Mersilau Trail Mount Kinabalu

Mersilau Trail Mount Kinabalu 2012

Just came back from trip to Mount Kinabalu on 14-15th April 2012 via Mersilau Trail and return through route Timpohon Trail. With 2km longer than Timpohon Trail, the journey would take 2 more hours longer than Timpohon trail. So that total kilometre for Mersilau Trail from Mersilau Nature Park to the peak of Mount Kinabalu would be more than 10.5km. Average climber could complete the climb to Laban Rata in7-8 hours. While Timpohon trail rise all the way up from Carson waterfall (100m from Timpohon gate) to Laban Rata, Mersilau trail have some long descend and ascend back few time until Lempoyong Hut. After Lempoyong Hut the trail is quite flat until meet with Timpohon trail just above Layang Layang hut. As Timpohon trail is used more frequently than  Mersilau Trail, you could expect that Timpohon trail is better maintained than Mersilau trail. Even so, I would consider the Mersilau trail is still well maintained, absolutely you don't need to bring your parang to clear obstruction and to find your way through overgrown bush along the trail. Mersilau trail have several beautiful waterfalls and streams flowing through its rainforest and several nice spots to take photo. Want to share some of the pictures here that I shoot along the Mersilau Trail… enjoy it

Gunung Kinabalu

CLIMB GUNUNG KINABALU SABAH BORNEO MALAYSIA

Gunung Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malaysia with height of 4,095 metres (13,455 ft). Place of Gunung Kinabalu among highest mountains in South East Asia is conflicted over different views. It is located in Kinabalu National Park (a World Heritage Site) in the east Malaysian state of Sabah- coordinate 6° 5′ 0″ N, 116° 33′ 0″ E. Gunung Kinabalu has several peaks and the highest peak is Low's Peak. Gunung Kinabalu and its surroundings are among the most important biological sites in the world, with over 600 species of ferns, 326 species of birds, and 100 mammalian species identified. Among them are the gigantic Rafflesia plants. Gunung Kinabalu has been accorded UNESCO World Heritage status.

South peak - one of Peaks on Gunung Kinabalu, The highest peak is Low's Peak

At more than 4000 meters height. Gunung Kinabalu in Sabah is not only the highest point in Malaysia, it is also the highest point in South East Asia. This is one of must climb mountain in Malaysia for its beauty and challange. I climbed this Gunung Kinabalu in Mac 2005 and truly astounded by its unique beauty. The climb would take two days preferably. It include spend one night at Laban Rata hut before summiting in the early hours of the morning in time for sunrise on Borneo’s highest point. The climb is not particularly technical but it is real test for fitness and endurance. However it does offer opportunity for wall climbing enthusiast to test skill on various kind of rock face on the granite plateau. Check this couple wall climbing experience around Gurkha Hut - http://joannestamplis.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/borneo-part-2-mt-kinabalu/ . Some guide and tips about hiking hope would help you to climb Gunung Kinabalu succesfully.

Shadow of Low's Peak fall on Horizon as sun rise over

Gunung Kinabalu gives you opportunity to experience different kind of climate as your climb increase along the trail. From thick rainforest with high tree gradually changes to pine tree and shorter bonsai, small orchid and finally barren granite at the final part of the mountain on the summit plateau. The temperature gradually drops at higher altitude and with sun move down for the night. For local climber this is only mountain in Malaysia that could give you altitude sickness. Steep ascend from Timpohon base camp and high gain of altitude in short period could give problem for some as your body don’t have enough time to acclimatize. From my experience dizziness that someone could feel as reaching Laban Rata or Gunting Lagadan could be relieved by taking hot shower, not need for Panadol or aspirin. The trek is clear and properly maintained. Proper stairs even built on certain part of the trail. You could climb Gunung Kinabalu in stylish way in your new designer sport pant and flashy sport shoes as it’s won’t likely that your pant got shred by thorny rattan, got stuck in mud or crawling for way unless you drop yourself on the slippery trek. Bear in mind that the trail is constant ascend from the start, all up no down and not much flat part. There are various routes to Climb  Gunung Kinabalu such as Mersilau and Timpohon trail which is differ in term of difficulty level and day taken and require some technical climbing. For normal climber it is better to stick on the commercialize route. There are also various mountain hut on the plateau such as Gurkha hut that reaching these huts would require different pass than the normal one.

