Kota Kinabalu Mount Kinabalu Hiking: Exhausting Yet Rewarding Adventure Trip

Challenged the majestic peak of Southeast Asia, Mount Kinabalu, located near Kota Kinabalu/Sabah Kundasan, Malaysia, to kick off the New Year. This two-day, one-night adventure was an exhilarating and unforgettable experience, though it certainly tested my endurance…

✈️ **Flight**: I flew with China Eastern Airlines on a direct flight from Shanghai to Kota Kinabalu, which took 4.5 hours each way. The total round trip cost was ¥2880, making it a convenient and affordable option.

🛂 **Visa**: Malaysia offers visa-free entry, so all you need to do is register and print the MDAC entry card at least three days in advance. Just bring your return ticket and hotel reservation, and you’ll breeze through Malaysian immigration.

🗺️ **Itinerary**: On the first day, I explored the charming city of Kota Kinabalu. You can book an island-hopping boat ticket at Jesselton Point Ferry Terminal to enjoy the stunning island scenery or savor some local delicacies. I highly recommend catching the breathtaking sunset at Tanjung Aru and relaxing at the Shangri-La Sunset Bar, which offers a truly mesmerizing view. Kota Kinabalu is a cozy, small city with a cost of living similar to that in China, making it easy to navigate and enjoy.

🥾 **Hiking Arrangements**: Mount Kinabalu is about a two-hour drive from Kota Kinabalu. Since the hike starts at 8:30 AM, if you’re staying in Kota Kinabalu, you’ll need to arrange for a driver to pick you up at 5:30 AM to get to the Kundasan registration office. The entrance fee for foreigners is 50 MYR, and the guide fee, shared among the group, is 350 MYR, with a maximum of five people per group.

Additionally, the Mt Kinabalu hike must be booked in advance on the official website, with expenses ranging from 600-900 MYR for foreigners, which includes three meals and one night’s accommodation. I was fortunate to meet some Chinese friends who helped share the costs, bringing the total to about 1000 MYR/1560 RMB.

💡 **Important Tips**:
1. **Booking**: The Mt Kinabalu hike must be booked in advance on the official website, and tickets can be hard to come by during peak season. During the off-season or rainy season, the views can be quite unpredictable, often obscured by clouds and fog.
2. **Fitness Level**: The hike is quite challenging, especially for those without a fitness base.

It’s advisable to do some mountaineering training beforehand. The first day involves a 6 km trek, and on the second day, you start at 2:30 AM for an 11 km hike, including rock climbing.
3. **Altitude Sickness**: The elevation gain from 1600m to the summit at 4095m, a climb of 2400m, is roughly equivalent to scaling three Burj Khalifas.

After arriving on the first day, it’s common to experience altitude reactions. For more tips and strategies, check out other Xiaohongshu posts.

In summary, the breathtaking beauty of Mount Kinabalu is definitely worth the effort, and it’s an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience.