About Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata

MOUNT KINABALU VIA FERRATA

Low's Peak Circuit & Walk The Torq
Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata

What Does Via Ferrata Means?

An alpine playground for anyone with an appetite for adventure and the tenacity to challenge themselves.

VIA FERRATA  (or “iron road” in Italian) is a protected mountain path comprising a series of rungs, rails and cables embracing the rock face, which designed for anyone who is able to scale Mount Kinabalu and wishes to take the experience to even greater heights! It allows access to scenic sections of the mountains that are typically available only to experienced rock climbers and mountaineers. With a proper system of routes, devices and an experienced trainer to guide you, Via Ferrata climbing allows anyone to experience the exciting challenges of this sport under the safest of conditions. Feel the natural surroundings, the exhilaration, and sense of personal achievement when you complete the circuit.

There are TWO routes available, which is

  • Walk The Torq
  • Low’s Peak Circuit

Both routes are designed with beginner to intermediate climbers in mind and to match everyone’s ability or endurance.

WHO CAN CLIMB VIA FERRATA?

  • Aged 10 and above for Walk The Torq
  • Aged from 16 for Low’s Peak Circuit
  • At least 1.3 meters in height
  • Without any physical disabilities that may restrict your ability to participate in the activity in a safe manner
  • You do need to be fit, healthy and preferably not afraid of heights either.

In conclusion, if you can climb a ladder, you can climb Via Ferrata. 

VIA FERRATA LOW'S PEAK CIRCUIT

About Low's Peak Circuit

ABOUT VIA FERRATA LOW'S PEAK CIRCUIT

IF YOU HAVE CLIMBED MT. KINABALU BEFORE, YOU REALLY NEED TO CLIMB IT ALL OVER AGAIN, JUST SO THAT YOU CAN ATTEMPT THE LOW’S PEAK CIRCUIT!
Via Ferrata Low's Peak Circuit

Traversing the mountain in this manner means that you get to see an entirely different and immensely beautiful side of the mountain plateau that the current summit trail will never have the chance to reveal to you. If you found the scenery along the summit trail to Low’s Peak stunning, you will find the scenery on the Low’s Peak Circuit route, simply jaw-dropping picturesque. The Low’s Peak Circuit is a Via Ferrata route situated at 3,776m above sea level (a.s.l.).

Designed for the brave and the active individual with above-average fitness levels, this 4 – 5 hours route with an optional summit attempt includes rest stops at scenic locations. The route’s thread-like tightrope walks and swinging planks will have you convinced that the course designers are sadistic, but that’s what makes it so darn fun – testing your limits without putting your safety in jeopardy. (Lonely Planet)

WHAT TO EXPECT?

– Gear up and clip on to the starting point of the World’s Highest Via Ferrata at an altitude of 3776m above sea level. Don’t forget to catch your breath and the views along the way.

– Suspension Bridge – Take a leap of faith as you step on this bridge, and remember to stop in the middle for an amazing photo opportunity!

– Three-Wire Bridge – Experience the sensations of being a tightrope walker as you test your balancing skills on a line!

HOW MANY PERSON IN A GROUP?

Via Ferrata Low’s Peak Circuit activity is conducted in groups based on the following ratio of trainers to Via Ferrata climbers: One trainer to maximum 6 climbers

Different climbers will be combined to form a group. Via Ferrata activities do not offer any private guiding services.

VIA FERRATA WALK THE TORQ

About Walk The Torq

ABOUT VIA FERRATA WALK THE TORQ

AT 3,520M A.S.L, THIS INITIATION ROUTE IS DESIGNED FOR THE BEGINNER IN MIND!
Via Ferrata Walk The Torq

This leisurely 2-3 hour Walk The Torq route is a shorter commitment than that of the Low’s Peak Circuit. Peppered with frequent opportunities to take pictures and enjoy the scenery, Walk The Torq is adrenaline pumping enough to offer a little taste of the Via Ferrata experience without having to expend too much energy (as you still have to climb back down the mountain!).

WHAT TO EXPECT?

– Have fun on Asia’s first Via Ferrata. Look out for berries and catch the singing of the mountain birds!

Two-wire Cable Bridge – Harness your core muscles and your balancing skills by stepping out on the wire!

– Rogimut Ladder – Before you climb up the ladder, look around for the shrubs for the berries which this ladder is named after. It is a favorite of the birds living on Mt Kinabalu!

HOW MANY PERSON IN A GROUP?

