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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Sunrise from Mount Kinabalu, Sabah

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Mount Kinabalu

3D2N Mount Kinabalu with Kinabalu Park

3 days
2 nights
Departs Kota Kinabalu
Basic
Price fromRM 2,970
International, 2 - 3 pax per booking
Duration3 days
2 nights on the road
DepartsKota Kinabalu
Groupmin 1 pax
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About this trip

Kinabalu Park is Malaysia's first UNESCO World heritage site so don't forget to spend at least one night here! Staying the night before your climb helps you to acclimatise to altitude and allows for a more relaxed start to your climbing day. If you're planning to travel to Sandakan or Sepilok after your climb then you can stay the night after your climb in the park and continue over to the East coast with our West to East shuttle the following day at 9am. Accommodation options in Kinabalu Park range from no-frills but clean private rooms to luxurious mountain chalets and all include dinner on the night of your stay along with breakfast the following morning. Perfect to fuel up before or after tackling your climb to the summit of Mount Kinabalu!

Highlights

  • Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site
  • Summit the highest peak between New Guinea and the Himalayas
  • Private mountain guide, max 5 climbers per guide
  • Fully-inclusive package - just pack your bag and go!

    • Trip facts

    Mount Kinabalu, Poring
    Jungle walks, Multi-day hikes, Summit Climb
    3 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 - Kinabalu Park

    Pick-up from your accommodation in Kota Kinabalu at 6.30am (depending on accommodation and other guests) and proceed to Kinabalu Park traversing the Crocker Range with panoramic views of the surrounding hills including the mighty Mount Kinabalu. A later transfer at 12.30pm can be arranged for those flying in same day or wanting to get a lie-in before their climb (12.30pm transfer departs based on minimum 2 pax, solo transfer or unscheduled transfer time subject to additional RM300 per van). Upon arrival at Kinabalu Park (1,520m), we will register you for the climb the following day; you are then free to spend the day hiking the various trails of the beautiful Kinabalu park and enjoy lunch by your own arrangement. In the evening, enjoy your included dinner in the park at Liwagu restaurant and be sure get an early night’s sleep for your climb the following day. Meals: Dinner Activities in Kinabalu Park: The nature trails and botanical gardens in Kinabalu Park can be visited independently but if you would like to join a guided tour, please ask at reception. Tours provided by Sabah Parks staff usually depart at the following times: Guided nature trail walk: 11am Guided tour of Botanical gardens: 9am, 11am, 3pm

    Day 2

    Park HQ - Laban Rata

    Wake-up for a buffet breakfast at Liwagu Restaurant then head over to Park Headquarters at 8.30am to meet your guide. If you need help getting from your room to reception, please request a transfer in advance via reception. Collect your packed lunch for the day and wait with your guide for your 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 route to your accommodation you will pass through four different elevation zones with notable vegetation and mammals. Keep your eye out for the famous pitcher-plants 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 you will 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: Breakfast, Packed Lunch and Buffet Dinner

    Day 3

    Laban Rata - Low's Peak - 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.

    NOTE

    Reverse itinerary also available

    You can choose whether you would like to stay in Kinabalu Park before or after your climb. Most climbers will stay there the night before to acclimatise a little and have a more relaxed start to their climb but both options work - just ask us for the reverse itinerary if you prefer to have a night in Kinabalu Park after your climb

    ADD-ON

    Kinabalu Park to Sandakan or Sepilok

    Continuing on to Sandakan or Sepilok after your climb? Stay 1 night in Kinabalu Park after your climb then hop aboard our West to East Shuttle from Kinabalu Park to Sandakan the following day at 9am. River Junkie climbers get discounted shuttle rates.

    Where you'll stay

    Mount Kinabalu seen from Kinabalu Park, Sabah

    Kinabalu Park Accommodation

    Kinabalu Park, Sabah
    Kinabalu Park headquarters sits at around 1,520m above sea level and is reached via a 2 hour drive from Kota Kinabalu This UNESCO World Heritage-listed park is managed by Sabah Parks. Accommodation in the park ranges from simple twin rooms with shared bathroom facilities (Rock Twin) to luxurious 3-bedroom lodges.
  • Rock Twin Share2 single beds per room with communal bathrooms and a comfortable shared living area
  • Hill LodgeChalets with 1 double or 2 single beds and an ensuite bathroom.
  • Liwagu Suite1 king-size bed on a mezzanine level with a sitting area underneath. Attached to Liwagu restaurant.
  • Premium upgradesNepenthes Suite, Nepenthes Villa, Peak Lodge and other premium 2 to 3 bedroom lodges are available on request and subject to additional charges.
    • FacilitiesAll bathrooms have hot showers and standard amenities such as hand soap, shampoo, body wash and towels. On site Liwagu Restaurant serving Western and Asian cuisine open 6.30am to 10pm. Water refill stations available.
    Good to knowRooms booked as part of our 3D2N climbing package are allocated on a run-of-house basis and include Rock Twin, Hill Lodge and Liwagu Suite. Upgrades are available on request. Please let us know at time of booking if you need a double bed or 2 single beds.
    A closer look
    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

