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Via Ferrata on Mount Kinabalu
The name via ferrata, or via ferrate (plural) originates from an Italian word ‘Via Attrezzata’ (fully equipped road), which means routes that are secured by handrails, ladders, cables or lifelines.
Launched in mid-December 2007, The Mountain Torq Via Ferrata is a mountain ‘trail’ made up of iron rungs, palettes (footholds), cables and rails that are wrapped around the North face of Mount Kinabalu. WHOA is honored to have been Mountain Torq's third guest walking on this historical establishment. It has sealed its place in record and history books as the highest via ferrata in the world and the first real via ferrata in Malaysia and possibly the whole of South East Asia.
Starting originally with 3 routes; Walk the Torq, The Low’s Peak Circuit and The Preamble, Mountain Torq have now discontinued the Preamble route which is in essence an ascent of Low's Peak Circuit route. Therefore, there are now only 2 routes available with variations in length of stay. The via ferrata starts at Mount Kinabalu Panar Laban Rock Face (approximately 3,300 meters) and reaches its highest point at 3,800 meters.
Other activities available are intro to sports climbing (single pitch), intro to sports climbing (multi pitch), sports climbing level 1, sports climbing level 2, intro to rappelling (abseiling), rappelling (abseiling) level 1, and intro to rope ascending.
Pendant Hut at 3,270 meters above sea level is Mountain Torq's exclusive accommodation with a capacity of 30 people at one time. Dormitory-bunk beds in non-heated rooms. Common bathroom with heaters which can produce at best lukewarm water due to the cold water.
Another accommodation at 3,668 meters above sea level is The Sayat-Sayat which accommodates 10 people at a time, with a dormitory-bunk bed type. Non heated. This lodging is usually reserved for advanced rock climbers heading out to different peaks.
WHOA Adventures has the most competitive prices on Mountain Torq's Via Ferrata activities on Mount Kinabalu. Our discounted rates have made us very popular. We make it simple to arrange your Mount Kinabalu visit with our special valued packages.
Getting There
The Mountain Torq Via Ferrata is 88 kilometers away from Kota Kinabalu, or 1 hour and 30 minutes away by road transportation.
By bus, visitors can take a bus headed to Kundasang or Ranau at the City Bus Terminal (North). Buses from Kota Kinabalu to Ranau are available from 7.30a.m to 5p.m; bus fare is RM15 per person.
To return to Kota Kinabalu, take a bus across road outside Kinabalu Park (reconfirm with Kinabalu Park reception counter) headed to Kota Kinabalu.
By taxi, visitors can take the Ranau taxi at the Ranau taxi stand (next to the Merdeka Field) or request from the hotel lobby. From Ranau Taxi station, taxi fare charged is RM160 per taxi; while from hotel lobby, taxi fare charged is RM300 per taxi.
For a return trip to Kota Kinabalu, take a bus from Poring Hot Springs to Ranau town. From Ranau town, find a taxi back to Kota Kinabalu.
Visitors can also rent a car and drive by themselves.