If you're planning on going to Sabah (Malaysian Borneo) and have already done some research on climbing Mt. Kinabalu, you've probably quickly realized that it's not exactly cheap to sign yourself up for physical duress. Many prices quoted on the Internet are quite steep and have many travelers wondering whether it's worth forking out their well-earned ringgit.
What we can say is the climb is definitely worth it, but paying more than you have to isn't. This guide is intended to help those wanting to climb Mt. Kinabalu find the best deal for their needs. Since we climbed ourselves in 2013, we have updated this guide several times and continue to do so.
Climbing Mt. Kinabalu is becoming increasingly popular and with only 135 climbing permits issued per day, we recommend booking your climb well ahead of your trip to avoid disappointment. You should note that April to June is the high season, and Chinese New Year is also a busy period (sometime in late January to mid-February, depending on the year's lunar calendar).
Mt. Kinabalu climb at a glance
Mt. Kinabalu is one of the highest mountains in South-East Asia at 4,095.2m above sea level. A summit climb from the trailhead covers 8.72 km. You will cover the first 6km on Day 1, before sleeping in a mountain hut (mandatory) and waking in the early hours of the morning of Day 2 to complete the final 2.72km ascent to the summit in the hopes of arriving in time for the sunrise. You will then complete the entire descent the same day. Expect climbing times to be: 4-5 hours on Day 1, around 3 hours to the summit on Day 2, and 6-9 hours down (Don't worry, you will be able to stop at the mountain huts again on the way down for “second breakfast” and will receive lunch once you get back to Park HQ).
Mt. Kinabalu climbing difficulty
We would rate Mt. Kinabalu’s climbing difficulty as a medium. Many tour operators list the climb as a 4 out of 5 for difficulty/exertion. How difficult you find the climb will depend on your own fitness level, and while the climb is both physically and mentally challenging, most people report that it is perfectly do-able for beginners with a reasonable fitness level.
Mt. Kinabalu climbing options
2D1N
The two-day one-night option is the shortest and most popular package currently available for those wanting to summit Mt. Kinabalu.
**Please note that 2D1N packages can now only be confirmed within 30 days of the climbing date and are subject to limited availability. Priority is given to those doing 3D2N packages and Via Ferrata (outlined below), which can be booked further in advance. This is the official policy of Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, who manage the accommodation on the mountain (a mandatory part of the booking process), so please be wary of any third-party tour provider who claims to be holding a place for you for a 2D1N package further than one month in advance as your place will not be confirmed on the mountain. They could be taking a gamble with your climb in the hopes that they can secure your spot 30 days out.
1D Summit
1D summit climbing options for serious climbers were available in the past. However, as of December 2015, one-day permits have no longer been issued. While Sabah Parks state that this is temporary, there is no indication as to if or when 1D summit permits will be resumed.
3D2N
Given the 30 day rule now applied to 2D1N packages, many tour providers also offer a three-day two-night option. This is essentially the 2D1N package with an extra night’s accommodation within or close to Kinabalu Park, either the night before or the night after the climb, and possibly other activities, added on.
Some tour providers offer even longer packages. Again, you won’t be getting extra nights on the mountain (summit trail) itself, but rather within or close to Kinabalu Park. These tours will likely be a combination package, with other activities and meals included.
Via Ferrata
For those wanting to exert themselves further, you can also book summit packages that include Via Ferrata. With this option, for part of the climb you will be hooked up to a harness and will be scaling rock faces that give you incredible views. This is more along the lines of rock climbing or mountaineering and should only be considered if you do not have a fear of heights and/or are willing to conquer them.
There are two Via Ferrata options on Mt. Kinabalu.
Walk the Torq
This is the best option for beginners wanting to try the Via Ferrata experience. The course is a length of 390m (109m vertical traverse) with the highest point at a height of 3,520m above sea level. Highlights include the Cable Monkey Bridge, Tyrolean Traverse and balancing beam. This course takes approximately 2-3 hours.
Low’s Peak Circuit
This option is for more experienced climbers and active individuals. The course is 1.1km in length with a vertical traverse of 365m. The highest point is 3,776m above sea level, making it the world’s highest Via Ferrata! It also includes one of the world’s highest suspension bridges at 3,600m. It takes approximately 4-6 hours to complete and requires above average levels of fitness. As this is a physical demanding course, there are packages available both with/without the Mt. Kinabalu summit.
Mt. Kinabalu Day Trip Hiking
For those who don't wish to summit but would like to experience the natural beauty of Mt. Kinabalu, there are a number of hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty on the lower reaches of the mountain that require no booking whatsoever. Simply turn up to Kinabalu Park and pay the RM15 entrance fee.
Mt. Kinabalu Trail Options (for summit climbs)
Trailhead to Laban Rata
Timpohon Trail
Currently there is only one starting point option and that’s this one starting from Timpohon Gate at 1,866m. Mini buses operate between Mt. Kinabalu Park HQ and the Timpohon Gate. Most tour packages include this transfer fee (usually RM17 per person one-way, based on a group of 1-4 people plus mountain guide).
Mesilau Trail
Please note that the alternative Mesilau Trail is currently closed.
Both trails combine at the 4km point at the Layang-Layang Shelter at 2,702m. From there, it’s another 2km to the Laban Rata Resthouse (Panalaban) at 6km (3,273m above sea level). This is where you will stay the night. You should note that you may be staying at another mountain hut at Panalaban within walking distance of Laban Rata where meals are served.
Laban Rata (Panalaban) to Summit
There are now 2 trails from Panalaban to the summit.
New Ranau Trail
This is a slightly different route to the previous Ranau Trail, diverted due to the earthquake that affected the mountain in mid-2015. This is the main trail and the one that was used by all climbers until the Kota Belud trail was introduced.
Kota Belud
This trail was opened on December 9, 2016, as an alternative to the Ranau Trail. It is said to be more challenging and permission needs to be sought in order to take it. It was introduced with view to it being an alternative descent trail should the Ranau Trail become impassable in case of emergency.
Both trails meet at the Sayat-Sayat checkpoint at the 7.5km mark (3668m above sea level).
Mt. Kinabalu Tour Providers
New Mount Kinabalu tour providers and packages are becoming available all the time. On the plus side, it has made the market more competitive. On the other hand, it can be hard to wade through all the options and know which ones are reputable.
Below is a list of companies used by readers of this blog and their experiences with booking and doing the Mt. Kinabalu climb with them. We endeavour to keep this list as neutral as possible, outlining the pros and cons of each. Wherever possible we also try to include current pricing. If you receive a different quote, please let us know so we can keep the numbers as up-to-date as possible. Whichever tour company you decide to go with, we’d love to know about your experiences in the comments. And if you’re looking for a climbing partner to help bring down costs, you can also take a look at the climbing partner requests in the comments, or feel free to post your own.
Please note that there are Park Fees issued by Sabah Parks that are mandatory for all climbers, regardless of tour provider. These include, the park entrance fee (RM15), climbing permit (RM212), climbing insurance (RM7) and mountain guide (up to 5 people) (RM230). The shuttle bus between the park entrance and the gate is optional but recommended (RM34 to/from Timpohon Gate). Many tour providers will include these items as part of their packages, but you should confirm.
Please note that this pricing is for international climbers. Malaysian climbers are eligible for discounts on some of these prices.
For a full breakdown of park costs (effective as of 1st January 2016) for both Malaysians and non-Malaysians, please see the following PDF from Sabah Parks:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/v3ii3gzigt8m214/Sabah%20Parks%20Fees%20NEW.pdf?dl=0
Some options for booking your climb:
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (formerly Sutera Harbour)
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges have been a go-to tour operator for travellers for many years. They manage the accommodation on the mountain (mandatory for all climbers) so they dominate the market in that regard, selling spaces to other tour providers who then onward sell them as part of their own packages, hence why Sutera themselves can do the accommodation at a cheaper rate. Since they are in charge of the accommodation, they are the only provider who technically can offer the 2D1N package further in advance than 30 days at their own discretion.
Approximate cost: RM1,272-1,469 (2D1N), RM1,959 (3D2N)
For the sake of being able to more easily compare Sutera’s prices to those of third-party agents, we’ve added the mandatory Park Fees and optional minibus transfer from Park HQ to the trailhead to the prices listed above. As the costs from KK to Kinabalu Park vary, we haven’t added them, but you should keep this in mind when comparing Sutera to all-inclusive packages that include an arranged transfer. The cost of getting from KK to Kinabalu Park can range from RM25 one-way (if you’re willing to take the infrequent public bus), and up to several hundred ringgit for a taxi (it’s a 2 hour journey).
Click here for more information about how to get from KK to Kinabalu National Park.
Perhaps the biggest complaint about Sutera is their lack of communication. Their website is currently not operational and even when it is, there isn’t any clear information on the packages they provide or how much they cost. Potential climbers therefore need to email them to get information on prices and availability, and while some people get quick responses, many report that it takes them a considerable amount of time to get back. The emails they monitor also seem to be constantly changing, hence we have created the following list of email addresses.
Readers of this blog have reported that they have been able to get through to Sutera and make successful bookings with them through the following email addresses. If you find that some of these no longer work or you receive correspondence from new ones, please let us know and we will update the list.
info@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my (This is the email address they officially direct potential customers to)
sales@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
reservations@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
reservations.hq@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
ssl.reservation@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
In summary:
Pros: Cheapest in principle (although this gap is closing due to their non-inclusive packages and increased competition); booking confirmation is clear as to what is/isn't included; services delivered.
Cons: Can take some time for them to respond via email and they tend to change the emails they monitor frequently; they don’t have all-inclusive packages that include transportation to/from Kota Kinabalu; the Park Fees must be paid in cash on arrival at Park HQ.
As their website is currently under construction, please visit their Facebook page for more info.
Borneo Trails
Borneo Trails is becoming an increasingly popular choice for our readers. With reasonable package costs including transfers to/from KK, they are now a strong competitor in the market.
Approximate cost: From January-March 2017 – RM1560 (2D1N based on 2 pax+), RM2045 (solo climbers); April-December 2017 – RM1690 (2D1N based on 2 pax+), RM2215 (solo climbers)
RM1680-2220 (2D1N with Via Ferrata – Walk the Torq); RM1850-2390 (2D1N with Via Ferrata – Low's Peak Circuit).
According to their website, they also offer 3D2N packages, however, the price is not published and they have yet to respond to our enquiries to confirm.
Pros: All-inclusive packages; several readers of this blog have used them and were satisfied with their service.
Cons: Nothing specific to report at this stage, however, we are monitoring email response times.
More information on their website: www.borneotrails.com
Borneo Calling
Borneo Calling is an up and coming tour operator that claims to give its customers the best possible experience at a wallet-friendly price.
Approximate cost: RM1560-1950 (2D1N), RM1690-2100 (2D1N with Via Ferrata – Walk the Torq), RM1850-2280 (3D2N), RM2060-2580 (3D2N with Via Ferrata – Low's Peak Circuit)
These prices are based on groups of 1-4 people. Cheaper packages for larger groups are also available.
While they aren't yet mentioned much online, they have been extremely responsive to our emails and have a growing number of positive reviews.
Pros: Extremely responsive to enquiries; their packages include a private mountain guide (no sharing with other groups) and private transfers (apart from the shuttle bus from Park HQ to the trailhead that is operated by Sabah Parks).
Cons: Not as established as some other providers. That said, we have yet to receive any negative feedback regarding their services.
More information on their website: www.borneocalling.com
Amazing Borneo Tours
Amazing Borneo Tours are on the higher end of the scale price-wise when it comes to Mt. Kinabalu packages, but what they do offer to customers is piece of mind as a long-standing company with all-inclusive packages.
Approximate cost: RM1780-2130 (2D1N); RM2030-2435 (2D1N with Via Ferrata – Walk the Torq); RM1950-2355 (2D1N with Via Ferrata – Low's Peak Circuit); RM1930-2280 (3D2N); RM2240-2735 (3D2N with Via Ferrata – Walk the Torq); RM2410-2905 (2D1N with Via Ferrata – Low's Peak Circuit).
Pros: Established company; clear booking process and confirmation.
Cons: More expensive.
Find more information and $US prices on their website www.amazingborneo.com or Malaysian ringgit prices on their partner site: www.mountkinabalu.com
Marvelous Borneo
This is a smaller tour operator claiming to offer value for money tour packages in Borneo. They do not publish their rates on their website and have yet to reply to our enquiries to confirm pricing. However, the below mentioned prices are those given to us by readers who have received Via Ferrata quotes from them and can be used as a general guide.
Approximate cost: RM1535-2100 (2D1N with Via Ferrata – Walk the Torq); RM1675-2240 (2D1N with Via Ferrata – Low's Peak Circuit); Standalone Via Ferrata (Low's Peak Circuit) for RM750.
Pros: Have the full range of Mt. Kinabalu climbing packages on offer at competitive rates.
Cons: Less established company; have to contact them directly for pricing.
More information can be found on their website: www.marvelousborneo.com
River Junkie Tours
River Junkie Tours are a Borneo-based tour operator who claim to have years of adventure travel experience. One of our readers used them recently and was very happy with their services.
Approximate cost: RM1380-1700 (2D1N); RM1540-1850 (3D2N); RM1700-1855 (2D1N with Via Ferrata – Walk the Torq); RM1800-1955 (2D1N with Via Ferrata – Low's Peak Circuit)
**Please note that these prices do not include the 6% Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Special offer to our readers: Simply mention ‘Notes of Nomads' when booking and receive a FREE River Junkie t-shirt!
Pros: One of our readers has reported that they are fast to reply to emails and that they had an enjoyable climb with them; website is easy to follow and contains information on their tour packages as well as pricing; they offer a price match guarantee on published rates for identical packages.
Cons: Less well-known company, but no specific downsides to report at this stage.
More information can be found on their website: www.river-junkie.com
Booking Mt. Kinabalu Climbs in KK
As mentioned earlier, it is becoming increasingly difficult to secure climbing slots at the last minute. That said, if you're in KK and would like to find out if anything is available or you'd just like to visit the offices of the tour operator you have already booked with, here is where you can find them.
Fortunately for those shopping around, many are concentrated in the bright orange Wisma Sabah building.
Photo courtesy of Perrine Lefeuvre (December 2015).
The Wisma Sabah building can be found on the corner of Jalan Tun Fuad Stephen & Jalan Tun Razak, opposite the Coffee Bean and Wisma Merdeka building.
As for the tour operators mentioned in this post, it contains the offices for Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, Borneo Trails and River Junkie Tours.
Amazing Borneo Tours and Marvelous Borneo can be found in the Star City Mall North Complex about 1.5km away.
Not so convenient to get to in person is Borneo Calling, who can be found in Pavilion Bundusan closer to KK Airport. However, as their replies to emails are fast, you can always email (or call) them.
Sutera also have another office at KK Times Square.
Mt. Kinabalu Tour Providers to Avoid
Now that we've covered the suggestions for Mt. Kinabalu climb tour operators to look into for your climbing experience, we also feel we should mention the businesses that have unfortunately lost our trust.
Jungle Jack Backpacker
Jungle Jack's has been a top choice for many readers in the comments for budget Mt. Kinabalu climbs over the past few years and hence we had been mentioning them as one of the tour providers for you to check out. Positive remarks included that his packages are cheap; that “Uncle Jack” is an interesting/nice guy; he has helped travellers out with last-minute climbs; and that the meals are excellent.
However, it has recently come to light that his backpacker lodge near Kinabalu Park (where he accommodated climbers and organized his climbs from) was operating at the site illegally and he was forced to vacate the premises in mid-2016. There doesn’t seem to be much information about it online, but you can read an article from one local newspaper here that a reader was kind enough to post in the comments and we also found this article posted by someone on his Facebook page.
His Facebook page remains active and it seems that he has now moved to a new location, and is continuing to offer accommodation and climbing services. He now also has a blog. His sudden more “public” profile seems to indicate that he may have the necessary permits for operation this time, but we are unable to confirm and no longer feel that we can list him as a credible option in good faith.
If the illegal operation didn’t make you think twice already, one of the most alarming recurring stories from climbers on his own Facebook page as well as other review sites is the fact that he has not provided refunds to many climbers he has promised them to – whether because the mountain was closed (such as due to the earthquake in 2015), climbers needing to cancel their bookings, or because guests were unable to climb due to Jack not having actually secured a spot for them (some of these climbers only finding out after their arrival at Jungle Jack’s, despite having booked and paid months in advance). Many people have reported that he stopped replying to their messages after he promised to refund the money, and after long, drawn-out attempts to recover their costs have given up on ever seeing their money back.
Many others have expressed frustration by the whole booking process. Due to Jack not issuing any kind of official receipt or booking confirmation for reservations, many climbers have felt anxious as to whether their spot is secure or not. Communication seems to halt abruptly after payment has been received, only to resume very close to the climbing date, if at all, and only after repeated attempts from guests to confirm their climbs.
Batangan Leisure
A reader has reported that they were scammed out of their climbing money (for a group of 6) and hence lost the climbing slot they thought they had secured by a company operating as Batangan Leisure.
Upon looking into this company further, we found that their homepage was simply a shell with no content and that their Facebook profile (a personal profile rather than a business page) hadn't been updated since 2012. Please be sure to do your research on any companies you are thinking of booking with. Just because they have an office and list a website, doesn't mean they are reputable. Check out their website, read reviews online and do your best to prevent getting caught up in a situation like this.
Accommodation in KK and Mt. Kinabalu
If you've found this page helpful, please consider using our affiliate links for your accommodation bookings. At no extra cost to you, we receive a small referral commission that helps us to keep this website completely free and up-to-date for the benefit of travellers everywhere.
At Mt. Kinabalu, we stayed at the Kinabalu Mountain Lodge. For more information on the lodge and how to get there on your own (as well as between KK and Mt. Kinabalu generally), please see this post.
To search for more accommodation options, see:
Updates to this page
Help us keep this page the most up-to-date and useful independent Mt. Kinabalu climb resource on the Internet by contributing your experiences in the comments. When listing quotes and prices, please be sure to include the number of people in your group so readers can compare packages more easily.
You may also contact us directly anytime via our Contact page or via email at jessica(at)notesofnomads(dot)com
Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback.
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Hi Jessica, great details and thanks for the info. I’m looking to run Mt Kinabalu in a day, ie. fly Singapore to Malaysia, run Kinabalu, fly back to Singapore. Don’t suppose you can advise on which operators to work with for permits, shuttles, etc? Thanks
Hi Aschton,
Unfortunately day permits are no longer offered. If you want to go to the summit of Mt. Kinabalu, you’ll have to book an overnight package at the minimum. In fact, the 2D1N packages are becoming harder to come by as preference is given to those who book 3D or longer. You can still get spots for 2D1N packages pending availability, but they can only be booked up to a month in advance, so you’ll have to wait until a month before your trip to see if there is availability. I’m not sure how it works with running either, as you must enter the summit trail with a guide.
Permits are easy to get (pending availability) either via a tour operator or yourself at Park HQ, but as I said 1 day summit permits are no longer offered. You can of course enter the park for the day and run trails on the lower half of the mountain. For this you just pay the park entrance fee – no permit or guide required.
See this post for information on getting to Mt. KK on your own: https://notesofnomads.com/how-to-get-from-kota-kinabalu-to-kinabalu-national-park/
Hope that helps!
Appreciate the response, thank you. I’ve entered the Climbathon :))
Ah, I see. In that case, do the event organizers not organize permits for participants? I’d be very surprised if you had to organize them yourselves or at all if part of an event like that. Have they asked you to organize permits yourselves?
If part of an event, I’d probably just pay for a taxi to get to the mountain or find out if there is some special shuttle service for event participants. Regular public buses/shuttles would be too unreliable in terms of their schedule, and you don’t have time to play with in this case.
Hello Jessica,
I’m interested in Low Peak Circuit Route.
I saw the article on the trip adviser, and refund is not available if the circuit route is cancelled due to bad weather.
Is it possible to join the Low Peak Circuit Route after I arrive at the Lodge?
Hi Jun,
Yes, that’s right, it is non-refundable. So it is a little bit of a gamble.
Pending availability, I think it is possible to join the Via Ferrata at the last minute but not sure once you are already on the mountain as you do need to participate in safety briefings and so on. Of course not booking ahead is a risk too as you may not be able to join if groups are already full or you are not allowed to join past a certain time.
There are a couple of things I would do to reduce the risk and make the best decision possible. The first would be to check the weather at the time of year you plan to go. How many days to they usually need to cancel during those times? That will give you an indication of how likely it is that your plans may be cancelled. Secondly, check with the tour provider you are booking through whether it is possible to “upgrade” to the Via Ferrata later. It’s probably a request they have received before so they should be able to inform you, at least of their policy on it.
Hope that helps and all the best!
Hi jessica…!
My name is herman.
Thanks for your post.. it was helpull for everybody.
How many days must we take a program for completed the route to the peak of kinabalu for begginer?
Hi Herman,
Thank you for reading and your kind comment.
You will do the climb over two days. It took us 4.5 hours to reach the mountain huts on Day 1. You then wake up very early to make the final ascent to the summit on the morning of Day 2. You will then walk all the way back down (with a break for second breakfast) the same day. Don’t worry, it is doable, even for beginners. :)
This post will give you a better idea of what to expect during the climb: https://notesofnomads.com/mt-kinabalu-climb/
Hope that helps!
Hi Jessica. Thank you very much for this very informative blog. It helped a lot! We will be in KK from Aug. 25 to 28. Silly me, did not check first with the climbing slots. I have been in touch with SSL via e-mail and they informed me that there are no more climbing slots for our dates. Now I’ve been trying to reach out to the tour agencies mentioned here in hopes of getting slots. Worst case scenario, is there still hope that we can climb if we just show up on the day itself? And anyone who wants to adopt us in their group to lower costs? We are only 2 pax. Thanks!
Hi there!
Sorry to hear that you’re having trouble getting a spot. Technically, if SSL don’t have spots, then nobody has spots (there are only a certain number of climbing permits issued per day). It is unfortunately not a matter of how many groups are on the mountain, but how many people, so joining an existing group technically shouldn’t make a difference. That said, I have heard of instances where people have been able to show up and get a slot on the day. Obviously it’s not guaranteed and I don’t like to recommend it as it is a risk if your main purpose of going there is the climb. But things happen and people cancel, and they are probably more likely to accept you if you’re already there and ready to climb. If all else fails, you can still enter the park and do some nice treks on the lower reaches of the mountain.
Hope that helps!
Hi thanks for the article. Apart from providing a guaranteed place on the climb I don’t quite see why you need a tour operator. Am I missing something?
As you said. You have to pay for the guide, park entrance, accommodation, insurance etc. So if you do that / manage to get a space, what is the need of a tour. I heard that the tours don’t even necessarily have better guides, they are all just picked at random at the park entrance for the 2D 1N climb, which is what I’d be doing.
Hi Eleanor,
The main issue is with getting accommodation. If you can manage to get a space on arrival somehow, then I’m assuming you can just pay the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges accommodation fee at Park HQ. However, the issue is that spaces are often booked out well in advance these days. That’s why it’s suggested to lock something in so you don’t go all that way and not be able to climb. Since you can pre-book with SSL by paying them for the accommodation/meals upon booking and then paying the rest of the mandatory mountain fees in cash on arrival, I’m not sure why you wouldn’t want to do that. That way you have secured your climb and it doesn’t cost you a cent more than if you tried your luck on arrival. That’s as direct and as DIY as you can do it.
SSL have become much more expensive over recent years and booking directly with them isn’t necessarily significantly cheaper like it was when we climbed. Other tour operators may be a little more expensive, of course that have to add in a little extra for their effort, but they are often more responsive to enquiries and include transportation to/from the mountain, which SSL doesn’t provide. Of course, you can choose to make your way to the mountain by public bus but as it doesn’t run on any timetable you can be waiting around for several hours for a departure, so people who have limited time in the area often prefer to have those transfers included and not worry about it.
You are right in saying that the guides are the same for everyone. They are organized at the park and basically the next in line gets the next available guide. The guides are a set rate no matter who you book with. All the mountain fees are the same for everyone. Don’t really think about these as “tours” as such, although that is what they are called. You’re booking a “spot” and the means to climb. You’re booking SSL accommodation no matter who you book through and the procedure/climb on the mountain is the same. You’d book through a tour operator apart from SSL if you would like to avoid the hassle of getting to/from the mountain yourself/don’t have time to waste and/or if you aren’t getting a response from SSL, which happens from time to time, hence why that email list in this post is constantly changing. So you basically have to weigh up whether paying the difference with another tour provider is worth not having to make your way to the mountain yourself. If you want to do it as cheaply as possible and have time in your schedule to take a bus, I would try booking with SSL so you have the security of a spot and at a price that is no different than if you left it to chance.
I hope that helps clarify and all the best with your climb!
Last minute changes to a tour we’d booked on meant we weren’t going to be able to hike Mount Kinabalu.As it was one of the main reasons for going to Borneo we were disappointed to say the least. After contacting several tour companies who were fully booked we came across River Junkie Tours on the ‘Notes of Nomads’ website who managed to find us a trip that fitted in with our dates. A big thank you to Farrah and Rory who were very helpful and replied to our emails very quickly. Mount Kinabalu here we come!
Thank you for your feedback, Alli! So glad that you were able to find something at the last minute and continue with your holiday plans. Don’t forget to mention ‘Notes of Nomads’ to receive your free t-shirt! ;)
Have a wonderful climb!
i am also planning to climb mount kinabalu 13 or 14 apil 2017 but i cant find anything available! i startet searching several days ago. i booked a tour at viator.com but they didnt send me a confirmation mail back and i can not reach them by phone or email. i have also contactet all the above tour providers in this blog. anyone please let me know if you can provide me with a tour.
best regards Lobna
Hi Lobna,
If you already booked a tour with Viator, then I would try to confirm that. It may be that it takes a little while for a confirmation email to come through. They are a big company so I would be surprised if you cannot reach them at all by phone or email. Perhaps give them a couple of days to get back to your enquiry.
Hi,
I’m a 25 year old female from the UK travelling alone to Sabah from 21st April for around 10 days.
I’m hoping to do a 2D/1N climb around 23/24th April and have been in contact with a number of tour providers many of whom say they are fully booked but I have been offered 1 or 2 alternative dates. These do all seem pretty pricey!! Is it possible at all to book upon arrival in KK or is it then unlikely to find a slot then therefore recommended to book now? I thought the 2 day climbs couldn’t be confirmed until 30 days prior to the date so how are all of the slots full?!
Also I would much rather be part of a group than climbing alone with a guide…do all tour providers tend to group people together from your experience?
