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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Mount Kinabalu sunrise

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Mount Kinabalu

Mount Kinabalu climbing packages

Ready to take on Mount Kinabalu?
Best time to goFebruary to May is driest; March and April are busiest. For quieter trails aim for February, June or October.
Nearest airportKota Kinabalu International Airport
Region
Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
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Ready to take on Mount Kinabalu? River Junkie offers a range of climbing packages including 2D1N and 3D2N climbs, as well as the thrilling Via Ferrata adventure. At 4,095 metres above sea level, Mount Kinabalu is the highest point between the Himalayas and New Guinea. Climbing Mount Kinabalu isn’t just a physically challenging experience but is also a unique journey from the tropical jungle at the base, to the rocky sub-alpine summit plateau. It is a truly awe-inspiring experience but not one to be underestimated! Climbers spend the night at Laban Rata Resthouse, 3200m above sea level, before catching one of the best sunrises in Asia from the summit. The Mount Kinabalu Via Ferrata takes climbers to a different part of the mountain, only accessible to climbers on a Via Ferrata package; no experience of rock climbing or mountaineering is required, but a head for heights, decent stamina and a sense of adventure will definitely help.

What Is Included In My Mount Kinabalu Climbing Package?

Packages include the climbing permit & entry fee, an experienced & licensed Mount Kinabalu guide on a private basis for your group, mandatory Sabah Parks insurance, return transfers to Kota Kinabalu (shared with other River Junkie climbers), return transfers from Park HQ to Timpohon gate, and accommodation & meals. Bedding is also included so there is no need to bring a sleeping bag, but you do need your own warm clothes for the summit and a head torch. Hiking poles are available to rent if needed.

Why go

  • 4,095m — the highest point between the Himalayas and New Guinea
  • Overnight at Laban Rata or Pendant Hut before the summit
  • Private, English-speaking mountain guides on every climb
  • Standard 2D1N/3D2N routes plus a Via Ferrata option
  • Journey from tropical jungle to rocky alpine summit

    • Wildlife you might see

    Endemic birds
    Pit vipers
    Mountain shrews
    Pygmy squirrels
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    Getting thereAll our Mount Kinabalu summit climbs include return transfers to Kota Kinabalu as well as transport to Timpohon Gate where the climb itself begins. You can also choose to stay overnight in Kinabalu Park or Poring hot springs after your climb before continuing on to Sandakan or Sepilok using our West to East shuttle the following day. Discounted rates are available for River Junkie climbers on the shuttle.

    Photos

    Trips you can do here

    Guests at the summit of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
    Mount Kinabalu

    2D1N Mount Kinabalu Climb

    2 days
    Departs Kota Kinabalu
    From RM 2,820
    View tour
    Sunrise from Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
    Mount Kinabalu / Poring

    3D2N Mount Kinabalu with Kinabalu Park

    3 days
    Departs Kota Kinabalu
    From RM 2,970
    View tour
    Trail marker on the Mount Kinabalu summit trail, Sabah
    Mount Kinabalu / Poring

    3D2N Mount Kinabalu with Poring Hot Springs

    3 days
    Departs Kota Kinabalu
    From RM 2,970
    View tour
    Mount Kinabalu seen from Kinabalu Park, Sabah
    Mount Kinabalu / Poring

    4D3N Mount Kinabalu (Kinabalu Park - Mount Kinabalu - Poring Hot Springs)

    4 days
    Departs Kota Kinabalu
    From RM 3,420
    View tour
    Climber on the Via Ferrata route on Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
    Mount Kinabalu

    2D1N Mount Kinabalu with Via Ferrata Walk the Torq

    2 days
    Departs Kota Kinabalu
    From RM 2,990
    View tour
    Via Ferrata route on the cliffs of Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
    Mount Kinabalu

    2D1N Mount Kinabalu with Via Ferrata Low's Peak Circuit

    2 days
    Departs Kota Kinabalu
    From RM 3,290
    View tour
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    Travel guides

    Read before you go

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    Climbing Mount Kinabalu: The basics

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    Climbers on the ascent to the summit of Mount Kinabalu
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    Packing for Mount Kinabalu: The Complete List

    Everything to pack for a Mount Kinabalu climb: the full list by category, what to wear from Timpohon Gate to the summit, packing tips, and the extra items Via Ferrata climbers need.
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    Frequently asked questions

    When is the best time to climb Mount Kinabalu?
    February to May is considered the driest time to climb with the least chance of summit closures, and the most popular months are March and April. Keep in mind that there are typically only 10 to 15 days per year when the summit trail closes due to weather, and these can occur at any time. Hikers looking for an off-peak deal may wish to consider November or December, and those looking for a quieter experience should aim for the shoulder months of February, June or October.
    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.
    Can beginners or children climb Mount Kinabalu?
    Yes. Beginners and children with reasonable fitness levels can successfully climb Mount Kinabalu. Professional guides set a steady pace, and the trail is well maintained. 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.
    What is the difference between the 2D1N and 3D2N packages?
    Both packages include one night at Laban Rata Resthouse. The 3D2N package gives you an extra night at the base (Kinabalu Park) before the climb, making it easier to acclimatise. Alternatively, you can take this extra night in Kinabalu Park after your climb, making it easier to continue overland towards Sandakan and Sepilok.
    How far in advance should I book?
    We recommend booking at least 3 to 6 months in advance, as daily climbing permits are limited and can sell out quickly, especially during peak season. If you plan to climb during the off-peak season (November to February), climbs can usually be arranged at shorter notice.
    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 extra. 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?
    You can rent hiking poles for RM15 per pole and engage a porter for RM140 for up to 10kg. Guide overtime charges of RM15 per hour apply after 4pm on descent day, and an unscheduled transfer surcharge of RM350 per van for climbers reaching Timpohon gate after 7pm on descent day.
    What happens if the summit is closed?
    Sabah Parks Rangers will close the summit trail (from the accommodation at Panalaban up to Low's Peak) if they deem it too dangerous due to heavy rain and/or strong winds. In the event that the weather is not at its best and the trail is closed we will unfortunately not be able to offer any refund as the money you have paid has gone towards your Mount Kinabalu climbing permits, accommodation, meals, guide, insurance and transfers, all of which are non-refundable.

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