1. What does Kinabalu mean?
Kinabalu – is a local word that could mean “Chinese Widow”, in allusion to the failure of legendary Chinese attempts to obtain a pearl guarded by a dragon atop the mountain, resulting in death – a widowed women. However, it is more likely perhaps that the Dusun word “Nabalu” is the root, generally believed to mean “Resting Place of The Dead”.
2. Where Is Mount Kinabalu?
Mount Kinabalu situated within the Kinabalu National Park in the north of the Malaysian State of Sabah, Borneo. Kinabalu National Park was designated as Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in December 2000. Located approximately 90 KM away from Kota Kinabalu city (About 2 hours’ drive away)
3. How high is Mount Kinabalu?
The summit of Mt Kinabalu – Low’s Peak, rising to 4, 095.2m (13, 435ft) above sea-level, is the world’s 20th most prominent landscape feature and has the distinction of being the highest peak between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Also, one of the highest trekkable peaks in the world.
4. Is Mount Kinabalu safe to climb?
Yes, it is. No specialized mountain climbing skills are required to ascend Mount Kinabalu. However, all climbers have to follow the safety rules and regulations set by Sabah Park and instruction of Mountain Guide. Furthermore, local authorities have identified several measures to enhance the safety of climbers after earthquake incident.
5. Is Mount Kinabalu an active volcano?
Mount Kinabalu probably is the youngest non-volcanic mountain in the world. The mountain is a massive granite extrusion, still rising through the surrounding sandstone.
6. What type of rock is Mount Kinabalu made?
Mount Kinabalu is essentially a massive pluton formed granodiorite which is intrusive into sedimentary and ultrabasic rocks, and forms the central part, or core of the Kinabalu massif.
7. When was Mount Kinabalu formed?
Mount Kinabalu is a relatively young mountain, forming about 1.5 million years ago. About 10000 years ago, the whole of summit area was overlaid with glaciers which have formed cirques, moraines and deep gullies.
8. How many elevation zones are there on Mount Kinabalu?
Mount Kinabalu can be divided into 4 main elevation zones, which are the tropical lowland beginning from 100 meters until 1200 meters, lower montane forest zone (1200 to 2000 meters), upper mountain forest (2000-3000 meters) and the Sub-Alpine meadow zone (3000 meters and above).
9. How many species of plant are there in Mount Kinabalu?
Mount Kinabalu is surrounded by the most important biological sites in the world. Over 5,000 types of flowering plants including 800 species of orchids, 621 species of fern, over 80 species of Ficus trees as well as 50 species of oak and chestnut trees are found here.
10. When was Kinabalu Park declared as a Malaysia First World Heritage Site?
Kinabalu Park is one of the first national parks established in the Malaysia. It was inscribed by UNESCO and became the First World Heritage Site in Malaysia in 2 December 2000.
1. When is a good time to climb Mount Kinabalu?
Mount Kinabalu open to climbers all year round. Some said that March to September is considered the best season to climb as it is a dry season. However, due to Mount Kinabalu located within tropical rainforest, passing showers and heavy rain could happened at any time of the year. The world climate has changed drastically nowadays, it is really difficult to predict the weather. But it is still good to climb all year round!
2. How long does it take to conquer Mount Kinabalu?
The 8.72 KM trail can be completed in 2 days 1 night. But it is recommended to doing it over 3 days span, to get your body properly acclimatized.
3. What is the temperature like?
The temperature at Panalaban is around 12-15 degree Celsius; temperature at the peak could be lower than 5°C and windy day makes it worse.
4. Where is Panalaban?
Panalaban (3371 m.a.s.l) is a pit stop where climbers can rest before proceeding for their summit climb. It is where the Laban Rata Rest House is located.
5. How would the climb be on Day 1?
The trail begins from Timpohon Gate (1,866 meter a.s.l), with a leisure descend to Carson Falls before the uphill climb begin. The trail takes you through 4 different vegetation zones which pave the way in stairs of roots and moss, to ultramafic soil and granite. There are 7 shelters along the journey before arrived at Laban Rata Rest House, your accommodation for the nigh. Day 1 usually took 5-8 hours climb.
