ASCENT OF MOUNT KINABALU

The 8.8 km ascent to Low's Peak takes 2 days and one night. It's also possible to do the route in 3 days to take your time and let your body acclimatize more slowly, provided you have the budget. Although the climb does not require any special skills, climbers should be in good physical shape.

Formalities. The park issues a maximum of 163 paid permits per day, and you must be accompanied by a guide. A park entrance fee is also required. You can opt for the classic ascent with an overnight stay at the Laban Rata hut, or take the via ferrata with an overnight stay at the Pendant Hut hut. The two huts are 100 metres apart at an altitude of 3,270 metres. In all cases, you need to book at least 6 months in advance if you hope to obtain a permit. The park authorities require a passport for registration formalities. They then issue you with an identity tag, which you are required to carry with you at all times while in the park. The park rangers also give you 2 coupons for the Balsam Buffet Restaurant. The first coupon entitles you to a picnic lunch on the first day; the second is for use at the restaurant the following day, after the descent.

Day 1. The first day is devoted to the Timpohon Trail to the refuge. Check-in at the park entrance between 7:30 and 10:30 am. No more departures are allowed after 11am. The climb takes between 4 and 6 hours, depending on your pace. Please note: if you have opted for the via ferrata, you must arrive at the refuge before 3:30 p.m. for the mandatory briefing. If you miss this stage, you will not be allowed to complete the climb the following day, with no possibility of reimbursement.

From the park headquarters, a shuttle (for a fee) operated by Sabah Parks staff takes you up to Timpohon Gate at an altitude of 1,866 metres. The route begins with a gentle descent to the small Carson waterfall, surrounded by climbing plants and moss. The ascent begins here, and never stops. The first section is mainly marked by steps formed by tree roots. There are seven rest stations along the way, with toilets and drinking water, where you can stop until you reach the refuge. We advise you to leave the park headquarters as early as possible, so that you can rest at the refuge and acclimatize to the altitude. Some people experience altitude sickness at this stage.

Day 2. After a short night's sleep and a light breakfast at the refuge, the second part of the climb begins very early in the morning, at 2.30 am. The 2.72-kilometer ascent is via the New Ranau Trail, a path laid out after the 2015 earthquake damaged the original trail. You'll now be walking on granite slabs, at a leisurely pace. Numerous handrails line this section to facilitate climbing on the rocks. You have to take your time, and go very slowly to save your breath, as each step is a victory as the air gets thinner.

At an altitude of 3,668 meters, the trail joins the Kuta Belud Trail (closed since January 2019), which serves as an alternative route on the way down. The Sayat-Sayat hut offers a place to recuperate before the final ascent, as well as toilet facilities. It is also compulsory to report to the Sabah Parks staff. At this altitude, the vegetation changes completely, giving way to a mineral world. But it's on the way back that you'll notice, as it's still dark for the end of the trek. After 3 hours of arduous ascent, you finally reach the summit and daylight fades on the horizon. A spectacular view of the mountain plateau and the valley below graces you with an unforgettable reward. You've reached Low's Peak at an altitude of 4,095 m, and you can take photos in front of the sign that testifies to this.

Descent. Then it's back down to the hut, in broad daylight, and the dizzying peaks that dot the route. A second breakfast is served at the refuge. After check-out, you descend to Timpohon Gate. Weather permitting, the descent takes around 3 hours. Knee braces are recommended for those with weak knees, as the descent is long and there are many steps. You can pick up a diploma attesting to your ascent at the park headquarters (RM10) and conclude this crazy adventure at the Balsam Restaurant.

Useful tips. The night before the climb, you may wish to sleep at park headquarters or outside the park, so as not to have to take the bus from Sandakan or Kota Kinabalu on the morning of the climb, and thus gain a few hours' sleep.

Make sure you're warmly equipped, as it can freeze at the summit and the Day 2 ascent takes place at night. A headlamp is a must, to light the narrow path and spot the handrails.

Mount Kinabalu is not immune to heavy rain. Bring rain gear and plastic pockets to protect your electronic devices and passport.