River Junkie – fuel the addiction
River Junkie – fuel the addiction

River Junkie Tours Sdn. Bhd. — licensed Kota Kinabalu tour operator (KPL/LN5696), MATTA member, running wildlife safaris, Mount Kinabalu climbs and cave trips across Sabah and Sarawak since 2008.

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Guests at the summit of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

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Mount Kinabalu

2D1N Mount Kinabalu Climb

2 days
1 nights
Departs Kota Kinabalu
Basic
Price fromRM 2,820
International, 2 - 3 pax per booking, per person
Duration2 days
1 night on the road
DepartsKota Kinabalu
Groupmin 1 pax
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About this trip

The fastest way to climb Mount Kinabalu! Set off early from Kota Kinabalu and be on your way up the trail from Timpohon Gate by 10am. Spend a night at Laban Rata Resthouse before beginning your summit attempt in the (very!) early hours of the morning. Return to your accommodation for breakfast then descend back to Timpohon gate where lunch awaits in the park. Return to Kota Kinabalu for a hot shower and much deserved rest! If you are planning to travel on to Sepilok or Sandakan after your climb, you can stay overnight in or nearby the park and catch our West to East Shuttle the following day at 9am.

Highlights

  • 2am summit push by headtorch to Low's Peak
  • Sunrise views from Low's Peak at 4,095m
  • Overnight dormitory stay at Laban Rata rest house
  • Private mountain guide, max 5 climbers per guide

    • Trip facts

    Mount Kinabalu
    Jungle walks, Multi-day hikes, Summit Climb
    2 days of travel
    Physical difficulty 4 / 5
    Departs from Kota Kinabalu
    Minimum 1 pax per departure
    Rates: 31st Dec 2026
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    Day by day

    Day 1

    Kota Kinabalu - Timpohon Gate - Laban Rata

    The adventure begins with pick-up around 6:30 am in Kota Kinabalu (depending on accommodation and other guests) for a 2 hour drive to Kinabalu Park, traversing the Crocker Range with panoramic views of the surrounding hills, including the mighty Mount Kinabalu. Upon arrival to Mount Kinabalu Park Headquarters (estimated 8:30-9:00 am), collect your packed lunch and register for your Mount Kinabalu summit climb. Meet your guide and transfer to Timpohon Gate (1,829m), from here you will begin your climb to Laban Rata (3,270m), your accommodation for the evening. Along the way, you will pass through four different elevation zones each with their own distinctive vegetation. Keep your eye out for the famous pitcher-plants or the cheeky Kinabalu Mountain shrews, endemic to Mount Kinabalu. The average time to get to Laban Rata (Panar Laban) will take about 5 hours; this may vary depending on stops and your fitness level. Upon arrival, check into your accommodation for the evening and rest before your buffet dinner where you can enjoy the sunset from above the clouds. Once you finished, head to bed for an early night’s sleep after a long day of climbing. Meals: Packed Lunch and Buffet Dinner

    Day 2

    Laban Rata - Low's Peak - Timpohon gate - Kota Kinabalu

    Depending on the time your guide has told you, wake-up around 2:00 am to have a quick supper at Laban Rata before continuing the climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu (4095m). Your head torch will guide you through the dark as you make your way before sunrise. Reach Low’s Peak around the time the sun begins to make an appearance (weather dependent). Congratulations! You’ve successfully reached the highest point between the Himalayas and New Guinea, also the most prominent peak in S.E. Asia. With your guide, begin your descent back to Laban Rata as you enjoy the views of the Crocker Range plateaus, valleys and nearby villages. Upon arrival to Laban rata, enjoy a well-deserved breakfast before checking out and starting your descent back to Timpohon gate. Arrive at Timpohon gate and have a short rest whilst waiting for your park shuttle to take you to Liwagu restaurant for lunch. Our River Junkie driver will meet you at Liwagu Restaurant and transfer you back to Kota Kinabalu together with other River Junkie climbers, making a stop at park HQ for climbers wishing to collect their climbing certificates*. The normal departure time from Kinabalu Park is around 3 – 4 pm depending on other climbers, arriving back to Kota Kinabalu around 5-6pm. Meals: Early Supper, Breakfast, Lunch * If you wish to collect your climbing certificate saying you’ve successfully conquered Mount Kinabalu (optional, RM 10 per certificate), please advise your guide during your descent and our driver will help to arrange this for you.

