Mount Kinabalu: one day climb in facts

Mount Kinabalu in the north of Borneo offers one of the most spectacular view. It may not be easiest to find information as you cannot just come and start the hike. You must be accompanied by a guide and number of spots each day is very limited. Therefore most opt for a two-day climb organized by a tour agency. If you like doing things on your own you might find my experience useful.

Why to climb in 2 days?
If you have ever been to this part of the world you know that particularly in rainy season the weather is pretty regular. Nights and mornings with clear sky, afternoon with rain. The rain can get pretty strong and it may be quite dangerous up on the mountain. In two days, you shouldn't have problem to get to the top. For the one-day climb you must pray that the rain comes later.

Also if you don't hike regularly, it might be better idea to divide climb into two parts as it allows you to enjoy yourself. Guides are not there to carry you and your experience will be ruined. Additionally, you will get to see the sunrise which must very different from what I could see in the afternoon.

On the other hand if you like challenges and want to save some money, do definitely the day climb. I think I might have been even a bit bored by the two day climb. Moreover, you get much more space for yourself. I was virtually alone on the mountain as I ran away from my guide. It was amazing experience. Probably much better than sharing the mountain with 200 hundred other tourists waiting for sunrise.

(You still can organize everything by yourself to save some money by showing up on spot few days before climb.)

One day climb in points:

• It is easy to get to the national park from Kota Kinabalu. Just show up at the center point bus terminal. Mini buses bound for Ranau are waiting there and leave once they are full. It costs 20 RM.
• If you have no one to have your climb arranged (like a tour agency, a friend, or one of the local lodges) arrive one day earlier in working hours; i.e. from Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  
  The reason is that you need to get a permit from the park ranger before climb (Mr. Daikin). You can then walk one of the many trails in the bottom parts of the park. I spent very pleasant afternoon hiking around.
• Arrange a place to sleep. I crashed in the first free lodge I found just few hundred meters away on the right looking from the Park Headquarters. It actually happened the be very cheap, only 20RM per night in dorm and you are provided with all you need. (I do recommend it: Bayu Kinabalu Lodge, 088-889693)
• Costs:
• Climbing permit: 100 RM
• Insurance: 7 RM
• Guide: 128 RM
• Transport (return ride to Timphon gate saves you from first 5 kms): 33 RM
• Entrance fee: 15 RM
• --> totally 283 RM
• Start early. Unfortunately the earliest time is 7 am as you need to get a guide.
  
  Since I arrived on weekend I could arrange the permit only when the office opened the next day at 8 am. The ranger didn't seem to be happy and agreed to the climb to Laban Rata (the last hut before summit). I made the way up quite quickly being at Laban Rata only in 2 hours at 10:30. Therefore the guide didn't mind we continued.
• There are time limits. You must get by 1 pm to the peak, otherwise you will have to turn to be back at the headquarters before sunset. I recommend to hurry in the first part to Laban Rata to enjoy more time up at the mountain. You will be glad you will have time to make more stops to catch breath and make some pictures.
• Sneakers are fine, I would actually recommend them as the trail is not really technique- demanding. First part are mostly stairs and the second part is granite stone which supports you quite well and is not slippery. You will thank this decision with each step you will take. Myself I ran up in my Nike Free Run shoes, to give you idea.
• Do the two day climb if you don't like stairs :-).
• Pray for good weather, good light, and enjoy yourself.