Mount Kinabalu, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the island of Borneo, has enticed millions of adventure seekers from all over the world to enjoy her breathtaking beauty and world-class climbing tours.
Day 01: Kundasang - Timpohon Gate - Panabalam
Day 02 marks our meeting with our guide for dinner. We had dinner together and discussed our Kinabalu program. It was the first day of our 1-night, 2-day Kinabalu trip. As per our program, we had breakfast in Kundasang and left for Kinabalu National Park to begin our climb. We carried our packed lunch for the day from Kundasang. We had to walk around 6 km today, but we also had to climb around 1200 to 1300 m in elevation, making it a challenging day. In the morning we were at 1900 meters above sea level, but we had to sleep at around 3300 meters above sea level. The trail was also not easy. All the trails in the Nepalese Himalayas were made by nature, making the hiking experience comfortable for everyone. Not so many ups and downs, but in Kinabalu, most of the trails are human-made. We have to walk through the wooden ladder most of the time, which is not flat as well. Here’s what you should know about day one:
1. You must reach the Timpohon gate before 10.30 am. The gate closes after that, to allow people enough time to reach the mountain huts at Laban Rata.
2. At the gate, first, you go through registration, and you pick up vouchers for your ‘all-inclusive food package’ for the dormitory.
3. If you already have a guide he will arrange everything for you if you don’t have you will meet the guide, and you start the 6km hike to Laban Rata.
4. The first day is mostly steps/stairs. It’s not too bad. If you’re fit, you could get back in 3 or 4 hours. If you’ve had a tough few months it will take 5 - 7 hours depending on your pace
5. You reach Laban Rata, check-in. You find your dormitory bed (all the bedding is provided). Sort out your gear for the nighttime hike tomorrow morning
6. Buffet dinner, and early to bed
This two-day trek to the summit of Mount Kinabalu begins at the Timpohon Gate and includes seven shelters for water and food breaks. After reaching the 6km mark, check into Laban Rata Hut. It includes a restaurant with an outside patio that gives a wonderful view of the sunrise across the horizon.
When staying at Laban Rata Hut, guests have the option of upgrading to a private room with an ensuite bathroom. Contact our tour expert for further information.