at beautiful Gunung Kinabalu Cliff on the way down to Laban Rata

Sunrise at Gunung Kinabalu highest peak = Lows Peak

THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB GUNUNG KINABALU

Avoid raining season from September to Disember. The best time to climb  Gunung Kinabalu would be in month of March and April when the wether is normally dry and less rainfall. The forecast based on amount of rainfall permonth but mountain rain is unpredictable. You may start with shining morning sun, trekking in the rain around afternoon, sorround by fog at some part and arrive in the evening with clear sky and nice sunset.

WHAT TO PREPARE FOR GUNUNG KINABALU CLIMB

Trip to  Gunung Kinabalu may not be complicated as trip to Mount Everest in logistic or technicality. But well prepared trip is essential to ensure comfortable and enjoyable trip so it worth your money and effort. More importantly your summit attempt is successful. This writing may not provide detail information but may give you some hint sight on what to prepare for the climb.

Just below Gunung Kinabalu Lows Peak

 First Day Climb Gunung Kinabalu

Normally climber will spend the first night at Hostel in Kinabalu Park at the foot of the Mountain and start climb in the morning. Nowadays Management Company of the Park has provided complete package inclusive of Food and Accommodation.  Some of the hostels are equipped with kitchen area so climbers could prepare their own meal for the night, breakfast and pack lunch. Better check with the new management for latest policy. You could arrange with hostel official to leave some of your things at the park and only bring essential and adequate stuff for the climb. Transportation is provided to ferry climbers from hostel to starting point of their choice either through Timpohon or Mersilau Gate. If the package is expensive for you, there are several hostels just outside Gunung Kinabalu Park's entrance that offer decent accomodation.

1. Wear light for first day Climb. How many clothes that you want to bring up depend on how many you want to change. Basically it can be divided into two type of clothing

1.1. Trekking Clothes – How many pieces you want to pack depend on how many you want to change for ascend, summit and descend trip. If you want different clothes for each one you will end up with more than 6 pieces of wet clothes at the end of Gunung Kinabalu trip. My suggestion is to prepare for two set of inner wear made from quick dry material. One or two set of quick dry T-shirt (one specifically for summit attempt) and two light pants or 1 pant and 1 short. If lighter pack more important to you, use the same outer clothes with different tight / inner wear :). You may prefer a complete dry and new clothes for each trekking but believe me it will get wet with your sweat within minutes. Gunung Kinabalu is located within tropical rainforest whis is high in humidity. Your body tendency to sweat is increase with humidity.

1.2. Sleeping and Non Trekking attire. After 6 hours of trekking for the day all you need is warm bath and dry cloth to enjoy evening fresh air around Laban Rata various huts. Your evening/ sleeping attire could be your second trekking attire. Don’t forget to try Sabah tea at Laban Rata lodge.

At Laban Rata, Before Descend to Timpohon Gate

2. Pack enough drinking water, snack and food. The climbing could be draining your energy level to zero, so ensure a constant level of energy to keep you going or you will moving slow or not able to move at all, then you will be a liability to your group and your guide. Or you could choose to be a famous person next morning by calling air rescue :p

3. Water proofing. Pack your things in plastic bags in case it rains. Bear in mind that you will ascend through at layers of clouds height. Even not a heavy rain, you may encounter a light drizzle that could soak you wet in the middle of trail. Even though there are various rest huts available through the Gunung Kinabalu trail as shelter, the distance between these huts could be nearly in an hour. You also don’t have luxury of time to wait for a complete stop of rain as you might arrive late at Laban Rata. Pack separately between clothes, electronic gadget and group rations. There various type of waterproofing in the market. Check it out here http://mycorezone.com/

4. Lip gloss- sun tan lotion.. not essential but you may need it if skin perfection is your main concern.

5. Cap – Some kind of sun shade is essential especially during descending from Gunung Kinabalu's peak to Kinabalu park. The morning rising sun will be direct and not much shade of high tree for you.

