If you're planning to embark on an exciting adventure to the summit of Borneo's highest mountain, Mount Kinabalu, you've come to the right place. We believe that knowledge is key when it comes to climbing Mount Kinabalu, and our "Complete Mount Kinabalu Climbing Guide" provides a step-by-step explanation of what to expect during the climb, from the moment you set foot on the mountain to the moment you reach the summit. It is specifically designed for beginners or first-timer and will provide you with everything you need to know before climbing Mount Kinabalu. So, what are you waiting for? Book your climb with us today and get ready to experience the thrill of climbing Borneo's highest mountain!

• It is imperative to book your climbing tour at least 6 months in advance due to the limited availability of accommodations and conservation regulations. 
• Be sure to confirm that your tour operator is licensed and your passport is valid for at least 6 months prior to your arrival in the destination country. 
• Secure your climbing permit prior to purchasing your flight tickets. 
• For an optimal experience, it is recommended to spend 3 days and 2 nights on the mountain to let your body get used to high altitudes, rather than only 2 days and 1 night.  
• A 2-day, 1-night accommodation package is available 30 days prior to the climbing date; however, these packages tend to be fully booked. 
• It is not advised to travel to Kota Kinabalu and climb on the same day, and then return to your hometown on the same day after the climb.  
• If you have any particular dietary needs, please let us know so that we can accommodate them, as the Laban Rata Restaurant may not be able to meet all special dietary requirements due to the buffet-style service.  
• To prepare for the climb, it is important to exercise regularly and to start training in advance. 
• If you suffer from or have a history of heart disease, hypertension, chronic asthma, peptic ulcer, severe anaemia, diabetes, epileptic fits, arthritis, palpitations, hepatitis (jaundice), muscular cramps, obesity, or any other condition that might be triggered by low temperature, exertion, or high altitudes, it is not recommended to climb Mount Kinabalu. 
• You can find a packing guide and other information on Mount Kinabalu Packing Idea.

• Begin at a slow, consistent speed and avoid overexerting yourself. 
• The distance from Timpohon Gate to Panalaban is roughly 6km, which takes anywhere from 4 to 6 hours to reach. 
• There are signs installed every 500 meters along the trail up to Panalaban base camp. 
• Restrooms are set up at every shelter for free, but you must bring your own toilet paper. 
• The trail can be dangerous after rain so take extra care and do not leave the path.  
• Do not leave litter; keep the mountain clean. If there is no bin around, take the rubbish with you. Rubbish bins can be found at all shelters. 
• There is a shelter at every kilometre where you can take a break, use the restroom, discard your garbage, and refill your water (unprocessed mountain water – bring some water purification tablets to prevent any stomach issues). 
• Mountain guides may not keep the same pace as you, as they have to always stay with the last person of the group. 
• It is safe to climb alone, but it is advisable to hike with partners.  
• Utilize your trekking poles to help you ascend the steep areas. 
• Please do not shout, pick flowers, pluck leaves, take stones or any other item from the mountain. 
• Leave nothing behind except your footprints and take only pictures.  
• As you ascend to a higher zone of the mountain, the vegetation and air will become less dense. To avoid altitude sickness, move slowly and drink plenty of water. 
• Have a break at each rest area to adjust to the height. If you experience altitude sickness, stop right away and only resume if you feel better.  
• Time management is essential for those who booked Via Ferrata activities. All climbers must reach the Pendant Hut before 4 pm for a compulsory safety briefing. 
• Temperatures could drop significantly from the 5th shelter, so put on your warm clothes to stay warm. 

