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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Trail marker on the Mount Kinabalu summit trail, Sabah

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Mount Kinabalu

3D2N Mount Kinabalu with Poring Hot Springs

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

Summit the mighty Mount Kinabalu and explore Poring hot springs in this action packed 3 day 2 night trip. Your first choice is whether to visit Poring before or after your climb. Visit before and you will have more energy to explore the canopy walk or trek to one of the nearby waterfalls. Visit after and you will appreciate the chance to soak in the pool or one of the hot tubs after a couple of days climbing. Just be aware that the pools at Poring hot springs are popular with local families and can be busy on the weekends and public holidays. If relaxing in the pools is your main goal then aim to visit Poring on a weekday. The standard accommodation at Poring hot springs is Serendit Hostel, a newly renovated hostel with 2 or 4 bed rooms (mix of twin beds & bunks) with shared bathrooms & a communal area to relax in. If you are looking for a bit more comfort and privacy before or after your climb then just ask us for twin room and private lodge upgrades.

Highlights

  • Summit the highest peak between New Guinea and the Himalayas
  • Enjoy a challenging hike with stunning views
  • Explore the multiple attractions in Poring Hot Springs
  • Everything you need to climb, just pack & go!
    • Good to knowThe Canopy Walkway at Poring hot springs is currently closed and no re-opening date has been provided

    Trip facts

    Mount Kinabalu, Poring
    Canopy Walk, Hot Springs, Jungle walks, Multi-day hikes, Summit Climb
    3 days of travel
    Physical difficulty 4 / 5
    Departs from Kota Kinabalu
    Rates: Prices valid until 31st Dec 2026 and subject to change without prior notice
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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) and proceed to Kinabalu Park traversing the Crocker Range with panoramic views of the surrounding hills; the focal point of which is Mt Kinabalu. Upon arrival to Mount Kinabalu Park Headquarters (estimated 8:30-9:00 am), collect your packed lunch and proceed to register for your Mount Kinabalu summit climb and meet your guide for the trip. After registration, you will be transferred 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 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: Packed Lunch and Buffet Dinner

    Day 2

    Laban Rata - Summit (Low's Peak) - Poring

    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 meeting with your guide to begin the descent back to Timpohon gate. Once you reach back to Timpohon gate, meet our River Junkie driver who will transfer you to Park Headquarters where you could collect your certificate saying you’ve successfully conquered Mount Kinabalu (optional, RM 10 per certificate). Have lunch at Liwagu restaurant while waiting for the transfer from Park Headquarters to Poring Hotsprings (depart at 2pm & 6pm). Upon arrival, you can check into your accommodation and enjoy dinner at Rainforest Restaurant before heading for a well-deserved rest. Meals: Early Supper, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

    Day 3

    Poring - Kota Kinabalu

    Wake up and enjoy breakfast at your own pace in the Rainforest restaurant. Spend the morning relaxing in the hot springs or explore optional add-ons such as the canopy walk or butterfly garden (entry fee RM10 each).Have lunch at your own cost within the hot springs or nearby, your driver will collect you from Poring around 2pm for a 3 hour transfer back to Kota Kinabalu, estimated time of arrival 5pm. Earlier transfer back to Kota Kinabalu can be arranged upon request based on min 2 people. Meals: Breakfast​

    ADD-ON

    Poring to Sandakan & Sepilok

    Our West to East shuttle departs from Poring to Sepilok & Sandakan daily at 12.30pm and River Junkie climbers receive a discount on their shuttle booking - just ask us for more info!

    NOTE

    Reverse itinerary available

    Subject to accommodation availability, you can choose to spend the night in Poring either before or after your climb. Contact us for advice and a copy of our alternative itinerary with Poring before your climb if this better suits your plans

    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
    Exterior of a Kelicap twin-share cabin at Poring Hot Springs, Sabah