Thanks for any tips :)
I also thought that bookings could not be made more than 30 days in advance but now all agencies are saying they are full in late April.
Hi Laura and Roberta,
To clarify about the 30 day rule, this only applies to 2D1N bookings and only if there are any slots left. Basically they (Sutera Sanctuary Lodges – the accommodation on the summit trail of Mt. Kinabalu) are hoping that you’ll buy longer packages that see you going to one of their other properties too, at Poring Hot Springs, for example.
If you are purchasing packages longer than the 2D1N, then you can book well in advance to secure your spot. This means that all spots may be booked before it gets to the 30 days before and there will be no 2D1N packages offered on those days. Consider the 2D1N package a special sale item at times when bigger packages haven’t sold.
Because the climb is becoming increasingly popular and the number of daily climbing permits has also been reduced, it is a little bit of a risk to wait for the 2D1N packages, especially if you don’t have flexibility with dates. That’s not to say you can’t get 2D1N packages at all, but as you have experienced from your enquiries, the trend is that more and more people are going for the safety of securing their climbs further in advance.
Laura, while you might get lucky being able to pick up something when you arrive in KK (if someone cancels, for example), if you’re set on climbing and that’s the reason you’re travelling to the area in the first place, then I probably wouldn’t take the risk. I know it has become very expensive to climb over the past couple of years (it’s double the cost from when we climbed), so you’ll have to decide whether the experience is worth it to you.
Regarding the guides, some tour operators give you a guide just for yourself/your personal group, while others group you together with other climbing parties. If you’d prefer the latter, then just ask the tour operator before booking to make sure that is something they do.
Hope that helps and all the best with your climbs!
Thank you! Yeah that makes sense with them booking up with 3 day 2 night packages. I’ve managed to find a package through river junkie (again thanks to this post!), but Amazing Borneo did also offer me a 2 day 1 night package so you may have some luck through them :)
If you do decide to go with River Junkie, don’t forget to mention Notes of Nomads to claim your free t-shirt. ;)
All the best with your climb!
Anyone climbing in the first week of May?
Hey! I climbed Mt. Kinabalu in Feb 2017 and managed to do it much cheaper than any options you’ve mentioned here, closer to RM900. It may be useful to some of your readers:
Also I stayed in Jungle Jack Backpacker’s new hostel and found it to be excellent. He mentioned the incident where he was evicted and he has now moved locations and is operating above board. I think he is an excellent option for a budget traveller.
Thanks,
Hayley
hello there im ariel i have a seminar in KK this month until 18.. im a solo traveller..i was planning to climb Mt K on 19 or 20.. can you pls help me how to get cheapest option.. thanks in advance..
Hi,
Can you please help me how to get cheapest option..
Thanks in advance..
JUN
i (solo) would like to do a climb during this weekend. 4th and 5th March . is it possible to do as some where it is stated a 30days advance booking is required for doing a summit climb?
If still possible, appreciate any assistance
Hey, I think they just say that to get people to book ahead. I turned up on the day in Feb 2017 and was granted a permit, as did many other people. I actually managed to get the Malaysian price as well, I wrote a blog to help others do the same as I think the full price is very expensive. I hope it helps and wish you all the best with your climb.
Hayley
Hi Sid,
No, you don’t have to book 30 days in advance for a summit climb. You can actually only book a 2D1N summit climb within 30 days. So it is possible to do so, it just depends on availability. You should contact your preferred tour provider to see if there are any spots still available. All the best and hope you find something!
Hi travelers & Jessica
We, a group of 2 want to climb on 31st March exactly but cannot book from tour provider anymore. They all said full slot on that day.
Anyone can help, could you share me your experience or join your cancelled team member. I would appreciate that. My email: tonkimsanh@gmail.com
Hi Sanh Ton,
Shame your preferred dates are not available. Once the slots are full unfortunately there is no way to share with existing bookings as each person must have booked a bed at Laban Rata. If it was just a matter of a guide then things would be much different. Replacing someone who has cancelled may be an option though and I do hope things work out for you and you get to climb.
All the best!
Dear Jessica,
All your best, too!
Hi Sanh Ton,
I was there a couple of weeks ago and didn’t book in advance. I heard all the spots were full too, but I turned up and the park office and we were granted permits. We managed to get the cheap ones as well and there were still empty beds on the mountain. Don’t assume all spots are taken because you can’t book a tour. I wrote about how we did it in our blog, and it was dead easy!
Good luck,
Hayley
Hi Hayley
Really great experience. Thank you very much for your info.
Regards
Hello Climbers, we are team if 4 pax (3 guys & 1 girl) is booking for a slot for a climb up Mt.Kinabalu on 3D2N package. Currently looking for another 3 or 4 pax more to join us for cost reduction plan. Date are as follows: ETA 5 Aug KK from Singapore. Climb on 6 Aug. Summit 7 Aug & descend in same day. 8 Aug Free&Easy. 9 Aug back to Singapore. Anyone interested to join may email me, shahulhameed.binabdulrahman@gmail.com before 28 Feb 2017
Thanks
Shahul
Hi, do you come across to know if anyone make the booking through Borneo Packages website? How reliable and what is the reviews for this agent?
Hi there, another reader wrote in wondering the same thing. With no one reporting that they have used their services, it’s hard to get a good picture. But I did look at their website and they are still advertising 1 day packages, which have been unavailable for some time. It makes we wonder how long it’s been since they updated their website. Their Facebook page also hasn’t been updated since 2015.
While this doesn’t necessarily mean they are not a legitimate business, it’s really hard to know if they are still active or the type/quality of service they provide. I would probably err on the side of caution and go with a company that is clearly operating and has recent reviews from climbers. That’s just my two cents.
All the best and do let us know if you do decide to go with Borneo Packages anyway. Very curious to know if they are a legitimate option. Happy climbing!
Hi there, just wondering is it a must to book a package? Can I just buy a permit and not join a tourist group?
Thanks
Kristina
Hi Kristina,
Unfortunately you have to book some kind of package. All climbers must pay the mandatory Sabah Park fees – these include, the park entrance fee (RM15), climbing permit (RM212), climbing insurance (RM7) and mountain guide (up to 5 people) (RM230). You will be given an ID badge and there are checkpoints so there is no way around it. The transfers from Park HQ to/from the starting gate are not mandatory but recommended (RM34 to/from Timpohon Gate).
You must also have mountain accommodation. The mountain accommodation is run by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (the first tour provider mentioned in this post) and they have the most bare bones packages – you pay them for the accommodation and meals on the mountain in advance, and then pay the park fees in cash on the day of your climb directly at Park HQ. It cannot be done any more cheaply than that.
The other tour providers are all subject to the same Sabah Park fees and they all book the same Sutera accommodation, but they often have all inclusive packages that save you the hassle of having to get to Kinabalu Park on your own. Some people prefer paying a little extra for that convenience so just keep that in mind when looking at and comparing packages.
Hope that helps!
Thank you for your response. IS there a way to just have a guide for ourselves? Does someone provide such service? Not very keen on joining a group.
Yep, absolutely. When we booked with Sutera we had a guide all to ourselves and there are other companies who do the same thing too. Just keep in mind that some tour providers may group people together to save on costs so just be sure to ask before you book. But, yes, you can definitely have your own guide.
Hello, I am a Malaysian climbing Kinabalu late July 2017. Was looking if anyone would like to join in to save on the guide. Currently, we are two males of age 20 and 19 in this climb. Feel free to contact me via email: WongWsern@gmail.com if you’re interested
Hi,
Thanks for all the info. I’m a solo traveller planning a trip 28th feb/1st march, pretty last minute organising, email me griffiths.rosie@gmail.com if anyone wants to join.
Hi Jessica,
Firstly, thanks so much for keeping this site updated! You’ve definitely help many travelers and we all share the same sentiment.
I am thinking of climbing KK as well. I have already sent requests for quote and it’s pretty steep for a 2D1N via Ferrata (Low’s Circuit). I have climbed a few peaks and this is by far the most costly.
Is it possible to do the trail on our own, reach the accommodation by about 3PM for the ferrata course? So I will just be paying for the ferrata course + accommodation for a night. That would save me abit of $.
Thank you so much for your kind comment, Isabel!
Unfortunately, you can’t enter the summit trail without paying for a guide and those other mountain fees. There are, however, tour providers who allow you to do Via Ferrata without going all the way to the summit – so you’re just paying for the Via Ferrata, accommodation and the mandatory mountain fees. I know that probably doesn’t take the cost down significantly but it might be helpful.
If you are wanting to do the summit too, then there isn’t much you can do apart from shopping around for the best deal. The mountain fees are set by Sabah Parks so they are the same for everyone, and all tour providers have to pay Sutera Sanctuary Lodges for the mountain accommodation, so it all comes down to what kind of margin the tour providers are willing to do it for after calculating their own expenses.
Unfortunately Mt. Kinabalu has become rather costly to climb, especially over the past couple of years. But I do hope you can find something that suits you and your budget.
Happy TGIF Jessica!~ Thanks so much for the prompt reply, really appreciate it!
Looks like I am left with no choice. I am not one to compromise reliability or safety so i’d go for Sutera, Borneo Trails or Amazing Borneo.
Really looking forward to the trip! I am sure it’s gonna be an amazing experience with breathtaking views. At the meantime, off I go to train hahaha
Thanks again and take care!
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for such a detailed and informative blog post. I’d just like to bring up WHOA Adventures, as their prices seemed to be the lowest that I had found. Do not that you will have to handle your own park fees and guide, etc. but after calculating them in, I found that this option was still the cheapest.
Anyway, I had booked a climb with them on the 18th-19th Feb. If anyone wants to share the cost of a Guide, feel free to drop me an email at dragon29126@hotmail.com
Thanks!
Dylan
Hi Dylan,
Thanks so much for letting me know! Would love to hear about your experience after the climb too if you don’t mind sharing? If they turn out to be a reputable option, I’ll definitely look into them further for potential inclusion in the next update.
Thank you and have an amazing climb!
I am planning to do a 2D1N Mt. Kinabalu climb with Via Ferrata (Walk the Torq), possibly during the first week of April. Dates are flexible. I’m looking for someone to share the cost with. Please email me at ibsawifi@gmail.com. Hope to hear from someone!
Hi, I’m a Malaysian female climber who is climbing on the first week of April, Have booked my flights, wanting to climb on 3-4th April (2D1N). Let me know if that sounds good? jcwengying@gmail.com
Average fitness.
This was incredibly helpful! Thank you! I had previously reached out to Jungle Jacks and was leaning towards them based on TripAdvisor reviews. Thanks again!
So glad it helped, Kate! Have a wonderful climb and if you have any feedback about the tour provider you end up going with, do let us know!
Hi All,
Would like to ask if anyone has heard of Borneo Packages (http://borneopackages.com/tour/mount-kinabalu-climb/)? The prices offered seem quite attractive, especially if joining in groups. Are they reliable/trustworthy?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Yong,
I haven’t heard of this tour provider before. Their prices do indeed look pretty attractive. I can say for certain that the 1 Day Climb package (if it is indeed for the summit) isn’t bookable at this time since 1 Day permits are currently not being issued by Sabah Parks and they haven’t done so for some time. So it makes me wonder when they last updated their website. Their 2D1N and other packages do look very reasonably priced, however. Although I can’t say how reliable they are unfortunately. Has anyone here had contact with Borneo Packages? Anyone climbed with them?
Hi, Just ought to let you know, we can email sales@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my (Sutera Sanctuary Lodges) for enquiries as well.
Thank you, Ailie! I’ll add it to the post.
Happy New Year Everyone! Thanks Jessica for writing this helpful piece. We are flying to Kota on the 24th of May 2017 and planning to climb Mt. Kinabalu on the 26th. Anyone out there who wants to join our group? There’s 3 of us. Me, my husband and our 15 years old son. Send me a message at mariaisabelbernal@me.com.
Hi Jessica! Thank you for putting up this very helpful post.
I am planning to climb Mt. Kinabalu on July 3-4 and I’m looking for someone to share the cost with. Please email me at God_loves_me008@yahoo.com. Hope to hear from someone!
Hi all, Happy New Year! Just wanted to say thank you so much for keeping this the most up-to-date post on the Mt. Kinabalu climb on the Internet! Thank you to everyone who sends us updated price lists and information from your climbs, and we love seeing people finding climbing partners in the comments!
Over the next week, I plan on updating this post again. I will be re-reading the comments thoroughly regarding your experiences over the past 9 months or so since the last update, but wanted to ask here directly about your experiences with tour operators, whether they are currently on this list or not.
What have your experiences with tour operators been like – both in terms of the enquiry and/or booking phase and on the actual climb itself? Good or bad, if you can briefly explain why, that would be super helpful. That way, we can list pros and cons, and help others make the best decision they can based on their own travel preferences. If you have specific pricing examples that you can send too, we would really appreciate that. Just drop us a quick line on our contact page over at https://notesofnomads.com/contact
Thanks a million and happy climbing!
Hey!
I am looking to climb Mount Kinabalu during the week of January 23rd and am looking to share the cost with other travelers. I am a 26 yo Canadian backpacker. Email me: migdesmarais@gmail.com
Cheers
Hi!
I’m planning to climb Mount Kinabalu some day between the 27th of February and the 6th of March (2 days 1 night package). Anyone else planning to do it around that time and want to book together for lower price? Email me: ulla.ilona@hotmail.com
Thank you very much for sharing kinabalu.by read every comment I know bete about kinabalu.
Thank you so much for sharing about kinabalu.I have a friends ask about kinabalu,he’s have planing to visited.
Hi! Also a solo traveler looking to climb Mount Kinabalu on Dec 28th. If you want to book a tour together to lower the costs, you can e-mail me at km.arenillo@gmail.com. Thanks!
Hi! I am a solo traveller who really wants to climb Mount Kinabalu between the 29th of December and the 4th of January. If anybody else is during the climb and think their group has room for one more, or maybe wants to book a tour together with Borneo Trails etc., you are very welcome to contact me on my e-mail address: lea.northcote@gmail.com
Thanks for sharing three of my friends are planning to climb mount kinabalu next year
Thanks Jessica for informative guide! I think I’ll probably go with Borneo Trails so I can do the 2 days 1 night package. I looked up this company and found some good reviews on Trip advisor. Hoping it will be proven to be true. Please email me (2105081ovalles@gmail.com) if you want to join me. I’m looking to climb at the end of this year.
Hi, Miguel. Looking to climb at the end of this year, too! Tried sending you an e-mail through the address you indicated above, but it bounced. Do you have an alternate address?
Hey Kimie,
Were you able to get a hold of Miguel? I’m also looking to climb at the end of this year, probably during the weekend of Dec 25th.
Hi, Kevin. Unfortunately, no. Is your climb date a bit flexible? I’m looking to climb on Dec 28th. My e-mail address is km.arenillo@gmail.com. Let me know!
Hi Kimie and Kevin (and Miguel if you’re still following this thread),
Did you end up climbing? How was it?
If you went with Borneo Trails (or any other tour provider), would love to know about your experience. I am about to update this post so it can be as informative as possible for 2017 travellers and would love to get as much input as possible from recent climbers.
Thanks a million and hope you had a great trip!
Hi, we are 2 ladies from Czech Republic planning to climb up Mt Kinabalu – The Low´s Peak Circuit 1/2 on the 7th of December. We would like to book it at KK when we are there 5/6th of December. If anyone wants to join us to reduce the cost, please contact me at: pazourkovav@post.cz
Hi I’m looking to climb it early February 2017, anybody else looking around that date and want to book together??
Hi, Eamon, I am considering climbing in early February, too. Is there a particular route or company you are considering?
Hi – i’m planning to climb around January 18-20. Are your dates flexible? There are possibly 4 of us from the Philippines and I’m tryig to figure out the cheapest way to climb KK
what about the 12th-16th Jan range for a 2d1n trip? (We are 2)
I have booked a guide for 2D1N trip. (4pax still available).
20/1/2017 will be in Kinabalu Park.
Hi! There are 2 of us hoping to climb around 19-21st Jan 2017-how have you guys got on with booking? Let’s join together if convenient!
Rhianna Fielden, please contact me via email (sakthivelthangavelu@yahoo.com) or +60129755474.
Hi Eamon, we also considering climbing in february 2017, may be we can share split guide cost, hope to hear from you.
Hi Eamon I also want to climb in February 2017. I prefer on 6/2 or 7/2 2D1N trip I haven’t booked from any agency
Hi! We are a couple planning to climb the mountain around the 26th of November (+/- 1/2 days). Let us know if you want to join, by emailing us to hempox@gmail.com
All the best!
Hi AA, did you end up climbing? I am about to update this post again so it can be as informative as possible for 2017 travellers and would love to get some input from recent climbers.
If you wouldn’t mind sharing any information about the tour provider you went with, how much it cost and your experience with them, I would greatly appreciate it. You can either do so by replying to this comment, or emailing me directly at jessica(at)notesofnomads.com
Hope you had a great trip and Happy New Year!
Hi all!
I’m looking to climb on New Years 2017. Drop me an email (Natasha_saw@hotmail.com) if you’d like to book together!
So after my experience of climbing I thought a quick message may be useful for other solo travelers like myself. I went directly through sutera and tried to get a share guide myself but ended up with one all too myself (arrive early for guide share if you can). I saved a little money but not much!
The cheapest way to do it if you are just one person (or possibly two but this may be pushing it) and have time is go to the park and put your name down to replace someone who drops out the following day/s. You can stay at haleluyah lodge for cheap, they have cooking facilities and is a really beautiful place to relax. There is a restaurant between halelujah and the entrance where you can buy noodles and snacks or a full meal. Lovely lady works in there all by herself bless her. Also a small fruit market just opposite the road up to the retreat. Its about 1km from haleluyah to the park entrance. Another option is jungle jack who is 50 a night but all food is catered for and he is happy to lend you gloves, jacket and is right outside the entrance. Also meet other backpackers and jack is an interesting fellow but good fun. I’d recommend haleluyah though as despite being slightly rundown they have grounds you can explore and good environment to read/yoga/meditate whatever you like and no restriction on when you need to be around for breakfast/dinner as you do it yourself.
A German guy I met did it this way and climbed the mountain the next day for at least half the cost it would normally be.I hope this helps someone and obviously there is risk in this approach but could be the difference between affording to do it and not.
Finally the view and feeling getting to the top is magnificent, majestic panarama of Borneo as the sun rises and I’d say if you have the chance to do it then you must. Just pray your knees hold out for the journey back down!
Rob
Hi Rob,
Can I find out how much it cost you all in to climb mt kinabalu (guide, accommodation, permits)?
Anyone interested in Low’s peak circuit 2d/1n on 25 December? Please drop me a email(fridayemail@gmail.com). Maybe we can book together! Thanks
Hi Henry!
I am considering climbing Mt Kinabalu over the new year (2017) and have actually enquired with Jungle Jack about the prices and whether they are open over the holidays.
They have responded saying that they will be closed from 23/12/2016 to 2/1/2017. Just thought I’d give you a head’s up!
Hello, I’m planning on doing a 1nt/2dy or 2nt/3dy trek between 10th-16th October. If anyone is planning on doing one at a similar time please get in touch on facebook Abi Grogan or abi.grogan@gmail.com. Im a 28 yr old who will be doing it solo so Im keen to join a group or couple looking to spilt the cost of a trek. Thanks!
Thanks for the info!
I’m doing a hike 2D1N Oct 6 or Oct 7. Solo traveler here so it’d be nice to gorup up with some folks to get a cheaper package. I’m thinking Borneo Trails (RM1350pp)
Let me know by shooting an email (shaun.hoang@gmail.com)
Hey nomads!
Ive just gotten back from Mt Kinabalu and wanted to update y’all on the situation as I got plenty of advise from here before traveling to Sabah (thanks Jessica!). I initially tried to book through Sutera Sanctuary Lodges but after many very slow email replies I ended up booking through River Junkie Tours (info@river-junkie.com). They were very fast to reply to our emails and we were lucky enough to meet an awesome couple from Argentina who we ended up booking with in River Junkies office, this meant we got a better price also at RM1350pp as we all booked together.
While in contact with the Sutera office I did also get an update on the “small additional costs” when booking through them. From 2016 onwards the prices for international climbers is as follows- RM781 for accommodation and meals, RM200 for climbing permit, RM230 for mountain guide, RM15 for entrance to park, RM34 return transfer to the starting place and RM7 for insurance… So the total when booking through Sutera is up to RM1267 not including the bus to and from the mountain! As the difference is so small this is the main reason I ended up going with River Junkie and am very pleased I did!
Happy climbing!!
hi! thank you for posting here. i emailed Sutera very recently and I got a prompt reply. their new rate 3D2N is RM 1,468 and the 2D1N is RM 978. i think these are just the lodging and meals. it might be best to go through River Junkie Tours since i’m a solo climber. what was included in the package that u got?
Hi Gladys,
Sutera offered you a 2D1N package in November 2016? That’s interesting – they said they were no longer doing those. I assume the prices they gave you were based on going as a solo climber?
Did you climb in the end? If so, which tour provider did you decide to go with? Also, which Sutera email did you get the quick reply from?
I’m about to update this post again to make it as relevant as possible for 2017 climbers. Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you and kind regards,
Jessica
Hi Daniel,
Thanks so much for your feedback and very glad to hear you had a great experience!
I’m just about to update this post again to keep it as relevant as possible for potential climbers this year. Thanks so much for sharing the prices you received from River Junkies and Sutera – that’s really helpful.
I just have a couple of questions:
1). The pricing you received from River Junkies was based on 4 pax for 2D1N, is that right? Did it include everything you listed in the Sutera pricing (i.e. accommodation, meals, climbing permit, mountain guide, park entrance, return transfer to/from starting point) PLUS transportation to/from Kota Kinabalu? Did they also show you pricing for smaller groups?
2). Apart from being quick to reply to emails, what else did you like about the River Junkies experience? Anything you thought wasn’t so good or could be improved?
3). The Sutera pricing was for 1 pax, 2D1N, is that right? Meaning for a solo climber? Or was it for 1 pax based on a 2 person group?
Any information you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you so much and Happy New Year!
Kind regards,
Jessica
Hi anyone here can provide assistance for a 3 d 2n climb during 16-18 September? We are a group of 6 recently got scammed by an agency called Batangan Leisure. So we lost our money and slot for the climb! Let me know if anyone has availability for us! Thanks a lot
Samantha.zhang@live.com.sg
So sorry to hear that, Samantha! Did you end up climbing with another tour provider?
Also, if you wouldn’t mind providing any further information about what happened with Batangan Leisure, hopefully we can help other potential climbers avoid a similar situation.
I’m about to update this post again to make it as relevant for 2017 climbers as possible. In addition to a list of potential companies to go with, I’m seriously considering also making a list of companies to avoid based on the experiences of readers in the comments here.
Thank you and hope you’re having a great start to 2017!
Kind regards,
Jessica
Hi all,
I am looking at 2D1N Mt Kinabalu trek, any dates between 26th Sept –> 3rd Oct. Think Borneo Trails are doing 2pax for RM1360 a person (better than 1950 for single person). Let me know via a reply or fb. Solo Traveller from England. Thanks,
Phil
Hi Phil,
Did you end up climbing? If so, did you decide to go with Borneo Trails?
I’m just about to update this post to make it as relevant for 2017 travellers as possible so I’d love to hear about your experiences as a recent climber.
Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks and kind regards,
Jessica
Thank you for this post, Jessica! Helps a lot. :)
Anyone would like to hike between September 11-14 please drop me a message on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/sheilakartikapp solo climber from Indonesia here.
cheers!
So glad to hear you found this post helpful, Sheila!
Did you end up climbing? If so, which tour provider did you decide to go with?
I’m just about to update this post to make it as relevant for 2017 travellers as possible so I’d love to hear about your experiences as a recent climber.
Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks and kind regards,
Jessica
Has anybody heard of a climb tour company called Borneo Calling? While their quotes are cheaper than some other Mt Kinabalu tours, I can’t find any other mention besides their own website and Facebook page. Just checking for bona fides re climb permits etc before parting with money. No idea how the system works re slots etc but would love to know if this is a genuine alternative. Many thanks.
Cheers,
Johnston
Hi Johnston,
Thanks for commenting. Did you ever find out anything more about Borneo Calling? Did you end up climbing with them or another tour provider?
I’m just about to update this post to make it as relevant for 2017 travellers as possible so I’d love to hear about your experiences as a recent climber.
Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks and kind regards,
Jessica
Anybody interested to do the Kinabalu+Via ferrata departing friday 30th of sept, return monday 3rd of October and make the prices drop with several people? If so please PM in FB.
Hi Valerian,
Thanks for your comment. Did you end up doing the via ferrata? If so, which tour provider did you go with and how much did it cost?
I’m just about to update this post to make it as relevant for 2017 travellers as possible so I’d love to hear about your experiences as a recent climber.
Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks and kind regards,
Jessica
Amazing experience! The unforgettable 3-day hiking adventure will take you to Sabah’s famous Mt Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and popular hiking spot. With your guide, enjoy two challenging yet rewarding hikes on the mountain for a round-trip total of 7 miles (12 km), including an incredible sunrise hike to Low’s Peak. All meals are included, and you’ll stay overnight in Kinabalu National Park and at the Laban Rata rest house, nestled halfway up the mountain at an elevation of 3,000 feet (914 meters)!
Read more of a Mount Kinabalu climbing : http://www.mountkinabalusabah.com
Hi,
Anyone looking to do the climb in the next 3 weeks or so let me know. Email mmmprob@gmail.com. Borneo trails have date on 30-31 Aug available also for 2 or more.
Thanks,
Rob
Hello!
We are two ladies from Belarus (living in Germany), traveling to Borneo in September 2016. We are planning a mountain climb with Low’s Peak via ferrata on the 17 or 18 of September. Currently I am writing with different agencies to get the best quote. After reading this forum I also tried to contact Sutera directly, but no response yet, and their website is not working.
We will be happy if some other people want to join us. Maybe we can get a better quote then.
I have a couple of questions to the experienced people:
1. Is “Borneo Calling” a good travel agency? So far they have provided the best quote for the climb and Kinabatangan cruise package, and they are always online ready to answer any questions. But their website is not working, so I am very careful about sending a big sum of money for booking the package.
2. What are the chances that it will rain in mid-September and the climb will be cancelled? I noticed that September is a rather rainy month.
Hi Alexandra! The weather in Borneo is rather unexpected, but according to the forecast the peak of the dry season, characterised by hot and relatively dry weather, is definitely over in September. The overall average temperature is 28°C now, which is still undeniably high, yet also one or two degrees below that of the previous months of June, July and August. October will be one degree cooler still. If you are still looking into a ground handler to assist you with a mount climbing tour, perhaps you can email me and let us see if the ideal tour arrangement will suit your budget and needs. :) Well, you need to decide fast as this is pretty much based on limited quota per day and subject to availability.
