpower can climb to the top of Mount Kinabalu. There are no particularly dangerous sections on the route; you just need to show some degree of endurance.
However, a successful ascent depends on how well one has acclimatized to the thin air. In addition, climbing can be dangerous during rain or fog. The slopes become very slippery when it rains, and thick fog reduces visibility to several meters.
Although it is possible to reach the summit and back in one day, most people opt for a two-day climb with an overnight stay at Laban Rata (3,272 m above sea level). The final “rush” to the top of the mountain begins in the early hours of the second day (around 02:00-2:30 am) to catch the sunrise at the top. By mid-morning, the fog begins to thicken, obscuring the spectacular scenery.
Every day, more than 100 people attempt to reach the top of Southeast Asia's highest peak.
In addition to the main attraction (the route to the top of Mount Kinabalu), the park has several shorter routes, botanical gardens, hot springs and other interesting places, more about which at the end of this article.
Story
Mount Kinabalu is sacred to the indigenous people and is revered as the “abode of the dead.” It has long been believed that the spirits of ancestors live on the top of the mountain. To pacify the souls of deceased ancestors, chickens were sacrificed.
British naturalist Hugh Low led an exploratory expedition to the region in 1895. He also became the first person to officially conquer the top of the mountain. The highest peak was named "Low Peak" in his honor. The national park was formed in 1964.
Geography and geology
Kinabalu Park is located in the Crocker Range on the west coast of Sabah. The national park is located in the Ranau district, part of the West Coast Division. Do not confuse it with Crocker Range National Park, which is a separate park in southern Sabah. The park's head office is located at an altitude of 1563 m, 90 kilometers from the city of Kota Kinabalu.
Kinabalu is one of the youngest non-volcanic mountain peaks in the world. It was formed over the last 10 - 35 million years. The mountain is still growing at a rate of 5 millimeters per year.
Flora and fauna
Kinabalu Park is notable for its biological diversity. It is estimated that between 5,000 and 6,000 vascular plants grow in this park. These plants make up 14% of Malaysia's flora and approximately 2.5% of the Earth. Kinabalu, the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, is one of the important factors contributing to the wide variety of animals, birds, insects and plants found in the park. The landscape ranges from lush green rainforest at the lowest altitudes of the park to subalpine belt at the summit. In Kinabalu Park there are:
711 registered orchid species;
621 species of ferns;
27 species of rhododendrons;
9 species of nepenthes (also called pitcher plant);
78 types of figs;
6 types of bamboo;
45 types of arum;
81 types of palm trees;
2 Rafflesia species;
an innumerable number of mushrooms, mosses and lichens.
Nepenthes raja is the most famous carnivorous plant of Kinabalu National Park, found only here and nowhere else in the world. Orchids and carnivorous plants are some of the national park's most famous plants, although they are rarely found along hiking trails. Visitors have the opportunity to see them in the botanical park near the park's main office building.
The park is home to 90 lowland and 22 mountain species of mammals, 21 bats, 326 birds, 62 toads and frogs and 850 butterflies. Of the 326 bird species, 29 are endemic to Borneo (that is, found only here and nowhere else in the world). Primates include orangutans, long-armed monkeys, langurs, slow lorises and tarsiers.
The diversity of mammals does not guarantee the opportunity to see them. Many animals are nocturnal or hide in the treetops. You are guaranteed to see tupai and squirrels.
How to get to the park from Kota Kinabalu
The main office of Kinabalu Park is located about 90 km from the city of Kota Kinabalu. Most of the park's tourists arrive on private tour operator buses, but it is convenient to get to the park on your own on intercity buses and minibuses.
Bus. Buses from Kota Kinabalu North Bus Terminal (10 km northeast of the city center) go to Ranau, Kundasang, Sandakan or Tawau every day and stop at the entrance to the national park. When purchasing a ticket for these buses, do not forget to mention that you only go to Kinabalu Park. Travel time is about 2 hours, the ticket costs about 15 ringgit. It is best to leave before eight in the morning; if you are lucky with the weather, you will be able to see beautiful mountain scenery on the left side of the bus as you approach the park.
