[Mt Kinabalu]
Mt Kinabalu is the highest peak in Malaysia and is a popular climbing challenge in Southeast Asia. At 4,095 metres (13,435 ft) the mountain is an impressive site when viewed from Kota Kinabalu (the closest city to the mountain).
It’s often claimed that Mt Kinabalu is the highest mountain in Southeast Asia, but that is incorrect. The highest is Hkakabo Razi in Myanmar which stands at 5,881 m (19,295 ft). It can at least claim the title of the highest mountain between the Himalaya’s and New Guinea.
The main route up the mountain to Low’s Peak can be reached without specialist mountaineering equipment, though you still need a decent level of fitness (and altitude sickness can affect anyone). To give yourself the best chance of success it’s best to go over two days, though some climbers can do it in one.
There is even a marathon held here annually, where mad bastards athletes from around the world run up and down the mountain, with the best of them doing it in under five hours.
G Adventures – Best of Borneo, including Mt Kinabalu climb
Borneo is one of those places that’s synonymous with adventure travel. Experience it for yourself on this 14-day journey through the Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, from Kota Kinabalu to Kuching.
Watch the sunrise from the top of Mt Kinabalu, spot wildlife on a jungle walk, explore the Mulu caves, overnight in a traditional village, and meet an orangutan face-to-face.
Best of Borneo tour with Mt Kinabalu climb
If you are interested in doing the climb here are some blog posts documenting a variety of experiences. And if you’ve written about the climb send in your blog post to be added here!
Daniel and Gina
Singaporean travellers Daniel and Gina share their honest experience on what to expect, as well as some useful tips when climbing Mount Kinabalu. As they reach the summit Gina says “it was a moment between us and nature.”
Our experience on climbing Mount Kinabalu
Kristin Addis
Kristin took the challenge of climbing Borneo’s fabled mountain in one day.
Climb Mt Kinabalu in one day
David Webb
David Webb, a Vancouver, BC-based travel writer, photographer and magazine editor went on a mission to summit the highest peak in Southeast Asia — Borneo’s stunning Mount Kinabalu.
Video Post: Climbing Mount Kinabalu
Christine Ng
Blogger Chrispytine (Christine Ng) mentions an important point about the cost of climbing Mt. Kinabalu: “Climbing Mt Kinabalu isn’t dirt cheap as we thought it would be because for a start, there are price differences between a local and a foreigner in lodging, permits and park entrance fee.”
Guide to climbing Mt Kinabalu
Grace Tan
Singaporean business and lifestyle blogger Grace talks about her experience not just climbing Mt. Kinabalu but their wonderful experience exploring Kota Kinabalu, the closest big city to the mountain.
Climbing Mount Kinabalu and exploring Kota Kinabalu – everything you need to know in one blogpost
Torre DeRoche
What was supposed to be a short, simple stroll up Mount Kinabalu in Borneo turned into a confrontation with the mother of all fears, according to Torre.
A confrontation with falling
Kah Yee
Kah Yee decided to try new things and tick everything off her high school bucket list, so she and her classmates signed up for the Merdeka Climb to Mount Kinabalu expedition.
Mount Kinabalu Climb: challenge accepted
Rara
Contrary to popular belief that you have to book your climbing spot months in advance, you can actually book it in a short notice, but at your own risk says Mt. Kinabalu climber/blogger Rara.
Climbing Mount Kinabalu – the cheapest way
Christina Marie
While Christina Marie was smiling in her picture at the top of Mt. Kinabalu she said “inside I’m crying. I remember asking someone how do we get down?”
Climbing Mt. Kinabalu
Jacqueline Rowena
Jacqkie’s experience says there are two types of routes going up Mt. Kinabalu, via Mesilau and via Timpohon Gate (Kinabalu Park). Mesilau’s track is 2KM more and is mostly off road, which means there are areas without proper climbing stairs.
Climbing Mt. Kinabalu
Colin Ng
Singaporean Collin Ng has climbed Mt. Kinabalu several times already. For him “it has been an annual ritual of sorts to pay homage, something words can’t describe.”
Mount Kinabalu Trek 2013
Linda Anderson
When Linda Anderson recalls climbing Mt. Kinalabu she remembers the emotional challenge rather than the physical challenge.
Climbing Mount Kinabalu – my personal journey
Benazir
This is Benazir’s fifth Mount Kinabalu expedition via the Mesilau Trail. Benben says “once you climb the glorious Mount Kinabalu, you would want to come back again.”
My 5th Mount Kinabalu expedition via Mesilau Trail
Aldrin Mercado
Aldrin Mercado’s article is about climbing Mt. Kinabalu with a tight budget. In fact, he says, traveling doesn’t always have to be expensive. The key is finding everything as budget-friendly as possible.
Climbing Mt. Kinabalu with a tight budget
Ann Rachel
Ann Rachel conquered Mt. Kinabalu approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes from Timpohon Gate to Laban Rata and another 3 hours to the summit. She was helped by perfect weather.
Mount Kinabalu 2nd trip
Ryan Gan
The whole journey to Mt. Kinabalu according to Ryan Gan is memorable, and most importantly he has conquered the highest mountain in Malaysia – which is an achievement itself.
Climbing Mountain Kinabalu Experience
Juliet says
Such a wonderful landscape, I wish I can also watch the sunrise from the top of Mt Kinabalu. You have a great list of mountaineers. I am from the Philippines and I’m just curious, are there already Filipino mountaineers who successfully traversed Mt Kinabalu?