• At an altitude of 3,272 meters, Panalaban is the last stop before beginning the journey to the peak of Mount Kinabalu. Everyone is required to stay here overnight before they can proceed.
• Temperatures usually range from 12 to 15 degrees Celsius.
• Accommodations include Laban Rata Resthouse, Pendant Hut, Panalaban Hostel (Mokodou & Kinotoki), and Lemaing Hut.
• To avoid feeling chilly after arriving at the hut, it is advised to change out of wet clothes before sitting down for a meal.
• The check-in and check-out times for Laban Rata Resthouse are 1 pm and 10.30 am respectively, while Pendant Hut is from 2 pm to 4 pm in and before 12 pm out.
• The only eatery at Panalaban is Laban Rata Restaurant, which no longer provides hot water/drinking water for climbers. Mineral water can be bought for RM 7 for 500 ml and RM 14 for 1.5 liters. Coffee and tea are served during breakfast and supper.
• Next to the restaurant, there is a small grocery store provides a selection of beers, drinks, snacks, gloves, socks and more.
• Dinner will be served between 4:30 pm and 7 pm, along with a la carte menu.
• At Pendant Hut and Panalaban Hostel, there is a drinking water machine.
• Further information regarding accommodations can be found on the Mount Kinabalu Accommodation page.
• All rooms at Panalaban are non-heated, and come with a blanket or sleeping bag, mattress, pillow, and bedsheet.
• The highest post box, certified by the Malaysia Book of Records, is located at Pendant Hut.
• To ensure that all climbers can rest peacefully, please be mindful of your noise and keep the area quiet.

• To lighten your load, you can leave behind any unnecessary items in your mountain hut.
• Pack only the essentials for the summit hike, including a headlamp which is crucial for night hikes as it frees up your hands.
• Waterproof gloves with good grip are recommended, as you will need to hold onto the white rope frequently.
• Don't forget to bring your climbing ID tag with you at all times.
• A 1-liter water supply should suffice, as you won't feel thirsty in cold temperatures.  
• The distance from Panalaban to Low's Peak summit is around 2.8 km and there are markers every kilometer.
• The climb from Panalaban to the summit usually takes 3 to 5 hours, depending on your fitness.
• The Ranau Trail has replaced the old damaged trail and starts from Panalaban (previously known as Laban Rata) to Sayat-Sayat Check Point. It is nearly vertical with steep sections of wooden steps with a 70-80-degree incline, and some sections lack wooden steps, requiring you to haul yourself using a fixed rope over large boulder. Move slowly and cautiously, and always follow the white rope for safety.
• The cut-off time for the last checkpoint, Sayat-Sayat Check Point, is 5:30 am.
• You will need to show your climbing permit to the officer at Sayat-Sayat Check Point to receive your climbing certificate.
• The only restroom along the summit trail is located at Sayat-Sayat Hut.
• Low's Peak Circuit climbers must arrive at KM 7.5 - Via Ferrata starting point before 6:30 am, and Walk the Torq climbers must arrive at the Via Ferrata starting point – Sayat-Sayat before 7:15 am.
• Late arrival will result in disqualification from the Via Ferrata activity.
• The best chance of clear mountain views is during the early morning hours.
• Be prepared for cold, wind, and rain, as temperatures at the peak can be below 5°C and windy conditions can make it worse.
• The last part of the climb is on a bare granite rock, so move slowly and carefully.
• Only a few people can stand at the photo-taking signage at a time, so be prepared to wait your turn.
• After reaching the top of Mount Kinabalu, there will be a wait in the pre-dawn cold before sunrise, so it's important to keep warm.
• Remember that the sunrise takes place as early as 5:30 am to 6:00 am, so don't miss the chance to see this beautiful sight.
• A small water pond near the summit offers a beautiful reflection photography chance.

• Going down the mountain put more stresses on your knees and muscles than climbing up. To avoid joint and muscle pain, descend slowly.
• Keep your balance over your legs at all times.
• When descending, take a zig-zag, sideways or s-shaped path instead of going straight down to protect your toes and knees.
• If using trekking poles, adjust their length accordingly. Short poles will make you lean forward, disturbing your balance.
• Before leaving your room, make sure you have left nothing behind.
• Take the shuttle bus from Timpohon Gate to Kinabalu Park HQ.
• When collecting your stored luggage from Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, don't forget to claim it before your transfer back to Kota Kinabalu city.
• If you hired a porter, make sure to retrieve all of your belongings before departing for Kota Kinabalu city.
• Finally, don't forget your achievement certificate, which can be collected from the team before your return trip to the city.