Hi Alexandra,
Are you still looking for anyone to join the climb via ferrata? 2D1N. 17th-18th Sept or 21st-22nd Sept. I have a group going 21st-22nd but I am the only one going via ferrata and looking to join a group for that.
Hi Zee,
Thanks for your comment and hope you had a great Borneo trip!
Just wondering whether you ended up doing the via ferrata? And, if so, which tour provider you decided to go with?
I’m just about to update this post to make it as relevant for 2017 travellers as possible so I’d love to hear about your experiences as a recent climber.
Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks and hope you’re having a great start to 2017!
Kind regards,
Jessica
Hi Alexandra,
Hope you had a great Borneo trip! Just wondering how you got on with your Mt. Kinabalu climb plans in the end?
Did you go with Borneo Calling or another tour provider? I’m curious about Borneo Calling because another reader also commented about getting a great quote from them but, like you, was hesitant to part with their money when there doesn’t really seem to be mention of them anywhere online apart from their own channels.
I’m just about to update this post to make it as relevant for 2017 travellers as possible so I’d love to hear about your experiences as a recent climber.
Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks and hope you’re having a great start to 2017!
Kind regards,
Jessica
Hi all, just a warning to all who intends to book your climb with Jungle Jack. I was actually one of those myself, but came across a shocking news and quit that idea right away. It seems that he has been occupying that place illegally and he was ordered to move out by goverment recently! I’m not sure his lodge’s current status, but needless to say that we better not use him anymore if you don’t want any unneccesary trouble.
As I couldn’t find any free slots with Sutera, I’m currently asking Borneo Trails to find slots for us. They seem helpful and trustworthy although thier pricing is cheaper than the other agents. I hope I can climb mount kinabalu without facing any problem!
If you want to know more about Jungle Jack news, here is the article I found http://www.dailyexpress.com.my/news.cfm?NewsID=110834
Hi Shelly, wow! Thank you for sharing this information. I guess this explains quite a lot about his low profile practices. When I get a moment, I will remove Jungle Jack from this list. I would love to hear how you go with Borneo Trails and/or other options. It would be great to keep this list really current with as many reliable options as possible. Thanks once again.
Hi Shelly,
Happy New Year!
Just wondering how you got on with your Mt. Kinabalu climb in the end? Did you go with Borneo Trails or another provider?
I’m just about to update this post to make it as relevant for 2017 travellers as possible so I’d love to hear about your experiences as a recent climber.
Any info you can provide would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks and hope you’re having a great start to 2017!
Kind regards,
Jessica
Hi all,
a solo climber planning for Mt Kinabalu on the 26th of Aug (ascending day). Open to add via ferrata (low’s peak circuit) but can also take out.
If anyone interested to form a group to save budget and also find friends along the climb, please email me at adspared@gmail.com
Looking to hearing from everyone.
Cheers,
Sonia
I’m planning on climbing the Low’s Peak Circuit through the Walk the Torq/Via Ferrata trail next April (April, 2017). I’d like to do the 2D/1N tour on April 5/6, 6/7, or 7/8 (I am flexible). Is anyone interested in joining up for a tour on any of these days? I know it’s still pretty far in advance, but I wanted to reach out to see if anyone is interested in joining me so that we can form a group and save money.
Based on what I could find, Borneo trails seems to be the cheapest option at/around 1,360 per person, but if anyone has any other helpful tips or advice, I’d appreciate it!
Hey Daniel, I’m planning a trip around the period. Do drop me an e-mail at Sandhill84@gmail.com.. Solo traveller too.. Cheers
Planning to go on a climb on that period as well. Pls message me on facebook. Rodgeville Ferrater or email me at rodgeville_ferrater@yahoo.com.ph. Solo traveller here.
Hi, I’m a local travelling to KK around 14-20 Aug. Checked with Sutera Sanctuary today (16 Jun 2016) they offer cheapest 2D1N budget package at RM509 for local and RM709 for International. Accommodation is at Laban Rata.
Notably, this excludes:
Transport from KK town (RM15 to 25 one way)
Guide (RM230 up to 5 adult)
Permit (RM50 local, RM200 International)
Kinabalu Park Entrance Fee (RM3 local, RM15 International)
Insurance (RM7, both local and International)
Optional transport from Park Entrance to start of Trail (Timpohon~2km, RM17) (1-4 person + 1 guide)
** Totaling RM374 (local), RM536 (International).
So total for local is RM883 (RM509+RM374), International is RM1,245 (RM709+RM536).
There is budget stay near Kinabalu Park (2km away) at RM35 per night (see link below).
Sutera Sanctuary Lodge email
sales@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
http://kinabalumountainlodge.com.my/?lang=en
Hi Chris,
Are you still climbing on this dates? Trying to find a group to join on this dates.
Siling
Hi Jessica. Thank you very much for sharing detailed information on mount kinabalu climbing and creating wonderful platform for us! Thanks to this site, I was able to come across Borneo Trails and climbed mount kinabalu at RM1360 only. It was even cheaper than DIY for a solo traveler like myself! However, as they tried to find the date I can share the cost with other guests, it ended up with the different date that I wanted originally.
The staff was quite responsive and nice to deal with. If you can afford to make some adjustment on your schedule, I highly recommend them for budget travelers!
Hi Thomas, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment about your Mt Kinabalu climbing experience. It’s thanks to travellers like you coming back and sharing that makes this page the great up-to-date resource it is. Others are also starting to mention Borneo Trails so I’ll likely add them to the list when I do the next update. Thanks once again!
Hi Jessica. Thank you for all the information on your site, it has been incredibly helpful :) Gabi
Pleasure, Gabi. Glad to hear it helped. Enjoy the climb if you haven’t done it already :)
hello im planning to hike looptrail, (dont know if its already open) or summit, (dayhike) whichever is convenient,,, im stll undecided what to do… but ill be there august 27-29 , im looking for a travel buddy or a group with similar travel date and plan.. message me here https://www.facebook.com/dexang.mallari thanks :)
Few months ago in Philippines, when I started looking into climbing Mount Kinabalu, I was pretty confident after reading this post.
But since recent years earthquake the cheapest climb is about 300€ for the basic 1.5 day climb. Jungle Jack is not cheaper anymore – actually there are even little bit cheaper offers from mounkinabalu.com.
You also can’t do 1 day or half mountain treks.
http://tomplusveronica.com/climbing-mt-kinabalu-budget-2016-not-alternatives/
There are a lot alternatives, some of them even higher, that are a lot less cheaper and less crowded :)
thanks,,,
Hi Adrian!
You are right, I happened to click Borneo Trails website @www.borneotrails.com and have came across their promo rate for 2D1N Mt climb. It is an all inclusive package. I have emailed them and the response is quite prompt. However, I did not manage to get the dates I wanted although they did offer me an alternative date… I guess their mt climb package sales fast like hot cakes!!
I managed to talk with Uncle Jack over the phone. He seemed to be a decent guy. BUT, the proposed price was RM1380 + 6% Tax (Without transportation fee from city area to his lodge…)! It’s way more expensive than what I expected from him. Even though it’s 4D/3N package (Overnight Stay at Jungle Jack’s house before & after climbing), it’s not for me.
I happened to find the promotion by Borneo Trails in Wisma Sabah building.
Since they offered me all-inclusive 2D/1N package at RM1360, I will probably book with them.
I will update you later on!
For your information for those who want to do the climb and get down with Via Ferrata – Marvelous Borneo
Via Ferrata Full Service Packages
PACKAGE MBT/16: 2D1N Mount Kinabalu Climb & Via Ferrata – Walk the Torq (WTT)
DATE OF CLIMB (STATUS): 16th-17th July 2016 (AVAILABLE but LIMITED)
NO OF PAX: 2 Adults*
PRICE (YOUR GROUP SIZE): RM2100 per person (1 pax only), RM1750 per person* (2-3 pax), RM1575 per person (4-6 pax), RM1535 per person (7-10 pax)
PACKAGE MBT/17: 2D1N Mount Kinabalu Climb & Via Ferrata – Low’s Peak Circuit (LPC)
DATE OF CLIMB (STATUS): 16th-17th July 2016 (AVAILABLE but LIMITED)
NO OF PAX: 2 Adults*
PRICE (YOUR GROUP SIZE): RM2240 per person (1 pax only), RM1890 per person* (2-3 pax), RM1715 per person (4-6 pax), RM1675 per person (7-10 pax)
PACKAGE INCLUSIONS:
Via ferrata activity indicated above
1x night stay at Pendant Hut
1x packed lunch (day 1)
1x buffet dinner at Laban Rata Restaurant (day 1)
1x early morning Continental breakfast/supper at Pendant Hut (day 2)
1x late morning American breakfast on day 2 at Pendant Hut (day 2)
1x high tea/late set lunch – local menu (day 2)
Via Ferrata safety equipment
Via Ferrata certificate for successful climbers only
Round trip transportation between KK town and Park HQ
KOKTAS return transfer (transport from Park HQ – Timpohon Gate – Park HQ)
All Sabah Parks’ tariffs & fees; conservation fee, permits, insurance, Mt. guide services and climbing certificate
PACKAGE EXCLUSIONS:
Porter fees (RM13 = 1KG)
Extra drinks and meals
Any other items not listed in the inclusion list
Considering the standalone Via Ferrata Low’s peak circuit is 750RM, this is an ok package, same level with SSL, if you add up all the cost to SSL accommodations + meals for foreigner.
Marvelous Borneo,
What is your availability for 1-2 people the last week of August and first week of September 2016 for Mt. Kinabalu with Via Ferrata? Can I join an existing group?
Hey Virani. I am not from Marvelous Borneo. I did my trip with them, hence the info :). We did the climb already.
Hi guys. A Malaysian friend and I plan to climb KK this July 15-17 (go to KK on 15th, enjoy the city a bit, climb 16th, climb down 17th via Ferrata Low’s peak circuit. So far, Sutera offered the cheapest price for this option for foreigner. Via Ferrata will be another 750 for the Low’s Peak circuit. Please let me know if you want to join us @thu.nguyenanh84@gmail.com.
Hi Thu, I have emailed Sutera to inquire for July but they told me it will be for 3d2n.. have u booked yet? solo climb is just so pricey for me.
Hi Wey Wey,
I have not booked yet.
SSL came back to me but not yet on the availability :(. Also, I am confirming with them if their package includes the 200RM for the climbing fee as well as the guide fee (230RM for up to 5 pax). If these 2 costs are not in there package, we probably will need to check with Jungle Jack where everything is included for 1380RM and you have the option of resting there after the climb.
I don’t see big difference on 3D2N or 2N1D for us as foreigner though (my local friends are going there for 500RM 2D1N). My plan is fly there on Friday anyway so that I can hang around the city or the beach a bit :).
Via Ferrata has came back with availability on those days already. Low’s peak circuit is available but with limited spot available (not sure if this is marketing trick ;p)
One other friend of mine might join as well (also foreigner). If we can gather 4 people, at least the guide fee will not be that high.
The mountain is there, so we will climb it and have fun :).
Cheers,
Thu
Hi Thu, I’m planning to go in July as well but not interested in via ferrata. Are you confirmed?
Hi weywey, when in July are you planning to go? I want to go in July as well and would like to minimize the cost as much as I can.
Hi Ahmad, we have booked via ferrata already but you are still welcome to join. july 9-10. Thu have arranged for our group of strangers=)
weywey thanks for the reply! just seen it. By via ferrata you mean you will not go to the summit, or will you? If you guys are summitting, then I would love to join you. Dates are perfect for me. Do you still have available spots?
Back from the mountain, Jungle Jack is the way to go. 2D/1N RM1380 all inclusive, including 2 nights at Jungle Jack place, 1 before and 1 after the climb, good way to meet your climbing partners and, after the climb, to rest before heading back to hot KK. Great diners at nearby Chinese joints included!
has anyone validate if 1 day climb is allowed? alternatively, any one keen to share costs going around 21-23 may?
Very informative blog Jessica. Appreciate it.. Would like to know climbing conditions this july2016? will they allow a climb to summit? also if i could join in a group as i am travelling alone. Form Philippines here. let me know: yngelic@yahoo.com. Cheers
I would like to know how difficult it is to climb the mountain? Out of 5?
It’s depend on your fitness level. if you are quite fit, its quite an easy climb but if your fitness level not very good, it can be a little hard. there is a lot of stairs from timpohon gate to laban rata and from laban rata to sayat-sayat hut, so my advice is train your body to get used to the stairs.
Very usefull blog indeed and updated, thanks Jessica! I have a very short window to do the climb between the 20th and 23rd of April i.e next week. A bit of a last minute decision so would be happy to join someone that might have a bit more of a plan already set up -or not ;)- obviously the 2day/1nite climb option. Very greatfull also for tips only what best “last minute provider” to use. If I head to the park the day I arrive and look there would I have a chance to find a spot? Cheers!! Olivier
hey Olivier,
Two of my friends are planning for it sometime next week I believe. I’m going to to contact one of the operator listed here most likely Sutera, would you be interested to share the guide with them if dates are good?
Anyone planning to climb in july/august 2016 and would like to share the expenses let me know at ummukhalisahyusri@gmail.com.tq. Wanna climb but the price for solo climber is O.O
Hi Ummu, have you booked already.. I come in contact with Thu (commented at the top) and planning to make a small group out of this thread, if you are happy about it let me know. we still haven’t decided a specific date but it will fall on month of July. are you up for via ferrata?
Thanks
hello im planning to hike , loop trail or summit,,whichever is convenient, coz i have limited time… ill go august 27-28-29 message me here , https://www.facebook.com/dexang.mallari
I am planning to climb in May 2016. Do you know the exact budget for the whole trip from KK?
hi, were going to climb kinabalu also this coming may. you have any idea the total cost in sutera?. the other online package was to expensive. thank you
Hello
I’m planning to climb on the 8th of May and looking forward to do the Walk the Torq via Ferrata as well but haven’t received any replies from SSL yet. Worse comes to worst, I’d just book with one of the tour providers on the internet. Haven’t made any bookings yet.
I was wondering if anyone else would like to join bcos I could use some company on the way up! My fitness level is just average so my climbing pace would be just average. Anyone else with average climbing pace would like to ‘not climb alone’ on the way up? Do let me know :)
hi nadia, im also going in may – 21-23… wanna join?
Hi,
I’m Peter and I am going to be in KK as of the 11th May. I am looking to do the climb at the same time. Are you still planning on climbing on the 22-23rd?
Please reply to my email at petersledge@hotmail.co.uk.
I’m looking to start my climb around the 23rd of March and Sutera is sold out. Jungle jacks won’t reply to messages. Am I doomed to pay for an expensive place? Anyone have an open spot?
Hey Dave, I am looking to climb around the same time, maybe we can save some $$ by booking together. Let me know if your interested and we can explore our options.
-Justin
Hi Justin,
I am going to be in Borneo until the 24th when I fly out but I would be interested in sharing the costs if you would want to go on the 21st-22nd?
My email is petersledge@hotmail.co.uk
Following is the link to the document stating latest park charges
https://www.dropbox.com/s/xvxh6zzhr45g7nb/Sabah%20Parks%20Fees%20NEW.pdf?dl=0
I have just booked directly with SUTERA SANCTUARY LODGES. Following are the details;
PUBLISH RATES 2016 (SUTERA SANCTUARY LODGES)
PACKAGE : 3 DAYS 2 NIGHTS MOUNTAIN CLIMBING PACKAGE (Kinabalu Park & Laban Rata)
3D2N KP-LRR Mt Climbing
Malaysian Rates (RM)
RM 709.00 Nett Per Person Dormitory
RM 878.00 Nett Per Person Lodges
International Rates (RM)
RM 974.00 Nett Per Person Dormitory
RM 1,190.00 Nett Per Person Lodges
Package Excluded:- Sabah Park fees (to be paid separately with Sabah Park office) & Return Land Transfer.
2D1N package is only bookable at 30 days prior to climbing dates upon availability
International Rates 2016
Private Room (RM) : RM 1572.00 nett per room (2 persons) / upon availability
Dormitory (RM) : RM 781.00 nett per person
Hi Anurag what email did you used for your queries?thankyou
I would like to know as well. I’m planning on climbing around July 2016 and haven’t gotten a reply from Sutera…
Hi Merv,do you want to join our group. I’ve spoken with Thu here and we haven’t decided dates yet but it will be on July.. email me yngelic@yahoo.com.thanks
Hi Everyone, I will be arriving in Kuala Lumpur April 28, 2016. My plan is to get to Kota Kinablu by May 2nd and then start my climb May 3rd. I’m not sure yet which package to do. I saw that they still have the 1 night option but I could be wrong. If anyone might be climbing around that date let me know and we can book together to make it cheaper. Also, I am still in the early planning stages of my trip so if anyone can recommend the best way to get to Borneo from Kuala Lumpur please let me know. Thank you.
Hi Lyndsey,
How did you go organising your climb? I’m travelling solo and hoping to book for may 8 but just started researching.
Cheers
Mike
Hi Lynsey, I’m also thinking of going around that time (actually preferably a few days earlier), also from KL. We should connect. :)
I am climbing on 4/23. anyone else?
Hi Lindsey and Emily,
How did you go with booking your climb? I am arriving to KK on morning of 30th April and was hoping to do the climb on 1st or 2nd May. Did you manage to book in and dod you want to do it together to make it cheaper?
Cheers,
Kylie
Hey guys!
I was planning to do the 3D2N climb the 8th of August. I was wondering if there were more people that don’t want to be ‘lonely at the top’ and would like to join? :)
Rick
Hi, Im planning to climb this August 2-4,2016, still looking for climb package.SSL is not yet responding to my email..
Hi Jessica, Great blog, incredibly useful for those wishing to add an adventure to their schedule. We have a limited window of time in KK – 3 days in October, and we’re wishing to climb Mt Kinabalu. So we have to book ahead which means we can’t take advantage of cheaper packages that require more flexibility. From your blog I’ve contacted Sutera but have yet to hear back. However, both Amazing Borneo Tours and Borneo Trails got back with 2D 1N quotes (MYR1730 and MYR1530 respectively). I’d like to know if you or any of your readers have had experience with either company for the climb that will allow us to choose. I can see that ABT does appear among the contributions, but not BT. Perhaps they’re all much the same as they are dependent on the same allocation of places, facilities etc. Just thought I’d ask. Cheers, Johnston
Hi Jessica. My girlfriend and I booked through Sutera to do the climb next week. We haven’t got any accommodation for the evening when we finish the climb – do you or other readers have any tips? I believe the climb finishes at Kinabalu Park.
Thanks for your site! Very informative and useful.
Ashley
Hi, We’re a couple from Wales, UK, looking to climb on 3rd/4th April 2016. Always happy to spend time with fellow hikers if anyone else is climbing around the same dates.
Hi there
Plan the same dates for me and my wife with the hope to book something in KK on the previous weekend. All the web bookings are insanely expensive and we’ll take the risk to find a deal or leave it. Happy to team up to save costs if you find something in the meantime.
Hi there,
in addition to my last communication, we have now found private booking to a somewhat reduced price (MR 1870 p/p – all included) for a 3-day version 4 – 6 March. Interested to join?
Expensive prices from Amazing Borneo tours
Please kindly find below information for your perusal:
PENDING CONFIRMATION (2 PAX) – SELLING FAST
TOUR NAME: 2D1N MOUNT KINABALU CLIMB WITH FERRATA (LOW’S PEAK CIRCUIT)
TOUR CODE: ABK-MK05 (Click link for more information)
TOUR DATE: 23-24 MAR OR 01-02 APR 2016 – PLEASE ADVICE
PRICE PER PERSON (INTERNATIONAL): RM 2050/-
TOTAL PRICE FOR 2 PAX (INCLUSIVE OF 6% GST): RM 4100/-
MEALS: 01 Breakfast, 02 Lunches, 01 Dinners & 01 Supper
INCLUSION: Meals as Stated, 01 Night Accommodation, Entrance Fee, Return Hotel Transfer (Seat-In-Coach), Return Transfer (Park HQ – Timpohon Gate – Park HQ), Mountain Guide, Ferrata Trainer, Climbing Insurance, Climbing Permit and Certificates, English Speaking Support Team
ACCOMMODATION: 01 Night Pendant Hut (Non-Heated Dormitory)
EXCLUSION: Airfares, Optional Tipping & Porter Fee, Alcoholic Drinks, Any Items Not Mentioned
<
Hi! Thanks for keeping this post alive as updated information about Mt Kinabalu is limited :( Can anyone confirm if they still allow one day climbs and if the office is open on Saturdays? Thanks!
i’m not sure about the 1 day climb but SSL office is open half day on saturday.
When I did Mount Kinabalu for January 12-14, there was a paper sign on the HQ door saying that day climbs are no longer available and it didn’t note when they will become available again. I don’t recommend doing the one day climb unless you are super-duper fit. Highly recommend the two days, one night.
Hi thanks for your blog, a friend and I will climb this July 2016. And we will book thru Sutera Lodges, sending you the updated prices
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/1ynooefo2163sjz/AABV83QJfX4U28VLk89bI8Sga?dl=0
Cheers
Ivy
That was really helpful. Thanks much :)
HI! I’m from the Philippines are you joining a group for the climb? If yes do u have any suggestions? I am planning to climb as well on July if I get to find a promo flight. but probably ill be travelling solo. I
Hey Kirsten it is just the 2 of us maybe 3. It gets cheaper with a bigger group maybe youwanna join us? We are from Manilaliving in SG. Find me on fb,it’s Fräulein Ivy. Hope to hear from you
Hi Ivy. when are you planning to climb? have you booked your tickets or reserved with Sutera? I am travelling alone but haven’t booked flights,etc. let me know so we could have the cheapest package?=) yngelic@yahoo.com
Hi kirsten. I’m coming from Manila as well.Do you have specific dates to visit kk? I am planning to go this july2016.haven’t booked a flight yet.i am travelling solo.can i join in if u already have a group? Pls email me at yngelic@yahoo.com.
Hi ivy, have you booked yet?how many are you going? are you planning to do the ferrata? pls email me at yngelic@yahoo.com.
just for info, all booking and sales can be done at SSL office at KK Times Square. for inquiry can email them at info@suterasanctuarylodges.com. you can also call the office (+6088-487466).
Hello Jessica!
I’m planning to go to Borneo at the beginning of July. Therefore, I want to book my tour (2D/1N) in the next couple of days. I have done some research already, but I’m still not really sure what the best option is concerning booking. Should I book via an established tour operator where everything is included or just the accommodation and organise all the other stuff myself (transport, guide, park fees, any other extras etc.)? I’m a little bit on a budget, so I’ve abandoned the idea of doing the via ferrata as well as I think it is really expensive.
Moreover, I’m traveling alone. Would it be advisable to ask the tour operator to put me into a group to save some money? Is there any tour operator you would recommened at the moment?
Maybe you can help me out with some of my questions. Looking forward to hearing from you :-)
Greetings from Germany,
Felix
Hello Felix,
Whether you should book an all-inclusive option or just the accommodation/climb and do the rest yourself really depends on your budget and whether or not you prefer to have everything arranged for you. I’d say the only slightly troublesome part of the process is getting to/from the mountain. But it is perfectly doable and you can find the link on how we did it at the end of this post. The other things are easy to arrange/pay for at Park HQ.
Sutera now only do 3D/2N packages. It is unclear whether other tour providers are moving in the same direction, so you may want to enquire about what kinds of packages they have available and whether they suit your budget/travel style, and whether they can put you in a larger group (when we booked with Sutera is 2013, we had to have our group already decided before booking because the price depended on group size). Our three suggestions for places to check out for bookings are included in the post, including some pros and cons of each one.
Hope that helps and good luck!
Hey Jessica!
Whoops, almost forgot to reply :-) Thanks for the detailed answer, it sure helped me a lot. I booked via SSL now, apparently it’s the cheapest and best option for me. 3D/2N cost as much as 2D/1N, so I’ve decided to go for that package.
Felix
Hi Felix! A friend and I will climb the mountain on first week of July? Maybe we could do it together to save up the cost? Let me know!
Hi Ivy, I have 2 person now intended to go in June or July. If we can combine group and share cost, please text me 012 658 6210 (Wai Lan).
Tq.
Hey sorry but which country code does this number have? If you could try to reach me that woul be great! +6594456851. Cheers
Hi Ivy!
I’ve also booked my tour via SSL now (3D/2N), but I’m starting on 14/7, so that’s probably too late for you I guess.
Anyway, thanks for your offer :-)
Felix
Just want to say a big thank you to everyone who has been sharing recent quotes, photos and experiences! It’s you who keeps this post up-to-date and relevant to current climbers. Thanks for being awesome and creating a nice little community here where we all help each other to have the best climbing experience possible. :)
Hi Jessica,
My friends and I are planning to climb Kinabalu around August, which is months away. We actually choose Jungle Jack Backpacker for this trip because so far, their package is the cheapest among all and we tried to cut down our budget as much as possible as well as choosing the best service for this trip. After reading your suggestion, I feel slight insecure with our choice but well, I will just give a try. Hope that everything will go smoothly as planned. Thank you your suggestion anyway. Have a nice day ahead! :)
Hi Amirah,
Thanks for sharing about your trip. Try not to worry. Chances are, things will be fine. :)
Would love to know how everything goes. Feel free to leave another comment after your trip about your experience.
All the best and happy climbing!
Thanks for the info – very useful. We got a couple of quotes for a 3D2N package and found that booking direct with Sutera was much cheaper. First night was spent in the Hill Lodge inside the park, then our second night was in Laban Rata in a dorm. All meals included and cost for two people was RM 2041 inc taxes. Just had to settle the additional costs such as a guide, insurance, transportation, climb fee on arrival at the park but it still worked out around RM 800 cheaper than other quotes from travel agents. We booked about a month in advance and went end of December 2015. One tip – if you are a light sleeper then bring earplugs as the dorm rooms at Laban Rata are fairly noisy even if things quieten down well ahead of the early start for the summit climb. Better still if you have the budget then a private room would be a better option. Happy climbing!
Hi Jim,
Thank you for sharing your recent experience here! That’s super helpful and I’m sure is appreciated by potential climbers checking out this post.
Happy New Year!
Hi! I am planning on flying to Kota Kinabalu on March 15-22 (as far as I can remember) and I was wondering if anyone here can give me an advice on which agency to contact. Should I be reserving my slot as soon as now or should I wait til I get there? My one problem is I’ll be traveling alone so it would be better if the agency that I’ll be in would just insert me in a big group so that I can pay a group price which is less painful to the wallet.