6. If you have so many things to bring along but too heavy to carry by yourself, just hire a potter.. problem solved.

On Gunung Kinabalu summit attempt

Summit attempt will usually start 2-3 hours after midnight to take advantage of clear sky and less fog. At 4,095 meter height, temperature at Gunung Kinabalu can be quite cold, but as it is situated in tropical region the temperature would not be as cold as Mountain in Colder region even though there was report of snow on summit plateau before. Cold may be your main concern as you ready for summit climb at 3 a.m but bear in mind that you will feel hotter and sweat out as climb become harder so breathable choice of clothing is very important, do not wearing too light either as cold wind would be unbearable as you stop for a rest. So you have to prepare accordingly, no need for complete insulation but do not be too simple either. My suggestion is here…

1-Glove – for two purpose; one to warm you from windy cold night on Gunung Kinabalu granite Plateau, two to protect your hand while using rope. Chose for waterproof material. Its going to be cold, windy and the rope are wet. Wet glove are worst than bare hand on chilly night, but your hand will have some protection when hanging on the rope. I'm afraid you will even thinking of not using the rope. If your are on budget then buy latex glove (RM1?) as your base then put those wool construction worker style glove (RM5 buy this at hardware shop) on top of it as protection. Thus you have enough protection and dry hand! even though its not gonna be totally insulated from cold though.

2-Breathable outer jacket / windbreaker with hood, have water resistant or water proof material, this may not protect you from the rain but at least keep you dry from night fog. Preferably 2 layer jacket; outer layer to protect from mist and cold wind while inside layer will prevent your skin in contact with cold outer layer.

3-Light rain coat.. the disposable type would do.. but don’t dispose it on the Mountain please. It’s very cold up there, can’t imagine when it is raining ..so better be prepared.

4-Quick dry t’shirt – always opts for light and quick dry T-shirt. You will value it once you experience what it feel like when standing in blowing cold wind with sweaty wet T-shirt

5-Quick dry Tight

6-Light pant. (preferable with quick dry material)

7-Light shoes with rubber outsole track. Choose for grip flexible soft rubber rather than hard safety boot as wet granite surface on Gunung Kinabalu Plateau could be very slippery. No option for slip and fall on hard granite worst still fall and slide into gully. Read this guide to choose the right hiking shoes , I would personally recommend Adidas Adizero XT or Adidas Kanadia Trail. Both shoes have excellent grip, tough yet flexible outer sole.

8-Cap / snow cap. Heat first leave human body trough your head, so cover it up will made your feel warmer.

9-Headlamp – No No for torch light, you need both of your hand to hold on rope and cliff.

10-Small backpack – for water, raincoat, spare headlamp, spare battery, drinking water and small food ration/ energy bar.

THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN IN SOUTH EAST ASIA?

Gunung Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malaysia and the highest mountain in South East Asia (SEA).. Some may argue that there several mountains higher than  GunungKinabalu such as Mount Puncak Jaya (Carstenze Pyramid) in Irian Jaya or Mountains in Myanmar. Puncak Jaya located in Indonesia which is member of ASEAN but Irian Jaya Island is located on tectonic plate of Oceania which is not of South East Asia, thus disqualified the mountain as the highest mountain in SEA. If we want to consider mountains in Myanmar we will end up not knowing the final list because a lot of Mountain Peaks there still not yet discovered. At North of Myanmar laying the end of himalaya mountain range with various Mountain peaks higher than Puncak Jaya and Gunung Kinabalu but this mountain range in located on Asia Mainland not specifically as SEA. Then the highest Mountain in SEA is  Gunung Kinabalu :)

