DIY Hike to Mount Kinabalu at 4095.5 masl, Highest Mountain in Malaysia and Borneo Island | One Out of Three for Asia Trilogy

Nomad Engineer
2 days ago
11 min read

Hi! My name is Mier, a computer engineer and digital nomad. In addition to typical travel, I’m actively conquering various summits in the Philippines. I’m also documenting my adventures for fellow mountaineers who enjoy hiking solo or as part of a group. If you have questions, feel free to message me on Facebook or Instagram.

Today we are taking on a very unfamiliar and new trails. Strengthen your calves as I am about to bring you to new lands. We're going to Mount Kinabalu in Sabah, Malaysia!

Selamat datang ke Malaysia!

Jump to: [Highlights] [Gears]

Detailed Travel Summary with Expenses:

Preparations Before The Travel:

The first thing you need to accomplish when planning to climb Mount Kinabalu is the climb reservation through their official website http://sabapakeco.com/. Complete guide on how to book will be posted separately.
Note that slots are limited per day and may get full quick so stay updated on when reservations gets open through their FB page https://www.facebook.com/SabapakEco.
Once your climb reservation has been confirmed, you're very much closer to your next hiking adventure! Next are just plane tickets, hotel reservations, and your side trip plans. Climb Reservation including hotel and meals : 15,000.00 PHP
Plane Ticket: If you're from the Philippines, note that the only direct flight to Kota Kinabalu is from Manila, so if you're far from NCR, you have to consider a connecting flight. Book your ticket [here] at Air Asia as they are the only local airline with direct routes to Kota Kinabalu. Plane Ticket (Cebu - Manila - Kota Kinabalu) : 12,323.75 PHP Other Routes: You may also try different way to get to Sabah through boats in Zamboanga or Tawi-Tawi, but that's for another kind of adventure soon.
Accommodations: Usual trips from Manila to Kota Kinabalu arrives at night therefore I highly recommend that you take an overnight room in the city. You can then travel to Sabah National Park the following day which I also highly recommend to book a grab if you're traveling in a group. Saves you a lot of time and effort. For us which is a group of 5, we paid 250 MYR compared to 30 MYR via bus per person. The 20 MYR difference for the convenience and time is a huge win for me.
Here are my recommendations on hotels you can book in the city and in the national park after you finish your hike. Kota Kinabalu: Toojou Kota Kinabalu Sabah National Park: The Box Hotel Accommodation for 4D3N : 2,941.16 PHP
Travel Tax: When buying the plane ticket, there's a chance you are asked to include travel tax with your payment. However if you're not able to pay it with the plane ticket, you can process it separately when registering your travel details via eGov app.
Travel Tax : 1,645 PHP (1620 Travel Tax, 25 Service Fee depending on your payment method)
Internet: I wasn't able to see available pocket wifi rental in Klook that I can pickup at Kota Kinabalu aiport, that is why I opted to use 5g eSIM. Kota Kinabalu has a very good cellular signal that's why eSIM won't be a problem. I'm even able to use it all throughout my hike in Mount Kinabalu.
Malaysia eSIM : 499 PHP (7 days unlimited internet)
Travel Insurance: It is best to avail a travel insurance specially when going to a different country. I usually choose even just the minimum amount through GCash. GCash Travel Insurance : 350 PHP
Side Trips: Since you are already in a new city and new country if you're not from Sabah, that's why it would be a great chance to explore the city as well. Full blog will be posted soon.

