Question 1

Hi! I saw your ‘5 Days Around Kinabalu’ reel on instagram and was wondering if you have any tips on how to get to and around Kundasang from Kota Kinabalu? Do you have any tips on travelling Kundasang? Thank you!

Question 2

Hi there, I’m trying to book the 2d1night climb for 3 people, what’s the best route? I al confused! Thanks

Accepted Answer

Hi Edward, for beginner climbers like you and your friends, we suggest taking the regular route for Mt Kinabalu. Check out the link below for more information:

https://www.seeksophie.com/experiences/kota-kinabalu-2d1n-mt-kinabalu-summit-includes-certificate-of-completion-o1ojqorvz4

But if you're an intermediate climber looking for a challenge, the 2D1N Mt Kinabalu Summit | Walk the Torq **Free Night at Kinabalu Pine Resort might be more your style. Here's the link:

https://www.seeksophie.com/experiences/kota-kinabalu-2d1n-mt-kinabalu-summit-wwt-route-free-night-at-kinabalu-pine-resort-o97jdq8wzg

Question 3

Hello, i consider myself an experienced hiker. Which route would you recommend best? Idealy the most scenic and with good challenge. Thank you

Accepted Answer

Hi Bea,

If you want something more adventurous, you can try this activity 2D1N Kinabalu Climb | Summit &amp; Low's Peak (Via Ferrata)

Question 4

How difficult is it to climb Mount Kinabalu?

Accepted Answer

Mount Kinabalu is a long, steep hike, but it doesn’t require technical climbing skills. The trail consists mainly of 600 flights of steps (in total), so you need reasonable fitness and endurance. If you’re doing the regular climb, it’s physically demanding but manageable.

However, if you choose the Via Ferrata routes, you’ll need better stamina, as these add extra climbing time (1-4 hours to the climbing time).

Question 5

What is the best time of year to climb Mount Kinabalu?

Accepted Answer

The dry season (March–August) is the best time, though weather is unpredictable year-round. The rainy season (December–January) increases the chances of wet trails and poor visibility.

Question 6

Can I climb Mount Kinabalu without a guide?

Accepted Answer

No, a mountain guide is mandatory under Sabah Parks regulations.

Question 7

What’s the minimum age and height requirement to climb Mt Kinabalu?

Accepted Answer

There is no official minimum age or height requirement for the standard summit climb. However, the climb is physically demanding, so young children should be in good physical condition and comfortable with long hikes. Parents should consider their child’s stamina before booking.For Via Ferrata routes, there is a minimum age of 10 years old, and minimum height requirement of 1.3m for Walk the Torq and 1.5m for Low’s Peak Circuit.

Question 8

How long does it take to reach the summit?

Accepted Answer

The climb is a 2-day, 1-night hike.Day 1: Climb for ~6 hours to reach the overnight accommodation.Day 2: Start at 2 AM, reach the summit in 4-5 hours, then descend.If you’re doing Via Ferrata, add 1-4 extra hours depending on your route.

Question 9

Can I climb Kinabalu on a day trip?

Accepted Answer

No, one-day climbs are no longer allowed. The park authorities now require all climbers to complete the hike over two days. If you have limited time, you can visit Kinabalu National Park and do shorter one day hikes.

Question 10

What happens if I cannot reach the summit of Mount Kinabalu?

Accepted Answer

There are three main reasons why climbers may not make it to the summit:1. Missing the time cutoff at Sayat-Sayat checkpointTo continue to the summit, you must reach Sayat-Sayat checkpoint by 5 AM. If you do not arrive in time, Sabah Parks rangers will not allow you to proceed for safety reasons.This cutoff is usually manageable if you have trained and are of moderate fitness.If you miss the cutoff, you can either wait at the resthouse until your group returns or descend early with a guide.2. Summit climb cancelled due to bad weatherSabah Parks may cancel the summit attempt if conditions are too dangerous, such as heavy rain or strong winds.This happens only a few times a year, but no refunds are given if the summit climb is cancelled.In most cases, climbers are still allowed to complete the hike up to the resthouse and stay overnight.3. Choosing not to continueIf you feel too tired or unwell after day one, you can choose to stay at the resthouse while the rest of your group climbs to the summit.You will then descend with your group when they return from the summit.

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Mount Kinabalu FAQs

Hi! I saw your ‘5 Days Around Kinabalu’ reel on instagram and was wondering if you have any tips on how to get to and around Kundasang from Kota Kinabalu? Do you have any tips on travelling Kundasang? Thank you!

Hi there, I’m trying to book the 2d1night climb for 3 people, what’s the best route? I al confused! Thanks

Hello, i consider myself an experienced hiker. Which route would you recommend best? Idealy the most scenic and with good challenge. Thank you

How difficult is it to climb Mount Kinabalu?

What is the best time of year to climb Mount Kinabalu?

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