Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu
4.5
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4.5
1,466 reviews
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349
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74
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Terrible
23
Emirrul Rashid
Johor Bahru, Malaysia262 contributions
Nov 2023 • Friends
First and foremost is the preparation to hike this mountain.
Second important is to engage a good hiking company - For us is Mr. M ( Trusted Agent Mountain Kinabalu )
On 6th November we fly in from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu International Airport. We were fetch by Mr.M driver and Syam ( friendly young driver ) and brought us to Kundasang. We stayed in D’Villa Rina Ria Lodge.
Our package for climbing the mountain we chose was 4D3N.
We slept at a comfy room with all meals were provided. Every meals are tasty food and cook fresh from their kitchen.
Second day the driver Syam came with his van and brought us to Kinabalu Park for registration and introduce who is our guide.
After all the necessary briefing we were group up with total of 10 pax and start climbing at 9:00am
The trail climbing up to Panabalan or Laban Rata is long walk… with 6 resting hut and having our pack lunch at Layang Layang Hut. As the terrain change from tropical forest to bonsai trees. We did a total of 6 km of hike and reach Panabalan ( BASE CAMP ) around 4:30pm just to be ready for dinner.
With a scenic view at Panabalan during sunset we have our sumptuous tasty dinner at Restaurant…in the middle of the mountain.
Early sleep ( around 7:00pm) and then woke up at 1:30am. We have some bread and noodle at 2:00 pm. Then another briefing by our guide to reach the summit. The trail were in darkness with our headlight over our head, we hike to ward the summit. The trail is extreme treacherous and cold ( temperature between 4-8 degree Celsius ) for another 3 kilometres. Finally manage to reach summit to catch the sunrise.
After the photo taking at summit we double back down to Panabalan to have our breakfast.
And then we continue descend down to our starting point at Timpohon Gate.
While heading down, two of our group members were injured. Our hiking Operator Mr.M are very very reliable, firstly he arrange for us to reach back our D’Villa Rina Lodge safely. With Mr.M reliable assistance and Guide, our injured friends were assisted until all are reach back at our lodge safely.
This is his contact number just in case anyone interested - +6013 521 1004
He also has Facebook account that you can see the updates.
Lastly is he says what he promise and deliver it👍👍👍👍
Second important is to engage a good hiking company - For us is Mr. M ( Trusted Agent Mountain Kinabalu )
On 6th November we fly in from Singapore to Kota Kinabalu International Airport. We were fetch by Mr.M driver and Syam ( friendly young driver ) and brought us to Kundasang. We stayed in D’Villa Rina Ria Lodge.
Our package for climbing the mountain we chose was 4D3N.
We slept at a comfy room with all meals were provided. Every meals are tasty food and cook fresh from their kitchen.
Second day the driver Syam came with his van and brought us to Kinabalu Park for registration and introduce who is our guide.
After all the necessary briefing we were group up with total of 10 pax and start climbing at 9:00am
The trail climbing up to Panabalan or Laban Rata is long walk… with 6 resting hut and having our pack lunch at Layang Layang Hut. As the terrain change from tropical forest to bonsai trees. We did a total of 6 km of hike and reach Panabalan ( BASE CAMP ) around 4:30pm just to be ready for dinner.
With a scenic view at Panabalan during sunset we have our sumptuous tasty dinner at Restaurant…in the middle of the mountain.
Early sleep ( around 7:00pm) and then woke up at 1:30am. We have some bread and noodle at 2:00 pm. Then another briefing by our guide to reach the summit. The trail were in darkness with our headlight over our head, we hike to ward the summit. The trail is extreme treacherous and cold ( temperature between 4-8 degree Celsius ) for another 3 kilometres. Finally manage to reach summit to catch the sunrise.
After the photo taking at summit we double back down to Panabalan to have our breakfast.
And then we continue descend down to our starting point at Timpohon Gate.
While heading down, two of our group members were injured. Our hiking Operator Mr.M are very very reliable, firstly he arrange for us to reach back our D’Villa Rina Lodge safely. With Mr.M reliable assistance and Guide, our injured friends were assisted until all are reach back at our lodge safely.
This is his contact number just in case anyone interested - +6013 521 1004
He also has Facebook account that you can see the updates.
