With a few extra days scheduled into my Borneo trip, Malaysia’s highest mountain beckoned. Mount Kinabalu (4095 m), located in Sabah State in Malaysian Borneo, is the highest mountain between Papua New Guinea and northern Myanmar. Additionally, it is the 20th most prominent peak in the world, just nudging Mt Rainier in Washington State out of the top 20. The Kinabalu massif consists of numerous summits, shown in the photo below, the highest of which is Low’s Peak, the destination for all commercial climbers.
The popularity of Mount Kinabalu has necessitated a well-regulated system of climbing. Climbers must be accompanied by accredited guides at all times, mostly due to the risk of experiencing altitude sickness. A minimum of two days is required, with a mandatory overnight rest stop midway up the mountain at Panalaban “basecamp.” The number of permits is limited to about 180, the number of beds in several dorm-style accommodations at Panalaban, 6.5 km distance from Timpohon Gate, the usual start point. While that may seem a short way, it is a steep 1400 m ascent (from 1850 m altitude to 2250 m above sea level) that requires on average 5 hours to complete. An alpine start from Panalaban the second morning is timed to enable one to see sunrise from near the summit, another 800 m ascent of often very steep climbing over another 3 km distance. After enjoying the views, climbers generally stop for a rest back at Panalaban, and then continue their descent to the trailhead on day 2. A second night staying at Panalaban is another option. Refer to the highly schematic summit trail map below.
Mt Kinabalu was my first proper mountain climb since the two day ascent of Mt Toubkal, Morocco in 2023 and the three day ascent of Punta Rossa della Grivola in the Italian Alps in 2022. Achieving the summit of Mt Kinabalu – and returning to the trailhead – in two days proved a real test of my endurance. My journey began in Kota Kinabalu (KK) with a 6.30 AM hotel pickup and 2 hour transfer to Mount Kinabalu National Park. We received our climbing permit tags and got a short van transfer to Timpohon Gate where the climb started.
For this post, with one exception the photos are arranged in increasing altitude, NOT chronological order.
While the 2200 m (7200 ft) ascent of Mount Kinabalu was certainly tough, due more to the steepness and uneven terrain than the altitude, the descent if anything was more challenging. Trekking poles were absolutely required and even two days later as I write this blog from my KK hotel room, my quads and calves are still sore. Nevertheless, not only was it a great experience connecting with other climbers, chatting with my guide, and communing with nature, the climb certainly gave a sense of accomplishment and is one I will never forget.
Like many of the photos above, this entire post has been published out of chronological order. Still to come are two posts from my winter trip, Hikes & Walks in Western Australia and Hikes, Walks & Nature of Southeast Asia. Tomorrow I continue on to Bali for 8 days of R&R before returning to the UK. And who knows, maybe a couple of hikes?
The Vagabond Hiker
Something almost magical about the entire park! and the hike looked quite challenging! I am happy that you made it in one piece
Wow that’s quite a feat! Very cool!