    Poring Hot Springs

    Poring, Sabah
    The lowland corner of Kinabalu Park, about 40 km east of the park headquarters and only around 400 m above sea level, so it is warm and humid where the HQ is cool. Accommodation options include a 20-bed hostel with 2-4 beds per room, twin ensuite rooms and larger private lodges.
  • Serendit Hostel2 or 4 person rooms with communal bathrooms & a communal living room
  • Kelicap Twin2 single beds per room with an attached bathroom.
  • Premium Lodges1 to 3 bedroom lodges - please enquire for upgrade costs
    • FacilitiesRainforest Restaurant serving Western, Asian and local dishes, open 6.30am to 10pm. Hot sulphur springs piped to open-air and indoor tubs. Canopy walkway, butterfly farm, and trails to Kipungit and Langanan waterfalls.
    Good to knowTransportation between Mount Kinabalu and Poring is provided as part of your 2 or 3 night Mount Kinabalu climbing package. The same entry ticket is valid for Kinabalu Park and entry into Poring, however small charges apply for most of the activities in the park, ranging from around RM2 to RM20 per person.
    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 Poring Hot Springs (2-4 person dormitory)
  • Scheduled return transfers from Kota Kinabalu
  • Mountain climbing guide
  • Climbing permit, insurance and entrance fees

    • 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 on descent day
  • Late transfer surcharge of RM80 per transfer for climbers reaching Timpohon gate after 7pm on descent day
  • Poring hot springs activity fees: Canopy walk / butterfly garden / Hot tub RM10 each, Slide Pool RM5

    • Prices

    1 pax (International)RM 3470Per person
    2 - 3 pax (International)RM 2970Per person
    4 - 6 pax (International)RM 2830Per person
    1 pax (Malaysian IC holder)RM 2560Per person
    2 - 3 pax (Malaysian IC holder)RM 2060Per person
    4 - 6 pax (Malaysian IC holder)RM 1960Per person
    Pricing notesUpgrade to private room at Laban Rata Resthouse: RM375 per person Upgrade to private ensuite twin room at Poring (Kelicap Twin): RM200 per room Upgrade to private 1 to 3 bedroom lodge at Poring - please enquire Optional certificate of completion — RM 10 Malaysian tourism tax per room per night (private room only) — RM 10 Guide overtime per hour after 4pm on descent day — RM 15 Entrance fee for optional activities in Poring Hot Springs: RM2 - RM20 depending on activity
    Rate validityPrices valid until 31st Dec 2026 and subject to change without prior notice

    Frequently asked questions

    Can solo travellers book this package?
    Yes. Solo travellers are welcome to book and rates are provided above. You will have your own private mountain guide for the climb but transfers are shared with other River Junkie climbers.
    Do you offer discounts for groups?
    Yes. Groups of 7 or more climbers receive special rates, please contact us for a quotation
    Can children join this tour?
    Kids of any age are allowed to climb Mount Kinabalu but as a parent, you know your kids best. If your children have prior experience of cold, mountainous environments and/or regularly go hiking then there is a good chance they will find Mount Kinabalu easier than you! If they were born and raised in the city and have never been on a hike longer than an hour or two then you may wish to start with something a bit easier. If you are bringing a young child and intend to carry them, we strongly advise taking a porter to help with your & their belongings so that you can lighten your load.
    Can I choose to stay in a private room at Laban Rata Resthouse?
    Our package rates are based on dormitory accommodation at Laban Rata Resthouse but private room upgrades can be arranged. Private rooms have either 2 single beds or 6 beds (3 bunks) with an attached bathroom and must be fully occupied, i.e solo travellers cannot book a private twin room. Private room upgrades cost RM375 per person.
    What is the accommodation like at Poring?
    Your package includes one night at Serendit Hostel in Poring Hot Springs. Rooms have 2 beds or 4 beds with shared bathrooms and a communal sitting area. By hostel standards, it is a nice hostel but if you would prefer more privacy you can upgrade to a Kelicap twin-share ensuite room with an outside sitting area for RM200 per room or to one of the private lodges in Poring, just ask us for details.
    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 Poring Hot Springs, scheduled return transfers from Kota Kinabalu, a private mountain climbing guide, and your climbing permit, insurance and entrance fees.
    What can I do at Poring Hot Springs?
    You can relax in the hot springs and soak in the hot and cold Japanese tub style baths, hike to Kipungit waterfall, visit the butterfly farm or take a stroll across the canopy walk for a bird's eye view of the rainforest canopy. Entrance fees for the optional activities are not included: the canopy walk is RM5 and the butterfly garden is RM4, payable locally. The canopy walk is currently closed and we have not been given any planned reopening date.
    What extra charges should I be aware of?
    Additional soft or alcoholic drinks are not included, and the optional certificate of completion is RM10. You may also pay Malaysian tourism tax of RM10 per room per night for private rooms only, guide overtime of RM15 per hour after 4pm on descent day.
    What time do the transfers run?

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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