Via Ferrata Walk The Torq activity is conducted in groups based on the following ratio of trainers to Via Ferrata climbers: One trainer to maximum 5 climbers

Different climbers will be combined to form a group. Via Ferrata activities do not offer any private guiding services.

THE SAFETY OF VIA FERRATA

What is the safety measure?

IS IT SAFE TO CLIMB VIA FERRATA?

Via Ferrata is one of the safest mountaineering sports requiring no prior training or technical expertise.

Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata was constructed by a team of preeminent Via Ferrata builders from Europe, using CE mark-approved materials. This carries the certificate of Conformity from the French Agency of Tourist Engineering (AFIT). The Via Ferrata is able to withstand up to a minimum of 3,000 kilograms of weight at any one point.

Via Ferrata Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) comprises safety helmets, harnesses, dynamic ropes and Energy Absorber Lanyards. All of which are certified by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA), which meet the EN958 standard.

Safety of Mount Kinabalu Via ferrata

WHO ARE VIA FERRATA TRAINERS?

Via Ferrata trainers are a team of professional trainers trained based on safety practices endorsed by UIAA.
Mount Kinabalu Via ferrata trainers

You and your group will be assigned an experienced trainer who will be there to give you a full safety briefing and train you on the proper use of the safety devices. They will also climb with you throughout the whole journey, provide tips on negotiating difficult obstacles and point out spectacular sights along the way.

For your information, all Via Ferrata trainers are trained based on safety practices endorsed by UIAA (International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation); and are certified in Via Ferrata guiding by UIAGM / IFMGA certified instructors.

They have undergone rigorous training with regular skills upgrading based on the UIAA-endorsed syllabus. In addition, Via Ferrata trainers also certified with First Responder Life Support (FRLS) and CPR skills. They communicate with their base at Pendant Hut, Kinabalu Park Rangers and Sabah Park Headquarters via VHF radio at all times when they are on the Via Ferrata.

All safety practices developed and prescribed by UIAA for mountaineering sports are strictly adhered to. A continuous belay system is employed throughout the Via Ferrata route wherein climbers are always hooked up to a guideline, making any deviation from the route virtually impossible. Regular safety checks and maintenance are also conducted on the Via Ferrata equipment.

So all you need to do is focus on enjoying yourself.

BRIEFING & CUT OFF TIME

Activity cut-off time that you should take note

Mandatory Via Ferrata safety briefing and training

This is a COMPULSORY safety briefing and training session at Pendant Hut.
mount kinabalu via ferrata Mandatory Safety briefing and training at pendant hut
Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata Mandatory Safety Briefing
Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata Mandatory Safety Briefing

There is a COMPULSORY Via Ferrata safety briefing and training session at Pendant Hut, between 3.00 to 4.00 p.m. There will be NO repeat briefing and NO Via Ferrata Activity on the next day should you miss the mandatory briefing. Climber(s) who miss the cut-off time will not be allowed on the Via Ferrata. Any request for reimbursement will not be entertained.

During the briefing session, all participants (from a first time Via Ferrata climber to a veteran mountaineer), will be given a thorough briefing on what you will be expecting on your Via Ferrata climb and a hands-on practice session which includes wearing and using the full Via Ferrata equipment. You will likely make a couple of new friends at the same time!

After the briefing session and some paperwork, it will be time for your buffet dinner at Laban Rata restaurant. Do head to bed early as your wake-up call for the summit hike is at 1:30 am!

activity cut-off time

this is very important as whoever miss the cut-off time, no via ferrata activity is allowed.
DAY 1

SAFETY BRIEFING CUT-OFF TIME

Attend the mandatory Via Ferrata safety briefing at Pendant Hut (Kindly arrive at Pendant Hut before 4pm)

DAY 2

LOW'S PEAK CIRCUIT ACTIVITY CUT-OFF TIME

Low’s Peak Circuit climber(s) must arrive at KM 7.5 – Via Ferrata starting point before 6.30 am.

DAY 2

WALK THE TORQ ACTIVITY CUT-OFF TIME

Walk The Torq climber(s) must arrive at Via Ferrata starting point – Sayat Sayat, before 7.15 am.

  • Late arrivals who fail to meet the cut-off time (for mandatory safety briefing on day 1 or activity starting time on day 2) will not be considered eligible to participate in the Via Ferrata activities. No reimbursements will be entertained. 

LOW'S PEAK CIRCUIT V.S WALK THE TORQ

What is the different between Low's Peak Circuit & Walk The Torq?

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES?

The different of two Via ferrata route - low's peak circuit and walk the torq

LOW'S PEAK CIRCUIT

Highest Point

  • Highest point at 3,776m a.s.l.

