Laban Rata Resthouse—you’ll hear all about it long before you see it. This is the final rest point for climbers before the summit. Despite simple lodgings, it is somehow cosy and thrilling all at once. Here above the clouds, you’ll find a bed, a meal, and definitely make a few memories. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned climber, here’s what to expect from your Gunung Kinabalu hiking package.
Stairway to Laban Rata
Your trek begins at Timpohon Gate and almost immediately, you begin a vertical climb up endless stairs. Try to enjoy mossy forests and sweeping vistas along the way, while chanting the mantra “one foot in front of the other”. It’s an endurance test. In the brief moments that the clouds part, the views are jawdropping.
And when the clouds roll in, it’s like you’re on your own Lord of the Rings adventure. You’ll pass shelters along the way where you can rest, eat your packed lunch and catch your breath. Most hikers take 4 to 6 hours to reach the resthouse.
Top tip: Don’t rush, the altitude naturally slows you down.
The real MVPs of Mount Kinabalu
Halfway up the climb, you will begin questioning that extra bottle of sunscreen or if you really needed lip balm. As every climber knows or quickly learns, every single gram counts. But what visitors who skip this epic Kinabalu Park hiking trail don’t get to see is the incredible effort it takes to operate a mountain lodge this high up. There are no roads or cable cars to Laban Rata, so everything—from bread to clean towels—is carried up by the porters.
These men and women from nearby Dusun villages carry supplies weighing up to 40kg up the steep, rocky trail daily. They take the same path as climbers and meeting them on your hike is a humbling experience. They are often in sandals, balancing loads of food, gas canisters, linens, or crates of water using head straps and baskets woven from rattan. It takes immense strength, skill, and a remarkable sense of rhythm to climb in high altitude with such burdens. The porters move quietly and quickly, as they overtake weary trekkers.
Helicopters occasionally deliver heavier items or emergency goods, but flights depend on weather conditions and are costly, making human porters the lifeline of the lodge. At Laban Rata, the highest eco resort in Sabah, even rubbish is carried down to protect the environment of Kinabalu Park.
First looks
The elation of finally setting eyes on Laban Rata after a long hike, is indescribable. It marks the end of day 1: with bright coloured raincoats and black adventure puffy jackets everywhere. It is calm, but busy with a buzz of adrenaline as climbers trickle in. Everyone’s getting comfortable after a long day or drying damp clothes, relieved to be there. It feels like a friendly hostel on the top of the world. Help yourself to a steaming mug of milo, there is nothing better.
Top tip: Have a hot drink on the balcony. You’ll be above the clouds, overlooking neighbouring mountain ridges. You’ve earned this view.
High-altitude staff
Once the supplies arrive, the dedicated staff of Sutera Sanctuary Lodges that run Laban Rata turn them into comfort and care. They ensure hikers arrive to hot meals and find a warm bed after the day’s climb. The kitchen team prepares three hot meals a day: steaming buffets of protein, rice, curry, and noodles. The housekeeping crew manage hundreds of beds for tired climbers daily. It is relentless work.
The staff stay on the mountain for weeks at a time, sleeping in quarters behind the main resthouse. Their dedication ensures that every climber, no matter how exhausted, finds a bit of warmth and hospitality in one of the world’s most dramatic settings.
Top tip: Show your appreciation by leaving a Google Review for your favourite staff member.
Dinner with a side of clouds
The heated dining hall is where everyone gathers. Laban Rata Restaurant caters for up to 120 people at a time, three hearty meals a day to replenish climbers. Dinner is served early and afterwards, climbers hang out on the deck, sipping tea. There’s no WiFi but there’s also not much time for doom-scrolling as by 7pm, climbers usually drift back to their rooms or bunks to clean up and get some shut eye.
Top tip: Pack warm clothing. Temperatures can dip to 5ºC at Laban Rata.
Sleepover at 3,272m
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges’ Buttercup Rooms offer options for 2-person or 6-person groups with en-suite bathrooms. There are also dorm-style rooms: these are shared accommodation with 64 beds, common bathrooms and a lounge area. Most importantly, there are hot showers available. The rooms are cosy and comfortable, everything you need to rest up before tomorrow’s ascend to Low’s Peak. To stay here, book early as spots fill up months in advance.
The 2am club
The comforting smell of hot coffee and an early ‘breakfast’ starts at around 2am. This is when Laban Rata is at its busiest. There is a flurry of activity of climbers getting dressed and checking their packs and headlamps in the dead of night. After a quick bite, you make the final push to Low’s Peak—the summit of Borneo. Breathe in the thin, cold air, and listen to the quiet hum of the generator. By the end of the day, you will have ascended the mountain.
Top tip: Take a moment before the climb to look up. On a clear day, the pitch dark sky is full of stars.
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges also handles the booking of climbing slots, which are limited and confirmed strictly on a first-come, first-served basis.
Book your 2026 Mount Kinabalu climb package with Sutera Sanctuary Lodges today.
