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Basic Mount Kinabalu Climbing Packages
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The basic Mount Kinabalu climb packages listed here only include accommodation and food at the base of the mountain (Kinabalu Park or Poring Hot Spring), and on Panalaban aka Laban Rata, near the summit. 2 of the 4 packages includes a visit to Manukan Island and an overnight stay at the very comfortable Manukan Island Resort.
The packages do not include a tour guide. Participants will find their own way to Kinabalu Park where they will arrange Sabah Parks mountain guide, permit, insurance, and pay other fees at the Sabah Parks office. The packages are for independent travellers who want the basics, have the freedom to explore, and happy to endure the inconveniences found with non-full service programs.
About Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu or known to the indigenous tribes as Akinabalu, is located in Kinabalu National Park, Malaysia's first World Heritage Site. It is one of the highest peaks in South East Asia and one of the easiest mountains to climb as there are many stairs and rest areas.
Panalaban or Laban Rata (3,272 metres above sea level) sits on a small patch on the side of Mount Kinabalu which provides basic accommodation and a restaurant for mountaineers to rest and recharge before heading up to Low's Peak or the summit in the early morning to catch the sunrise.
Sabah Parks, the authority which manages all nature parks in the state requires a licensed Sabah Park mountain guide to accompany all visitors up and down the mountain.
Laban Rata Guesthouse
Laban Rata Guesthouse is the main lodging to rest before continuing up to the summit. It is located at Panalaban or formerly known as Laban Rata and Panar Laban. The Laban Rata Resthouse is a building with accommodation and a restaurant. The dining area has a verandah. There are dormitories with bunk beds with common baths, and 3 heated private rooms with private bathrooms.
| Accommodation | No. of Unit | Beds/person | Type of Facilities |
| Laban Rata Resthouse | 1 | 60 Beds (bunk bed) | Common Bathroom, Restaurant Area |
| Laban Rata Private Room 1 | 1 | 2 person | Attached Bathroom, Heater Shower, Room Heater, Restaurant Area |
| Laban Rata Private Room 2 | 1 | 2 person | Attached Bathroom, Heater Shower, Room Heater, Restaurant Area |
| Laban Rata Private Room 3 | 1 | 6 person (bunk bed) | Attached Bathroom, Heater Shower, Room Heater, Restaurant Area |
All rooms are basic quality. Beds come with blanket, bed sheets, pillow but no teddy bear.
You won't need to bring much food (unless you have a high metabolic rate or have special diet requirements) as food from the Laban Rata Guesthouse restaurant is included in the package. Hot water is always available.
Electricity and water supply is usually available the whole day.
Manukan Island
Manukan Island is the second largest island in the Tunku Abdul Rahman National Park, Malaysia's first marine national park. It is located off the coast of Kota Kinabalu and reachable with a 20 minute boat ride.
The 4 days program includes a stay at the beach side Manukan Island Resort which is located away from the common beach for day trippers. The very comfortable resort has a pool, spa treatment, offers water and land recreational activities apart from other modern facilities as expected of 3-4 star lodging.
Packages and Rate (in Malaysian Ringgit and per person)
Valid for 2016
| Package | Duration | Description |
| A | 3D2N |
Kinabalu Park + Panalaban Accommodation: 1 x night stay at Room / Lodge (Kinabalu Park) 1 x night stay at Panalaban 11,000 feet Meals: |
| B | 3D2N |
Poring Hot Spring+ Panalaban Accommodation: 1 x night stay at Room / Lodge (Poring Hot Spring) 1 x night stay at Panalaban 11,000 feet Meals: 2 way transfer Kinabalu Park - Poring - Kinabalu Park |
| C | 4D3N |
Kinabalu Park + Panalaban + Manukan Island Accommodation: 1 x night stay at Room / Lodge (Kinabalu Park) 1 x night stay at Panalaban 11,000 feet 1 x night stay at Villa – Room / Lodge (Manukan Island Resort) Meals: Return boat transfer from KK – Manukan Island - KK |
| D | 4D3N |
Poring Hot Spring + Panalaban + Manukan Island Accommodation: 1 x night stay at Room / Lodge (Poring Hot Spring) 1 x night stay at Laban Rata 11,000 feet 1 x night stay at Villa – Room / Lodge (Manukan Island Resort) Meals: Return transfer from Kinabalu Park - Poring - Kinabalu Park |
Run of House, or ROH, means the lodging will decide which bed or room will be provided.
Rates apply to both adult and child.
| RATES FOR MALAYSIAN | ||||
| Package | Run of House | Dorm | ||
| A | 878 | 709 | ||
| B | 700 | 657 | ||
| C | 2130 | 1960 | ||
| D | 1951 | 1908 | ||
| RATES FOR INTERNATIONAL | ||||
| Package | Run of House | Dorm | ||
| A | 1190 | 974 | ||
| B | 920 | 890 | ||
| C | 2442 | 2225 | ||
| D | 2226 | 2142 | ||
PRIVATE ROOMS AT PANALABAN/LABAN RATA
If Private Rooms (Laban Rata Private Room 1/2/3) are required, there is an additional fee of RM300 per room per night for private room for 2 persons and an additional of RM750 per room per night for room with 6 persons stay on top of the rates stated above.
