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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Climber on the Via Ferrata route on Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

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Mount Kinabalu

2D1N Mount Kinabalu with Via Ferrata Walk the Torq

2 days
1 nights
Departs Kota Kinabalu
Basic
Price fromRM 2,990
Walk the Torq, 2 - 3 pax per booking, per person, Pendant Hut dormitory (2026)
Duration2 days
1 night on the road
DepartsKota Kinabalu
Groupmin 1 pax
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About this trip

The term via ferrata means “iron path” and Walk the Torq via ferrata is designed for adventurous climbers looking to experience a different side of Mount Kinabalu! Your ascent to Low’s Peak (4095m asl) will be made on the same trail as all climbers but after sunrise you will take a detour via a series of rungs, cables, bridges & ladders drilled into the rock face on Mount Kinabalu with stunning views over the surrounding valleys. No experience of rock climbing or mountaineering is required but a head for heights, decent stamina and a sense of adventure will definitely help. Walk the Torq Via Ferrata takes around 1.5 – 2.5 hours to complete and is a “taster” course. If you are looking the most adventure & adrenaline possible, consider Low’s Peak Circuit!

Highlights

  • 2am summit push by headtorch to Low's Peak
  • Cabled via ferrata activity on the descent
  • Views over the Crocker Range, valleys & villages
  • Private mountain guide plus experienced Via Ferrata trainer

    • Trip facts

    Mount Kinabalu
    Jungle walks, Multi-day hikes, Summit Climb, Via Ferrata
    2 days of travel
    Physical difficulty 5 / 5
    Departs from Kota Kinabalu
    Minimum 1 pax per departure
    Rates: Prices valid until 31st Dec 2026 and subject to change without prior notice.
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    Day by day

    Day 1

    Walk the Torq - Kota Kinabalu - Timpohon Gate - Pendant Hut

    Your adventure begins with hotel pick-up in Kota Kinabalu between 6:15–6:45 am, followed by a scenic drive across the Crocker Range toward Kinabalu Park, with panoramic views dominated by Mt. Kinabalu. Upon arrival at Kinabalu Park HQ (around 8:30–9:00 am), collect your packed lunch, register for the summit climb, and meet your guide. You will then be transferred to Timpohon Gate (1,829 m) to begin your ascent to Pendant Hut (3,289 m), your accommodation for the night. The trail takes you through four distinct elevation zones rich in unique flora and fauna—keep an eye out for pitcher plants and the endemic Kinabalu mountain shrew. The hike typically takes about 5 hours, depending on fitness level and rest stops. Upon reaching Pendant Hut around 3:00 pm, check in and attend the mandatory via ferrata orientation with the Mountain Torq trainer (3:00–4:00 pm). Afterward, rest before enjoying a buffet dinner at Laban Rata, where you can watch the sun set above the clouds. After dinner, turn in early for a well-deserved sleep. Meals: Packed Lunch and Buffet Dinner

    Day 2

    Summit push & Walk the Torq descent

    Wake up around 2:00 am (or as advised by your guide) for a quick supper at Pendant Hut before starting the final ascent to Low’s Peak (4,095 m). Using your headtorch, climb through the dark toward the summit, aiming to arrive as the sun rises, weather permitting! Congratulations—you’ve reached the highest point between the Himalayas and New Guinea, and the most prominent peak in Southeast Asia! Begin your descent with your guide toward Sayat-Sayat Hut (3,668 m) to start the Walk the Torq via ferrata, tackling various cable features while enjoying sweeping views of the Crocker Range, valleys, and nearby villages. After completing your via ferrata activity, return to Pendant Hut for a well-earned breakfast, then check out and continue your descent to Timpohon Gate. Please note that summit attempts and via ferrata activities are weather dependent, with safety as the top priority. Gloves & shoes with laces are mandatory for the Via Ferrata Upon arrival, meet your River Junkie driver for the transfer to Park HQ, where you may collect your optional summit certificate (RM10) and, if applicable, your Via Ferrata certificate. Depending on your descent time, you may have the chance for a sit-down lunch or takeaway (own arrangement) before returning to Kota Kinabalu. Arrival time into Kota Kinabalu varies depending on your walking speed and other climbers, normally arrival time is anywhere between 4 - 7 pm and transfers are done on a join-in basis with other River Junkie climbers. Meals: Early Supper, Breakfast

    Where you'll stay

    Pendant Hut climbers lodge on Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

