Readme before you journey
Kinabalu Mountain: A Natural Wonder of Malaysia
Kinabalu Mountain, nestled within the Kinabalu National Park near Kota Kinabalu in Sabah, Borneo, stands as a majestic symbol of Malaysia's natural heritage. Recognized as the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, this mountain, revered as the "Abode of Spirits" by the indigenous communities, holds immense cultural and ecological significance.
Towering at an impressive 4,095.2 meters above sea level, Mount Kinabalu's Low's Peak surpasses Mount Kinabalu's height by nearly double, making it a formidable challenge for登山爱好者。
Kinabalu National Park is home to a diverse range of plant species, which can be categorized based on their altitudinal distribution.
1. Lowland Forest (0-1,200 msl)
2. Lower Montane Forest (1,200 - 2,350 msl)
Upper Montane Forest / Cloud Forest (2,000 - 2,800 msl)
This sentence describes a specific type of forest ecosystem found in mountainous regions at elevations between 2,000 and 2,800 meters above sea level.
Here's a breakdown of the key information:
- Name: Upper Montane Forest / Cloud Forest
- Thai name: ป่าดิบเขาสูง หรือ ป่าเฆม
- Elevation: 2,000 - 2,800 msl (meters above sea level)
This information is concise and informative, providing a clear understanding of the type of forest and its location.
4. Subalpine Scrub (2,800 - 3,700 msl)
Summit Zone: Above 3,700 meters above sea level (masl)
With a height that is more than twice the highest point in Thailand, the diversity of plants is greater.
This area is home to a diverse array of exotic, endemic, and rare plant species.
Travel Dates: February 1-3, 2018
Booking a trip directly with the park can be a complex process with numerous steps.
Our group booked through Amazing Borneo Tours.
////Low's Peak (4,095.2msl) Travel////
- 3-day, 2-night trip -
Day 1.
- Bangkok - Kota Kinabalu - Check in to your accommodation in the city.
(8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.)
Day 2
- Kota Kinabalu - Kinabalu National Park (1,564msl)
(5:30 a.m. - 8:00 a.m.)
- Kinabalu National Park - Timpohon Gate (1,866m above sea level) - Laban Rata accommodation (3,273m above sea level)
(9:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.) ***Note: The typical workday for Thai people is 5-6 hours.***
////Day 3
- Laban Rata Rest House - Sayat-Sayat Checkpoint (3,668msl)
(2:00 AM - 4:40 AM) ***Note: You must reach the checkpoint before 5:00 AM.
- Sayat-Sayat Checkpoint - Low's Peak (4,095.2 msl)
(4:40 AM - 6:44 AM) ***Note: You must reach Low's Peak before 7:00 AM.
- Low's Peak - Laban Rata Rest House (3,273m above sea level)
(7:00 AM - 9:40 AM) ***Note: Please arrive at the accommodation before 10:00 AM to check out.
- Laban Rata Rest House - Timpohon Gate - Park Headquarters
(11:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.)
- Park headquarters - Check in at Kota Kinabalu accommodation.
(6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.)
Our destination for this trip is depicted on the 1 and 100 Malaysian Ringgit banknotes, its peak piercing the sky.
This trip, we came with Amazing Borneo Tours. They arranged everything, from contacting the park, to guides, to arranging accommodation and food on the mountain, and transportation from the hotel in town to the park and the starting point of the walk. Everything was complete.
This morning, Amazing Borneo Tours picked us up at the hotel at 5:30 am. Our group had 19 members, so they used a minibus to pick us up. If there were fewer people, they would have used a van instead.
Embark on a journey to Kinabalu National Park, and here's a glimpse of the roadside scenery. I emphasize, just the roadside scenery.
This is our destination. Looking out from the minibus, the sight before us is breathtaking. "Are we really going up there?" I feel my legs weaken.
Along the way, you will encounter similar things all the time. Some houses are difficult to find, and sometimes you can't find them even after making an appointment. This is not even the starting point of the walk. I feel full of fog.
We have arrived at the Kinabalu National Park headquarters. The building has a rather peculiar appearance.
