Climbing Mount Kinabalu: A Hike to the Highest Point in Borneo
The Adventure Begins
A few years ago, if you had asked me what the words “Adventure Hikes” brought to mind, I would’ve eagerly launched into a bravado story about climbing Mount Kinabalu-the highest peak in Borneo. It’s a tale that starts with a wedding in Sydney, Australia, and ends with me freezing at the summit of a mountain, losing my passport, and missing my flight home. But, like all great adventures, the journey was full of surprises, mistakes, and incredible experiences.
A Whirlwind Journey to Borneo
The journey to Mount Kinabalu was as much of an adventure as the climb itself. After attending a wedding in Sydney, I found myself making a last-minute decision to head to Borneo. With some quick thinking (and a little bit of charm), I managed to rearrange my connecting flight in Singapore, bus my way to Johor Bahru, and catch a 2.5-hour flight to Kota Kinabalu.
My goal? To summit Mount Kinabalu–4,101 meters of rocky terrain, and one of the tallest mountains in Southeast Asia. It’s a challenging two-day hike, but the chance to witness the sunrise from Low’s Peak, the summit, made every hurdle worth it- even if it is grossly over priced.
Climbing Mount Kinabalu: A Two-Day Journey
The climb itself is divided into two distinct parts, spread over two days. It’s a fair hike, but you don’t need any special mountaineering skills-just a good level of fitness, determination, and a sense of adventure.
- Day One: The Ascent to Laban Rata
The first day involves a 6-kilometer hike to the resthouse called Laban Rata, which sits at 3,272 meters. The trail is a mix of steep, rocky stairs that seem endless, and by the time you reach Laban Rata, your legs will definitely feel the burn. The final stretch before reaching the resthouse is particularly steep, but the views along the way are spectacular. - Day Two: Summit Push to Low’s Peak
The second day begins before dawn, around 2 AM, when you begin the final ascent to Low’s Peak. It’s a 2.7-kilometer climb that takes you to the summit just in time to catch the sunrise. There’s something magical about watching the sun rise from the highest point in Borneo, with nothing but the vast landscape stretching out below. The cold is biting, and I remember freezing at the top-but the experience is something I’ll never forget.
The Via Ferrata: For the Adventurous
For those looking for an extra thrill, Mount Kinabalu also offers a special route called the Via Ferrata. This path includes a series of cables, bridges, and ladders fixed to the mountain’s rock face. It’s an exhilarating way to experience the mountain, even for those without climbing experience. If you want to combine hiking with an adrenaline-pumping rock climb, this is definitely the way to go. as i write this im refereing to the note i made on the bus back to KK. but upon reflection i must state that i was on a inense two week trip taking me from London to Johannesbury to Capetown to Perth to Sydney then to SIngapore befire heading to Dubai and the nfinally back home. the time zones where playing havoic with my sleeping as did the. beer fro mthe wedding and so atthis stage in the trip, everything rewuared effeort.
Planning the Climb: What You Need to Know
Climbing Mount Kinabalu requires some planning, but you don’t need to join an official tour group. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
- Guides Are Mandatory – You’re required to hire a guide to accompany you on the climb. This is a safety measure to ensure that no one gets lost or injured on the trail.
- It’s Not Cheap – Climbing Mount Kinabalu isn’t a budget-friendly hike. Between the permits, guide fees, and accommodation at Laban Rata, costs can add up. But the experience is well worth the investment.
- Accommodation at Laban Rata – You’ll need to book a bed at the Laban Rata resthouse, where you’ll spend the night before the final summit push. It’s a simple, cozy spot to rest after the first day’s hike.
- No Special Training Required – While the hike is challenging, you don’t need special mountaineering training to complete it. Just be prepared for steep, rocky terrain and bring enough stamina for a two-day climb.
The Cost of Adventure (And a Little Mishap)
After summiting Mount Kinabalu and taking in the incredible views, my adventure took a sharp turn. I realised I had lost my British passport somewhere along the trail and, in a panic, tried to leave Kota Kinabalu using my Barbadian passport. However, the immigration officer informed me that I needed the stamp from my British passport to exit the country or a note from the local police.
Cue the panic. I couldn’t remember where I had last seen it, but then it hit me-I had used it to check into the hotel the night before. Racing back to the hotel, I took the same taxi, this time for a quarter of the original fare. I told the driver to wait because I’d be heading straight back to the airport. he smiled.
I dashed into the hotel, breathless, and asked the front desk if they had found my passport. They hadn’t, but then the receptionist mentioned that my room hadn’t been cleaned yet. I bolted upstairs, and there it was-under my check-in receipt, next to the bed-my missing passport, complete with the exit stamp I needed. I rushed back downstairs, jumped into the waiting taxi, and sped back to the airport. this time i paid. Half my original fare.
Unfortunately, I still missed my flight. Panic ensued again as I stood in the terminal, trying to figure out what to do. I scanned the departure board and noticed a flight to Johor Bahru at th every top of the screen – perfect for connecting back to Singapore and catching my flight to Dubai. I hurried over to the Malindo Air desk, found a lady sitting at a tiny counter, and asked if there were any seats available. She checked and said yes.
For just £30, I managed to buy a seat on the flight-a stroke of incredible luck! Within minutes, I was through security and boarding the plane, my passport safe in hand. Despite the chaos of the day, I felt like I had won, as everything fell back into place just in time
It’s these little mishaps that turn a memorable trip into an unforgettable story. The total cost for this mistake? A mere £30. Adventure, after all, comes with its own price!
Conclusion: A Hike Worth the Effort
Climbing Mount Kinabalu was one of the most challenging and rewarding hikes I’ve ever done. (but im not sure if this would be the same feeling if i went again or if i hadn’t have had the week which I had previously. Nevertheless, from the steep trails to the cold summit, it’s an experience that pushed me physically and mentally. Whether you’re an avid hiker or just someone looking for an adventure, summiting Borneo’s highest peak is an incredible experience. Just be sure to plan ahead-and maybe double-check that you have your passport before you leave!