View of Gunung Kinabalu from Manukan Island

More Information of Gunung Kinabalu

Latest information of Gunung Kinabalu - May 2010

Visit Official Website of Sabah Tourism Agency for detail information on Gunung Kinabalu and other actractive places in Sabah Borneo

http://www.sabahtourism.com/sabah-malaysian-borneo/en/destination/124-kinabalu-park/

Globetrotter Visitor’s Guide Kinabalu Park, by Anthea Phillipps

Campers’ Corner

Borneo Climbing

Adventure Alternative

Kinabalu Mesilau-Low’s Gully Expedition 2001

Maps Mount Kinabalu

To go to Mount Kinabalu National Park straight away from Kota Kinabalu International Airport would take around 3 hours. Transportation could be arranged through travel agent or ops for public transport - take airport cab to Kota KInabalu City Bus Station, then you could take Public Bus (it is van normally instead of the large Bus) to Mount Kinabalu Park. After passing  Kota Kinabalu City, the ride would be through hilly area up to highland area of Kundasang. That would be could cold and expect for some hill rain in the evening.

Refer map of the journey as below or

View Mount Kinabalu National park in a larger map

or view the satellite image here

View Mount Kinabalu National park in a larger map

Route From Laban Rata to Low's Peak, the highest peak of Mount Kinabalu

View Larger Map

Using Walking Poles at Mount Kinabalu

I'm sure this question might pop up in mind of some Mount Kinabalu prospect climber; "is it advisable / suitable to use / carry walking poles to climb Mount Kinabalu?". Especially for Malaysian climbers / hiker who normally hiking on rainforest trail through shrub and vine when crawling mean hiking sometime.. to carry walking pole would be burden than assistance..

My suggestion is mix in both yes and no... Yes it is advisable for you to use walking pole up to Laban Rata, because up to Laban Rata the trail is properly maintained with clear step and stairs. There will be not much obstacle for you and your walking poles, for every step sure you will have a clear place to point your walking pole but for second stage of climbing from Laban Rata to the peak ; I would advise you leave it at your cabin. This is because from Laban Rata to the peak you will hiking mostly on slippery granite trail, and at some point before Sayat sayat hut, you will have hike through quite narrow pass and deep cliff on your right. At that time you will need your hand on the rope, or else you will endanger your own life. In case you insist to  use your walking pole at this part, please remove rubber cap on the pole end to show its pointing metal end, so that it will be more grip to the slippery granite.

My Walking Poles





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Cost to Climb Mount Kinabalu

Cost to climb Mount Kinabalu presented below would only cover cost at the Mountain not involve your flight ticket or transportation from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park. This is based on specific cost involved such as permit, insurance, guide etc.. this tabulate is available at Sabah Park Website and SSL (the private operator who manage accomodation at Laban Rata (since 2006 if not mistaken). As SSL control hut at Laban Rata area, by hook or by crook you all have to go through them if you want to stay at Laban Rata which is what the normal climb would be (first night sleep at Laban Rata and summit attempt at wee hour of the morning).. Otherwise just plan for a stay at various hut on the ganite plateau such as Gurkha Hut - for this you just have to go through Sabah Park but that means a longer journey overpass Laban Rata and you have to bring up your own cooking stove, ration, sleeping mat/bag - in other word; it means a lot more stuff and a lot more weight. If you opt for SSL package which is already cover all the cost tabulate below plus profit and plus whatever else.. that would come with amount such as RM486 for 3 day 2 night package [1 night at Rock Hostel and 1 night at Gunting Lagadan Hut (Laban Rata area)] . Different hut would have different charge - the most exclusive of all is Laban Rata Hut, if you stay here you would have the convenience of nice cafe in the same building.. Try to ask for one night package, that would be cheaper but you have to arrange for different accomodation at first night. there are some hostel available just outside Kinabalu Park.. SSL not published their rate at their website which is a kind of weird.. so you have no choice but to contact them directly by phone