6. How would the climb be on Day 2?
Commencing as early as 2.30am, Day 2 climb begins well before dawn as climbers set out in a bee-line for the summit. Nothing much is visible until the sun rises on the horizon. By this time, you are already at Low’s Peak or nearing. Watching as the day unfolds over a spectacular view of the mountains plateau and valley which were not visible before.
7. How difficult it is to climb Mount Kinabalu?
Mount Kinabalu is one of the mountains that does not require special skills or equipment to do the climb. And it is true that many young children and old adults are able to climb Mount Kinabalu. However, Mount Kinabalu is characterized by serious elevation gain, rapidly changing weather and steep inclines. Hence, proper conditioning and physical preparation is a must before you plan to conquer Borneo’s highest peak!
8. Is there any age limit for climbers?
There is no age limit for Mount Kinabalu Climbers. As long as you are in good health status. It is very possible to climb Mount Kinabalu with children if you are well prepared. There is no upper age limit. However, the via ferrata package has a specific age requirement.
9. Do I need any special skills or equipment to climb Mount Kinabalu?
No. You don’t need any special climbing skills or equipment to climb Mount Kinabalu. But due to safety concern, do not walk off trail and always follow the white rope along the summit trail.
10. How many trails are there on Mount Kinabalu?
There is only one trail at the moment called Timpohon Trail. All climbers will ascent and descent through the same trail. There was another trail called Mesilau Trail used to be alternative route to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, however, Mesilau Trail was permanently closed after the earthquake incident.
11. Can you explain more about the Ranau Trail and Kota Belud Trail?
The 2.97-kilometre Ranau Trail and 2.8 km Kota Belud Trail were constructed to replace the old single trail leading to the summit of Mount Kinabalu as it was severely damaged after tremor struck. Both trails start from Panalaban and meet at the Sayat-Sayat Checkpoint where climbers will make the ascent to the summit of Low’s Peak. Climbers must have upper and lower body strength if they wish to go via Kota Belud trail as certain parts of the trail has slopes which are more than 60 degrees, making it slightly tougher compared to the Ranau trail. Both trails, however, offer climbers different level of challenges unique to its own but with an equally beautiful panoramic view.
12. What is the weather like?
You need to be prepared for sudden weather changes during Mount Kinabalu Climb. Sudden rain storms or strong wind are always a possibility which needs to be considered. That’s why a raincoat and jacket is a must during your hike.
1. How many types of Mount Kinabalu climbing package do they have?
There are two types of climb packages:
• Normal Mount Kinabalu Climbing Package (Without Via Ferrata activity)
• Via Ferrata Climbing Packages (With Via Ferrata activity)
Both climb permits allow climbers ascent to the summit of Low’s Peak (4095.2m a.s.l)
2. What is the cost to climb Mount Kinabalu?
The cost of Mount Kinabalu climb can be vary depending on which climbing packages you are choosing and what types of accommodation you are staying. You can always check the price here.
3. What do normal Mount Kinabalu climbing package offer?
There are three types of normal Mount Kinabalu climbing packages – 2 Days 1 Night & 3 Days 2 Nights climbing package, also 2 Nights Laban Rata climbing package. However, 2D1N climbing packages only open for booking one month prior to your climbing date, which you might not be able to get your prefer date once the permit is fully booked.
4. What do Via Ferrata climbing package offer?
There are two types of Via Ferrata climbing packages – Walk The Torq & Low’s Peak Circuit. Via Ferrata activities is designed for anyone who is able to scale Mount Kinabalu and wishes to take the experience to even greater heights! It can be divided into two activity namely Walk The Torq (Initiation route is designed for the beginner) and Low’s Peak Circuit (Designed for the brave and the active individual with above-average fitness level).
5. What is inclusive in Mount Kinabalu Packages?
Transportation, meals, accommodation, climbing permit, climbing insurance, entrance fees, certificate and mountain guide are all included.
6. What is inclusive in Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata Packages?
Transportation, meals, accommodation, climbing permit, climbing insurance, entrance fees, certificate, mountain guide, via ferrata trainer, via ferrata activity and activity’s equipment are all included.
7. What are excluded in Mount Kinabalu Climbing Packages?
Porter fee and optional tipping.
