Hiking Tips for Mount Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Survival Tips When Climbing Mount Kota Kinabalu: Hiking and Packing

Preparing for your hike to Mount Kota Kinabalu is important to ensure your safety and enjoyment during the trek. The hike can be physically demanding, so being physically fit and mentally prepared can help you avoid injuries and fatigue. It's also important to pack appropriate gear and clothing for the changing weather conditions and terrain. Additionally, understanding the trail and having a plan for food, water, and rest stops can help you have a successful hike. Let's go!

Things You Should Prepare Before the Climb: (All packed in plastic bags /ziplock)

1. Waterproof backpack
2. Trekking Shoes with good grip
3. Heat tech top (Uniqlo)
4. Dri - Fit Top (first and third climb)
5. Compression tights (first and third climb)
6. Lightweight Windbreaker Jacket (first and third climb)
7. Windbreaker Jacket with fleece (summit climb)
8. Waterproof Hiking Pants (summit climb)
9. 3 Trekking Socks 
10. 2 Disposable Raincoat 
11. Head torch plus Extra Batteries
12. Penlight 
13. Small towel / Bandana
14. Waterproof Climbing Gloves  (i brought ski gloves)
15. Beanie
16. Undergarments (3D2N)
17. Personal-(soap, deo,facial wash) 
18. Toothbrush
19. Tissue paper 
20. Wet Tissue 
21. Ear plugs (Optional)
22. Lip gloss / small Vaseline 
23. Water bottle (1 Litre) 
24. Camera with waterproof bag
25. Powerbank
26. Waterproof phone case
27. Slippers
28. Extra Plastic bags/ziplock
29. High-energy food such as biscuits, chocolates, energy bars, and nuts (for summit climb and descending down the mountain)
30. Milo 3in1 powder (optional, the beverage is provided in Laban Rata like coffee and tea)
31. Pack of Sour Sweet Candy 
32. Medication such as headache tablets (panadol) or altitude sickness tablets (dimenate)
33. First aid kit: Bactroban (antibacterial), Panadol, Imodium, Vicks Vaporub, bandage (cloth and cohesive), Gauze, plaster, alcohol swab and a Whistle

I packed 2 heat packs. My friend gave it to me as a gift and was intended for my summit climb. However, I only managed to use it during the descent down the mountain, minimal heat was provided. Make sure to pack the right kind of heat pack for intense weather.

Delegate

Some things we decided to distribute to each one of us to avoid overpacking:

1. Tre - Sun block lotion, Bactroban, Toothpaste, Panadol , Imodium 
2. Idell -Cogesic Cream (muscle cramps), Shampoo, Dimenate, Charcoal, White Flower 
3. Katharina -Mosquito repellent, Lotion, Vaseline, Electrical tape, Sterilization Tablets, Universal Charger

Extra luggage 

Extra luggage can be stored at Kinabalu Park HQ at a nominal fee of MYR 12 per piece prior climb. A passport will be required for verification at the Kinabalu Park office. Please bring it along with you.

The best month to Climb is during Summer Season


Kota Kinabalu Itinerary:

• 23rd April - Arrival 8:05 pm
• 24th till 26th April - Mt. Kota Kinabalu Climb
• 2 Extra Clothing for 26th and 27th April - City Tour and Food Trip 
• 27th April - Flight  2:45 PM

First Climb: Mount Kota Kinabalu 

Timpohon Gate to Laban Rata

Our first climb to Mount Kota Kinabalu begins! The climb started from Timpohon Gate to Laban Rata, where we stayed for the night and continued the ascend to the summit the following day. This is it! Smile!

1. Secure Bags

Wake up early to double-check your things for the first climb. If you're planning to hire a porter packed all your things in a waterproof bag and packed in a ziplock. The porter can carry all your things for the second and third climb ( HQ To Laban Rata and vice versa). All three of us combined our things in two bags and one bag was left in the Kota Kinabalu HQ for safekeeping. 

Baggage can be stored at Kinabalu Park HQ at a nominal fee of MYR 10 per piece prior climb.

Porter Fee: MYR 100/SGD 50 (The weather is unpredictable so All your things must be packed in plastic bags /ziplock).

Travel Light

Packed a Small hiking Bag: (unfit climbers make sure to keep your bag light)

1. Lightweight Windbreaker
2. Whistle
3. Water bottle (1 Litre) 
4. High-energy food such as biscuits, chocolates, energy bars, nuts, sour-sweet candies 
5. Medication such as headache tablets or altitude sickness tablets
6. Disposable raincoat
7. Beanie/Cap
8. Small towel /bandana
9. Earplugs (optional)
10. Camera with waterproof bag
11. First Aid kit: Gauze, plaster, roller bandage, alcohol swab, safety pins, and rubber bands. 

