Highly recommended destination and tour agency!
As a fitness representative of my company I had decided to challenge my colleagues and I eventually decided on organising a 4D3N trip up Mount Kinabalu and including a night's stay over in Kota Kinabalu. After consulting with friends, I decided to book the tour with Amazing Borneo Tours as they have a good reputation and also had an office in Singapore.
I was impressed with the detailed responses I got from Emily, the Singapore country manager, as well as the friendly service from the rest of the staff who helped us along the way at Kinabalu National Park HQ, our hiking guides and drivers.
As for the trek itself, as we had people with differing fitness levels within our group of 9 people, we eventually split up into smaller teams, but we always felt assured that we would be taken care of by the 2 guides.
It was raining for most of the trek for both days. However, we were lucky that there was no rain for the "summit climb" (the one where we have to start climbing at 2am on the 2nd day), and were awarded with stunning views of the mountain, the surroundings, and the starlit sky. We brought Santa Claus hats along to have our own early Christmas celebration up on the mountain :)
The trek with not an easy feat for some people in our group, however, with persistence, I believe adult with a basic fitness level should be able to complete the climb. Of course, it would be made much easier if there is prior training (hiking and stairs climbing recommended). Another important point is not to pack too much but also have the relevant attire/equipment (trekking poles highly recommended).
Highly recommended destination and tour agency!
Stefan Pang, Singapore
29 Nov - 2 Dec 2014