Day of Travel (November 19):

3:30am Booked Maxim to Mactan Airport - 153 PHP
Coffee at the Airport - 210 PHP
Arrived at NAIA airport and took the free shuttle service from terminal 2 to terminal 3
Bread and coffee at terminal 3 for lunch - 301 PHP
Ordered a choco drink prior to departure - 230 PHP
8:00pm Arrived at Kota Kinabalu International Airport. Also withdrawn 700 MYR at the airport which is usually my option when traveling to abroad.
We took a Grab to Toojou Hotel (14 MYR/5) - Used card for this
Bought trail food, breakfast and lunch for the climb, and drinks - 32 MYR
Dinner at Yoojou Hotel - 14.9 MYR

November 20:

4:00am Wakeup Call
Breakfast at the hotel pantry using what we bought in 7 eleven
5:00am Grab to Sabah National Park (250 MYR/5) - Used card for this
7:00am Reached Sabah National Park Registration Center
Paid Porter Fee and Other Fees at the Registration Center - 50 MYR
7:40am Start of Hike
4:30pm Reached Laban Rata Inn This is where you will spend the night before going to summit.
5:00pm we had out buffet dinner. Dinner will open at 4pm and closes at 7pm
8:00pm lights off

November 21:

1:30am Wakeup call
2:00am Start of light breakfast (supper)
2:40am Started our summit assault
4:30am Reached the checkpoint. Important Note: You should reach this checkpoint before 5:30am, beyond that you will not be permitted to go to summit.
5:30am Reached the Summit
7:30am Started Descent
10:00am Reached back to Laban Rata Inn
10:15am Buffet Brunch
11:00am Start Descent back to Jump Off
5:00pm Reached the Exit Point
Electrolyte Drink at the Exit Point - 4 MYR
Colored Certificate - 10 MYR
Additional Payment for Van to The Box Hotel - 5 MYR
Dinner at The Box Hotel restaurant - 28 MYR
Lights Off

November 22

Breakfast at The Box Hotel's restaurant [Coffee and Pao] - 8 MYR
Asked the owner of the restaurant to bring us to Sabah National Park entrance where we can wait for bus - 5 MYR
Sabah National Park to Toojou Hotel via Car - 50 MYR (250 for 5 persons)
Lunch at City Food Corner - 22.8 MYR TIME FOR CITY TOUR
Floating Mosque - 10 MYR (5 entrance, 5 clothing)
Jollibee (been eager to try their fast food there) - 18 MYR
Seafood Dinner at the public market - 28 MYR

November 23

Grab to Tok Waki Wildlife Park - 21.63 MYR
Lok Waki Wildlife Entrance Fee - 20 MYR
Snacks at the Lok Waki Convenience Store - 9.5 MYR
Grab to Monsopiad Heritage Village - 23.85 MYR Sadly, it was lunch break when I got there and I had to go back to the city to check in my bags instead.
Checkin at Toojou Kota Kinabalu for 1 night extension - 970 PHP
Late Lunch at City Food Corner - 19.5 MYR
Grab To Imago Mall - 5 MYR
Grab To Beach Aru for sunset - 11 MYR However, this area is so crowded with tourist. The dilemma will be going back to the city after the sunset for sure.
Coffee and Egg Tart at Toojou Kota Kinabalu for dinner - 14 MYR

November 24

Walked nearby hotel and found a coffee shop called bask bear then had a quick coffee - 9 MYR
Grab to Mari Mari Culturan Village - 21 MYR
Mari Mari Entrance Fee - 130 MYR Which includes lunch buffet and a cultural dance show.
Grab to Toojou Kota Kinabalu - 43 MYR
Grab to the Airport - 14 MYR
Noodle Lunch at the Airport - 28.5 MYR
Dinner at NAIA Terminal 2 - 250 PHP

November 25

Quick Meal at Cebu Airport - 250 PHP
Grab to Home - 480 PHP
Post Payables with the Group - 580 PHP

Total: 45,516.37 PHP (36,182.91 PHP + 655.68 MYR ) conversion rate for the whole duration of my trip is 14.23

General Tips:

