Mountain Climbing in Kota Kinabalu

One of the most beautiful hikes in Asia that is beginner friendly
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What other guests say
4.9
|
182 reviews
Service was great and guide, Efrey, was fantastic. Expensive for foreigners and local staff not paid enough
Glenn Elder
I did Mount Kinabalu with Seek Sophie and would highly recommend them. Olivia, my main point of contact was fantastic. She genuinely cares and is personally invested in making sure everything is as smooth as possible.
Bikash Pathak
Hotel Pickup, Guide and full package was arrnaged by them, to the point where restaurant was booked for lunch after the climb down
Vijayachelvan

Helpful Questions

What is the altitude of Mount Kinabalu?
The summit of Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia stands at 4,095 meters (13,435 feet) above sea level, making it the highest mountain in Malaysia and one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia.
Why Climb Mount Kinabalu?
Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Borneo (Malaysia) is a UNESCO world heritage site, the highest mountain in Malaysia and one of the most beautiful climbs we’ve been on. While it is challenging, it is also beginner-friendly so you can easily train for it within one month which is a big plus. We love the mountain because it takes you up so many distinct and gorgeous landscapes over the course of one short climb. You start in the Borneo rainforest, which then opens up to an enchanted garden landscape with giant bonsai-tree looking plants, and when you reach the summit it looks like you're walking on the moon.
Can beginners climb Mount Kinabalu?
Yes it's a very beginner-friendly trek! Trekking up the mountain is basically just climbing a lot of steps - approximately 600 flights of steps in total up and down. From the start point to the summit, you'll have 8.5k, of trekking and the same distance back down. It takes approximately 6 hours of hiking on the first day, and 10-12 hours of trekking on the second day. It's suitable for novice hikers with a moderate level of fitness. We would recommend strength and aerobic training at least a month before your climb. Ideally prior to the climb you should be comfortable with 10km of trekking at a moderate pace, with a 8-10kg backpack. Please note that you'll need to be fitter if you're intending on doing either of the via ferrata routes (which are basically additional activities off the side of the montain after you summit). If you're doing those routes, then you'll need to add an additional 1-4 hours to your climbing time, which will make it more tiring descending the mountain.
How do I book a Mount Kinabalu climb?
You can book a Mount Kinabalu climb through a local tour operator on Seek Sophie. The local tour operator will procure a climbing permit for you from the park and organise your trip logistics, such as transport to the park.
What is the best time of year for mountain climbing in Kota Kinabalu?
The best time for mountain climbing in Kota Kinabalu is between March and September, when the weather is cooler and drier.
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