How to make it to the top of Mt Kinabalu! 

Climbing to the summit of Mt Kinabalu (4095.2m) and back in 2 days is not a walk in the park, but that view from the top is worth all the effort to reach it! And after completing this beautiful climb here are my top tips to get you all the way…  

1. EQUIPMENT

This is not a full packing list by any means but some of the key equipment I would highly recommend includes.

• Hiking Poles! You will encounter MANY steps on your journey to the summit, some of which seem to be made for giants, so save your knees and take hiking poles to share the load. (Poles can also be hired at the park!) They will not only take some of the pressure off your knees but provide extra balance and support on the uneven muddy sections of the trail.
• Worn in hiking shoes/boots.
• Head torch for the early morning hike to the summit for sunrise. 

2. LAYERS

The warm humid mossy forests of the base slowly give way to cooler temperate climates before your ascent into the cold windswept bare rockfaces of the higher altitudes. So, while you may start your climb in shorts and t-shirts you should have appropriate layers to add as you ascend including a warm base layer, fleecy mid layer, wind and waterproof outer layer, beanie, gloves, and long pants (a pair of zip off hiking trousers are perfect to save space and weight in your overnight pack).

3. PACE YOURSELF

2 days is a quick amount to time to ascend to altitude and return especially if you do not hike at altitude often. Take your time, take plenty of rest stops to let your body adjust and know the symptoms of altitude sickness.

Altitude sickness is physical distress from difficulty adjusting to lower oxygen pressure at high altitude. Most cases of altitude sickness are mild, but some may be life threatening if not treated.

Some symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, dizziness, nausea, shortness of breath, fatigue, loss of appetite and vomiting. If you experience these symptoms STOP AND REST where you are, stay hydrated and don’t climb any higher until symptoms have subsided. (You can take anti-nausea medication or paracetamol/ibuprofen if required) If symptoms persist descend to a lower altitude to let your body recover. It may be disappointing not to reach the summit but the view from the top is never worth more than your health!

4. RESPECT

Mt Kinabalu is sacred ground to the Kadazandusun people and a resting place for the spirits of their ancestors. They consider themselves the guardians of Kinabalu Park and many of your inexhaustible porters and guides are local Kadazandusun people from the surrounding communities.

The name ‘Kinabalu’ is derived from the Kadazandusun words ‘Aki’ meaning ancestor and ‘Nabalu’ meaning mountain. Always behave respectfully when climbing by following a few simple directions.

• Do not take anything from the mountain including flora, fauna or pieces of stone etc
• Take all your rubbish with you off the mountain.
• Behave respectfully, shouting, name calling and anger are not advisable.
• Do not feed the wildlife! Squirrels and tree shrews may approach you at the rest huts located at intervals up the trail but feeding them can be harmful to their health (regardless of how cute they appear)

5. POST CLIMB RECOVERY

Also located in Kinabalu Park is Poring Hot Springs, the perfect way to soak away the aches of 2 days of hard climbing. Relax in the hot springs, explore the butterfly farm and orchid conservation center, see the Rafflesia flower (the world’s biggest flower) and if your legs can handle it, take a stroll along the canopy walkway!

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