Lastly is he says what he promise and deliver it👍👍👍👍
Written November 11, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ralph W
Suzhou, China882 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Was für eine Erfahrung ...
Wir haben den Mt Kinabalu kurz vor Weihnachten bestiegen - eine tolle Erfahrung aber leider auch etwas frustrierend:
We (3 adults 1 kid with 7 year) started to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu on Dec 21st 2019, on the first day everything went well an we reached the basecamp/hostel after the planned 5 hours. In the next night we also started as planned around 2:30am. Shortly after, a light rain started that got heavier and heavier. Anyway, we passed the last checkpoint and made our way towards the summit - until, suddenly, less than 1 hour to the summit, people were returning. The reason was that the rain was so much that the guides judged as not safe and strongly requested everyone on the mountain to return. Hiking with a 7 year old kid, and seeing the situation on the way down (a lot of water and water streams we had to cross) I 100% agree to decision of the guides.
But this is why we did not made it to the summit but only to approx 4060 m (according the certificate we received).
Wir haben den Mt Kinabalu kurz vor Weihnachten bestiegen - eine tolle Erfahrung aber leider auch etwas frustrierend:
We (3 adults 1 kid with 7 year) started to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu on Dec 21st 2019, on the first day everything went well an we reached the basecamp/hostel after the planned 5 hours. In the next night we also started as planned around 2:30am. Shortly after, a light rain started that got heavier and heavier. Anyway, we passed the last checkpoint and made our way towards the summit - until, suddenly, less than 1 hour to the summit, people were returning. The reason was that the rain was so much that the guides judged as not safe and strongly requested everyone on the mountain to return. Hiking with a 7 year old kid, and seeing the situation on the way down (a lot of water and water streams we had to cross) I 100% agree to decision of the guides.
But this is why we did not made it to the summit but only to approx 4060 m (according the certificate we received).
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Soko37
Budapest, Hungary14,432 contributions
Feb 2024 • Family
We were planning to hike part of trail up the hill. Then after reading some info, it got clearer, it is for more experienced mountaineers, planning is essential for time, equipment, it is not for random trip but more days in Kinabalu park , the hike takes two days . For inexperienced people, the park below mountain is perfect enough, with restaurants and botanic garden 🪴 . For making a hike up there, you should spend preparation some months ahead.
Written February 10, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen K
Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia7 contributions
Jun 2023
7 of us booked with Borneo Amazing Tour. The service is good and all the queries were responded timely. Thanks to Jenniewee Charlie and all support team members. The mountain guides Sefery & Dunson are skillful and experienced. It is certainly an unforgetful experience to climb Mt. KK. The trek is well-maintained and walk at your own pace. With good stamina and patience, one can climb out the summit.
Written July 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geraldine
Keningau, Malaysia7 contributions
Mar 2022
I went there solo on March 2022, aiming for the via ferrata for the first time, and I was so thankful for my solo experience. Luckily I got the discounted price, so I wont comment much on the price. Due to the risk it takes to complete the ferrata, for me, it was worth the experience satisfaction. The walk the torq's guides/trainers were also very helpful and friendly. They even ask for permission to help me to put on the safety wear when I cant put it on me by myself. Adrian, Henry and Aiezron, all trainers did gave us clear instructions on how to operate the carabiner and lanyard throughout the trail so that we can have safe experience. This for-beginner ferrata's experience was one of my best experience and surely I will come again for the longer trail at the Low's Peak Circuit! Thank you for the very good services. Keep it up!
Written March 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria P
Singapore, Singapore23 contributions
Mar 2023 • Friends
It is not an easy hike. You
Must be physically fit and prepare good shoes, clothes, sticks etc . You can pay for your bag to be carried up and down. The second day is more challenging. Knee support is a great help. On the way to the peak the “danger zone” with the rope can be a difficulty for unprepared climbers. Check out the video on youtube, so you’ll know what awaits you. It is a great experience, but it will test your stamina , knees and agility.
Must be physically fit and prepare good shoes, clothes, sticks etc . You can pay for your bag to be carried up and down. The second day is more challenging. Knee support is a great help. On the way to the peak the “danger zone” with the rope can be a difficulty for unprepared climbers. Check out the video on youtube, so you’ll know what awaits you. It is a great experience, but it will test your stamina , knees and agility.
