LOW'S PEAK 4095.2 M  |  6.075° N, 116.558° E

Mount Kinabalu Important Update

Important Update

Be informed of our latest news

Important Notice: Temporary Water Disruption At Panalaban Base Camp

Latest Update: International Travellers To Malaysia Need To Fill Out Digital Arrival Card

Scammer / Unlicensed Operators Alert

Mount Kinabalu Summit is Open for 2024 & 2025

2D1N Mount Kinabalu Summit Climb is Available and Open for Booking in 2024 & 2025

  • Mount Kinabalu climbing fees were increased effective 1 January 2023, as announced by Sabah Parks. Click here for more information.
  • Climbers can now climb up to Low’s Peak Summit with a 2 Days 1 Night Climb. One Day Mount Kinabalu Climb permits are currently NOT Available.
  • There are two summit trails - Ranau Trail and Kota Belud Trail. These trail routes are from Panalaban area to the Summit.
  • Mesilau Trail will be closed indefinitely due to inaccessible paths. All climbers will ascent and descent via Timpohon trail from now.
  • With effect from 25 January 2023, there are only 163 climb permits per day issued by Sabah Parks until further notice.
  • Beware of bogus / scam websites operated by unknown organisation. Please apply your legal climb permits here.
  • Was your climb booking affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic Situation? Click here for more info.

LATEST NEWS & UPDATES

  • Summit Closure Dates for 2024
  • Temporary Water Disruption At Panalaban Base Camp. - Read More
  • Malaysia Digital Arrival Card - Read More
  • Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon Set To Resume Next Year. - Read More
  • Kinabalu National Geopark Earns UNESCO Global Geopark title, Now a Triple Crown Site - Read More
  • Grace Lodge: The latest accommodation in Kinabalu Park. - Read More
  • Sabah Parks Enforced A Smoking Ban On Mount Kinabalu. - Read More
  • Sabah Parks to Increase Entrance Fees Effective 1st January 2023 - Read More
  • Announcement by Mountain Torq - Read More
  • Kedah Tourists Scammed RM18,000 Over Fake Mount Kinabalu Climb - Read More
  • 90-year-old Sabahan becomes Malaysia’s oldest Mount Kinabalu Climber - Read More
  • Updated: All Trails Reopen - Read More
  • Climb For a Cause - Raising Awareness for Organ Donation and Transplantation - Read More
  • Mount Kinabalu Highest Fire Station In The World - Read More
  • Weak earthquake at Kundasang, Sabah - Read More
  • Travelling Into Malaysia - Read More
  • Rare Snowfall Seen on Mount Kinabalu - Read More
  • Mount Kinabalu Covid-19 Travel SOP - Read More
  • Effective as of 1st September 2017, the Tourism and Culture Ministry of Malaysia will be implementing a Malaysian Tourism Tax (TTX). Foreign tourists will be required to pay a flat rate of RM10 per room per night regardless of hotel star level. Read More
  • Laban Rata Resthouse will no longer provide boiled water for drinking/refill to their climbers. Coffee & Tea will only be provided complimentary during Breakfast & Supper. Read More
    Note: Pendant Hut still provides filtered hot water for drinking/refill to their climbers.
  • Chances of summit closure due to bad weather is about an average of 15-20 times a year.

    Summit Closure Dates for 2023
    • January - 22
    • June - 8
    • July - 16
    • September - 16
    Summit Closure Dates for 2022
    • January - 7
    • April - 8, 9, 10, 28
    • July - 7, 10, 28
    • August - 16
    • September - 18
    • October - 17, 18
    • November - 1, 22
    • December - 11, 24
    Read More

Mount Kinabalu Quick Facts

Quick Facts

Learn more about climbing the majestic Aki Nabalu.