It is best to arrive at the Sabah National Park early so you can start your hike immediately. There are cut offs that you need to take atleast mental note about.
1. Registration is only until 10:30am
2. Dinner at Laban Rata Rest house is from 4:30pm to 7:00pm, make sure to reach there on time as they are particular with time. Missing the dinner time will mean no buffet dinner but you may buy some cup noodles in the store I believe.
3. On the second day, early breakfast starts at 2:00am to 3:30am before your summit push.
4. A very important time to consider on your summit push is to reach the checkpoint before 5:30am because anyone that reaches this point beyond the specific time will NOT be permitted to go to the summit.
5. You also need to consider that you need to reach Laban Rata Guest House before 10:30am. Late checkout incurs 100MYR per hour.
6. Day 2 Breakfast (or Brunch) as well is at 7:30am to 10:30am. Make sure to get there on time and reserve food for your friends who won't make it.
There is a transportation desk at the Sabah National Park where you can ask help when you want a lift back to the city.
Grab is the most convenient way of going around the city. Maxim car is also available and much cheaper but may have few riders only.
I've created a map of places I visited (few have missed due to time) in Kota Kinabalu. Feel free to checkout this map. https://maps.app.goo.gl/JLawouDeaAoHBiSMA Message me if you want recommendations!

By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy the adventure and beauty of Sabah, Malaysia and Mount Kinabalu!

Recommended Gears:

Camping:

Hiking Bag: Osprey Talon 36L
Super Lightweight Tent: Naturehike Cloud Up (2P)
Pillow: Naturehike Inflattable Pillow
Super Lightweight Chair: Naturehike Folding Chair

Gadgets:

Tech Bag: Cullen Wayne Commuter Backpack
Waterproof Bag: Naturehike 30L Bag
Drone: DJI Mini 4 Pro
Selfie Stick and Tripod: For insta 360 and Phone (needs holder)

Highlights:

Mount Kinabalu Hike:

Standing at the top of Malaysia and the highest mountain in Borneo Island, also part of the South East Asia Trilogy, felt like stepping into a dream I worked so hard for. Mount Kinabalu rises to about 4095 meters above sea level and is one of the most prominent peaks in the world. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its rich biodiversity and ancient granite formations that are said to be around ten million years old.

Every step on the trail reminded me of the patience, discipline, and quiet strength it takes to reach a place like this. The climb may be only a little over eight kilometers, but the steep elevation gain makes it one of the toughest hikes in the region. Reaching the summit in the freezing dawn light is not just a physical victory but a personal milestone that proves how far I can go when I trust the journey.

This is truly my biggest achievement in mountaineering so far, and I carry this moment with pride and gratitude.

Mount Kinabalu's Bio Diversity:

Sabah National Park, which encompasses the majestic Mount Kinabalu, is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its extraordinary biodiversity and ecological significance. This rich natural heritage was one of the main reasons I was so excited to embark on this climb. The park is home to thousands of plant species, many of which are unique to this region, making it a paradise for nature lovers and botanists alike.

During my ascent of the highest mountain in Malaysia and Borneo Island, I was constantly amazed by the incredible variety of flora that surrounded me. From vibrant orchids and carnivorous pitcher plants to ancient ferns and mosses, every step revealed something new and fascinating. Here are some of my most memorable flora discoveries from the climb, each one a testament to the park’s remarkable natural diversity.

Lok Waki Wildlife Park:

Lok Kawi Wildlife Park in Sabah is a sanctuary where the wild spirit of Borneo comes alive.

As I explored its leafy trails, I was captivated by the sight of orangutans swinging gracefully through the trees and the gentle presence of Bornean pygmy elephants, the smallest elephant species in the world. The park’s commitment to conservation is evident, offering a safe haven for endangered animals and a chance for visitors to witness their natural behaviors up close.

The experience was both humbling and inspiring. Watching sun bears forage and hornbills soar overhead, I felt a deep connection to the fragile beauty of Sabah’s wildlife. Lok Kawi isn’t just a place to see animals; it’s a reminder of the importance of protecting these remarkable creatures and their habitats for generations to come.

Mari Mari Cultural Village:

Visiting Mari Mari Cultural Village in Sabah felt like stepping back in time to experience the rich heritage of Borneo’s indigenous tribes. As I wandered from one traditional house to another, I was welcomed with warm smiles and invited to witness age-old customs, from bamboo fire-making to intricate beadwork and traditional dances. The immersive atmosphere made me feel not just like a visitor, but a part of the community, even if just for a day.

