Mount Kinabalu: Scale a Real Life Giant
A quick look into Malaysia's tallest peak
Climbing Mount Kinabalu is an adventure that many people dream of. It is the highest mountain in Malaysia and one of the most prominent in Southeast Asia. It offers stunning views, diverse flora and fauna, and a challenge that will test your physical and mental strength. But how do you climb Mount Kinabalu? What are the different routes and what can you expect from each one? In this article, we will explore the answers to these questions and more, so that you can plan your ultimate Mount Kinabalu adventure.
“Climbing Mount Kinabalu was grueling, with steep inclines and challenging terrain, but I pushed on.”
– Travel with Lens
Mount Kinabalu has two main summit trails: the Ranau Trail and the Kota Belud Trail. Both trails start from Panalaban Basecamp (3,272m above sea level), where you will spend a night before your summit attempt.
The trails then diverge and meet again at Sayat-Sayat Checkpoint (3,668m), where you will register and get your climbing certificate. From there, you will continue to the summit of Low’s Peak (4,095m), the highest point of Mount Kinabalu.
“The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn’t it be? - it is the same the angels breathe.”
- Mark Twain
As the air is thinner up there with less oxygen, you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, fatigue, or shortness of breath. To prevent or minimize these effects, you should drink plenty of water, eat light and high-carbohydrate meals, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and ascend slowly and gradually.
The Ranau Trail is the standard and more popular route. It is 1.27km long from Panalaban to Sayat-Sayat, and takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete. It is moderately easy, with wooden staircases or steps carved out of rocks for most of the way. Ropes are installed to help you climb through some sections of the trail. The final part of the trail requires you to hike up a granite surface terrain, which can be slippery and steep. The Ranau Trail offers views of Mountain Torq’s Via Ferrata activities, such as Low’s Peak Circuit and Walk The Torq.
“Kinabalu’s via ferrata is the highest via ferrata in the world at 3776M, and the only via ferrata in South East Asia.” - Intrepid Travel
Low’s Peak Circuit and Walk The Torq are two Via Ferrata activities that you can do after summiting Mount Kinabalu. Via Ferrata means “iron road” in Italian, and it is a protected mountain pathway consisting of a series of rungs, rails, cables and bridges. It allows you to access scenic sections of the mountain that are otherwise difficult or impossible to reach. Low’s Peak Circuit is the world’s highest Via Ferrata at 3,776m above sea level. It is 1.2km long and takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete. It is suitable for experienced climbers who want to challenge themselves with steep slopes, overhanging walls and exposed traverses. Walk The Torq is a shorter and easier Via Ferrata at 3,520m above sea level. It is 380m long and takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete. It is suitable for beginners and families who want to enjoy the panoramic views of the mountain and the valleys below. Both Via Ferrata activities are guided by certified trainers who will provide you with safety equipment and instructions.
“You learn something valuable from all of the significant events and people, but you never touch your true potential until you challenge yourself to go beyond imposed limitations.”
– Roy T. Bennett–
The Kota Belud Trail: The route of challenges and triumph
The Kota Belud Trail is the alternative and less trodden route. It is 1.1km long from Panalaban to Sayat-Sayat, and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. It is moderately hard, with wooden steps only in the early stages of the trail. You will rely heavily on the ropes to guide you along the trail, which passes several boulders and overhangs. The final stages of the trail are the most challenging, as some parts are at an incline of 60 degrees. The Kota Belud Trail offers panoramic views of Panalaban Basecamp and Mt. Trus Madi, as well as a glimpse of the old route taken by Sir Hugh Low in 1851.
Both the Ranau and Kota Belud trails have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preference and fitness level. You will need special permission from Sabah Parks Authority to take the Kota Belud Trail, as there is a limit of 30 climbers per day for this route. You will also need a higher guide to climber ratio (1:3) for this trail, compared to the Ranau Trail (1:5). However, if you are looking for a more adventurous and less crowded route, the Kota Belud Trail might be a better option for you.
Whichever trail you choose, you will need to prepare yourself well for the climb. You will need to book your climb package in advance, as there are only 163 climb permits issued by Sabah Parks per day. You will also need to bring proper clothing, footwear, equipment, and snacks for the climb. You will need to follow the instructions of your guide and respect the rules and regulations of Sabah Parks. You will need to be aware of the risks and challenges of climbing Mount Kinabalu, such as altitude sickness, weather changes, fatigue, and injuries.
But most importantly, you will need to enjoy the climb and have fun along the way. Climbing Mount Kinabalu is not only a physical feat, but also a spiritual journey. It is a way to connect with nature, with yourself, and with others. It is a way to appreciate the beauty and diversity of this majestic mountain. It is a way to challenge yourself and discover your potential.
“We are now in the mountains and they are in us, kindling enthusiasm, making every nerve quiver, filling every pore and cell of us.”
- John Muir
So what are you waiting for? Climbing Mount Kinabalu is an experience that you will never forget. It is an experience that will enrich your life and inspire your soul. It is an experience that you should try at least once in your lifetime.