Written March 23, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy Netherclift
18 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
Fantastic experience to challenge you mentally and physically. We went through Amazing Borneo tours and our guide was Danson Bulangai whose expertise, knowledge of the mountain, great English and humour ensured we made it to the summit. Highly recommend this company and we had the best guide ever. Thank you for the experience!
Written September 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aya
Kyoto, Japan22 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
Nice climb. I did 1N/2D trip to the summit and it was intense though was fun at the same time.
The path are well maintained and relatively easy though there is no up and downs but constant climbing to the summit and the vice versa.
I went there in early March 2020, and my guide said there are usually 100 climbers every day - I met quite a lot of foreign tourists - they are mostly in groups.
The path are well maintained and relatively easy though there is no up and downs but constant climbing to the summit and the vice versa.
I went there in early March 2020, and my guide said there are usually 100 climbers every day - I met quite a lot of foreign tourists - they are mostly in groups.
Written April 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maryam R
Bandar Baru Bangi, Malaysia46 contributions
Feb 2022 • Friends
It was not an easy feat, but I had fun and managed to reach the summit before sunrise. I wish I took 2 nights at Panalaban. 2 says 1 night felt a bit too rushed, descending wasnot a fun experience compare to climbing the mountain. I thought to myself that it would be my 1st and last to climb Mt Kinabalu but 2 days after I am already planning for the nrxt trip to try out via ferrata. Wonderful experience, great climb, mother nature at its best.
Written March 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
A N I F
2 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
Myfamily stayed in Kg.Mersilau 5D4N, nearest lodge facing Mount Kinabalu.Wonderful views around fresh air far from havoc city. Lots of activities nearby too.. hope to visit again.
Written January 20, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I’m looking to climb Mount Kinabalu in May but was wondering what I need to climb it without booking through a tour agency? I know I need a guide but I read that you can book a guide at the national park
Written February 1, 2025
Hi,
Has anyone got interesting experiences of wildlife that they spotted when hiking on the mountain?
I'd love to hear more!
Thanks
Written November 4, 2020
Hallo,
Een vraagje, is de berg te beklimmen met 2 fitte jongens van 9 en 11 jaar? Zijn wel avontuurlijk ingesteld allebei!
Wij willen gaan in Juli 2020.
Thnx!
Written November 14, 2019
Hi! I'm looking for a group to climb Kinabalu in early Jan 2020! Contact me if you're willing to share the guide price :)
Cheers,
Jacopo
Written October 27, 2019
Hi, Can anyone advise if there are camping grounds in the 1-2 hour radius of Kinabalu airport? We are a group of 4 friends who are looking to do the 2D1N climb and camp a night after reaching the base just to have a bbq and beer and fly out the next day morning.
Written October 9, 2019
Hi, Can anyone advise if there is public transport or transportation from KK city/airport to kundasang/ranau area?
Any recommendation for car rental company?
Thanks
Written September 25, 2019
Как попасть на тур восхождение на гору кинабалу планируем отпуск с 22 октября по 1 ноября.
Written August 28, 2019
Please advise tour operators, thanks!
Written July 30, 2019
I am a budget Backpacker and I can't believe how extraordinary expensive it is to climb a mountain that's not even a famous mountain in the world. It's not even the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia. It's only the sixth tallest. Complaining aside, can anybody give me advice about the cheapest price to climb the mountain? Is it more expensive to book online? I've heard that it's cheaper to just show up and go tour operator hopping...
Written June 12, 2019
you can book with lemaing hostel. And self arrange transportation to the park. engage guide in the park. This is the cheapest way.
Written September 25, 2019
Hello! We are planning on doing the Mount Kinabalu 1N/2D hike with the via ferrata. We are planning on booking with River Junkies. They mentioned that, in case the weather is too bad and the Park Rangers decide to close the summit, the money will not be refunded. Of course that scares us off a bit. Does anyone know if that happens a lot? Does anyone know how many times per year (approx.) they close the summit because of bad weather? Just so I can calculate the risk a bit :). Thansk!
Written February 20, 2019
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