Minibus from the Padang Merdeka bus terminal near the night market in the city center. Minibuses depart to the park as they fill with passengers and cost RM15-18 one way. If you pay for missing passengers, she will leave immediately.
Other attractions of Kinabalu Park
Via Ferrata
The Italian "Via Ferrata" literally translates as "railway". This is a generally accepted term in mountaineering, denoting a mountain climbing route equipped with metal structures: safety ropes, metal ladders, bridges, anchors and brackets. These structures help you quickly cover the route with less physical exertion. Via Ferrata in Kinabalu National Park is the only road of its kind in Asia, and also the highest in the world.
The Via Ferrata route in Kinabalu National Park is operated by Mountain Torq. Situated on the northern slopes of Mount Kinabalu, the route begins at an altitude of approximately 3300 m and reaches its highest point at around 3800 m. Mountain Torq offers several routes designed for all fitness levels. From an easy basic route (2-3 hours) to an advanced level lasting 4 hours, aimed at participants with good physical abilities.
Mountain Torq offers other activities, from sport climbing of various difficulty levels to simple rappelling.
Accommodation is available in the Pendant Hut, a dormitory-style lodge with bunk beds at an altitude of 3,270m above sea level. It can accommodate at least 30 people at the same time. And also Sayat-Sayat Hut - a dormitory-style house with bunk beds at an altitude of 3668 m above sea level, designed for 10 people.
Tour operator address: Unit 3-36 Asia City Complex, 3rd Floor Jalan Asia City, Kota Kinabalu, website www.mountaintorq.com
Poring Hot Springs
Poring Hot Springs is located on the eastern edge of Kinabalu National Park, at a distance of approximately 46 km from the main office and 136 km from Kota Kinabalu. Unlike the part where the national park headquarters is located, Poring is located in a low-lying area, at an altitude of about 400 m above sea level. It is dominated by lowland forests with huge dipterocarp trees. This part of the park gets its name from the type of giant bamboo that grows in abundance in the area. In addition to the hot springs, the main attractions of Poring include the world's largest rafflesia flowers, waterfalls, a hanging trail under the canopies of huge trees, and botanical gardens. Poring Hot Springs is open daily from 07:00 to 18:00. If you visit the hot springs first after Kinabalu Park, keep your admission ticket stub, then you will not have to pay the entrance fee to Poring Hot Springs.
Swimming pools (sulfur baths)
The Poring Swimming Pools are located in a clearing in the forest and you need to cross a short suspension bridge over the Mamut River to get to them. From there, the trail leads past old trees and a grove of giant bamboo trees from which Poring takes its name.
The water temperature in the 5 hot springs ranges from 49 to 60 degrees Celsius. Visitors can swim in the sulfur pools, which are piped from the hot springs above. The hot springs are believed to have healing properties.
Rafflesia
The world's largest flower, Rafflesia, is considered a rare species. Sabah has a large concentration of Rafflesia. This rare and exotic flower takes up to 15 months to turn into a bud, but flowering lasts only 7 days. The park posts a notice when the rafflesia flower begins to bloom. With a diameter of up to one meter and a potential weight of 10 kilograms, the bloom of Rafflesia is an event keenly anticipated by botanists around the world.
Suspension Bridge (Canopy Walkway)
The purpose of the suspension bridge is to provide close-up views of wildlife under the tree canopy, which is supposed to be more vibrant than the jungle wildlife at ground level. It is unlikely that you will notice the wealth of wildlife above, but walking under the canopies of huge trees is quite interesting.
The suspended path consists of several segments of aluminum ladders connected by bolts and suspended in a horizontal position. There are wooden planks on top of the stairs. The net is attached on both sides for safety, so crossing the suspension bridge is quite safe even for children.