Mount Kinabalu: Scale a Real Life Giant
A quick look into Malaysia's tallest peak
Climbing Mount Kinabalu is an adventure that many people dream of. It is the highest mountain in Malaysia and one of the most prominent in Southeast Asia. It offers stunning views, diverse flora and fauna, and a challenge that will test your physical and mental strength. But how do you climb Mount Kinabalu? What are the different routes and what can you expect from each one? In this article, we will explore the answers to these questions and more, so that you can plan your ultimate Mount Kinabalu adventure.
“The view from the summit of Kinabalu is one of the grandest sights which can be imagined.”
– Sir Hugh Low
Mount Kinabalu has two main summit trails: the Ranau Trail and the Kota Belud Trail. Both trails start from Panalaban Basecamp (3,272m above sea level), where you will spend a night before your summit attempt.
The trails then diverge and meet again at Sayat-Sayat Checkpoint (3,668m), where you will register and get your climbing certificate. From there, you will continue to the summit of Low’s Peak (4,095m), the highest point of Mount Kinabalu.
“The air up there in the clouds is very pure and fine, bracing and delicious. And why shouldn’t it be? - it is the same the angels breathe.”
- Mark Twain
As the air is thinner up there with less oxygen, you may experience symptoms of altitude sickness, such as headache, nausea, fatigue, or shortness of breath. To prevent or minimize these effects, you should drink plenty of water, eat light and high-carbohydrate meals, avoid alcohol and tobacco, and ascend slowly and gradually.
The Ranau Trail is the standard and more popular route. It is 1.27km long from Panalaban to Sayat-Sayat, and takes about 1 to 2 hours to complete. It is moderately easy, with wooden staircases or steps carved out of rocks for most of the way. Ropes are installed to help you climb through some sections of the trail. The final part of the trail requires you to hike up a granite surface terrain, which can be slippery and steep. The Ranau Trail offers views of Mountain Torq’s Via Ferrata activities, such as Low’s Peak Circuit and Walk The Torq.
“Kinabalu’s via ferrata is the highest via ferrata in the world at 3776M, and the only via ferrata in South East Asia.”
- Intrepid Travel
Low’s Peak Circuit and Walk The Torq are two Via Ferrata activities that you can do after summiting Mount Kinabalu. Via Ferrata means “iron road” in Italian, and it is a protected mountain pathway consisting of a series of rungs, rails, cables and bridges. It allows you to access scenic sections of the mountain that are otherwise difficult or impossible to reach. Low’s Peak Circuit is the world’s highest Via Ferrata at 3,776m above sea level. It is 1.2km long and takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete. It is suitable for experienced climbers who want to challenge themselves with steep slopes, overhanging walls and exposed traverses. Walk The Torq is a shorter and easier Via Ferrata at 3,520m above sea level. It is 380m long and takes about 2 to 3 hours to complete. It is suitable for beginners and families who want to enjoy the panoramic views of the mountain and the valleys below. Both Via Ferrata activities are guided by certified trainers who will provide you with safety equipment and instructions.
“You learn something valuable from all of the significant events and people, but you never touch your true potential until you challenge yourself to go beyond imposed limitations.”
– Roy T. Bennett
The Kota Belud Trail:
The route of challenges and triumph
The Kota Belud Trail is the alternative and less trodden route. It is 1.1km long from Panalaban to Sayat-Sayat, and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. It is moderately hard, with wooden steps only in the early stages of the trail. You will rely heavily on the ropes to guide you along the trail, which passes several boulders and overhangs. The final stages of the trail are the most challenging, as some parts are at an incline of 60 degrees. The Kota Belud Trail offers panoramic views of Panalaban Basecamp and Mt. Trus Madi, as well as a glimpse of the old route taken by Sir Hugh Low in 1851.
Both the Ranau and Kota Belud trails have their own advantages and disadvantages, depending on your preference and fitness level. You will need special permission from Sabah Parks Authority to take the Kota Belud Trail, as there is a limit of 30 climbers per day for this route. You will also need a higher guide to climber ratio (1:3) for this trail, compared to the Ranau Trail (1:5). However, if you are looking for a more adventurous and less crowded route, the Kota Belud Trail might be a better option for you.
Whichever trail you choose, you will need to prepare yourself well for the climb. You will need to book your climb package in advance, as there are only 163 climb permits issued by Sabah Parks per day. You will also need to bring proper clothing, footwear, equipment, and snacks for the climb. You will need to follow the instructions of your guide and respect the rules and regulations of Sabah Parks. You will need to be aware of the risks and challenges of climbing Mount Kinabalu, such as altitude sickness, weather changes, fatigue, and injuries.
But most importantly, you will need to enjoy the climb and have fun along the way. Climbing Mount Kinabalu is not only a physical feat, but also a spiritual journey. It is a way to connect with nature, with yourself, and with others. It is a way to appreciate the beauty and diversity of this majestic mountain. It is a way to challenge yourself and discover your potential.