Upon arrival, we must report to the park headquarters and fill out a form with our personal information and emergency contact details.
We will then receive a neck tag like the one pictured. The front will be similar to the picture, and the back will contain our personal information, including our name, start date, group code, and group member number. The guide emphasized that the tag must be worn at all times and should not be removed. If it is lost, we must report it immediately. Our group has four guides, with an average of one guide for every five tourists.
From this point, we will receive food consisting of apples, boiled eggs, sandwiches, fried chicken, and two bottles of water. We will carry these in our backpacks.
The starting point at Timpohon Gate is located at an elevation of 1,866 meters above sea level.
Before starting the hike, the guide explained the rules and recommended practices.
The weather can change at any time, so raincoats are a must. It is important to note that you should not hike alone. At least two people should hike together.
Then there was a question about whether there were leeches or insects.
The guide replied,
"No"
"Tiger only"
"Tiger more more"
5555 Shocked.
Before passing the starting point, park rangers will check our names by having us show the information on the back of our hanging tags. This is to confirm that we have started our journey from this point, which is likely done to make it easier to track us.
The walk began around 9:45 AM. The current temperature is approximately 19 degrees.
After walking for about 500 meters, you will encounter Carson Waterfall. Feel free to take some photos.
This path is a wooden staircase with handrails.
Every 1 km, there will be a map showing the distance and altitude. There will also be rest stops and restrooms at regular intervals. You can rest assured about this.
Stop taking pictures? No, we're tired.
Gazing out at the hazy scenery, one can't help but feel a sense of contentment. Little did we know that after this moment of bliss, a walk of nearly ten minutes would lead us to a downpour. The rain, which had not fallen for a long time, transformed the already cool air into a biting chill.
Kilometer 4-4.5, elevation 2,600-2,700 meters above sea level
Approaching 3 pm, I caught my first glimpse of Laban Rata Resthouse at kilometer 6, perched at an elevation of 3,273 meters above sea level. This would be my destination and overnight accommodation for the first night. The looming black rock formation, of course, marked the summit at 4,095.2 meters above sea level.
The path ahead is nothing but stairs, stairs, and more stairs, made of stone, and more stone. Honestly, at this point, I'm on the verge of tears.
No matter what, we must keep moving forward!
The trail has transitioned to a rocky path after the 5th kilometer.
The provided text is empty. Please provide the text you would like me to translate.
Dense fog flows past us, climbing to an altitude of 3,000msl, unlocking the highest peak in Thailand. The forest landscape has changed dramatically.
800m away! Almost at the accommodation. This stretch of the journey seems to be dragging on forever.
We arrived at Laban Rata Resthouse at almost 7 pm, after a nearly 9-hour hike. The average hiking time for Thai people is 5-6 hours.
Upon arriving at the accommodation, the dining area was about to close and the food was being cleared away. However, thanks to the kindness, concern, and quick thinking of our friends, they had thoughtfully reserved food for us. We were saved from going hungry! We are deeply grateful for their foresight.
The final image of the first day, before reaching the accommodation and having a hearty dinner.
Laban Rata Resthouse: A Historic Haven at 3,273 Meters
The Laban Rata Resthouse, perched at an impressive 3,273 meters above sea level, holds the distinction of being the first building ever constructed on Mount Kinabalu. This two-story structure served as a vital base camp for early exploration teams. The ground floor houses a kitchen and dining area, while the upper floor offers dormitory-style accommodation with 4-8 bunk beds per room. Shared bathrooms, segregated by gender, provide basic amenities, though the water temperature is notoriously frigid.
Tonight, we must prepare ourselves and get as much rest as possible. On the second day, when we must reach the summit, we must wake up to eat breakfast and start walking at 2:00 AM! This means waking up at 1:00 AM, which is now 8:00 PM. Ahhh...
(Assuming the photo was taken upon arrival, as the actual scene was dark and I was exhausted…)
At 1:00 AM, everyone woke up simultaneously, almost without needing to set an alarm. They prepared their clothing, hearing whispers that the temperature was around 0-4 degrees Celsius. They donned all the cold-weather gear they had brought, layering it on in full force.
