Important Notes

Mount Kinabalu Climb 2024 & 2025

Insider's Guide to Climbing Mount Kinabalu

Please take a minute to listen to your mountain guide(s) and read through these instructions. They may save your life: 

  • Identify your mountain guide(s) and travel with your group. 
  • Follow the instructions of your mountain guide(s) and notify them if you encounter any difficulties.  
  • Make sure to display your climbing permit at checkpoints located at Timpohon Gate and Sayat-Sayat while ascending and descending. 
  • If separated from your group or guide, follow the white rope marking the summit trail, especially in low visibility or darkness, for your own safety.  
  • The conditions at the summit can quickly change for the worse, with heavy fog potentially reducing visibility to just 3 meters and sudden rainstorms accompanied by winds up to 120 km/hr. It is recommended to hold onto the rope for guidance towards safety. 
  • If you happen to be separated from your mountain guide(s) and can no longer see the rope, it's crucial that you stop right away. Remain in place, and use your whistle to signal for help. It's important to not attempt to navigate on your own, as assistance is most likely on the way. The Park Officials at the Sayat-Sayat checkpoint will be alerted to your absence.

OVEREXERTION AND ACUTE MOUNTAIN SICKNESS:

  • Altitude sickness can affect each climber differently, with anyone being at risk. Mild symptoms include headaches, shortness of breath, dizziness, irritability, decreased concentration, and low energy levels. Serious symptoms can include severe headaches, chest tightness, nausea, and vomiting. 
  • To treat mild symptoms, drink plenty of water and eat. If the symptoms persist, do not continue climbing and instead stay at the same altitude or descend until they subside. If symptoms worsen, it's important to descend to a lower elevation, rehydrate, and rest. 
  • To have a successful climb, it's important to respect the mountain and its challenges. The last two kilometers to Laban Rata Resthouse are the most difficult part of the climb, so it's recommended to rest longer at Layang-Layang Shelter for proper acclimatization. Additionally, conserve energy when possible and take frequent short breaks instead of longer ones. When climbing, keep steps short and maintain your weight centered over your legs. 

DO NOT CLIMB IF you are suffering from or have a history of the following ailments: 

  • Heart Disease 
  • Hypertension 
  • Chronic Asthma 
  • Peptic Ulcer 
  • Severe Anaemia 
  • Diabetes 
  • Epileptic Fits 
  • Arthritis 
  • Palpitation 
  • Hepatitis (Jaundice) 
  • Muscular Cramps 
  • Obesity (Overweight) 
  • Any other sickness that may be triggered by severe cold, exertion and high altitude 
  • Climbing while pregnant is NOT recommended