Length

  • Length of route 1.1km

Time

  • 4 to 5 hours

Highlights

  • World’s highest Via Ferrata at 3776m certified by Guinness World Records
  • One of the world’s highest Nepalese bridge or 3-cable wire at 3,580m a.s.l
  • Suspension Bridge

Designed For

  • Anyone who is at least 16 years old with above average fitness levels.
  • Adventure seekers looking for the challenge of attempting the summit of Mt Kinabalu and experiencing the world’s highest Via Ferrata, all within 12 hours.

Grading

  • Intermediate Via Ferrata, French Grade AD (Fairly hard)

WALK THE TORQ

Highest Point

  • Highest point at 3,520m a.s.l.

Length

  • Length of route 380m

Time

  • 2 to 3 hours

Highlights

  • Walk like a monkey on the Monkey Bridge
  • Climb the Rogimut ladder
  • Scenic views

Designed For

  • Everyone at least age 10 years old 
  • At least 1.3 meters tall
  • The young at heart who is game for everything!

Grading

  • Introductory Via Ferrata, French grade PD (Easy)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Something you might wish to know

Do i need any climbing experience for Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata?

Not at all! If you can climb a ladder, you can climb Mountain Torq’s Via Ferrata.

Is the via ferrata trainer only for me & my group?

Depending on the size of your group, you might join the adventure with other Via Ferrata climbers.

What if miss the pre-activity safety briefing?

Late arrivals may not be considered eligible to participate in the activity the next morning. 

via ferrata climber can also do the summit climb?

Yes. Via Ferrata climbers will do the summit climb prior to ferrata activity.

Moutain Guide & Via Ferrata Mountain Torq Trainer are the same?

No. They are different party with different job task.

Where do i stay?

You will stay at Pendant Hut, which is exclusively for Via Ferrata climbers.

Who can climb Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata?

Aged between 10 and 70 with a minimum height of 1.3m. You do need to be fit, healthy and preferably not afraid of heights either.

Can i climb without a via ferrata trainer?

No. Sabah Park safety regulations require that Via Ferrata climbers are to be accompanied by via ferrata trainer at all times.

Where do i meet Via Ferrata Mountain Torq trainer for the activity?

Meet your Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata trainer at the 7.5 km mark for Low’s Peak Circuit climber ; Sayat-Sayat check point for Walk The Torq climber

VIA FERRATA ROUTE MAP

Summit Trail, Low's Peak Circuit route & Walk Th Torq route

MOUNT KINABALU VIA FERRATA ROUTE MAP

VIA FERRATA LOW'S PEAK CIRCUIT ROUTE MAP

Mount Kinabalu Via ferrata Low's Peak Circuit

VIA FERRATA WALK THE TORQ ROUTE MAP

WHAT TO PACK?

Read through our packing list and put these essentials into your bag!
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  • SPF Lip Balm
  • Cap / Beanie / Head Scarf
  • Raincoat or waterproof jacket
  • Glove
  • Energy Snacks
  • Refillable water bottle
  • Trekking Pole
  • Hiking Shoes
  • Lightweight towel
  • Personal Toiletries
  • Face Masks
  • Hand Sanitizer
  • Sun Screen Lotion
  • Raincoat or waterproof jacket
  • Warm clothing like fleece jacket
  • Backpack Raincover
  • Change of Clothes
  • Extra Pair of Socks
  • Headlamp

PENDANT HUT

Exclusively for via ferrata climbers

WHERE TO STAY?

Via Ferrata climbers overnight at Pendant Hut, Panalaban

Pendant Hut (3289 meters above sea level) located at approximately 6km from Timphon Gate, around 10 minutes short walk from Laban Rata Resthouse. This cozy and eco-friendly Alpine-inspired hut is exclusively for Via Ferrata’s climber. Mandatory pre-activity briefings will be held here every day. Pendant Hut houses guests in a dormitory-style setting or private room for 4, both are non-heated rooms that share common bathroom.

Unlike other mountain huts, Pendant Hut is the only hut equipped with pillows and sleeping bags, instead of blankets. Here you can enjoy your post-midnight supper and American breakfasts, relax at the comfortable lounge area, pick up a climbing book at our mini alpine library or have fun playing board games. The highest post box certified by Malaysia Book of Records is located at Pendant Hut too!

** There is a small counter at Pendant Hut selling glove, headlamp, battery and socks.

  • Check in time : 2.00pm to 4.00pm
  • Check out time : before 12:00pm

Pendant Hut

Unisex Shared Dormitory Room