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
Both routes are designed with beginner to intermediate climbers in mind and to match everyone’s ability or endurance.
In conclusion, if you can climb a ladder, you can climb Via Ferrata.
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)
– 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!
The Via Ferrata Low’s Peak Circuit activity is conducted in groups based on the following ratio of trainers to climbers: one trainer for a maximum of 6 climbers in normal circumstances. However, this ratio may vary depending on the actual arrangements made by the activity operator on the actual day.
Different climbers will be combined to form a group. Via Ferrata activities do not offer any private guiding services.
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!).
– 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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Highest Point
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Grading
Highest Point
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Highlights
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Grading
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.