The village is more than a showcase, it’s a living tribute to the diverse cultures that shape Sabah. Tasting local delicacies, listening to stories passed down through generations, and joining in the rhythmic beats of the gong left me with a deep appreciation for the resilience and warmth of the people. Mari Mari Cultural Village is a must-visit for anyone seeking to connect with the heart and soul of Sabah.

Cultural Dance at Mari Mari Cultural Village:

Witnessing the cultural dance at Mari Mari Cultural Village was a highlight of my visit, filling the air with energy and tradition. As the performers moved in vibrant costumes, their rhythmic steps and graceful gestures told stories of their ancestors celebrating harvests, honoring spirits, and marking important milestones. The beat of the gongs and drums echoed through the village, inviting everyone to join in the celebration.

Being part of the audience, I felt a genuine sense of connection and joy. The dancers’ smiles and the communal spirit made it easy to forget the outside world and immerse myself in the moment. It was more than just a performance; it was a living expression of Sabah’s cultural heritage, leaving me with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the traditions that continue to thrive in the heart of Borneo.

Gaya Night Market:

Strolling through Gaya Night Market in Kota Kinabalu was a feast for the senses. The lively atmosphere buzzed with the chatter of locals and travelers alike, while the air was filled with the irresistible aroma of sizzling street food. Colorful stalls lined the street, offering everything from fresh tropical fruits and handmade crafts to local delicacies like grilled satay and pandan pancakes.

As I wandered from stall to stall, sampling treats and chatting with friendly vendors, I felt the vibrant pulse of Sabah’s community life. The market wasn’t just a place to shop—it was a celebration of culture, flavors, and togetherness. Visiting Gaya Night Market gave me a true taste of local life and left me with memories as rich and varied as the market itself.

Night Food Market:

Dining at the Night Food Market was an unforgettable highlight of my Sabah adventure. The market came alive after dark, with rows of seafood stalls displaying the day’s freshest catch—giant prawns, plump crabs, and glistening fish on ice. The lively sounds of sizzling grills and friendly bargaining filled the air, and I was impressed by how some sellers could switch between different languages to make every visitor feel welcome. All of this unfolded under wide tents that kept us dry and comfortable, even as heavy rain poured outside.

Sitting down to a seafood feast beneath the shelter of the tents, I savored every bite of perfectly grilled fish and spicy chili crab, all prepared right before my eyes. Sharing this meal with friends amidst the buzz of the market made the experience even more special. The Night Food Market wasn’t just about the food—it was about the joy of discovery, the warmth of local hospitality, and the simple pleasure of a great meal shared in good company, rain or shine.

Masjid Bandaraya (Floating Mosque):

Visiting the Masjid Bandaraya Floating Mosque in Kota Kinabalu was a serene and awe-inspiring experience. Before entering, we dressed in traditional Muslim clothing provided at the entrance, which allowed us to respectfully step inside and fully appreciate the mosque’s peaceful ambiance and intricate Islamic architecture. The stunning white structure seemed to float gracefully on the tranquil lagoon, its reflection shimmering in the water and creating a breathtaking scene, especially at sunset.

Being able to walk through the prayer hall and admire the elegant domes and delicate calligraphy gave me a deeper understanding of the mosque’s cultural and spiritual significance. The Masjid Bandaraya Floating Mosque is not only a place of worship but also a symbol of unity and beauty for the local community. It’s truly a must-see landmark, offering both visual splendor and a moment of quiet reflection amidst the bustle of Kota Kinabalu.

Recommended Gears:

Camping:

Hiking Bag: Osprey Talon 36L
Super Lightweight Tent: Naturehike Cloud Up (2P)
Pillow: Naturehike Inflattable Pillow
Super Lightweight Chair: Naturehike Folding Chair

Gadgets:

Tech Bag: Cullen Wayne Commuter Backpack
Waterproof Bag: Naturehike 30L Bag
Drone: DJI Mini 4 Pro
Selfie Stick and Tripod: For insta 360 and Phone (needs holder)

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