Imagine this: You’ve summitted Low’s Peak. Now you’re gazing across a sea of clouds, knowing three more legendary peaks await: Alexandra Peak, Victoria Peak, and Oyayubi Iwu Peak.

This is not just a hike. This is the Mount Kinabalu 4 Peaks Adventure.

Designed exclusively for seasoned trekkers, this 5D4N expedition is a test of grit, stamina, and altitude endurance. Before you book your spot, here's everything you need to know to prepare – physically, mentally, and logistically – for one of Southeast Asia’s most exhilarating mountain experiences:

Is the Mount Kinabalu 4 Peaks Adventure Right for You?
What is the Mount Kinabalu 4 Peaks Adventure?
Snapshot of Your 5D4N Itinerary
Physical Training
Eligibility Requirements
What to Pack
FAQs
Final Tips

Is the Mount Kinabalu 4 Peaks Adventure Right for You?

Before reading further, ask yourself:

Have I completed a high-altitude trek before? (e.g. Kinabalu, Rinjani, Fuji)
Am I physically conditioned for multi-day, high-elevation climbs?
Can I confidently navigate steep slopes, exposed rock, and rope-assisted sections?
Can I obtain medical clearance for high-altitude trekking?

If you answered ‘yes’, you’re ready to level up! Read on to prepare like a pro.

What is the Mount Kinabalu 4 Peaks Adventure?

The 5D4N Mount Kinabalu 4 Peaks Adventure is not your typical Mount Kinabalu climb. To get a sense of what to expect, here’s a table comparing the 4 Peaks climb with the standard 2D1N Mount Kinabalu package:

Feature	Standard Climb	4 Peaks Climb
Duration	2D1N	5D4N
Peaks Covered	1 (Low’s Peak)	4 (Low’s, Victoria, Alexandra, Oyayubi Iwu)
Difficulty	Moderate	High
Technical Terrain	Summit trail only	Rope-assisted scrambling, granite slope traverses
Altitude Risk	Low to moderate	High
Medical Clearance	Not required	Required
Recommended for	Fit beginners and tourists	Experienced climbers only

Snapshot of the Adventure: Your 5D4N Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive and Check-In
Day 2: Trek to Panalaban Base Camp
Day 3: Summit Low’s Peak (4,095.2 m) and Oyayubi Iwu Peak (~4,000 m)
Day 4: Climb to Alexandra Peak (3,997.5 m) and Victoria Peak (4,090 m)
Day 5: Descend and Depart

Each peak introduces its own set of challenges, from slanted granite ridgelines to rope-assisted scrambles and remote viewpoints most climbers never get to see.

Physical Training: 8-Week Prep Plan

This is a multi-day, high-altitude challenge with significant elevation gain, exposure to the elements, and long trekking hours. You'll encounter sloped granite surfaces, rope-assisted climbs, and exposed sections that demand solid footing and balance.

Here’s how to train:

Cardio Conditioning

Target 4-5 sessions a week of:

Hiking with weighted backpacks
Trail running
Stair climbing or incline treadmill workouts

Include one weekly long trek – minimum 2-4 hours.

Leg & Core Strength

Focus on posterior chain and stabilisers:

Squats, lunges, step-ups with dumbbells
Romanian deadlifts, hip bridges
Planks, Russian twists, hanging leg raises

Train at least three times a week, progressing to heavier loads or longer sessions.

Balance & Agility

BOSU ball exercises, single-leg drills, hiking on loose gravel
Simulate rough terrain conditions in training

Mental Endurance

Train in uncomfortable conditions: rain, early mornings, or with fatigue
Develop the habit of pushing through long hours with minimal breaks

Altitude Acclimatisation

If possible, train on elevation trails (1000m+)
Alternatively, use hypoxic training masks or altitude gyms
Stay in Kundasang or Kinabalu Park for 1-2 nights before your climb

Eligibility Requirements for the Mount Kinabalu 4 Peaks Adventure

To ensure a safe, successful, and rewarding expedition, all participants must meet the following requirements:

General Eligibility

Must be 18 years old or above
Must be a non-disabled individual in good physical condition
Must have a recommended BMI based on medical assessment
Must undergo a health check at a certified private or government clinic and obtain medical clearance
Must have completed at least one climb above 2,000 metres (e.g. Maragang Hill) within 30 days prior to the expedition
Must stay overnight near Kinabalu Park at least one day before the climb

Pre-Trip Documentation

Submit proof of the 2,000m elevation climb
Provide completed medical forms upon arrival
Sign and submit a Climber Indemnity Form

Tip: Amazing Borneo offers a Maragang Hill add-on to the 4 Peaks package – for those who have yet to fulfil the 2,000m training climb requirement. Ask our tour consultants!

During the Expedition

Meet the cut-off times at designated checkpoints
Pass oxygen saturation checks to confirm high-altitude readiness
Practice ‘Leave No Trace’ principles – all climbers are responsible for their personal trash

What to Pack for Mount Kinabalu 4 Peaks Adventure?

Clothing

Quick-dry clothing
Fleece jackets
Waterproof windbreaker
Raincoat or poncho
Thermal layers for summit night
Gloves and wool socks
Head buff or beanie
Scarf

Footwear

Well-broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
Lightweight shoes or sandals for camp
Adidas kampung, locally made rubber shoes considered the best footwear for trekking through tropical terrain