The cost could be tabulate as below in RM - Ringgit Malaysia

1. Permit Fee	Malaysia	Non - Malaysia
Adult (per person)	30	100
Below 18 years(per person)	12	40

2. Insurance (per person)	Malaysia & Non - Malaysia
Death Per Accident cover for RM 50,000	7.00
Permanent Disablement As A Result Of An Accident Max cover -RM 50,000	7.00

3. Certificate Malaysian & Non-Malaysian	Malaysia &Non - Malaysia
1st Class (color)	10.00
1st Class (color)	10.00

4. Trail Fee Between Timpohon Gate and Mesilau Gate (per person)	Malaysia	Non - Malaysia
Adult (per person)	5	10
Below 18 years(per person)	2	5

5. Guide fee

Fees are charged on per group basis, ranging from RM35 to RM40 per day per group depending on the size of the group. Charges vary according to choice of starting and ending point. (Timpohon to Mesilau and vice versa).

Route	Number of Climbers	Fee per Day
1. Timpohon-Summit-Timpohon	1-3	42.50
	4-6	50.00
2. Timpohon-Summit-Mesilau/ Mesilau-Summit-Timpohon	1-3	47.50
	4-6	57.50
3. Mesilau-Summit-Mesilau	1-3	47.50
	4-6	60
4. Mesilau-King George Peak(Kotal's Route	1-3 (1 guide)	100
	4-6 (2 guide)	100
	7-8 (3 guide)	100

Contact No.

Contact the accommodation reservation at:
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges,
G.15, Ground Floor, Wisma Sabah
88000 Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia.
Telephone: 6088-243629, 6088-245742

Fax: 6088-259552
E-mail: infor@suterasanctuarylodges.com
Website: www.suterasanctuarylodges.com (online booking available)

Or, go directly to the Sabah Parks (at the Kinabalu Park reception counter) to arrange for a climbing permit, mountain guide, insurance, climbing certificate, porter service, and Transport to Timpohon Gate (starting point).

Telephone: 6088-889098

Transportation
- Koktas Sdn. Bhd.
Telephone: 088-889099 (Kinabalu Park)/088-879118 (Ranau)
Fax: 088-879119


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Cheaper now for natives to climb Mount Kinabalu - Cost to Climb Mount Kinabalu

Cheaper now for natives to climb Mount Kinabalu

This news already circulated among outdoor community.. still not sure whether that would only cover for Sabahan or could be extend to all Malaysian. I'll update later about this. Since management of Kinabalu Park was taken over by SSL, cost to climb Mount Kinabalu has inflated more than threefold.. this has make it harder for local to climb Mount Kinabalu while more opportunity given to outsiders.  Luckily the pressure on SSL and Sabah government has bear fruit...

Published on: Thursday, April 22, 2010 at Daily Express


Kota Kinabalu: The natives of Sabah will find it cheaper to climb Mount Kinabalu now.

Sabah Parks and the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry, in collaboration with the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (SSL), have made it convenient and economical for natives to climb the mountain.

The move was initiated by Sabah Parks and the Ministry, and was supported by SSL at a recent meeting attended by Tourism, Culture and Environment Assistant Minister, Datuk Bolkiah Haji Ismail, Sabah Parks Director, Paul Basintal, and SSL representative, Adrian de Rozario.

A statement here, Wednesday, said the meeting endorsed that only a minimum fee of RM80 for accommodation at Gunting Lagadan inclusive of meals would be offered to native Sabahans for a specific number of allocated beds that are available on a first come first served basis.

This privilege rate is a 72 per cent reduction from the published rate and is only applicable to Sabah's natives.