Hi! I am planning on flying to Kota Kinabalu on March 15-22 (as far as I can remember) and I was wondering if anyone here can give me an advice on which agency to contact. Should I be reserving my slot as soon as now or should I wait til I get there? My one problem is I’ll be traveling alone so it would be better if the agency that I’ll be in would just insert me in a big group so that I can pay a group price which is less painful to the wallet.
Hey there, I’ll be there on a solo trip but will be attempting the climb one week after you, I’ll be climbing with uncle jack, lemme know if you are able to make it for the climb on the 23-26 of march, perhaps we can climb together!
Hi Sing Yi,
I am looking to join a climb sometime between the 23 Mar – 28 Mar. Is there room for 1 more in your group?
Hi! I booked my climb with uncle jack (jungle jack), do you want to enquire from him if there’s still any slot left?
Hi Ted,
I would try to make a reservation as soon as possible. As I mentioned in the update to this post, we no longer recommend waiting until arrival to book. A lot of things have changed in the past couple of years and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find spots available last-minute.
Did you see the reply to your post by Sing Yi about looking for a climbing partner? Hopefully you can find someone to climb with to help bring down the cost a little.
As for which agency to book with, our three suggestions are listed in the post. You could start with Sutera, but it wouldn’t hurt to check availability and packages with all of them and then you can make the best decision for you from there.
Good luck!
Hi Ted,
I would recommend that you book now. I booked my climb for January 12-14th in September 2015 and to be honest, I wanted the dates January 10th-12th but it was already fully booked which I was kind of shocked but then again, it was recommended to book 6 months ahead on various websites. I booked through Sutera Sanctuary Lodges but I kind of regret it because you literally, just pay for accommodation and food but everything else you have to do yourself when you get there which amounts to the same cost if you were to book through an agency (maybe a hundred or so less) but a hundred or whatever is better than having to deal with finding airport transfer from and to the climb, purchasing permits and all the other jazz to stress about when you have other things on your mind.
Thanks for your insights. I am still in contact with a travel agency right now and they really can’t give a discount or cheaper way of going up there with all the packages. I’m going to contact SSL for the last time and if they won’t be able to respond in time, I would have to book with the travel agency.
Is Borneo Calling a reliable agency? (Just want to know if you know)
Cheers!
Hi Ted,
Just wondering if you were able to organise a trip? I have unfortunately left it to the last minute and have discovered that it’s much more difficult to get a booking than I had envisaged. Looking for options, I discovered this helpful blog. I only have a small window between March 17-19 to climb it and am waiting to hear back from Sutera and Borneo Trails. Amazing Borneo told me they are fully booked on the 17th. If your plans align, happy to join up to reduce costs a bit.
Cheers
Colin
Hi Jessica,
Me and my girl is planning to climb Kinabalu this November. We will arrive in Kota around 1:30am on Nov 10 Tuesday. Is it possible to head straight from airport to the nearest hotel near the Park and start the climb after lunch (so we can still sleep) and be back at the Gate by Wednesday afternoon? Because we wanna be at a resort down in Tanjung Aru by Wednesday night. Is this possible?
I also heard about a day hike? Or should we just take a non-summit climb?
Let me know your thoughts.
Thanks,
Harris
Hi Harris,
Unfortunately, the summit trail will not re-open until December 1st (due to the earthquake earlier in the summer). You can however do a non-summit climb to as far as Laban Rata. You will not be able to start climbing in the afternoon because there is a cut-off time to start the trail.
There used to be a one-day summit climb option for a limited number of climbers each day, however, this is no longer available (a decision that had already been made before the earthquake). But considering that you can’t go to the summit right now, I’m not sure whether you still have to book overnight accommodation on the mountain or whether you can just go down the same day. Best to ask the tour provider you are going through for the exact details on interim measures.
It would be difficult to go straight from the airport to somewhere around the Park at that hour. I’m sure you could get a taxi from the airport, but it will be a dark and windy drive, and you’d have to find accommodation that had 24 hour reception. Not saying this is not possible, but you’d have to look into accommodation that would allow a middle of the night arrival. It’s not exactly a happening kind of place.
If it is possible to do a one-day non-summit climb, then you could just make your way to the Park on Tuesday, rest, and then start the climb early morning on Wednesday, if that will give you enough time to get to your next destination.
All the best,
Jess
Note to prospective climbers: Mt. Kinabalu is currently closed due to the earthquake that occurred there last month. At this stage, it is expected climbing trails will re-open some time in September.
Hi Jess,
Thanks for the information, sad to hear that Mt Kinabalu will be closed due to the earthquake. Could you share the official information regarding this (probably from the gov), since I hv planned already to hike in mid August. Hopefully won’t be canceled, but anyway safety still first.
Thanks Jess!
Rgrds,
Rhais
Hi Rhais,
Sorry about my delayed reply. Here is information from the Sabah Tourism Board stating that the mountain is currently closed and is scheduled to re-open in early September: http://www.sabahtourism.com/corporate/sabah-advisory
Hope that you are able to re-schedule your climb for a later date. I’m sure you will enjoy your trip to Sabah in any case :)
All the best!
The advisory is updated on 17/Aug/2015.
Refer: http://www.sabahtourism.com/corporate/sabah-advisory
Summary
Trail from Timpohon to Laban Rata (only) will be opened on September 1 and the trail from Laban Rata to Summit will be opened on December 1. The daily number of climbers will be revised to 100.
Great page, thanks for sharing. We have left it very late (I thought my partner had done it) and we leave in 10 days!?!? Have enquired with a few places so fingers crossed
The mountain’s closed until September due to the earthquake yo. We were meant to be going in early August – they just announced last week that it will be closed until at least September due to aftershocks etc. So sad
As Lucy mentioned (thanks for letting Nick know so quickly btw!), climbing has been suspended until September due to the earthquake and trail maintenance that will now need to take place. Unfortunately, you’ll need to reschedule your climb.
We are deeply saddened to hear the news of the earthquake that shook Mt. Kinabalu on Friday. We know that many of you reading this post had made plans to climb this summer and it is our most sincerest hope that none of you were climbing at the time of this incident. We are thinking of everyone affected, and we’re sure we can say the same for all of our readers here.
In hope and solidarity,
– Jess & Hai
Hi Syarifah here. I just came back from climbing mount k and I made my bookings with Amazing Bornoe. Yes I agreed it was quite ex the package but they provide transportation to and from your hotel before and after the climb, meals, permits, insurance, booking at laban rata is all included and also transportation to the airport if you are leaving on that same evening but its not advisable to because of injuries or tiredness. Be sure not to carry too many bags when ascending from Timpohon gate because if you need to ask your guide/porter to carry for you it will be RM1 per 1kg which will be weigh before you ascend and same goes when you descend. A hiking stick would be good but better if you have 2. And because I went there alone, I have my own personal guide. They don’t mix you up with other groups. Just a gentle reminder not to rest too long at the huts cause it might create trouble for you later. Go slow pace and constant. Stop when you have to. Do not force yourself. Unless you are really fit and did a lot of preparation for this climb. Health is important. The weather is very unpredictable up there so be sure to have a poncho and raincoat. For those going soon, enjoy and be safe!!
Hi Jessica, Thank you so much for you blog! It really helps a lot!
I do have contact with Jungle Jack on Facebook. I’ve asked him if we can climb Mt KK with 3 persons on the 21st of August. He told me it’s ok and that we have to transfer the money by bank. The costs are 680 RM and it includes several meals, 2 nights at Jungle Jacks and 1 night on the mountain and including the climbing permit. He already said a few times that we do need a permit but doesn’t answer my question if we have to arrange this ourselves or that he will get us the permits we need. And I don’t know if he will drive us to the Timpohon Gate or that we have to get us there ourselves.
Do you know how he normally does this? I already asked him for a confirmation number as I saw several reactions below :)
Hope you will answer.
Kind regards, Marion
He will definitely not give you a confirmation number as he works outside the system with his own system. But if he does CONFIRM with you, you’re locked and loaded. Just show up and he’ll take care of everything else, permits and what not included.
Hope that helps…
~S~
How high can you climb without a permit? Where are the first permit checks? I ask because I’ve climbed Kinabalu before but I need somewhere close to Singapore to train and acclimatise for a mountain race in the US, it may be one of the closest options for me. I don’t need to go all the way to the top.
Permits are checked as soon as you enter the trail that leads to the summit. Most people climb via the Timpohon Gate which is 5.5km from Park HQ at an altitude of 1,866m (6,122ft). Once you get to this point, you’ll need to be with a guide who’ll hand over all the papers you need to climb. You won’t be able to go further than this without a permit and having booked accommodation on the mountain. There are a number of trails on the lower reaches of the mountain that you don’t need a permit for. You’ll just need to pay the park entrance fee. It just depends if those trails are high enough for your elevation training or not. All the best!
Thanks Jesicca, is that the same if I go up via the Mesilau Trail, I think this trail is open for just trekking without a guide? Could I then get as high as Laban Rata?
It may be different for the Mesilau Trail. I’m not 100% sure, but it seems it is possible to take the Mesilau Trail for a distance without a guide before it connects with the main summit trail that climbers taking the Timpohon route will be on. From what I’ve read, the trails connects a little above Layang-Layang at 2,702 metres. If that’s the case, the first checkpoint for those on the Mesilau Trail may be there or perhaps even further up if you are lucky. Laban Rata is at 3,270m. I’ve just done a quick online search to pull up this information, so I really encourage you to research this further before going. But from what I see, perhaps the Mesilau Trail might be the way to go for you.
Anyone else here taken the Mesilau Trail and can provide some clarification?
Hi Jessica,
First of all, thanks for your blog..it helps alot..I have made a booking with Sutera today.Indeed, they are the cheapest among all I could find but the email process took sometimes..haha..my booking cost me total RM627.52. Im going with my friend in this coming July.
1 night stay at croker range room
1 night stay at non heated waras hut dorm
However, I haven’t booked for the mountain guide. Do I need to book them in advance or I can find them on the spot at the Kinabalu park?
Hope to get your advise..
Thanks.
Hi Lee,
Thanks for your message. Glad to hear you were able to make a booking eventually (haha). Thanks for sharing your recent booking details. They change depending on Sutera’s current policies as well as the season and promotions they have from time to time, so it’s always great to get feedback from readers who have recently made a booking. Hopefully that will give other readers an idea of the current rates and what they might be expected to pay if they go at a similar time.
As for the mountain guide, even if you haven’t paid for one yet and you have been told to pay at Park HQ on arrival (which seems to be the way Sutera is doing things these days), you don’t need to book or arrange one yourself. Basically you cannot climb without a guide, so by booking a spot with Sutera, the park will have already noted that you need a guide. The park arranges enough guides for the number of groups climbing each day so you needn’t worry about anything. They will allocate you one on the day. The whole registration/guide allocation at Park HQ is actually very well organised and easy to follow.
Hope that helps! Thanks so much for getting in touch and all the best with your climb. Let us know how you go with it all!
Can you tell me wich email adres you used?
Hai Guys good afternoon to u.. if you guys want to know more about mt climb kota kinabalu?
we can help you to arrange it. just watzup +0178575300 (ahmad) or +601125337696 or you can visit our facebook at
Ahmadsha Bin Mohd Nur
http://www.borneoadvanture.com
http://kinabaluferratasports.blogspot.com
http://sabahislandhopping.blogspot.com
http://survivorislandtrip.blogspot.com
we are also have a backpackers that u can stay here at Xplorer backpacker RM25/pax (dormitory room) included breakfast
Mt climb Kota kinabalu sabah 2D1N (international) Rm880
Climb Permit
insurance
1 night at laban rata
Entrance fee
Mt.guide
Certificate
5xmeals
Please take note: transportation is not included
Day 1: Meet and greet upon arrival at the kinabalu park HQ.We will collect our packed lunch and then depart to Timpohon Gate, starting point, where we register our attendance (all climbing permit and registration are already taken care of prior to your arrival) and be welcome by our mountain guide with briefing, name tag and begin to climb from the starting Point at Timpohon gate with your experienced Mt. Guide to conquer the highest mountain in Malaysia – Mt.Kinabalu (4,095.++m).Check in Resthouse and rest after a day climbing. Dinner at Laban Rata.
( Packed Lunch, Dinner )
Day 2: 2am wake up and prepare the summit climb. Light Supper served.Depart for the most challenging part of the highest peak of the Low’s peak summit (4,095++ m). After reaching the summit, return to Laban Rata for breakfast and check out. Depart to Timpohon Gate and transfer to Balsam café for lunch. After lunch at Balsam cafe, back to kk town. (Supper, Breakfast, Lunch)
Things You Should Prepare For Mountain Climb:
· Waterproof backpack to store your items
· Trekking or running shoe with good grip
· Warm clothing/Long sleeves shirt/Hiking pants
· Jacket/Wind breaker
· Extra clothing and socks
· Small towel
· Hand gloves and winter hat
· Disposable raincoats
· Head torch
· Personal toiletries
· Refillable water bottle (0.5 – 1 Litre)
· High energy food such as chocolates, nuts, biscuits, sweets, energy bars
· Your extra luggage can be stored at Kinabalu Park HQ at a nominal fee of RM10
· Climb stick/Tongkat ~ u can rent from us RM20
OTHER TOURS:
1. PADI DISCOVER SCUBA DIVING
~this Activity is suitablefor NOT a certified diver but wanna try diving in 1 day.
RATE: RM245 per person.
~or if you have a licenses. then Rm245(2dives +1 dive free)
includes: 5*PADI Instructor to guide you, Scuba Equipment Rental, Boat
return Transfers, Island Entrance Fee, Dive Permit, Lunch & Drinking
Water.
NOTED: We don’t provide pick-up from hotel.
2. PULAU TIGA/SURVIVOR ISLAND
RATE: RM200 per person (day trip)
Meet up at the jesselton point,
Meals : 01 Lunch
Snorkeling Equipment, Meals as Stated, Sabah Parks Fee, Jetty Fee
*Visit Survivor Island
*Visit Snake Island
*Vocalno Mud
*Sand Pit
*Snorkeling
3. WHITE WATER RAFRING PADAS OR KIULU
RATE: RM145(kiulu), RM200(padas)
4. JUNGLE TREKKING 2d1n or DAY TRIP
5. Mantanani island 2d1n or dady trip
6 ISLAND HOPPING (sapi/manukan or Mamutik)
RM19 per pax/island (boat 2 ways)
Rm15 snorkeling set.
I’ve send you an email/facebook message!:)
Hi Jessica,
Thank you for this informative blog! really helpful:)
We are planning to climb by aug 15 and are arriving around 6pm on the 14th. I havent made the reservation as i havent heard from Jack yet though Sutera has responded already but the date is not available. would it be safe if we go to the park late or early in the morning on the 15th? need your suggestion please.
thank you very much in advance.
Hi Liz,
How are you planning on getting to the park? If by public bus, then you will probably find it difficult to find something in the evening. You should definitely be able to get a taxi to take you. It just depends on how much you want to pay for it. That said, some readers have been able to get good deals on shared taxis near the bus station later in the day. It all depends on luck, really.
The benefit of going the night before is that you’ll already be around the park. You might be able to take an early morning bus on the 15th or definitely a taxi. If you take a taxi, I probably wouldn’t say that you are climbing the same day though as some taxis drivers might put up the price knowing that you don’t have much time to find other options. It is expected you’ll haggle for a better price in any case.
While both are certainly possible, it depends on whether you prefer to stay in KK or around the park the night before. Going the day before would definitely be preferable, it’s just the time of day that is complicating that a little. If you end up climbing later than the 15th due to no availability, then you’ll be able to take a public bus without the time pressure.
If you stay in KK for the night then perhaps your accommodation can help you with getting a reasonably priced taxi to take you and/or you can go with some other guests heading there too and split the cost? Perhaps you can contact them in advance to see if they offer such services?
Hi Jessica,
Thanks so much for your blog! You’re so helpful and all the comments here contain very valuable information as well. It really gives me confidence to do the climb!
How many months in advance do you think I should book? I’m thinking of doing it early next year. I’m leaning towards Jungle Jack or Sutera although it sounds like a challenge to contact them… lol. Amazing Borneo seems too expensive for a solo traveller.
Hi June,
Thanks so much for your kind comment! So glad to hear our blog has been able to help you.
While it is probably not necessary to book quite as yet as the time you want to climb is still a ways away (and you’ll be climbing outside of the peak season), I would contact them soon anyway. Some readers have been struggling to get a place on their desired dates over the past few months. It is of course the high season now so places are harder to come by, but it can’t hurt just to enquire. If you can, I would probably try to make a booking a minimum of three months from the time you want to climb. That way you won’t have to stress about trying to find a spot on the dates you want at the last minute.
Hope that helps and all the best with everything. Let us know how you go with the booking process and of course the climb itself!
Hi all!
I hope this question doesn’t come across as ignorant or offensive to anyone, but how safe would it be to climb Kinabalu with my boyfriend? I know Malaysia does have some active anti-gay laws, but want to know how serious this is (can we be perfectly open? Do we have to ‘just be friends’ for this trip?)
We’re looking to book Jungle Jack, and hope anyone would be able to advise me on how he is on this issue as well. Thanks so much!
Hi there!
Unfortunately, I don’t have any knowledge on this topic. But I do hope someone who does reads this and can give you some guidance.
All the very best!
Hey there…
I can’t say anything for sure, but I would think it would be more than safe to climb the mountain with your partner – just take serious note that you need to be very modest in public. Other than that I doubt anyone would be able to tell the difference.
Again, I can’t say for sure, but Jack was the only guy we met in Sabah that didn’t pronounce himself religious, so I’m assuming he doesn’t care. He really is just an old hippie.
I think you’ll be fine. Just be smart in public.
Enjoy!
~S~
Hi~
Are there any contacts to Jack? I tried to catch him on facebook last friday, but no signals show that he has seen my msg :(
Hi Lucy,
You could try emailing him directly: johnjackchin@yahoo.co.uk
Good luck!
Hi Jess
I tried all ways to contact Jack, 1 email and 2 facebooks. I haven’t received his reply until now even though i’m sure that he read mine. Your words about him make me feel disappointed. Does he treat a solo climber differently??
Luckily, I got a left slot from Sutera. They offered me a good price (i think) 586.18 RM, including 5 meals and 1 accommodation. Their availability is on 15th May. I have no choice bcos if not now, i need to wait until Oct – Dec.
Is it possible to find a guide at the entrance park?
Sutera offered me 2 options for payment : “Payment can be done either by Credit card ( please complete attached credit card form and Please provide us a copy of your identity card/passport together with the front face of your credit|charge card and your signature) OR by direct deposit to our bank account. Proof of the payment made (Receipt/Slip and Form) need to be send to us either by email or fax at +6088-308 482”
I did the first one, they didn’t give me the link or sth that I could confirm by CVC or code confirmation. I contacted my bank and informed that case.. I know Sutera is a big name but Malay is infamous for security leak.
Hi Lucy,
I haven’t heard from anyone that they’ve had problems regarding payment with Sutera. I think it should be fine.
As for the guide, you will be allocated one automatically at the park. As you can’t climb without a guide, it’s all organized for you (even if you have to pay for the guide on arrival as seems to be the way Sutera is handling their payment process these days). Just by having booked a climbing spot and hence accommodation on the mountain, all the other resources needed for your climb including the guide will be organized for you. The process at the park – registration, getting your guide etc, is very well managed and easy to follow. You shouldn’t have any problems.
My boyfriend and I just climbed with Jungle Jack. We contacted him through Facebook and he sent us the available dates, and we replied with the dates we wanted, and he said “you are climbing, see you at Jungle Jacks the night before” so we changed our plans in Borneo to be in Kinabulu for the climb. Arrived the night before only to be told by Jack that he was full, there had been a mistake and he hadn’t really booked us in his system, where he always gives a confirmation receipt number. So we did not get to climb on our planned day, but Jack pulled a lot of strings to get us to be able to climb the next day. In the end it all worked out and Jack did go above and beyond to get us to climb, and there were two groups of very happy JJ climbers that we met over the whole ordeal. So I would recommend climbing with Jack because he is a good guy and does it cheap, but MAKE SURE YOU GET A CONFIRMATION # FROM HIM!! Before booking anything!
As stated before, Jack’s ways are a bit archaic, but he will get the job done! Definitely recommend booking with Jack.
Skoi, Could you explain the process of booking with Jungle Jack please? He says that the date I want is free to climb and just to show up. Do I need to purchase a ticket for the mountain beforehand or arrive with anything other than my bag? If I do, where/how did you buy this ticket? His message was brief! Thanks!
Jack arranges the permits and all of that, so just arrive with your bag and maybe some snacks for the climb! Make sure you have a confirmation number from him!
As Linds states below, just make sure you get a solid date confirmation from Jack and all you need to do is show up the night before at his place! He arranges everything else. As she also said, it’s best to have some snack to take with you, although you won’t need too many as you don’t want to climb the beast on a full stomach, I promise!
Happy climbing!
~S~
Extremely corrupted and unhealthy booking system created by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges. You are not allowed to climb the mountain without paying the expensive dorm bed. Climbing this mountain at such a high cost is contributing to corruption. A reason why many locals do not go up but the foreigners do. Nature should be FREE for everybody on earth to enjoy but not be used as profit making tool. Think twice before booking. Think about whether you are making a positive or negative impact to Malaysians in the long run.
This is why I recommend booking with Jungle Jack. He’ll do his best to skirt around giving any money to Sutera when possible.
Good luck…
~S~
Hi all, i’ll be arriving in KK in late April for a week.
Does anyone know if they still offer permits for 1 day hikes?
Thanks!
Hi Jonathan,
Unfortunately, they don’t. They stopped doing that last summer.
Hey Jessica and Everyone!
Jessica, thank you so much for all the info posted here! It really helped my girlfriend and I out before out climb.
My recommendation is definitely to try and book with Jungle Jack. It’s the cheapest and most ‘local’ way to climb Kinabalu. Basically if Jungle Jack has open spots you will be able to climb for Rm585. His ways of booking are definitely old fashioned so it may seem a bit shaky at first, but once you’re there at his place, you’ll see that it’s all ok! He’s a sweetheart, an incredible human being, full of great stories, and won’t rip you off – promise!
My girlfriend and I just finished climbing with Jungle Jack a few weeks back and have reported on the experience in full through a post here:
https://wanderingtunes.wordpress.com/2015/03/07/climbing-mt-kinabalu-on-a-budget/
Much love and happy climbing!
Skoi Sirius
Hi Skoi,
This is a great blog and your write-up at wanderingtunes is fantastic as well! Many thanks to all you guys for sharing so much information!
Please could you tell me something about Jungle Jack – do you know if he also offers the Ferrata experience on the climb down from Low’s peak?
Thanks in advance!
Cheers,
Naomi
You’re quite welcome!
Jack doesn’t personally offer the Ferrata, it’s something you need to book through Kinabalu Park before climbing. Just ask Jack and he will help set you up though!
Happy climbing!!
~S~
Thank you so much for replying!
You’re welcome!
Did you climb yet?
~S~
Absolutely!
Hi,
If I book with Jungle Jack, what is the name of the accommodation I will be staying in Laban Rata? Is hot shower available at Laban Rata?
Hi there,
No matter who you book with, you stay at the same accommodation run by Sutera at Laban Rata. There is only a cold shower available. Most people don’t use it because it is so freezing, but it is available.
Thanks Jessica for this very informative guide, updates included. I think I’ll probably go with Amazing Borneo so I can do the 2D1N package. Do you know if there’s a good website for finding people to travel with? I need to go on quite specific dates (14th-15th April) but would really like to save costs by sharing a guide!
Hi Iggy,
Thanks for your message. Unfortunately I don’t know of such a site, but many commenters in the past have posted their “listings” for sharing a guide in the comments section here and I know at least some of them have been able to find climbing partners. You’re welcome to do the same, if you’d like. All the very best and hope you find someone!
Btw, if anyone has any suggestions about how we might better streamline climbing partner requests, just let me know. A separate page, perhaps?
thank you for this guide because it really helps! just want to ask if anyone can recommend anything else aside from Sutera and jungle jack because I’ve inquired with both and they are full from between may 1-6. would really be disappointing if we won’t be able to climb because that’s really the main purpose of the trip.
Hi Trufferson, thanks for your message! Building a list of other alternatives would be a really great idea. I can keep adding to the list as we get more suggestions. Anyone have any recommendations?
Have you inquired with Amazing Borneo? They are more expensive than Sutera or Jungle Jack, but if it means you don’t come home disappointed, it could be a good option. Let us know how you go!
Hi Jessica, just wanted to update you that we were able to push through with Jungle Jack as I inquired with him again and was able to reserve 4 slots. We stayed at Jungle Jack May 3 then climbed up on May 4 and went down and stayed at Jungle Jack again May 5 before heading home May 6. Jungle Jack’s rates are really way cheaper than Sutera or Amazing Borneo. Jungle Jack isn’t for 5-star travelers, but uncle Jack makes sure everything you need is there and all you really have to do is make sure to read his message well and drag yourself there. Looking forward to going back in the near future! Just a note for those who think uncle Jack is unsure of his reservations, sometimes he will ask if you are flexible and can climb a day earlier or later than your stated date and it’s because there are limited number of climbers allowed to climb per day and he usually has first dibs on the slots for those who back out so if you’re flexible then you don’t have to worry much if you can’t climb within your desired day then he’ll definitely get you on the next day so it would be best to have some allowance on your schedule. Uncle Jack is the best and there’s a reason why he’s ranked number 1 in TripAdvisor, but don’t take my word for it… go see for yourself!
Hi Trufferson, thanks for your feedback on Jungle Jack. Great to hear it all worked out and you had a great time! :)
Hey Jessica and Everyone!
I just finished climbing with Jack a few days back and reported in full on my blog site…check it out here:
https://wanderingtunes.wordpress.com/2015/03/07/climbing-mt-kinabalu-on-a-budget/
Please do book with Jack. He’s a sweetheart and an incredible human being and won’t rip you off – promise!
Much love…
Skoi Sirius
Hey Jessica,
Thanks so much for the post, very helpful!
I emailed Sutera to inquire as my boyfriend and I want to do Mt K in August. They said 2d1n no longer available and they’re quoting me 835 myr per person for the 3d2n package (this is only meals and accom – so about 1050 all inclusive?).
I’d rather not pay so much but we’re only having a two week trip so would be gutted to wing it then get there and it’s all booked! Anyone know how busy it usually is in August?