Today's goal was to reach the summit, which seemed unlikely given the first day's 9-hour trek. Therefore, our objective was to reach the Check Point at kilometer 7 before 5 am. This meant covering the distance from kilometer 6 to kilometer 7 in no more than 3 hours.
To reach the summit, one must walk for two hours within a one-kilometer radius. It is crucial to pray for good weather, as heavy rain prohibits any ascent.
Do you think we will make it on foot?
07:00 AM at Low's Peak, the highest point of Mount Kinabalu, at an altitude of 4,095.2 meters above sea level. We arrived at Low's Peak, the last to arrive, not the last of the group, but the last of the day. We arrived just in time.
Standing on Low's Peak, the highest point, and taking pictures of the surrounding area.
The provided text is empty. There is nothing to translate.
And so it is with this.
This is likely King Edward Peak.
South Peak, at 3,922 meters above sea level, is arguably the most scenic peak in the Kinabalu mountain range. It is also the most frequently seen peak.
Oh my, it's so beautiful I don't know how to describe it. The white stuff isn't fog, it's clouds. We're standing above the clouds.
It took us over an hour to walk through this point. It looks close, but can you see the people in the picture? Zoom in.
The provided text is empty. Please provide the text you want me to translate.
As we were about to ascend Low's Peak, this group was descending. Wow!
From Low's Peak, looking down at the scale of people. Behind it is the peak of St John's Peak, 4,091msl. This peak looks a bit like Batman, doesn't it? 55
Alexandra's Peak, with an elevation of 4,003 meters above sea level.
We need to descend as the sun is getting hot. The rocks that we saw from above, which seemed small, are actually quite large.
The text describes the vegetation found at high altitudes (4,000 meters above sea level) on granite rock formations. Due to the absence of soil, plant growth is limited to cracks and crevices where thin layers of soil have accumulated. Consequently, the vegetation consists primarily of small shrubs, dwarf trees, mosses, and ferns.
The image appears to depict Vaccinium stapfianum.
To ascend, one must follow this rope upwards. Similarly, the descent follows the same path.
No text provided for translation.
A dwarf tree with a short trunk.
No text provided for translation.
Among the crevices of the rocks
South Peak: The Iconic Summit
The South Peak stands as a prominent landmark, serving as a visual representation of the area.
The sloping area receives the impact of rocks that have broken into small pieces, combined with moisture from the wind and rain, which may create a layer of soil for small plants to grow.
Every 500 meters on the ascent to the summit, there are signs indicating the distance and elevation, providing encouragement to those of us who are diligently climbing.
This too.
The provided text is empty. Please provide the text you would like me to translate.
Low's peak, the highest point at 4,095.2 meters above sea level, is a 20-minute walk from where we took the photo.
The rocky surface here is truly menacing, living up to the nickname "Mountains of Death".
It appears to be a dwarf tree that is old.
The path gradually descends, just as the ascent was quite steep.
This is Ugly Sisters Peak, with an elevation of 4,032 meters above sea level.
Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.
The mist and the sea are indistinguishable.
The ascent requires a slow and steady climb, using your hands to pull yourself up the rope. As you descend, the slope gradually increases. Imagine the reverse scenario, where you are climbing upwards. Wow, how did you manage to climb up here?
Nestled amidst a ring of vegetation, small pools of water and accumulated soil create fertile pockets on the granite summit, resembling an oasis. These miniature oases enable plant life to flourish in this otherwise barren environment.
Our guide walked with us the entire way, strolling as if he were walking in his front yard. This relaxed pace was the result of having hiked this trail for almost ten years, averaging two to three hikes per week.
Descending from the rocky field above, we encountered another, even more intricate and steeper, rocky field.
The guide from another group was already walking briskly ahead, while another park ranger remained seated waiting for us with a red first-aid kit.
The green building is the checkpoint we need to reach before 5 am.
As we descend from Sayat Sayat Hut at an altitude of 3,668msl, we encounter more trees than the granite rock above. This is known as a 'subalpine forest', found at altitudes between 2,800 and 3,700msl. Here, we find plant species rarely seen in Thailand due to the high altitude and climate. These plants are typically short, resembling dwarf trees and small shrubs.
