There are many questions asked by first timers climbing Mt. Kinabalu.
Below are the most common and is definitely not exhaustive.
Q1.
What shall I bring for this trek?
A1.
Here are the most common things that you should bring for
the trek.
While trekking up to Laban Rata: sweater, drinking
water (as required), energy bars, nuts, raisins, IBUPROFEN (if you ever get
headache at Laban Rata), packed lunch (if you expect to reach Laban Rata after
lunch), walking sticks (you can rent wooden ones at the park), poncho, tissue
paper, wet tissue and a day pack to carry all these things.
While trekking up to the peak: poncho, torch light
worn on forehead, thermal wear, balaclava, hand gloves (for rope climbing),
tissue paper, wet tissue, drinking water (as required), energy bars, nuts and
raisins.
While trekking down from Laban Rata: sweater,
drinking water (as required), energy bars, nuts, raisins, walking sticks,
poncho, tissue paper, wet tissue and a day pack to carry all these things.
Q2.
Do I carry my own bags up to Laban Rata?
A2.
Most people will engage a porter for a fee to carry their backpack
containing overnight clothes and winter wears. Please engage a porter on the
day of your ascend at the park HQ. You will still need to carry ‘what you need
items’ in a day pack which is much lighter. Please do not let the porter carry
drinking water as there is plenty of it free at Laban Rata.
Q3.
What about my other clothes for the days after I come down
from the mountain. Where can I store them or do I let the porter carry it for
me up and down Mt.
Kinabalu?
A3.
Please do not let the porter carry them as this will add
weight translating into additional cost. You can leave it in your own bag or a
friend’s bag and store it for a fee at the park HQ storeroom.
Q4.
Will I experience rain while trekking?
A4.
On most mountains, the weather is unpredictable. Mt. Kinabalu
is no different. The rain can pour like cats and dogs. You might expect rain
mostly in the afternoon.
Q5.
How cold is it up at Laban Rata and the peak?
A5.
Laban Rata is 10,700 ft. and Low’s Peak is 13,400 ft.
whereas Genting Highlands is 5,500 ft. This fact gives you a rough idea how
cold it can get. Winter wear is definitely needed at both these places. It can
get very cold and windy at the peak too.
Q6.
Some people said they will get a massive headache upon
reaching Laban Rata, is it true?
A6.
Some people might get a headache upon reaching Laban Rata.
This is due to low oxygen levels at such a high altitude. You can take
IBUPROFEN to reduce it (please ask your pharmacist about this).
Q7.
I heard there is rock climbing at the peak. I don’t know
how, so can I still climb Mt.
Kinabalu?
A7.
Mt.
Kinabalu is the most
walkable mountain in the world. You do not need any experience doing this
climb. There are some parts that you need a rope to climb but it is not steep
and climbable by virtually anyone.
Q8.
What time do we need to start the night climb?
A8.
The guide will wake you up at 2am. You will start the ascend
to the peak at 2.30am. You can wake up earlier if you want to eat breakfast.
Q9.
My friend vomited upon starting the night climb, how can I
avoid this?
A9.
Some people start the night climb by climbing too fast thus
over exerting in a low oxygen environment. You breath in more and air starts to
built up thus causing you to vomit. Go slow when starting the night climb.
Don’t be pressured by people that go way ahead of you. Let people pass if you
are slow. Go at your own pace.
Q10.
What if it rains at the peak. Is it dangerous?
A10.
If it rains at night before the climb, normally you can
still climb to the peak. But if it continues to rain when you start the night
climb, the guide might stop your ascend. Just follow the guide’s instruction on
this.
Q11.
When do I pay the porter for carrying my bags?
A11.
Pay the porter when you come down from Mt. Kinabalu.
Q12.
Are there toilets located on the trek up Mt. Kinabalu?
A12.
Yes there are. Toilets are located every 1km along the
Timpohon and Mesilau route. The last toilet stop before reaching Low’s Peak is
at Sayat-Sayat which is 1.5km before the peak.