There are a total of 3 suspension bridge segments with a total length of 373 m and a maximum height of 41 m above the ground (depending on the slope). The first segment of the suspended trail, 157.6 m long, is open for use by tourists every day from 09:00 to 16:00.
There is a fee to cross the suspension bridge. If you want to take photos, you need to pay an additional fee. Groups of no more than 6 people are allowed to cross the suspension bridge.
Other Poring Hot Spring Attractions
Waterfalls
Kipungit Falls(Kipungit Waterfall). This is the closest waterfall from the hot springs and is about 10 meters high. A 1 km long path leads to it.
Langanan Falls(Langanan Waterfall). The waterfall is over 120 meters high and is reached by a trail through lowland rainforest, a one-way hike that takes approximately 1 hour (3.5 km).
Bat Cave(Bat Cave)
30 minute walk from the main entrance of Poring Hot Spring, on the way to Langanan Falls.
Ex-Situ Garden
Ex-Situ Garden consists of the following gardens:
Butterfly Farm
Lowland Tropical Gardens
Poring Orchid Conservation Center
Ethnobotanical Gardens
Mini Botanical Gardens
Bamboo Garden
Rafflesia Research Center
Accommodation and restaurants
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges has its own rental houses and restaurant KALIBAMBANG within the national park. Better and cheaper hotels, restaurants and shops and internet cafes are located across the road from the entrance to the national park.
How to get there
Poring Hot Springs is located approximately 136 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu (3 hours drive). You can go here by bus, minibus, take a taxi or rent a car.
Take a bus from Kota Kinabalu to Ranau (should cost around RM15 per person). At Ranau, take a bus to Poring (RM6 per person). Buses from Kota Kinabalu to Ranau run from 07:30 to 17:00, from Ranau to Poring: 07:00 to 15:00.
Mesilau Station
Opened in 1998, Mesilau station is part of the Kinabalu National Park. It is located 14 km east of the park's headquarters (also called Mesilau Nature Resort). Situated at an altitude of 2000 m above sea level, it is in the center of the Kinabalu montane forests, dominated by oaks, chestnuts and tree ferns.
Mesilau is known for its carnivorous plants. Attracted by the nectar of plants, insects fall into “jugs” formed from leaves. The liquid in them drowns the victims, then they are digested and absorbed by plants.
The cool climate and coastal soil of the Mesilau River create favorable conditions for the development of insectivorous plants, of which Nepenthes raja is the most famous. This rare plant is considered the largest carnivorous plant in the world. Perfectly adapted to the climate and soil, the large colored “jugs” of this plant hold up to 3 liters of liquid. Frogs, centipedes and even rats have been found in his "jars".
There is a small trail on the grounds of Mesilau Station. A 20 minute walk along this path (one way) leads to the Mesilau River. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Mesilau River, the trail climbs past Mesilau Cave to a small hill above the stream (end of the trail). A walk along this trail provides beautiful scenery with lush ferns, orchids, rhododendrons and carnivorous plants, including the giant Nepenthes rajah, tiny Nepenthes tentaculata and other carnivorous plant species. To protect rare species of insectivorous plants and to prevent illegal collection, visitors are allowed only if accompanied by a national park employee.
Exhibition Center. There is an Exhibition Center on the territory of Mesilau Station. It is open from 08:00 to 17:00 and admission is free.
Climate
The weather at lower altitudes and Mount Kinabalu differs significantly. At lower altitudes, the climate is tropical, with temperatures of +20 °C +25 °C in the area of the main office. Temperatures at the summit can drop below zero. Rain, drizzle and fog are common in the park and on the summit. If there is no rain during the climb to the top, expect it on the descent. The weather for climbing is best in April; November and December are accompanied by frequent precipitation.
Accommodation
More than 40,000 tourists climb the mountain every year, the vast majority staying overnight in lodges within the park. Camping is not permitted within Kinabalu National Park.