Checkpoint at 3,668msl
At approximately 4:30 AM, we reached the checkpoint at Sayat Sayat Hut, located at an elevation of 3,668 meters above sea level (msl). Before dawn, we encountered officials who requested our identification cards for verification and to confirm our location.
This is the view from the toilet at the checkpoint.
Looking down, we could see the Laban Rata Resthouse. We had to descend to reach it before 10 am to check out of our accommodation. Seeing it from above, I almost wished I could teleport down there.
How did we climb up here this morning?
No text provided for translation.
Turn around and look at the view to comfort yourself.
However, when zooming out, oh my god! 555
The stairs have five steps up and five steps down.
This is very good.
The provided text is empty. Please provide the text you want me to translate.
Walk slowly, the temperature is around 25 degrees Celsius, but the cool breeze is still blowing all the time.
Where there are stairs, there are stairs. Where there are no stairs, there are white ropes.
This section returns to a higher elevation where trees can grow again.
This valley is truly beautiful, but it is also much more dangerous than it appears.
The trees here have an unusual and beautiful color.
In the 'subalpine forest' zone, we will see many strange and brightly colored plants.
The intense crimson hue is searing to the eyes. Its appearance is strikingly similar to that of the ancient rose, Rhododendron predominate.
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
The path becomes a dirt road, with a layer of soil allowing plants to grow. During this period, the trees seem to grow taller than usual.
He whirled around and saw the imposing mountain range towering before him.
They continued walking briskly, seeing a group of people walking ahead, which reassured them.
Turning my attention to the small saplings, I was surprised to discover, upon closer inspection, that they appeared to be leptospermum recurvum.
This is similar to the moss that blooms on Doi Inthanon in our country.
Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.
This is the flowering version of Leptospermum recurvum.
This is amazing! I can't find it anywhere. I don't know what its proper name is.
This bouquet has a very interesting color.
The provided text is empty. Please provide the text you want me to translate.
A close-up view reveals orange-pink flowers. After some research, I believe this is vaccinium stapfianum.
This place has three or four things: wooden stairs, stone stairs, fog, and trees.
This flower resembles a red rose, but could it be a different color? Or perhaps it's not a rose at all. What kind of flower is this?
However, if Rhododendron is truly the dominant species, then the rumors are true. It is said that there are as many as 50 species of Rhododendron on the island of Borneo, and 26 of these species can be found on this mountain range.
Like walking in a bonsai garden, the cool breeze blows, the fog drifts by. Do you know how cool it is? While standing here thinking about how cool it is, a cramp is grabbing my left calf. Ouch!
Wow, you've been using Tun for four months now.
I also like this one. Do you see anything strange? It's so small that it can be called a twig, but it should be called a stem. Yes, a stem. The stem is covered with a grayish bark-like shell. It looks dry to the naked eye, and it looks the same when viewed through glasses. That is, the stem looks like a dead tree, dry and dead. But at the tip, oh, it's lush and green.
This too, the color combination is very beautiful, gray and orange.
This is the legendary wooden staircase, the first section of the climb to the summit at 2 am. We had to climb these stairs continuously for almost 500 meters, our legs trembling.
There is no text to translate.
This is the dining area. We arrived around 10 am, just as the kitchen was about to close. Our friends were packing up and checking out, waiting for us with large plates of food already served at the table.
The guide informed us that we would begin our descent at 11:00 am and needed to reach the park below by 5:00 pm.
Shocked
After conquering the stairs, we finally reached Laban Rata Resthouse, tears of joy streaming down our faces.
Translation:
Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.
Several groups began to gather at the helicopter landing pad, ready to descend.
White mist swept in, enveloping the entire sky and obscuring the entire mountain range.
Our group of 19 people successfully reached the summit, with me being the last one to ascend. I am overwhelmed with emotion as I type this.
The descent began with turbulent air, mirroring the ascent. Prior to the descent, the sky was clear, but upon landing, fog appeared.
