The Budget Guide to Mount Kinabalu (via Timpohon Gate)
Disclaimer: This guide is written based on my own experience and may not be comprehensive enough, I would suggest that you still do your own research.
Since Mt. Kinabalu was privatized few years ago, the tourism business up to the mountains has been monopolized by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (SSL), the biggest hotel operator in Sabah. A climbing package that is booked directly from SSL would cost at least RM600 (for Malaysians) and RM800 for non-Malaysians. This guide serves to help you save at least RM300 and that is only if you can allow yourself at least 5 days' stay at Kinabalu Parks and/or be prepared to not climb Mt. Kinabalu AT ALL. Be prepared to bump into lots of obstacles because there're so many tour operators waiting to con your money.
//Trails//
There're two trails you can follow: via Timpohon Gate (8.75km to summit) and via Mesilau Gate (10.9km to summit). Most people choose to enter via Timpohon Gate as it is the easier trail and I personally do not recommend Mesilau trail for first-timers. (more information on the trails here: http://kinabalutourguide.com/mount-kinabalu-map-and-trail-conditions.html)
//Itinerary//
There are two stages to the climb - the climb to Laban Rata and to the summit. Most climbers start their climb to Laban Rata at 8 or 9 in the morning. Depending on your fitness level, the climb takes an average of 6-7 hours, depending on your fitness level. The afternoon is free for your leisure. The climb to the summit starts at 2-3am so you'll be able to reach the summit before the sun rises. That's when you give yourself a pat on the back for making it so far! :)
//Expense Breakdown - 21-25 May//Accommodation21-22 MayMountain Resthouse (500 metres from Kinabalu National Parks HQ) [RM20/night/pax] x 2 nights = RM40
23 MayGunting Lagadan Hut (Laban Rata) [RM384/pax] x 1 night = RM342
* Inclusive of:
1-night stay at Laban Rata (dormitory), packed lunch, buffet dinner, supper and breakfast
Entrance fees RM3 (RM15 for non-Malaysians)
Permit RM30 (RM100 for non-Malaysians)
Insurance RM7
24 May
David Bed & Breakfast (Kundasang Village) [RM25/night/pax] x 1 night = RM25
* Inclusive of breakfast
Note: Instead of heading back to Kota Kinabalu after the climb, we decided to take a mini bus (RM2/pax) to Kundasang Village nearby and stayed there for a night before rushing for our flight the next day. It's a small town, very similar to Cameron Highlands, with lots of plantations and a vegetable market in sight (every Friday is the locals' 'market day' or 'tamu', as the locals call it).
TransportationAirport transfer to Kinabalu Parks (~90km) RM160/cab
Kinabalu Parks HQ to Timpohon Gate (return trip) RM16.50/pax
Kinabalu Parks to Kota Kinabalu RM20/pax
Note: Our biggest mistake was arriving too late at Kota Kinabalu and thus were forced to take an airport taxi instead of taking public transportation - paying an extra RM80 for the two of us.
MiscellaneousMountain guide RM128/guide
Note: We arrived at the Parks HQ early in the morning, in hope to look for climbers to share the guide fees with us. In the end, we couldn't as most climbers booked their climbing packages through private tour operators (who took care of everything). And we are glad we didn't share our guide. If you have weaker members or girls (like me) in your team, it's best to have one guide to two, max. three climbers. He would be SO MUCH HELP!
TOTAL: RM573/pax (shared cost)
_____
//The Guide//
AccommodationThis is what will cost you the most. Remember I said there are two stages to the climb? This means that there are two places you have to settle - accommodation at Kinabalu Parks and at Laban Rata. One thing you have to take note, though - NO climber is allowed climb Mt. Kinabalu without a confirmed reservation at Laban Rata. All climbers have to register at the Parks office and pay for their permits.
Most people would advise you to call up SSL six months in advance to make an advanced booking because if you don't, those packages would be all booked out by private tour operators (who would then sell the same packages to you at almost 1.5x the price). That was what I did and I was quoted RM640/pax for accommodation at Kinabalu Parks and Laban Rata (Gunting Lagadan Hut) and full board meals.
OUR 'LE SIGH' STORY: We had our package nicely booked in December 2011 for our trip set in May 2012, only to find out the staff we talked to mixed up March and May. And I made the grave mistake of not checking the booking summary. So we ended up paying RM640 worth of deposit for nothing. There was nothing we could do then. Later we found a hostel 500 metres from the Parks entrance (@RM20/pax, yay) and tried our luck the next morning if there're any vacancies at Laban Rata. While we wasted RM600+, we found alternatives to SSL's ridiculous monopoly.
An average package from tour operators would cost RM800 (link: http://www.cuti.my/tour/info/id/3339/Malaysia/Sabah/tour/2D1N-Mount-Kinabalu-Conquest-%28Year-2012%29/) and that doesn't even include accommodation at Kinabalu Parks. The quoted price I got from SSL was only RM342/pax for a night's stay at Laban Rata + full board meals.