Thanks :-)
Also, if anyone is interested, despite Sutera initially saying they were available for our dates, when I went to actually book they said they were full on those dates. Then they said the only thing they had was from 22 August (when we would be back in Australia!). So I contacted Jungle Jack and booked with him for 630myr for everything – not included is the transport from KK to JJs obviously. We are running the risk that he screws us over but then we’ll just try to book when we get there and hope there are cancelations! Fingers crossed…
Jack will not screw you over! Check out my updated post on all this here:
https://wanderingtunes.wordpress.com/2015/03/07/climbing-mt-kinabalu-on-a-budget/
Thank you very much! Nice to know we can rely on him, glad you had an awesome time :-)
You’re welcome! Tell him Shawn and Jessica say hello!
Cheers!
~S~
Hey Lucy!
Jack will definitely NOT rip you off! Check out my very recently updated post on all this here:
https://wanderingtunes.wordpress.com/2015/03/07/climbing-mt-kinabalu-on-a-budget/
Happy Climbing!!
~S~
Hi Jessica,
it seems this link is not working for pdf of cost for Non malaysians:
https://mega.co.nz/#!yt9zAITB!5GscytMrOG2hkw43On2l3TwNu-Xxcy-U09_SIbVaOG0
Hi Dex,
Hmmm, it seems to be working fine for me. Perhaps try clicking on the link within the post again? Any luck?
hi Jessica,
thanks for you blog page on climbing mount kinabalu. lots of info in this page specially in the comments!
id like to add what I gathered while trying to book a climb with sutera, jungle jack’s and the usual tour operators.
sutera- yes, they are only offering 3D/2N package for now until further notice. the only difference is basically the at the park lodges the night before the climb. they replied relatively quick, within 2 days. but ended up not booking as they are full on the dates I wanted.
jungle jack’s backpacker- I see you’ve been recommending him almost on every post you have here. let me be the dissenter.
sent him repeated private messages in both his facebook accounts (john jack chin and uncle jack) with the dates I planned and the booking procedure. after a few resends, finally got a reply asking how many climbers and I promptly said 1pax. got a reply again a few days after that if only 1 climber, ‘just come to jungle jack’. sent him a few more messages asking whether there is a proper acknowledgement that I am booked or when I need to show up (the day before or on the day itself) but did not get a reply after that. and looking at his facebook page right now, there are a few complaining of non-bookings after they have booked their flights and all.
no surprise here as he doesn’t have any acknowledgement system of a booking. some were also made to do a 1day roundtrip summit climb as those were the only spaces available for the day. so if you don’t have lots of time to spare and want sure bookings on the certain dates, then…
amazing borneo tours- yes its expensive, a little more than twice the cost of jungle jack. but considering you don’t have that much time and flying in from another country and want a secure booking, then the additional cost is worth it.
hope this helps.
Jack will totally take care of you, you just need to be on it with him. His system is definitely old fashioned, but if you stay on it with him, you’ll be hiking the mountain for much cheaper through anyone else, and get a good history lesson about the politics of it all through him. We truly enjoyed our stay with him and will probably visit Jack whenever we’re in the area!
Check out more here:
https://wanderingtunes.wordpress.com/2015/03/07/climbing-mt-kinabalu-on-a-budget/
skoi,
yes i understand but if you cant properly book a specific date and being told ‘just come here’, would you still go? what if when you arrive you will be told ‘oh sorry, kinabalu park is fullhouse’, wasted international flights? will he refund? i dont think so.
thats why i specifically said if you need a secure spot, then the added cost going with other providers is definitely worth it.
Hi Francis,
While I have been suggesting people look at Jungle Jack as an alternative to Sutera, I have to agree that the lack of acknowledgement of booking is annoying and something that would not be hard to do.
I am happy to acknowledge any shortfalls with any operators, Sutera, Jungle Jack and any others, and have done so openly here. I have never recommended an operator I haven’t used myself, only to say other readers have used X service and liked it, it may be an option for you to look into. This is an open space to discuss the pros and cons of various ways to climb Mt. Kinabalu, with the aim of not spending more than you have to.
I love comments because this post is always up to date with recent reports from people who have climbed or are about to. I’m assuming you ended up booking with Amazing Borneo? If so, would love to hear your take on it. Haven’t had anyone report back on their services/value for money yet.
Cheers and happy climbing,
Jess
Jessica,
yes, thats correct. no reply from jack after telling me to ‘just show up’. so went with the secure option as i will only be there for the climb.
will be there first week of april and will report on AB, positive or negative.
thanks again for your blog!
hi Jessica,
yes, I went with amazing borneo.
yes its a little bit more expensive. but if you count all the costs included (transpo from kk-park, meals, etc), its actually not that far off if booking with sutera or jungle jacks and adding all transpo and meal costs.
you get picked up from kk and brought back to kk. they also arrange special transpo (I arrived down the park early, regular shuttle was in 2hrs yet).
so if you need confirmed dates, time is at a premium and you cannot book with sutera, amazing or even other outfitters are a no-brainer.
well if you have spare days and willing to gamble whether you can climb the next day or not, then book (or whatever its called, as technically there’s no booking) with jungle jack.
cheers!
Hey Francis,
I understand where you’re coming from. I’m just reporting on what I’ve seen and heard with my own ears and eyes climbing through Jungle Jack.
Due to his ways being a bit old fashioned, you will want to confirm with him and continue to do so as your trip nears. He doesn’t actually take any payments up front so there would be no need to refund you, and even if he did, I know he would – he doesn’t care about the money, he just wants backpackers like us to be able to climb the mountain as cheaply as possible!
All that said, if you need that security, go for Sutera or Amazing Borneo.
Happy climbing!
~S~
Hi Jessica, I’m wanting to book the climb in September 2015. I don’t have much flexibility with the dates to do it so want to book well in advance rather than leave it until I get there. I have emailed Sutera Harbour at 3 of the different email addresses you listed above but haven’t had a reply from any. Just wondering if anybody has had luck getting a response and been able to book directly through Sutera Harbour in advance rather than through a booking agency and if so how they did it? Thanks!
Ignore this Jessica! I just this minute received a reply. For other climbers info I received the reply from reservations.hq@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my email address. However it seems Sutera Harbour only offer the 3D/2N package and not the 2D/1N package.
Hi Katie,
Thanks, I’ll add that email to the post. Did they say that they are only offering 3D/2N packages from now on? Or that only the 3D/2N package was available at the time you want to book? I’ve been hearing that they are moving in the direction of the longer packages. If they will no longer be offering the 2D/1N option, I’ll reflect that in the post as well. Any current info is always appreciated.
If you still want to do the 2D/1N thing, then maybe Jungle Jack’s might be a possibility? https://www.facebook.com/junglejackbackpacker
Hope you are able to find something to suit your requirements!
All the best,
Jess
Hey Jessica,
The above is definitely true. They are no longer offering the 2D/1N package at Sutera. Only the 3D/2N and more.
~S~
Hello Jessica! I need your help! I’m planning to end my SEA trip in Kota. Kinabalu in a few days. I’m gonna stay in KK from the 4th of march til the 9th and I wanna do the hiking to the top. I do. Not haave a lot of money left and all the bookings online are wayy of my budget. So I was wondering if it is possible to book it on the day I get to kk and go the next day? I don’t wanna book my flight until I know for sure there is availability for the trip cuz this is the only reason I’m going to Borneo. If I email them they will be able to tell me if there is availability right? Thank u very much!
Hi Beatrix,
Yes, you can find out availability/book via email. But I would do it quickly because they are getting really busy this season and they usually take at least a few days to reply.
All the very best,
Jess
Very possible if you hit up Jungle Jack he can help you out! Sometimes he is able to book through Sutera’s cancellations. Give him a shout at his Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/junglejackbackpacker
Hi Jessica
Thanks for your sharing. I will travel to Kota Kinabalu starting from 1 March 2015 for 1 week. Climbing to the summit is too tough for me. Do you know whether Sutera harbour have packages for 1-day trail walk from Timpohon Gate to Mesilau Trail without climbing to summit.
Wan
Hi Wan,
Thank you for your message. If you enter the trail that goes to the summit (even if you don’t actually go all the way to the top), you must book the whole package with accommodation and everything. So no, there isn’t a package for that. However, if you’d just like to do some hiking on the lower reaches of the mountain, you can do that without actually going through the gates that take you on the trail up to the summit. There are lots of other trails and all you’ll have to pay is the RM15 park entrance fee!
Hope that helps and good luck!
Jess
Hey Jessica, thanks so much for the useful info. I’m currently in KK. So here is the latest info for you and all the readers as I just booked the climb:
– I booked it at sutera sanctuary lodges (this is the new name of sutera harbour) and its in the same location.
– I booked it with my friend and we paid 437myr each. This includes accomodation., permit, 5 meals and insurance.
– at the park you must pay 15myr for entrance and a guide costs 150myr per guide. So this can be split with a few people to make it cheaper.
– the bus to kk park costs 25myr and takes 2 hours
– online the prices go for 1100myr all inclusive. And the hostels in kk sell it for around 900. So paying just over 500 all in is a pretty good deal. So highly recommend sutera harbour
– I arrived yesterday. And booked the climb earlier today for tomorrow. So it is possible to book last minute (maybe due to the fact we reach the summit for Chinese new year which put other locals off climbing)
Hope this helps any people planning a trip
And thanks Jessica for the original info. Really helped.
Jonny
Hi Jonny,
Thanks and hope you had a great climb. Unfortunately that price of RM437 is just a temporary promotion until the end of February. You got lucky! :)
Hope all went well and you got a clear morning for the sunrise!
Cheers,
Jess
Hi Jessica!
I stumbled upon your blog and it has been very useful. I’m planning to climb in June 2015 and as of now, my plan includes only me. What is the arrangement like for a solo climber?
Anyone’s planning to climb in June? Would be great if could find a climbing buddy! :)
Hi Natrah,
Thanks for your message. Glad you’ve been finding our blog useful. :)
You can certainly climb solo. If you do, you’ll just have to pay the full RM150 for the guide yourself. If you climb with others (up to 3 people per guide), then you can split this cost, thereby saving a little money.
Just a quick note as well that Sutera are getting really busy this peak season. I’d enquire about your desired dates as soon as possible. If you don’t have luck with them, you could try Jungle Jack Backpacker https://www.facebook.com/jungl… I haven’t used them myself, but other readers seem to be satisfied with them.
Hope you find a climbing buddy! All the best!
Kind regards,
Jess
Thanks Jess!
Hi Jessica and Natrah!
Jessica, can I know where did you stay a day before the climb? Im climbing up in June and considering looking for hostel for a day before (definitely to acclimatize myself) and after the climb. Suggestion perhaps.
and Natrah, I’m going alone too, on 20th.
Hi Dzul,
You can find the details of the place we stayed at and how to get there in this post: https://notesofnomads.com/how-to-get-from-kota-kinabalu-to-kinabalu-national-park/
Hope it helps!
Hi Jessica,
I’ve checked with Sutera Harbour and they are full from March till July for 3D2n. I’ve also checked with Uncle Jack and he is unavailable to take my requested days from Apr 11 to Apr 14.
My 3rd option would be to book with Amazing Borneo a 3D2N with Ferreta Walk the Torq at the price of appx SGD$800 (including GST) which covers every single thing from 1 night at HQ, 1 night at Hut and 1 last night in the city itself and transport to and fro. Would this considered to be very pricey?
Will there be any other cheaper options? Or would it be possible to book everything separately myself although it will be a really bad hassle.
Hope to hear from you soon!
Hi Elaine,
Thanks for your message. It is a little on the pricey side. That said, you do get the added benefit of having a night’s accommodation on either side plus the transportation to/from, as well as the Via Ferrata experience, which is always more expensive anyway. All thing’s considered, I’d say it’s a fairly reasonable deal.
If Sutera Harbour and Jungle Jack are both unavailable, I can’t say I personally know of any cheaper options. You could book the night before and after the climb separately and make your way to the mountain yourself. I don’t know what kind of price Amazing Borneo offers for just the climbing package? In the end, it may not be worth all the extra effort.
There are so many things that happen on our travels that could have been slightly less expensive if we’d done this or that. A lot of people get really down when they realize that the other backpacker at the hostel paid less than them for the same thing at the market. But I always say it’s only a rip-off if you weren’t willing to pay that price in the first place. If you see value in what’s on offer, then it’s worth it.
There have been times when we’ve taken a big gulp when handing over the cash for some adventurous experiences like this, and they have turned out to be some of the most memorable experiences of our lives. A few months down the track, you don’t even remember how much you paid because the experience was worth it ten-fold.
I’m not trying to sway you either way. I’m also not trying to say that Amazing Borneo is a rip-off, by the way (haha). I’m just trying to say that, in the end, experiences are more important than money, in my book. You just have to decide whether you personally think this one is worth it.
Hope that helps and all the best with it all!
Best regards,
Jess
thank you for your reply Jess! I’ll most likely proceed with Amazing Borneo if I can’t reach Sutera by Friday. (; Your blog has been extremely helpful!
Thank you, Elaine! Hope you’ve been able to make plans by now. All the best! :)
Hi Jessica,
You mentioned that you went down to Sutera Habour to get your booking, may I ask what’s your transport there? You didn’t mention it in your post for transportation. And if I didn’t book my permit, will I risk not getting an permit on the day of the climb? Because if I’m not wrong, they only issue limited permit everyday. Thank you:)
Regards,
Jiawei
Hi Jiawei,
Thanks for your message. We were staying at a hostel in town so we just walked to the Sutera Harbour office in KK. Depending on where you are staying, you could take a bus or a taxi, but it should be fairly walkable from most of the guest houses in town.
Yes, there are only a limited number of climbing permits per day because they can only accommodate so many people at the Laban Rata overnight rest stop. When you book your climbing package (which includes accommodation), you are essentially booking “your spot” (which includes the climbing permit), even if you get a package that says you can pay for it when you reach Park HQ.
So just make sure you have booked your climb before you go to the mountain, then you don’t have to worry about the number of climbing permits available. Sutera Harbour are getting increasingly busy these days and a number of people have recently said they are already fully booked until July this year. I would enquire about your desired dates as soon as possible.
Hope that helps.
Kind regards,
Jess
Hey Jess thanks for the valuable informations. This blog post made my planning much easier. How ever Im planning to climb during Chinese New Year holidays 19- 21 Feb. Do you think it’s possible to go to kk and book a place? And btw if anyone planing on climbing during this days would love to join.
Hi Riff,
Thanks so much for your message! Do you mean book a place to stay in KK or book the climb? If you’re meaning the climb, I would book as soon as possible in this case, since you only have a couple of days and won’t be able to be flexible with your dates.
If you mean accommodation in KK, although we can never guarantee, I’d say you should be able to find something upon arrival, especially if it’s just for a night before your climb. If you are planning to stay near the mountain, I’d probably book ahead so you don’t have to run around trying to find something when you get there (especially because some of the options are not concentrated in the one area), and you can get off the bus at the appropriate spot.
You could always just hop onto a booking site and secure something so it is sorted (some also allow refunds if you cancel within a certain time frame if you change your mind). And if it’s just for a night or two, you’re probably not going to want to worry about it too much as you’ll be spending most of your time on the mountain anyway.
Hope that helps a little and good luck with it all!
Cheers,
Jess
thanks again for clearing it up. Yeah as you said Im going to go ahead and book a place. Less to worry in that way :)
Hai Riff, is your date fixed ? As I would like to hike the mountain too but I m thinking to go on the following week after CNY as I’m afraid the flight ticket would be too pricey during CNY period..
Hey Melanie. I decided to push it back to march. As there was no availability during my stay and the flight tickets gone up much more. I’m planning to do it end of March.
Hi Riff,
I just bought a flight and hotel deal from expedia last night on 24-26 March (super cheap!) and would love to go for 2D 1N Mt. Kinabalu climb. Lets do together.
Hey Eeman,
Sounds great.Will have a check and get back you to you.
Riff.
Hi Jess,
I’ve sent email booking 2D1N package tour in the end of April 2015 to Sutera and unfortunately, it’s full booked from April to July and only 3D2N package tour is available. However, i only prefer 2D1N package tour, so can you suggest any reputable and cheap agencies for me, please ? My friend and me will arrive Kota on 25th April (11:30pm) and plan to climb on 2 days later.
Thank you so much!
Hi Linh,
So it seems that the 2D1N package is still an option. That’s good news, despite it not being helpful for your dates unfortunately. You could try Jungle Jack Backpacker https://www.facebook.com/junglejackbackpacker I haven’t used them myself, but other readers seem to be satisfied with them.
Good luck with it all and let us know how you go!
Cheers,
Jess
Thank you so much Jessica. I will ask him immediately, everything hopefully wil be okay.
Have a nice day!:)
Hi Jess,
thank you for the great blog! It is so easy to find all the information. As you really seem to know what you are talking about: Do you think over the Easter weekend (April 1-6) there is any chance that it wont be fully booked and I can get a chance to go to the summit without booking something in advance?
I already send some requests just to find out about the prices and if 2D/1N is still possible in April.
And by the way if someone will be there during the same time, I would be happy to join a group or some other lonely traveler!! :) Just let me know.
Thanks again Jess!
Hi Sophie,
I am looking to climb on the 3rd or 4th April. I am currently alone and I am looking for a group too. Any chance that we can band together? You can contact me at huangweilong36@gmail.com.
Hi Sophie,
Thanks so much! Glad you’re finding the information here useful. Seeing as though it is holiday time AND the beginning of the high season, I’d err on the side of caution in this case and book ahead.
I’d love to know if the 2D/1N package is still possible with Sutera Harbour. I’m assuming other providers are still doing it, because as far as the mountain climb is concerned, you are still doing a 2D/1N package. Sutera Harbour are just tacking on an extra night beforehand. If you can report back on what you find, I and I’m sure visitors to this post would really appreciate any current information.
Looks like you already got a message from a potential climbing partner. :) Good luck with it all!
Suteral already replied to me that it is fully booked for the period… :( I hope to still find some way, we will see. But so unfortunately I won´t know if the 2D/1N package is still available.
That’s a shame you couldn’t make a booking. Another reader said that they were told the 2D1N option is fully booked until July. Or perhaps they are no longer offering it during the high season… Have you tried Jungle Jack Backpacker? https://www.facebook.com/junglejackbackpacker
Hi Sophie,
I woukd like to the summit around the same time as you, it would be great to the the climb together. I would be able to go from the 6th of april on. If you’re able to join please send me a message (karlijn.schweren@gmail.com)
unfortunately my flight back is already on 6 in the evening. My period is April 2-6?? But thanks for contacting
Hi Jess,
Would you know if day hike is still allowed?
Cheers,
Raymond
Hi Raymond,
Unfortunately it isn’t. If you want to go to the summit you’ll have to book an overnight package.
Cheers,
Jess
oh that’s very unfortunate. been really looking forward to day hiking this mountain since late last year. Anyway, thank you Jess, your site is quite useful!
Cheers.
Raymond
Anyone keen to climb Kinabulu on the long weekend Jan 31st – Feb 2nd. If we were a group it would be cheaper. But can’t tell if the fact that it’s a national holiday makes it a bad idea?
Let me know…
Hi Molly,
I wouldn’t say it’s a bad idea because there is a limit as to how many people can climb each day (as there are only so many beds in the lodgings on the mountain). So the mountain won’t be any busier than any other day (the part where you’ll be hiking as a summit climber anyway). I’d imagine it would be a popular weekend for local tourists though, so it may be more difficult to book. If you haven’t done so already, I would book ASAP if you want to climb that weekend.
All the best with it all and hope you find a climbing partner!
Cheers,
Jess
Hello! Is there anyone here planning to climb KK on June 16-17, 2015?
Hi, I am planning to climb between April and Jun 2015. Can we share the cost?
Hi, I’m planning to climb in June but haven’t decided on the dates. Want to get in touch and perhaps plan out something? Here is my email : natrahnoor@yahoo.com
Hi Jess,
I already booked Uncle Jack last year for a climb this coming April. Unfortunately, when I message him back last week about my reservations he said it’s already fully-booked. I don’t understand why it happens like that. I have already a plane ticket. Is there any other options were I can booked again?
Hope you can help me in my situations. More power.
Cheers
Hi Ivan,
Sorry to hear you’re having problems. Have you tried booking with Sutera Harbour as per this post?
Hi Ivan, Elaine and Jess,
My friends and I would like to make bookings with Jungle Jack as well. Do you know if he issue any receipt? Have you guys make payment to him already?
We enquired bookings for 17Apr2015 and he said its avaliable but have toake payment ASAP.
Would like to know of Jungle Jack is a reliable source.
Thank you for the help in advance.
Cheers,
Joey
Hi Joey,
I haven’t used Jungle Jack myself, but a number of people who have commented here have. One person messaged saying she was concerned that she had made a booking and then didn’t get any confirmation of it (which I think is a bit strange). However, she did message after her trip saying that she went and everything was fine.
So you may not get a receipt (maybe you can request one if it worries you?) but, as far as I know, it seems like it’s legit and everyone has been getting what they paid for.
All the best with it all and let us know how it goes!
Cheers,
Jess
Hi Jess,
I spoke to Jungle Jack over the phone and he seems like a genuine person.
Taking a leap of faith, my friends and I have booked and paid RM$380/pax to Jungle Jack. Requested for receipt but didn’t manage to get from him.
He said all is good and we just have to show up.
Cheers,
Joey
Hi Joey,
Good to hear. I think it will be fine. :)
Let us know how it all goes and good luck with the climb!
Cheers,
Jess
Hi Jess,
For updates. I already have a reservations in Jungle Jack. He asked me a booking money for RM380/pax. As far as I know Uncle Jack is very reliable person because one of my friends in fb confirm it to me as he did a climb last year. He has also a blog.
Hope it helps. Cheers
So it’s all sorted now? That’s great to hear. Have an amazing time!
Yup. April 16-17 is my climbing date. More power! Thanks
Hey Ivan,
Thanks for the updates.
My group of friends will be staying at Jungle Jack on 16 Apr and climbing on 17 Apr. Maybe see you around?
Anyway, all the best for your climb!
Cheers,
Joey
Hi Ivan,
I tried booking with Uncle Jack to from Apr 11-14 but he said it’s fully booked. I too have a plane ticket, for the time being while I continue to search for other cheaper alternatives, I’ve emailed amazing Borneo with regards to their packages. I’m gg try with Sutera Harbour too.
Hi Jess,
Here is what I got quoted today for a climb in July 2015.
3D2N via Mesilau
Rate : RM746.24 per person / RM1742.64 couple/room sharing
Inclusive :
*Accommodation
1 Night Mesilau Nature Hostel / Twin Room
1 Night Non Heated Laban Rata/ Gunting Lagadan / Waras Hut / Panar Laban
*Meals
Dinner at Mesilau
Breakfast at Mesilau
Packed Lunch at Mesilau
Dinner at Laban Rata
Supper at Laban Rata
Breakfast at Laban Rata
Lunch at Balsam KP
Notes :
Rest of the mountain climbing fees such as Climbing Permit, Climbing Insurance, Entrance Fee, Mt. Guide fee, Porter, Certificate & Sabah Parks transfer from Kinabalu Pak HQ to Timpohon Gate / Timpohon Gate to Kinabalu Park HQ is NOT inclusive in the price given. All those fees can be done on your arrival at the Park Head quarter itself by CASH.
Cheers,
Kimberly
Hi Kimberly,
Thanks a million for sharing this! In your discussions with them, was a 2D1N package still available? Another reader commented recently saying they were told that only the 3D2N package was an option now. Would love to know if this has become their policy across the board.
So it seems that the price for a couple is more than twice the individual rate now because they get a private twin room at the hostel the night before the climb rather than a dorm? I’d just book separately and take the dorm bed for the night. Haha Although I wonder if you could then do the climb together with the same guide…
It seems like Sutera is just getting pricier and pricier. if my calculations are correct, if you add on the extras mentioned in the notes (minus the porter), this would come to RM1051.24 on an individual basis. Of course, if you go as a couple or small group, you can share the cost of the guide, bringing the cost per person down a little, but this is still quite expensive.
You might want to contact Jungle Jack, where you can probably get a better deal for an accommodation/climbing package –> https://www.facebook.com/junglejackbackpacker
Thanks so much for sending this through, Kimberly! Really appreciate it. Now I’m wondering what they are quoting for Timpohon nowadays… Hope you find the best deal possible and let us know how you go with it all!
Best regards,
Jess
I just realized that the mountain guide fee is slightly higher for the Mesilau Trail so the calculation I made above will be a little more, but as a general approximation it is fine. Hope that the planning is going well!
Oh, and the transfers will be more for the Mesilau Trail as well. If you haven’t seen it already, the full pricing list can be downloaded from the link within the post.
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for posting all this information! I’m wondering if anyone here has hiked the mountain during monsoon season? We’re thinking of hiking at the beginning of February and we’re not sure about the difficulty level, in combination with added weather issues, and if we should go ahead and book in advance on the off chance that the hike is really miserable in bad weather conditions! We are both healthy and fit, though haven’t done any big hikes for a while and don’t really have the opportunity to train before the hike.
Any advice or suggestions, or personal experiences, would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Hi Rachel,
Thank you for your message. We didn’t hike during monsoon season, although it felt like it when we got torrential rain on the way down! Haha We have a post on our experience (along with some tips and advice), if you’re interested: https://notesofnomads.com/mt-kinabalu-climb/
I’d classify Mt. Kinabalu as “medium” difficulty, and as long as you’re generally fit and healthy, then you should be fine without any dedicated training (I know we didn’t do any!). The weather is always a gamble, and wet conditions will make it slippery. If that’s the case, just take your time and extra care. It will be a bit miserable though, not gonna lie! If the conditions are too bad to climb, it will be cancelled as the Park doesn’t want any trouble either. The unfortunate thing is that there is no refund even when the reason for not doing the climb is out of your control, so it’s just a matter of trying to make the best decision you can based on the forecast, and having some luck. Whatever plans the weather gods have for you up there, I’m sure you’ll be glad you did it, and it will be a great story after a shower and hot chocolate, I promise. ;)
Hope that helps a little and if anyone reading this has experience of climbing during February or in wet conditions, please feel free to chime in.
All the best, Rachel. Let us know how everything goes.
Kind regards,
Jess
Hi Jessica,
Thank you for your input and that additional post – great information and we’ve decided to go for it! Glad to know you hiked in a downpour (though sorry it happened) and that it wasn’t necessarily pleasant, but it was doable.
Also, good intel on definitely needing a headlamp!
Thanks again!! And if anyone else has had a more wintery experience, please do chime in.
All the best,
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
You’re very welcome! Have a great time and good luck!
Cheers,
Jess
Hi Jessica
Thanks for your blog on Mount Kinabalu – it has been so useful in helping to plan our trip in April! We are trying to avoid going for package tours as far as possible so it’s good to know other people have had success!
