There’s something deeply satisfying about standing on top of a mountain, watching the sun rise over the clouds after a tough hike.
Especially when that mountain is Mount Kinabalu; Malaysia’s highest peak and one of the most iconic climbs in Southeast Asia.
I’d wanted to tackle this beast for years, and when the chance came up to do it with two of our best mates, Hannah and Bertie, we locked it in.
We signed up with Amazing Borneo for their 2-day, 1-night summit and via ferrata package, and honestly, the entire experience was superb.
From start to finish, the adventure was smooth, fun, and a memorable challenge to tick off from the bucket list.
Here’s how our Mount Kinabalu climb went down.
A Bit of Background: The Story of Mount Kinabalu
Before we get into the trip itself, a quick bit of history because this mountain isn’t just a pretty rock.
Mount Kinabalu stands at 4,095 metres (13,435 feet) and dominates the skyline of Sabah, in Malaysian Borneo.
It’s the tallest mountain between the Himalayas and New Guinea, and it holds deep spiritual significance for the local Kadazan-Dusun people.
The name is thought to come from “Aki Nabalu,” meaning “the revered place of the dead,” and according to tradition, it’s where spirits go to rest after passing on.
The first recorded ascent happened in 1851 by British administrator Hugh Low, who made it to the summit plateau (the peak is now named Low’s Peak after him).
But it wasn’t until 1888 that someone – zoologist John Whitehead – actually reached the highest point. Since then, Kinabalu has become a magnet for adventurers, nature lovers, and anyone chasing that feeling of standing on the roof of Borneo.
In 1964 Kinabalu Park was established to protect the area, and in 2000, it became Malaysia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its biodiversity. It is after all one of the most important ecological zones in the world.
So as you can see, it’s more than just a climb. It’s a journey into culture, nature, history and serious altitude.
Day 1: Kota Kinabalu to Panalaban Base Camp
Our alarm went off at 5am in Kota Kinabalu.
We dragged ourselves out of bed, zipped up our packs, met the Amazing Borneo team downstairs with a comfortable private van, and within moments we were ready to roll.
Coffee in…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at NOMADasaurus…