” How to prepare for Mount Kinabalu Climb? In this Mount Kinabalu Climbing Tips document, we will share with you all the tips to Climb Mount Kinabalu. Read before your Mount Kinabalu Hike!”
Firstly, knowing the myth is one of the important tips to climb Mount Kinabalu. Kadazandusun communities in the region hold Mount Kinabalu as a sacred site, a resting place for the departed souls of their dead ancestors in their journey to Libabou (the eternal resting place). Until now, Kinabalu’s name is still a mystery. The most popular view derives from the Dusun words, “Ki Nabalu”, meaning “a giant rock associate with spirit” or “the revered resting or dwelling place of the spirits of the death”. In previous times, they performed a ritual named monolob near the summit, slaughtering chickens as an offering to appease the spirits of the mountain as well as the ancestral spirits who lived there. After that, when Kinabalu Park was gazetted in 1964, turning it into a fully protected area managed by the state government, they discontinue the traditional rituals due to access restrictions.
The local communities believe if anyone curse, shout, or disrespect the mountain, they will offend the spirits of the mountain. In conclusion, respect the mountain and the local belief is what every climber should do. It is one of the very important Mount Kinabalu Climbing Tips.
Please take a minute to listen to your Mountain Guide(s) and read through these instructions. They may save your life:
Identify your Mountain Guide(s)
Travel together in your group
Follow the instructions of your Mountain Guide(s)
Alert your Mountain Guide(s) if you face any difficulty.
Display your climbing permit and show it to Park Officers when you pass by the checkpoints located at Timpohon Gate and Sayat-Sayat on your way up and down.
If for any reason, you are separated from your group or the Mountain Guide(s), please follow the white rope that marks the Summit Trail. Besides that, if visibility is very low or in the dark, please hold on to the rope and follow it. (There is a thick white rope leading all the way from the vegetation belt above Panalaban to the Summit. Use this rope to help climbing up and prevent falling when walking down. PLEASE FOLLOW and USE THE ROPE FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY).
The weather on the summit area can deteriorate in a matter of minutes. Thick mist may reduce visibility to only 3 meters. Besides that, a rainstorm and wind of up to 120 km/hr may occur at times. Please hold on to the rope, which will lead you to safety.
In the case when you are separated from your Mountain Guide(s) and lose sight of the rope, STOP IMMEDIATELY. Then, stays where you are, and blow your whistle to attract attention. Most importantly, PLEASE DO NOT TRY TO FIND YOUR WAY OUT. HELP is definitely on the way. The Park Officials at Sayat-Sayat Check Point will notice that you are missing.
High-altitude Sickness affects every single climber differently; anyone can be susceptible to the effects of high-altitude illness. Common mild symptoms of high-altitude sickness include headache, shortness of breath, dizziness, irritability, decreased concentration, and lack of energy. In addition, there are more serious conditions, symptoms such as severe headache, chest tightness, nausea, and vomiting could happen.
However, you may treat those mild symptoms by drinking lots of water or by eating. Do not continue if you have those symptoms. Stay at the same level or descend until the symptoms resolved. If these symptoms increase and worsen, you should descend to lower elevation, rehydrate, and rest.
A key to a successful climb is to appreciate the mountain. In our tips to climb Mount Kinabalu, the difficult parts of the climb are the last two KMs to Laban Rata Resthouse. So, it is advisable to rest longer at Layang-Layang Shelter for your body to acclimates to its surroundings. Furthermore, try to conserve energy whenever is possible. Take your time, as frequent short breaks are better than longer breaks. Finally, keep steps short, and keep your weight centered over your legs.
Follow all the Mount Kinabalu Climbing Tips here will give you a more comfortable and well-prepared hiking experience.
Heart Disease
Hypertension
Chronic Asthma
Peptic Ulcer
Severe Anaemia
Diabetes
Epileptic Fits
Arthritis
Palpitation
Hepatitis (Jaundice)
Muscular Cramps
Obesity (Overweight)
Any other sickness that may be triggered by severe cold, exertion and high altitude.
Climbing while pregnant is NOT recommended
Please follow all the Tips to climb Mount Kinabalu to avoid any unhappiness during your Mount Kinabalu Climb