We are currently trying to book the mountain directly with sutera and so far haven’t heard back from them but it has only been a few days so fingers crossed. I’ve tried all four emails you listed above and the two “named” emails (first and third above) came back with a delivery failure. Hopefully I’ll get a response from the others, but I will let you know how we get on!
Cheers,
Jen :-)
An update – I have just heard back from sutera (ssl.reservation@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my) and they have said their “standard package” is a 3D/2N one, so making you stay in the park the night before. They’ve quoted RM835.28 per person, which includes 2 nights accommodation and all meals but excludes the permit and guide etc.
their price seems slightly excessive – dorm bed in grace hostel costs 232 and you’ve suggested Laban Rata would be 330, so there’s an extra 250 there somewhere – this could be down to high season but was a little more than expected.
Am going to contact them to see if I can get just a 2D/1N package and arrange accommodation ourselves the night before…
Hi Jen,
Thanks so much for your message! Really appreciate it!
I will add that email address to the post. I will leave the other addresses that bounced there for now as some other readers have noted bounced emails in the past, only for them to start using those emails again later! It’s frustrating the way they rotate the emails they use, but I guess we just have to work with it!
The 3D/2N package as standard is news to me. Perhaps they are changing their policy, but I know some readers have booked 2D/1N packages over the past week for February and March. April is the beginning of high season so changes may possibly be effective from then, I’m not sure.
I have just been told by another reader that Sutera Harbour emailed them and said the 2015 prices they were quoted for a basic 2D/1N climbing package (RM330 p/p without permit and insurance) is a promotional price only until 28 February 2015. I have just added that important note to the post.
Perhaps they are more or less going back to the original pricing like when we climbed in 2013 (the prices that are striked through in the post): RM753 for one person, RM1,345 for two people (RM672.50 per person) etc. And then they’ve tacked on the additional cost of the extra night’s accommodation?
The RM330 promotional price did only include the very basics. Once the permit, insurance, guide, park entry fee and transfers between the park gate and starting point were added, this would have come to RM560 per person (based on two people sharing the guide).
That said, RM835.28 per person does seem pricy, especially if this added night’s accommodation is just a dorm bed in a hostel. You could certainly save a lot on booking that yourself separately.
See if you can push for a 2D/1N package and then just book your own accommodation for the night before yourself. Alternatively, have you looked at Jungle Jack Backpackers? I am trying to arrange an interview with him so I can confirm the details here, but it seems he is doing a package that includes the standard climb plus accommodation before and after (including meals) at his hostel for a rate less than the RM835.28 you’ve been quoted. You might want to get in contact with him via his Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/junglejackbackpacker
Hope that helps, Jen, and let us know how you go with it all!
Cheers,
Jess
Hey, Jen and Jessica,
I just also contacted sutera, as i will be kota kinabalu from April 1-6 and I hope I will be able to get the 2D/1N package during this time.
What was the outcome in the end? Did you get the 2D/1N package? And what time will you be there? I am still hoping to find a group to join?
Thanks for the post!
I’ve just booked a 2D1N trip with them to 1st and 2nd of March, here comes the price details:
2D1N via timpohon
Rate : RM596 per person
Inclusive :
*Accommodation
1 Night Non Heated Laban Rata/Gunting Lagadan/Waras Hut/Panar laban
*Meals
Packed Lunch at KP
Dinner at Laban Rata
Supper at Laban Rata
Breakfast at Laban Rata
Lunch at Balsam KP
*Climbing Permit and Climbing Insurance
Notes :
Rest of the mountain climbing fees such as Entrance Fee, Mt. Guide fee, Porter, Certificate & Sabah Parks transfer from Kinabalu Pak HQ to Timpohon Gate / Timpohon Gate to Kinabalu Park HQ is NOT inclusive in the price given. All those fees can be done on your arrival at the Park Head quarter itself by CASH.
Hi Div,
Thanks for posting this and glad that you’ll be doing the climb soon!
I’m a bit perplexed by this pricing though as other readers who have just booked have been quoted RM437 inclusive of all the things you’ve listed here. If you’re climbing alone and add the necessary payments of the entrance fee (RM15), mountain guide (RM150), and park transfers (RM33), then this should come to RM635. If you’re climbing with others, then of course the cost of the mountain guide can be shared. However, that is still less than the 794 you’ll be paying under this arrangement (or 719 per person based on 2 people or 694 based on three with the shared guide), if my calculations are correct.
Did you by chance incur some kind of booking fee, credit card fee or was something else included? Or maybe this is high season pricing? Just trying to understand how this pricing was calculated.
In any case, have a fabulous trip and let us know how you go with the climb!
Hey Jessica,
This price is without credit card and any other fees. I’ve just wrote an email to them, and got this quote as a reply. We will climb in a group of 2 pax, but this price is for one person only. Still no idea about their pricing method.
Cheers,
Tom
Hi Tom,
Perhaps it is high season pricing, although as far as I am aware high season officially starts in April. Maybe they raise their prices a little earlier?
I guess it’s difficult to push for a lower price if you have already paid. However, I’d love to know if they do raise their prices during the high season and exactly what period that covers so everyone can be aware of it.
If you are able to get any info either before or during your trip, I’d be super grateful if you could share it here for the benefit of future travelers.
Thanks a million and have a great trip!
Jess
hey Jess,
Just got a reply from them, take a look:
“Rm 437 is our promotions rate valid until 28th Feb.”
Hope it helps!
Tom
Hi Tom,
Thanks so much for sharing this! I will update the post accordingly.
I am going to see if I can get a full price list with any seasonal price changes etc from them. It seems like there are so many different quotes going around!
Many thanks once again and all the very best with your climb,
Jess
Hi Tom
What email adress were you using? I wrote to the one quoted above by Jen but got no reaction after 4 days.
Thanks
Johannes
Me and my husband are planning to climb the mountain maybe on the 31st jan as we will be getting on an afternoon flight on the 30th..still am not sure about the budget we have to prepare as we also are getting accomadation when we touch down..we’re ticking off our bucket list so your post on this is very useful with all the comments from everyone..hope to be able to plan this trip through real carefully!
Hi Kayla,
Thanks for your message and glad you’ve found the information here useful.
To give you a sense of accommodation costs, you can find dorm rooms at a basic hostel or guesthouse for around RM30 per bed per night. Expect to pay around double for a private room for two. A/C rooms are usually a little more expensive, but not too much more if you’d prefer to have it. Given that you have to pay for a bed each in the dorms and the private room price is for the entire room, a private room is often not any more expensive (or only marginally so) than staying in dorms (depending on the specific property of course), so that can be better value for money as a couple a lot of the time. All depends on your budget and preferences. If you are looking to stay at a nicer hotel, the costs for a room will of course be higher.
All the very best with your trip. Keep ticking away! :)
Hey guys, I was initially planning on climbing Mt Kinabalu as a group of 3 in Mid-January, but for various reasons the other 2 weren’t able to go ahead with it, which has left me still quite eager to climb the mountain. I was starting to think about giving up on the idea, but having seen this article I thought i’d push my luck and ask if anyone else is going/intending to go in January. I’ll be in Kota Kinabalu for the whole of January, and so am fairly flexible with dates. If anyone’s in a similar position or keen to include someone else in their tour, then give me a shout. Thanks!
Hi Sam,
Any luck with finding someone else to join you? Did you see the post by Alex? If you scroll down a little, you’ll find it. He is planning on climbing January 15-16th. Perhaps your plans might coincide.
Anyone else who’s planning on climbing this month (January 2015), please get in touch with Sam!
Hey Sam,
I will be in Kota Kinabalu on the 8th and plan on climbing the moutain on the 9th or 10th of January. Did you find anyone to climb with yet? I am looking to do it super cheaply and am hoping to book all things separately. Hopefully even my guide could be found at the base of the mountain…
Hi guys, I just booked my package yesterday. I’m just wanted you all to know that while you’re at Kota Kinabalu, you could use MyTeksi App to avoid cheating by the irresponsible cab driver. I just discovered it while searching for how do I get to Airport from my hotel. Btw, we’re goin’ to conquer the mountain on early Feb 2015!
Thanks for sharing. All the very best with your climb and let us know how it all goes! :)
Hi Jessica,
I’d like to climb Kinabalu on January 30-31.
I arrive to Kinabalu on January 29 in the middle of night, could you please tell me where I should stay so i can easily catch the bus from Padang Merdeka Bus Station.
Your information so usefull. Thanks a lot.
Astri
Hi Astri,
Many thanks for your message. When we were in KK, we stayed at North Borneo Cabin http://www.northborneocabin.com/index.html I don’t remember exactly how long it took for us to get to Padang Merdeka Bus Station, but it was something in the vicinity of 15 minutes at a leisurely pace. Provided you can walk with your bag or suitcase for say 20 minutes, then that would be fine. There are many hostels and guesthouses along Jalan Gaya and surrounds, so really anything in that area would be suitable.
Hope that helps and all the best with your climb!
Jess
Thanks for the info Jessica.
I just wanted to ask if I could join a group as i’m in Brunei visiting relatives until the 8th Jan.
I’d rather go with other people to bring the cost down! I’m male, 24 and from London. Get in touch!
Hi Gary,
Thanks for your message. Any luck with finding a climbing partner(s)? Do you plan to climb after the 8th? Any specific plans?
Hope all’s well and Happy New Year!
Jess
hey all, first thanks Jessica, i wouldn’t be going to Borneo without having seen your blog!
I got the new 2015 price list from Sutera this morning, thought this might be of interest to others. has cost breakdown (file link below).
Here’s their email, it confirms what Sarah said and clarifies too (i was wondering why i was being quoted 437 and her only 330!):
***
Dear Alex,
330myr is only inclusive Accommodation at Laban Rata and 5xmeals
437myr is inclusive accommodation at Laban Rata, 5xmeals, permit and insurance.
You may book with us for 330myr. the permit and insurance can be pay upon arrival.
Entrance Fee – 15myr
Transport KP – Timpohon gate – Timpohon Gate – KP – 33myr
Mt. Guide – 150myr
Cert – 10myr
Kindly refer attached for your further reference.
***
it’s a PDF, hopefully you can download here let me know if this doesn’t work:
https://mega.co.nz/#!yt9zAITB!5GscytMrOG2hkw43On2l3TwNu-Xxcy-U09_SIbVaOG0
So I think i’m going to pay just 330MY and rest in cash when i get there. that way i lose less if e.g. weather is too bad to climb or something goes wrong. So with calculator this ends up costing.. 635MY ? with 1on1 guide and no cert? or around 115GBP. Plus buses to/from park of course. Much better than the 1300MY i was seeing for packages :) I’m planning to climb 15th-16th Jan (possibly 16th-17th) and going on my own so if anyone else has those dates and want to share a guide.. i’ll be the long haired English guy :)
I better go buy some cheap hiking boots and break them in..
Hi Alex,
Thanks so much for this message. You made my day!
Thank you very much for sending through this updated price list for 2015. It certainly is/will be very useful for others so thank you on behalf of anyone planning to climb this year!
I will add the link to the body of the post (with due credit of course) so that it doesn’t get lost in the comments.
When I replied to your previous comment just now, I didn’t realize this comment was from you too. I’m sure you’ll be able to find someone wanting to share the cost of a guide. Anyone reading this interested in climbing January 15th-16th (or 16th-17th), please get in touch with Alex. :)
I think the plan you described about paying the minimum and then the rest at the park is the smart way to go. No reason to pay more than you have to until you know for sure that you can climb on those dates!
Thanks so much once again and all the very best with your preparations. Would love to hear how it all goes.
Cheers,
Jess
I just sent them 100USD by bank transfer to secure my booking (bit over RM330) (other option was a big form and scans of credit card didn’t fancy that) and now my emails are bouncing, bit worrying.. i’ll let you know what happens! time difference means this is all taking a while. i think they’re legit, just a bit basic will see.
yep sharing a guide would knock about another 75RM off the price each i guess or 100 off for 3, no big deal might be nicer in a group. i’ve no idea how full Laban Rata lodge is!
you’ve also got the option of walking down the other way for variety which costs a litle more (down to Mesilau or vice-versa). that’s all on the PDF if you got that :)
there’s some more docs they sent i could upload later including “travellers tips” which says things like don’t bring pets hehe + some useful stuff too.
Sooo…can’t bring the cat then, hey? Well, that changes things. ;)
Any other docs they gave you that you could send our way would be greatly appreciated.
Some other readers have also mentioned their emails bouncing from time to time, so I wouldn’t panic just yet. They seem to be really all over the place in terms of which emails they maintain, which is why I have listed four in the post/comments. If you continue to have problems with the email you have been communicating with them on, I’d try one/all of these. The emails listed are the ones that readers seem to have had the most success with.
Do let us know how the payment process goes though. If there are difficulties with getting payment to them in advance, I’d like to acknowledge that here.
Thanks so much for your willingness to share your experience here and hope you’re having a great festive season!
woohoo just got confirmation from Evy at Sutera. i think they’re very honest just busy and away over xmas fair enough! (as i overpaid they put towards my entrance fee, very good of them).
now my only worry is the weather… the news has serious flooding on east coast of the malaysian peninsular and many people displaced – not sure how bad Borneo is. also (UK gov) terrorism warning for east coast islands off Borneo but think not a problem for KK/park. and the AirAsia plane crash. so really much bigger issues i feel bad worrying about my trip eh :/
Still hoping to climb 15th-16th Jan if anyone around, could meet up, i’ll try to get to park HQ night of 14th to be nearby but will think about backup plan (something else from KL?) too if monsoon is still going. Have asked Sutera for a number i can call when i get to KL to check forecast. Cheers all.
Hi Alex,
Good to hear it all worked out OK with the payment. We found them to be fine to deal with, they just seem a bit sporadic with their email monitoring from time to time, which definitely could be improved on. They do seem to be honest and get the job done eventually though.
Hope everything works out with the weather for you and that you can find some fellow climbers to join you. Keeping everything crossed for you!
quick follow up!
had an awesome trip really luck with weather, people coming down day before were dissapointed as couldn’t summit. i neer saw peak in 5 days i was in kk but on morning of climb we saw stars, no wind it was beautiful. only a few westerners and 109 malaysian kids on charity climb which was awesome, i summitted too early around 5:00 (left hut around 2:30?) and had to sit for 1.5 hours on summit getting cold oops! but worth it. descent was harder than expected.photos incredible.
anway some more info:
1) do NOT drink the water at rest stops. guide said it was ok. i found out later lots of people got ill, i had a horrible flight to kl including being sick on tarmac outside plane and other stuff i won’t repeat. or please take water tablets because you won’t be able to carry enough water.
2) mon/feb is dodgy weather wise, apparently middle of year is safer! someone at laban rata decides and everyone goes or no one goes.
3) there are many huts to stay in but all eating is in laban rata so that’s probably best, but others booked through diff companies its not just sutera!
4) another traveller an older guy from nz said you can just turn up at hq and if they have space do whole thing for 300rm, but i wasnt able to confirm this sorry.
5) it’s really hard walking, take proper boots not trainers and don’t plan on doing much walking for 3-4 days after if you don’t do this regularly! didn’t help that our guide seemed to be in a hurry and was pushing us.
yeah i met two other guys at hq and went together it was really good laugh. the buffet meals top (!) and bottom were excellent. this is insane as all food has to be carried up by porters, you’ll see lots of them they don’t speak much english sadly we felt bad for them.
all in all superb value (for 550rm) imho and very memorable, i say do it :)
Hi Alex,
Thanks for following up and letting us know about your trip! Sounds like you had an amazing time and got lucky with the weather too!
I’ve never heard of anyone getting sick from the water. Perhaps something went awry during your climb? I’ve honestly never heard a complaint about the water and, in fact, we recommend filling up at Laban Rata in our post about climbing the mountain.
Many companies/agencies book the climb, yes. However, Sutera own the commissions to the accommodation on the mountain (and unless that has changed recently, they still do). Sutera sell a certain number of accommodation packages to travel agencies, who onward sell them at whatever price they want (hence why other packages seem to be quite a bit higher). So one can book anywhere, but in the end they are basically booking a Sutera hut packaged by someone else. The commission is held for set contract periods, so who knows, it might be a different company controlling it in the near future.
It’s cool that you got to climb with so many locals and that it was a really memorable experience. Makes all that effort worth it! Bet you have some amazing pics too :) Thanks so much for sharing your experience!
hi :) i don’t think water or food at Laban Rata made us ill. but then i had no idea what was going on until one of the malaysian guys from mountain recognised me in kk airport (day after descent) and offered me their panadol, actually i had a few people come up to me, pretty nice as i was on my own after my group split, they said it was the water in the blue tanks on the track and some of their friends were ill. i don’t know exactly what i was just sick for 24 hours usual thing, so when i go back to malaysia we’ll be taking disinfectant tablets for trekking near Kuching :)
we saw a real mix of people from some who just looked like they going to the shops trainers and jeans to a serous korean group all with 2 climbing poles, camelbaks etc.. actually the camelbak sounds like a good idea!
there is a wall of people who had to be stretchered out in the hut, i heard about a guy who only made it down 3km and paid a porter 500rm per km to be carried on his back the other 5km.. it’s no joke, it’s a tough walk if you aren’t experienced. but worth it (money and effort wise).
Hi,
Your post about Mt Kinabalu and climbing on a budget has been very helpful. I contacted Sutera Sanctuary Lodges about prices for 2D1N for Feb. 4th and 5th. They gave the price of 330RM per person but it only includes meals and lodging at Laban Rata. For the guides and additional fees we were told to pay the day of at the park HQ. I know from the post you paid for all of the fees at once but do you or others have experience about securing guides at the park and paying the additional fees in person? Also if anyone else would like to join our group please let me know.
Thanks,
Sarah
I’ve heard accommodation at Laban Rata is the most likely thing to be limited so that sounds pretty good actually – ? I might to try to get same deal for Jan 15-16th thanks!
Hi Alex,
Yes, definitely make sure you book the accommodation beforehand, but you can secure the guide there. They actually have a very well-oiled system for signing you in and assigning guides etc. I was really impressed.
All the very best with everything. If you are looking for extra people for your group, there was a message posted two months ago from ‘ma.suzette abela’ (scroll down a little to find it) from the Philippines who was looking at the same dates. Not sure if they are still looking for more group members or whether you are wanting anyone else to join you, but just wanted to let you know in case there might be a match there.
Anyway, all the very best and would love to hear about your experience.
Many thanks,
Jess
Hi Sarah,
Thanks so much for getting in contact and glad you’ve found this post helpful. Yes, I’ve heard of many people securing guides at the park and just paying there. There are only so many spaces at Laban Rata, meaning that only so many people can climb each day. I’m assuming that they always have at least as many guides as needed for those who have booked the accommodation on the mountain, because you can’t climb without one. I’m sure it would be quite easy to get one in any case as many local people work as guides, whether on a full or part time basis, and I’m sure someone would be willing to take your money. ;)
All the very best and do let us know how you go with it all.
Cheers,
Jess
Hi Sarah,
We’re in the process of booking for Feb 4th and 5th too! How many people are in your group? There are two of us, is that going to be too many to share a guide? (Not sure what the cap is on groups.) What time are you guys planning on setting out on the 4th? We haven’t booked yet, but hoping to stay at Kinabalu Mountain Lodge, so we should be close by. Any way, if it works to share a guide we’re be happy to do so!
Thank you,
Rachel
Hi Rachel,
Can’t reply on behalf of Sarah about sharing a guide, but I can tell you about how the pricing for guides is structured. 1-3 people can share a guide for RM150 and 4-6 for RM175. This pricing is for climbs starting and ending at the Timpohon Gate. If you check out the downloadable PDF in the post, you can find the guide fees for the Mesilau Trail and for a Timpohon/Mesilau combination.
Hope you find some others to join you.
Cheers,
Jess
Dear Jessica,
We are 4 persons who would like to climb mountain kota kinabalu the 28.-29. of Dec. 2014. I cannot find the trip at Sutera any longer. Do you know where we can book the trip?
Thank you in advance.
Best Regards
Rasmus
Hi Rasmus,
Sutera Harbour don’t include details of their packages on their website. You’ll need to email them directly to get info/make a reservation.
Other readers have had success contacting them and making bookings
via the following email addresses: petronella.t@suteraharbour.com.my
info@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
jertinah.virah@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
reservations@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
Hope that helps and all the best,
Jess
Hi Jessica!
Just contacted Sutera Sanctuary Lodge and received the quote for 3D2N trip at 973RM per person, excluding other fees to be paid directly at the park (ard 266RM). That makes a total package cost to about 1239RM per person.
I wonder how you could get such a great price for your trip?! +__+
Hi Tuyen,
Our trip package was only 2D1N so that probably accounts for the price difference. We did stay around the mountain before and after the climb, which we arranged by ourselves at an extra cost. If the package includes an extra night within the park, that is mostly likely what is making it so much more expensive. Staying outside, but close to, the park grounds will decrease the cost.
Hi Jessica!
Thank you so much for all of the info! I started doing research about the climb and was seeing prices around 1300rmb, and that almost prevented me from doing it! I am going alone sometime the last two weeks in January and wanted to see if anyone is going around the same time? Interested in letting a solo traveler join your group :) ? (last two weeks of January 2015)
thanks!
Carly
Hi Jessica! Our group from the Philippines is going there on Jan 15-16. You can join our group! But we haven’t reserved yet. :( I’m not sure if there are still slots for that schedule.
Hi Carly,
I’m assuming that message from ma.suzette abela is for you. ;)
Hi Jessica,
I have a general question about Mount Kinabalu Climb.Even though i`m in a good shape and i workout regularly (4-5 days week), but I had an injury last year in my knees. I`m wondering can I still do the climb? is it safe.
thanks
Adam
Hi Adam,
Sounds like you are in much better shape than us and many people who do the climb! Obviously, we are not doctors so we can’t advise on your particular situation with any medical authority. But I can sympathize somewhat as I do have a niggling knee issue myself from an old sports injury. Basically when I know I’m going to attempt something like this, I just wear one of those basic knee braces (like a tube of material that sits tightly over the knee area). For me, this is enough support and prevents the pain I can sometimes get after many hours of walking.
The Kinabalu climb in the scheme of things is relatively easy (medium difficulty, you might say). On the first day, you’ll cover 6km. We did this in 4.5 hours, taking it at a relatively slow and steady pace. We arrived at Laban Rata (the resthouse on the mountain where you stay overnight) at 1:30pm. We then had essentially 12 hours to rest before needing to be up again to make the ascent to the summit. This part is much steeper so they have ropes so you can pull yourself up. I just got through this by putting one foot in front of the other and going at a steady pace.
I’m not going to say there is no pressure on your knees because there obviously is with anything at an incline/decline and some parts are more difficult than others. We have some photos of the climb itself over in another post that you may like to look at to gauge whether that type of terrain would be OK for you –> https://notesofnomads.com/mt-kinabalu-climb/ I’m not particularly sporty and feel like if I can do it, most people can. That said, I am in good general health and my knee injury is not that bad. I’m not sure of the severity or the particulars of your injury. If you are concerned, I’d probably ask a qualified medical professional as to the suitability of the climb for you. But if your knee can withstand 4-5 workout sessions a week, then I’d say you’d be able to do this. Plus, you’ll have your guide with you who will only go as fast or slow as you/your group.
Hope that helps a little, Adam. Just let us know if you have any further questions.
Cheers,
Jess
Hi Jessica
I’m wondering what type of knee injury you had? Myself I had
ACL near complete tears. But the doctor told me that my knee condition is
stable and I can continue my daily activities and workout without any problem,
My routine workout includes: low-impact cardio training
(joint friendly) plus weight training, elliptical machine and gym bicycle.
I was really considering wearing knees braces, as it was
recommended by a lot of people including you. However, how good it was in
preventing impact on your knees, especially
in descending route.
Thanks
Hi Adam,
I had a partially torn ACL. Probably not as bad as yours, it seems. But by the sounds of things you are doing all the right things in terms of strengthening your knee and general fitness wise.
I’ve found my knee brace to be really useful and I have noticed the difference between the times when I’ve done extensive hiking/climbing with and without it. The support it gives seems to be enough for me to limit the pressure on my knees so I mostly just feel the general muscle aches that come from doing more intensive exercise rather than straining my knee to the point that the injury/pain returns.
Have you considered possibly trying a climb/hike closer to home with a brace to see how it feels for you? Again, I’m no doctor, but if similar terrain feels OK, you’d probably be fine on Mt. Kinabalu too.
that’s sound a wise suggestion! I will try climbing near my home then i`ll see how does it feel.
one more thing, i never had knee brace, so i`m confused which model to buy.. there is a lot of types in the market ! is there any particular type/model do you recommend.
thanks again Jessica
Adam
Hi Adam,
I actually just got mine from the 100 yen store in Japan (so for the equivalent of $1.20!). If I still had it with me, I would take a photo, but it’s essentially just a generic tube…beige…looks like something you’d get at a hospital or pharmacy. Haha As I said, I’m not speaking from a medical background, but that worked for me.
Good luck and let us know how you go!
Cheers,
Jess
Hi Jessica,
Can i hike the mountain in day. Start early in the morning.!
Can you please suggest if i want to do that, what type of plan i should do?
Thanks in advance.
Hi Jumon,
A one-day climb option used to be available for a handful of climbers each day, but it is our understanding that this was stopped in August 2014.
So it seems the only option to reach the summit now is to take a 2D 1N package and stay on the mountain overnight.
If you only have one day to spend at the park, you can pay the park entrance fee and hike the lower parts of the mountain. They have various trails you can take. You will not be able to pass the checkpoints on the upper part of the mountain though and you won’t be able to go to the summit. But this is an option to experience the beauty of the park if you only have a day.
Hope that helps.
Cheers,
Jess
Hi! Cant seem to find the website for booking Mt Kinabalu through sutera harbour. I just get to to a site about their resorts in KK.
Is it gone or can someone help me with a link?
Br/ Peter
Hi Peter,
They seem to have taken down the general info they had previously about Mt. Kinabalu. In any case, it only referenced the mountain in general terms and they didn’t/don’t have an online booking system, unfortunately. However, you can book via email.
Other readers have had success contacting them and making bookings via the following email addresses: petronella.t@suteraharbour.com.my
info@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
jertinah.virah@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
reservations@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
Note that they seem to be a bit all over the place with their emails. Some readers have had success with some and not others, while some emails seem not to be returned from one address for awhile, only to suddenly be back in action later. So you might have to try more than one. If you’re in a hurry, maybe send an email to all of them at once. :)
Hope that helps, Peter! Good luck with your booking/climb and let us know how it goes!