Quick Facts About Climbing Mount Kinabalu

  • Mount Kinabalu is the tallest mountain in Malaysia. The summit, Low's Peak, sits at 4095.2 meters (13,435 feet) above sea level.
  • The mountain is located in the state of Sabah, East Malaysia on the island of Borneo. Among the mountains in Malaysia, it is the most prominent.
  • Mount Kinabalu is one of the highest mountains in Southeast Asia. It is also the 20th tallest mountain in the world by topographic prominence and is one of the highest peaks in the world that is easily trekked by most people.
  • Before Covid-19 pandemic, there were 185 climbing permits issued daily by Sabah Parks (Sabahan 10 pax, Malaysian 25 pax, Malaysian and/or International 150 pax). This is for safety reasons, so they could help to oversee on climbers’ safety upon ascending to Low’s Peak summit in total darkness. It is also to ensure the summit climb is not overcrowded by climbers. However, due to the Covid-19 pandemic situation, there are now only 163 climbing permits issued daily by Sabah Parks as of 25 January 2023.
    Permits Reseved Per DayCategory
    50Sabah Parks
    80Sutera Sanctuary Lodges
    33Mountain Torq
    Notes: Sabah Parks Authorities reserve the right to adjust the daily limit of permits issued for certain travel periods without prior notice.
  • All climbers are required to apply Sabah Parks climb permits and Panalaban accommodation in advance.
  • All climbers are required to engage a mountain guide. The ratio of climbers to mountain guides depend on the size of the group and the age of the climbers. One mountain guide is allowed to take a maximum of two (2) children aged below 16 years or a maximum of five (5) climbers aged 16 years and above in the same group. For more info, refer here.
  • Timpohon Gate (1,866m a.s.l) @ Kinabalu National Park is the starting and ending points for all climbers.
  • There are two summit trails starting from Panalaban to Sayat-Sayat; the Ranau Summit Trail (opened in 1 Dec 2015) & the Kota Belud Summit Trail (opened in 9 Dec 2016).
  • Laban Rata Resthouse, Pendant Hut, Lemaing Hut, Mokodou and Kinotoki are the current accommodation at Panalaban base camp for climbers.
  • Laban Rata Resthouse provides buffet meals inclusive in the climb package (Note: Not all meals inside the package are buffet-style - such as breakfast, packed lunch, supper)
  • The only heated dormitories and rooms in Panalaban base camp are the three (3) private rooms in Laban Rata Resthouse.
  • It is advisable to stay in the Kinabalu National Park or a highland resort at Kundasang prior the climb for high altitude acclimatisation (Refer to all 3D2N & above climb packages).
  • You can summit the mountain anytime of the year, however, if the weather does not permit, Sabah Parks Authority will close the gate to the summit for safety reasons.
Mount Kinabalu Booking Tips

Booking Tips

Make your booking process a breeze

Booking Tips

  • It normally takes 2 days 1 night (2D1N) to complete a Mount Kinabalu climb.
  • For 3 days 2 nights (3D2N) option, the first night at Kinabalu Park (foot of Mount Kinabalu) usually helps climbers to acclimatize to altitude.
  • Identify your ideal climbing date (date of ascent) and check the availability with us.
  • Choose your type of climb packages, Non-Ferrata or Via Ferrata.
  • All accommodation provided in the climb packages are standard and based on run-of-house (ROH), which means the room given is determined by the accommodation provider, according to availability, at the time of check-in. Do inform us if you wish to upgrade at an additional fee.
  • We will secure LEGAL climb permits that are available on your ideal climb dates.
  • Climb slots are secured/guaranteed only after payment is made.
  • Climbers are requested to provide us with a scanned copy of their passport upon booking confirmation.
  • Do let us know if you require other tour or accommodation arrangement.
  • Please ensure your climb slots are secured with a booking confirmation received from us before booking your flight tickets.
  • We do not recommend to catch your flight on the same day of climb descent due to delays from traffic condition and/or injuries.
  • We recommend a comprehensive Travel Insurance purchased in your home country for better protection and coverage.
  • Only book through licensed local tour operators (such as Amazing Borneo Tours) listed in Sabah Tourism Board for safety reasons.
  • Beware of bogus/scam websites operated by unknown organisation.

“Don’t be a victim to be stranded without a licensed climb permit”

Who Can Climb Mount Kinabalu

Who Can Climb

Find out if you're up for the challenge!

Who Can Climb Mount Kinabalu?

Any Age Limit?