    Where you'll stay

    Laban Rata Resthouse

    Laban Rata Resthouse

    Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
    Laban Rata Resthouse sits at 3272m on the way to the summit and is reached after a 4 to 6 hour climb from Timpohon gate. Climbers can enjoy hot buffet meals, comfortable dormitories with shared bathrooms and limited private ensuite rooms. Beds are tied to the daily climb permit quota and sell out months ahead - book early to avoid disappointment!
  • Dormitory bedUnheated dormitories sleep 4 to 14 people and beds are allocated on arrival at Laban Rata. Communal bathroom facilities.
  • Private twin room2 single beds and an ensuite bathroom. Unheated, bedding & towels are provided.
  • Private 6-person room3 sets of bunk beds and an ensuite bathroom. Unheated, bedding & towels are provided.
    • FacilitiesRestaurant with buffet and a la carte service. Snacks, drinks & limited souvenir items available for sale. Solar heated showers (not always hot).
    Good to knowGenerator hours are 5pm to 8pm and 1am to 3am. There is no wifi and limited mobile signal. Temperatures can fall to around 5 degrees. Bring layered warm clothing, a waterproof jacket, gloves, a warm hat, a headlamp with spare batteries and grippy trekking shoes.
    A closer look

    What's included

  • 4 Meals and one early supper as per itinerary
  • 1 night stay at Laban Rata rest house (dormitory bed) 3270m
  • Scheduled return transfers from Kota Kinabalu (join-in basis)
  • Private mountain guide (max 5 per guide)
  • Climbing permit, insurance and entrance fees
  • River Junkie price guarantee.

    • Not included

  • Additional soft/alcoholic drinks
  • Optional certificate of completion RM10
  • Malaysian tourism tax for private room only (RM10/night)
  • Guide overtime RM15 per hour after 4pm on descent day
  • Unscheduled transfer surcharge of RM350 per van for climbers reaching Timpohon gate after 7pm on descent day
  • Additional mountain guide if required for children aged 16 and below: RM350 per guide

    • Prices

    International (1 pax)RM 3220per person
    International (2 - 3 pax) RM 2820per person
    International (4 - 6 pax)RM 2680per person
    Malaysian (1 pax)RM 2300per person
    Malaysian (2 - 3 pax)RM 1910per person
    Malaysian (4 - 6 pax)RM 1810per person
    Pricing notesPrivate room upgrade at Laban Rata (must be pre-booked; rooms must be fully occupied), per person — RM 375 Optional certificate of completion — RM 10 Malaysian tourism tax for private room only, per night — RM 10 Guide overtime per hour after 4pm on descent day — RM 15 Unscheduled transfer surcharge per van for climbers reaching Timpohon gate after 7pm on descent day — RM 350
    ChildrenAdditional mountain guide if required for children aged 16 and below: RM350 per guide
    Rate validity31st Dec 2026

    Frequently asked questions

    How fit do I need to be?
    It is recommended that all climbers be physically fit before attempting this climb. If you have any concerns, you should have yourself medically checked before attempting any mountain climb. You will climb from Timpohon Gate (1,829m) up to Laban Rata in around 5 hours, then set off again at about 2am for Low's Peak, the summit at 4,095m.
    What is the accommodation at Laban Rata like?
    Accommodation at Laban Rata Resthouse is in 4 to 14 bed dormitories with communal bathroom facilities, and rooms are allocated on arrival at Laban Rata. Upgrades to private rooms must be pre-booked and cost an additional RM350 per person. Private rooms must be fully occupied, meaning 2 pax for a private ensuite twin share or 6 pax for a private ensuite dormitory.
    Do I need to bring my passport?
    Yes. A passport or identity card is required for all climbers for registration at the Sabah Parks office.
    Are any discounts available?
    1st October 2026 until 28th February 2027 is the cheapest time to climb. International climbers save RM500 per person and Malaysian climbers RM400 per person. We also offer group discounts for 7 people and above.
    What extra costs should I budget for?
    Additional soft or alcoholic drinks are not included, and the optional certificate of completion costs RM10. You may also pay Malaysian tourism tax of RM10 per night (private rooms only), guide overtime of RM15 per hour after 4pm on descent day, and an unscheduled transfer surcharge of RM350 per van for climbers reaching Timpohon gate after 7pm on descent day.
    Can children join the climb?
    An additional mountain guide may be required for children aged 16 and below, charged at RM350 per guide. Please let us know the ages of everyone in your party at the time of booking.

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    Ready to book, or still deciding?

    Tell us your dates and we will come back with availability, the total cost and honest advice — including when a different trip would suit you better.

    Getting between destinations: we also run private van and 4X4 transfers across Sabah and a daily Kota Kinabalu to Sandakan shuttle — ask us to add either to your trip.

    WhatsApp / phone: +60 11 1265 8581
    Email: info@river-junkie.com
    Hours: 8am–5pm, Monday to Sunday
    Office: Wisma Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah

    ★ 4.7 / 5 from 288 traveller reviews on TripAdvisor