Mount Kinabalu Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Mount Kinabalu with our comprehensive tour guide featuring the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu is a majestic mountain located in Sabah, Malaysia, in Southeast Asia. It is the highest peak in Borneo, standing at 4,095 meters above sea level, and is known for its stunning views and diverse flora and fauna. Mount Kinabalu is a popular destination for hikers, outdoor enthusiasts, and nature lovers alike. In this comprehensive tour guide, we will highlight the best places to visit, things to do, food and drink scene, where to stay, and more in Mount Kinabalu.

List of Places to Visit in Mount Kinabalu

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Sabah State Museum - Learn about the history and culture of Sabah at this museum, which showcases traditional costumes, weapons, and musical instruments of the various ethnic groups in Sabah.
  2. Monsopiad Cultural Village - This living museum offers visitors the opportunity to experience the traditional way of life of the Kadazandusun people, who are the largest ethnic group in Sabah.
  3. Kundasang War Memorial - This memorial pays tribute to the Australian and British soldiers who died during World War II while defending the area against the Japanese.

Natural Attractions of Mount Kinabalu: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Kinabalu Park - This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a variety of plant and animal species, including the Rafflesia, the world’s largest flower.
  2. Poring Hot Springs - Relax and unwind in the natural hot springs after a long day of hiking or exploring.
  3. Desa Cattle Dairy Farm - Experience the beauty of the Sabah countryside while learning about the milking process and trying their famous fresh milk and ice cream.
  4. Mountain Garden - A botanic garden with a vast collection of plants and flowers from tropical and temperate regions of the world.
  5. Mesilau Nature Resort - A peaceful haven amidst the mountains where you can enjoy nature walks, bird watching, and horse riding.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Mount Kinabalu

There are two main hiking routes up Mount Kinabalu – the Summit Trail and the Mesilau Trail. Both trails offer stunning views and a unique hiking experience, but the Summit Trail is the more popular of the two. The Summit Trail is approximately 8.7 km and takes around two days to complete, while the Mesilau Trail is 9.5 km long and takes around three days to complete. The trails are challenging and require a high level of fitness, so it is recommended to train before embarking on the hike.

Best Things to Do in Mount Kinabalu: Activities and Tours

  1. Sunrise Summit Climb - Hike to the summit of Mount Kinabalu and watch the sunrise over the majestic peak.
  2. Via Ferrata - Experience the highest via ferrata in the world, which is an assisted climbing route along Mount Kinabalu’s vertiginous granite walls.
  3. White Water Rafting - Experience the thrill of white-water rafting down the Padas River.
  4. Tandem Paragliding - Soar above the mountains and take in the stunning views of Sabah on a tandem paragliding ride.

Week-Long Itinerary for Mount Kinabalu

Day Activities
Day 1 Explore Sabah State Museum and Monsopiad Cultural Village
Day 2 Hike the Summit Trail and spend the night at Laban Rata
Day 3 Watch the sunrise from the summit of Mount Kinabalu and hike down to the park
Day 4 Visit Desa Cattle Dairy Farm and Poring Hot Springs
Day 5 Go white-water rafting down the Padas River
Day 6 Take a day trip to Kundasang War Memorial and Mesilau Nature Resort
Day 7 Relax and unwind in Kinabalu Park and Mountain Garden

Food and Drink Scene of Mount Kinabalu

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Hinava - A traditional Kadazandusun dish consisting of raw fish marinated in lime juice and served with sliced onions and chili.
  2. Tuhau - A spicy and tangy pickled wild ginger with shallots and bird’s eye chili.
  3. Nonsom Soup - A sour soup made with fish, turmeric, ginger, and lemongrass.
  4. Ambuyat - A starchy dish made from the sago palm tree and eaten with a bamboo fork.

Local Beverages

  1. Sabah Tea - Freshly brewed tea made from tea leaves grown in the highlands of Sabah.
  2. Borneo Beer - A locally brewed beer that is light and refreshing.
  3. Tenom Coffee - A strong and aromatic coffee grown in the interior of Sabah.