Kinabalu Parks (Day 1)
There are many hostels and guesthouses around the area so it wouldn't be much of a trouble to look for one that fits your budget.
Laban Rata (Day 2)
Wake up at 6.30am today and make your move to SSL concierge earlier than others! Ask the receptionist if there are any vacancies/cancellations at Laban Rata (since you won't be allowed to climb the mountain without a confirmed place at Laban Rata). You can choose to wait until 10am. If there still isn't any good news by then, I'm sorry, my friend. You'll have to wait for the next day then. Remember to ask the receptionists for the earliest possible dates. This would cost you around RM340 (full board meals, permit, insurance and entrance fees).
Once you've booked your accommodation at Laban Rata, congratulations, you're ready to go!
Transportation
From Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Parks (90km) and back/// - you can take a van (the locals call these vans 'mini buses' or kereta sewa) from Kota Kinabalu and it would cost you RM20/pax one-way. Ask around and you should be able to find your way.
If you choose to take a cab, make sure you buy a ticket from the airport taxi counter (RM160/cab). Flagging a taxi down the road may cost you a bomb. I've heard of people paying up to RM250 for a cab.
(More on public transportation in Kota Kinabalu: http://www.kotakinabalu-travel.com/kota_kinabalu-transportation)
From Kinabalu Parks to Timpohon Gate
Buy a ticket from the transportation office beside the Parks office. It costs RM16.50/pax for a return trip. Or if you have 5 people and above in your group, the cost would be reduced to RM4/pax. Too bad we couldn't find people to share the cost so we paid RM16.50.
Miscellaneous
Mountain guides
At Kinabalu Parks, the more people you have in your group, the less each of you has to pay since the cost will be shared amongst you. This includes mountain guides. However, like I've said, if you have a few weaker members or girls in your group, have a maximum 3 people to one guide.
Porters
Hiring a porter doesn't come cheap in Kinabalu Parks. These porters work really hard, ferrying water, food, etc. up the hills. So they deserve all the credits. But, if you're reeeeeeeeally poor *cough*like us*cough*, don't waste over a hundred ringgit on porters. Pack the things you need in a daypack and leave your main bag at Sutera Sanctuary Lodge at a price of RM10. Each climber gets to deposit one bag. Ask the staff for help. SSL and Parks office staff are your best friends at Kinabalu Parks.
_____
That's all, folks! Remember to plan, plan, plan! When in doubt, ask! Research for more info. Intensive planning is your best friend to budget travelling. ;)
Since Mt. Kinabalu was privatized few years ago, the tourism business up to the mountains has been monopolized by Sutera Sanctuary Lodges (SSL), the biggest hotel operator in Sabah. A climbing package that is booked directly from SSL would cost at least RM600 (for Malaysians) and RM800 for non-Malaysians. This guide serves to help you save at least RM300 and that is only if you can allow yourself at least 5 days' stay at Kinabalu Parks and/or be prepared to not climb Mt. Kinabalu AT ALL. Be prepared to bump into lots of obstacles because there're so many tour operators waiting to con your money.
//Trails//
There're two trails you can follow: via Timpohon Gate (8.75km to summit) and via Mesilau Gate (10.9km to summit). Most people choose to enter via Timpohon Gate as it is the easier trail and I personally do not recommend Mesilau trail for first-timers. (more information on the trails here: http://kinabalutourguide.com/mount-kinabalu-map-and-trail-conditions.html)
//Itinerary//
There are two stages to the climb - the climb to Laban Rata and to the summit. Most climbers start their climb to Laban Rata at 8 or 9 in the morning. Depending on your fitness level, the climb takes an average of 6-7 hours, depending on your fitness level. The afternoon is free for your leisure. The climb to the summit starts at 2-3am so you'll be able to reach the summit before the sun rises. That's when you give yourself a pat on the back for making it so far! :)
//Expense Breakdown - 21-25 May//Accommodation21-22 MayMountain Resthouse (500 metres from Kinabalu National Parks HQ) [RM20/night/pax] x 2 nights = RM40
23 MayGunting Lagadan Hut (Laban Rata) [RM384/pax] x 1 night = RM342
* Inclusive of:
1-night stay at Laban Rata (dormitory), packed lunch, buffet dinner, supper and breakfast
Entrance fees RM3 (RM15 for non-Malaysians)
Permit RM30 (RM100 for non-Malaysians)
Insurance RM7
24 May
David Bed & Breakfast (Kundasang Village) [RM25/night/pax] x 1 night = RM25
* Inclusive of breakfast
Note: Instead of heading back to Kota Kinabalu after the climb, we decided to take a mini bus (RM2/pax) to Kundasang Village nearby and stayed there for a night before rushing for our flight the next day. It's a small town, very similar to Cameron Highlands, with lots of plantations and a vegetable market in sight (every Friday is the locals' 'market day' or 'tamu', as the locals call it).
