Skip to main content
Trekkers on the final push to the summit of Mt Kinabalu - Mount Kinabalu Climb, Malaysia
Trekkers on the final push to the summit of Mt Kinabalu  | Brad Atwal
The route to the summit of Mt Kinabalu is steep - Mount Kinabalu Climb, Malaysia
The route to the summit of Mt Kinabalu is steep  | Brad Atwal
Head to the summit for dawn for specatacular views back down to Kota Kinabalu - Mount Kinabalu Climb, Malaysia
Head to the summit for dawn for specatacular views back down to Kota Kinabalu  | Brad Atwal
The route up Mt Kinabalu is steep - Mount Kinabalu Climb, Malaysia
The route up Mt Kinabalu is steep  | Brad Atwal
The different trail conditions to the summit of Mt Kinabalu - Mount Kinabalu Climb, Malaysia
The different trail conditions to the summit of Mt Kinabalu  | Brad Atwal
Laban Rata Guesthouse on Mt Kinabalu - Mount Kinabalu Climb, Malaysia
Laban Rata Guesthouse on Mt Kinabalu  | Brad Atwal

Mount Kinabalu Climb

Climb the highest peak in Borneo

Malaysia

 4 reviews

4 Days from

$1590 USD

Trip Code: KIC
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Single Supplement
$90 USD
Solo Traveller Supplement
$380 USD
Duration
  • 4 Days
Activities
  • 3 day trek
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 1 night hotel
  • 1 night lodge
  • 1 night mountain hut shared facilities
Meals
  • 2 Dinners
  • 3 Lunches
  • 3 Breakfasts
Difficulty Grading  
5 / 10

Moderate

Carbon Footprint  

116kg of CO2-e PP per day

(348kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

  • Summit Mt Kinabalu and witness a spectacular sunrise
  • Enjoy local markets in Nabalu

Overview

Climbing Mount Kinabalu is one of Asia’s most accessible high-altitude adventures, perfect for active travellers seeking an unforgettable personal challenge. At 4,095m (13,435ft), this towering granite massif is the highest peak in Borneo and the crown jewel of Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its extraordinary biodiversity. The climb is demanding but non-technical, making it ideal for fit and determined hikers who want to experience the rare thrill of reaching a summit above the clouds without needing mountaineering experience.

After a night in Kota Kinabalu, the journey begins with a scenic drive into the highlands, pausing at the colourful markets of Nabalu before reaching the park at 1,500m (4,921ft). The cool mountain air and mist-draped forest set the scene as we settle into our simple but comfortable lodge in the national park. The next morning, we begin the climb, ascending through shifting forest zones—rich with pitcher plants, orchids, birds and butterflies—on a well-established trail to Laban Rata Resthouse at 3,272m (10,735ft). This high-altitude lodge is not only a place to rest, but also a rewarding destination in itself for those not wishing to summit, offering striking mountain views and a real sense of being in the alpine world.

For those pushing on, the summit attempt begins around 2am under torchlight, reaching Low’s Peak in time for a spectacular sunrise. Watching the sun rise over Sabah from 4,095m is a moment of pure exhilaration, and a worthy reward for the effort. After a celebratory descent, a hearty lunch and your certificate of achievement await at park HQ before returning to Kota Kinabalu—tired, elated, and with memories to last a lifetime.

Itinerary

Expand all | Collapse all

Arrive Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Meet with your driver, and then transfer to your hotel. Check-in and the rest of the day is at leisure. Ovenight: Horizon Hotel Kota Kinabalu or similar

Meals: Nil

Check-out after breakfast and depart early morning from your hotel on a leisurely drive, stopping at Nabalu. Meander through the local markets lfruit and vegetable stalls and perhaps shop for some unique handicrafts. The drive on to the Kinabalu National Park, some 1500m above sea level on the slopes of impressive Mount Kinabalu. It showcases lowland and alpine vegetation on a scale unrivaled elsewhere in the world. You’ll see rare butterflies and vegetation. And if you’re lucky, you’ll catch a glimpse of the largest flower in the world, the Rafflesia! Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage site, Kinabalu Park is one of the world’s most important biological sites. Dinner and overnight. Accommodation: Kinabalu National Park Lodge or similar. NB: Porters are available and can be organised on arrival at the Kinabalu Park HQ. The minimum weight required is 10kg. Should your bag weigh less than 10kg, the charge will still be calculated based on 10kg. On average you can expect to pay MYR 140.00 per round trip Timpohon - Panalaban - Timpohon for a 10kg bag and this is to be paid directly to the porter. Costs are subject to change without notice.