Translation:
The upper montane rainforests, found between 2,000 and 2,800 meters above sea level, are pristine forests covered in moss. They act as the source of rain for the "lower montane rainforests."
The abundance of fog creates high humidity, fostering the growth of epiphytes and mosses that cover the tree trunks, as seen here. It is also said that during this period, the trees in the forest remain stunted, with heights below 6 meters.
A terrestrial orchid was found, which is likely to be *Dendrochilum stachyodes*.
We couldn't stop waiting, standing with trembling legs. 55
There it is! The fog or clouds, I can't tell the difference, just keeps swirling around me. Cloud Forest lives up to its name.
Like a novel, it's truly beautiful, but if you walk away from your friends alone, you'll easily get lost.
800m to pl
The original sign is that there is still strength. When going down, please tell me to step without stopping. I don't want to talk about going up. Let me breathe for a while.
Translation:
Note: The original text is empty, so the translation is also empty.
The plants alternate in height, with the taller ones reaching an estimated two meters.
This is rhododendron rugosum.
The ground is extremely damp, covered in moss that has an unusual appearance.
I don't recognize this yellow flower. It looks similar to one I saw on Doi Luang Chiang Dao.
May you flourish and grow strong.
The image is blurry, but it is the only one available. The stems and leaves are beautiful, and it appears to be a dawsonia sp.
Translation:
No text provided for translation.
Nepenthes villosa, a pitcher plant endemic to this mountain range, is said to be capable of growing at elevations exceeding 3,200 meters above sea level.
It is also said that this mountain range is home to 25 species of pitcher plants, some of which are endemic to the area.
Our destination is Timpohn Gate, 4 kilometers ahead.
We will encounter frequent hikers coming up this section. They will likely ask no more than two questions. Here are the questions they might ask us:
"How much further?" and "Is the road ahead flat?"
The foreigner speaks Thai clearly, doesn't he? 555 I don't know why, but whenever they answer a question, they have to exclaim "OMG!!" and then stop to take a sip of water.
Before parting ways with a "Good Luck."
The lower montane rain forest, covering an altitude range of 1,200-2,350 meters above sea level, is characterized by a dense canopy of tall trees. To learn more about the density of this canopy, click on the next image.
Translation:
The rain continued to intensify, rendering photography impossible. Cameras were replaced with walking sticks and raincoats, obscuring the path ahead. We were forced to abandon our descent.
We started walking at 11:00 AM and arrived at Timpohn Gate around 5:45 PM. Upon descending, we were required to present our identification cards and check out with the officials, marking the completion of our trek.
Translation:
No text provided for translation.
Upon returning to the park headquarters, the amazing Borneo tours staff and our original minibus awaited us, along with dinner. The minibus then transported our group to our hotel in the city center.
This is not a certificate, but a guide. It indicates that you have reached Low's Peak, the highest point of Mount Kinabalu at 4095.2 meters above sea level. To receive a colorful certificate, you must reach the checkpoint before 5 am. Otherwise, you will receive a black and white certificate indicating your elevation at Laban Rata Resthouse.
Crossed the sea and started walking 19 units. I walked the furthest, arriving last. Last of the group! No... last of the day. 5555
/////Summary/////
- Travel route: Fly from Bangkok to Kuala Lumpur (connecting flight) to Kota Kinabalu.
- In coastal urban areas, a cool breeze blows constantly, especially in park areas.
The temperature dropped dramatically, I'd say to around 22 degrees. I had walked almost halfway when it started raining heavily.
The frigid air at the accommodation made it nearly impossible to even brush one's teeth, let alone take a shower. The temperature on the second day was...
The journey began at 2:00 AM, departing from the accommodation. The initial temperature was 4 degrees Celsius. After passing the checkpoint, it was estimated to be 0 degrees Celsius.
The wind was extremely strong at 7 am at the summit, and the sun was scorching. The air on the descent was similar to that on the ascent.
It's raining heavily.
