Mount Kinabalu, Sabah Borneo

Sharing my experience which I encounter during my climb with you guys. There's a lot of do and don't, which is useful for those who wishes to climb Mount Kinabalu. It's tough, but I made it to Low's Peak. I'm a true sabahan now ;)

Here's my Mesilau Trail(which has been closed) itinerary for 2 days

Day 1
0700 - Drive to Kinabalu Park
0945 - Briefings
1000 - Climb up to Laban Rata
1830 - Reach Laban Rata, Dinner
1930 - Rest Early for the Next Day

Day 2
0130 - Breakfast
0230 - Briefings and up you go to Low's Peak
0530 - Awaiting Sunrise
0700 - Down to Laban Rata
1000 - Brunch and Prepare to go Down
1045 - Down to Timpohon Gate
1520 - Tea Break
1700 - Certificate Collection
1730 - Back to Kota Kinabalu

Mesilau Trail is approximately 2KM or more longer trail than Timpohon Trail. We've choosen a longer trail as, there's much more to see and the view is spectacular. Before we begin our climb, the Mountain decided to appear before us for a lovely photo


Our Mountain Guide giving out briefings on what, yes and not to do during our climb.

Advice : Be at the meet up point earlier for briefings and start early so you'll reach Laban Rata earlier to rest for the next day

These are part of the trail which you have to expect on the first day of climbing. It ain't easy guys, so make sure you train yourself 6 months before the climb. Preferably loose some weight, it be easier.

Tips: Wear shorts and a thin layer top as it gets warmer and sweaty as and when you climb.

The joy of knowing there's only 1KM left to Laban Rata. When we reach Laban Rata, we had our dinner and ready for bed.

To know: Buffet dinner starts at 1630 and ends at 1900, that is why it is advisable to start early. Else, if you're in a group, and they went ahead than you, ask them to pack some food for you just before the kitchen close. They are more than happy to help.

Where we stay for the night

Ready and all geared up for the climb, it was dangerous to capture any photo while climbing up so, here's some photo at the summit. Its worth it! View is breathtaking and mesmerizing.

Donkey's Ears

Reach at the summit before 0600 else you'll miss the sunrise






A giant's face

That's how tough it is. But, i made it!

A picture to proof that I made it to the summit, else its all just a fairy tale.

After all those magnificent picture taking, we head down to Laban Rata for brunch. You can spend as much time as you want at the peak but food will not be serve after 1030 at Laban Rata, be sure u reach there on time. After food, get that lazy ass of yours down to Timpohon gate. Tea break and certificate collection awaits you

It was a little chilly and its just nice for this kinda activities.

Look what I saw on my way down, a porter carrying furniture up, and here I am having a hard time bringing myself up and down. LOL! My respect for them, without them I wouldn't be able to sleep on those bunk bed comfortably and eat on those dining table they provided us.

To know: Tea break ends at 1630

Received my certificate awarded by our Mountain Guide.

To know: If your reach the summit then you'll receive a coloured cert else, you'll get a black and white cert.

Here are some photos of plants I've took during my climb on the first day via Mesilau Trail. I don't really know plants that much, if you do feel free to comment below. After all, knowledge is power.

My first pitcher plant that I've encounter during my climb



Looks like a bow isn't it

















Pitcher plant is huge at this area

Captured during the climb before Laban Rata

More view from the summit







I hope you'll enjoy my post as much as I do to share my whole experience with you.Cheers!

Details :
Book 6 months in advance
Mountain Guide Azmi
Mobile : +6010 955 5694

What you need :
Fleece, Wind breaker, glove, lotsa lotsa chocolate, 700ml mineral water(refill them at every stop), flask, umbrella, a good hiking shoes, thick socks, muscle spray, panadol actifast(well cuz this works well for me) and the rest just forget bout it, leave them behind, you wont need them anyway.