8. Is there any package for Sabahan?
Yes, but here are only 10 climbing permit per day reserved for Sabahans at Sabahan rate, which usually sold out very fast.
9. Is there any package for Malaysian?
Yes. There is cheaper package designed for Malaysian Citizen only. However, there are very limited climbing permit offer by the authority. Hence, it is all based on first come first serve basis and their climbing slots usually sold out very fast. No refund and no replacement of name is allowed.
10. Do I need a permit to climb Mount Kinabalu?
Definitely yes. Without a climbing permit issued by Sabah Park, you are not permitted to do the climb. Only climbers with permit are allowed to stay at Laban Rata. There are also check point to verify your climbing permit during your climb.
11. Can I do day climb?
No. No day climb is allowed. Climbers have to do a minimum of 2 Days 1 Night climb.
1. When should I book my climb?
You are advice to book at least 6 months in advance. Due to conservation reason and limited rooms, the accommodation is always fully booked. There are only 135 climbing permits issued per day!
2. Should I purchase my air ticket first before I secure my climbing permit?
No. Always check the availability of the mountain slots before booking your flight tickets.
3. Should I catch my flight on the same day I descent?
It is not advisable to catch the same day’s flight going back to your hometown after the climb.
4. Who should I book with?
If you would like to have a hassle-free climbing experience, book with licensed tour company registered under Ministry of Tourism Malaysia is the best option. They will arrange top to bottom service where you only need to be well prepared for your climb. Booking with the management of accommodation on Mount Kinabalu and arrange everything by yourself can be slightly complicated. Booking through a trusted travel agent can save up a lot of time and worries.
5. How can I book my climbing slot?
You can always check the availability and email your request here.
6. Can I climb Mount Kinabalu without a permit?
No. Every climber must obtain climbing permit issued by Sabah Park in order to climb Mount Kinabalu. Each permit issued consist of climber’s name and ID and will be verify by Park authority in certain check point.
7. Should I make full payment or deposit once I confirmed my booking?
It depends on your confirmation date. Only once every aspect of your trip is sorted out and booked, we will then send you an invoice for a deposit. Booking before two months from your climbing date need only 50% deposit payment to secure the climbing slots. For reservation less than two months full payment needed to secure the slots.
8. What should I do if my preferred climbing date is fully booked?
You can always provide to us with a few alternative dates or switch to Via Ferrata Packages, as long as you did not purchase air ticket in advance. Much will depend on the availability but we will try, where possible, to accommodate you where we can.
9. What currencies do you accept as payment?
As we are charged in Ringgit Malaysia (MYR), so all our prices are quoted in MYR too.
10. Can I make any changes on climber’s name after booking confirmation?
Yes, you can. There are RM 50 charges imposed by service provider for every changes made, which we have no control over.
11. Once deposit payment has been made, can I still change my climbing date?
No. Changing of climbing date is strictly not allowed by the service provider.
12. How do I know my climbing permit is confirmed & secured?
Once 50% deposit payment has been made, email us your payment proof and we will issue booking confirmation and payment receipt to you. For booking less than 2 months, full payment is needed.
13. What is the minimum validity of passport/visa to enter Malaysia?
All passports and visas must be valid at least 06 months from the date of entry into the country destination.
14. What Personal particulars are required to apply for a climbing permit?
Passport/Identity card, full name, nationality, contact number, date of birth etc.
15. Do I need a personal travel insurance?
We strongly recommend you to get a personal travel insurance, which at least covers injury, medical expenses, death etc. Climber who has pre-existing medical condition must inform us true nature of condition before making a booking.
1. Who would be my mountain guide?
Your mountain guides are usually the local people from the surrounding village near to Mount Kinabalu. Most of them are born and raised in the same particular place who familiar with Mount Kinabalu’s trail and weather.
2. In what language do they speak?
All of them speak in Malay, but they do speak basic English as well.
3. Who does the mountain guide work for?
All mountain guides work under Mount Kinabalu Mountain Guides Association. But we do have selected mountain guides who work closely with us and aim to provide the best service they could for our climbers.
4. Is it compulsory to have a mountain guide?
Yes, it is. This is a rules and regulations set by Sabah Park. All climbers need to be accompanied by licensed mountain guide in order to climb Mount Kinabalu.