Meals: B,L,D

Breakfast is served at the Park Restaurant. Thereafter, you will collect your packed lunch. Proceed to the Park HQ to register for the climb, meet your assigned mountain guide and apply for your ID TAG. Remember to wear your ID TAG at all times. You'll then be transferred to starting point – Timpohon Gate– where your journey and quest to the summit of Borneo’s highest mountain begins! The climb will take approximately 4-5 hours. The trek will pass by different vegetation zones from Oak and Chestnut to mossy and eventually to alpine type of vegetation. Arrive and check into one of the assorted Laban Rata accommodations at 3272m above sea level, in the late afternoon. Buffet Dinner at Laban Rata restaurant and overnight. Accommodation: Laban Rata Hut – Dormitory bunk beds with shared bathroom.

Meals: B,L,D

Wake up for early at around 2am. Enjoy some supper to begin with and depart for your journey towards the summit of Mount Kinaalu. The trek up to the Low's Peak at 4,093m will test your fitness and determination. Depending on the speed of trekking, you might be able to experience the glorious sunrise over the majestic Mt. Kinabalu if the weather permits (0700hrs approximately). Descend back to Laban Rata for a late breakfast and climb check out. Trek down to Timpohon Gate for transfer back to the Kinabalu Park Headquarters to collect your well earnt Certificate of Achievement. A buffet lunch will be served at the Balsam restaurant in Kinabalu Park. Then transfer back to Kota Kinabalu City for your departure or onward arrangements.

Meals: B,L

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

365 scheduled departures between 29 Aug 2026 and 29 Oct 2027.

  • Departs 29 Aug 2026 – ends 1 Sep 2026 (4 days)
  • Departs 30 Aug 2026 – ends 2 Sep 2026 (4 days)
  • Departs 31 Aug 2026 – ends 3 Sep 2026 (4 days)
  • Departs 1 Sep 2026 – ends 4 Sep 2026 (4 days)
  • Departs 2 Sep 2026 – ends 5 Sep 2026 (4 days)
  • Departs 3 Sep 2026 – ends 6 Sep 2026 (4 days)
  • … and 359 more departures.
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • 3 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners
  • 1 local mountain guide (English speaking)
  • 2 night hotel & lodge accommodation and 1 nights in mountain hut on a multishare basis with shared bathroom facilities
  • Return transfers from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu National Park shared basis
  • National park permit fees
  • Sightseeing and entry fees as per itinerary
  • Airport arrival transfer

Not included

  • International airfare, Visa, Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals and beverages not indicated in the program
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, phone calls, alcohol etc
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Porters costs for the trek to Mt Kinabalu (MYR 140 per porter, paid locally. Not exceeding 10kg)
  • Additional mountain guides (MYR 350 if required, paid locally)
  • Compulsory Malaysia Tourism Tax (MYR10 per room/night, collected & payable at hotel)
  • Early/ Late hours transfer surcharge (transfer between 2200hrs – 0700hrs, subject to a surcharge)

Reviews (4)




So well organised and communicated. All our queries and concerns were promply addressed.

Katia Flanigan|Brisbane, QLD Australia
29 Feb 2024


Exceptional trip, awesome adventure and the local guide was brilliant.

Paul Flanigan|Brisbane, QLD Australia
27 Feb 2024


Everything was up to its usual high standard!

E. Hall|Gordon, NSW
5 May 2019

Brendan|NSW, Australia
26 Oct 2025

Responsible Travel

Extra trip info

Laban Rata Guesthouse dining hall | Brad Atwal

Laban Rata Guesthouse

Laban Rata Guesthouse is where you stay on Mt Kinabalu. It is a dormitory setting and pillows, sheets and blankets are supplied. There may not be hot water in the showers. An early dinner then a snack before the summit attempt is supplied, then a breakfast on your descent.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.
Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.
Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.
Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings. 

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run. 

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route. 

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

Guaranteeing A Great Malaysia Trip

Pioneering World Firsts
Quality equipment
Quality accommodations
Innovative itineraries
Custom built, reliable transport
Our all inclusive approach

Multi Award Winning Adventures

Responsible Travel

Adventure Experts Since 1975

Search Filters