During the ascent, tourists have the opportunity to stay overnight in mountain huts. They are all dormitory-style houses with bunk beds. Each has running water, electricity, shared toilets and showers. Blankets are provided in all cabins.
Laban Rata- Laban Rata is the largest and most likely the most comfortable hotel at an altitude of 3272 meters. All rooms are heated. Laban Rata Restaurant is open between 07:30 and 19:30. In the morning it is open from 02:00 to 03:30 for those who want to eat before climbing to the top. In addition to the restaurant, there is also a souvenir and grocery store where you can store excess luggage that is not needed for the hike to the top. Order rooms on the official website www.labanratamountkinabalu.com
Gunting Lagandan Hut. Gunting Lagandan Hut is 150 meters from Laban Rata. It provides a kitchen to prepare your own meals (Laban Rata offers restaurant meals).
Nearby there are Panar Laban Hut and Waras Hut.
Unless you're climbing to the top of Kinabalu and want to stay overnight inside the national park, you'll need to stay at the hotels, all of which are managed by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. Housing in the form of cottages is mainly located around the park's main office. The cost of living is significantly higher than in other hotels in the immediate vicinity of the national park and includes the mandatory purchase of food and other “surcharges”.
The nearest cities near the national park are Kundasang (6 km) and Ranau (9 km), where you can rent a hotel room much cheaper.
Kinabalu National Park is located in the eastern part of the island of Borneo. Kinabalu National Park is home to thousands of species of plants, insects, animals and birds. The national park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also home to one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia. We visited this park and are talking about our trip.
Mount Kinabalu National Park. Borneo, Malaysia
To see at least part of the diversity of living creatures and plants, you need to come to the park on your own and as early as possible, or visit it several times and wander around for 4-5 hours, at least.
Also in the park it is possible to climb one of the highest peaks in Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu, 4095 meters high. The ascent does not require special preparation, but takes two days with an overnight stay in the mountains and takes about 11-12 hours one way. Moreover, the second part of the journey begins at 2 a.m. in order to be at the top by morning and have time to descend before dark. According to statistics, only 10 percent reach the top. The rest are not physically able to overcome them; they are overcome by mining or other joys.
Tour to Kinabalu National Park
Travelers to Borneo usually rent a car and drive themselves to Kinabalu National Park. But not everyone can rent a car or devote so much time to one national park. One-day tours are organized for such people.
For our first acquaintance with the wildlife of Borneo, we decided to take an excursion to Kinabalu National Park. A lighter version of exploring the park is more suitable for us. The tour was booked from one of the agencies on the pier in Kota Kinabalu. Cost 180 ringit ($45).
How does an excursion to Kinabalu National Park work?
- At 8 am a minivan came for us and took us to the mountains.
- The journey from Kota Kinabalu to the park takes two hours. During these two hours you are rapidly gaining altitude.
- Narrow roads, constantly winding from side to side.
- This is the most beautiful road we have ever driven on. All around there are mountains, hills, jungles and clouds covering the entire sky. Words cannot describe the views here!
- There are often hotels and homestays along the road. They are often simple, but the view they provide will be amazing.
1 stop. Observation deck and souvenir market
I won’t describe to you the feeling of the view of Mount Kinabalu, words are unnecessary.
2nd stop. National park Kota Kinabalu
- The entrance to the national park is at an altitude of over 1500 meters.
- Chilly. I want to throw something over my shoulders.
- The national park has several trails of varying difficulty and distance for independent trekking.
- The excursions take the shortest and easiest route. The path through the forest is not very dirty, there are no steep descents or ascents, and there are no leeches either.
- Along the way we were told about the local plants.
- The forest is different from those we saw in other national parks. Doesn't look like it. The rain forests on Mount Kinabalu are among the oldest on our planet.
The journey took only about 30 minutes. I wanted to go somewhere further, but it was time to go to another place. Eh, but we were preparing for more serious trekking, dressed warmly, took protection from mosquitoes and insects, a first aid kit, raincoats, a supply of water, and packed lunches.
Where can I order a transfer from the airport?
We use the service - KiwiTaxi
We ordered a taxi online and paid by card. We were met at the airport with a sign with our name on it. We were taken to the hotel in a comfortable car. You've already talked about your experience In this article.
3 stop. Poring Rafflesia Garden. See the Rafflesia flower
We were lucky that we caught it at all, since the flower lives only 4-5 days, and then the process of rotting begins. Then it will take a long 9 months of a new life to see the flower blooming again in all its glory. Rafflesia can weigh up to 10 kg. But our specimen was small. We looked at the beautiful and terrible rafflesia for about ten minutes.
By the way, you can see this unique alien flower only for money. There is a separate charge of 30 ringit per person ($7.5).
“Rafflesia blooming” sign and payment point for access to the flower
4 stop. Lunch near the raging river
Dinner time. The food is surprisingly tasty, not like... Our Malaysian group of 6 had a delicious lunch. There were several chicken and fish dishes. Lunch turned out to be hearty. View from the restaurant:
5 stop. Poring Hot Springs, giant trees and waterfall
The springs got their name due to a mistake made by the colonists. Who, at one time, waved their hand and asked what kind of place this was. And the locals thought that the foreigners were pointing to the bamboo that grows here at every step and answered: “Poring.” That is, bamboo. The colonists decided that these were mineral springs in the local dialect and called them “Poring Hot Springs.”
The springs smell like sewage and hydrogen sulfide. Different baths have different water temperatures. No one from our group went swimming. There are a lot of locals, everyone is sitting in the water with their clothes on. I would have been embarrassed to undress, since I took a regular swimsuit, and not some kind of closed swimwear.
Canopy walk and forest with huge trees
In the forest near the springs there are suspended bridges attached to giant trees. Everyone went to the Canopy walkway together. To get to them, you first need to overcome a 10-minute climb along the trail. This forest smells delicious and sweet. Some smells are even somewhat reminiscent of perfume. Some trees exude such an aroma.
Next you will have a walk along the suspension bridges. It’s a little scary because the bridges are swaying, you feel like they’re about to tip over and throw you off. People with a fear of heights are not allowed here. There are several bridges. One of them is quite long.
Kipungit and Langanan waterfalls
- After walking along the hanging bridges, you can swim in the springs.
- Or continue your route. But only in the other direction, to the waterfall. The first walk through the national park was not enough for us, so we chose the waterfall without hesitation. And what should we do in the sources, there have already been and.
- There are 2 waterfalls here. The road to the nearest Kipungit waterfall takes 10-15 minutes by walking through the forest. The Langanan waterfall is about 2 km along a path through the forest; you don’t have time to go there on an excursion. Let's go to the nearest one.
Kipungit waterfall is average in size, content and interest. , which we saw before were more interesting. There are not too many people, no one bothers you to sit on the rocks and take pictures. You can take a swim.
Way back
At around 3 o'clock in the afternoon we returned to the minibus and drove back. We had to spend a couple of hours driving along a winding road through a mountain pass. All the tourists were tired and began to fall asleep. Those who were not sleeping watched as they drove into a cloud halfway through the journey. Before this, we were in the clouds a couple of years ago.
We enter the cloud in 3... 2... 1... 
Visibility is decreasing every minute, and it is drizzling. Interesting sensations. Write in the comments, would you be scared?
At the end of the trip, the air conditioning on the bus became so bad that there was a freezer in the cabin. On the one hand, this is good, it makes you less sick. We always have hooded sweatshirts with us for such occasions - an indispensable thing in transport in Asia
Mount Kinabalu is the highest point in Borneo, sometimes it is also called the highest point in Southeast Asia, but this is an ambitious title and requires reservations (on the island of New Guinea and in Burma there are several peaks above 6 thousand meters, but for different reasons are not considered part of Southeast Asia).