5. Why is mountain guide so important?
As they are all trained and experience mountain guide and they knew Mount Kinabalu very well, they will guide you throughout the journey, telling you the dos and don’ts. Most importantly, they always be there to encourage you!
6. Do my group have our own mountain guide?
If you book with Borneo Calling Tour, you and your group will have your own mountain guide. Your assigned mountain guide will only serve you and your group without mixing with other climbers.
7. Do they trek with me/my group at all times?
Mountain guide will always follow the last person to ensure no one left behind; they may not trek as the same speed as you do.
8. What are the climbers to guide ratio for the climb?
Ratio for climbers: guide is 5:1, which means that One mountain guide only allowed to take a maximum of five climbers aged 16 years and above in the same group.
9. What if the climber’s age is below 16 years old?
Child under 16 years old must be accompanied by a dedicated mountain guide. Each mountain guide can only take up to 2 children.
10. Can I hire more guide for my group?
Yes, you can. You just have to pay a little bit more. But make sure you informed to us by email at least one week prior to your climb and we will arrange accordingly.
11. What are the overtime charges imposed by Mount Kinabalu Mountain Guides Association?
Mountain Guide overtime charges based on arrival to Timpohon Gate on the descend day = MYR 15 per guide for every extra hour start from 4pm (count as a group).
12. If for any reasons, I am separated from my group or the Mountain Guide. What should I do?
Keep calm and do not walk off trail. For summit climb, please follow the white rope that marks the Summit Trail. 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 Panar Laban 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).
13. Should I tip my guide? How much is a good tip?
Any amount you are comfortable with, based on the service. While it is not compulsory, but giving them some extra money as a token of appreciation will help them very much and greatly appreciated by them!
14. What do you mean by Porter?
A person employed to carry luggage, backpacks, and other loads from Kinabalu Park HQ to Panalaban.
15. Who is the porter?
Porters usually are the local people who live around Mount Kinabalu. Sometimes, your mountain guide can be your porter as well.
16. How do I hire a porter?
Porter can be hired on the spot at Kinabalu National Park HQ, prior booking is not required.
17. Do I need a porter?
If you wish to have a comfortable journey, hire a porter. You’re going to need one. But this is fully optional and depends on the individual.
18. How should I pay the Porter?
Remember to bring some cash with you as they only accept cash payment.
19. What is the cost of hiring a porter?
Porter Rate ( Price Per KG )
1. Timpohon > Laban Rata Resthouse > Timpohon ( MYR 14/KG )
2. Timpohon > Sayat-Sayat > Timpohon ( MYR 18/KG )
3. Timpohon > Summit > Timpohon ( MYR 20/KG )
20. Will the porters trek along with me?
No. Porters will not trek along with you, so keep all the necessities that you need with you. (Example, warm jacket, water, packed lunch, raincoat etc)
1. What do I need to bring and wear?
Please refer to Mount Kinabalu Packing Idea for more details.
2. What kind of physical training should I do?
Certainly, any type of aerobic exercise is good for Mount Kinabalu hike. Strength exercises in the gym will help, as well as a steady stretching regime or jogging.
3. Do I need to bring along my passport or identity card during my Mount Kinabalu Climb?
Yes. Passports/Original Identification are required for verification during registration.
4. What is ID Tag?
ID Tag is a tag printed by Sabah Park on your actual climbing date. It consider as your climbing permit and need to wear it at all times. Check the spelling of your name as the Park officer will follow the name in your ID Tag for certificate printing.
5. Do I have to sign any form prior to Mount Kinabalu Climb?
Yes. Climbing and mountaineering involve inherent risks where some of them are beyond our control. So every climber has to sign an Indemnity Form before they can proceed for the climb.
6. In case I forgot anything, can I still able to purchase it on Mount Kinabalu?
Yes. You still can buy the basic items at the shop next to Kinabalu Park HQ or the grocery shop at Laban Rata Rest House.
7. Do they accept cash or credit card on the mountain?
You need to have some cash with you as they do not accept credit card payment. However, some online payment gateway / e-wallets are accepted.