Cheers,
Jess
Hi Jessica,
i am the one who share your blog on Backpackers Indonesia forum. although i am planning to go to Mt Kinabalu next year, i try to find the optimum plans and the most cheaper price. because until now, i am planning to go there alone. i’m affraid that it would be spend too much cost instead of traveling by group.
question, if i take trip for 2D1N, where should i stay before the D-day hiking? can you recommend for cheap accomodation?
Hi Gilang Negara,
Thanks so much for sharing our post!
We stayed at Kinabalu Mountain Lodge, which is 2km from the Park entrance and paid 30 ringgit per person a night (dorm bed). I just had a look at Hostelworld (where you can book this property) and it is now saying 38 ringgit so the prices must have gone up. If you’d like to read more about it and how to get there from KK, you can check out our post here: https://notesofnomads.com/how-to-get-from-kota-kinabalu-to-kinabalu-national-park/
Another option has also been mentioned a few times here in the comments and that is Jungle Jack’s. His property is also not far from Park HQ and he is offering a climbing package including accommodation before/after the climb and meals for a price that seems to come out cheaper than even the Sutera Harbour option. I am currently in the process of contacting him to ask him directly about what exactly he offers and the price, and I’ll report back here on the blog when I get a response.
Hope that helps! And thanks so much for getting in contact and sharing our post with your Backpacking Indonesia friends. :)
Salam hangat,
Jess
Hi Jessica,
thanks for prompt reply.
ya just read your other posts and read few conversation with simon and other as well.
very clear direction.
thank you
best,
Gilang
No problem! If you have any further questions don’t hesitate to ask.
Happy planning,
Jess
Hi Jessica,
I found your website very useful, thanks a lot.
Just want to confirm some informations what I got before.
What I understand is Sutera Harbour is like the ‘appointed’ one to arrange the acommodations in the park by Sabah Park authority. But having read also there are also another provider like Jungle Jacks which can also provide reasonable price. Could you give your advise on this.
Other thing, I plan to hike Mt Kinabalu in next August 2015, better to book from now or later on the D-day?
Kind regards,
RP
Hi RP,
Thanks so much! Glad you found it useful!
Sutera Harbour/Lodges own the concession for climbing the mountain and are the ones who allocate spaces to other tour operators. That’s why they are able to do it cheaper themselves; third-party tour operators are adding their commissions.
As far as my understanding goes, Jungle Jack’s is another tour operator that, like all the others, uses the same Sutera accommodation on the mountain. They do seem to be doing a really great deal with accommodation and meals before and after the climb also thrown in though. I personally haven’t used his service but a number of other people commenting have and/or are planning to and seem to be pleased with him.
I am in the process of contacting Jungle Jack to get more detailed information about what exactly he provides and the cost, and will share that information here on the blog as an alternative option to Sutera Harbour as soon as I can.
So if you can wait for that post, I will share more information about the Jungle Jack’s option soon.
Personally, I think it is not necessary to book so far in advance. A lot has changed in the past year since I originally wrote this post and more changes are likely to happen in the next one. But seeing as though reservations for both Sutera Harbour and Jungle Jack’s are able to be made online for the same price as in person, it would make sense to book a few months in advance if you are sure of your dates to guarantee you can climb when you want.
Hope that helps! Just let us know if you have any further questions.
Cheers,
Jess
Hi Jessica,
Thank you so much for the post! I am so glad I have found it before I went for any expensive mountain climb package. I only have two days to spend in Mount Kinabalu and I was told that the one day climb was no longer available. I contacted Jungle Jack via facebook and I was offered RM580 all inclusive (2N at JJ and 1N in the mountain – though I may not even need the 2N at JJ in my case). My schedule is really tight since I have to do the climb on the day I arrive at KK. TQ, the person who responded me on behalf of Uncle Jack in facebook, told me that I could start the climb at 9am, 11am or even 12:30pm. I think it’s nice to let other know about those options. I do have a question for you. There is no any email or other kind of formal confirmation from Jungle Jack. How do I know I have definitely reserved a spot for the permit? I only gave them my name and my passport number. Is there any booking number I need to bring to the HQ? Thanks again.
Hi Connie,
Thank you and so glad you found something that could fit in with your tight schedule. I haven’t used Jungle Jack’s personally – if anyone reading this has and can weigh in, please do – but when we booked with Sutera Harbour we were given some documentation (receipt etc) to bring to Park HQ on the day.
I’m not sure of the arrangements Jungle Jack has made with the Park, perhaps it is different, but what I would do is to email him (johnjackchin@yahoo.co.uk) and confirm the procedure and whether you need to bring anything with you on the day. Perhaps if he thinks you are going to stay the night before the climb, that is when he may be planning to give you any documentation you may need, or perhaps he will send you with his own guide who will organize everything for you when you get there and hence you don’t need to have that documentation yourself. In any case, I would send him an email so you can rest assured everything is in place for when you arrive.
I am in the process of contacting Jungle Jack to confirm the packages he has available and the procedures surrounding them, and will share the info on the blog as an alternative option for budget travellers as soon as it is available.
Cheers and happy climbing!
Hi Connie. I was just exchanging messages with jungle jack, and had a bit of misunderstanding. I was asking him for confirmation and I think he misunderstood me because he said if I don’t like his package, I can look for another. But I actually really like the jungle jack offer and told him that. I think he said just pay when we get at jungle jack. Did you ever get a confirmation or something that says you’re booked at laban rata and jungle jack?do we have to show something to prove we have a booking? I’m scared to find out on the day itself. Hehe
I just did the mountain hike two days ago and had a pleasant experience with Jungle Jack. Jack sent me a message via Facebook a day before my hike to confirm my booking and I showed up at his door at 8am the next day. I paid him cash when I got there. He will take you to the park and make all the arrangements. One price all included. Highly recommended!
hi connie! Could you tell me directions on how to get to jungle jack coming from the city? We will be riding the bus but I don’t know where exactly we should stop. Also, just to clear? The 580 package includes meals in laban rata, permits, and guide? Thank you in advance
Hi! anyone planning to climb KK in March 4,5 2014? We can join our group so that we can avail lower price. :)
Hi Karen,
Thanks for joining us here! I assume you mean 2015? :)
If anyone wishes to contact Karen, please remember to hit the ‘Reply’ button directly under her message so she will receive notification of your comment. Cheers!
Great info – thanks so much!
After emailing 10 different emails – I got a reply from
reservations@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
Booked 1 week out from my arrival and paid via credit card through email. I had a tight schedule so wanted to lock in my climb but didn’t want to pay amazingborneo tour prices!
For MYR 596 – Booked accommodation (night in Laban Rata), Meals, Perimits & Insurance.
I think these prices are the same as what I would of been charged if I walked into the Sutera Office in KK. Hopefully it all works out.
Apparently all I need to pay for when I arrive is a guide (RM 150) and park fees (RM 15). So I assume I can just arrive at the park on the day and organise this?
Any tips on getting to Kinabalu park – I think I read Simon above caught a bus in the afternoon? Can anyone else confirm afternoon or evening transport from KK to the park or an email of a reasonably priced private car as I’m a solo traveller.
Thanks!
Hi Jess,
Thanks for getting in contact and sharing the email you had success with. It’s strange that they are so inconsistent with replying to emails and that they seem to switch between ones they are actively using. So it’s great if we can compile emails here so that future travellers will hopefully have success with at least one of them!
It’s great to hear you were able to book online with credit card. You got the exact same deal as Simon who booked in person at the office in KK. I’m wondering if they are doing all their packages like this now – minus the guide and park entrance fee?
The park entrance fee can just be paid as you enter the park. As long as there are enough guides, I’m assuming you can also pay and get one on the same day. However, I have read of people going to the park the day before to reserve one. Simon recently did the climb with his girlfriend and said they shared a guide with three others. Perhaps you could ask him if they had to reserve beforehand or whether they just walked up and got one on the day?
Yes, you can catch buses in the afternoon, just don’t leave it too late as buses tend to dry up later in the day. Here is a detailed guide that explains how to get the bus from KK to the park (plus getting the shuttle to/from KK Airport)–> https://notesofnomads.com/how-to-get-from-kota-kinabalu-to-kinabalu-national-park/
Hope that helps, Jess! Let us know if you have any further questions and/or how you go with it all.
Cheers,
Jess
Hi.
Sir is the sutera package is still goin on? Or how can we contact Jacks? Thanks for the tip as well the article. Big help!
Raf
Hi Raf,
Thanks, glad you’ve found it helpful! :)
Yes, I believe so. The Sutera package seems to be an ongoing thing.
Readers have had success contacting them with these email addresses:
petronella.t@suteraharbour.com.my
info@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
jertinah.virah@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my
Another reader who has used Jack’s before informed us that he can be contacted on 0109477509 / 088888036 and his email is johnjackchin@yahoo.com
Hope that helps! Good luck with the climb and let us know how you get on.
Jess
Correction: Jack’s email is actually johnjackchin@yahoo.co.uk
Thank you so much for all this information!
My girlfriend and I decided to go to the Sutera office today at 9, and just ask if we could do the climb tomorrow. If not, we would opt for the Jungle Jack option.
We headed to the office last night after arriving from Bali, but the office was closed. Their opening hours are as following:
Monday to Friday 9 am to 6 pm Saturday 9 am to 4 pm
Sunday closed.
We got two spots for the 2D1N starting tomorrow with no problems (RM596 pax) – now we just have to spend the day finding a headlamp, a bit warmer clothes and so on, before we catch the last bus from KK at 4:30pm today.
Thanks again!
Simon
Hi Simon,
Thanks so much! Glad to hear the process went smoothly. Thank you for confirming the opening hours. It’s always great to get these kinds of reports from travellers on the ground as sometimes information is not kept up-to-date, even on official websites.
You got a really great price! Does what’s included differ in any way to what I described in this post? Or were you able to secure the local price? Would love to hear more about their current pricing if you wouldn’t mind sharing?
You’re probably on the trail right now! Wishing you an enjoyable climb and, fingers crossed, a great sunrise!
If you think of anything based on your own experience that would be of benefit to other travellers, feel free to share it here.
Thanks so much for getting in contact. Really appreciate it.
All the best and happy climbing,
Jess
Currently writing this on the bus from KK to Sandakan, and I have another tip for that later in this comment :-)
Before breaking down the Sutera price, I have great news from Jungle Jack!
He will soon start doing 2D1N climbs for 550 RM all included! Actually it’s 4D3N if you want, because he’ll let you stay before and after the climb – still with 3 delicious meals a day included!
He also said that Sutera will stop the 1 day permits soon..
Jacks price includes:
2N at Jungle Jacks
1N at Laban Rata
3 meals a day at Jacks
“Make your own lunchbox” for the mountain
Permit
Mountain guide
Insurance
Entrance fee
Transport to and from Jack to the park
Our Sutera package included what you mentioned, without the guide and entrance fee. We found 3 other climbers to share the 150RM guide with, so in total this is what we paid per person:
Sutera package 596 RM
1/5 guide cost 30 RM
Entrance 15 RM
HQ to Timpohon Gate 8 RM
Timpohon Gate to HQ 8 RM
1N with Jack 35 RM
Transport to and from park included
Total: 692 RM
Bus from KK to Sandakan tip:
When we arrived at Inaman Bus Terminal at 8:30, all seats in the buses to Sandakan was sold out, so the earliest we could go was 2:30 pm, meaning a lot of wasted time for us, because we did not book ahead. I went and talked directly to the bus driver for the 9 am departure, and he confirmed it was full. After I kept asking him if there was anything he could do, he said “ok, wait outside the gate”
We then waited outside the gate with a group of locals, and made it into the bus with a “hurry hurry boss!” From the driver. We are currently sitting in the assistants seat and on the stairs next to the driver, the assistant are standing next to me, and two locals are sitting on the floor. (Later on two people got into the luggage room. Not cool when the bus goes 110 km/h! :-)
I suggest that you book the bus ticket ahead, and if you don’t have a ticket, try asking the driver if you can wait outside the gate. He will know what you mean! “Outside the gate” means on the opposite side of the roundabout next to the gate. I guess your results might wary, so be prepared to sit on the floor for instance.
Hi Simon,
Thanks so much for this excellent on-the-ground update!
It’s great to hear that Jungle Jack’s will soon start to provide this service! It’s another great option for the budget traveller and it seems his meals are excellent. I know that would make me very happy before and after the climb!
Thanks also for the list of what was included in your Sutera package for the price and sharing what it came out to by arranging your own guide. I’m sure some people have wondered how much it would be to arrange a guide on their own.
Sounds like an interesting bus ride! haha Can I ask, was there a reason you returned to KK to go to Sandakan rather than taking the bus directly from the Park?
If going from KK, it sounds like a pre-purchased ticket might be the way to go if possible.
Hope your travels are going well and thanks so much for sharing all of this really useful information. It will be of great help to many readers, I’m sure!
Cheers,
Jess
You are welcome. I just hope I can help add to your information load :-)
We went back to KK only because we had to pick up a lot of laundry, but also because we heard some people mention that the bus was always full, when it went past Jacks place. I don’t know if that’s true, but we had to pick up laundry anyway :-)
We also saw some tourists sitting and waiting at Ranau, so I suppose it might have happened to them.
Thanks so much, Simon! Yes, laundry is important. ;)
We didn’t have any issues with catching the bus from the park to Sandakan as it was a big bus so there were plenty of seats available. However, we did have to wait by the side of the road for 45 minutes until one came. They apparently have a timetable (the staff at Kinabalu Mountain Lodge showed us so we could time our trip out), but it seems they never keep to it. So I guess waiting for public services generally requires some amount of waiting no matter what you do. :)
Hi Simon, Just wondering what bus you got in the afternoon from KK to the park pre Mt Kinabalu climb? Everything I read seems to be morning buses. Thanks.
Hi Jess,
We took a private (pirate) taxi and stayed at Jungle Jack outside the park the night before the climb. Jack gave us a ride free of charge to the park in the morning.
We just went to the bus terminal in KK and asked around if anyone was going to the park, and within minutes we found a car going there with 2 seats open. We went with a mountain guide and a porter in the car, and only paid 20 RM each.
Hope this helps.
Hi Jessica,
Your page is awesome!!! Thanks a lot for putting this up. The new contact for Laban Rata is jertinah.virah@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my, nfo@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my.
I am planning to do a 1 day hike and go there 1 day earlier. Do u know the timings for the HQ which provides the permit ?
Hi Sam,
Many thanks for your kind comment and sharing those emails. Much appreciated! By chance, should the second one be “info”@…?
Park HQ opens at 7am. I have read conflicting things about the closing time, some saying 5pm and others saying 10pm. So I’d play it safe and go earlier on in the day. What time do you plan to arrive?
When you go to arrange the permit, you’ll need to speak with the Park Manager who’ll make the decision about whether to allow you to do the 1 day climb so be prepared for his questions about your readiness. :) I’ve heard chatting with him and organising the permit etc can take around an hour.
Hope that helps! Just let us know if you have any further questions and good luck with the climb!
Hi Julia,
When are you available for the Kinabalu climb? The reason why i am asking is one of our companion had to back out as he is hospitalized. We are wondering if youd want to fill his reserved spot in Laban rata for a 2D1N climb via timpohon/summit trail. Our climb will be this July 14-15.
Hi Sunshine,
How did you go with the climb? Any luck filling the spot? Do hope your travel companion is doing OK and is out of hospital!
Do you mean walking into the park without accommodation and trying to get it on the day? — Yes. I know we’re gonna be needing lots of luck for this. As for the one day hike, which is a more realistic option, do they limit the number of persons walking just right in to do the dayhike? Or they have a limit on the number of persons doing a dayhike per day? Thanks! Hope you can help us guys. Will check the Jungle Jacks alternative also instead of directly going to the park office.
Yes, they do limit numbers for the one day climb! I totally forgot about that when recommending this for your group size. It’s good you brought it up! I have read both 9 and 11 people per day. In any case, it’s around 10. So either you get lucky and you guys get all the places, or you might have to split up and do it over a couple of days instead. If you will be staying around the park the night before (recommended), I’d go there and reserve for the following day. If not, try getting there really early the day of to snag as many places as possible.
You might also try contacting the park to see if you can reserve further in advance for the one-day climb. They can be hesitant I’ve heard about doing this because sometimes people don’t show up and then the places can’t go to genuine climbers on the day. If they can see you are there and ready to climb, then they are more likely to give you the places. So you could try the further in advance approach, but just be sure this is what you guys want to do and be confident in your communications that you will show up and your group is of good fitness. If it’s more of a back-up plan, then you can reserve the one day climb once you get to the park, if the overnight plan doesn’t work out.
Hope that helps, Christine. Good luck and let us know how you go!
Hi Jessica
Yes, Sutera Harbour are still going strong. I visited them at their office in Kota Kinabalu before I decided I would do the one day climb. They were fully booked up for around 2 weeks.
Anna, not sure why Jack’s email isn’t working? But you can reach him on Facebook also. Search for ‘Jungle Jack Backpackers’.
Julia, if you want to climb up to the summit and then back down to Laban Ratan in one day, then as far as I am aware the same rules will apply to you as to the one day climbers. Again you will have to double check this. Regarding fitness, I am no fanatic. If you have a reasonable level of fitness you should be fine. Of the 10 or so people I met who did the one day climb, only one couldn’t make it. By the way, I might have ascended the mountain relatively quickly but I climbed down it like an old lady. I am by no means the fittest to climb the mountain. They are building a new toilet facility near the summit at the moment and some of the workers have been seen carrying 2 50kg bags of cement up there in 1 day! Also, the record time in the annual race from the park HQ to the summit and back is 2 hours 36 minutes! Superhuman!
Thanks for the update Pete and for helping out fellow travellers!
Glad to hear that Sutera Harbour is still in existence. It would have been a shame if visitors could no longer book directly.
Many thanks,
Jess
petronella.t@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my is the one i used yesterday and i got a prompt reply but unfortunately the dates we preferred for august were already unavailable. We might try walking in at sutera for 2d1n or at the park for the 1 day climb. Actually we are 9 pax, we were planning to split into diff days if limited pax. Has anyone tried walking in and not accomodated? This site and the Comments in this site are really helpful. Thanks!
Thanks Christine! Glad to hear that you have been getting a response via email.
Do you mean walking into the park without accommodation and trying to get it on the day? You might get lucky but personally I think this is a little risky if you’re wanting to do the overnight climb, especially with your group size, even if you do break off into two. However, if you are potentially up for the one day climb, then should no accommodation be available when you get to the park, you could just opt to do the one day climb instead.
You might have some luck at the Sutera Harbour office in KK though. As I have said, places sometimes seem to be more “available” when you are there in person willing to pay on the spot. Perhaps try that first and if not, then just go to the park and try as above.
Anyone have any experience booking accommodation at the park on arrival that could help Christine out?
Hi Julia,
You will have to double check on this, but I don’t think you will be able to climb to the summit for sunset if you’re doing the 1 day climb. I was told that being a 1 day climber I had to reach the summit by 1pm. If by the time you reach Laban Ratan it looks like you will not make the summit for 1pm then your guide is not supposed to let you continue. I left the park HQ at 7:30 AM and reached Laban Ratan by 9:45 AM so had plenty of time. A quick rest there and I reached the summit just before midday. Given that you have to reach the summit by 1pm I doubt you will find a guide who is willing to wait around with you on the summit until sunset.
To answer your question, the scenery was fantastic. Even if it is raining you will be above the clouds. When I was on the summit (last week) I was looking down on the clouds which made for some great photos. Think similar to looking out of an airplane window. However if you want a clear view to the bottom then you are more likely to see it in the morning and you will have to do the 2 day climb. Having stayed at Jungle Jacks for a few days with a great view of the mountain I can tell you that the mornings are usually (but not always) clearer.
One thing I would add is that I was at the summit for around 40 minutes with my guide and we did not see 1 other person the whole time we were there. You won’t get that experience with the 2 day climb because people leave Laban Ratan on mass in the morning so you will inevitably find people with you on the summit.
Hope that helps!
Hi Pete,
Thanks so much for the reply and jeepers you must be one fit man! From everything I can read most people make it to Laban Rata in 4-6 hours!! Thanks for the feedback on the weather and it certainly does appeal to me to have the summit to ourselves. And I obviously didn’t make myself very clear in the first inst, but what I meant was that if we arrive for sunset we would then climb back down to Laban Rata and stay the night there before then descending again back to the bottom – so it would in effect still be a 2D/1N affair, but just in a different order (to beat the crowds namely!). But again, I’m just not sure if you can do this. But good to know that your visibility was still good arriving in the middle of the day. I am tempted to do the 1D affair, but just a bit worried we might not cut it. We are regular exercisers of good fitness but by no means fanatical…you on the other hand sound quite fit!
Thanks again
Julia
HI, Julia,
I am planning to climb alone in Kota Kinabalu next year Feb. 2015.
Is there any possible not to pay in advance? I mean i want pay when i get there and climb by tomorrow? is that possible? also 2 days itinerary is good enough?
or anyone here plan to climb next year?
thanks and best regards!w
Hi there,
From what other readers have said, it seems you can pay in cash on arrival. However, I would contact Jungle Jack’s to make a reservation for the days you want to climb to ensure there is space.
Two days is the standard for the climb. The one day option is no longer available. My understanding is that you cannot stay longer up on the upper reaches of the mountain even if you want to.
If you are looking to find travel partners for the climb, I’d suggest making a fresh comment on this post (rather than replying here) so your message will be displayed at the top and will be easily seen by new visitors to this page.
Thanks and good luck!
Jess
thanks Jessica. i am still contacting Jungle jack both email and Facebook message but still no luck. I am planning 2 days climb. But hopefully someone here want to join on my climb so that i/we can grab low cost.
thanks again. your website looks promising!
Keep safe and stay healthy!
No worries and thanks for the well wishes!
Hopefully you’ll be able to get your plans sorted soon. :)
Good luck and all the best!
Hi Jessica. Thanks for the insightful blog. I thought I would share my experience of climbing Mount Kinabalu. For me 600 RM was far to expensive and there was a waiting time of at least 1 week with Sutera Harbour which I did not have the time for. That’s when I found Jungle Jacks Backpackers. I climbed the mountain in 1 day for 380 RM which I thought was great value. The price included everything: the permit, guide, insurance, accommodation the night before and the night after the climb and 3 meals per day for the day before and the day of the climb.
Jack is located 1km from the park entrance and he includes in the price a lift there too. He is also a retired head chef so the food he cooks is amazing. The one day climb is tough, but it is certainly achievable for anyone with a reasonable fitness level. Also I was able to climb the mountain the very next day after booking it. No waiting around or having to book months in advance.
I highly rate my experience and would recommend it to anyone wanting to tackle the climb. Jack’s number is 0109477509 / 088888036 and his email is johnjackchin@yahoo.com
Firstly, thanks Jessica for this post and Pete for your insights too. It has given me hope that my plan to organise last minute will still work out!
I am looking to climb Mt Kinabalu in early July but I am hoping of climbing to the summit on day 1 in time for sunset, then staying the night at Laban Ratan that evening and descending the following morning. So my question I to you Pete is – what was the scenery like at the top not at sunrise? Did you still have good visibility? I am hoping that a sunrise time slot would be very similar viewing to sunrise – just the other way around! Also, thanks for the info re Jack’s Backpackers – I will keep in mind if desperate but am concerned about how tough the climb would be do to in a day
Hi Julia,
Many thanks for getting in touch. Pete has written a great response. Did you see it? It doesn’t appear to have been posted as a direct reply to your comment, so if you didn’t receive notification of the reply, please re-visit the post to see his response.
My understanding is the same as his. I don’t believe you can be up at the summit at sunset. You have to get there by 1pm for the one day climb or your guide has to get you to descend. If you want to see a “colourful” sky (of course, this is totally weather dependent) you’ll have to try at sunrise (i.e. the two day climb). As Pete said, the views are pretty nice regardless so I’m sure you’ll get some great photos no matter what.
Best of luck and good luck with your planning. Let us know how you go!
Thanks for your reply Jessica, I have replied to Pete below!
Oh and just to add…I have been sussing free dates with Sutera and have been getting responses (one was today) through this email address: info@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my.
Currently they have no free booking for my ideal date so I am thinking I will hang off until I get into KK and try my luck again – although the post you wrote in reply to Chee – that Sutera may no longer be in KK – is a little concerning!! Hmm what to do, stick with my guns and wait to book until I am there or book from here but a date I am less keen on (and knock out the potential to change mind and do a 1D climb too).
Cheers
Julia
Thanks for letting us know about the email, Julia. Another traveller has also said that they are getting responses from the “petronella” one too. So that’s good news!
Also good news on the office front. Check out Pete’s new reply in the comments section. :)
Hi Pete,
Many thanks for sharing your experience and for your recommendation. Jungle Jacks certainly does sound like excellent value for anyone up for the 1 day climb, and convenient for last-minute climbers too. Great food is an extra bonus! :)
Just wondering, did you/were you able to contact Sutera Harbour before you made the decision to book with Jungle Jacks? And, if so, when? I’m asking because we have received an on-the-ground report over the past week from KK that the Sutera Harbour appears closed and two readers have said that their email addresses no longer seem to exist. Their website also seems to have vanished! Did you hear anything about this while there?
Many thanks once again for getting in contact and sharing this information, Pete. I’m sure it will be very helpful to those considering doing the climb, especially those with time and budget constraints.
Cheers,
Jess
Hi,
I cannot seem to contact Jack via the email posted above. We are planning to climb Mt. Kinabalu on Sept. and we are also on a budget. I tried emailing Sutera but our preferred dates are not available.
Hi Anna,
Pete has replied saying he is not sure why the email isn’t working but to search for ‘Jungle Jack Backpackers’ on Facebook and try contacting him that way instead.
Good luck and do let us know how you go!
Hi Anna,
I have found Jack’s website and it seems the email is johnjackchin@yahoo.co.uk rather than .com Hope you were able to contact him regardless and work out your climb. :)
For those wanting to get in contact with Jack, a little email correction. It should be johnjackchin@yahoo.co.uk rather than .com Cheers!
Hi Jessica,
Do you have any Itinerary from Kota Airport to Jack?
Also it is possible to pay on that day then climb on the next day?
thanks and best regards!
Hi there,
You can check out our post on getting from KK Airport to KK city center and then how to get to the park –> https://notesofnomads.com/how-to-get-from-kota-kinabalu-to-kinabalu-national-park/
The directions give specific instructions on where to ask to get off for the Kinabalu Mountain Lodge. If staying at Jungle Jack’s, just make sure you have the necessary location info so you can tell the driver where you want to be dropped off.
My understanding is you can pay on arrival for your climb the next day, but I would make a reservation in advance to make sure you can actually go on the day you want to.
Hope that helps!
Cheers,
Jess
Hi jessica,
Thank you for this really informative guide written up here! Me and my friends (3pax) are planning to book a package from SSL during September and I tried to reach them through the emails listed here (petronella.t@suteraharbour.com.my & sslmresv1@suteraharbour.com.my), but I keep getting a failure notice saying that the email addresses entered can’t be found. Can anyone verify if the addresses are still working?
Thanks,
CK
Hi Chee,
Many thanks for your message. Another reader has contacted us from KK saying that the Sutera Harbour office now seems to be closed and they also have not been able to get a hold of them via email. I’m wondering if they have opted to allocate all spaces to tour agencies rather than handling any bookings themselves? Or could they possibly be no longer operating the lodges on the mountain? Still, it seems strange to fall off the face of the earth without warning. Their website also seems to no longer exist!
Can anyone reading this verify what is happening?
Chee, hopefully someone can provide some insight and perhaps an alternative booking service should bookings directly through SSL no longer be possible. When we were in KK, we stayed at North Borneo Cabin and they called a place for us before we found SSL. Unfortunately, we don’t know the name of the company. It wasn’t quite as cheap but I remember the price not being crazy either. We probably would have booked that if we couldn’t book through SSL. Perhaps you could contact North Borneo Cabin for some assistance with booking? http://www.northborneocabin.com/contactus.html I’m not sure if they do this for non-guests but it’s worth a shot and maybe they can point you in the right direction.
Alternatively, there is also a new comment from Pete who decided to do the 1 day climb. He was able to book easily and at the last minute with Jungle Jacks Backpackers, just 1km from the park entrance. Take a look at his comment for more info. That could be another option if you don’t have any luck finding anything for the 2 day climb within a reasonable budget and you and your friends are up for it.
Good luck and do let us know how you go. Hopefully someone can provide an update on the SSL situation for us, and then I will update this post accordingly.
Best regards,
Jess
Hi Chee,
We have had reports from other travellers that they are getting responses from info@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my and petronella.t@suterasanctuarylodges.com.my Perhaps try again?
Another traveller has also said that the office IS still there in KK. So not sure what is happening with their website!
Good luck and let us know how you go!
Hi Jessica,
SSL still operate in the same building ( Wisma Sabah) but recently there was a new main building in Times Square.
Thank you.
BB
Hi BB,
Thanks so much for the update! So visitors can now book at either the Wisma Sabah or Times Square office, is that correct?
There are two issues here. Sutera Harbour is allocating places to a number of tour operators catering to foreign visitors, and if the allocation isn’t taken up the tour operators will release the places back to Sutera (this is the same system as used generally within the travel industry, e.g. for hotel rooms, flight seats). This is why places will often become available to foreign travellers when previously they’d been told there aren’t any. The issue with Sabahan visitors is different. Here, there is a strong suspicion that Sutera are telling local enquirers there are no places because they can sell them on at higher prices to foreigners. Sabahans have confirmed this by doing a ‘mystery shopper’ exercise whereby they’ve been told there are no places on a certain day but then these places are miraculously available to foreign enquirers.
Incidentally Sutera were allocated a 30-year concession for most tourism services on Kinabalu in 1998 but due to various takeovers the company is now owned by a major property development company with interests in Singapore, China, Malaysia and elsewhere. Little of the money paid by tourists goes to benefit the Malaysian government as the concession was agreed on a flat fee basis. Sabah Parks (the national park authority) do what they can to mitigate the situation (they receive the entry fee and climbing permit money) but they won’t be able to change the terms of the concession until 2018.
I have not climbed Kinabalu myself but I have done research into touristic uses of this World Heritage Site and Gunung Mulu in Sarawak (and others).
You’re absolutely right that there should be more transparency!
Really interesting comments about climbing Kinabalu. Sutera Harbour / Lodges own the concession for climbing the mountain and allocate spaces to other tour operators – that’s why they are able to do it slightly cheaper themselves. They are supposed to reserve 25% of the places for Malaysian nationals, for whom the climb is cheaper – but they often tell Malaysians there are no places, because that way they get more money from letting them go to foreigners. This is a frequent cause of complaint amongst Sabahans. In high season though I suspect that the places genuinely are all booked in advance.
Hi Janet,
That’s a real shame if locals aren’t getting their allocated places.
Sometimes they may be fully booked, but since almost every traveller we have spoken to has experienced a “cancellation” that has opened up a (more expensive) place for them, it seems a bit suspicious and unfair on two counts. That foreigners are being coerced into paying a higher price because these companies know they only have limited time on vacation and leave them seemingly with no other choice if they want to do the climb. And, secondly, that what places there are, do seem to go to said higher paying foreign travellers, rather than taking into account Malaysian nationals also wanting to do the climb, as they are supposed to.
There’s a lot that could/should be done to improve the transparency of the industry, in my opinion.
Have you done the climb, Janet?
Thanks for all the info on this site. My husb and I are trying to plan what will be our first ever trip abroad from UK… to Sabah – we have about 3 weeks to travel in June/July on a shoestring budget but really want to get the most out of it.
we want our holiday to include:
Diving at Sipadan
A coupleof nights at Danum Valley if we can afford to!
The Kinabatagan River
Sepilok for Orangutan and Sunbears
Mt Kinabalu climb – having trouble with availability :(
Some island hopping – any suggestions plz?
Market experiences and
National Parks
***If anyone has any suggestions please do contact me – am desperate for help
Would rly be greatful if anyone could kindly help.
Thanks x
Hi Farzana,
As you already know, I’ve replied to this query via email and in the comments of another post.
Hope all the travel planning is coming along well. :)
P.S. If anyone reading this has some suggestions for Farzana, please reply to her initial message here in the comments. Many thanks!
Cheers Jessica!
Going to follow your advice and just rock up in KK and sort it out from there. I’ve read that we are going to be getting there in the beginning of High Season…But we have no real time frame….except for the Tourist visa I suppose. 30 days? I’ll let you know how it goes. We should get there in Mid April-ish.
Hope it works!!!
Ben
Hi Ben,
Yes, that is considered high season. Although if you are flexible with dates then you shouldn’t have a problem booking something upon arrival. I just checked my passport and we were issued a 90 day visa-on-arrival for West Malaysia and Sabah. You should check if this is still current and applicable to your nationality, but you may be able to stay as a tourist longer than you think (should you wish to).
If you would like to suss out availability for the climb on certain dates, some readers have said they have had success with booking online with this email address: petronella.t@suteraharbour.com.my Just make sure that the quote includes park entry and a mountain guide. Another reader was quoted a lower price but it didn’t include these two items.
Hope that helps, Ben! Good luck with your journey and please do let us know how it goes!
Happy adventuring,
Jess
Dear Jessica,
Thanks for your very informative blog. Right after reading your blog today, I have contacted Sutera Habour for the climbing on this July but they informed that no space available during my stay in Kota Kinabalu (flight ticket booked). I’m very disappointed to hear that.
Any other options for us with the same rate as Sutera Habour ?
Hi Tri,
Thanks so much for reading and commenting.
That’s a shame. I don’t know of any places that offer the same rate as Sutera Harbour but when we were looking into different packages we had the staff at North Borneo Cabin, where we were staying, help us out.
They offer a booking service and they called around various places for us. The benefit of that is they are Malay and can negotiate better prices with the agencies. We found them to be very honest and they told us that it was possible to do it slightly cheaper if we booked with the place around the corner minus the transportation. That place turned out to be Sutera Harbour.
I don’t remember the exact price the staff were able to get with another company. But I do remember it included transportation from KK and it wasn’t crazy. It was definitely cheaper than any options we had seen online. In fact, we probably would have booked that if we hadn’t of found out about Sutera Harbour.
Perhaps you can contact North Borneo Cabin to see if they can help you make a booking? http://www.northborneocabin.com/contactus.html
I’m not sure if they offer the service to non-guests but they may do so or perhaps for a fee? But if you haven’t booked your accommodation already and are looking for a cheap place to stay, we can recommend it. It’s basic with shared bathrooms but it is clean and was more than adequate for what we needed. You might want to compare the rate on their website with that on booking sites such as Hostelworld to see where you can get the best deal.
Hope that helps, Tri.
By the way, would you mind sharing the email address you used to contact Sutera Harbour that got you such a quick response? Some people seem to be getting varied responses with different addresses and it would be great to share the most reliable one so it saves people time.
Many thanks and best of luck!
Do let us know how you go and if you have any further questions. Good luck and enjoy Malaysian Borneo!
Thank for swift response. I will try to contact north boneo shortly!
Regarding your question, I sent email to the one picked from the above comments petronella.t@suteraharbour.com.my, and they promptly replied me from the email:
sslmresv1@suteraharbour.com.my
Hope it is helpful!
Many thanks, Tri! That’s really helpful. I think I’ll change the email in the post to this one.
Good luck with North Borneo Cabin. If you wouldn’t mind sharing your experiences with that, I think that would be really helpful for others who find themselves in a similar situation.
Many thanks and good luck!
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for this helpful post! I’m looking for the cheapest way to climb Mt. Kinabalu–my problem is I arrive Kota Kinabalu about 8pm on a Wednesday evening (about two weeks from now!) and want to do the climb Thursday and Friday.
Any suggestions on how I can go about booking the same tour you did with such a time crunch (e.g., booking ahead of time with them for the same rate or booking that Wednesday evening or that Thursday morning?). I’m having trouble finding their business hours of operation for where you booked your tickets.
Thanks!
Hi April,
Thanks for your comment. Really glad you found this post helpful.
I can’t find the operating hours either. Another reader posted a comment saying that they found it easy to book a package via email for July this year. I have asked her if she could confirm the email address she used (whether the same one in this post or another one). I’ll let you know as soon as I hear anything back.
In the meantime, it wouldn’t hurt to try the email provided in this post. Even if they do happen to be open late enough on the Wednesday night, leaving it until then could be a little risky as there’s the possibility they may be booked out.
Good luck and I’ll let you know when I get a response.
Thanks! I sent them an email. Here’s hoping for the best.
By the way, what did you do with all your stuff while you climbed Mt. Kinabalu? I’m backpacking through Southeast Asia, and I don’t want to have to bring my whole pack up and down the mountain!
Great. If you could let us know how you go with the booking, we’d really appreciate it. I’m sure that information would be really helpful for those planning a trip in the future.
Yes, you definitely don’t want to be lugging your backpack up the mountain! haha We stayed near the mountain the night before and planned to go back there after so we just left our bags there. But don’t worry, they also have lockers at Park HQ.
If you haven’t read it already, you may find our post on the climb useful. It includes some more information on what to expect and some practicalities of the climb itself –> https://notesofnomads.com/mt-kinabalu-climb/
All the best, April! I’m sure you’ll have a wonderful time!
Hi April,
Just wanted to confirm that the other reader I mentioned did use the same email to book.
Have you had any response from them yet?
I have also tried to get some prices/booking information via the email on the website (also wanting to climb in July) but had no response. Quite frustrating as we are only planning to be in KK for 3-4 days and would like to get something booked without paying the expensive prices of the tour companies.
Hi Sarah,
Any luck yet? I just had a look on their website and found that they have some new email addresses listed. Perhaps they have changed them recently, I’m not sure.
Have you tried this one? sales.ssl@suteraharbour.com.my
If not, perhaps give this one a shot.
Good luck and do let us know how you go.
Hi Jessica! Thanks for all your help!
I did get a response from the company. Huge thanks!!! This is the email address I used: petronella.t@suteraharbour.com.my
I found her contact information on a comment in another blog.
My booking cost 596 RM (about 180 USD):
—-
1 x NonHeated-Laban Rata Resthouse
1 x Packed Lunch at Balsam Rest KP
1 x Dinner at LR
1 x Early Supper at LR
1 x Breakfast at LR
1 x Lunch at Balsam Cafe KP
1 x FO Climbing Permit
1 x FO Mt. Insurance
—
I’ll probably have to add about 152 RM (about 50 USD) for a mountain guide and the round trip ride between Park HQ and Timpohon Gate.
In your opinion, is the guide actually necessary?
Also, I’ll have to figure out how to get to Park HQ from the airport area that morning.
Thanks for that awesome blog post about the climb itself! By any chance do you remember just how cold it was that night that you stayed in the cabin and during the climb? I want to make sure to pack warm enough, but I also don’t want to over pack…
Hi April,
That’s great. Glad you got it sorted and thanks so much for sharing the email you used and details of your booking.
You don’t need a guide in the sense that the trail is well marked and the fact that lots of other people are climbing too, however, you absolutely need one to be allowed on to the trail. So you’ll definitely need to arrange one. I’m surprised they didn’t already include it in the package. Perhaps you can reply to them and ask if it can be included as an add-on? It looks as though the park entrance fee also isn’t included.
The answer to how cold the lodgings are is absolutely freezing. As I said in the climbing post, we slept in thermals, snow jacket, scarf, gloves, beanie… While you don’t want to overpack – don’t skimp on these items; you’ll absolutely need them.
From the airport, you can take the shuttle bus into town (see our post here https://notesofnomads.com/kota-kinabalu-airport-transportation/) and get off at Padang Merdeka. Then you can follow our instructions on how to get from KK to the park in the climbing post.
Hope that helps, April. All the best and let us know if there is anything else we can help with.
Hi April,
Just wanted to let you know that we have just posted a guide on getting from KK Airport to Park HQ. Link below.
Hope it helps! Good luck!
If anyone’s interested we’ve just booked directly with SSL offices via email for a 3 night package in July which includes accommodation the night before the climb in the park and a 4 bed room at Laban Rata on day 2. Very easy to book via email. Total cost for 4 persons booking directly through SSL is RM 4070. It’s approx RM300 per person cheaper for Malaysian residents. Now we’re just trying to work out our return travel to and from the park.
Many thanks for sharing this info, Deborah! Appreciate it! Just wondering if you used the same email as in this post to make your booking? I’m so curious as to how Sutera Harbour respond to requests for bookings via email. (SSL refers to Sutera Sanctuary Lodges who operate the accommodation on the mountain for anyone wondering).
Hi Jessica,
Yes, we used the same email via their webpage. The response was quick with a full breakdown of costs and options for the 3Day 2Nights Mount Climbing Packages Via Timpohon Trail & Mesilau Trail. Very easy to arrange with them directly.
Perfect! Thanks, Deborah!
No problem! Looking at the original email I received back from them, the prices quoted for 3D2N package for international climbers (non-Malay) is RM 792 dorm accommodation and RM944 double/twin package (both via Timpohon) or RM719-822 via Mesilau.
Hi Jessica, thank you for this very helpful post. I am interested in maybe doing a one day climb, but not ascending to the summit (going from MESILAU to LAYANG LAYANG to TIMPOHON). Do you know if I still need to obtain a permit to climb going on this route? Would the Sutera Harbour be able to book a trip like this? Thank you!
Hi Lulu,
Many thanks for getting in touch. Unfortunately, I am unsure as to whether Sutera Harbour books non-summit climbs. I think they basically make their money out of the accommodation on the mountain so not sure if they offer climbs without it. As you would be entering the restricted area for climbers only on this route, you’d still need a climbing permit.
This is what I would do:
1. Contact Sutera Harbour to see if they offer this service and for how much. If you do this, we’d super appreciate you sharing that information here for the benefit of future travellers.
2. Failing that (or if the price is not agreeable), then I would just go to the park office and ask there. Keep in mind the full 1-day summit climb booked from the park office is around $90 so that should give you a gauge on what you might think is a decent price for a shorter hike. It is probably possible to hire a guide directly to suit your needs. I don’t know this for sure but given the amount of guides in the area, it’s likely someone would be willing to do this for you, if there isn’t already a system in place for it. Again, if you try this, I’d be really interested to know if it is possible, how easy it is and how much they charge for a non-summit hike, so if you could share any info you get, that would be great.
3. If you can’t for some reason hire a guide from the park office for the route you’d like to take, then I would just pay for the 1-day summit climb but not actually ascend to the summit. This would be far cheaper than booking a non-summit hike through a tour company that advertises this option (as I’m sure you know from your research).
I’m not sure how the park office would feel about people taking this option without the intent on completing it because there are only limited spaces for the 1-day climbers and they usually want to give them to people they know are serious about it. Although this may be mostly because they just don’t want under-prepared visitors getting themselves into trouble on the mountain, which in turn is trouble and work for them. But some people who attempt it, end up having to turn back sooner anyway as they didn’t reach the checkpoint in time, so as long as you get down safely with your guide, what you do up there probably isn’t so much of a concern to them. You have paid so they are making their money and I’m sure the guide would be happy to get paid the equivalent of a summit climb for less exertion.
4. If for some reason you are unable to climb the way you want to in either of these ways, remember there is also the option of doing hikes in the national park on your own on the lower half of the mountain. We explored some of these trails the day before our climb to the summit as a kind of warm-up hike and it was really lovely. You don’t need a climbing permit for this, you just need to pay the park entrance fee. They have maps and there is signage so you shouldn’t have any issues exploring on your own. You will be among quite a lot of vegetation so you’re not going to get the views like on the upper reaches of the mountain but this is another option for you to explore the park. Just keep an eye out for the leeches. Nothing to be afraid of but it’s quite a bit more “rainforesty” on the lower parts and they are around. We recommend covering up, tucking your pants into your socks and wearing insect repellant.
And if you’re interested in really saving costs and you’re staying at the Kinabalu Mountain Lodge, ask them about the secret entrance into the park ;)
Hope this helps, Lulu. Good luck on your journey and do let us know how you go!
this is possible..but not through the sutera sanctuary..try this website.
http://www.mountkinabalu.com/packages/mount-kinabalu-fast-track-1-day-non-summit-hike
Fast Track (1 Day Non-Summit Hike)
Mesilau > Layang Layang > Timpohon
GROUP SIZE MALAYSIAN INTERNATIONAL
1 PAX RM 720 RM 780
2 – 3 PAX RM 490 RM 550
4 – 6 PAX RM 350 RM 400
7 – 15 PAX RM 300 RM 350
Hello everyone, I thought I’d provide an update on my Mount Kinabalu climb, and hopefully put some useful information out for other people. When I went to the Sabah Tourism Center they told me to inquire directly with the Sabah Park HQ up on the mountain.
1. From Merdeka Field plaza I took a mini-van heading to Ranau and asked to be dropped off at Mount Kinabalu Park HQ (close to Timophon Gate). RM 20
2. I stayed overnight at a shared hostel room in D’Villa Rana Ria Lodge, which was about a 15 minute walk from the park HQ. RM 30/night
3. Hiked over to the park HQ office at around 7am and reserved a guide, told them I wanted to take the Mesilau Trail to Layang-Layang then down to Timophon Gate. 143MYR/1-3pax
4. Was told to go to the office next door to arrange a taxi to the Tambang Gate (entrance to Mesilau trail). Van can probably fit 6-7pax. RM 95
5. Paid the permit and park entrance fee, and signed the log book. RM 10
I have to say, the Mesilau Trail was nice but it would have been really cool to go to the summit. I was very tired just reaching the halfway point though, and I don’t think many people can successfully do the 1-day summit. Okay, good luck everyone, hope that was helpful!
Hi Lulu,
Many thanks for updating us on your Mesilau Trail experience and congratulations on your successful climb!
I’m sure this information will help many other travellers planning to do the same.
Thank you and happy travels wherever your next adventure takes you!
Hi, Jessica! Your post about climbing Mt Kinabalu on a budget is extremely useful. I’m from Brazil, which means our currency is not too strong, and paying around RM 1400 for a package is not an option. So i’m thinking of doing it on my own as soon as I get to KK. I’ll probably be there around the first two weeks of April and was wondering if it’s possible to book the climb when I get there. I mean, do you think April is a month where you can find vacancy for the next days? I just don’t wanna book in advance nor buy all the equipament (hiking boots, anorak, base layer, headlamp), and when I get there it’s fully booked. Do you have any advice?
Notes of Nomads is really really helpful. Congrats!
See ya,
Vinicius
Hi Vinicius,
Thanks so much. We always strive to make our content useful so happy to hear you are finding it helpful. :)
It’s hard to say whether there will be vacancies in early April as this of course all depends on how many other bookings they happen to receive (which is really just potluck). It is technically the beginning of the “high season” and while I don’t doubt that the mountain probably gets more visitors during this time, I do believe that there is a bit of scaremongering going on in the industry to coerce people into booking ahead of time at a higher price. That being said, there of course can be no guarantees and some days may get more bookings than others. I guess the more flexible you can be with dates, the better. How long do you plan to be in KK?
I understand that making plans to go there and buying the the necessary equipment is an investment and it would be really disappointing if you couldn’t actually go through with your plans once there. What you could try doing is contacting Sutera Harbour directly and seeing if you can secure a place for the same price we listed. They don’t advertise online/phone bookings but it may very well be possible. Or perhaps you can reserve a spot and pay on arrival. I’m not sure, but if you do give this a try, I’d be really interested to know how you go, and I think that future readers of this post would also love to hear about your experience. If you could report back, that would be great!
If you want my personal opinion, I would first try contacting them to see if I could book ahead for the same price. Failing that, I would just go anyway and try my luck. Chances are, I think you’d be fine. And I do think that being there in person ready to pay on the spot does help with places being “available” (not at Sutera Harbour specifically, but just in general).
Have you also considered doing the one-day climb? The park offers a limited amount of spots for those wanting to complete the climb in one day. We have heard of people being able to show up on the day and do it, but if you can book ahead to give you some security, that’s a good idea. Kristin of Be My Travel Muse recommends going to the park office the day before to book. This is also a cheaper option than the overnight climb because you won’t be staying at Laban Rata. Kristin says, at the time of writing, the one-day climb cost $88 (park entrance fee of RM 107 (USD $35), guide for RM 128 (USD $42) – this is compulsory but a guide can be shared by up to two people (you could possibly join another traveller if you aren’t already travelling with anyone) and RM 33 (USD $11) to be driven to the gate where the climb officially starts). You can read her full post here: http://www.bemytravelmuse.com/climb-mount-kinabalu-in-one-day/
Be aware that it won’t be a walk in the park and you should be physically in shape to attempt it, but this could certainly be your back-up plan if you don’t have luck with the overnight booking. Indeed, it could just be your plan if you are up for the challenge!
I hope this has helped a little in making the decision that’s right for you.
Do let us know how you get on.
Happy adventuring,
Jess
Hi Jessica,
FYI, Sabah Park not offer the day climb anymore starting August 2014.
Thanks
BB
Hi BB,
Thank you! Another traveller who did the climb recently did comment that soon this was going to happen but I wasn’t sure exactly when. So they stopped allowing the one day climb as of August 1st?
I’m thinking I might either update this post or write an additional one to incorporate all of the information that has been provided in the comments. A lot has changed in a year!
Thanks so much for sharing your local knowledge!
Hi Jessica,
Thanks for sharing your experience.
We are looking to climb Kinabalu in early April. I wondered if you knew whether the Sutera Harbour office were also able to arrange the Via Ferrata or just the climb and normal descent?
Thanks in advance,
Cat
Hi Cat,
Many thanks for getting in contact. We did ask about the Via Ferrata option and unfortunately the Sutera Harbour office didn’t offer it.
Really hope you find a place that does it without having to pay an arm and a leg for it! I can put out a call on our social media to see if any other travellers have done it and where they booked, if you like?
Thanks Jessica!
Yes, that’d be really helpful.
I’ve been looking online and the idea of paying ~£250 to climb a mountain, (when it might not even happen if the weather isn’t in our favour) is qutie off putting. But I know from your blog and others that it’s a really special experience, so also loathed to miss out!
No problem, Cat! I know – I think it’s so silly you have to forfeit the fee when the weather is completely out of your control!
I’ve put a call out on Facebook and Twitter. Can’t promise anything, but will definitely pass on any info shared with us.
If you are interested in following the conversation yourself or just keeping up with our travels, you can find us on Facebook (Notes of Nomads) and Twitter (@notesofnomads).
You may also wish to check out our post on Top #5 Travel Tips for Malaysia (https://notesofnomads.com/top-travel-tips-malaysia/) and our post about taking the shuttle bus from KK airport to the city centre. One of our readers, Chris, has posted some really awesome and recent info in the comments about the shuttle bus service that may help you out if you are entering the region via KK –> https://notesofnomads.com/kota-kinabalu-airport-transportation/
Hi Cat,
Unfortunately, haven’t had any luck with suggestions of companies to book through regarding Via Ferrata. They are all rather expensive because of the monopoly on it.
However, after a little research, what I would suggest to you is not booking your Via Ferrata experience in advance. Apparently if you arrive at Laban Rata before the mandatory Via Ferrata familiarization session that takes place at 3:30pm (this is perfectly doable – in fact, this would be at a really slow pace), you can still book at Laban Rata and join the briefing session in the Pendant Hut for the following day’s experience. And the best part is, if it is cancelled due to weather conditions, you’ll get all your money back! Unlike those who booked in advance. It’s totally unfair but that is apparently the situation. Please do verify this information before deciding to go with this option, but this is what seems to be the experience of others online.
I hope this helps and do let us know how you get on.
Kind regards,
Jess
Jess,
Thanks so much for following up on this – really invaluable advice. I think we’ll just head to KK and see how the land lies. I’ll let you know how we get on.
Thanks again for you help!
: )
Happy travels!
Cat
My pleasure, Cat. :)
All the very best with your trip and do let us know how you get on.
If you haven’t read our post about our climbing experience, it has some further info on getting to the park from KK, climbing practicalities and what to bring/expect that may be of some assistance –> https://notesofnomads.com/mt-kinabalu-climb/
Many thanks for connecting and good luck!
Happy adventuring,
Jess
It’s still high cost, my friend climb mount kinabalu with price RM270
Thanks for your comment, Mohd. If you can find out from your friend where they booked their climb and the services it included, and share the info in the comments, I’m sure other travellers would appreciate it. Many thanks and Happy New Year!
from my experience deal with the sutera santuary,price they qoute for Malaysian and for non-malaysian is different.
What kind of price difference are we talking, Shah?
i call the sutera sanctuary but they only qoute price forme malaysian. rm 700 for 2D 1N..
but u can get cheaper if you go directly to their center in wisma sabah in kota kinabalu.
i get some other imformation on this website
http://www.mountkinabalu.com/packages/mount-kinabalu-climb-timpohon
GROUP SIZE MALAYSIAN INTERNATIONAL
1 PAX RM 1180 RM 1480
2 – 3 PAX RM 930 RM 1230
4 – 6 PAX RM 830 RM 1130
7 – 15 PAX RM 750 RM 1050