There are no particular age limits for Mount Kinabalu climbers. As long as you are good in health status or you have seek approval from your doctor if you are on any medication. We have served thousands of climbers ranging from 3 years old to 87 years old. However, we suggest young children to be at least 10 years old due to the numerous steps and steep slopes. Similarly, elderly climbers need to be in good health and fitness level to attempt the climb.


For Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata

For Mount Kinabalu Climb via Ferrata routes, you need to be between at least 10 years old (for Walk the Torq) and 17 years old (for Low's Peak Circuit) and not more than 70 years old with a minimum height of 1.3 metres. Additional requirements are that you need to be overall fit, healthy and preferably not afraid of heights. The Via Ferrata option is an experience for anyone who wants to try climbing a mountain in another manner. It allows access to scenic sections of the mountains that are typically available only to experienced rock climbers and mountaineers.


Mount Kinabalu Climbing Fees

Climbing Fees

Be updated on our latest rates

Climb Permit, Mountain Guide & Porter Fees

Rates for Sabah Parks Mount Kinabalu Climb Permit (Effective 1 Jan 2023)
MALAYSIAN CLIMBER (MYR) INTERNATIONAL CLIMBER (MYR)
Adult (18 years old and above) 100.00 / pax 400.00 / pax
Child (17 years old and below) 50.00 / pax 200.00 / pax
Entrance Fee to Kinabalu National Park (Effective 1 Jan 2023)
MALAYSIAN (MYR) INTERNATIONAL (MYR)
Adult (18 years old and above) 10.00 / pax / day 50.00 / pax / day
Child (17 years old and below) 5.00 / pax / day 25.00 / pax / day
Child (12 years old and below)
60 years old and above
Disabled (OKU)
Free of Charge -
Rates for Mountain Guide (Effective 1 Jan 2023)
DESTINATION
(Timpohon-Summit-Timpohon)
RATIO
(GUIDE : CLIMBER)
FEE
(MYR)
Climbers aged 16 years and above. 1 : 5 350.00
Climbers aged below 16 years. 1 : 2 350.00
Rates for Porter (Effective 1 Jan 2023)
DESTINATION WEIGHT (KG) RATE (RM)
Timpohon - Laban Rata - Timpohon 10.00 RM 140
Timpohon - Sayat-Sayat - Timpohon 10.00 RM 180
Timpohon - Summit - Timpohon 10.00 RM 200

** Maximum weight is 10 Kgs and additional weight will be charged based on daily rate per Kg
** All rates displayed are NETT.

Note: You are required to secure an accommodation in Panalaban in order to apply for a climb permit.
All listed climb packages here will automatically include a legal climb permit and accommodation in Panalaban.

SOUVENIRS FROM CLIMBING MOUNT KINABALU

A complete Borneo experience

If you can only visit one place on Borneo that exemplifies the island to its very best, then it has to be Mount Kinabalu. Part of UNESCO World Heritage Site and Global Geopark, Mount Kinabalu is well-known worldwide for its tremendous botanical and biological species biodiversity with plants of Himalayan, Australasian, and Indomalayan origin. No visit to Borneo is complete without a trekking expedition to the summit of Mount Kinabalu.

Memories to last a lifetime

Be sure to bring a camera when you’re climbing, or even a fully charged phone so that you will be able to capture each moment and commit them to memory.

Soreness

A great conquest means nothing without a bit of post-victory soreness! You will be too sore to walk for the next few days, but hey, you did it! Bravo!

A sense of accomplishment

Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Southeast Asia and is one of the most popular ‘bucket list’ destinations in the world. Conquer the mountain give yourself a hard-earned pat on the back!

Beautiful sceneries to enjoy

Mount Kinabalu is blessed with beautiful flora and is one of the ecologically richest in the world. Don’t forget to drink in the beautiful sceneries while you’re climbing up!

A great workout

The average trek up from Kinabalu Park to Panalaban takes approximately five hours on average and burns more than 1,000 calories for an average person. What is a better workout than this?

Share & Inspire

Climbers Real Life Experience Share and Inspire

Doubt Sees the Obstacles, Faith sees the Way
Doubt Sees the Darkest Night, Faith sees the Day
Doubt Dreads to Take a Step, Faith Soars High
Doubt Questions "Who Believes?"
Faith Answer "I"

TRIPADVISOR REVIEWS