8. Is there any place for me to store my extra luggage/belonging which I do not wish to bring them for my climb?
Yes. Extra luggage/belonging that you don’t wish to bring with you for mountain climbing can be kept at Sutera Sanctuary Lodges luggage store at RM12/luggage.
9. What is the cut-off time of check-points?
Timpohon Gate will be closed at 10.30am. After which, no climbing will be allowed. Cut-off time for the last check point – Sayat-Sayat is 5.30am, climbers have to register themselves at Sayat- Sayat Check-Point before 5.30am in order to proceed with the summit climb.
10. What would be my packed lunch?
One bottle of 500ml mineral water, fruit, sandwiches or fried rice, egg etc. But the menu can be varying from time to time.
11. I have special dietary requirements, will you able to make them on the mountain?
You may inform us regarding any dietary requirements that you have. But please note that we are not able to guarantee all special dietary requirements can always be met. We will try our best to fulfill your requirement any way we possibly can. Most of the meals served during your climb are buffet style, except for the packed lunch on Day 1. This way you can pick and choose the type of food to eat based on your dietary preference. Climbers are always welcome to bring their own food especially those with restrictive diet.
12. Will there be shelter and restroom along the trail?
There are 7 shelters along the journey before you arrived at Panalaban. At each shelter, there are public restrooms, which are free of charge. However, toilet paper is not provided.
13. Are there trash cans available?
Yes. You can find them at every shelter.
14. Is trekking pole necessary?
Although it is not necessary to have one. But having a trekking pole helps keep you stable. If you have a steep downhill, it can provide good anchor points to balance against as you hike down.
15. Where can I refill my water bottle?
There is shelter at every 1 KM where you can have a rest, use the washroom, throw your trash and refill your water (untreated mountain water – you may bring some water purification tablets to avoid any upset). Please note that free boiled drinking water no longer provided by Laban Rata Restaurant. You have to purchase mineral water on your own. But they do provide drinking water in Pendant Hut (Via Ferrata climber only).
16. Is there any mobile signal on the mountain?
Yes. Mobile signal available along most part of the trail even on the summit of Low’s Peak. Celcom seems to have the best connection among the others. So, you can always stay connected!
1. Will I need a reservation to stay at a mountain hut?
Yes. All climbers have to spend a night on Mount Kinabalu before they can do the summit climb (Minimum 2days 1night climb). Which means if you do not have a room to stay, you cannot climb.
2. What are the types of rooms available?
Four-person bunk bedroom, 6-person bunk bedroom, and 8-person bunk bedroom (For Laban Rata Resthouse). It can be more than 8 climbers in a room at Pendant Hut. Accommodations at Mount Kinabalu are based on Unisex Shared Dormitory. Refer to Mount Kinabalu Accommodation for more details.
3. Can I choose my own room and who to stay with?
No. All rooms are allocated based on run-of-house basis.
4. Is it possible to request for a private room?
Yes. There are only three private rooms available at Laban Rata Rest House (for normal climbers) & one private room at Pendant Hut (for via Ferrata climbers). Extra charges will be imposed if you would like to stay in private room.
5. What is the difference between a dormitory room and a private room?
All dormitory rooms are non-heated unisex- shared room without attached bathroom (shared bathroom with other climbers); private rooms at Laban Rata Rest House are based on twin sharing basis, comes with attached bathroom, heated shower and room heater (no sharing with others). Private room in Pendant Hut is a bunk bedroom without attached bathroom.
6. Do I need to bring my own sleeping bag?
No. Bedding is provided by the mountain huts.
7. What do they provide?
All mountain hut are humbly decorated and only supply the basic facilities to climbers. All rooms equipped with blanket, pillow, bedsheet and mattress.
8. Any WIFI service available?
No. There is no Wifi service on the mountain. You have to purchase a local sim card with data in order to stay connected.
1. What is High Altitude Sickness?
Altitude sickness, also called mountain sickness, is a group of general symptoms that are brought on by climbing or walking to a higher and higher altitude (elevation) too quickly. It happens because the body doesn’t have enough time to adapt to the lower air pressure and lower oxygen levels in the air at high altitudes.
