Climbing on Mount Kinabalu

Trekking in Mount Kinabalu isn't for everyone, it's not a half day leisure stroll. You have to be fit because the trail is steep enough, constantly wriggling up and up, with no flat terrain to walk and rest your feet on and near the top you'll have to haul yourself up using the ropes. At the Laban Rata resthouse (you'll have to camp there for the night because you can't possible complete the climb on a single day) there are no amenities, except for a bunk-bed in the dorm where you'll sleep, a heater and maybe a hot shower at the common bathroom. When you enter the Kinabalu National Park you have to pay for the climbing permit, it's RM118. You're not allowed to go on the mountain without a guide and you can hire one at the Timpohon Gate for RM70 to RM80 depending on the number of people in the group. Book ahead for Laban Rata resthouse because the place is always full. Try the Sutera Sanctuary Lodges www.suterasanctuarylodges.com, they handle the bookings. Kinabalu National Park is aprox 55 miles from Kota Kinabalu.