What to Pack for Mount Kinabalu Climb

1ST ASCENT – TIMPOHON GATE TO PANALABAN / PENDANT HUT

(Day 1 Climb / Weather: Usually Warm & Sunny)

• Wear lightweight clothing like t-shirts and track pants.
• Wear covered walking/hiking shoes with good grip. (Sports shoe is adequate).
• Waterproof backpack to store your items. (If not, buy a rain cover for your backpack. Try to limit it to less than 6 kg. It would be a burden for you to bring more than that).
• A small lightweight towel.
• Trekking / Hiking Pole (can be purchased at Kinabalu Park at MYR 45/pole, simply inform our staff)

2ND ASCENT – PANALABAN / PENDANT HUT TO LOW’S PEAK SUMMIT

(Day 2 Climb / Weather: Usually Cold & Windy)

• Warm clothing is essential.
• Waterproof Wind breaker
• Fleece jackets, long sleeves shirts, thick trousers/hiking pants, thick socks and good shoes.
• Head Torch. (Head torch is necessary as most of the time you have to hold the rope in the dark).
• Cap / Beanie / Head Scarf /Balaclava mask. (It will keep warm and protect your head and face from the cold wind).
• Gloves. (Waterproof gloves is the best, It will protect your hands from rope burn and cold).
• Ponchos or Disposable raincoat or waterproof jacket in case of rain.

The most important rule in packing for a mountain climb is – travel light. Decide on the things that one may want to bring up the mountain and then halve it.

As you will need to carry your own packed lunch with you during the climb, we suggest you to reserve some space in your backpack to store your packed lunch. Otherwise it might not be a good idea to hand carry it along as you climb.

The Essentials for Mount Kinabalu

• Waterproof Backpack (or for non-waterproof bags, pack a Rain Cover).
• Lightweight Clothing.
• Comfortable Hiking Shoes.
• Change of Clothes.
• Warm Clothing.
• Waterproof Wind-breaker.
• Fleece Jacket.
• Head Torch for night climb.
• Cap, Beanie, Head Scarf or Balaclava Mask.
• Gloves.
• Ponchos or Disposable Raincoat.
• 1.5L Drinking Water.
• 500ML Isotonic Drink.
• Energy Food such as chocolates, nuts, biscuits, sweets, energy bars.
• Personal Toiletries such as soap, toothbrush & toothpaste.
• Socks.
• Sunglasses, Sunblock Lotion, SPF Lip Balm, Plasters (Band Aid).
• Small Towel.
• Trekking / Hiking Pole.
• Medication such as Painkillers or Altitude Sickness Tablets
• Camera & Waterproof Camera Bag.
• Waist Pouch or Smaller Bag for Summit Ascent.

Optional

• Toilet Tissue Papers.
• Flip Flops / Sandals (for use in wet bathroom).
• Insect Repellent (to keep creepy crawlies away).
• Extra Plastic Bags.
• Small Water Bottle

NOTE: Sleeping Bags are not needed for a Mount Kinabalu Climb.

Climbers can store their belongings and luggage at the Kinabalu Park HQ Reception before the climb for a small storage fee. We recommend packing only the necessities mentioned above in a waterproof backpack for the climb. However, climbers may also hire a porter to help carry their belongings should they find it necessary. Below are the porter fees payable at Kinabalu Park HQ.

How Much is the Porter Fees?

What is the latest Mount Kinabalu guides hiring guidelines?