To avoid over-packing we decided to assign specific items to each one of us:

• Idell- Cogesic(muscle cramps), Dimenate(altitude sickness), Charcoal(bloated) and White Flower 
• Katharina- Mosquito repellent, Vaseline(cracked lips), Electrical tape , Sterilization Tablets 
• Tre- Sun block lotion, Bactroban (antibacterial cream), Toothpaste, Panadol , Imodium (diarrhea), Kefentech Plaster (muscle cramps)

Trekking Pole/ Walking Sticks

Trekking Pole/ Walking Sticks is available for rent at Kota Kinabalu HQ for MYR 10-MYR 12. Ask your assigned agent and mountain guide about it. 

2. Breakfast is a Must

Have a light breakfast in Balsam Buffet Restaurant. Don't forget to collect your packed lunch there before heading to Timpohon Gate. 

3. Start at a slow pace 

Start at a slow pace and try to enjoy your surroundings. Take it easy especially when you reached the 3.5 km mark, as you get to the top the chance of having altitude sickness is higher. 

4. Take your time

It's not a marathon, save your breath and energy. This is quite important so I'll repeat this again. The stairs ahead will get steeper and you will need enough supply of energy and proper breathing to make it to Laban Rata and to make sure you're significantly still in good condition. If you already felt sick when you get to Laban Rata, that's already a bad sign and a factor in lowering your chance of getting to the peak the next day. 

5. Hydrate and Fuel up

Take sips of water. We managed to empty our 1 litre of bottled water. Energy foods like oatmeal biscuits, chocolates and bananas are great options.

6. Take lots of pictures with your friends and the mountain view

Catch the energy and laughter with the first climb and compare the pictures with the second climb. Watch your friend's images as they crumble during the second climb and yourself! with the collection of pictures, you've taken. Ahahaa I love my climbing buddies and I wouldn't ask for more. 

I love the part when we reached the 4 km mark, the misty mountain was mesmerizing with all the greyscale-colored trees. The view resembled like from the movie entitled "Lord of the Rings." 

Check out different kinds of flora growing in the mountain like the white small orchid, fruit-bearing raspberry plant and the famous insect eater Pitcher Plant. 

7. Climbing Buddies

You must have the same goal and motivation. If not at least you watch each other's back. Safety comes first and with that, you need people whom you can trust.

8. Try to walk in Zigzags

Alternate from left to right. Do not put more strain on one leg. If you feel the need to rest both legs it should be in one platform, do not leave the other leg behind putting all the weight on the other leg in front of you. Don't forget to flex your toes, refrain from wearing tight shoes and buy trekking socks. 

9. Breathe

Sometimes we forget to do this when we exert too much effort on being fast, this will leave us breathless and we might get altitude sickness. I tried to avoid breathing in the mouth as much as possible, to make sure all the muscles in my body are oxygenated. You will take in more oxygen if your breathing came from your nose.

10. Do not rest for more than 3-5 minutes

Mr. Roland, our mountain guide told us is sitting down was fine but we should avoid doing this, especially on the second climb. I tried to refrain from taking a seat as much as possible except for the 3.5 mark and when we had our lunch break at Layang Layang Hut. 

Our first climb lasted for 6 hrs and 30 minutes from 0900-1530 not bad for amateur and unfit climbers. We took our time chit-chatting with our mountain guide, taking lots of snapshot pictures and enjoying the scenery especially when we reached the 4 km mark. The mist started to be visible and the cold air crept in the nearby bushes. 

Second Climb: Kota Kinabalu Summit "The Real Deal"

Laban Rata to Low's Peak

Second Climb resumes at 2:30 early in the morning the following day

A non-heated dormitory will host everyone for a night. This is crucial for the body's temperature to adjust and to recharge your energy. Prepare yourself because the real challenge begins on the second day. 

11. Get some sleep

Be reminded that the second climb starts at 2:30 AM. Have your dinner early in the afternoon. Be in bed before 7 in the evening or earlier than that. Keep in mind it's a non-heated dormitory. Wear your warm clothing, the temperature drops at night, and having cold feet will not get you a goodnight's sleep. This is the time to bring out your earplugs and an eye mask to ensure or at least help you get some sleep.

