Journey Start : On way up to Mt KK - Part I (18 Dec 09)

[18 Dec 09]

Waked up early in the morning as we are leaving to the KK park HQ to start climbing.

First and foremost, make sure you have booked a room with Laban Rata or Pendant Hut, otherwise you are not allowed to climb the moutain.


1. Firstly, you can deposit your luggage at the HQ, Sutera Santuary Lodge at RM10/luggage. Make sure you packed only the necessary items as you will be carrying them for the next 6km uphill.


2. Next, you have to register at the office to get your climbing permit and engage a moutain guide.


3. After which, remember to collect your free packed lunch from the Sutera Santuary Cafeteria. There is a staircase opposite the luggage deposit leading downward to the cafeteria (behind the trail map sign board). There are 2 companies who provide accommodation up in Mt KK. One is Laban Rata by Sutera Sanctuary and another is Pendant Hut by Moutain Torq. You can get the packed lunch from the cafeteria only if you book thru the Sutera Sanctuary. As whether Mountain Torq do provide lunch or not, I am not too sure because I learned about it only after I returned from the peak :)


4. Wait for your moutain guide and there will be a van to send you to the Timpohon Gate, the starting point of the 6km trail.






Necessary Items Checklist:

(I). Clothes for changing and those to keep you warm. Bring extra pairs especially the socks as you will get wet when you reached Laban Rata.

(II). Gloves - Strongly recommended if you going to the summit. It is very cold up there. However, if you going to the Ferrata, then you may prepare another thiner pair gloves so that it is easier to grap the rope.

(III). Head light with extra batteries - Strongly recommended and preferred over a torch light if you going to climb the summit

(IV). Food - For you to consume along the trail and when you rest at Laban Rata. Can bring energy/chocalate bar, 3-in-1 Coffee, instant noodle etc, coz these items are very costly up there.

(V). Hiking pole/Walking stick - Can buy a cheap walking stick at RM3 from the guide if you did not bring your own hiking pole. Personally i did not use it for the 6Km trail up/down but it does help me when climbing the 2.7km trail to the summit.

(VI). Poncho - A must unless you don't mind to get wet :).


Transportation costs (according to my tour guide, to be verified):

1 KKIA (Airport) to Kota Kinabalu Park HQ : RM180/one way per 8-seater taxi (Toyota Unser). Can accommodate 7 passengers.

2. Kota Kinabalu Park HQ to KK city : RM150/one way

There is also long distance bus available but I did not check for the details.
However, I did see a "Transportation Office" next to the luggage deposit, not sure if it is relevant.

Album:

18 Dec 09 (Mt KK - Up to Laban Rata)