One way or another, this is no longer a hill, but a serious event. The highest point is 4095m. It is the 20th highest mountain in the world.
The Kinabalu National Park, larger than Singapore, is located around the mountain. The park is protected by UNESCO and the Malays are especially proud of it and annually organize Climbothon - a high-speed ascent to and descent from Kinabalu.
This is what the mountain looks like from a satellite.
The mountain is a granite massif with a small plateau at the top and several peaks, the highest of which Low Peak is named after the first person to (officially) conquer Kinabalu, Hugh Low, a member of the British colonial administration in Sabah in the 19th century.
Kinabalu looks monumental even from the foot. During the ascent she grows and commands even more respect, it becomes clear why the local population of Kadazan deified and feared her.
About 50 people start climbing the mountain per day, as a rule, they all climb along the Summit trail: registration at the park administration (height 1563m), then they are transported by bus to the starting point Timpohon gate (height 1866m), ascent of the 1st stage and overnight at Laban Rata (height 3270m), 2nd stage ascent to Low Peak (4095m).
Already in the park itself, which I reached by taxi together with 3 Malayas, it is a little cool and one can feel the freshness of the mountain.
The main enemy of an inexperienced “climber” is height. If you don’t spend the night in the park, but come like me from Kota Kinabalu in the morning and go straight to the mountain, then the daily altitude gain before spending the night in Laban Rata is 3260m, and this is not a little... and many begin to feel altitude sickness.
The first stage takes 4-5 hours, the second 3 hours. The complete descent takes 6-7 hours; usually, we also stop for a break (breakfast) in Laban Rata.
In general, the guide's functions are not clear, and the services are not intrusive. After passing the gate, I saw my guide only sporadically.
Climbing Kinabalu is a very popular event among Asians, so if you try to book a hotel for an intermediate overnight stay, say, a month in advance, you most likely will not be able to do this.
There are daredevils who do the entire ascent and descent in one day, I had the opportunity to see this, I don’t know what these guys are made of, in fact they do everything 2 times faster and it’s hard for me to imagine.
At the entrance, the trail passes through a waterfall.
The trail passes its first kilometer through a dense forest; the silhouette of the mountain is almost not caught behind the treetops.
There are several shelters along the trail where you can rest. On the first such crosses I did not stop to maintain the pace.
Height 1981m. Pondok Kandis shelter.
2081m Pondok Ubah shelter. Here I read that you can find pitcher flowers endemic to Borneo that can hold half a liter of water. I couldn't find them.
For some, climbing is fun, but for others it is everyday work. Locals carry everything up the mountain, from food for tourists to construction materials.
At least during the climb I was lucky with the weather, then I didn’t know that I could only take pictures of the climb.
Kinabalu is gradually starting to show itself.
Porters carry boards.
Basically, the trail is very well maintained; there are even railings from time to time.
The granite cap can already be seen in more detail.
Shelter Pondok Lowii 2267m.
2515m Pondok Mempening, impudent squirrels prowl here.
Almost all tourists have walking poles, apparently a useful thing...
In some places the forest opens up.
Layang Layang 2702m. Here the Summit trail and Mesilau trail merge, the latter is longer and is used by scientists to study nature.
It was getting cooler and near the shelters I sat down on the rocks to bask in the sun.
Field 2700m the color of the soil changes, it becomes orange, and the vegetation changes along with it. Trees are becoming rarer and lower.
The trail leads to a small ridge, from where the Kinabalu granite plateau can be viewed in more detail.
Although you have to photograph against the sun, the views are excellent.
Mindful of the effects of altitude, I deliberately chose a very slow pace of ascent, but at the same time tried to maintain it. At this altitude, the consequences of the miner became obvious. It became much more difficult to walk, breaks were required, my head ached and my pulse went through the roof.
Pondok Vilossa 2960m. Beautiful. But the area is open and begins to blow heavily.
At 3050m the orange soil ends and the quaint forest begins. The trees are taller, but covered with some kind of moss.
