Kota Kinabalu (KK) is the state capitol of Sabah. Supposedly area around KK is full of exciting outdoor activity destinations. These included white water rafting, mountain climbing, biking, etc. KK is sandwiched between Crystal Clear Blue Ocean and the tallest mountain in Southeast Asia – Mount Kinabalu. The mountain is the third tallest in Southeast Asia behind Hkakabo Razi of Myanmar (Burma) and Puncak Jaya of New Guinea (Indonesia). In other words, Mount Kinabalu also the tallest in Malaysia and on the island of Borneo.

The best time to come to Mount Kinabalu is during the dry season from February to April. Dryer periods of several days also often occur in the inter-monsoon season, between August and September. Kinabalu Park HQ is the good place for you to start and enjoy climbing moment. To gain access to the park you need to get a permit. However, this is not available at the park entrance, you only can be get it in KK.

Refer to Ruhaizad Daud, there are two most important things that you have to do before you go to Kinabalu Park HQ are accommodation and fees and equipment preparation. It is important to book well ahead of time. The distance from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park HQ is about 90 kilometers. For a proper appreciation of your climb, it is essential for you to spend 3 days and 2 nights at the mountain. So, the first thing you have to do now is try to make reservations for your stay on the first night at Kinabalu Park HQ with Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. They have various types of accommodations from a 28-bedded hostel to an exclusive lodge for you to choose. Most of the climber chooses the hostel because it is cheap and usually they will only stay there for only one night. You will start your climb on the next morning.

The next thing that you have to do is to book a place in Laban Rata, a place for you to stay on the second night. There are also various types of accommodations in Panar Laban for you to choose. Because of the limited availability, heated rooms are only available at Laban Rata Resthouse. You will start the next continuation of your climb (Summit Trail (night climb)) to the summit early on the next morning. You will not be allowed to climb if you do not have a place to stay in Laban Rata. You are not allowed to camp there.

Last of all, enjoy the journey of attempting conquer Mount Kinabalu. I believed that it might be the best trip and memorable experience that you ever been.

Kota Kinabalu Travel Guide