12. Prepare all your things ahead of time 

Packed a Small hiking Bag: (All packed in a ziplock/waterproof bag) 

1. Whistle (emergency) and an Extra battery (head torch)
2. Water bottle (1 Litre) 
3. High-energy food such as biscuits, chocolates, energy bars, nuts, sour-sweet candies 
4. Disposable raincoat
5. Lip Gloss
6. Medications such as headache tablets or altitude sickness tablets 

Some items we distribute in each bag: to avoid overpacking:

• Idell- Cogesic (muscle cramps), Dimenate (altitude sickness, Charcoal (bloated), White Flower 
• Kath- Mosquito repellent, Vaseline(cracked lips), Electrical tape , Sterilization Tablets 
• Tre- Sun block lotion, Bactroban (antibacterial cream), Toothpaste, Panadol , Imodium (diarrhea), Kefentech Plaster (muscle cramps)

13. Wear proper clothing: 

1. Trekking Shoes (seriously buy one!)
2. Waterproof Windbreaker Jacket with fleece (with Hood)
3. Uniqlo Heat tech top (inner wear) and a Neck Warmer
4. Waterproof Hiking Pants
5. Waterproof Climbing Gloves (bought ski gloves)
6. Head torch on top of your Beanie
7. Hiking Socks (buy specific ones to avoid blisters)
8. Make sure your bag is big enough for your jacket and fleece. You will eventually have to remove your warm clothing when descending back to Laban Rata. 

14. Have a light breakfast in Laban Rata

Don't forget to have some bananas it's rich in potassium that will surely fuel up your climb. 

15. Start at a low pace

The air is thinner up in the mountains. Be reminded you're already 3,000 metres above sea level. It doesn't mean by making it at the first stop you're chances of having altitude sickness is gone. The only sure cure for altitude sickness is to go down the mountain. My friend had it when we reached Laban Rata, she was vomiting and had no appetite for food. However, her strong will to reach the summit was immeasurable. In case you're wondering my friend made it to the summit. 

16. Find your motivation

The mountain will test your endurance, even your mental and spiritual state. I was motivated to reach another mountain to add to my adventure checklist. I wanted to prove to myself that I can do and I know I can do it. I told myself even before the climb that I will reach the summit no matter what. Even if I had to use drastic measures like crawling or using my teeth to move myself up the slope. I was that motivated! Ahahaa

17. Hold the Ropes and Watch your Step

This is why you have to secure a head torch, waterproof climbing gloves and your trekking shoes. Listen to your mountain guide and hold on to the ropes. Get ready to be amazed when the sun rises and lights up the trail you've climbed at dawn. 

18. Again Try to walk in Zigzag's

Alternate from left to right. Do not put more strain on one leg. If you feel the need to rest both legs it should be in one platform, do not leave the other leg behind putting all the weight on the other leg in front of you. This technique will lower the chance of having strains or sprains. You don't think of just reaching the summit you also need to take good care of your lower limbs to make it down the mountain. Keep in mind to use the same technique when going down the mountain. 

19. Don't Forget to Breathe

Sometimes we forget to do this when we exert too much effort on being fast, this will leave us breathless and we might get altitude sickness. I tried to avoid breathing in the mouth as much as possible, to make sure all the muscles in my body are oxygenated. You will take in more oxygen if your breathing came from your nose. Make sure to get to know your body especially when it comes to breathing. You will eventually know this when you go for preparatory hikes a few months before your climb. 

20. Avoid Resting Too Long

Do not rest for more than 3-5 minutes, refrain from sitting as much as possible. I didn't even dare to lean on a rock. Resting for too long during the second climb will increase the chance of getting altitude sickness and muscle cramps. 

Reminders: 

Try to reach the checkpoint before 5 in the morning or else you will be politely asked to go back on your way to Laban Rata. The patrol officer will check all climbers by showing each of the name tags to make sure the climb is documented. 

21. Supportive Comrades

Roland, our exceptional mountain guide was one of the reasons why we made it to the top. He always reminded us not to sit down, or rest for too long and he never fails to say two hunting words in the climb, "keep moving." It really did keep us moving. If your mountain guide is not motivating, you just have to deal with it. This is the reason why we choose our climbing buddies. My climbing buddies were positive and energetic. You should surround yourself with positive energy and in that way, you will be motivated spiritually and emotionally during the climb. 

22. When you're up there stop, pause and breathe in the wonders of nature. Take it all in! Say a prayer, give thanks or make a wish. 

They said if it's your first time to be on a mountain you can make a wish, it won't hurt if you try. The queue to the Low's Peak signboard will take some time, so for the mean snap some pictures while in line. Heading back to Laban Rata. You will still follow the path you've taken back to the starting point when descending the mountain.

23. Hold Tight

Hold the Rope, and turn your backside to the front side (just like you're rappelling down). Slowly walk yourself down the slope. A safety measure and an easy way down the mountain. 

