Understand
Mount Kinabalu is Borneo's tallest mountain. You can climb to the top of Low's Peak 4,095.2m or 13,435.7ft above sea level. The height of the mountain is often given as 4,101m but recent satellite imaging has proven this to be incorrect.
Mount Kinabalu is known to be one of the most accessible mountains in the world. No specialized mountain climbing skills are required to ascend it, though along certain sections on the summit trail, hikers will need to rely on guide ropes to make the ascent and descent. The trail that most tourists use is described as a 'trek and scramble'. Locals are reported to begin climbing the mountain from the age of 3 and the oldest person to reach the peak was 80 years old. However, how much one enjoys the climb depends strongly on how fit you are and how well you acclimatise to the thin air at the higher levels.
Nevertheless, the mountain can be a dangerous place, especially during the rain or when there is mist. On average, every year one person gets into severe difficulty out of the estimated 20,000 people who attempt the climb. The higher slopes can be very slippery when it rains and dense fog reduces visibility to a few feet.
Although it is possible to climb to the top and back in less than four hours, most climbers take two days, with an overnight break at Laban Rata 3,272.7m above sea level. The final attack on the peak takes place in the early hours of the second day most begin at 2:30AM in order to catch the sunrise at the top. By mid-morning the mist begins to roll in, obscuring the breath-taking views.
Climbing weather is best around the month of April while November and December brings rain. The temperature ranges from a comfortable 20-25°C at the main park to something approaching freezing near the top depending on the weather. Bring appropriate warm clothing and windproof gear.If possible, climb during the full moon as it helps illuminate the white rope that marks out the climbing path.
