Among the greatest inspiring travel experiences in the world, climbing the tallest mountains has always been on the top of human endeavors and dreams. The rush and adrenaline one gets when the feeling of accomplishing something as symbolic and iconic as conquering the heights cannot be equaled by many things. There are many popular and famous mountain destinations in the world, but few think of the exotic island of Borneo as a mountaineering experience, but the tallest peak of the island, Mount Kinabalu, located in Sabah, is truly one of the most fascinating climbs of a lifetime. While not as challenging or perilous as some of highest mountains of the world, being on the roof of Borneo and grasping the true beauty of this paradise from over 4,000 meters high, must be a truly exceptional sensation.
Mount Kinabalu is located in the Malaysian state of Sabah, being protected inside the Kinabalu Park as a World Heritage Site, revered by locals and travelers alike, harboring a unbelievable richness of flora and fauna. The climb up the mountains has also become a sort of tradition and key experience for tourists visiting Sabah and Borneo. The whole trip up the mountain is inspiring and fascinating, an amazing experience beyond the physical toughness of the trail. The colorful vegetation and wildlife, the fabulous panoramas and the beautiful landscapes are worth any effort. The hiking experience can be attempted from two different gates at first, following two different routes that meet at one point. The Timpohon trail is about 4 km long, meeting at one point with the Mesilau trail that goes through the Tambang Gate and is 2 km longer than the first one.
Hikers trying any of the two routes have to get checked in and follow these marked trails of the park, passing though some exceptional scenery, with magnificent waterfalls, lush tropical forests and catching glimpses of the rest of the lands below. Along the route, there are many shelters where travelers can rest and enjoy the experience, or get protection from the elements. The trip up to the Laban Rata point takes as much as 8 hours and gets harder towards the end. Hikers have to rest in the lodge and continue the hardest part of the journey really early the next morning, leaving for Law’s Peak, the highest point of Mount Kinabalu, at about 2,30 am. This experience is truly unbelievable, climbing the rocky trail in the dark, only with flashlights and the help of the guides. At one point, the hike gets so treacherous that a rope must be used for support. Every effort is worth, as the feeling one gets when reaching the 4,095 meters point is truly spectacular, while the view is simply stunning.
Lodging Options near Mount Kinabalu
Sutera Sanctuary Lodges
Situated 1,585 metres above sea level, Kinabalu Park offers accommodation on Mount Kinabalu. It features a restaurant and bar. Rooms at Kinabalu Park feature locally made furniture and garden views. There are various rooms provided which some of it is a 2-storey room with a separate bedroom and living/dining area.
Bayu Senja Lodge
Located in Kundasang in the Sabah region, Bayu Senja Lodge provides accommodation with free WiFi and free private parking. There is a private bathroom with shower in some units, along with free toiletries, a hairdryer and slippers. The nearest airport is Kota Kinabalu International Airport, 95 km from the lodge.
Cover Photo by Ong Cheng Zheng on Unsplash