To enjoy this privilege, climbers must produce a valid identification verifying their status and all reservations under this privilege must be made through Sabah Parks.
Reservations are only open to walk-in individuals and not valid for travel agents or any tourism related agencies

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Mount Kinabalu

MOUNT KINABALU MALAYSIA

south peak

CLIMB MOUNT KINABALU SABAH MALAYSIA

At more than 4000 meters height. Mount Kinabalu in Sabah is not only the highest point in Malaysia, it is also the highest point in South East Asia. This is one of must climb mountain in Malaysia for its beauty and challange. I climbed this mountain in Mac 2005 and truly astounded by its unique beauty. The climb would take two days preferably. It include spend the one night at Laban Rata hut before summiting in the early hours of the morning in time for sunrise on Borneo’s highest point. The climb is not particularly technical but it is real test for fitness and endurance. However it does offer opportunity for wall climbing enthusiast to test skill on various kind of rock face on the granite plateau. Check this couple wall climbing experience around Gurkha Hut - http://joannestamplis.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/borneo-part-2-mt-kinabalu/ .

Shadow of Low's Peak fall on Horizon as sun rise over

This is the mountain that gives you opportunity to experience different kind of climate as your climb increase along the trail. From thick rainforest with high tree gradually changes to pine tree and shorter bonsai, small orchid and finally barren granite at the final part of the mountain on the summit plateau. The temperature gradually drops at higher altitude and with sun move down for the night. For local climber this is only mountain in Malaysia that could give you altitude sickness. Steep ascend from Timpohon base camp and high gain of altitude in short period could give problem for some as your body don’t have enough time to acclimatize. From my experience dizziness that someone could feel as reaching Laban Rata, Panar Laban or Gunting Lagadan could be relieved by taking hot shower, not need for Panadol or aspirin.

At Panar Laban Hut, Gunting Lagadan Hut is on the background

The trek is clear and properly maintained. Proper stairs even built on certain part of the trail. You could climb this mountain in stylish way in your new designer sport pant and flashy sport shoes as it’s won’t likely that your pant got shred by thorny rattan, got stuck in mud or crawling for way unless you drop yourself on the slippery trek. Bear in mind that the trail is constant ascend from the start, all up no down and not much flat part. There are various routes to Climb Mount Kinabalu which is differ in term of difficulty level and day taken and require some technical climbing. For normal climber it is better to stick on the commercialize route. There are also various mountain hut on the plateau such as Gurkha hut that reaching these huts would require different pass than the normal one.

at beautiful Mount Kinabalu Cliff on the way down

View Laban Rata Hut, Panar Laban and Gunting Lagadan Hut from Sattelite View Here. Click " Earth" for 3D view on Google Earth, Click "Ter" to view terrain / topo map on Mount Kinabalu or "Sat" for sattelite view

View Laban Rata Hut in a larger map

Visit Official Website of Sabah Tourism Agency for detail information on Mount Kinabalu and other actractive places in Sabah Borneo

http://www.sabahtourism.com/sabah-malaysian-borneo/en/destination/124-kinabalu-park/

More Information of Mount Kinabalu  & Related Articles

WHAT TO PREPARE FOR MOUNT KINABALU CLIMB

THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB MOUNT KINABALU
MAP MOUNT KINABALU
Tips Using Walking Poles on Mount Kinabalu
COST to Climb Mount Kinabalu
Cheaper COST  for NATIVES to Climb Mount Kinabalu
South East Asia Highest Mountain?
Running Tips - How To Run Efficiently