Where to Stay in Mount Kinabalu: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Sutera Sanctuary Lodges - Affordable accommodations located within the Kinabalu Park, ranging from dormitory rooms to luxury villas.
  2. Skyville Zen Resort - A serene and peaceful resort located in Kundasang, with stunning views of Mount Kinabalu.
  3. D’Villa Rina Ria Lodge - A budget-friendly lodge located in a quiet and peaceful spot in Kundasang.

What to Buy in Mount Kinabalu: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Handmade traditional costumes, hats, and bags by the local people
  2. Sabah Tea, Tenom Coffee and other local food products
  3. Handicrafts made from rattan or bamboo, such as baskets or purses

Local Culture and Customs of Mount Kinabalu

The people of Sabah are known for their warm and friendly nature. Visitors should respect the local customs and culture, including dressing modestly when visiting cultural and religious sites. It is also customary to remove shoes before entering a home or temple.

Best Time to Visit Mount Kinabalu

The best time to visit Mount Kinabalu is during the dry season, which runs from April to October. During this time, the weather is cool and dry, and the skies are clear, providing excellent visibility for hikers and mountain climbers.

Do’s and Don’ts of Mount Kinabalu

Do:

  1. Dress appropriately for the weather and bring appropriate footwear.
  2. Stay hydrated and fuel up on carbohydrates before embarking on the hike.
  3. Follow the instructions of the park rangers and guides.
  4. Respect the environment and do not litter.

Don’t:

  1. Overestimate your physical ability and attempt to climb without proper training.
  2. Take unnecessary risks while hiking.
  3. Leave the designated hiking trails.

Safety and Health

Safety in Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu is a safe destination, but visitors should take precautions such as hiring a licensed guide and avoiding hiking alone. It is also important to check the weather conditions before embarking on the hike and to be prepared for sudden changes in weather.

Health in Mount Kinabalu

Visitors to Mount Kinabalu should be up to date on all routine vaccinations, as well as typhoid and hepatitis A. It is also recommended to get a yellow fever vaccine if traveling from a country with a risk of the disease. Visitors should also take precautions against mosquito bites and avoid drinking tap water.

Getting to Mount Kinabalu: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Mount Kinabalu

Kota Kinabalu International Airport is the nearest international airport to Mount Kinabalu, with flights from major international cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Bangkok.

Bus Stations Near Mount Kinabalu

There are regular bus services from Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Park, which takes around two hours. Buses also operate from Sandakan and Tawau, which are located on the east coast of Sabah.

Other Options

Visitors can also arrange for private transport or a tour package, which includes transportation to and from Mount Kinabalu and other popular destinations in Sabah.

How to Get Around in Mount Kinabalu

The best way to explore Mount Kinabalu is on foot, especially when hiking the trails. Visitors can also hire a taxi or rent a car to explore the surrounding areas.

Where to Go Next from Mount Kinabalu: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Kinabalu Park - Continue exploring the park and learn about the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the area.
  2. Kota Kinabalu - Explore the vibrant city and enjoy the bustling night markets and delicious seafood.
  3. Sandakan - Visit the Sepilok Orangutan Rehabilitation Centre and the Kinabatangan River, which is known for its diverse wildlife.

Conclusion

Mount Kinabalu is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking adventure and natural beauty. From hiking to the summit to relaxing in natural hot springs, there is something for everyone in Sabah. We hope that this comprehensive tour guide has provided useful information for planning your trip to Mount Kinabalu.

The top of Mount Kinabalu is usually clouded over. Early mornings are the best time for a view. The top of Mount Kinabalu is usually clouded over. Early mornings are the best time for a view. Rocky Stairs to Mount Kinabalu Summit Rocky Stairs to Mount Kinabalu Summit The view down Mt Kinabalu The view down Mt Kinabalu 21st Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 2007 - Hall of Fame 21st Mount Kinabalu International Climbathon 2007 - Hall of Fame Summit trail Summit trail