Mount Kinabalu
Discover Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu is in the Malaysian state of Sabah, some 80 km east of Kota Kinabalu. It resides in the Kinabalu National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Mount Kinabalu is Borneo's tallest mountain. You can climb to the top of Low's Peak (4,095.2 m or 13,455.7 ft above sea level). The height of the mountain is often given as 4,101 m but satellite imaging has proven this to be incorrect.
What to Experience in Mount Kinabalu
Taste of Mount Kinabalu...
Not available
Essential Information
Getting There
Multiple OptionsThe Kinabalu Park entrance is very easy to reach from Kota Kinabalu. First option is to catch a minivan from the Long Distance Bus station near Night Market in city centre, which will drive directly to the Park HQ. Minivans leave when full, cost RM15 each way and the journey takes 1.5 hours. Second option is to catch a bus from the Kota Kinabalu North Bus Terminal in Inanam, 10km to the northeast of the city centre. The journey takes 1-2 hours and costs RM10-15. Buses going to Ranau, Sandakan or Tawau will pass by the park entrance. Also in case you want to spot a beautiful view of the mountain when approaching it, it's best to leave before 08:00 and seat at the left side of a bus. Buses from Sandakan make this trip in less than 5 hours. An alternative is to take a long-distance shared taxi at taxi station near Jalan Padang. A ride between Kota Kinabalu and the park should cost RM15-18 each way....
Getting Around & Staying
Where to Stay
It is best to book accommodation beforehand — indeed, the hike has become so popular that you may have to book months in advance. The park can be very full especially during clear weather periods. It is not possible to stay overnight on the mountain except in the accommodation provided at Laban Rata, and camping is not permitted - you must, therefore, have pre-booked accommodation. However, sometimes there are cancellations. If you are unable to book mountain hut accommodation in advance, get to the Park HQ as early as possible on the day of your intended climb and inquire there. You may luck out and get a bed. By regulation, booking must include guide services. Formerly administered by Sabah Parks all accommodations in the park must now be arranged through Sutera Sanctuary Lodges, a private company, Tel: +60-88-303917 Fax: +60-88-317540; info@suterasanctuarylodges.com). Sutera (a.k.a. Sutera Harbour) is requiring hikers stay the first night at their lodge near the entrance.
Safety Information
Safety Overview
Mount Kinabalu is considered sacred by the local Kadazan Dusun people, and for that reason utmost respect is demanded and climbers must refrain from shouting, screaming or cursing at it. Public nudity (including topless sunbathing) is not only regarded as highly provocative on the mountain, but it is also an offence in Malaysia and will result in arrest. Under Section 294a of the Malaysian Penal Code, a person guilty of committing an obscene act in any public place can be jailed three months, fined or both. In case of foreigners, deportion from Malaysia and an entry ban to Malaysia can also be the result. As a result of the 2015 naked display and picture taking and filming of their nudity on the summit a large part of the Malaysian communities believe this caused the earthquake resulting in one of the summits "Donkey ears" breaking off and landslides up and down the tracks on the lower slopes.
Nearby Destinations
Glimpses of Mount Kinabalu
Mount Kinabalu with a large peak
a view of a mountain range with clouds in the foreground
green and brown mountain under white clouds during daytime
a view of the top of a mountain with clouds below
people climbing mountain
a rocky mountain top
2 people walking on mountain under white clouds during daytime
This is Mount Kinabalu! It is the highest mountain on the island of Borneo in Southeast Asia. The mountain's name comes from the name "Akinabalu" (meaning Revered Place of the Dead). - Photo was taken during my hike from Sosodikon Hill.
a view of a mountain with a sky background
a person standing on a mountain
Mount Kinabalu with a large peak
a view of a mountain range with clouds in the foreground
green and brown mountain under white clouds during daytime