Explore Kota Kinabalu and Conquer Mount Kinabalu: Breathtaking Scenic Views Await
Jot down your thoughts and share some insights, hoping they might be of some help.
I recently flew with AirAsia on a round trip. When departing from Shenzhen, there was a weight check, but interestingly, on the return journey via Kuala Lumpur, there was no weighing, though I did notice an extra security check. After checking in online and printing the boarding pass, you can head straight to the boarding gate. If you don’t have checked luggage, you can skip the counter, and the security check feels much more relaxed compared to domestic flights.
Despite the limited time, Silavu Beach left a lasting impression with its stunning beauty. While I’m not sure if there are sunsets every day, around 6 PM, you can usually catch a breathtaking one. The beach is incredibly comfortable and inviting, perfect for a relaxing afternoon.
The local cuisine was quite intense; even the spicy shrimp, which was deep-fried and generously coated with sugar, seemed tailored for younger palates, especially college students. I particularly enjoyed Malaysian drinks, with my favorite being the salty plum and lemon flavor combination.
We decided to stay at J Residence a day in advance instead of taking the Dreamtel shuttle. We booked our bus tickets through the Easybook app. Before boarding, the driver will ask where you plan to get off, and you can mention Mount Kinabalu or the National Park, which takes about an hour. This option is a bit pricier than the Dreamtel car, but it’s convenient.
The next morning, we headed to Kinabalu Park. Upon entry, you pay 50 RM. Then, turn right to the first building where you can store your luggage for 15 RM. In the adjacent room, you register and provide necessary information, and pay 35 RM for the round-trip transportation between the main gate and Timpohon Gate.
The mountain guide fee is 350 RM, covering up to five people. For the gear needed for the summit, you can hire a porter, and if it’s not too heavy, the guide will assist for 14 RM per kg, which is quite reasonable.
Then, the climb begins. As long as you have the stamina, just keep going. After reaching the PL accommodation, dinner is served at 4:30 PM, and after eating, you rest. The next day, breakfast is at 2 AM, and you set off at 2:30 AM. Make sure to reach the checkpoint by 5:30 AM, or you won’t be allowed to summit.
Most people make it, so don’t worry. There are a few sections that require ropes, and those with less hand strength should be cautious. One of my teammates struggled, and a Malay girl was also slow, making this section a bit challenging and time-consuming.
On the way down, I heard from other hikers that if you haven’t reached the starting point by 4 PM, you need to pay the guide overtime. We were a bit late, but they didn’t charge us, and I’m not sure why. My English isn’t great, so I didn’t understand much of what the guide said.
For the return journey, you can book a car back to Kota Kinabalu at the luggage storage for 250 RM. If you find this option a bit steep, there’s a more budget-friendly alternative: hailing a yellow-topped taxi at the park entrance for just 30 RM per person, which will take you back to Dreamtel in Kota Kinabalu.
I must extend my gratitude to another guide who assisted us in securing a ride. It took less than five minutes, and we felt incredibly fortunate. The guide had a striking resemblance to the lead dancer of a muscular dance troupe, though I should admit that I’m not great with faces, so it might just be a coincidence.
If you have any further questions or need additional details, please don’t hesitate to leave a comment. I’ll do my best to provide the information you need.
