Mt. Kinabalu is the highest peak in Malaysia and is protected as part of Kinabalu Park, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Park grants permits for climbing to the summit to a maximum of 130+ hikers per day. The return hike usually takes two days, starting from the point at 1,866m, staying at rest house at 3,300m, and then reaching the summit at 4,095m in the early morning.
Starting off the 1st day climb
It was tough for both of us. Starting the 1st-day’s climb at around 10:00 am, our pace became slower toward 3,000m because of the thin air. We were some of the last ones to reach at the rest house. After a short sleep we made it to the summit. Apparently, some people didn’t get as far as the rest house point on the 1st day, while others chose not to attempt the climb to the summit on the 2nd day.
At the beginning on the 1st day, we walked through the deep jungle with its tall tropical trees. After lunch-time, fog covered the route. The air got a bit chilly, but it was just the right conditions for climbing. The guide informed that this was the general weather pattern for this mountain. We noticed that the types of plants and trees totally changed from around the 3,000m.
A whitish rock surface suddenly showed up, when the stiff wind blew up the mist.
The 1st-day’s hike is completed when you reach the rest house point (3,300m). The sharply sloping area contains several cottages, while all climbers have dinner together in the communal dining area. We caught a short sleep.
Vie of the sea of clouds at sundown.
The summit attempt on the 2nd day
After our 5-hour sleep break and light snack, the push to the summit got underway. The air became further thinner, while the sky was very clear with amazingly beautiful stars. The Milky Way could be seen from one end to the other! There were several rock-walls where a rope was essential to climb up. Here the darkness definitely helped us to not feel scared! With the air turning increasingly thin toward 4,000m, our pace became extremely slow, moving 20 steps followed by a short breathing break. Finally, we made it! The view is super amazing.
As the sun started to emerge above the horizon, all of the rocks began shining orange. Even the sea of clouds did too.
After enjoying the speculator view from the top, we began making our way back down the mountain. For me, this was hell. For the final 1 hour, I literally kept hearing the sound of pains in my knees at every step. The flowers and plants we passed along the route pleased the eyes and helped to ease the pain a little.
Getting there: It’s about 2 hours by a car from Kota Kinabalu (KK) to the starting point (Kinabalu National Park). Some tours cover the transportation from KK to the Park on the 1st day of the climb. (We used the service.)
How long to spend there: The climb takes 2 days and 1 night.
Activity keyword: Hike at moderate level