Buzz
After conquering northern Vietnamese mountains, we set our sights on witnessing the sunrise atop Kota Kinabalu. The meticulous planning and preparation were underway. Due to Malaysia's stringent government procedures regarding the number of people allowed into the national park, mountain rest areas, etc., conquering this peak without prior registration seemed impossible. Registration had to be completed months, sometimes even a year in advance due to the overwhelming number of mountain enthusiasts applying.
Where is Kota Kinabalu located? Unraveling the Mystery
Kota Kinabalu, nestled in the state of Sabah on Borneo Island within Malaysia, is a haven for diving enthusiasts. Sabah is also a sought-after destination, home to Sipadan – Malaysia's only volcanic island located near Sabah, drawing many sea lovers.
The summit of Kota Kinabalu stands as a popular trekking destination in the region. The journey to reach the low peak at 4095.2m altitude can commence from either the Timpohon gate or the Mesilau gate. Additionally, near the summit's resting points, you can indulge in the thrilling activity of rock climbing, known as Via Ferrata.
Gateway to the National Park
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time for your mountain expedition in this area is from around March to August when the weather is pleasantly cool with minimal rainfall.
2-Day, 1-Night Mountain Trek Itinerary
Day 1 - 8:00 AM
Enjoy breakfast at a restaurant just outside the park entrance.
Day 1 - 9:30 AM
Guides provide route information
Before commencing the ascent, the guides emphasize the importance of reaching the overnight resting point before 5:00 PM, as there will be no provisions after this time. This served as a significant motivator for us throughout the journey.
To reach the overnight stop at Laban Rata takes an average of 4-6 hours. Along the trail from the Timpohon Gate to the lodge, there are rest stops providing excellent opportunities to pause, admire the scenery, connect with nature, and sometimes even catch a glimpse of the mountain's elusive inhabitants hidden in these resting spots.
Day 1 - 2:00 PM
Scenic views from the lodge looking below
Laban Rata Guesthouse serves as the first-day rest point at an elevation of 3,272m. It is the largest accommodation at this altitude, housing around 80 individuals. In addition to Laban Rata, there are smaller lodges such as Panar Laban Hut, Gunting Lagadan Hut, and Waras Hut, but they appear to be more petite in size.
Laban Rata Guesthouse at 3,272m Altitude
Day 1 - 3:45 PM
Mountain climbing groups gather at the dining hall
For us, this proved to be the most delightful meal of all our mountain expeditions. A sumptuous buffet featuring an array of rice, vegetables, salads, chicken, pork, porridge, braised beef, soup, and more, perfectly catering to both carnivores and vegetarians.
Day 1 - 5:30 PM
At this point, our guides inform the group to assemble in the main hall at 1:00 AM tomorrow to commence breakfast and resume the climb, aiming to catch the first rays of the new day at the summit. The excitement of nearing the peak of Kota Kinabalu, coupled with the need to retire at 6:00 PM, kept us restless despite the dropping outdoor temperatures. Eventually, I drifted off unaware of when.
Day 2 - 1:00 AM
Day 2 - 1:30 AM
Day 2 - 2:00 AM
As we ascended, the air became thinner, coupled with a bone-chilling rain and steep incline, making the journey arduous. I pressed on, regulating my breath as if practicing back home. Beyond this point, there were no designated resting spots, so everyone took breaks as needed. The sensations of cold, hunger, and fatigue enveloped us, prompting frequent halts for replenishing with water, chocolate, and energy bars to counterbalance the exhaustion and biting cold.
Day 2 - 4:00 AM
A line of climbers ascending one after another
Day 2 - 5:30 AM
The dawn begins to break
Looking down from this altitude invokes a vast and majestic sensation, making me feel tiny in the grand expanse of the heavens and earth.
Kinabalu Park seen from 4095m altitude
Day 2 - 6:15 AM
The sense of accomplishment at journey's end
Upon descending to the mountain base, those who reach the 4095m summit receive a mountaineering certificate, a testament to the thrilling experience undergone—a small memento from the mountain to cherish.
Some Tips for the Journey
Author: Nguyen Thanh Vinh
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