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Am visiting Sabah in Dec/Jan 2009. Any tips going up Mt Kinabalu? Trekking tips, accommodation tips, makan tips, shopping tips and any tips and advices which you think will be useful to me.
After spending several hours on Google, I discovered that there are many lodges near Kinabalu Park. Anyone tried one of these lodges?
I have 2 weeks to play/relax in Sabah/Borneo and really need some advices to spend my time "productively" and economically.
Do remember to try yu kee bak kut teh in the city. Die die must try! If you are in luck you may be able to catch Rafflesia in full bloom. Since you have 2 weeks i think you can go for river rafting. Its quite out of the way from the Mount Kinabalu national park. I did not go because i had only 4 days there. You may also want to visit Poring for a dip in the hot spring. Actually nothing much in Poring if you don't have time i suggest giving it a miss. If you do go, you can pay to have a dip in the private pools or if you are on a budget have a dip in the public pool depending on if there is already a crowd there or not. 2 waterfalls, a butterfly park(pay) and treetop walk(pay) there.
Mountain climb itself? Lovely. I think it will much more fun not knowing what to expect. So i will not say more except what things to bring.
1. Quick dry pants
2. Outershell (Wind breaker) It rains randomly. Nope umbrella is impractical
3. Fleece Jacket. 10 degrees or less up there depends.
4. Headlight. A must.
5. Gloves. A must.
This is just my humble opinion, might not suit everybody. I have seen people going up in berms no gloves and have also seen people going up with ski masks.
Do enjoy your trip 
Hahah.. Laiboonh, I remember chatting with a fellow climber on my way up, and while I was freezing cold and fingers numb, the caucasian said "the temperature here is just nice!"
From what I hear about Kinabalu treks, it seem like it rains there every day - whether its on your way up, or down. So be prepared for that - quick dry is important.
There are two good (and cheap) things to buy - the wooden walking pole (if you are not bringing one) and the "kampung adidias" shoes for good grip (unless you are wearing gortex shoes which has better protection from the cold)
Pardon my ignorance.
What is "quick dry"?
Where can I get the "kampung adidias" shoes because I don't have gortex shoes.
I will sure go try the "yu kee bak kut teh" in the city. Will take pic to show you guys, promise!
I have been to the treetop and poring spring many many years ago so will probably give it a miss and intend to visit Sandakan instead.
It's just some feature/material of some trekking pants. If your pants get wet due to sweat or rain they can dry up quickly. With the cold and wet weather you can only hope that it dries up somehow. But in Singapore confirm dry up real fast. You can go to World of Sports to look for Columbia brand trekking pants. Some of those have such a feature. Trekking pole is a good buy indeed, remember to pick and choose. If they give you a not so sturdy one can ask to change for another. By the way, trekking poles are only useful for 1st part of the trek, 2nd part (2nd day early morning) not very useful because you will need both hands to tackle some ropes.
If you are Singaporean most likely you cannot tahan cold. I remember shivering in the morning while brushing teeth with the ice tap water.
Hi laiboon,
Thanks for the "quick dry" explanation. Now I understand.
I am a Singaporean and will definitely need the warm clothing.
Actually, I visited Kinabalu Park twice a long time ago, not for trekking, but was on a business trip to the Mamut Copper Mine.
Hi Hcshi,
If you plan to climb KK, must remember to do some training, 5-10km run, stairs climbing with load... Actually I think that period is a wet season. So bring rain gear too! 8-))
If I am not wrong, Sutera Sanctuary dominates the lodging at Mt KK, so if you are climbing, you have to go book with them the accommodation. Visit their website for more details: http://www.suterasanctuarylodges.com.my/
And bookings usually have to be done half a year in advance!... or unless you join a trekking adventure group (there are some local ones like X-trekkers, SAC, BOAC etc).
For side trips, you can go visit Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (it's made up of tiny islands)... for snorkeling, diving, R&R.... good place to go after climbing KK....(must go Poring Hotspring to reduce the muscle soreness after the climb too!)...
Well, that's what I did the last time (many many years ago... haha), so not sure if my info is still a popular choice... but what's important is you get to breath the fresh air and be away from our harsh envt for a while!
Hi Hschi,
I have been to Mt KK twice -2005 and just this national day (08/08/08). For both trips, i stayed in Mt Kinabalu HQ (Sutera Sanctuary). Stayed in a few different lodges there, feel that the best for $ is Peak Lodge. Great scenery. you can see the peak of Mt Kinabalu from the living room.
I went to Poring and the hot spring was theraputic. And we were fortunate that rafflesia was blooming. Saw 2 rafflesia in full bloom and one still 'wrap' up, yet to bloom. Praise God! It was an unexpected blessing. They did not put up sign to announce about the rafflesia. You got to ask the souvenir shop salesperson and they will let u know if they have found some. Got to pay a fee though.
Hope this info helps! : )
Thanks Mei!
Great information. Do you have some photos to share?
I will definitely check out Peak Lodge when I go there.
I hv difficulties contacting Sutera Sanctuary Lodges for rooms at Kinabalu Park & Laban Rata - no replies on emails, line not picked up for calls etc.
Anyone has any idea other way to check out the rooms availability?
Thx
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