Other links for information of Mount Kinabalu

Globetrotter Visitor’s Guide Kinabalu Park, by Anthea Phillipps

Campers’ Corner

Borneo Climbing

Adventure Alternative

Kinabalu Mesilau-Low’s Gully Expedition 2001

sunrise at Mount Kinabalu peak

South East Asia Highest Mountain

Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Malaysia and the highest mountain in South East Asia (SEA).. Some may argue that there several mountains higher than Mount Kinabalu such as Mount Puncak Jaya (Carstenze Pyramid) in Irian Jaya or Mountains in Myanmar. Puncak Jaya located in Indonesia which is member of ASEAN but Irian Jaya Island is located on tectonic plate of Oceania not of Southe East Asia, thus disqualified the mountain as the highest mountain in SEA. If we want to consider mountains in Myanmar we will end up not knowing the final list because a lot of Mountain Peaks there still not yet discovered. At North of Myanmar laying the end of himalaya mountain range with various Mountain peaks higher than Puncak Jaya and Mount Kinabalu but this mountain range in located on Asia Mainland not specifically as SEA. Then the highest Mountain in SEA is Mount Kinabalu :)

More Information of Mount Kinabalu

WHAT TO PREPARE FOR MOUNT KINABALU CLIMB

THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB MOUNT KINABALU

MOUNT KINABALU THE HIGHEST MOUNTAIN IN SOUTH EAST ASIA

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Outdoor and Camping Skills - Rope Hitch and Knot 
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Mount Kinabalu Malaysia

south peak

At more than 4000 meters height. Mount Kinabalu in Sabah is not only the highest point in Malaysia, it is also the highest point in South East Asia. This is one of must climb mountain in Malaysia for its beauty and challange. I climbed this mountain in Mac 2005 and truly astounded by its unique beauty. The climb would take two days preferably. It include spend the one night at Laban Rata hut before summiting in the early hours of the morning in time for sunrise on Borneo’s highest point. The climb is not particularly technical but it is real test for fitness and endurance. However it does offer opportunity for wall climbing enthusiast to test skill on various kind of rock face on the granite plateau. Check this couple wall climbing experience around Gurkha Hut - http://joannestamplis.wordpress.com/2008/11/09/borneo-part-2-mt-kinabalu/ .

Shadow of Low's Peak fall on Horizon as sun rise over

This is the mountain that gives you opportunity to experience different kind of climate as your climb increase along the trail. From thick rainforest with high tree gradually changes to pine tree and shorter bonsai, small orchid and finally barren granite at the final part of the mountain on the summit plateau. The temperature gradually drops at higher altitude and with sun move down for the night. For local climber this is only mountain in Malaysia that could give you altitude sickness. Steep ascend from Timpohon base camp and high gain of altitude in short period could give problem for some as your body don’t have enough time to acclimatize. From my experience dizziness that someone could feel as reaching Laban Rata or Gunting Lagadan could be relieved by taking hot shower, not need for Panadol or aspirin. The trek is clear and properly maintained. Proper stairs even built on certain part of the trail. You could climb this mountain in stylish way in your new designer sport pant and flashy sport shoes as it’s won’t likely that your pant got shred by thorny rattan, got stuck in mud or crawling for way unless you drop yourself on the slippery trek. Bear in mind that the trail is constant ascend from the start, all up no down and not much flat part. There are various routes to Climb Mount Kinabalu which is differ in term of difficulty level and day taken and require some technical climbing. For normal climber it is better to stick on the commercialize route. There are also various mountain hut on the plateau such as Gurkha hut that reaching these huts would require different pass than the normal one.

at beautiful Mount Kinabalu Cliff on the way down

Visit Official Website of Sabah Tourism Agency for detail information on Mount Kinabalu and other actractive places in Sabah Borneo

http://www.sabahtourism.com/sabah-malaysian-borneo/en/destination/124-kinabalu-park/

More Information of Mount Kinabalu

WHAT TO PREPARE FOR MOUNT KINABALU CLIMB

THE BEST TIME TO CLIMB MOUNT KINABALU

Other link for Mount Kinabalu Info


Globetrotter Visitor’s Guide Kinabalu Park, by Anthea Phillipps
Campers’ Corner
Borneo Climbing
Adventure Alternative
Kinabalu Mesilau-Low’s Gully Expedition 2001

More outdoor links
Outdoor & Camping skills Rope hitch and knot - Thumb Knot

sunrise at Mount Kinabalu peak

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