No Mountain Too High

“It is Not the Mountain We Conquer but Ourselves.”

( Edmund Hillary )

I just wanted to share with you some fact and figure about Mount Kinabalu, I’ve climb Mount Kinabalu three times already, and all I can say is that, it is possible for those of you who are healthy and have great stamina to climb this mountain, it is not a “technical” mountain, I mean you don’t need a special skills or special equipment to climb this mountain and the best tools that you should have beside a good stamina is a great attitude.

Mount Kinabalu is the highest mountain in all Southeast Asia (4,101 m) but some people say that Mt Khakaborazi (5,881 m) in Myanmar or Burma is the highest in Southeast Asia. I don’t want to argue with that, I will leave it to the expert, or if you want to know the truth, go and do your own research but all i can say is that Mount Kinabalu is among the most photographed mountain in Southeast Asia, otherwise why should I bother climb the mountain for three times.

In December 2000, UNESCO recognised Mount Kinabalu as Malaysia’s first World Heritage Site for its “Outstanding Universal Values” and its role as one of the most important biological sites in the world.

Climbing Fees :

1. Permit Fees for Adult (per person) is RM 30.00 for Malaysian | RM 100.00 for Non Malaysian
2. Insurance (per person) : Death per accident /Permanent Disablement As A Result Of An Accident | RM 7.00 for Malaysian and Non Malaysian
3. Certificate : 1st Class (colors) : RM 10.00 | Malaysian and non Malaysian.

Guide Fees, You must engage a licensed guide to climb Mount Kinabalu. Fees are charged on per group basis, ranging from RM 35 to RM 40 per day per group depending on the size of the group. Charges vary according to choice of starting and ending point. (Timpohon to Mesilau and vice versa).

Destination :

1. Timpohon – Summit – Timpohon : For 1-3 climbers RM 42.50 | For 4-6 climbers RM 50.00
2. Mesilau – Summit – Mesilau : For 1-3 climbers RM 47.50 | For 4-6 climbers RM 57.50

Other than the fees above you still have to pay for your accommodation up there at Laban Rata, normally  it takes two days to climb the mountain, where you start in the early morning somewhere around 7:00 A.M – 9:00 A.M from Mesilau or Timpohon Gate. The fees keeps on changing so you better check for the latest info before calculating your budget but roughly you have to pay around RM 290-RM360 per person for Dormitory (Inclusive 1 packed lunch, buffet dinner, breakfast and lunch). (Latest info starting 1st January 2009)

The journey from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park is around approximately two hours leisurely drive. You don’t want to race up to the mountain, take some times to stop by the road side and smell the roses and take some pictures along the way, the view as you reach closer to Kinabalu Park is simply breathtaking especially if the weather is good and you can see the mountain clearly, please do stop by and take some pictures because most of the times the mountain barely visible especially if you start your journey from Kota Kinabalu around 9:00 A.M and above and by the time you reach there, the mountain will be hidden by the thick mist.

How to make your booking? You can book through online as early as six month in advance through Sutera Sanctuary Lodge or if you happen to be in Kota Kinabalu, just head over to Sutera Sanctuary Lodge office at Wisma Sabah ( Ground Floor ) to make your booking.

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