Day 1 Kota Kinabalu / Kinabalu Park HQ Your adventure begins with a scenic overland transfer from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled at the base of Mount Kinabalu. Along the 2-hour drive, enjoy panoramic views of the Crocker Range and stop at Nabalu Market, a charming roadside spot where locals sell fresh produce, handicrafts, and souvenirs — a great place to stretch your legs and snap some photos. Upon arrival at Kinabalu Park HQ, check into your accommodation. The rest of the afternoon is yours to acclimatize to the cool highland climate and explore the serene surroundings of the park at your leisure. Dinner will be served at a local restaurant within the park. Dinner Kinabalu Park HQ Accommodation
Day 2 Kinabalu Park HQ / Timpohon Gate / Panalaban Base Camp Start your day with breakfast at Liwagu Restaurant, surrounded by the fresh mountain air of Kinabalu Park. Don’t forget to collect your packed lunch before heading to the Park HQ for registration. Our support team will assist with all necessary arrangements, including the issuance of your climbing permit, ID tag, and assigning your licensed mountain guide. Once everything is in order, you'll be transferred to the Timpohon Gate (1,866m) — the official starting point of your climb. Begin your 4 to 6-hour ascent through a fascinating range of ecosystems. The trail will lead you from mossy oak-chestnut forests into alpine landscapes as you gain altitude, with scenic rest stops and shelter huts along the way. Arrive at Panalaban Base Camp (3,272m) by late afternoon and check into your shared dormitory accommodation at Laban Rata Resthouse or similar. Enjoy a well-deserved buffet dinner, then rest up for the early morning summit push. Breakfast / Packed-lunch / Dinner Panalaban Assorted Huts (Laban Rata Resthouse or similar)
Day 3 Low’s Peak Summit / Descend to Park HQ / Transfer to Poring Hot Springs Rise early for a light supper before beginning your final ascent to the summit of Mount Kinabalu. This pre-dawn trek is the most challenging part of the climb, but if you reach Low’s Peak (4,095.2m) by sunrise, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views from the summit (weather permitting). After celebrating your summit success, descend back to Panalaban Base Camp for a late breakfast and check-out. Continue your descent to Timpohon Gate, where a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Kinabalu Park HQ. Here, you’ll receive your Certificate of Achievement as a memento of your climb. Enjoy a well-earned buffet lunch at Liwagu Restaurant, then transfer overland to Poring Hot Springs in the Ranau district. Upon arrival, check in to Serindit Hostel. Spend the evening at leisure surrounded by lush rainforest scenery. Supper / Breakfast / Lunch Serindit Hostel
Day 4 Poring Hot Springs / Return to Kota Kinabalu Enjoy a leisurely morning surrounded by the peaceful rainforest setting of Poring Hot Springs. After breakfast, check out from your accommodation and board the scheduled transfer back to Kinabalu Park HQ, where you'll connect with the climbers' shuttle back to Kota Kinabalu. Arrival time in the city will vary depending on traffic and shuttle timing. Private transfers can be arranged in advance for added convenience. Breakfast