    Pendant Hut

    Panalaban, Mount Kinabalu, Sabah
    Pendant Hut sits at 3,289 m on the Panalaban rock face on Mount Kinabalu and is reserved exclusively for climbers who book the Via Ferrata. Climbers sleep in dormitory-style accommodation with warm sleeping & solar-heated showers provided. This is the closest accommodation to the start of the summit trail so you will have a few less steps to climb at 2am than everyone else.
  • Dormitory bed8 - 14 beds per room (bunk beds) with sleeping bags provided
  • Private dormitoryDormitory provided on a private basis, communal bathroom facilities, surcharge applies.
    • Facilities8 to 10 bed dormitories. Shared bathrooms have solar-heated showers but hot water cannot be guaranteed. Breakfast and post-midnight supper served at the hut. Dinner is taken at the Laban Rata canteen a short walk away. Drinking water and hot drinks are available all day.
    Good to knowPendant Hut is only available to guests booked on a Mountain Torq Via Ferrata route. Nights at this altitude are cold, so bring warm layers, gloves and a headlamp. You can leave anything you don't need on your bed when you set off for the summit and pick it up when you return for breakfast. Towels are not provided so bring your own small travel towel.
    A closer look

    What's included

  • 3 Meals and one early supper as per itinerary
  • 1 night stay at Pendant Hut (dormitory bed) 3270m
  • Scheduled return transfers from Kota Kinabalu (join-in basis)
  • Private mountain guide (max 5 climbers per guide)
  • Via Ferrata trainer
  • 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 RM300 per van for climbers reaching Timpohon gate after 7pm on descent day

    • Prices

    Walk the Torq - 1 paxRM 3390per person
    Walk the Torq - 2 - 3 paxRM 2990per person
    Walk the Torq - 4 - 6 paxRM 2890per person
    Walk the Torq - 7+ paxRM 2800per person
    Pricing notesOptional 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 300 Malaysian rate: Malaysian IC holder discount - Walk the Torq — RM 340 (discount off the international rate) Malaysian rate: Malaysian IC holder discount - Low's Peak Circuit — RM 340 (discount off the international rate)
    ChildrenOver 10 yrs of age (Walk the Torq) or over 16 year old (Lows Peak Circuit); over 1.3m tall and under 100kg.
    Rate validityPrices valid until 31st Dec 2026 and subject to change without prior notice.

    Frequently asked questions

    What is the Walk the Torq route like?
    At 3,521m above sea level, this initiation route is designed for those who want a taste of the Via Ferrata without the commitment of the full route. It takes 1.5 - 2.5 hours to complete whereas Low's Peak Circuit requires 3 - 4 hours. In either case, you still need enough energy to climb back down the mountain afterwards! The views are equally amazing and although some will find it too tame, the route will still have most people's adrenaline pumping.
    Is this trip right for me?
    Yes, if you are physically fit and mentally comfortable in this sort of outdoor environment, comfortable with heights and exposure, or ready to get over your fear of them. For Walk the Torq you need to be over 10 years of age, over 1.3m tall and under 100kg. No previous climbing experience is required.
    Are there any medical or documentation requirements?
    Certain medical conditions may prevent you from joining this trip, so if you have any pre-existing medical conditions please ask for advice at the time of booking to ensure you are able to do the climb. A passport or identity card is required for all climbers for registration at the Sabah Parks office.
    What equipment do I have to bring?
    Gloves are mandatory, and a simple pair of non-slip gardening gloves is best to help you hold the rungs and cables; there is no need to bring expensive gloves as they may get ripped or damaged. You also need a head torch to find your way to the summit in the dark. To take part in the via ferrata you must be wearing running shoes, trekking shoes or walking boots with laces, as no slip-on shoes or Adidas Kampung (local rubber shoes) are allowed.
    Is there a cut-off time on the first day?
    Yes. All climbers taking part in a via ferrata activity must reach Pendant Hut by 3.30pm at the latest on the first day of their climb, and climbers missing the mandatory safety briefing will not be permitted to join the activity the following day. Most reasonably fit climbers arrive at Pendant Hut between 1.30 and 3pm.
    Where will I sleep on the mountain?
    You spend one night at Pendant Hut (3,289m) in a dormitory bed. You arrive around 3pm and attend the mandatory via ferrata orientation with the Mountain Torq trainer between 3 and 4pm, then rest before a buffet dinner at Laban Rata where you can watch the sun set above the clouds.
    Do I still get to climb to the summit?
    Yes. You wake around 2:00am for a quick supper at Pendant Hut, then climb by headtorch to Low's Peak (4,095m), aiming to arrive as the sun rises. You then descend with your guide towards Sayat-Sayat Hut (3,668m) to start the Walk the Torq via ferrata. Please note that summit attempts and via ferrata activities are weather dependent, with safety as the top priority.
    What happens if the weather is too bad to summit?
    You will be making your summit attempt first thing in the morning when the weather is normally at its best, but from time to time the Sabah parks rangers will close the summit trail & Via Ferrata if they deem it too dangerous to make the summit attempt. In the event that the weather is not at it's 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 climbing permits, accommodation, meals, guide, insurance and transfers, all of which are non-refundable.

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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

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