TransportationAirport transfer to Kinabalu Parks (~90km) RM160/cab
Kinabalu Parks HQ to Timpohon Gate (return trip) RM16.50/pax
Kinabalu Parks to Kota Kinabalu RM20/pax
Note: Our biggest mistake was arriving too late at Kota Kinabalu and thus were forced to take an airport taxi instead of taking public transportation - paying an extra RM80 for the two of us.
MiscellaneousMountain guide RM128/guide
Note: We arrived at the Parks HQ early in the morning, in hope to look for climbers to share the guide fees with us. In the end, we couldn't as most climbers booked their climbing packages through private tour operators (who took care of everything). And we are glad we didn't share our guide. If you have weaker members or girls (like me) in your team, it's best to have one guide to two, max. three climbers. He would be SO MUCH HELP!
TOTAL: RM573/pax (shared cost)
_____
//The Guide//
AccommodationThis is what will cost you the most. Remember I said there are two stages to the climb? This means that there are two places you have to settle - accommodation at Kinabalu Parks and at Laban Rata. One thing you have to take note, though - NO climber is allowed climb Mt. Kinabalu without a confirmed reservation at Laban Rata. All climbers have to register at the Parks office and pay for their permits.
Most people would advise you to call up SSL six months in advance to make an advanced booking because if you don't, those packages would be all booked out by private tour operators (who would then sell the same packages to you at almost 1.5x the price). That was what I did and I was quoted RM640/pax for accommodation at Kinabalu Parks and Laban Rata (Gunting Lagadan Hut) and full board meals.
OUR 'LE SIGH' STORY: We had our package nicely booked in December 2011 for our trip set in May 2012, only to find out the staff we talked to mixed up March and May. And I made the grave mistake of not checking the booking summary. So we ended up paying RM640 worth of deposit for nothing. There was nothing we could do then. Later we found a hostel 500 metres from the Parks entrance (@RM20/pax, yay) and tried our luck the next morning if there're any vacancies at Laban Rata. While we wasted RM600+, we found alternatives to SSL's ridiculous monopoly.
An average package from tour operators would cost RM800 (link: http://www.cuti.my/tour/info/id/3339/Malaysia/Sabah/tour/2D1N-Mount-Kinabalu-Conquest-%28Year-2012%29/) and that doesn't even include accommodation at Kinabalu Parks. The quoted price I got from SSL was only RM342/pax for a night's stay at Laban Rata + full board meals.
Kinabalu Parks (Day 1)
There are many hostels and guesthouses around the area so it wouldn't be much of a trouble to look for one that fits your budget.
Laban Rata (Day 2)
Wake up at 6.30am today and make your move to SSL concierge earlier than others! Ask the receptionist if there are any vacancies/cancellations at Laban Rata (since you won't be allowed to climb the mountain without a confirmed place at Laban Rata). You can choose to wait until 10am. If there still isn't any good news by then, I'm sorry, my friend. You'll have to wait for the next day then. Remember to ask the receptionists for the earliest possible dates. This would cost you around RM340 (full board meals, permit, insurance and entrance fees).
Once you've booked your accommodation at Laban Rata, congratulations, you're ready to go!
Transportation
From Kota Kinabalu to Kinabalu Parks (90km) and back/// - you can take a van (the locals call these vans 'mini buses' or kereta sewa) from Kota Kinabalu and it would cost you RM20/pax one-way. Ask around and you should be able to find your way.
If you choose to take a cab, make sure you buy a ticket from the airport taxi counter (RM160/cab). Flagging a taxi down the road may cost you a bomb. I've heard of people paying up to RM250 for a cab.
(More on public transportation in Kota Kinabalu: http://www.kotakinabalu-travel.com/kota_kinabalu-transportation)
From Kinabalu Parks to Timpohon Gate
Buy a ticket from the transportation office beside the Parks office. It costs RM16.50/pax for a return trip. Or if you have 5 people and above in your group, the cost would be reduced to RM4/pax. Too bad we couldn't find people to share the cost so we paid RM16.50.
Miscellaneous
Mountain guides
At Kinabalu Parks, the more people you have in your group, the less each of you has to pay since the cost will be shared amongst you. This includes mountain guides. However, like I've said, if you have a few weaker members or girls in your group, have a maximum 3 people to one guide.
Porters
Hiring a porter doesn't come cheap in Kinabalu Parks. These porters work really hard, ferrying water, food, etc. up the hills. So they deserve all the credits. But, if you're reeeeeeeeally poor *cough*like us*cough*, don't waste over a hundred ringgit on porters. Pack the things you need in a daypack and leave your main bag at Sutera Sanctuary Lodge at a price of RM10. Each climber gets to deposit one bag. Ask the staff for help. SSL and Parks office staff are your best friends at Kinabalu Parks.
_____
That's all, folks! Remember to plan, plan, plan! When in doubt, ask! Research for more info. Intensive planning is your best friend to budget travelling. ;)
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AGRADEÇO! Beijos