24. Don't stop walking

You made it on top so you can make it down too. As they say "What goes up must come down", is a good thought motivator. 

25. Be back in Laban Rata before lunchtime

Checking out should be done before 1130 in the morning or you have to pay for the extended time, another great motivation! Try to reach Kota Kinabalu Park before 1530 to have lunch, later than that will be converted to packed lunch. 

Last Climb in Mount Kota Kinabalu

Tips for descending Mount Kota Kinabalu

The summit climb was an exhausting good thing we had an hour's break back at Laban Rata for our brunch. The climb down resumed around 11:30 before noon. Descending down was a piece of cake! Ahahaa. We were able to let go of our stress and struggles during the summit climb so I guess that explains our fast-paced and carefree spirit trek down the mountain. 

26. Be back in Kota Kinabalu HQ before 3:30 in the afternoon. For two main reasons: 

• A porter fee will be added if you don't reach the designated time. This is quite reasonable the guys deserve a break and keep in mind that they're bringing your heavy bags.
• The next reason kept me motivated. Late lunch at Balsam Restaurant in Kota Kinabalu HQ. If you don't reach on time your meal will be converted to a packed lunch. 

27. Same rules apply, descend down in Zigzags

Alternate from left to right. Do not put more strain on one leg. If you feel the need to rest both legs it should be in one platform, do not leave the other leg behind putting all the weight on the other leg in front of you. We were almost done with the climb so we try to ensure not to get any injuries descending down the mountain.

28. Don't hold your breath

Finish strong and don't hold your breath. The air is fresh and invigorating when we went down the mountain, getting breathless was not a problem. 

29. Enjoy the misty mountain

Once you reached the 4 km mark, it will eventually fade away. Take a peek at the last steepest rock stairway, the mist around the bushes and the untold heroes of Mount Kota Kinabalu. The untold heroes are the porters who bring food and supplies to mountain guides and climbers up in the mountain. 

30. Less pictorial session

By this time I bet you've already taken hundreds of pictures during the first day and summit climb. Instead of focusing on taking a self-portrait or capturing your foot try to enjoy your surroundings. See the beauty of the trail, the stairs, the boulders and the different kinds of flora around the mountain. 

We made it back to Timpohon Gate about 4 hrs and 15 mins from 11:30-1545, just enough time to have our late lunch in Kota Kinabalu HQ. Unfortunately, we were picked up late from the Timpohon gate to the headquarters. In the end, we had to eat our packed lunch inside the transport van back to the city. A drop-off transfer was provided in the package. Travel time from Kota Kinabalu HQ to the city proper: 1-2 hours, depending on the traffic. 



After the climb:  Reward Yourself

31. Find a nice affordable hotel

Check-in: Sky Hotel 

One night: $120 / MYR 320

The room was spacious, has its own kitchen, living room and a nice view of the city. We don't really need this kind of accommodation yet after living in bunk beds, shared toilets and no privacy for a few days, it was a good haven. My friend booked this hotel for the rooftop swimming pool, unfortunately, we were not informed that it was under renovation-too bad. A massage was needed after an exhausting 2 days climb, all the muscles in our body needed some intensive touch to put it back in place. The taxi seemed to have its own fixed price in the city for MYR 30. Even if the nearest massage outlet was just 10 minutes away. 

32. Get a Full Body Massage (with Ginger Oil): MYR 65/ SGD 32

The massage was painfully sweet, especially the head massage I was blissfully lost with every stroke of her hand, that doesn't sound right ahahaa. I'm so glad she knows where to press gently and harder. I always get a massage with every country I go to, it's part of my vacation checklist aside from my adventure and bucketlist checklist. 

33. After the climb

The muscle pain on the first day was not that visible however, the following day it tickles you painfully with every step you make. Ahahaa It's not really that bad the pain is tolerable. Apply some muscle rub in the painful areas or muscle cramps plasters. After 3-4 days you'll be good as new, this time around don't hesitate to take the stairs. 

34. Share your experience

I learned a lot of tips from different travel sites and blogs I've read. Now I'm sharing the experience and providing helpful tips to other climbers. Please consider the fact that I am not a professional climber, all tips are based on my experience. 

35. Check out the whole story here: Mount Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia

Guest Bloggers (Climbing Buddies Post):

• Mount Kota Kinabalu Hike by Ahdy
• Road to Discovery by Katharina

Have fun and be safe ^__^

Do you want more adventure?
Go ahead and check out my Backpacking Trip in Cambodia and see the ruins of Angkor Wat

Where am I going next?
My next adventure is Krabi, Thailand and swims with hundred of star-like bioluminescent phytoplankton under the sea because I just can't get enough of Thailand.