2. What is the symptom of High-Altitude Sickness?
Typical symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting and lightheadedness. The different levels of altitude sickness have different symptoms: Symptoms of mild, short-term altitude sickness also include dizziness, fatigue, shortness of breath, loss of appetite, sleep problems and a general loss of energy.
3. How to prevent from having High Altitude Sickness during Mount Kinabalu Climb?
Among the most important things you can do prior to climbing Mount Kinabalu is give your body plenty of time to acclimatize to higher elevations. Therefore, it is advisable to take 3days 2 nights climbing package in order to spend a night at high elevation areas before ascending Mount Kinabalu.
4. What happens in case I develop High-Altitude Sickness during my climb?
If you encounter Altitude Sickness, stop immediately; continue slowly only if you feel better. You may consider taking altitude sickness tablets if the condition getting worst.
5. Should I bring any medication?
– Sun protection –Bring sunscreen (SPF 30 and above) and lip-ice (balm), applying it regularly.
– Basic anti-septic and plasters – Mostly for cuts and blisters
– Anti-nausea tablets/ Pain killers – Great to have on you in case you encounter altitude sickness.
– Water purification tablets – Untreated mountain water may look unspoiled, but they may not be.
6. What happens if there is bad weather on the day of ascent?
You still can proceed with your climb to Panalaban and stay a night on the mountain. There are shelters along the way where you can take a rest. Raincoat is crucial and please make sure you have one with you all the time as the weather on Mount Kinabalu is unpredictable. Trail can be slippery during rainy days, walk slowly and take your time.
7. Can I still do the summit climb during bad weather?
The weather must always be taken into account when leaving for a summit attempt. Unfortunately, weather changes, and in the mountains, it often changes faster than we can react, causing potentially dangerous situations. Hence, Sabah Park has the right to close or temporarily halted any climbing activity to the summit of Mount Kinabalu due to extreme bad weather. Summit gate will only be re-opened once the weather returns to normal.
8. What if I got injured during my climb?
If you need emergency assistance/injured, inform to your mountain guide immediately. They will assess your condition and decide whether you still fit to proceed. For more serious cases, mountain guide will alert the Mountain Search and Rescue Unit (Mosar). The Mosar teams are auxiliary firefighters under the Malaysian Fire and Rescue Department. Mosar was first established in June 2015. Currently, there are 40 Mosar members comprising full-time mountain guides, and their tasks are to escort visitors up Mount Kinabalu as well as provide search and rescue operations in the event of an emergency. For minor injuries or other reasons, you can be charged RM400 per KM for the porter team to carry you down or up the mountain. Please note that every climber who rescues by Mosar team will be sent over to Ranau Hospital for doctor assessment and further treatment.
9. Are there any health restrictions and requirements?
Do not climb if you suffer from:
• 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
10. What does Sabah Park’s climber personal accident insurance cover?
• Death/ Disablement RM 50,000
• Medical Expenses Per Accident RM 5,000
• Repatriation expenses RM2,000
11. Can I climb if I’m pregnant?
It is not recommended to climb Mount Kinabalu during pregnancy.
1. If I don’t reach the summit do I get a refund?
There will be no refund under any circumstances including, but not limited to, summit closure due to bad weather, Act of God, being refused climb by Sabah Parks rangers or mountain guides due to your personal health and well-being or any other reasons that may affect the authorities’ decision to disallow you to summit.
2. Is replacement of climber allowed?
Replacement of climbers on the same climbing date is allowed. There are RM 50 charges imposed.
3. Do I get a refund if I am unable to proceed for the climb due to hospitalized or pregnancy?
If your tour has not commenced, the refund will be based on our Cancellation Policy. But absolutely no refund in full can be entertained as booking of accommodation requires immediate payment. You need to submit document with proof to us – doctor report etc, and we will try our best to help, but there is no guarantee. The best way is to find a replacement.
4. What is your cancellation Policy?
Any cancellation will be based on our cancellation policy.
1. What is Via Ferrata?
A Via Ferrata (or “iron road” in Italian) is a protected mountain path comprising a series of rungs, rails and cables embracing the rock face. It allows access to scenic sections of the mountains that are typically available only to experienced rock climbers and mountaineers.