  • 6 Meals and one early supper as per itinerary
  • 1 night stay at Laban Rata rest house (dormitory bed), 3270m
  • 1 night stay at Kinabalu Park on twin-share basis
  • Scheduled return transfers from Kota Kinabalu
  • Private mountain guide (max 5 climbers 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 RM10/room per night (private room only)
  • Guide overtime RM15 per hour after 4pm
  • Unscheduled or private transfer: RM300 per van per way - also applicable to climbers reaching Timpohon gate after 7pm.
  • Single supplement for single occupancy room in Kinabalu Park.

    • Prices

    International (1 pax) RM 3370per person; *single supplement applies for private room in Kinabalu Park
    International (2 - 3 pax)RM 2970per person
    International (4 - 6 pax)RM 2830per person
    Malaysian (1 pax)RM 2450per person; *single supplement applies for private room in Kinabalu Park
    Malaysian (2 - 3 Pax)RM 2060per person
    Malaysian (4 - 6 pax)RM 1960per person
    Pricing notesPrivate room upgrade at Laban Rata (must be pre-booked; fully occupied), per person — RM 375 Optional certificate of completion — RM 10 Malaysian tourism tax per room per night (private room only) — RM 10 Guide overtime per hour after 4pm — RM 15 Unscheduled or private transfer per van per way (also for climbers reaching Timpohon gate after 7pm; 12.30pm solo transfer; return before 3pm) — RM 300
    ChildrenFor children under 16, the maximum ratio is 1 adult & 2 children per mountain guide. Families of 2 adults and 2 children will require an additional mountain guide which costs RM350.
    Rate validity31st Dec 2026

    Frequently asked questions

    Is it better to stay in Kinabalu Park the night before or after my climb?
    If you are returning to Kota Kinabalu after your climb then it's best to stay in the park the night before your climb. If you plan to continue on to Sandakan or Sepilok, stay the night after your climb.
    How fit do I need to be, and what do I need to bring for registration?
    It is recommended that all climbers be physically fit before attempting this climb, and if you have any concerns you should have yourself medically checked beforehand. A passport or identity card is required for all climbers for registration at the Sabah Parks office. Weather can be unpredictable and summit attempts are subject to weather conditions, as safety is our main priority.
    What is the accommodation like?
    Accommodation at Laban Rata Resthouse is in 4 to 14 bed dormitories, with rooms allocated on arrival; upgrades to private rooms must be pre-booked at an extra RM375 per person and must be fully occupied (2 pax for a private ensuite twin share or 6 pax for a private ensuite dormitory). Your accommodation in Kinabalu Park is a private room with either shared or private bathroom facilities, allocated on a run of house basis and typically a Rock Twin, Hill Lodge or Liwagu suite. Upgrades to premium lodges are available on request.
    What is included in the package?
    You get 6 meals and one early supper as per the itinerary, one night at Laban Rata Resthouse in a dormitory bed, one night at Kinabalu Park on a twin-share basis, scheduled return transfers from Kota Kinabalu, a private mountain guide (maximum 5 climbers per guide) and your climbing permit, insurance and entrance fees.
    Are there any discounts available
    If you are climbing between 1st October 2026 and 28th February 2027, a discount of RM300 per person applies to new bookings made by International climbers. Malaysian IC holders receive a discount of RM250 per person. We also have group rates for 7 pax and above.
    Can I get a later transfer on the first day?
    If you are staying overnight in Kinabalu Park before your climb, you can choose to be picked up from Kota Kinabalu at 6.30am or 12.30pm. The 12.30pm transfer requires a minimum of 2 people to depart. If you are travelling alone or would like a private transfer at a different time we can arrange a vehicle for RM350 per way.
    Can I continue on to Sepilok or Sandakan after my climb?
    Yes. Book a West to East shuttle ticket to Sepilok or Sandakan for after your climb and save 20%. Our West to East shuttle departs daily from Kinabalu Park at 9am (subject to a minimum of 2 pax) and stops at Poring hot springs and Sabah Tea Plantation before dropping you at your hotel in Sepilok or Sandakan in the early evening.

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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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