Mount Kinabalu Trail Information

Interestingly, the climb actually begins with the descent to Carson’s Fall, named after the first Park Warden of Kinabalu Park. From here onward, depending on your fitness level, it is about 4-5 hours climb for the day. The trail winds up a steep staircase of gnarled tree-roots. Then, will lead to a mossy world of drifting clouds and orchid-draped trees. From here, you can find pitcher plants and rhododendrons around. In short, there are 7 shelters throughout the 6KM hike to Laban Rata Resthouse via Timpohon Trail

The first is Kandis Shelter at 1981.7m where on a clear day, a view of the road that links Kota Kinabalu to the park can be seen.

The second shelter is Ubah Shelter at 2081.4m. This is where one of Borneo’s most unusual pitcher plants grows – the Nepenthes Lowii. Hence, do look out for these oddly-shaped plants with pitcher containers. Besides that, mosses and ferns are growing well in damp conditions here.

The mossy forest continues on past the Sabah Telecoms Station at Komborongoh at 2252.2m. Interestingly, “Komborongoh” is a plant that the Kadazandusuns people use to ward off evil spirits. It also used in traditional ceremonies and rituals.

The third shelter of Timpohon Trail is Lowii Shelter. The trail continues up to the mossy forest of mixed bamboos and tree ferns. Furthermore, more rhododendrons can be seen here. Next, at 2515m, here comes to the fourth shelter, Mempening Shelter.  There are wild begonias growing nearby. Stops at these shelters, take a rest. Then, observe the squirrels, tree shrews, and birds that seem so unafraid of climbers.

Besides that, you will also see the Layang-Layang TV Station. After that, you will emerge to an open exposed ridge at Layang-Layang Shelter. This is the fifth shelter at 2702m (previously known as Carson’s Camp). At this point, a band of ultramafic soil, distinguished by its orange-cinnamon color, crosses the trail, and the vegetation changes dramatically.

Villosa Shelter, the sixth shelter of Timpohon Trail, at 2690m is situated at the top of an open rocky patch. The forest here will become even more stunned. Moreover, as you follow the trail upward, a superb view can be seen of Mount Kinabalu towering above. At the top of this open area, at 3050m, a small track leads off to a helipad on the right. After the helipad junction, the ultramafic soil ends. Then, the forest is again full with taller trees covered with mosses.

After that, you will arrive at the seventh shelter of Timpohon Trail – Paka Shelter, at 3080m. This shelter was named after Paka Cave nearby. The Paka Cave which sited on the edge of a small stream is nothing more than a large overhanging rock.

Finally, you will reach the various accommodations for an overnight stops. There are few mountain huts available for overnight on Mount Kinabalu, which the Laban Rata Resthouse, Pendant Hut, Panalaban Hostel, and Lemaing Hut. Above all, Laban Rata Rest House, at 3272m, is the biggest mountain hut among the others, and also where the restaurant located at. Pendant Hut, a cozy and eco-friendly Alpine-inspired hut is exclusively for Via Ferrata’s climbers.

Lastly, check in to your accommodation and dinner will be served at Laban Rata Resthouse restaurant. After dinner, take a good rest and prepare for the summit climb.

You will learn more about Ranau Trail and Kota Belud Trail on this Mount Kinabalu Trail Details page. A new route – Ranau Trail has been introduced due to the route from Panalaban to Sayat-Sayat Hut / Check Point was damaged after the earthquake. This route has become the standard summit trail to the highest peak of Mount Kinabalu, Low’s Peak. Ranau Trail will take you from Panalaban (3272m) to Sayat-sayat Check Point (3,668m). It will continue to Low’s Peak (4095.2m). In short, Ranau Trail is near vertical with steep sections of wooden stairs of 70-80 degree incline. Some sections not even have wooden steps and you need to haul yourself using a fixed rope over large boulders. So, just proceed slowly and cautiously. In conclusion, the Ranau trail may be more challenging than the previous trail, but you are then rewarded with awesome views of the mountain terrain.

‘Kota Belud Trail’ is an alternative route towards summit Low’s Peak other than Ranau Trail. Even though it is 170m shorter than Ranau Trail, some parts of the Kota Belud trail have slopes that are more than 60 degrees. Hence, it is slightly tougher compared to the Ranau trail. Wooden steps and ropes can be found along with certain parts of the summit trail.

This trail begins from Panalaban and ends at Sayat-Sayat Checkpoint where you will make the ascent to the summit. Remember to book in advance as Kota Belud trail required a special permit to enter.

The one-hour climb crossing of the sheer Panar Laban rock face to Sayat-Sayat Hut (3668m) is one of the toughest parts of the summit climb. Sayat-Sayat Hut is the last and highest shelter on Mount Kinabalu. Here is also where the last check-point located at. All climbers have to show their climbing tag to the officer on duty before they can continue with the summit climb.

You can use the toilet (last toilet stop), refill your water (untreated mountain water) or take a rest here. From Sayat-Sayat Check Point, you will walk across the bare granite slabs that stretch endless ahead, in an eerie moonscape of stone. The vegetation is stunted shrubs and tough grasses in the crevices. You’ll see a marker at every kilometer until the Low’s Peak Summit as you walk up.

After KM8.5, you will reach your final destination. However, the last stretch of the summit ascent is the steepest and hardest part of the climb. As a result, you might need to crawling on hands and knees to reach out for the highest point on Mount Kinabalu, the summit of Borneo at 4095.2m – The Low’s Peak! As you wait in the cold, dawn gradually creeps over the horizon, illuminating the darkness with the light of a new day. Watching as the day unfolds over a spectacular view of the mountains plateau and valleys below, which were not visible before. In addition, you can almost see all of Sabah spread out below in clear weather. Here will be the ending point of the whole summit trail outlined in this Mount Kinabalu Trail Information document.