- For the preparation phase: Intense exercise is essential. It is recommended to run slowly and continuously for at least
Equipment
* Trekking pole
- Water bottle (heat-resistant, as the accommodation only provides hot water)
- Daypack (for carrying clothes for summit ascent)
- Personal medicine/ Energy-boosting snacks
- Cute little whistles
Dress
* Short-sleeved/long-sleeved shirts that are good at wicking away sweat (1-2 pieces)
* Hiking socks
- Hiking shoes with thick soles for rock protection and water resistance.
- Thick gloves (for cold weather and for gripping ropes when climbing certain routes)
- Buff
* Winter hat
* Lightweight sun hat
Cold-weather clothing
* Layer 1 >> Base layer or Heat tech, including both top and bottom.
* Level 2 >> Choose lightweight and portable fleece or down jackets
- Level 3 >> Windproof and rainproof jacket + Hiking pants, windproof and waterproof.
- Food: On the first morning before traveling to the park, take care of yourself from the starting point of the tour team.
Lunch will be provided with a set of food and drinks for each of us. Dinner at the accommodation will be a buffet.
The restaurant will close at 1:00 AM on the 2nd and will reopen at 1:30 AM for breakfast. Lunch will be served at the same restaurant.
The breakfast will be served from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Note: The cost of meals at Laban Rata is included in the tour price.
Excluding additional beverages and hot water.
- Regarding the toilets: The toilets are excellent. There are rest stops every 1 kilometer along the trail.
The rest stops offer clean toilets with refreshing cold water, a welcome change from the fields littered with used tissues.
- For luggage: Bring only essentials, cold weather gear, drinking water, energy snacks, personal items, and medication.
That's all.
- At first glance, I fell in love and immediately decided to join this trip. I booked the trip almost a year in advance.
Translation:
The text describes the preparation process, including clothing, hair, and makeup, but acknowledges the limitations of being a salaried worker.
I don't have time to exercise at all. Counting down the time, three months, two months, one month, and finally in the last month, I started to do it.
Squatted 250 times while still tired, barely ran. Travel day was a disaster. Left calf cramped up early in the morning before starting to walk.
On the first day, Thai people usually reach Laban Rata around 4-5 pm. We went all the way to 9 pm. We were completely exhausted.
The second day of the climb to the summit. At first glance, I thought I wouldn't make it to the 5 am checkpoint, but I had nothing to lose.
We continued walking until we reached the cut-off point. After that, we felt more confident and continued walking slowly. As we were walking uphill, other people were walking down the opposite way.
We encountered a group of people walking down the path who said similar things to us, "You're doing great, keep fighting, you'll make it." We looked up and smiled in response.
He paused for breath, then lowered his head and continued walking. And then he arrived, just in time. Thank you for still standing here. This is the real part of the heart.
Standing there, tears streamed down my face. This was the moment my heart truly came alive.
The weather changes frequently, which is both fascinating and unusual. The trees appear unfamiliar, and the mist races by, vanishing in the blink of an eye.
Turning around, there was fog again. Wow, the view is so beautiful, so beautiful, so beautiful, so beautiful. The cleanliness is very well taken care of.
I rarely see garbage like this in our country. There is almost no tissue paper. Most importantly, the guide is very good. The tour is great. I'm not exaggerating. I paid for it myself. 555
I wish you could stand there, even just once. As I walked down to the park, someone asked me if I would come again. I paused for a moment then.
Tell him that I want to come back again, but first, I want to go somewhere else. Right now, I'm sitting here writing a review. When I typed this sentence, I suddenly wanted to go back.
Stand there now. There are still many things that I haven't seen, that I haven't met. I want to go back again. Let's go.
Trip Budget
- Round-trip flight ticket BKK- KUL - BKK 7,400THB
- 2D1N Amazing Borneo Tours package price: 15,700 THB (for bookings of 15 people or more)
- Hotel cost in the city for 2 nights 2,000 THB divided by 2 = 1,000 THB.
- AIG Travel Insurance 1,148 THB
////Total cost is approximately 26,148 THB////
You can visit and talk to us at
https://www.facebook.com/whenigoout/
Kota Kinabalu
Sabah, Borneo
Malaysia | Climb
Just Want to Get Out
The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.
แค่อยากออกไป
Wednesday, February 26, 2025 5:32 PM
