2 Days 'Walk The Torq' Via Ferrata on Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

There are 2 new trails leading up to Mount Kinabalu summit from Laban Rata; Kota Belud Trail, and Ranau Trail. Currently only Ranau Trail is completed and available to climbers as of 1 December 2015. It is several hundred meters longer from the old summit trail providing a little more excitement.
Only 120 climb permits will be issued per day by Sabah Parks.

Timpohon Trail from Kinabalu National Park is the main trail to ascend up to Laban Rata and descent. Mesilau Trail from Mesilau Park has not been repaired and remains closed indefinitely.

Finding it difficult to get a place to stay at Laban Rata or Mount Kinabalu? This package will get you a bed and it adds a thrilling via ferrata adventure as well.

At 3,776 meters Mountain Torq's via ferrata has the world record as the highest via ferrata in the world on top of Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is the first via ferrata in Asia. They have also been awarded by the Guiness Book of Records for being the world's highest via ferrata. Mountain Torq is also Asia's first mountaineering training center.

The via ferrata team are a group of dedicated and passionate outdoor enthusiasts who came together to bring the excitement of mountaineering activities to people of all ages at Mount Kinabalu. They are also qualified mountain climbers and educators, safety is their utmost priority and so is personal responsibility. The route and equipment is routinedly checked and assessed by qualified via ferrata specialists to ensure the adventure is safe while providing the high tension excitement!

Go with the Low's Peak Circuit if you want to have the best via ferrata thrill on Mount Kinabalu and the most memorable or rewarding experience on the highest mountain in South East Asia. Remember... it's not everyday you climb up one of the highest mountains in the world and Asia. Don't waste the opportunity.

The via ferrata was featured on Discovery Channel's Passage to Malaysia Sabah Highlands episode. See trailer below.

Walk the Torq (WTT) 

Duration 2 hours
Suitable for ages 10 to 70 years old
Grading - Easy
Take your first steps on the world's highest via ferrata and learn how to walk the Torq.
WTT is an initiation for those who want to build their confidence in via ferrata climbing.

KEY FACTS
- Highest point at 3,520m a.s.l.
- Length of route 430m
- Vertical height traverse 109m
- Capacity: There maximum of 40 slots for WTT available per day. 10 persons to one via ferrata guide.

HIGHLIGHTS
- Walk like a monkey on the Monkey Bridge
- Zip on the Tyrolean traverse
- Be an acrobat on the Balancing beam

Frequently Asked Questions

Accommodation

Pendant Hut at 3,270 meters above sea level is Mountain Torq's exclusive accommodation with a capacity of 30 people at one time. The cozy accommodation with a nice view has a dining area, non-heated rooms with dormitory-bunk beds, a small pantry and common bathrooms with water heaters that produce, at best, lukewarm water due to the cold water temperatures. Beds come with sleeping bags and  pillows but no teddy bears.

Electricity is available 24 hours however there may be times when there are power outages. No cooking is allowed at Pendant Hut. Hot cooked food is available at Laban Rata Guesthouse Cantee.

What happens if there is bad weather when i'm on the mountain?

There are fixed starting times for the via ferrata which you will briefed at Pendant Hut. In the case of bad weather not subsiding, Mountain Torq via ferrata guides will make the decision if it is safe to go on the via ferrata. Your Sabah Park mountain guide will decide if it is permissible go up to the summit. There are no refunds for unused portions or if you are late on meeting times.

If you are worried about bad weather on the mountain preventing you from your mission to reach the summit or to walk on the via ferrata then consider the 3 day Via Ferrata program instead. The extra night gives you a back up day.

Itinerary and Rates (in Malaysian Ringgit and per person)

Below provides a general idea of the itinerary.

Day 1
Find own way to Kinabalu Park HQ
8:00 am Arrive at Kinabalu Park HQ. (2 hours drive from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park HQ)
Compulsory pre-check in at Mountain Torq’s office with each participants valid passport or Malaysian Identity Card then proceed to make arrangement at Sabah Park counter (Own arrangement – you may do this a day before)
Meet your self arranged Sabah Park mountain guide. Transfer to Timpohon Gate or Mesilau Park (Own arrangement)
8:30 am Start hiking up Mt Kinabalu from Timpohon Gate @ 1,866m
3:00 pm Arrive at Pendant Hut @ 3,289m and settle in
3:30 pm Attend the mandatory via ferrata familiarization in Pendant Hut and meet your Mountain Torq trainer
6:00 pm Dinner at Laban Rata’s canteen
8:00 pm Lights out
 
Day 2
1:30 am Wake up and early morning supper
2:30 am Start hiking up to the summit with your Sabah Parks’ mountain guide
5:40 am Catch the sunrise on Low’s Peak
6:00 am Descent from Low’s Peak
7:15 am Meet your via ferrata guide at Sayat Sayat Hut @ 3,668m for your Walk the Torq via ferrata experience (introductory via ferrata, French grade PD)
9:30 am Return to Pendant Hut for a well earned breakfast
11:00 am Check out of Pendant Hut and descent to Timpohon Gate or Mesilau Trail with your Sabah Parks’ mountain guide
5:00 pm onwards, Arrive at Timpohon Gate or Mesilau Park
Head to the Kinabalu Park HQ to collect certificates if you are successful for Via Ferrata and buy some souvenirs. 

What is included?

Activities indicated above itinerary

What is excluded?

Any other items not listed in the inclusion list

What to wear or bring?

Clothes
Raincoat or waterproof jacket
Warm clothing like fleece jacket, hiking pants
Change of clothes for sleeping
Protective Gear
Cap / beanie / head scarf (to keep warm at night and in the early morning)
Gloves that suitable for holding icy cold cables and ropes (very