2. Who can climb a Via Ferrata?
• Aged 10 and above for Walk The Torq
• Aged 16 and above for Low’s Peak Circuit
• At least 1.3 meters in height
• Without any physical disabilities
• You do need to be fit, healthy and preferably not afraid of heights either.
3. Do I need any climbing experience?
Not at all! If you can climb a ladder, you can climb Via Ferrata.
4. How do I take part in Via Ferrata Activity?
To ensure that you get a guaranteed permit, advanced booking is needed. You can make a booking for our activities here and we are happy to be able to assist in making all the necessary arrangements.
5. How can I book?
Drop us an email and we will get back to you real soon.
6. What is Via Ferrata Walk The Torq?
Walk The Torq is a leisurely 2 – 3 hour route designed for the beginner. If you feel that you want a little taste of the Via Ferrata experience but do not wish to expend too much energy on it, the Walk the Torq route would be best for you.
7. What is Via Ferrata Low’s Peak Circuit?
Low’s Peak Circuit specially 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.
8. What does the Via Ferrata activity package include?
• Complimentary use of all required safety devices: harness, lanyard and helmet
• Via Ferrata familiarization for all participants
• Guiding services of Via Ferrata trainers
9. Are the activities safe?
Yes. Via Ferrata activities are carried out under a safe and controlled environment. Via Ferrata trainers undergo regular skills certification and upgrading with training standards and syllabus endorsed by the International Climbing and Mountaineering Federation (UIAA). Regular safety checks and maintenance are also conducted on the Via Ferrata equipment. So, all you need to do is focus on enjoying yourself.
10. Where do I stay?
All Via Ferrata climbers will stay at a cozy and eco-friendly Alpine-inspired mountain hut – Pendant Hut. It houses guests in a dormitory-style setting.
11. What is the maximum number of people who will be climbing the Via Ferrata with me?
There will be a maximum of 6 climbers for Low’s Peak Circuit and 5 for Walk the Torq.
12. Will there be someone to guide me?
Yes, you and your group will be assigned an experienced Via Ferrata trainer. They 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, provide tips on negotiating difficult obstacles and point out spectacular sights along the way.
13. Can I proceed Via Ferrata Activities without a trainer?
No. Sabah Park safety regulations require that all climbers are to be accompanied by a Via Ferrata trainer at all times.
14. Is the Via Ferrata Trainer for me and my group only?
Depending on the size of your group, you will have to be prepared to join with other Via Ferrata climbers.
15. What time do I start my Via Ferrata activity?
• Low’s Peak Circuit climber(s) must arrive at the Via Ferrata starting point before 6.30am
• Walk The Torq climber(s) must arrive at the Via Ferrata starting point before 7.15am
Climber(s) who miss the cut-off time will not be allowed on the Via Ferrata. No reimbursement will be made.
16. Where do I meet my Via Ferrata trainer?
You will meet them on the day of your arrival at Pendant Hut, where you will undergo a mandatory briefing and familiarization session starting between 3pm and 4pm. They will tell you the exact meeting point and meeting times for the activities that you have signed up for and provide a practical session with the full Via Ferrata safety gear.
17. Can I miss the pre-activity briefing conducted the day I arrive?
All of via ferrata climbers are required to attend this mandatory pre-activity briefing and familiarization session. This session starts between 3pm and 4pm. Late arrivals may not be considered eligible to participate in the activity the next morning. This is really for your own safety, be it if you are a first-time climber or an experienced mountaineer.
18. In case I miss my mandatory pre-activity briefing sessions and unable to proceed with the activities, can I get any refund?
No. As this is the rules and regulation sets by the service provider which we have no control over.
19. Will the activities be cancelled in the event of bad weather?
Unfortunately, we are at the mercy of the weather up here at 3,200m a.s.l.. While we would like to let all participants attempt the activities despite the weather conditions, safety does come first. The Via Ferrata circuit in clear weather is exciting enough… if in rainy, windy and stormy conditions, it will be too thrilling even for the avid mountaineer.
In the event of bad weather, the planned activities can and will be cancelled. Just like how the Summit Attempt to Low’s Peak (4095.2m a.s.l.) will be cancelled in the event of bad weather.
There will be no refund under any circumstances including, but not limited to, summit closure due to bad weather and Act of God.
