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 seen from Kinabalu Park, Sabah

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Mount Kinabalu

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

4 days
3 nights
Departs Kota Kinabalu
Basic
Price fromRM 3,420
International, per person, based on minimum 2 people per booking (2026)
Duration4 days
3 nights on the road
DepartsKota Kinabalu
Groupmin 2 pax
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About this trip

The ultimate Mount Kinabalu package! Start your adventure in Kinabalu Park, acclimatise and walk the trails surrounding the base of Mount Kinabalu at your own leisure or relax in your mountain accommodation. On day 2, meet your guide and hike up to Laban Rata, your base for the second night. In the early hours of day 3 make your way in the dark up to Low's Peak to catch sunrise from Malaysia's highest peak before descending back to Timpohon gate and transferring to Poring. On the last day, wake up in Poring and explore the hot springs, canopy walk, butterfly garden or just rest your legs before our driver brings you back to Kota Kinabalu in the afternoon. If you would like to combine your Mount Kinabalu climb with the wildlife sanctuaries in Sepilok and river cruises on the Kinabatangan River, try our 7D6N Sabah Adventure!

Highlights

  • Acclimatisation night at Kinabalu Park before the climb
  • 2am summit push by headtorch to Low's Peak
  • Overnight dormitory stay at Laban Rata rest house
  • Relax in the Poring hot springs after the climb
  • Private mountain guide, max 5 climbers per guide

    • Trip facts

    Mount Kinabalu, Poring
    Canopy Walk, Hot Springs, Jungle walks, Multi-day hikes, Summit Climb
    4 days of travel
    Physical difficulty 4 / 5
    Departs from Kota Kinabalu
    Minimum 2 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

    Kinabalu Park - Timpohon Gate - 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 - Timpohon Gate - 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 beginning your descent back to Timpohon gate. On arrival, take a short rest whilst waiting for your park shuttle to Liwagu Restaurant and have lunch while waiting for the transfer from Park Headquarters to Poring Hotsprings (transfers depart at 2.30pm & 6pm). Upon arrival, you can check into your accommodation & enjoy dinner at Rainforest Restaurant before heading for a well-deserved rest. Meals: Early Supper, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner Note: Poring National Park is open until 5pm but the last entry for the canopy walk is at 3pm and last entry for the open air hot tubs is at 2pm. Due to the time it takes to descend and transfer from Mount Kinabalu to Poring, you may need to wait until tomorrow morning to explore the hot springs.

    Day 4

    Poring Hot Springs - 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) - please refer to our detailed guide of Poring below for a full list of activities on offer. 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

    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
    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

  • 8 Meals and one early supper as per itinerary
  • 1 night stay at Kinabalu Park (twin share)
  • 1 night stay at Laban Rata rest house (dormitory bed), 3270m
  • 1 night stay at Poring Hot Springs (Kelicap twin share)
  • Scheduled return transfers from Kota Kinabalu
  • Mountain guide on private basis (max 5 climbers per guide)
  • Climbing permit, insurance
  • Kinabalu park & Poring hot springs 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 on descent day
  • Solo climber unscheduled transfer back from Poring to Kota Kinabalu RM400
  • Poring hot springs activity fees: Japanese bath RM10 / Slide pool RM5 / Canopy walk RM10 - other activities please refer below

    • Prices

    4D3N Kinabalu Park, Laban Rata & Poring hot springs (2026) - InternationalRM 3420per person, min 2 people per booking
    Pricing notesPrivate room upgrade at Laban Rata (must be pre-booked; fully occupied), per person — RM 375 12.30pm later transfer on day 1: solo transfer or unscheduled transfer time, per van — RM 350 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 Solo climber unscheduled transfer back from Poring to Kota Kinabalu — RM 400
    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, and what do I need for registration?
    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. A passport or identity card is required for all climbers for registration at the Sabah Parks office.
    Where do I stay each night?
    Your first night is spent in Sutera Sanctuary Lodges accommodation in Kinabalu Park, in 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. Laban Rata Resthouse is your home for the second night and offers 4 to 14 bed dormitories, allocated on arrival. Your third night is at a Kelicap Twin room at Poring Hot Springs, with 2 single beds and an ensuite bathroom.
    Can I upgrade my room?
    Upgrades to private rooms in Laban Rata must be pre-booked and cost an additional RM375 per person, and they must be fully occupied, meaning 2 pax for a private ensuite twin share or 6 pax for a private ensuite dormitory. Upgrades to premium lodges are available at both Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Springs, so please discuss this with us at the time of booking.
    What is included in the package?
    You get 8 meals and one early supper as per the itinerary, one night at Kinabalu Park (twin share), one night at Laban Rata Resthouse in a dormitory bed, one night at Poring Hot Springs in a Kelicap twin share, scheduled return transfers from Kota Kinabalu, a mountain guide on a private basis (maximum 5 climbers per guide), your climbing permit and insurance, and Kinabalu Park and Poring Hot Springs main entrance fee.
    Are there 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.
    What extra costs should I budget for?
    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, RM350 per van for a solo or unscheduled 12.30pm transfer on day one, and RM400 for a solo climber's unscheduled transfer back from Poring to Kota Kinabalu. Poring activity fees are paid in cash directly on the day.
    What is there to do at Poring Hot Springs?
    Poring is open daily from 8am until 5pm, with last entry at 2pm for the slide pool and open-air bath tubs, 3pm for the canopy walk and enclosed bath tubs, and 4pm for the rock pool. Your package includes general entry, and alongside the pools you can explore the Tropical Garden (RM3) and Orchid Garden (RM10), walk to Kipungit waterfall and the bat cave or the Etnobotanical Garden (all free of charge), visit the Rafflesia Centre (RM30 if blooming) or the butterfly garden (RM4). Do ask at the counter whether any Rafflesia are blooming before buying a ticket.
    Can I use the hot tubs, and is the canopy walk open?
    Open-air Japanese style hot spring bathtubs can be rented for RM10 for the first 3 hours and RM10 per subsequent hour, while enclosed bathtubs are available as Deluxe (RM35 per hour) or Standard (RM25 per hour). They can be nice if you are sore after the hike up Mount Kinabalu, but otherwise we recommend skipping them and exploring more of Poring's other attractions. Please be advised that the canopy walkway in Poring is currently closed for renovation and no re-opening date has been provided by the park authorities (last updated 10th February 2026).

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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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