Conquer Borneo and Malaysia's greatest peak, Mount Kinabalu! Trek with your naturalist guide through Kinabalu National Park, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you hike up to13,435 ft., search for the world's biggest flower, pitcher plant, and moth - all found on Mount Kinabalu! Stay overnight on the mountain before making your way to the summit early the third morning for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of seeing the sunrise high above the clouds. Return for boasting privileges of conquering one of the world's great mountains.
Highlights
Climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu, the tallest peak in Borneo!
Hike Kinabalu National Park, one of the most biodiverse areas on the planet
Find the world's biggest flower, pitcher plant, and moth!
Requires the highest level of physical challenge and performance. Includes tours involving strenuous multi-day trekking or summit hikes. The majority of the hours in most days are physically active. Travelers will need intensive training in advance to meet the physical demands on these trips.
Meet your guide in Kota Kinabalu and drive 2 hours overland (55 mi.) from sea-level to the foothills of Mt. Kinabalu at 5,000 feet. Make a short stop along the way at the Nabalu market to savor local fruits. As you wander the market stalls, peek through the trees to catch a glimpse of the impressive Mount Kinabalu towering on the horizon. Arrive at Kinabalu National Park this afternoon, home to over 6,000 plant species, of which 1,000 are orchids. The majority of Borneo's mammal, bird, amphibian, and invertebrate species are also represented within the park, creating one of the most biologically diverse places on the planet and rightfully claiming UNESCO World Heritage Status. Visit the Education Centre and Mountain Garden in Kinabalu National Park with your guide, then head to your hotel for a good night's sleep before beginning your climb. Temperature at the park is around 14°C - 25°C. Stay overnight in the park.
Wake this morning to the sound of the montane rainforest, listening for the calls of one of Kinabalu National Park's 326 bird species. Meet your certified Mountain Guide and porter and drive to the trailhead at Timpohon Gate, 6,000 feet above sea level. Climb for 4 - 6 hours, hiking into the higher cloud forest and eventually ascending into the alpine meadows, finally arriving at the Laban Rata Resthouse. This dormitory-style refuge clings to Mount Kinabalu at 10,700 ft., providing a half-way point on your journey to the summit and a cozy atmosphere to gather your strength for the next day. Take in the spectacular view while you eat a hot meal after a long day of hiking. Don't forget to look around for some of the carnivorous pitcher plants along the trail! Temperatures tonight range from 50°F - 65°F.
Day 3: Summit Mount Kinabalu | Return to Kota Kinabalu
1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch
Start your ascent at 3 am to reach the summit in time for the sunrise - a view you never forget. While the sun peeks above the sea of clouds, watch Borneo come to life as daylight takes hold. At 13,435 feet, you are standing on the highest point between the Himalayas and Papua New Guinea. Take photos and soak up the view, then return to Kinabalu National Park Headquarters for late high tea and transfer back to Kota Kinabalu.
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Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
Initial deposit is 50%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 70 days (10 weeks) prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
This was our first trip to South America and we were a little nervous. But Adventure Life made things so easy! All our questions were answered before we left, and our guide, Vidal, was amazing! He gave us enough space to explore without rushing us along. He also knew where the best picture taking opportunities were, which was great.
Lindsay Gompf
TrustScore 4.8 | 174 reviews
TrustScore 4.8 of 5
Based on 174 reviews on
8 hours ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
1 day ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.