Mount Kinabalu Climbing guide, permits and other Sabah Parks Fees are EXCLUDED. This is to be arranged and paid by all climbers onsite at the Sabah Parks counter at Kinabalu Park HQ. You may arrange this the day before or the same morning of your trek in person.
Itinerary
B-Breakfast, PL-Packed Lunch, L-Lunch, D-Dinner
Day 01 KOTA KINABALU – KINABALU PARK LODGE or PORING HOT SPRING (D)
Find own way to Kinabalu Park or Poring Hot Spring. Check-in at front desk and receive further information on room and meals. Overnight
Day 02 [PACKAGE A & C] MOUNT KINABALU (B,PL,D)
After breakfast, gather at Kinabalu Park Office to self-arrange Sabah Parks mountain guide and pay necessary fees, permits and transport to Timpohon Gate.
Depending on individual fitness level, trek 5-7 hours to Panalaban (11,000ft). Check-in to Laban Rata Guesthouse
After breakfast, gather at Kinabalu Park Office to self-arrange Sabah Parks mountain guide and pay necessary fees, permits and transport to Timpohon Gate.
Depending on individual fitness level, trek 5-7 hours to Panalaban (11,000ft). Check-in to Laban Rata Guesthouse
Day 02 [PACKAGE B & D] PORING HOT SPRING - KINABALU PARK (B,PL,D)
After breakfast, check out and follow scheduled transfer to Kinabalu Park Headquarters. Visit Sabah Park counter to self-arrange Sabah Parks mountain guide and pay necessary fees, permits and transport to Timpohon Gate.
Depending on individual fitness level, trek 5-7 hours to Panalaban (11,000ft). Check-in to Laban Rata Guesthouse
After breakfast, check out and follow scheduled transfer to Kinabalu Park Headquarters. Visit Sabah Park counter to self-arrange Sabah Parks mountain guide and pay necessary fees, permits and transport to Timpohon Gate.
Depending on individual fitness level, trek 5-7 hours to Panalaban (11,000ft). Check-in to Laban Rata Guesthouse
Day 03 MT. KINABALU SUMMIT – LOW’S PEAK – KOTA KINABALU (B,L)
Wake up very early at 0200am and have supper before commencing ascent towards Low's Peak with your Sabah Park mountain guide. The climb takes about three hours with a chance for a breathtaking sunrise. Descent back to Laban Rata Restaurant for breakfast, check out and trek down to Timpohon Gate and continue on to Kinabalu Park HQ collect your Certificate of achievement (at own cost).
END of program for PACKAGE A & B. Find own transport to Kota Kinabalu
[PACKAGE C& D] Find own way to Jesselton Jetty (KK) for scheduled boat transfer to Manukan Island.
Check-in Manukan Island Resort. Overnight.
As you will be quite exhausted from the descent, we suggest you to pre-arrange your return transport to wait for you at Kinabalu Park or even from Timpohon.
Day 04 [PACKAGE C& D] MANUKAN ISLAND (B)
After Breakfast, you may depart back to Kota Kinabalu following the scheduled boat times.
END
What does it include?
Accommodation, meals and certain transfers
What does it exclude?
Sabah Parks mountain guide, permits, entrance fees, insurance, certificate of achievement, transportation, tour guide and items not mentioned
Find out Mount Kinabalu Climbing guide, permits and other Sabah Parks Fees
What to wear or bring?
Keeping your weight light is the best trekking and climbing advice for any location. Quality outdoor gear offers you this light weight materials. Keep it simple.
Wear good hiking shoes (running shoes NOT suitable for granite surfaces and mud), breathable quick dry clothing, bring a raincoat/wind, (important) tough climbing gloves (to hold cold and coarse ropes/cables at summit) and hiking pole (highly recommended - to reduce impact on knee joints and thigh muscles).
Bring water proof day haversack, hat, flashlight/torchlight/headlamp, a set of clean clothes, personal medication, insect repellent, sun block, extra batteries for your gadgets (there are limited charging points on the mountain), snacks and water (there are numerous water stations along the trek to refill). If you have a sensitive stomach you will need to bring extra mineral water. Boiled water water is available at Laban Rata Resthouse or you can boil your own at the huts.
If you are sensitive to cold temperatures, bring along extra warm clothing or blanket. It can get very cold.
For Manukan Island, bring sun block, insect repellent, sandals, sunglasses and beach towel.
There is baggage storage at Kinabalu Park HQ. Charges apply.
Getting Here
Checkout Airasia, Malaysia Airlines and several other international airways that fly into Kota Kinabalu.