
So, you’ve decided to climb Mount Kinabalu, the highest peak in Malaysia. Mount Kinabalu towers over Sabah on the Eastern peninsula of Malaysia, within the UNESCO World Heritage listed Kinabalu Park. The mountain is lush with the Bornean rainforest, a variety of flora and fauna and some of the most beautiful
natural views. Don’t worry; with the right prep, the right gusto, and a sense of humour, you’ll make it to the top (and back) with bragging rights for life. Here is your comprehensive guide to a Sabah trekking experience.
What should I know and prepare?
First of all, you will need to have a hiking checklist with items like warm base layers, a windbreaker, a puffer during the rainier months, poncho, snacks, water bladder, sunscreen, snacks, walking sticks and a whole lot of motivation.
Now that you’ve packed, you’ll start thinking about accommodation. What will you do after you’ve landed in Kota Kinabalu? Well, a piece of advice is that you travel to Kinabalu Park and stay there the night before your climb. Sutera Sanctuary Lodges manages most of the official Kinabalu Park accommodation. They handle bookings, meals, and logistics. Basically, your lifeline for this adventure. There are a variety of choices from intimate suites to luxurious lodges. Take your pick!
The next day, head over to the Liwagu Restaurant to grab a filling breakfast before heading back down to the Kinabalu Park entrance to register before beginning your hike.

You will need a permit and a guide, you will not be allowed to climb without both. You will be given a name tag that you must have with you at all times.
This is also when you are able to hire a porter (honestly, worth getting to make your climb easier). Once you have done the necessary preparations, take one last picturesque shot of the mountain you will soon conquer and head off to the van that will take you to Timpohon Gate to begin your trek.
So, what’s the deal? Is it hard?
It depends on your fitness level and of course, it will not be your Sunday walking hikes that you take before popping off to a mamak to chill. It is typically a two-day hike. The first day will entail plenty of stairs starting from Timpohon Gate to the Laban Rata climbing base. You will then spend a night at the climbing base,
refueling with a meal, packing for your day two hike (you will not need to pack your entire bag!) and get some sleep.

On day two, you will wake up at 1am, have a light breakfast and begin your summit climb. It gets cold as it is in the middle of the night. The hike here starts with more stairs and will gradually begin the steeper inclines. It feels endless until you are suddenly at Low’s Peak just in time to sit, maybe sip a hot coffee and watch the sunrise. Will it be grueling? Yes. The view? Worth it.
After the Climb: Reward Yourself
Survived the summit? Congrats! Now treat yourself. A long soak at a Poring Hot Spring resort or an extra night at Kinabalu Park resort will help you forget that your legs don’t work anymore.
Here are a few options:
- Opt for an extra night stay at Kinabalu Park and maybe even pamper yourself with an upgrade to one of the many lodges!
- Soak your sore legs at Poring Hot Spring resort while soaking in the beauty of the lush rainforest and pat yourself on the back for a climb well done!

- Had enough of nature but still looking for comfort after your climb? Bikini up and book a beach stay at a Manukan Island resort and melt your tense muscles away gazing at the pale blue waters lapping at your feet.
Climbing Mount Kinabalu is a bucket-list adventure that combines challenge, nature, and cultural pride. With the right planning, a strong willpower and honestly, just a little bit of stubbornness, you’ll discover why this mountain is one of Southeast Asia’s most unforgettable experiences.