Pondok Paka 3080m, named after the nearby Paka Cave where Hugh Low spent the night before the climb. This is the last refuge before stopping at Laban Rata.
The road goes through stones, as if you are walking along the mouth of a mountain river. It is clearly visible that it is granite, there are many inclusions.
The pulse goes off scale and every effort goes to the head; this is where you have to take breaks most often.
Here they are - mossy trees.
The cloud boundary has been crossed. Serious winds are already raging here; gusts made movement very difficult. Sometimes the clouds rush right through you, beautiful, but piercingly cold. The temperature, judging by the forecast from the park administration, should be 6-8 degrees at this altitude.
This is Laban Rata, altitude 3270m, and we had to spend the night here.
In Laban Rat there is no heating or hot water, but they are fed for slaughter. The accommodation is simple, dorm-type, rooms for several people.
The sun disappears behind the mountain and it becomes dark before sunset; it becomes cold outside. There’s nothing to do in Laban Rat either, and it’s also not particularly hot, I tried to sleep under 3 layers. If you put everything on top of altitude sickness, the hours until the second stage seemed like an eternity to me.
Lights up at 20-00, there is already silence in Laban Rat, but how to sleep so early, in a dubak, and even when you are rushing from altitude sickness and have a headache is completely unclear. As a result, I was able to sleep for 2 hours until 3-00, when everyone drinks tea and leaves for the second stage.
Oddly enough, in the morning the miner let go, at least the headache stopped hurting and even inspiration appeared. At 2:40 I was one of the first to go up. Before leaving, the guide told me that if it rains, I will have to go down. Then I thought that he was delusional or lazy, but did not argue.
For the first 600-700m you walk along steep steps and stones, then a granite rock begins along which a rope is stretched, sometimes the rope just serves as a guide, sometimes you can’t climb without it. The granite is wet and slippery, the rope is also wet. Gloves (and you can’t do without them) instantly get wet. Looking down, you can only see a string of flashlights, pitch darkness all around and the howling of the wind.
The height is 3668m - the last checkpoint of Sayat Sayat Hut, where everyone climbing the mountain is recorded. After this, there is no longer any vegetation around, the fog and wind intensify. The ascent is already on bare rock and ropes.
Once on the plateau, you become open to all bad weather, at some point the wind reaches such strength that it knocks down skinny Chinese tourists who are crawling holding a rope. You can’t hear or see anything; the flashlight only illuminates a wall of spray half a meter ahead. Now it’s clear what the guide meant, it’s not even rain, it’s dense clouds that, when the wind gusts, drench you from head to toe. The thought came to me that if the flashlight died from the rain, then I could get into a big mess.
Despite the fact that I had a rain poncho, I was already completely wet. After walking another 700m (1km left, approx. min. 50) at an altitude of about 3850m, I realized that I could not continue and that I was not prepared for such weather. Wet, at a temperature of 4 degrees, I risk being left without continuing my trip. Some started to turn back and the guide asked "Home?" and I agreed, although I was dumbfounded that I didn't make it to the top.
Came down quickly. I was not in the mood and decided not to stay for breakfast in Laban Rat and go further down as soon as it became light. Almost all my things turned out to be wet, and even someone stole my dry socks... The descent in general was not a joy. We met joyful tourists who were starting to climb, in T-shirts and shorts, but I walked angry and wet, in a hat and three sweaters and a windbreaker. I went down in 3 hours (this is considered fast). There were not a single photo from the last part of the ascent or descent; taking out the camera meant ruining it.
Around 13, I was already in Kota Kinabalu and the altitude sickness finally went away. After I slept off, I was tormented by a feeling of disappointment and muscle pain, for 3 days I could not go down the stairs (although I was physically preparing to climb the mountain), my throat, nose, and chapped face were burning.
Despite the failure, overall it was a positive experience: to test what the body is capable of, to visit an interesting place, to see amazing views of the mountains.
We'll probably be back again...
